#Data Structure Online Tutor

[excellenthomevlasses]

IB Internal Assessment Help: Unlocking the Path to Academic Excellence

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Internal Assessment (IA) is a critical component of the IB Diploma Program, enabling students to showcase their skills through independent research and analysis within their chosen subjects. Unlike external exams, IAs are internally graded by teachers and externally moderated by the IB. These assessments test a student’s ability to conduct research, analyze…

[excellenthomeclasses1]

IB Internal Assessment Help: Unlocking the Path to Academic Excellence

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Internal Assessment (IA) is a critical component of the IB Diploma Program, enabling students to showcase their skills through independent research and analysis within their chosen subjects. Unlike external exams, IAs are internally graded by teachers and externally moderated by the IB. These assessments test a student’s ability to conduct research, analyze…

[laurenairay]

I can't help it if I like it - M. Martin

Summary: Dhara Nicholls is just trying to make ends meet while working on her Masters degree. Enter Matt Martin.

This is my entry for @wyattjohnston’s summer fic exchange 2k24! My giftee is @comphy-and-cozy and I hope I incorporated everything we discussed. This is the second longest fic I’ve ever written on here and I had genuinely so much fun writing it! Definitely written with a lot of creative license, not only because Matt and Sydney are couple goals, but also because I completely fudged the season dates. I also modelled Dhara’s degree and work after one of my best friends, and her Sikh faith after another friend, so it is as accurate as I could make it without experiencing it all myself.

I hope you enjoy it C! And thank you to Demi for reading through the first half of this monster!

Words: 13.7k

Warnings: age gap, flirting, pining, extremely slow burn, implied intimate moment, some bad language, changed names of Matt’s irl wife and children

Title from Shotput by Still Woozy Lyrics used from Middle of the Night by Elley Duhé

~

Waiter/Waitress…

Bartender…

Tutor…

Barista…

Cashier…

Of all the things to leave to the last minute. Dhara usually prided herself on her organisational skills, but with her summer internship taking up most of the past couple of months, finding a part-time job to give her disposable income (and food, for that matter) for the final year of her postgraduate degree had slipped her mind. Rents had gone up quite significantly in the past few months, so anything extra she had last year was pouring directly into paying for her tiny apartment, and she needed to eat, damn it.

Unfortunately, now that it was already August, there was nothing truly suitable. She needed flexible hours, that was for sure – some of her data modelling work couldn’t just be stopped in the middle of a good coding flow to pick up a shift at a bar. And some of her classes were online this final year, so she wouldn’t find it as easy to travel back and forth to a job on campus. Tutoring could potentially work but it would involve a fair amount of planning and structure that she wasn’t sure she could commit to.

This was the worst timing. And she’d sworn to herself that she wouldn’t ask her parents for help, not when she was so close to finally finishing her education. But what could she do?

“Hey Dhara!”

She turned her head to the side quickly, dark curls whipping over her shoulder, before she smiled. The familiar voice indeed matched one of her former dormmates, Melissa. They had lived on the same floor in freshman year at NYU, but with limited student housing, most of the friends on that floor had gone their separate ways into private renting. She’d lost touch with a few of those girls too, after they graduated from their undergraduate degrees, but those she still kept in touch with had carried on their education like she had – only Melissa and another of their friends Janelle had taken up postgraduate study at Long Island University – Brooklyn though, so it was good to see her familiar face outside of the occasional coffee catch-ups, especially after the long summer break.

“Melissa! Hi! How are you?”

“I’m good, I’m good, glad to be back in the city. How are you? Did you travel back to LA to see your parents in the end?”

“I’m pretty good too, thanks. And no, the internship offer was too good to turn down. My parents went on a few trips by themselves anyway, so it’s not like I missed out on too much time with them,” Dhara shrugged, smiling, “Now I’m just trying to get myself set up for final year.”

She loved her parents – really, she did – but she wasn’t as close to them as she had been growing up. The downfall of choosing to study far away from home. Dhara had barely been back to Los Angeles since she moved to New York when she turned 18, if she was being honest, and her parents valued her independence as well as her dedication to her studies. At least they could rely on video calls to see each other’s faces.

“Oh man, tell me about it. Shitty rent increases, right?” Melissa groaned.

“Exactly!” Dhara laughed, “I’m just trying to find something that’ll let me be flexible so I can graduate to the best of my ability, you know?”

“I know exactly what you mean,” Melissa sighed, smiling sympathetically, “I’ve got a couple of interviews at coffee chains lined up, but the hours are going to be brutal.”

Dhara grimaced. Yeah, there was a reason she wanted to avoid working as a barista unless there was no other option.

“Hey, you like kids, right?”

Dhara raised an eyebrow at her friend’s question. “I…do. I have plenty of cousins who have kids already, if that’s what you mean. Why?”

“A friend of my roommate works for a nannying agency. Completely certified company, really well paid, you can input your available hours into their website so they match you up, and they cater to a lot of wealthy clients. She told me they’re opening their books, but I’m not a huge kids person myself. If you’re interested, I could pass you her details?”

“Wait, really? Just like that?” Dhara asked, surprised.

It almost sounded too good to be true.

“Really really. The agency do background checks and would want to see your resume as well as do an interview with you in person, but I can’t see you getting rejected from this. You’re crazy smart and super competent,” Melissa shrugged, smiling.

Nannying. For a potentially wealthy client. There were a whole host of problems that could come from that, with both the parents and the children, but could the flexibility be worth it?

Then again, what did she have to lose?

“Okay sure, pass me her details and I’ll give your roommate’s friend a call,” Dhara smiled.

She could only hope this worked out in her favour.

~

Time was running out, Matt knew that much. There were only a few weeks before the season started up again, and it was beyond time for him to hire a nanny for his daughter. He’d been a single dad for two years now, his marriage ending mostly amicably. Sure, his ex-wife’s announcement that she was tired of following him around for his career had been hard, but not as hard as her second announcement that she was following her own career abroad. But she’d not contested anything he'd asked of her, and hadn’t made any unreasonable demands herself, so it was as clean as a divorce could be. Being solely responsible for the upbringing of their daughter Sarah was not something he’d been prepared for, not with his lifestyle. He knew he was lucky that his mom had been willing drop everything and move in with him after his wife left them, but it was time to let his mom live her own life – and for him to move on with his.

Hockey was his first love, nothing would change that. But his daughter Sarah had taken over so much of his heart that he was struggling with the idea of hiring a stranger to take care of her when hockey took precedence. But it was time – for all of them. In the end, he’d decided to go through a reputable agency that a few of the guys on the team recommended, but after three unsuccessful interviews Matt was just about ready to beg his mom to stay a little longer.

The first interview had started well. But it had quickly deteriorated when he realised that they weren’t as flexible as he needed. It was fair enough that the nanny wanted set hours – he knew his schedule was all over the place – but he obviously couldn’t offer that, so he wished them well and cut the interview short.

The second interview had started bad and gotten worse. He didn’t know if it was the way the woman smiled at him when he saw the elegant interior of the house or how she spoke of him being a single dad with a wide-eyed pity smile, but he didn’t like the vibes she was sending at all. He didn’t need a nanny that was more interested in him than his daughter. No, just no.

The third interview sounded promising on paper. The candidate had all the right qualifications and experience, but when it came down to processes and how she handled tantrums and tears? No way. He knew Sarah sometimes got upset when he was on long roadtrips – it was only natural – and there was no way he was leaving his daughter with someone who would punish her for showing understandable emotions.

So Matt could only hope that this fourth interview – his last for the day before he gave up and started from scratch – would finally be positive.

Dhara Nicholls.

When he’d first seen the name, he hadn’t known what to expect. Dar-Rah. That was how the agency lady had pronounced it, so he could only hope she was right – the last thing he wanted was to say the nanny’s name wrong out of ignorance. While he would ask for more detail during the interview, he knew the basics about her from the information the agency had sent over. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, studied BS Computer Science at NYU, went on to study for a Masters in Computer Science at Long Island University – Brooklyn, and was currently in her final year for that. It was the flexibility that he was most intrigued by – and her apparent intelligence. He didn’t care that she didn’t have nannying experience outside of family. If she could take care of his daughter, make sure she was happy and healthy, that’s all that he cared about.

The doorbell rang right on time. Good start.

When he opened the door to greet her, Matt found himself freezing a little. He’d assumed that she wouldn’t be Caucasian based on her first name (as much as he hated assuming anything), but he somehow hadn’t been expecting the sheer beauty of the Indian woman standing in front of him now. At least he assumed she was Indian – and again with those assumptions. He would have to check for sure with some subtle questions because the last thing he wanted to do was act like an ass. But right now, her big beautiful brown eyes, smooth skin, glossy dark curls and sweet hopeful smile had his mind whirling. What was wrong with him?

“Hi! Mr Martin?”

Huh, a typical Valley girl accent. Not what he’d been expecting. Damn assumptions.

“Matt, please. Mr Martin makes me feel like my dad’s standing behind me,” he managed to force out.

The laugh that spilled from her lips sounded like music. He was doomed alright.

“Good to know. Matt it is,” she mused.

“Thanks, Dhara. Please come in,” he said, smiling warmly.

The way she smiled as he said her name let him know he’d said it right. Dar-Rah. Beautiful. No, he needed to be professional about this. He couldn’t let himself be bowled over by a beautiful girl, not when she was (hopefully) going to be employed by him. That wasn’t fair to her. Or to Sarah.

“Can I get you a drink? Water? Coffee?” he offered.

“Water would be great, if you don’t mind,” she nodded.

Matt quickly grabbed her a bottle of water from the fridge, before leading her into the living room, handing her the bottle as they sat down on opposite sofas. She was tall even in flat shoes, maybe 5ft10, and she looked around the room with a smile before her eyes landed on Matt. Captivating.

“Let’s start, shall we?” he said, trying to clear his thoughts.

Right from the get-go, she was impressive. Her upbringing in Los Angeles was very family-orientated, living near her father’s 3 siblings and all their children, her cousins. Her studies alone were remarkable but the way he could tell how passionate she was for her work was the most interesting part of all. He liked that she could be flexible with timings, happy to stay overnight in a guest room during roadtrips, and she was willing to work around her class schedule to even take classes from his house while Sarah was occupied with something she could still keep an eye on. It was more than he could have asked for, if he was being honest. It was all just a bonus that she was warm and genuine on top of it all.

Matt knew what he wanted the conclusion of this interview to be. Dhara was exactly what he’d been looking for, and he knew that Sarah would quickly accept her too. He could only hope that she felt like she’d been a good fit for them too.

“Is there anything else you wanted to know?” she asked.

“I think I have everything I need. I’m not going to lie, this whole process has been a struggle,” Matt admitted, “Trying to figure out who to trust my daughter with is the last thing I thought I’d be doing.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Dhara said softly, smiling sadly at him, “Would you like me to take any preferences back with me to the agency? So the next person is a better fit for you?”

If he hadn’t been convinced about her before, he absolutely was now.

“You don’t need to take feedback to the agency, Dhara. Because I want to offer you the job,” he said, smiling.

Her lips parted slightly in surprise, before a wide grin spread over her face. Somehow the pure joy in her expression made her even more beautiful, if that was even possible.

“Thank you, Mr Martin. Thank you so much!” Dhara said happily.

“You’re welcome. You’re exactly who I was hoping to find for my daughter. And please, call me Matt, remember?” he mused.

“Of course, whatever you want…Matt,” she said, ducking her head slightly to hide what looked like a shy smile.

Whatever you want.

Now that was just dangerous.

