Where else can a nerd meet a fellow geek? 

Tasha was preparing for her final undergraduate Psychology exams. Tino was the designated teaching assistant and tutor. Both will be the first to testify that “Love at first sight” is a lie conjured up by impatient loins.

Granted, the embers of affection sprung up with the initial eye contact. A diminutive helping of resentment added flavour to the emotional cocktail brewed from that first day. Tasha never cared for Tino’s nonchalance. Or was it what attracted her to him? 

Love is a curious thing. 

Prof Loag had just delivered the last official lecture of the entire program. His decision to end the proceedings with a lecture on “Addiction Psychology and Failing in Life” typified the faculty’s morbid sense of humour. 

After the macabre oration, the class collapsed into four study groups with each group supervised by a PhD candidate. Tasha found herself in Tino’s camp. His reputation as a “super chilled Psychology encyclopedia” preceded him. Tasha has a hunch that Tino probably started that rumour himself. 

There’s no telling what these ‘Psych boffins’ can come up with!

Tino had exactly sixteen students under his wings. Seven males, five beautiful females and four indeterminates. Tasha stood out. She avoided eye contact and sighed a lot. A wounded gazelle ready for the taking?

“OK, guys. You have exactly a fortnight before your finals. How exactly do you want me to help you pass?” Tino asked the restless group. Like clockwork, some smarty-pants chimed, “How about you tell us what’s coming in the exams?”. Tasha also found that funny. It’s not all doom and gloom then. She does have a sense of humour. Add points. 

After much cajoling, an agreement is reached. The group shall meet for at least an hour every day to discuss any difficult topics encountered during self-study. 

Tino wonders whether Tasha will attend these daily revision sessions. He knows Tasha has consistently been at the top of this class from Day One. Does she even need him? How can Tino get a tête-à-tête with Tasha? What is it about this girl that he finds so alluring? Is it the wide hips? Is it the fair skin? Is it the sheer force of her quiet intellect? 

Tino only has two weeks to secure the prize…