The university administration knew.
Everyone knew.
Technically there were policies.
Technically there were regulations.
Technically there were probably forms somewhere.
Nobody seemed interested in finding them.
Because everyone also knew something else.
Alankrita was not asking for special treatment.
She attended every class.
Completed every assignment.
Maintained excellent grades.
Worked.
Studied.
Raised her son.
And somehow still found time to help others.
If anyone had earned compassion and flexibility:
it was her.
And Raghuveer?
Raghuveer had somehow become everyone's child.
The canteen staff called him:
"Little Prince."
The librarians called him:
"Junior Scholar."
The bookstore customers called him:
"Professor Pumpkin."
The students simply called him:
"Baby Pumpkin."
The title remained undefeated.