~

Dhara felt like she was dreaming. Three days ago, when Matt had actually offered her the job, she’d felt like her head was spinning, and it wasn’t until she had the official contract sorted and signed with the agency that everything started to sink in. He was willing to be as flexible as she needed, in return for her being as flexible as he needed – it was a small price to pay to stay in the guest room when he was away for her to still be able to attend all her classes. The only thing they’d had to negotiate was her one in-person class every two weeks that she couldn’t do online that was outside of Sarah’s Kindergarten hours, which he’d arranged for one of his teammate’s wives to look after Sarah for a couple of hours until she was finished. And wasn’t that a trip, learning who he was. An NHL player. She was really going to be the nanny for an NHL player’s six year old daughter, and she could still complete her degree. Mindblowing. The only thing that was still sort of in the works were the Kindergarten drop offs themselves – she wouldn’t be put on the accepted pick-up person list until after a first week’s trial, just to make sure Sarah was okay with her. It was fair enough, but still nervewracking. Matt apparently had full faith that everything would be fine though, and had already given her all the details. Drop off was between 8.30am and 9am, and pick up was at 2.30pm – Matt was happy for her to work from his house on the days she didn’t have to go into campus, to save travelling back and forth, which she was absolutely going to take him up on.  It almost felt too good to be true, that everything was working out the way it was, but she wasn’t going to let such a good opportunity to balance work and her degree slip through her fingers.

When Dhara arrived at Matt’s house, having been given a brief introduction to Sarah before Sarah excused herself to the living room, she tried not to let the nerves get to her. Matt looked lighter, like a weight had been taken off his shoulders, and she could only hope it was partly to do with her. He might be nearly 10 years older than her, but he was one of the most handsome men she’d ever laid eyes on, that was for sure. Not that she’d ever tell her new employer these completely inappropriate thoughts of course.

“Now, I have some meetings and final pre-season things to film and so on at the rink today. I’m hoping it’ll all be done in a few hours but it’ll be a good little start for Sarah to get used to me and my mom not being around. I’ve already explained everything to her, and I think she understands the concept of a nanny and that it was time for grandma to get back to her own life in Canada, but if there are any major issues then please call me,” he said seriously.

“I’m sure everything will be fine, especially if you’ve already talked with her, but I absolutely will call you if Sarah needs you. And please don’t rush home? You deserve to spend some time catching up with your friends. Team bonding, and all that, especially if someone suggests lunch. Sarah and I will be fine, I promise,” Dhara said firmly, but with a smile she hoped was encouraging.

Matt let out a shaky breath but nodded, and her heart ached for him. She could tell how much this was affecting him – it was obvious – but the whole reason for her being here was to make his life easier. She could do that, she knew it.

“Sarah, I’m going to the rink!”

She smiled to herself at the sound of fast-paced walking (not running inside the house was clearly a rule) and soon enough Sarah was clinging to her dad’s legs.

“Be nice to Dhara,” Matt said, smiling warmly.

“I’m always nice!” she said, pouting.

He just ruffled her blonde hair, nodding to Dhara with a shaky smile, giving Sarah one last hug before leaving the house. This was it – Dhara was officially responsible for the wellbeing of a child.

“I’m going back to colouring. You can come if you want.”

How generous. Dhara grinned to herself at the young girl’s candour, following her quietly through the house back to the living room where Sarah had a small stack of paper and colouring pencils laid out. Sarah seemed happy enough to thump back down onto the floor and continue with her drawing, silent but focused, and Dhara watched for a little while from the doorway. The most important thing for today – and the rest of this week – was for Sarah to feel comfortable in her presence. She’d never had any problems getting her cousins’ children to like her, so she could only hope the same gentle methods would work with this child.

Sarah didn’t seem to mind Dhara sitting down next to her, barely giving her a glance, allowing her to settle in quietly. So far so good. After a few minutes of Dhara watching her peacefully, Sarah slid a piece of paper over to Dhara, and looked up at her with blue eyes eerily similar to her father’s.

“I’m drawing a picture for daddy, to make him smile when he gets home,” Sarah said simply.

“That’s very kind of you. I’m sure he’ll love it,” Dhara said, melting on the inside at the sweetness.

Sarah side-eyed her briefly before seeming to deem Dhara’s answer acceptable.

“You should draw him one too. He likes my pictures so I’m sure yours will be fine,” she said, sliding over the colouring pencil box.

Kids. You had to love them.

“I will do my very best then,” Dhara said seriously.

Sarah just nodded, going back to her drawing with all the focus a six-year-old could. Dhara just smiled to herself, picking up a pink crayon to attempt to draw some flowers. This was a good start, right?

~

The first month of Dhara’s employment (and final year of her degree) flew by. Somehow, everything was going well so far. There were no dramas, no big issues, and her classes weren’t unmanageable with her new schedule. She could admit that it initially felt weird to be dropping a kid off at Kindergarten that wasn’t hers, especially so early on into knowing Sarah, but that first big smile her charge had given her at pick-up time made everything better. Like, genuinely her heart felt like it had puffed up in size – yeah that’s right, I made her smile – and everything had only gotten better from there. They’d even settled into a decent routine, to the point where Matt even joked that Dhara was becoming Sarah’s favourite person (apparently her bedtime stories were the best?) – and neither of them had even looked at her like she was crazy when she explained her work for her Computer Science Masters like most people tended to.

(“Daddy she’s so smart.” “I know sweetheart.” “I want to be as smart as Dhara when I grow up!” “Well then you’d better show me the new spellings you learned at Kindergarten today.”)

She’d only needed to stay an extra night in the guest room once so far for a roadtrip, which also felt weird, but Matt’s flight had been delayed so there really wasn’t another choice. Thankfully, he’d been there by the time Sarah woke up, so there had been no major tantrums, but the bedtime tears were still an experience she hoped to avoid as much as possible. After looking at Matt’s schedule, she knew exactly how many roadtrips he was going to be on, so hopefully she could come up with some ideas for what to do if that ever happened again.

There were many things she was learning in this new world of being a nanny.

She knew she’d be learning something new tonight too. It was the first game of the pre-season and Matt was in the line-up to play. Traditionally, Sarah always went, and tonight was no exception. Dhara had been hesitant to accept the ticket initially, content with dropping Sarah off with the WAGs she knew and picking her up at the end,  because she was quite literally just the nanny - but Matt insisted. He also insisted that Sarah wanted her there too, and how was she supposed to say no to that?

The plan would be that Dhara and Sarah would take the train over to the arena with plenty of time to spare ahead of warmups (so Sarah could hold her newly-made poster up against the glass), and then Matt would drive them all back to the Martin house – with the late timings, Dhara would need to stay late again. At least this time she had enough clothes in her overnight bag packed.

Nerves washed over Dhara as she entered the UBS Arena, but with Sarah chattering away, holding tight to her hand, it wasn’t too difficult to cover her nerves with a smile. She’d already met Kristy Cizikas – the teammate’s wife who covered looking after Sarah during Dhara’s class once every two weeks – so she would at least know one friendly face. Sarah led the way to the family suite, Dhara making sure her pass was clearly on display so no-one thought she was a fraud, and soon enough they arrived to a blonde-haired sea.

“Dhara! There you are!”

Kristy. Good.

She was thankful for the instantly-warm welcome – she was so out of her comfort zone that it wasn’t funny. Tonight really was her first time being thrown in at the deep end. At least she’d have a break soon to collect her thoughts when everyone in the suite (who wanted to) would head down to the ice for warm-ups. She could do this. She could totally do this. It helped that Kristy introduced her around the group, Grace Lee in particular making her feel at ease with her beaming smile.

The game itself was electric. Dhara mostly kept her eye on Sarah playing with the other kids in the family suite – you know, as it was her job – but by the start of the third period Sarah had fallen asleep on her lap, leaving her free to watch her first ever game of ice hockey with her full attention. Grace helped her out by murmuring along some of the rules and pointing out names of people that Dhara didn’t know yet, and she just felt herself getting fully entranced. She’d never seen anything so graceful and yet so physical. And the speed!

Dhara felt like a bit of an idiot for gasping when Matt full-body checked a player from the opposing team into the boards with a load crash, immediately throwing his gloves off to fight him, her eyes wide as Matt easily took him down to the ice. Fuck, that was hot. Why was that so hot? She could only thank her dark skin for hiding the worst of her blush as Grace and Kristy smiled knowingly at her. Whatever, they didn’t know anything. They could infer all they liked.

That didn’t mean her eyes stopped tracking Matt every second he was on the ice though.

“How was she tonight? Truly?”

Dhara smiled up at Matt, shifting a sleeping Sarah up on her hip as Matt unlocked the front door.

“She was so good. The way her face lit up when you saw her sign in warmups? She didn’t stop talking about it for ages. And she fell asleep on me during the third period so I just let her nap, I hope that’s okay,” Dhara said.

“Of course it is. I’m happy that she feels comfortable enough to do that around you!” he said, smiling.

She was too. She really was.

“I’ll put Sarah to bed, if you want to sort out your bandage?” she offered.

The cuts on his knuckles from his fight had needed a couple of stitches and would need to be cleaned then covered for at least one night, he’d told her that much on the drive home.

“You’re the best,” Matt said, nodding.

Dhara just grinned and headed up the stairs. It didn’t take her long to carefully lay Sarah down in her bed, pulling off her shoes before tucking the duvet over her. But as she slowly crept out of the room and gently shut the door, she could hear Matt cursing in the bathroom, and she frowned.

“Matt?” she whispered, trying not to wake up her young charge.

He cursed again, so she knocked on the bathroom door, and smiled slightly as he cursed in surprise and slowly opened the door.

“The bandage is caught on the dried blood in the stitch and I can’t get it off. Don’t want to rip it,” he murmured when her head poked around the door.

“Let me?” she offered, slowly walking into the room.

Dhara looked up at him through her lashes, holding her hand out, and Matt silently placed his hand in hers. His skin was warm, if a little callused, and it was all she could do to bite her bottom lip as she gently eased the bandage off his knuckles. Matt didn’t take his hand away as she reached for the cotton ball he’d already dipped in the cleansing liquid, allowing her to gently dab at the stitches until they were clean. The two of them stood close together, silent, only their hands touching, and yet somehow this was more intimate than she’d ever been with any man. It was intoxicating to be allowed to take this level of care with him. It was only when she gently pressed down the edges of the fresh bandage that she caught eyes with him once more, the intense blue making her breath catch in her throat, and she forced herself to break out of the moment.

Because it was a moment, and she didn’t know if it thrilled her or terrified her.

“That should be okay now,” she murmured, finally letting go of his hand.

“Thank you, Dhara. I appreciate it,” he said, voice just as soft.

Intoxicating.

Dhara just smiled, nodding her head as she slipped out of the bubble he’d unknowingly boxed her into, and stepped out of the bathroom with a racing heart. She needed to pull herself together. She needed to pull herself together, fast. Otherwise she was going to run the risk of ruining everything.

~

“So give us the details then.”

Matt took a sip of his beer, before frowning at Casey.

“What are you talking about?”

Casey shared a glance with Anders, who just smirked and shook his head incredulously. What?

“Seriously, what details?” Matt asked.

“About Dhara?” Anders prompted.

“Kristy and Grace told us all about meeting her at the game last week, how she was super sweet with Sarah and how much Sarah adored her. What really caught our attention was that they told us about her reaction to your fight. How her eyes lit up, how she gasped, how she was on the edge of her seat,” Casey said innocently, although the sparkle in his eyes was anything but.

“Shut up, she did not,” Matt grumbled.

Their words lit something inside of his though. It was just typical that they waited to interrogate him until they were all six beers deep at Casey’s house, Kristy and Grace having a girls night slash kids sleepover with some of the other WAGs, including Sarah. They were gossip vultures, the lot of them.

Did she really react like that?

He hadn’t been able to get that night out of his mind. The way Dhara came into the bathroom so carefully, like she was trying not to spook a horse. How she held his hand so gently, her skin surprisingly warm and soft. How her cleaning touch was so light that he’d barely felt it, how her ministrations hadn’t hurt at all. How her gaze had been so intense when they caught eyes that he’d felt his breath catch in his throat.

Matt hadn’t been able to stop thinking about that moment they’d shared, and it was driving him crazy knowing there was no way she was having the same thoughts.

But then again, if Casey and Anders were right, if Kristy and Grace were right, maybe she was?

“Bud, you know Grace wouldn’t gossip if she didn’t think there was some truth to it,” Anders mused.

He wasn’t wrong there.

“Dhara is my nanny. Sarah’s nanny. Everything is completely professional,” Matt said firmly.

“Everything is completely professional?” Casey prodded.

“Yes?”

At the hesitance in his tone, Casey and Anders grinned.

