Drowsy Afternoon Lunch

The Pakhangba monastery was the bearer of not only education but also well-rounded meals. Crossing the two-storey Pagodas and from under the canopy of Pakhangna sculpture, Korou took the flower-laden path of the Mandala garden, scurrying towards the mess hall.

The hall had an open design, with gabled roofs and a stone-carved floor. There were rows of jute mat running parallel with hand-woven plates of bamboo stems placed in tandem. The food was to be served by fourth years, who would carry brass pots—Leipak—filled with individual dishes and using a bamboo ladle—Thangbi—pour it over their plates.

"I heard you got under Athongba Leina's skin?" Atla pulled the helm of her Chuba and sat cross-legged beside Korou.

"She had a name." Korou tittered under his breath. He was well-versed with the educator, but currently, he wasn't in the mood to indulge. "I assumed she lived in anonymity and foul mouth."

"Korou", Atla gave him a sharp gaze.

"Fine," He whined. "I did, but you can't blame me, Athongba Leina was being a dic... err, I mean a jerk."

"That's her style." Atla shrugged her gaze over the fourth years who were preparing to serve. "She will warm up to you all."

"I would rather take a monkey as a teacher."

She heaved a sigh, but smiled. "Arrogant like usual."

"Not you too."

Atla giggled with mirth as her eyes crinkled.

By the time the first, second and third years had assembled, Korou was pressing shoulders with Atla and another boy of his year. Years five to six were in the hall adjacent to theirs, while the fourth year was segregated into two divisions: poured rice—Chak, Mashed veggies—Eromba and Crownbill stew.

"If you don't want extra, just put your hand over the plate, and they will stop." Atla demonstrated the gesture.

"What if I took extra and can't eat?"

"No food for a week," Atla said, using her fingers to mix the curry with rice.

"Very military of them." Korou snickered, taking bites of the Crownbill's breast.

"Monastery believes in charity but despises wastage." Atla shrugged but had a weathered look. "Food isn't easy to come by; you should pray and be grateful for it."

Soon, the row opposite to them cleared, and a new batch arrived. Korou, still halfway through, marvelled at the third year's efficiency. He glanced at Atla, who had been matching his pace.

"You don't have to wait for me, you know?"

"Then eat fast."

"It's called savouring the taste."

"Let's see if you can say the same a year from now." Atla pinched his nose and scooped the rice on Korou's plate, pressing it to his mouth. "Now make haste, I have an evaluation to attend."

"You!" There was a rustle as the seat opposite them got occupied by the braided hair girl from the class before.

"Oh," Korou peeked from behind Atla, his fingers ladelled in Eromba's broth. "The smart girl from before, Irumi?"

"Iromi." She corrected, flipping her braids.

"A friend of yours?" asked Atla, scooping another serving.

"No-"

"No!" Iromi cut him off with flushed cheeks.

Atla raised her brows, then elbowed Korou.

"Did you bully her?" Atla asked accusingly.

"No, why would I do that?" Korou shook his head and accepted the next batch of rice.

"Iromi cheche!" The freckled-eyed boy from the last row of maths class jumped into Iromi's arms. His hair filled with Crownbill feathers, with listless amber eyes. It matched Iromi's own. "Big brother Laishram is being a bully, I asked him if I can make friends with Crownbills, I love them, they are fluffy and…" He stopped midway, averting his gaze to the side at Korou.

"You are the smart brat!" He cried out.

"Huh?" Korou flinched, gulping the entirety of unchewed rice.

"Yes!" The boy leapt out of Iromi's embrace and leaned over at a wide-eyed Korou. "The faculty won't stop buzzing about you! Even the stoic Athongba Leina was fuming at your presence."

"Good job," Atla snickered. "You made a name for yourself on the first day, dumb brat, or wait, should I refer to you as smart brat now?"

"Please stop with the tease."

"Anyhow!" Iromi rapped her knuckles over the stone floor. Her cheeks were flushed. "He is not my friend; we just happen to be seated beside each other."

"Sure...?" Korou replied after a brief pause.

"As long as you know."

The last serving of the noon was a magenta-hued dessert made of sticky black rice—Chakhao. It was laden with the aroma of caramelised milk. Atla later told him it was called Kheer.

"Have they brought up Parīksā?" Atla dipped her fingers into the lime water bowl, rinsing them.

"No..." replied Korou, slurping the Kheer. "Though that sounds familiar."

"Cheche spoke about it in class today!" The freckled boy interjected with rice crumbs clinging to his cheeks.

"Ibo!" Iromi jerked up, her eyes cast a sharp gaze as she perked up the boy's ear. "How often have I asked you not to speak when eating..."

"Cheche, it hurts, I am sorry, okay?" apologised Ibo with clasped hands.

"Ugh, disgusting." Iromi snapped her head to the side with a frown.

Atla shot Iromi a smile, who cast her gaze down as a scarlet tinge appeared over her face. "You are already aiming for higher education. Impressive for your age."

of vigil

"Military." Iromi corrected, fidgeting with rice crumbs. Her eyes darted over the side. There was hesitation behind them.

"Following Khamba's footsteps?" Atla queried. Her tone was gentle, treading on the edge of vigilance.

"No," Iromi replied in a wistful gaze. "My brother...he is different. I am doing it for myself, that's all."

"I see." Atla shot the younger girl a knowing smile. She was aware of something but decided not to utter it.

"What is Parīksā?" Korou, not reading the atmosphere, bobbed his head from the side.

That earned him a tired, wry smile from Atla, who playfully rolled her eyes and stood up. "They will explain in the next class," She picked up her plate and his. "I presume it's Grandma who will conduct that lecture."

"Oh great, another eccentric master to deal with." He grumbled.

"Don't be so sad, at least you get to see me again later in the afternoon."

"I do?"

"Yep, for Martial arts." Atla shot a sly grin. "Your favourite."

"..."

"Enjoy the class with Grandma, dumb brat."

"Shut up, dork warrior."