38 Welcome 2 the Arena (2/2)

I felt the fragrance getting stronger and stronger as time passed. It was like aphrodisiac effect on my mind, driving me mad. I couldn't pin point if I was smelling a human, or a perfume. I couldn't tell if it was flowers or air freshener. It was so sweet to smell that I wanted it on my tongue. I was almost embarrassed that a distant scent could have such a strong effect on my body.

The boy in front of me was still yapping as I had closed my eyes, imagining, well, things. All his commentary was ruining the picture I painted in my mind, so I hurriedly opened my eyes and shut him up with an 'I'm not interested, kid.'

Dejected, the boy walked slowly back to his seat, whereas I was still fixated on the scent. But it seemed hopeless. It was starting to fade a little, and that made me sad. Until…

In a black burqa, carrying a couple of heavy books on her side, she entered our classroom.

”Hello, everyone. I am Professor Habib. Welcome to the first semester of the term. Please settle down in your seats and we can get started.”

I heard everyone giggling under their noses, which made it pretty distracting. I tried to focus on the lecture, but even I had to do a second take when she wrote ADVANCED MATHEMATICS on the white board behind her.

Was I in the wrong room? Was this in the curriculum of Business studies? I was so confused.

”Please, turn to page 5 and look at the formula 1.1…” the professor instructed the class which had no student of hers.

”…And as you see...” She looked up to the class which was not following her instructions. ”Why aren't your books open, people?” she asked.

”Maybe because we're waiting for a management lecture, teach.” One guy shouted from the back benches.

The whole class erupted into laughter as the professor took out a tiny notebook and realized her mistake. She picked up her books and walked out of the door, almost dropping her textbooks on her way out. The class continued to erupt in arrogant laughter at her innocent mistake.

It was a pretty humorous situation for an eighteen years old, but not for me. I rushed out of the class, chasing the professor. Instead, the heavenly scent came back as soon as I stepped outside of the room. my mind swayed and I was presented with an option-either follow the mistaken professor or follow the trail of this scent. I gave in to my lust and dashed in the direction of the scent. After two right turns and a flight downstairs I saw the professor entering her office. The scent had yet again reduced in volume, which pushed me out of the mindless trance and gave me a chance to fulfill my previous objective.

I knocked on her door. No response. Once more. Nope. I justified myself as being in the right and entered the room. She was looking out of the window behind the door. An exquisite table and beautiful chairs rested between me and her. She had lifted her burqa, and I could see the fair cheeks from the side.

”Hey, professor, what happened earlier, I apologize on behalf of the class. They're just kids.”

”Oh no. it was not your fault, Ms…?”

”Madonna, Ma'am.”

”Ah, Madonna. What a pretty name. Please sit,” She said.

”Thanks, but I should really get back to the class.”

”Oh, yes. Sure. I hope you find yourself comfortable here. If something undesirable comes up, please let me know.”

What would you do? Go in the wrong class again?

”O…kay. Suuuuure! Thanks.”

Professor had yet to look at me. And all I could see was the side of her face and her black clothes that ran from top to bottom.

Maybe if she made eye contact with me, she'd be embarrassed.

”One more thing, Ms. Madonna, if you will. Please don't let your grades fall below seventy percent. This is a prestigious university after all. And older students like you are usually a hinderance to the academic average. I hope you keep that in mind as you go on.”

It was awkward for a professor to generalize amongst her students, but I didn't let that affect me.

I turned around and exited the room.

The term continued like always. My work and my studies became the normality. And the final exams came and went away.

I scored 68.55%.

FUCK!