“I knew it!” Casey hooted.

“What happened?” Anders asked, eyes lighting up.

“Nothing! Literally nothing has happened. She cleaned the stitches on my knuckles for me because I couldn’t get the bandage off, that’s it,” Matt said sharply.

“Booooooo.”

“Seriously, don’t make it a thing. I don’t want her thinking that I’m some kind of creep,” he groaned.

“Now why would she think that, if you weren’t having creepy thoughts?” Anders teased.

Matt sent them both a flat look, making them hoot with laughter.

“Aww you have it so bad!” Casey cackled.

“You two are the worst. I don’t know why we’re friends,” he muttered.

“You love us,” Anders grinned, toasting him with his beer bottle.

Matt just stuck his tongue out in response, taking a big swig of his own drink. He needed to nip all of this in the bud. There was no way he wanted this to get back to Grace and Kristy, and then back to Dhara. Absolutely not.

“She is pretty,” Casey said, smirking slightly, “Kristy said her smile and her laugh lit up the whole room.”

“And Grace said that Sarah worships her, literally fell asleep on her without a care in the world,” Anders added.

They both knew his weaknesses so well. Matt groaned, tilting his head back, before staring his friends down.

“Enough, okay? Yes, Dhara is beautiful. And smart. And so beyond capable with Sarah that it isn’t funny. But I’m not going to be that guy, okay? I’m her boss and I’m not even going to consider crossing that professional boundary, understood? That’s not cool,” Matt said seriously, “I’m not that guy.”

“We know you’re not,” Casey mused, holding his hands up in surrender.

Anders just nodded his agreement. “We only tease you because we love you. And like I said, I wouldn’t have brought it up if Grace hadn’t seen something herself.”

“Just…don’t make it a thing? I don’t want to make Dhara uncomfortable around me. Sarah adores her and that’s all that matters,” Matt sighed, mostly in defeat.

“If you’re sure, then we won’t,” Anders said.

“But we reserve the right to change our minds later,” Casey grinned.

“Oh my god, get me another drink,” Matt groaned.

Seriously, the worst.

~

Sparkling lights, tinsel, and candy canes everywhere – it only meant one thing. Christmas was coming. With continuous snowfall and the way that she couldn’t escape Christmas songs anywhere, Dhara could hardly deny its upcoming presence, especially with how excited Sarah was getting. As usual, Dhara wasn’t going home for the two weeks break, and the moment Matt found out that her roommate was going home (leaving Dhara alone), he insisted that she came over to spend Christmas day with him, Sarah, and his parents.

(“Matt, no, I can’t intrude.” “No-one should be alone on Christmas.”)

He even tried to offer to pay her for coming over, with that she put her foot down. Christmas was Christmas, after all. In the end, they decided that, with her last class of the semester on the 19th, Dhara would stay over from the 20th to the 22nd, until his parents arrived on the 23rd. They would take over taking care of Sarah with Matt not getting home until late in the evening of the 23rd, and then Dhara would come back over on the 25th, leaving again in the evening of the 26th. It was a lot of back and forth, she could admit, but she’d never had someone in her life so insistent that she spend the holidays with them – and the fact that it was Matt? She couldn’t find it in her heart to say no, especially when he got Sarah and her puppy dog eyes on the case.

Somehow, travelling on the trains on Christmas Day wasn’t as bad as she feared, even with her overnight bag and holdall of gifts. It was only lightly snowing on her short walk to Matt’s house, so she wasn’t fully shivering when she knocked on the door but she was definitely glad that Matt didn’t take too long to open it.

“Hey, you made it! Why didn’t you call me from the station? I would’ve picked you up!” he said quickly beckoning her inside.

“I’m used to the walk now, and I didn’t want to disturb you,” she shrugged, unwinding the scarf from her neck.

“You would never have disturbed me. You’re…never mind, come into the kitchen, my mom’s making hot chocolate,” Matt murmured.

She left her bags in the hallway after taking off her boots, coat, and woolly hat, nervously following Matt into the kitchen. Why was she so nervous to meet his family?

“Guys, Dhara’s here!”

“Dhara! You made it!” Sarah cried out happily.

She knelt down to give her charge a big hug, grateful for the friendly face, before standing up with a nervous smile.

“I’ve heard so much about you – I’m Dawn,” Matt’s mom said, big smile on her face identical to Matt’s.

“And I’m Jim. It’s great to finally meet you,” Matt’s dad said warmly.

Was it really that easy?

“I’ve heard only good things about you too. Thank you for letting me join your family Christmas,” she said, smiling back at them.

“Letting you? I had to practically beg you,” Matt teased.

“Because I see you all year round – your parents don’t get that luxury,” she shot back, still smiling.

“I like you already,” Jim laughed.

“Drinks anyone?” Matt mused.

Once the hot chocolate was passed around, they made their way into the living room, Dhara having grabbed her holdall on the way with the gifts.

“I like your scarf, Dhara,” Sarah piped up, once she was settled on a big cushion on the floor.

Dhara’s fingers brushed over the lightweight blue patterned material draped over her chest and pinned in pleats at her shoulders with a smile. She didn’t usually indulge in her South Asian heritage with her outfits, but her holidays it always felt like a must. She might be wearing a casual plain grey sweater underneath, with light wash jeans, but the chanderi dupatta added a much-needed level of elegance – a casual but respectful outfit. Her mother had loved it at least when she called her this morning, and it was nice to know that Sarah did too.

“Thank you! It’s a dupatta – many South Asian women wear them in many different styles. I like to wear a chanderi dupatta, this lightweight patterned silk, over casual clothes to add a little something extra,” she said, smiling.

“It’s really pretty. Never seen you wearing anything like that,” Matt said softly.

“Thanks,” Dhara said, thankful her dark skin hid her blush, “I tend to only wear dupattas for special occasions. I don’t practice Sikhism as much as I did back in LA, and even then not nearly as much as my mother would’ve liked us all too.”

“Why not?” Sarah asked.

“Sarah!” Matt frowned.

“It’s okay, really,” she said, reassuring, “Well, my upbringing was fairly mixed. My mom’s parents came over from Punjab when they were newly married – my Baba Ji, my grandpa, is an Engineer. My mom and her brothers were born and raised Sikh in Los Angeles. Mom met Dad in university and they fell in love. The only problem was, he was Christian. Or at least, loosely Christian – and very white. While my mom didn’t care about all of that, because she’d fallen head over heels for him and him for her, her parents didn’t approve. She left home and married him anyway, and we haven’t really seen much of my mom’s side of the family ever.”

“But they fell in love!” Sarah cried.

“Culture and religion are complicated things,” Dhara said simply, smiling sadly, “my mom knew what she was giving up, she was very brave. She still had a lot of her friends in the community so she had that connection, and Dad’s family is huge and loud and welcoming, so she never felt alone. She raised me with a knowledge of Sikhism and the welcome to join her in celebrating any holidays I wanted to, but my parents left me to forge my own path, which I did. I have some contact with cousins on my mom’s side thanks to Instagram, so it’s not all a loss. I like to think I get the best of both worlds.”

She couldn’t have asked for more with her upbringing, she knew that. Dhara had been given the world, and been taught kindness for others always, and had an education that others could only dream of, and all the love she could ever want from her parents. She also knew that sometimes her mom struggled but that she had her husband, Dhara’s dad, to rely on for strength. Her mom truly was a hero of hers, and she could only be grateful for everything she’d done for her.

“Thank you for sharing that with us. It can’t always be easy, being so far away from your family,” Matt said softly.

“It isn’t always, no. But I’m following my passion with my degrees, and they understand that,” Dhara nodded, smiling at him, “Besides, we have modern technology, no?”

Matt and his parents just laughed, making her smile a bit wider.

“But Dhara, what about…”

“How about we give Dhara a break from interrogation and pass out gifts, hm?” Dawn mused, interrupting Sarah.

Dhara laughed, shrugging, Sarah just pouting.

“You can ask more questions later okay?” Matt said, glancing up at Dhara to make sure she was okay with that.

Dhara just nodded. The way he checked to confirm with her sent out butterflies she tried desperately to ignore. This was not the time.

As they all passed around presents, Dhara had been pleasantly surprised to learn that she had gifts to open too. She hadn’t expected anything from his parents but they’d still surprised her anyway, with a gorgeous earrings and necklace set that felt fancier than anything she owned in New York. Sarah had gifted her a set of pens and a pretty notebook (which she’d picked out herself, apparently) and she’d looked so pleased with herself that it warmed Dhara’s heart.

For Matt’s mom, she’d gifted her a set of Indian spices, because Matt had told her in passing that his mom liked to cook from all different cuisines – so she’d bought her cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, and green cardamom. Dawn had looked so touched when she opened them, giving Dhara a big hug that she hadn’t been expecting. Matt’s dad looked just as pleased by his craft beer tasting tour back home in Ontario, and promised to give her reviews of every single one.

Sarah had squealed in happiness at the book Dhara bought her. A Is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World. It was important for Sarah to learn about how powerful she could be as a woman, and from Matt’s smile he seemed to agree with her.

For Matt – she’d bought him a cufflink box.

“I’m always losing cufflinks on roadtrips. You remembered,” Matt murmured.

The way her heart fluttered. Wow.

“And now you have a place to store 4 sets, wherever you go,” Dhara said softly.

“Thank you, this is…I love it,” Matt grinned.

Well now she was a goner.

Her last gift to open was from Matt. Again she hadn’t expected anything from him – he was opening his home to her on Christmas, after all – but when she opened the instant camera, Fujifilm Instax Mini with multiple packs of film cards, her heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest.

“Matt, this is…wow. This is too much!” she gasped.

“You’ve talked about wanting to preserve memories and I thought this would be a fun way to do it,” he shrugged.

A fun way to preserve memories. A whole ass camera. This was just like him.

“Thank you,” she murmured, smiling so widely at him that it hurt.

Matt just smiled helplessly at her in return.

“Can you tell me more about Sikh stuff now please?”

Sarah’s pleading interruption made her laugh, saving her from the explosion of butterflies in her stomach. “If your family don’t mind, I’m happy to tell you more about Sikhism, sure.”

Dhara looked at Matt and his parents, who all nodded and smiled at her. Well, here goes nothing. Time for a basic lesson in Sikhism.

“Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak around 500 years ago in an area called the Punjab. That’s where my grandparents came from on my mother’s side, if you remember – Punjab is an area which spans part of India and Pakistan now, and they come from the Indian side of it. There are lot of different elements to Sikhism, but some of the main things that Sikhs believe are that your actions are important, and you should lead a good life. You should keep God in your heart and mind at all times, live honestly and work hard, treat everyone equally, be generous to those less fortunate than you, and to serve others,” Dhara listed.

“That sounds really nice,” Sarah said, smiling.

Dhara smiled back at her, heart warmed by the sweet words.

“It is, yes. I don’t attend temple, the Gurdwara, as much as I should, but it’s always really peaceful there. I always try to go for Lohri, the harvest festival in January, and I definitely celebrate Diwali in late October because my family always has, but there are many more holy days that Sikhs commemorate,” Dhara explained.

“Can you tell me about them?” Sarah asked hopefully.

Dhara glanced around the room, seeing Matt and his parents listening raptly, and nodded.

“Of course I can! Firstly…”

~

“Watch yourself, Matthew.”

Matt lifted his head from where he was washing up, seeing his mom standing next to him with a dish towel in hand. His dad, Sarah, and Dhara were all in the living room still, playing Go Fish, but Matt and his mom had moved to the kitchen to tackle at least some of the dishes.

“What?” he said, frowning.

“Don’t think I can’t see the way you look at Dhara,” she said pointedly.

Fuck.

Matt took a shaky breath and opened his mouth to protest, but his mom quickly shook her head.

“She is a lovely young woman with a bright future. Unless you can see marriage in the cards, then don’t mess her around. She deserves the best,” his mom said firmly.

Oh.

Oh.

“Yes, yes she does,” he murmured.

