I tried my best not to think about the day at Priya’s home.

I soon forgot about the entire thing and got back to my routine with more than usual zealous. I also volunteered for more extra coaching classes. I wanted to make sure I was occupied all the time. Because an empty mind can be the devil's workshop.

The day before the college started, Priya called me and asked if we could continue our sessions but only on the weekend like we had done in the first year. She said she didn't want to put as much effort as earlier, but at the same time, she didn't want to fall behind entirely either. I agreed with her.

I felt relieved. But I couldn't really say if I was relieved because I wouldn't see her daily or because I could still see her every weekend. I didn't have a clear answer to that.

I was looking forward to seeing her again but scared a bit as well.

The college soon opened for the third-year classes. This time I was not called to see the Dean like last. I guess even with my improved performance, it was not enough to overcome the tension between us.

The first weekend came soon. I decided to put on my usual face and behaviour as expected.

The session with her went as usual, and I was a bit relieved. I believed it was for the best, and things remained as it was earlier.

The following 2 months passed without any significant events.

At the end of one of our regular sessions, Priya finally put forward her condition as part of winning the bet with me. And here I was hoping it was all forgotten.

"So, I have finally decided what I want.”

"Ok. So what is it?”

"After a lot of thinking, I have decided I want a day from you. I want you to spend one full day with me. I'll plan the whole day, and you'll have no say. But don't worry. Since it’s my plan, I'll take care of all the expenses as well. “

"Ok. But why? And you do know that I don't have a single day off. My calendar is always full.”

"Come on. Your calendar is full because you have planned it that way. I'm sure you'll get a day off if you request it from the coaching centre. I'm sure you must be the only one who hasn't taken a single unplanned leave since you joined.”

"Ok. I think I can manage it. But still, why? I’m curious.”

"Let's just say I have my own reasons. And anyway, I don't have to explain myself. This is me exercising my right as part of our bet. I had planned it some time ago. I was just waiting for the correct time.”

"And why is this the correct time?”

"Because my car finally will be arriving in the next few days. “

"I thought you were supposed to get it long ago.”

"I was. But I was a bit particular about the colour I wanted. It was in short supply, and thus I had to wait a bit long. And now I want to take you out in it. And we are going next Sunday. “

I knew a lost argument when I saw one. So rather than wasting energy, I agreed to it.

She left full of enthusiasm that day.

Before I knew it, another week had passed, and Sunday was here. I got up early in the morning.

I still didn't know what I was going to do.

I had called the coaching centre and told them I was talking the day off. But I still felt some restlessness. I took my bath, changed my clothes and got ready. But my mind still kept coming up with hundreds of excuses that I could tell Priya and skip the day with her.

While lost in thought, I saw the sweet I had kept in my Cupboard. The one I looked at every day reminded me of my resolve, which I had started long ago.

I kept repeating the mantra that I shouldn't become a slave to my emotions and that it should be my slave.

But for the first time, a new question popped up in my head. Was I becoming a slave to my mantra? Did I not have the right to have even a little bit of fun?

I understood that everything I was doing was for my future. But do I really need to avoid everything that I could enjoy? Don't I deserve some kind of break?

Finally coming to a decision, I ate the chocolate and broke my tradition of so many years. It felt good.

I was not becoming a slave to my emotions, but I was also not a slave to my Mantras. I still knew my goals and the effort required. But I also had the right to enjoy myself once in a while. Otherwise, everything was pointless anyway.

With all the confusion out of the way, I got ready and waited for Priya to come to pick me up.