The Cambridge library became her second home.
Sometimes her first.
Hours disappeared among books.
Journal articles.
Research papers.
Historical archives.
Newspaper records.
The outside world vanished whenever she entered the library.
Unfortunately for Alankrita...
Mrs. Finch existed.
The Head Librarian ruled the building with terrifying efficiency.
She could identify misplaced books from twenty metres away.
Students feared her.
Professors respected her.
Alankrita adored her.
One afternoon she had been reading continuously for nearly six hours.
Mrs. Finch appeared beside her desk like an angry ghost.
"Miss Alankrita."
She jumped.
"Yes?"
"Your miracle baby is currently filing formal complaints regarding excessive working conditions."
Alankrita stared.
Mrs. Finch adjusted her glasses.
"The complaint states that its mother has forgotten lunch."
Alankrita tried not to laugh.
"I was finishing this chapter."
"No."
Mrs. Finch crossed her arms.
"I am calling your friends."
Five minutes later Sam arrived.
"Library arrest again?"
Mrs. Finch nodded gravely.
"Remove the prisoner immediately."
Alankrita laughed as she packed her books.
As she left, Mrs. Finch called after her:
"Books will wait."
Then she pointed toward Alankrita's stomach.
"That little one shouldn't have to."