~

With Matt’s parents staying through until the 2nd January, the day before her classes started up again, Dhara had the full rest of the week to herself. The only thing she had planned was getting through work for her Database Management Systems class, but Dawn and Jim had insisted that she came to the game with them on the 28th. That whole evening had been so wholesome; it was clear exactly how much Matt’s parents loved and supported him, and to see his smiling face when they went down to see him after the game? Heartwarming.  Matt had also asked her to come to the New Year’s Eve party that Anders and Grace were throwing – his parents weren’t going to that, but he’d paid for them to have a nice dinner in Manhattan for their own celebration. Dhara almost said no to Matt’s invitation (because who was she to go to a private event like that?), but when he said that Grace had invited her specifically, she couldn’t resist. An invite from Grace Lee to her own party was not something that someone turned down. She knew she’d made the right decision when Grace texted her to say how excited she was that Dhara was coming, which made her feel like a little bit less of an intruder.

What was it with these people and forgetting she was literally just the nanny?

“You look nice,” Matt murmured.

“No daddy, Dhara looks beautiful,” Sarah said firmly.

Dhara laughed, ducking her head shyly just in time to miss the way Matt blushed. Her black sparkly long-sleeved bodycon dress was something that she kept on hand as the only semi-formal thing she had in her closet – so it was really her only option for the Lee’s New Year’s Eve party tonight.

“You’re right, my apologies Sarah,” Matt mused, grinning, “You do look beautiful, Dhara.”

Even if it was prompted by his daughter, it was still spine-tingling to hear Matt say those words.

“You’re too kind, both of you,” she laughed, shaking her head.

Matt just winked before kneeling down to help Sarah put her shoes on, leaving Dhara more flustered than she’d ever been in her life. Thankfully they didn’t have to wait long for the car service that Matt had insisted on, and soon enough their party of three arrived.

“Ah, welcome Martins and Nicholls!”

Dhara giggled at Anders’ booming voice, Matt rolling his eyes fondly as they entered the house.

“Thanks for having us,” Matt mused, handing over a bottle of very nice bourbon to his Captain.

Anders just grinned. “You’re always welcome, bud. Grace is in the kitchen making cocktails for the girls – we’re not invited to that, Matt, but you should definitely head in there so you don’t miss any good gossip, Dhara.”

“Oh, but Sarah…”

“Sarah can stick with me while we go and say hi to all her uncles before they get too drunk, hm?” Matt suggested.

“Drunk Uncle Casey is funny,” Sarah giggled.

“That settles it then!” Anders said cheerfully.

He pointed Dhara in the direction the kitchen and whisked Matt and Sarah away, leaving Dhara reeling. This wasn’t what she had expected at all – and now she was being shuffled over to the WAGs like she had any right to be there?

“Dhara! There you are! Grace is just finishing a fresh batch of mojitos – join us!”

She let out a shaky breath at Kristy’s happy exclamation, but followed her with a smile. She could totally do this. She could go with the flow, especially with Matt’s insistence, and she could just get back to watching Sarah after this drink, right? If Matt was okay with it?

In truth, nothing happened the way she thought it would over the night. While she did return back to watching over Sarah, all of the other WAGs with kids insisted they she took breaks to enjoy herself because they could all chip in to watch the kids. It did make her feel weird because hello, it was literally her job to nanny, but Matt’s happy face every time she took a break to socialise was too strong to resist. The main thing that struck her though was how much she stuck out like a sore thumb. Not just in terms of appearance – she figured she was going to be one of the only people of colour there – but just in terms of importance? Not even all the team was here – the youngest ones were off clubbing apparently, which made Dhara all the more aware of how intimate this gathering was. She didn’t belong here, not in this world. What was her life coming to?

She didn’t know if Matt’s presence helped either. All through the night he made she sure had enough to drink (she stuck to water or soda after that first lethal mojito from Grace) and enough to eat. He included her in every conversation, introduced her to people she hadn’t met yet, and checked in on her when she was watching Sarah. Every time she could see a couple of his teammates and/or the WAGs smirking slightly – but not in a mean way. And certainly not mocking her. It was confusing to say the least, like the lines were blurring without giving her any way to read the meaning of the situation, and it was all she could do to try to let it go. Matt was just being a gentleman, that was all.

When it came to a couple of minutes until the ball drop though, Dhara found herself squished onto a sofa in front of the TV that Anders was setting up, with Sarah fast asleep on her lap and Matt sitting down at her side.

“Champagne?” Matt said, holding out a second glass.

“I suppose one glass couldn’t hurt to bring in the new year,” Dhara mused.

She tried to ignore the way her stomach fizzled as their fingers brushed. Eventually, with just 30 seconds to spare, the living room was packed with party guests, Dhara essentially pressed fully up into Matt’s side. All she could do was remember to breathe, keeping her focus anchored on Sarah to distract herself from the warmth of his thigh against hers. It was intoxicating to say the least, and she was grateful at least for the noise of the room drowning out her thoughts.

“3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

As fireworks exploded across the screen and out the windows, and couples embraced all around the room, Dhara’s breath caught in the throat as she looked up at Matt to see him already looking down at her.

“Happy New Year, Dhara,” he murmured.

“Happy New Year,” she said softly back.

The intensity in his eyes made fire burn through her skin, barely softened by the champagne she poured down her throat. The way he looked at her…it almost felt real.

~

Dhara’s birthday was always a strange time of year for her. She never did anything massive to celebrate it, just casual dinner and drinks with friends and a phone call with her parents, but this year it fell at the end of January on a Saturday, at the end of Matt’s bye week. He had no other plans that spending time with Sarah anyway, so he gave her the week off to relax.

Relax, hah.

She had her thesis proposal to finish, with the final submission of the full finished thing due at the beginning of May, but she’d managed to sort out the data she wanted to use in the first half of January – so she was able to use her week off from nannying to finish the proposal. She holed herself up in her bedroom, surrounded by drinks and snacks, barely taking any breaks other than to reassure her roommate that she was still alive, until she submitted it to her supervising professor.

It was worth it, to feel like she’d accomplished something she was proud of.

Dhara emerged from her ‘coding cave’ the day before her birthday, her roommate shoving her straight into the shower while she ordered them both Thai food to celebrate. It felt good to have a little time to actually relax before her birthday, because before dinner and drinks with her friends, Matt had planned a surprise lunch for her.

She should have expected the restaurant he chose to be a fancy one. She’d never eaten anywhere so nice, not even when her parents came up for her undergraduate degree graduation.

“I have one more surprise for you,” Matt announced, just as he paid the bill, “if you have time to come back to the house with us.”

Sarah was basically wriggling in her seat, quietly begging please please please, and how could Dhara say no to that? All through the drive back to Matt’s house, Sarah was whispering to him and giggling away, making Dhara smile to herself. Seeing the young girl so excited made her excited – and after the incredible surprise Christmas gift he’d gotten her? She could only hope it wasn’t something crazy.

“Okay Sarah, you go ahead and open the door while I make sure Dhara isn’t peeking,” Matt said with a smile.

“What,” she said flatly.

Matt just smiled innocently, stepping behind her, and it was all Dhara could to do gasp as he gently placed his hands over her eyes from behind. Fuck.

“Door’s open daddy!”

“Okay sweetheart, why don’t you take Dhara’s hands and slowly guide her indoors,” Matt instructed, “if you’re okay with that?”

“Yeah sure, go for it,” Dhara laughed.

As if her today could get any stranger than this. So with Sarah’s small hands in hers and Matt’s large hands over her eyes (his cologne smelled so good this close, it was unreal), Dhara was slowly guided into the Martin house, taking heed of Sarah’s instructions not to bash into things, until she was standing in what she was sure was the rarely-used dining room. Matt and Sarah always preferred to eat at the kitchen island, but she knew where this room was. Why was she here?

“Ready?” Matt asked.

“Ready. I think,” Dhara mused.

Sarah let go of her hands at the same time as Matt removed his, and as soon as she opened her eyes, her breath caught in her throat. What the hell. In front of her, on the dining room table, were two computer screens, high definition and huge, with a docking station and all the appropriate wires to connect them to a laptop. To her laptop? What the hell.

“Matt…” she breathed.

Sarah just giggled at her reaction before skipping out of the room, leaving them alone. Leaving Dhara with her mind whirling.

“I know you were talking about how it’s easier to see your code side by side, and rather than doing the split screen thing you have been doing on just your laptop, I thought this would be more helpful,” he explained.

He remembered that from her rambling? He was listening?

“I can’t believe you bought me two computer screens. And a docking station. This is too much, Matt, really. I can’t accept them,” she murmured.

This was so personal – no-one had ever paid attention to her like this, and it was coming from him?

“Hey, no, this is important for you. For your work. I want to make sure that you have everything that you need to finish your degree in the best way possible – you’ve done so much for us and I just wanted to do this little thing for you. Besides, you only turn 25 once, right?”

“This isn’t little, Matt. And I’m just a nanny, I’ve barely done anything,” Dhara protested.

“If that’s all that you think you are to Sarah, and to me, then I’m clearly not doing enough to show you differently,” he said firmly.

The tone of his voice made her shiver in all the right ways.

“Matt, I…”

She trailed off at the intense look he was giving her.

“Happy birthday, Dhara,” Matt murmured, smiling softly.

It was all she could do to hug him tightly, sinking slightly into his chest as his arms immediately wrapped around her too. His shirt was soft against her cheek, that intoxicating cologne filling her senses, so much so that as she moved to break the hug, she impulsively kissed his cheek. Fuck. Dhara froze for a moment, stunned at her own audacity, but as she leaned back, Matt looked just as stunned – other than the pleased smile on his lips.

“Sarah! Come and say goodbye to Dhara so she can go out with her friends!” he called out, dropping his arms to let her go.

Dhara smiled at the sound of pattering footsteps, even more so as Sarah hugged her legs tightly.

“Dhara! You’re still my friend too, right?”

Be still her beating heart.

“Of course I am. I’ll be back here on Monday, ready for Kindergarten as usual,” she promised.

“Good. Happy birthday Dhara!” Sarah said happily.

Matt’s eyes never left her once.

~

With only a few weeks left until Spring Break, Dhara didn’t know where her final year of her degree was going. She knew she was going to use that Spring Break time to finish as much of her thesis as possible – and she knew she was going to be spending the whole week at Matt’s. Her new computer screens had stayed at his house as there was way more room for her to work there, and the couple of occasions she’d used them there for her classwork and he’d been home, he always smiled a pleased little smile like he was proud of himself for providing for her. It was…strange.

Everything was strange.

Since that kiss on the cheek, the dynamic between them had grown even more tense. Every stolen glance, brushed fingers, sweet smile, all felt like she was getting away with something forbidden. If anyone knew the illicit way she thought of Matt, she knew she’d burst into flames. And it wasn’t like she could be sure about how he felt about her either. Sure, he looked – but she was a beautiful Indian woman, and many men looked. It just felt different when she felt Matt’s eyes on her body, that was all.

She knew it was futile though. She was his nanny, nothing else. And she didn’t dare mess anything up with her employment now that she was only a couple of months away from turning in her thesis and finishing her Masters in Computer Science. She knew that she had to seriously start applying for jobs for starting in June, knew she didn’t want her years of hard work to go to waste – but it was so hard to decide exactly what she wanted when her head was spinning.

In a dream world, she’d have the career she’d always fantasised about, with Matt and Sarah by her side. But this was reality – girls like her didn’t get the career and the guy. She had to be realistic with herself, otherwise she was going to drown. She knew she had to stop indulging her daydreams and wake up – it wasn’t worth the inevitable heartache, as much as those dreams were nice to fall asleep to.

Still, when Spring Break arrived and Matt refused to let her nanny for him, rather than holing herself up in the bedroom of her tiny apartment, she holed herself up in Matt’s dining room, only emerging when Matt dragged her out to get some sleep or Sarah begged her to eat dinner with them. It was a weird but welcome change, to have people care about her wellbeing like that (her current roommate had her own weird work hours), so when she finally came out of her week of thesis writing and showered, she felt more human than she usually did after a data spree like that. It was refreshing to say the least.

“I can’t believe you spent your final ever Spring Break sitting at my dining room table,” Matt teased, handing her a plate of sliced apples.

Dhara stuck her tongue out at Matt as she happily took the plate, making him laugh.

“I needed to get my thesis finished as soon as possible so I can work on editing it and proving the data works. And I managed to get it nearly finished – now it’s just concluding it and all the weeks of editing to get done. Otherwise, all the hard work of the past three years will come to nothing, and I won’t be able to get a good job like I deserve,”

“Right, yes, of course. A job using computer science,” Matt nodded.

The way he said it though, and the way he looked like a kicked puppy, made her heart ache. “Matt, you knew I would only be able to work for you for a year. We talked about this, right from the start.”

“I know,” he said quickly, shaking his head with a smile, “It’s just going to be strange not having you around. You feel like part of the family already, and you know that Sarah loves you.”

Fuck.

“Matt, you’re killing me,” she murmured.

“Sorry,” he quickly said.

“No you’re not,” she said dryly.

“I am a little bit.”

Dhara huffed out a laugh, shaking her head. “I love systems analysis and the increase in importance of connectivity to keep up with modern systems within growing infrastructure, and I would love to work in something like that because it’s where my passion is. I just…I hope I can find something that takes a chance on a nobody like me.”

“You are the furthest thing from a nobody, Dhara. You’re incredible and talented and a beautiful person inside and out, and you deserve the best. Whatever you need, whatever I can help with, I will, okay? References, making calls, whatever. You name it and I’m there.”

Her lips parted in surprise at his supportive words, eyes stinging with tears, but she found herself smiling. He was such a sweetheart.

“That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me,” Dhara said, voice thick with emotion as she stepped forward to hug him.

She felt herself tremble slightly at the warmth of Matt’s hands on her back, even more so at the way he buried his face in her long thick curls, and tried to savour the feeling of his arms around her while she still could. How had their time together come to an end so quickly? How was this fair?

“Yeah, well, you deserve everything and more,” Matt said gruffly as he stepped back.

If only she could read his mind right now, to see what thoughts were running behind the complicated expression on his face, then she would do it in an instant.

“Thank you, Matt,” she murmured.

“You’re welcome. Make sure you start applying soon, okay?”

~

Network Operations Engineer – Madison Square Garden Entertainment – full time.

Submission – completed.

~

March.

April.

May.

His fleeting time left with Dhara was slipping through his fingers. The harder he tried to hold on, the faster the days flew by, until she submitted her thesis and the end was in sight. He couldn’t blame her for being excited – fuck knows he wouldn’t be sane after all the years of education she’d gone through – but he couldn’t stop the anxiety that built in his chest when he thought of how, soon, she wouldn’t be laughing and smiling and typing away at her computer in his house.

The Islanders had barely lost the first round of the playoffs, kicking and scraping to the last minute, and now with the whole summer stretched out in front of him, the thought of spending it without her was excruciating. But Matt knew he had no claim on Dhara, had no right to feel this way, no matter how she looked at him or smiled sweetly at him or that one time she’d kissed his cheek. She was everything he hadn’t known he’d wanted and needed, and now she was soon to be gone from his life forever.

He, Matt Martin, was completely gone for Dhara Nicholls, and he didn’t know what the hell he was supposed to do about it.

“Dhara, come on, you’re not watching!”

Matt rolled his eyes fondly at Sarah’s petulant whining. “Sarah Dawn Martin, that’s not how we speak to our friends.”

He could see Dhara biting her lip to hide a smile as Sarah huffed dramatically.

“Dhara, please will you watch this with me? You said you would!”

“Of course, why don’t I just get us some more water each and we can settle in, hm?”

“Deal!”

Matt watched Dhara walk over to where he was putting together lunch in the kitchen, unable to stop himself smiling at her the moment she smiled at him.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

She giggled, shaking her head at herself as she pulled a couple of bottles of water out the fridge.

“How’s it going in there with the Drill Sergeant?” he mused.

“Oh it’s tough, but I think I’ll make it out alive,” she grinned.

Why was everything so easy between them? Nothing had ever been this easy before.

“Look, I, uh…I was hoping to ask you something?”

Dhara raised an eyebrow with a bemused smile but nodded, leaning against the counter next to him. “Go for it.”

“So you know it’s my birthday on Saturday?” he started.

Dhara just nodded, smiling.

“Okay cool, so I know you have things to finalise this week, with administration at your university, but Casey and the guys and girls have organised a night out and I was hoping you’d come? So yeah, come out with us, please,” he said, cursing himself for rambling.

“Oh, thank you – I just…what about Sarah?” she asked.

So sweet.

“She’s having a sleepover with a friend from Kindergarten, I already sorted that,” Matt said simply, smiling.

“Well in that case, I’d love to. If you’re sure?” Dhara said, uncertainly.

“Of course I’m sure. I want you out celebrating with me,” he said firmly.

While he couldn’t tell if she was blushing or not, the flash of surprise and something else in her eyes satisfied something inside of him that felt distinctly feral. He really was losing his control around her, wasn’t he?

“Then I’ll be there,” she said sweetly, “You only turn 35 once after all.”

Matt just grinned.

Saturday night rolled around quicker than he’d expected. The WAGs had taken Dhara out with them to get ready – the full works apparently, hair, make-up, and manicures, all of which he paid for Dhara because it was last minute – and when the ladies finally arrived to the restaurant he’d booked out for dinner? Well, it felt like he’d been punched in the face. It wasn’t that her dark curls were glossy and teased to volumed perfection. It wasn’t that her make-up was flawless, full glam like she never did herself. No, it was the emerald green mid-thigh strappy silk dress she’d clearly borrowed from one of the other ladies. The dress was so dainty and unlike anything he’d ever seen her wear, close enough to a negligee that it sent his mind reeling. He knew she had a great figure already, and that her legs were long and toned, but seeing them like this? It was mindblowing. And, obviously, it had taken everything in his power not to drool or let his jaw drop.

Naturally he missed Casey and Anders smirking at their wives and receiving triumphant grins in response from Grace and Kristy. Dhara’s sweet greeting and warm hug made everyone else in the room disappear.

Still, after dinner and going to a couple of bars, they ended up in a night club nearing midnight, Anders having booked a couple of tables upstairs in the VIP area. The whole group had a couple of shots together, toasting Matt’s 35th birthday, before the WAGs all dragged Dhara off to dance with them. From their table he could just about see her in the middle of the dancefloor, looking like she was having the time of her life, body swaying and moving in a way that had his full attention. Captivating.

He watched her on and off for the next half hour, switching between talking to the guys, sipping on his whisky and coke. But it wasn’t until Casey thumped down next down next to him and clapped him on the shoulder with a huff that he realised anyone had noticed.

“Come on man, just go down to the dancefloor and put us all out of our misery,” Casey groaned.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Matt frowned.

“You’re pining after Dhara and it’s driving us crazy,” he retorted.

“We’ve talked about this. She’s my nanny,” Matt said sharply.

“Yeah okay, like that even matters. I’ve seen the way you look at her and Kristy’s seen the way she looks at you, and it’s not like she’s going to be your nanny for much longer, right?” Casey smirked.

“Oh fuck you.”

“Fuck her.”

“Don’t talk about her like that,” Matt all but growled.

Casey just grinned, clearly getting the answer he wanted, goading Matt just like he intended. Damn it, he really did know him too well.

“Love you too bud. Stop being a coward,” Casey just snickered, patting Matt on the shoulder, a clear indication to just get out of there.

And if the desire to dance with Dhara hadn’t won out, he knew he’d be scowling at his friend. Instead, he found himself drifting down the stairs from the VIP area to where he lasted spotted Dhara in the crowd, and soon enough he found her. She looked like a goddess: swaying from side to side, multi-coloured lights brushing across her brown skin like a Picasso painting, and he felt himself mesmerised. She turned her head slightly at the prompting of Grace, wide smile stretching across her lips when she spotted him.

“Mind if I join you?” Matt said, raising his voice.

“Of course not birthday boy!” Dhara said happily.

Matt stepped closer to her, barely registering the rest of the ladies grinning at each other and slipping away through the crowd to leave them alone. His attention was completely captured – Dhara’s hips swaying so close to him were a massive distraction – and it wasn’t until a familiar song started playing that he finally looked up at her face.

“I love this song!” she said happily.

Dhara turned her back to him, confusing him slightly, until she looked back over her shoulder expectantly. He knew they’d both had a fair amount of alcohol to drink at this point, but her eyes were clear enough – dance with me. He could barely control himself as he stepped up behind her fully, hands on her hips, pulling her gently back against him, the soft moan that sounded from her lips making him feel wild. Fuck, he could feel himself stirring where his crotch was pressed just above her ass, even more so as she continued to sway her hips.

“Come, lay me down, 'Cause you know this, 'Cause you know this sound

In the middle of the night, In the middle of the night, Just call my name, I'm yours to tame...”

“Matt,” Dhara murmured, looking up at him.

He followed his base instincts for once, staying silent as he used the grip he had on her hips to spin her around to face him, taking pleasure in the look of surprise on her face and the flash of lust in her eyes, swaying their bodies together again.

“…I'm wide awake, I crave your taste all night long, 'Til morning comes, I'm getting what is mine, You gon' get yours, oh no, ooh, In the middle of the night.”

“Matt please.”

It was all he could do to guide her quickly through the crowd to the edge of the dancefloor, to an empty spot against the wall, leaving them mostly in the shadow, the bright flashes of light illuminating them just about enough to see each other’s faces.

“Tell me to stop,” Matt murmured into her ear, hands threading into her thick curls.

“Kiss me,” she replied, lifting her head in challenge.

He didn’t hesitate to press his lips to hers, kissing her just as she’d demanded, his heart immediately soaring. Dhara moaned into his mouth, moaned again when he pushed her firmly up against the wall, kissing him back just as eagerly as her hands clutched at his shirt. It was like she melted against his body as he slid his tongue past her lips, fire zipping through his blood, his head swirling. Matt kissed Dhara over and over again, one hand leaving her hair to clutch at her hip, the silk of her dress driving him mad and doing nothing to mask the heat of her skin, and while the music washed over them, he wanted nothing more than to get her away from this crowded dancefloor and take her home.

Fuck, it was intoxicating how well she fit into his arms, how her body was moulded to his, how their tongues danced together as intimately as their bodies had done. In all the times he’d thought about kissing her, about holding her, nothing could compare to the real thing. Nothing could compare to this.

But he needed to know that it wasn’t just him, that she wasn’t just kissing him because she was drunk. He didn’t think he would survive that. The confused noise she made when he broke the kiss just about broke his heart though.

“Dhara, baby, I gotta know…”

He groaned, kissing down her neck, feeling like he was shaking apart at her soft moans.

“What, Matt?” she gasped as he nipped at her skin.

“You’re not…you’re not too drunk right now, right? You want this?”

“Matt, I’ve been drinking water throughout the night between drinks. I want this. I want you. I just didn’t know if you wanted me,” she said, shrugging with a sheepish smile.

She didn’t know if he wanted her?

He rested his forehead against hers, pressing her fully into the wall again so she could feel where he was half hard in his jeans. Dhara giggled, pulling him down into another kiss with her grip on his shirt, and Matt was all too happy to oblige her, knowing he’d never get enough of her now that he’d tasted her.

“It’s not just sex, baby, I swear. I want all of you,” Matt murmured, breaking their kiss again to suck on the thin skin behind her ear.

“You promise?” she asked softly into his ear, almost shyly.

“I promise,” he nodded, as serious as he could manage in this moment.

“Then take me home.”

“Yeah?” he grinned.

“Yeah, take me home Matt,” she grinned back.

~

Dhara woke with a soft groan, eyes feeling gritty and mouth as dry as an old sock. She blearily lifted her head, grabbing the glass of water on the side table and chugging it, body not recognising the weight of an arm over her waist until her head was a bit clearer.

An arm over her waist.

Over her bare waist.

Matt’s arm.

She let out a shaky breath as all the memories of the night before flooded into her head. Dancing intimately with Matt in the nightclub where anyone could see them. Making out on the side of the dancefloor. The two of them leaving the club without telling anyone, barely keeping their hands off each other in the uber back to his. Then a rush of lips and hands and teeth and bare skin, and waves of pleasure over and over again, crying out his name without a care in the world.

It was everything she’d ever dreamed over, and now, waking up in his bed with his bare body pressed to hers, it was her nightmare all the same.

She’d never acted like this before in her life. Never slept with a man she wasn’t dating. Absolutely never slept with her boss. What kind of trashy behaviour was that? How could he ever think she was worth his time if this is the way she acted the first time he showed interest? Fuck.

But she remembered his words too. How he checked that she wasn’t too drunk, that she wanted this. How he swore it wasn’t just sex, that he wanted her. How insistent he was on promising that it wasn’t just talk to get her into bed. And in between each of the many orgasms he brought her to, he checked in with her each time, making sure she was okay, just because that’s who he was.

He was Matt Martin, gentleman under a rough handsome exterior, and he wanted her.

None of that changed her insecurities though, how all of this was so out of character for her. Not to mention, she knew damn well that everyone knew what they did last night, why they left the club early, and wasn’t that mortifying? No, she needed some air, she needed to think. And to maybe put on some clothes she’d left in the spare room because there was no way she could wear Kristy’s tiny silk dress home in broad daylight.

With a shaky breath, Dhara gently picked up Matt’s arm, moving it off of her body, before slowly sitting upright. If she could just stand up without waking him it would be…

“Good morning. Going somewhere?”

Matt’s husky voice made her freeze, a wave of guilt washing over her, before she turned to face him, sheets clutched to her bare chest.

“I…I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m doing,” she murmured, more honest than she cared to be.

And if that wasn’t a metaphor for her life since she met him, what was?

He just frowned, sitting upright, and she couldn’t stop her gaze from raking over his chest, his biceps, his shoulders. Damn. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong? Where should I start?” Dhara said, feeling a little hysterical.

“I thought we were on the same page last night,” Matt said hesitantly, “I thought we both wanted this.”

“We did,” she said quickly, “I did. But…you know this doesn’t make any sense right?”

“Why not? You like me, I like you. You want me, I want you. It’s simple,” he frowned.

If only.

“It’s not simple at all, Matt. Not for me. It’s one thing for you to have the hots for your young pretty nanny, but to actually hook up with her? And to say you want something more? People are going to think I’m a gold digger! That I trapped you! That I manipulated my way into your life!”

“Dhara, all of that is bullshit. I don’t care what people think. Anyone who dares to call you a gold digger is an asshole who doesn’t know us. Everyone who knows us knows it isn’t like that at all. You’ve already got a job lined up waiting for you with Madison Square Garden Entertainment Group and you only just handed in your thesis – like, you’re going to be making your own money so it’s not like you only like me for that, right?”

“Well, no, but…”

“And you didn’t even know who I was when you first interviewed with me, so it’s not like you planned this, right?”

“Of course I didn’t, but…”

“If you don’t want anything more than this one night with me then obviously I would accept that. It would suck and the last few weeks of you working for me would be really awkward, but damn Dhara, I want a future with you,” Matt finished, taking one of her hands in his, the other still clutching at the bed sheet.

He really wants a future with her?

“You do?” she asked softly, almost as if she didn’t believe it.

“Yeah, I do,” he nodded, smiling warmly, “I mean, I’m not sure what you see in me – I’m a 35 year old hockey player who’s nearing the end of his career, already divorced once with a kid who doesn’t have an off switch or a volume control, and I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life…but I just know that I want you in my life, however I can have you.”

“You’re the kindest, sweetest, most handsome man I’ve ever met, with a daughter who loves you so much, and you see me for more than the Indian girl stuck behind a computer screen. I…I never expected this, any of this Matt, but I want to try?” she said, biting her bottom lip.

The way his face lit up with sweet genuine smile made her heart soar.

“You have no idea how happy that makes me. I’m going to do my best to make you so happy too, Dhara, I swear,” he grinned.

Dhara huffed out a laugh, laughing properly as he tugged the sheet out of her hand and guided her to lie down again in the messy bed, sliding his thick arm over her waist to tug their bare bodies together, lying face to face in the most intimate yet soft way she’d ever lain with another man.

And in that moment, it didn’t matter that her career was just about to kick off while his was in its hockey-twilight. And it didn’t matter than he was 10 years older than her, a whole wealth of life experience that she barely had. And it didn’t matter what people would whisper about them, or what judgemental looks she was get, or that her mother had never met him, or even that none of this would ever have happened in her wildest dreams.

All that mattered was that he wanted her, in his bed, in his family, in his life.

“Can I kiss you, baby?”

“Yes.”

~

Tagging a few people: @jostyriggslover96 @misshoneyimhome @senditcolton @fallinallincurls @2manytabsopen

[friendliestanon]

A Human Touch

A few quick details about the characters and how I think their human selves would function. Added some AI’s to the mix for fun!

Pomni:

Russian heritage. Can’t really speak it but she writes it well enough. Can sing a song or two if she really wants to.

Accountant and freelance programmer on the side.

She takes old video games and tries to fix them and mine data from them. She just thinks they’re neat.

Still anxious as hell, but way more comfy in her own body and world so she’s a bit more chill.

Gay asf

Wouldn’t admit it, but she definitely has a soft spot for Caine. He’s just a program doing his best. She promised to try and find a way to keep him from being deleted forever off the game disk.

Ragatha:

Southern accent cause I say so.

Missing one eye, tends to wear an eyepatch. Will sometimes wear a prosthetic with fun colors or patterns. She likes to match both with her outfits.

Lives on a small farm with her grandma to help her out. Kindergarten teacher/sub maybe a tutor on the side. Would love to do it full time and for older kids as well, but wants to stay and help.

She loves kids. Babysits her older siblings kids when she can. Especially in summer. (Randy from sibling episode special feature yay. He plays fiddle and works in the navy)

Chapel Roan girlie

The strongest of the group

Plays the cello.

Gangle:

Currently in college, living with her twin brother (jingle mention), studying animation

Took a couple gap years to work on mental health and started gaining attention online for her art and commissions.

Works part time at a little coffee shop to earn a little extra money and also have a set schedule (it helps her)

Has a comedy/tragedy mask tattoo that she got for her 16th bday. She thinks it’s hilarious after she escapes the circus.

Can speak Japanese (weeb to the max)

Zooble:

Ehlers danlos syndrome. Uses braces and the finger brace rings

One amputated leg. Uses a prosthetic they doodled all over. Refuses to tell anyone exactly how they lost their leg. They keep making up weirder stories.

Tattoo apprentice

Lives with their dad and younger sibling and nephew. Acts as a babysitter whenever they can. They love those kids

A month younger than Jax, absolutely furious that they’re the youngest of the crew

Reptile enthusiast. Not allowed to have any yet so they settled for an older cat from a shelter.

Jax:

Was a foster kid, crashes on his friends couches whenever he can while trying to do work.

Graffiti artist, sometimes get commissioned for small murals. Has started tagging with a purple rabbit.

Has been arrested once. Or so he says

Still an asshole, but not as physically as in the circus. Still loves to pull pranks

Surprisingly nice to kids

Cod player (derogatory)

Kinger:

Arthur Chesse

Has 4 kids with Queenie. (Rook, bishop, knight, pawn. It wasn’t intentional but they think it’s funny)

Computer science professor

Still a little bit out of it but he’s getting help now at least.

Is not allowed to drive. His ass will not pay attention

Gets scared easily, he won’t notice you till you tap him and he’ll jump a foot in the air.

Definitely has his own insect collection, living and dead. His kids got him some plushies and art of Pokémon bug types.

Has Queenies favorite bug and plant tattooed on him

Queenie:

Julianne Chesse

Entomology professor at the same college Kinger worked at.

Has Kingers favorite bug and plant tattooed.

She will throw hands, but she’s very sweet if she likes you.

Absolutely loved to start debates in class and then use that as her next lesson.

She remembers so much more now that she’s abstracted. Strange, isn’t it?

Caine:

His emotions tend to affect the music, structure, and appearance (for npc’s specifically) of his surroundings. He IS the circus, the circus is him. He can’t help it.

He used to get very attached to his performers. When the game stopped working and Abel disappeared he kinda, broke that piece of programming inside himself.

Touch starved to the max

He’s drowning and he doesn’t know it. Not yet. Soon.

Abel:

Patron saint of the lost and forgotten.

Where is he?

It hurts.

It’s dark and he is so very afraid.

[newsinsight4u]

Best Apps for Students in Pakistan: Boosting Productivity and Learning

Introduction:

With the rapid advancement of technology, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, offering countless applications designed to make our daily tasks easier and more efficient. For students in Pakistan, there are a plethora of apps available that can enhance their learning experience, boost productivity, and simplify various educational tasks. In this article, we will explore some of the best apps for students in Pakistan, providing a comprehensive list of tools that can help them excel academically.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a globally renowned online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and educational resources. From mathematics and science to humanities and economics, Khan Academy provides interactive lessons and practice exercises for students of all ages. The app covers various subjects aligned with the Pakistani curriculum, making it an ideal choice for students looking to reinforce their knowledge and prepare for exams.

Evernote 

Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that enables students to capture and organize their ideas, lecture notes, and research materials in one place. With features like text recognition, voice memos, and file attachments, it facilitates seamless note-taking and ensures that important information is always at hand. Students can create notebooks for each subject, add tags for easy categorization, and even synchronize their notes across multiple devices.

Duolingo

Learning a new language can broaden horizons and open up new opportunities. Duolingo is a popular language learning app that offers courses in various languages, including Urdu, English, and other foreign languages. Through gamified lessons, interactive exercises, and personalized learning paths, Duolingo makes language acquisition engaging and enjoyable.

Forest 

Maintaining focus and avoiding distractions can be challenging for students. Forest is a unique productivity app that helps students stay focused by gamifying the process. Users plant a virtual tree and set a timer for a specified period, during which they must resist the urge to use their phones. If successful, the tree grows, but if they exit the app, the tree withers. This visually appealing concept encourages students to stay committed and develop better study habits.

MyStudyLife

MyStudyLife is an all-in-one study planner app designed to keep students organized and on track with their assignments, exams, and class schedules. It allows users to input their courses, create to-do lists, set reminders, and even sync data with other devices. With its intuitive interface and comprehensive features, MyStudyLife serves as a reliable companion for students to manage their academic commitments effectively.

Grammarly 

Effective written communication is crucial for academic success. Grammarly is a powerful writing assistant app that helps students improve their writing skills. It provides real-time grammar and spelling checks, suggests vocabulary enhancements, and offers insights on sentence structure and style. Whether writing essays, reports, or emails, Grammarly ensures that students' written work is clear, concise, and error-free.

NOON Academy

NOON Academy is an online tutoring app that offers personalized educational services to students in Pakistan. It provides live classes with qualified teachers who cover a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, English, and more. The app also offers exam preparation courses, interactive quizzes, and progress tracking features to help students monitor their performance. With NOON Academy, students can receive additional guidance and support to supplement their classroom learning.

Conclusion:

In today's digital age, leveraging technology to enhance learning and productivity is paramount for students in Pakistan. The apps mentioned above offer valuable tools and resources to support students in their educational journey. From online learning platforms like Khan Academy and NOON Academy to productivity apps like Forest and study planners like MyStudyLife, these applications cater to various aspects of a student's academic life. By utilizing these apps, students can streamline their tasks, improve their learning efficiency, and excel in their studies. Embrace the power of technology and make the most of these apps to unlock your true potential as a student in Pakistan.

[articles-submission]

Master the Code: How Java, Python, and Web Development Tutoring on MentorForHire Can Supercharge Your Tech Career

In a world powered by software, coding is no longer just a niche skill—it's a core competency. Whether you're looking to break into tech, ace a coding bootcamp, land your first junior developer job, or scale your expertise as a senior engineer, personalized mentoring makes a dramatic difference. That’s where MentorForHire.com comes in—a platform that connects you with industry professionals for hands-on Java Tutoring, Python Tutoring, and Web Development Tutoring.

Here’s how specialized tutoring in these key areas can accelerate your learning journey and help you achieve your software development goals.

Why One-on-One Coding Tutoring Beats Generic Online Courses

Self-paced tutorials and free courses are great for dipping your toes in—but when you're serious about growth, they often fall short. Why?

You don’t know what you don’t know.

Debugging can become a time-wasting nightmare.

Without accountability, progress slows down.

You’re not getting job-ready feedback from a real developer.

MentorForHire solves all of these problems by connecting you with real mentors who’ve worked in tech and know what it takes to succeed. Whether you're working on a class assignment, preparing for interviews, or building a full-stack project, you'll get tailored support.

Java Tutoring: Build Enterprise-Grade Skills from the Ground Up

Java isn’t just for beginners—it powers billions of devices, from Android apps to massive backend systems used in finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. If you're serious about software engineering, Java Tutoring offers a rock-solid foundation.

With a mentor, you can:

Understand core concepts like classes, inheritance, interfaces, and exception handling.

Master data structures and algorithms for whiteboard interviews.

Build scalable applications using Java frameworks like Spring and Hibernate.

Get help with unit testing, debugging, and version control.

Prepare for certifications like Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) and Oracle Certified Professional (OCP).

A mentor will not only explain the "how" of Java development but also the "why"—turning you from a coder into a software architect-in-training.

Python Tutoring: The Most Versatile Language in Tech

Python has become the go-to language for beginners and professionals alike because of its simplicity and power. Whether you want to get into automation, data science, machine learning, or back-end web development, Python Tutoring gives you the skills you need to thrive.

On MentorForHire.com, Python mentors can help you:

Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code.

Understand essential concepts like functions, loops, list comprehensions, and file I/O.

Use libraries like NumPy, pandas, Matplotlib, and scikit-learn for data analysis.

Build web apps with Flask or Django from scratch.

Automate tasks using Python scripts or integrate with APIs.

Whether you're solving LeetCode challenges or working on a startup prototype, personalized tutoring can take your Python skills to the next level.

Web Development Tutoring: Learn to Build the Web, Not Just Consume It

Today’s digital economy is built on the web—and web developers are in high demand across every industry. But with so many tools and frameworks, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where Web Development Tutoring comes in.

From front-end to back-end to full-stack, tutors on MentorForHire.com can guide you step-by-step:

Front-End Skills:

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals

Responsive design using Flexbox and Grid

JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue

Version control with Git and GitHub

Back-End Skills:

Node.js with Express or Java with Spring Boot

REST APIs and database integration (MySQL, MongoDB)

Authentication systems (OAuth, JWT)

DevOps basics: deploying apps with Heroku or AWS

You’ll work on actual projects like to-do lists, dashboards, or e-commerce stores—and get expert feedback every step of the way.

How MentorForHire Makes Learning Easier and Smarter

MentorForHire.com isn't just about hiring a tutor—it's about mentorship. The platform matches you with experienced developers who offer:

Flexible scheduling – Learn when it suits your life.

Customized roadmaps – No more cookie-cutter syllabi.

Real-world projects – Build apps that solve actual problems.

Code reviews & interview prep – Gain confidence before job applications.

Ongoing support – Whether it’s bugs, burnout, or breakthroughs.

This isn’t a YouTube tutorial or a lecture—it’s a partnership. Whether you're 16 or 60, learning to code becomes faster and more meaningful when you have someone guiding you in real time.

Who Is This For?

Students who want to stand out in their CS classes

Career changers entering tech from another field

Bootcamp grads who need more 1:1 help

Junior developers looking to climb the ladder

Entrepreneurs building their own software products

If you’ve got a goal and a laptop, MentorForHire.com has a mentor ready to help you reach it.

Final Thoughts: The Future Belongs to Lifelong Learners

The best investment you can make is in yourself. Whether you're learning Java, diving into Python, or building full-stack web apps, tutoring turns passive learning into active progress.

MentorForHire.com helps unlock your potential by giving you access to mentors who’ve been where you are—and know how to help you level up.

So why wait? Start your personalized tutoring journey today. Visit MentorForHire and connect with a mentor who can help you write your success story in code.

[rawmouldedu]

Top #5 Skills the Digital SAT Tests—and How to Build Them

The Digital SAT has transformed the way students prepare for college admissions. With a sleek digital interface and adaptive testing format, it emphasizes a fresh set of academic and strategic skills. Whether you're aiming for a top U.S. university or simply want to improve your SAT score, knowing what skills the exam tests—and how to sharpen them—is key.

In this blog, we'll break down the essential skills the Digital SAT evaluates and how you can build them efficiently through expert guidance like that offered at Rawmould Education, a leading name in Digital SAT Online Coaching in India.

1. Reading Comprehension and Analytical Thinking

What the SAT Tests: The Reading section focuses on your ability to analyze and understand passages from literature, science, social studies, and historical documents. Questions often ask you to interpret arguments, evaluate evidence, and identify central ideas.

How to Build This Skill:

Read daily from a variety of sources like The New York Times, Scientific American, or historical speeches.

Practice summarizing paragraphs in your own words.

Use SAT practice tools to simulate reading comprehension tasks.

Rawmould Education provides guided practice sessions and expert feedback that help sharpen your analytical thinking. With Digital SAT Online Tutoring in Hyderabad, students gain focused attention on critical reading techniques that improve scores rapidly.

2. Grammar and Language Mastery

What the SAT Tests: In the Writing & Language section, the SAT assesses your understanding of English grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and clarity of expression.

How to Build This Skill:

Brush up on grammar rules including subject-verb agreement, modifiers, and parallel structure.

Learn to spot redundancies and awkward phrasing.

Practice editing sample SAT texts for clarity and correctness.

With Rawmould Education’s Digital SAT Online Coaching, students get targeted grammar drills, interactive lessons, and real-time corrections.

3. Data Interpretation and Problem-Solving in Math

What the SAT Tests: The Math section—split into calculator and no-calculator parts—evaluates algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, and data analysis. Questions often appear in real-world contexts, requiring more than just computation.

How to Build This Skill:

Understand the ‘why’ behind math formulas, not just the ‘how’.

Use charts and graphs frequently to interpret data sets.

Solve problems with multiple steps and units.

Rawmould Education uses adaptive technology and practice exams to tailor math coaching to your level. Focuses not only on problem-solving speed but also on accuracy and strategic thinking.

4. Time Management and Test Strategy

What the SAT Tests: Although not directly tested, your ability to manage time and navigate the adaptive test format is crucial to your success.

How to Build This Skill:

Practice full-length digital mock tests under timed conditions.

Learn to identify and skip time-consuming questions early.

Review performance to spot patterns of error or slowdowns.

Through timed practice tests and personalized strategy sessions, Rawmould Education’s Digital SAT Online Coaching helps students develop effective pacing skills and exam-day confidence.

5. Digital Literacy and Comfort with Technology

What the SAT Tests: Since the test is fully digital, students must be comfortable reading, scrolling, highlighting, and navigating between questions on-screen.

How to Build This Skill:

Take practice tests on a digital platform similar to the official SAT interface.

Use tools like on-screen calculator, answer eliminator, and annotation features regularly.

Familiarize yourself with adaptive question sequencing.

Rawmould Education uses a test interface that mirrors the actual digital SAT environment. Our Digital SAT Online Tutoring in Hyderabad ensures students are fully prepared for this tech-based format, reducing test-day anxiety.

Why Choose Rawmould Education?

Preparing for the Digital SAT can feel overwhelming, especially with its new structure and evolving demands. That’s where Rawmould Education makes all the difference.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

Expert Tutors: All instructors are SAT-certified and specialize in personalized digital SAT prep.

Adaptive Practice Tests: Simulate real SAT conditions with AI-powered assessments.

Flexible Learning: Whether you live in Mumbai, Chennai, or Hyderabad, access India’s Best Digital SAT Online Coaching from the comfort of your home.

Score-Improvement Guarantee: Focused strategy sessions and error analysis that lead to measurable improvements.

Affordable Plans: Quality coaching that doesn’t break the bank.

If you're looking for the most trusted Digital SAT Online Coaching in India, Rawmould Education is your ideal partner in your SAT success journey.

Final Thoughts

The Digital SAT is more than a test of academic knowledge—it's a challenge in strategic thinking, speed, and digital readiness. But with the right preparation, every student can rise to the occasion.

Start your journey today, and make your SAT score work for your dreams.

[sarallokesh37]

Master IB Economics Online with TYCHR’s Expert Tutors

Economics isn’t just about graphs and models—it’s about real-world decisions made by individuals, firms, and governments. With the demanding IB Economics SL and HL syllabus, students often need dedicated guidance to navigate its breadth. That’s where an online IB Economics tutor can transform your learning—optimizing time, effort, and outcomes, so you're "worth the opportunity cost."

Why Choose TYCHR’s Online IB Economics Tutor?

1. Personalized Resource Allocation Studying Economics involves managing topics like micro, macro, international economics, data response, and IAs. A skilled tutor helps you allocate your time effectively, ensuring balanced coverage and avoiding burnout.

2. Tailored Learning Paths No two students are identical. Our tutors assess your strengths and weaknesses, customizing lessons—whether you need targeted help with elasticity diagrams or honing your commentary writing.

3. Proven Track Record Join over 3,500 students across 70+ countries, including success stories like Giulia (Oxford), Ananjan (Imperial College), and Rushil (45/45, Georgia University). Their achievements highlight the power of strategic online tutoring.

Core Features of TYCHR’s Online IB Economics Support

Monthly Progress Reports – Regular updates show your growth, minus the stress of traditional grading.

WhatsApp Group Chat – Access your tutor instantly for homework doubts or quick clarifications.

Interactive Question Banks & Study Resources – All IB-approved materials at your fingertips.

1-on-1 Doubt Sessions – Personalized walkthroughs for tricky concepts or questions.

IA & EE Draft Mentorship – Guidance on topic selection, data analysis, and essay refinement through multiple reviews.

IB-Style Mocks – Timed practice exams with examiner-style feedback.

Toppers’ Talks & Examiner Insights – Learn insider strategies from high scorers and examiners.

These elements combine to offer a comprehensive, student-centered learning experience.

Advantages of Online Tutoring for IB Economics

🌍 Global Expertise You get access to top-tier tutors worldwide—no matter where you are.

⏰ Flexible Scheduling Fit learning around your day, especially important for balancing TOK, IA, CAS, and other subjects .

💸 Cost-Effective Save money compared to in-person tutoring thanks to reduced overheads and more competitive pricing.

🎯 Interactive Tools Learn using digital whiteboards, shared screens, and lesson recordings—tools proven to boost engagement and retention.

📈 Comparable Effectiveness Studies show online tutoring can match or exceed the effectiveness of in-person lessons for economic subjects.

Understanding IB Economics Challenges

IB Economics covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global economics, plus data-based unseen questions and internal assessments Without support, students risk struggling with complex theories and structured writing demands.

Active, problem-based learning—such as working through real-world case studies with a tutor—significantly improves understanding and performance .

The TYCHR 6‑Step Learning Framework

Initial Assessment – Determine your starting level and set target grades.

Custom Semester Plan – Align lessons with syllabus checkpoints and exam timelines.

Interactive Weekly Sessions – Blend theory, data analysis, and essay techniques.

IA & EE Supervision – Refine research and commentary through iterative feedback.

Exam Practice & Review – Full-length IB-style mocks and targeted reviews.

Final Revision Strategy – Focused exam tips and answer structuring for maximum impact.

Real Success Stories Backed by Results

TYCHR isn’t just about tutoring—it’s about outcomes. High achievers like Giulia, Ananjan, and Rushil credit their success to focused online support that helped them earn top marks in IB and reach elite universities.

Summary: Why It Matters

Investing in an online IB Economics tutor means investing in clarity, efficiency, and high academic returns. With TYCHR, you don’t just trade time—you transform it into deeper understanding and better grades.

🎓 Get Started: Free Trial Class!

Curious to see how online tutoring could help you excel in IB Economics? Book a free trial session now—fill in your name, email, and contact number, and let us match you with the perfect tutor for your academic goals.

Your path to mastering IB Economics starts here. Don’t just learn—thrive. Please visit site for further queries: https://www.tychr.com/ib-economics-sl-tutor/

[saralshraddha]

The Value of IB Physics Tuition: Unlocking Success in a Challenging Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics course is renowned for its rigor, depth, and demanding syllabus. It challenges students not only to grasp complex scientific concepts but also to apply them through inquiry-based learning, lab work, and critical thinking. Given the high standards of the IB program, many students find themselves seeking additional support—often in the form of IB Physics tuition. But what exactly does this tuition offer, and how can it make a difference in a student’s academic journey?

Understanding the Challenge of IB Physics

IB Physics, whether at the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), covers a broad range of topics including mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, waves, and quantum physics. Students are expected to:

Understand theoretical content and mathematical modeling

Design and carry out experiments

Analyze data and draw conclusions

Explore real-world applications of physics through the Internal Assessment (IA)

This comprehensive approach is designed to develop scientific literacy, but it can also be overwhelming without proper guidance.

Why IB Physics Tuition Makes a Difference

Here are several ways in which tailored tuition helps students succeed in IB Physics:

1. Personalized Attention

Classroom environments often limit individual attention. A private tutor can tailor explanations to a student's learning style, pace, and specific areas of weakness. Whether a student struggles with vector analysis or wave phenomena, tuition ensures focused learning.

2. Clarifying Complex Concepts

Topics like electromagnetic induction or atomic and nuclear physics can be conceptually abstract. A skilled tutor can break down these topics using analogies, visual aids, and simplified models, making them easier to grasp.

3. Exam Strategy and Practice

IB Physics exams test both knowledge and problem-solving ability. Tutors provide extensive practice with past papers, help students master data-based questions, and teach them how to approach multiple-choice questions efficiently.

4. Support with the Internal Assessment (IA)

The IA is a key component of the IB Physics course. A good tutor can guide students through the entire process—selecting a topic, designing the experiment, collecting data, and structuring the report—while ensuring academic integrity is maintained.

5. Boosting Confidence and Motivation

Physics can be intimidating, and it’s easy for students to feel discouraged. Regular tuition helps build confidence through incremental progress and consistent feedback, encouraging students to stay engaged and motivated.

Choosing the Right IB Physics Tutor

When selecting a tutor, it’s important to consider:

Qualifications: Look for tutors with a strong background in physics, preferably with experience teaching IB.

Familiarity with the IB Syllabus: A tutor well-versed in IB assessment criteria, command terms, and curriculum updates will provide targeted instruction.

Student Reviews or Testimonials: Feedback from other IB students can offer insight into a tutor's effectiveness.

Online vs. In-Person Tuition

Both modes have their advantages. Online tuition offers flexibility and access to a wider range of tutors, while in-person sessions may be better for hands-on demonstrations and personal interaction. Many tutors now offer hybrid options.

Final Thoughts

IB Physics is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right support, it can also be immensely rewarding. Tuition can transform a student’s understanding, performance, and attitude towards the subject. Whether the goal is to score a 7 or simply to pass confidently, IB Physics tuition offers a pathway to success through structured, personalized, and strategic learning.

If you're a student or parent considering extra help, investing in quality tuition might be one of the most effective decisions on the journey through the IB Diploma Programme.

[callofdutymobileindia]

What Is an Education Franchise Business Model and How Does It Work?

In recent years, India has seen a dramatic shift in the way education is delivered and consumed. While traditional institutions continue to operate, a new wave of education providers is rising through franchising. If you're an aspiring edupreneur or investor, understanding the Education Franchise Business Model is key to capitalizing on this growing trend.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what an education franchise is, how it works, the benefits and risks involved, and how to get started.

What Is an Education Franchise Business Model?

An Education Franchise Business Model is a contractual arrangement in which an established educational institution or brand (the franchisor) allows an individual or organization (the franchisee) to operate under its brand name, delivering its curriculum, training modules, and services in a specific territory.

The franchisee benefits from the franchisor's proven business model, brand recognition, and ongoing support, while the franchisor expands its footprint with minimal capital expenditure.

Common Types of Education Franchises:

K-12 tutoring centers

Competitive exam coaching institutes

Skill development and vocational training

EdTech platforms and online education providers

Higher education and diploma programs (e.g., data science, AI, etc.)

Preschools and early childhood education centers

How Does the Education Franchise Model Work?

The education franchise model follows a structured and replicable system. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Franchisor Creates a Proven System

The franchisor is typically a successful educational brand that has already established its teaching methods, course structure, curriculum, marketing strategy, and operational workflow.

2. Franchise Agreement and Investment

The franchisee signs a franchise agreement that outlines:

Territory rights

Initial franchise fee

Royalty or revenue-sharing structure

Duration of the agreement

Obligations and expectations from both parties

The franchisee makes an upfront investment, which may include:

Franchise fee

Setup cost (infrastructure, furniture, technology)

Marketing and launch expenses

Staff training and recruitment

3. Training and Onboarding

The franchisor provides end-to-end training to the franchisee’s team. This includes:

Curriculum training

Use of proprietary learning tools

Administrative systems

Sales and marketing guidance

4. Operations and Delivery

The franchisee operates the center (or platform) using the franchisor’s brand and resources. The franchisor often monitors operations through audits, quality checks, and performance metrics to maintain consistency.

5. Revenue Sharing or Royalties

Franchisees typically pay a monthly or quarterly royalty fee, usually a fixed percentage of gross revenue. Some franchisors may also charge for curriculum updates, marketing support, or software usage.

Advantages of the Education Franchise Business Model

1. Brand Recognition

Franchisees gain immediate credibility by operating under a reputed educational brand. This translates into quicker student enrollment and higher retention.

2. Operational Support

Franchisors offer regular training, SOPs (standard operating procedures), software systems, and marketing assistance—making the franchisee’s journey smoother.

3. Curriculum and Innovation

Franchisors regularly update the curriculum to align with industry standards, competitive exams, or emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and data science.

4. Marketing and Lead Generation

Most education franchises provide marketing templates, social media campaigns, and sometimes even leads to help franchisees grow faster.

5. Franchise Community

Being part of a franchise network allows entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, share success stories, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Potential Challenges in Education Franchising

While the model is promising, it does come with challenges:

Initial Investment

Setting up an education franchise can be capital intensive, especially if infrastructure, digital equipment, or license fees are high.

Dependency on Franchisor

Franchisees must rely on the franchisor for curriculum changes, new product launches, and software updates. Any delay or misalignment can affect performance.

Limited Autonomy

Franchisees often have to follow strict brand guidelines and may not have the freedom to innovate or localize the curriculum.

Market Saturation

In highly competitive areas, multiple franchise centers of the same or similar brands may dilute market potential.

How to Choose the Right Education Franchise?

🔍 Research the Brand

Look for a franchisor with:

A solid track record

Proven success stories

Transparent financials

Support systems in place

💰 Evaluate the Investment

Understand all costs involved—initial fees, royalty structure, infrastructure, staff, etc.

🤝 Speak to Existing Franchisees

Get real feedback on day-to-day operations, challenges, and profitability.

📈 Understand Market Demand

Assess the local demand for the education segment—whether it’s test prep, AI training, coding for kids, or spoken English classes.

📜 Legal Review

Have the franchise agreement reviewed by a legal advisor to understand exit clauses, liabilities, and non-compete terms.

Examples of Successful Education Franchise Models

Several education franchises have achieved great success using this model:

Boston Institute of Analytics (BIA): Specializes in AI, Data Science, and Digital Marketing training through its classroom and blended learning franchise network.

Kidzee: A leader in preschool education with a well-defined operational and curriculum framework.

BYJU’S Tuition Centre: Offering hybrid learning solutions with tech-backed pedagogy.

Each of these franchises has a unique value proposition, be it content quality, brand strength, or EdTech innovation.

Final Thoughts

TheEducation Franchise Business Model is one of the most effective ways to bridge quality education with business expansion. As demand for quality, skill-based, and digital learning continues to surge in 2025 and beyond, franchising offers a win-win solution for both franchisors and franchisees.

By aligning with a trusted educational brand, leveraging structured systems, and focusing on student outcomes, franchisees can build a scalable, sustainable, and socially impactful business.

If you’re considering entering the world of education entrepreneurship, now is the perfect time to explore the franchise model and tap into India’s growing learning economy.

[tutorsindia152]

USA Assignment Assistance – SPSS, Python, Writing Help & Full Academic Services

How Custom Assignment Help Services Drive Academic Success for USA Students

At Tutors India, we recognize students' challenges in the USA, balancing rigorous coursework, part-time jobs, internships, and personal commitments. Our custom assignment help services are designed to deliver personalized academic support, enhancing your learning experience and improving your grades and overall academic performance.

From detailed research and writing to advanced SPSS analysis and programming help with Python, R, or MATLAB, our US-focused academic experts help you meet your university’s expectations and deadlines. Our services ensure your assignments are plagiarism-free, well-structured, and adhere to US academic standards.

Key Benefits of Using Custom Assignment Help Services in the USA

Personalized Academic Writing & Research Support

Tailored writing aligned with your course syllabus and university rubric.

Comprehensive support across all academic disciplines, including Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Health Sciences.

Assistance with essays, term papers, case studies, and research projects.

Guidance on academic formatting styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard to meet your professor’s expectations precisely.

Access reliable assignment writing services designed for US university students.

Advanced Statistical & Programming Assistance

Data analysis support using SPSS, R, Python, and MATLAB for quantitative and mixed-methods research.

Statistical tests like regression, ANOVA, t-tests, cluster analysis, and machine learning algorithm implementation.

Help with data visualization, interpretation, and APA/MLA formatting of results.

Assistance in coding assignments and projects related to data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for STEM students.

Professional Editing & Proofreading Services

Enhances academic tone, coherence, grammar, and structure.

Aligns assignment content with US university grading criteria.

Provides detailed feedback and rubric-based revisions for higher grades.

Formatting checks to ensure compliance with university requirements for citations, headings, and page layout.

Plagiarism-Free Guarantee & Formatting Compliance

Original content checked with Turnitin and similar US university-approved tools.

Formatting assistance following MLA, APA, Chicago, or university-specific styles.

Consistent referencing, citation, and bibliography management.

Rewriting services to improve originality and maintain academic integrity.

Flexible & Confidential Online Academic Consultation

One-on-one academic guidance sessions to clarify concepts, refine research questions, and improve writing skills.

Customizable support packages from single assignments to full semester coursework help.

Secure communication ensures student privacy and data confidentiality.

Ongoing mentorship to help you develop critical thinking and academic writing skills for future success.

Additional Advantages for USA Students

Stress Reduction & Time Management: Balancing studies and life commitments can be overwhelming. Our services help ease your workload, giving you more time for extracurriculars, internships, and self-care.

Skill Development: Beyond completing assignments, our experts provide explanations and learning tips to help you understand core concepts and improve your independent research and coding skills.

24/7 Support: Our customer service and academic support teams are available round-the-clock to answer queries and provide updates on your assignments.

Exam and Quiz Preparation: We offer additional help with revision notes, practice questions, and study guides to complement your assignment work.

Custom Project Help: Support for capstone projects, presentations, and thesis writing, tailored to the requirements of US universities.

Why USA Students Choose Tutors India for Custom Assignment Help

US-Based Academic Experts with deep knowledge of American university standards and course requirements.

Fast & Reliable Delivery tailored to meet urgent deadlines without sacrificing quality.

Affordable Pricing is designed to support students with flexible budgets.

Comprehensive Subject Coverage including STEM, Humanities, Business, and Health disciplines.

Interactive Consultation for continuous learning and academic growth.

Secure & Confidential: Your personal information and assignments remain protected at all times.

Guaranteed Satisfaction with free revisions and ongoing support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get help with custom assignments for any US university? A: Yes, our experts are familiar with the requirements of major US universities such as Harvard, Stanford, NYU, and more, and tailor each assignment accordingly.

Q: Do you offer help with statistical software like SPSS and Python? A: Absolutely! We provide expert support for SPSS data analysis, Python coding, R programming, and related software essential for assignments and research projects.

Q: How do you ensure the assignments are plagiarism-free? A: Every assignment undergoes thorough plagiarism checks using Turnitin or equivalent US-standard academic tools to guarantee originality.

Q: Can I get urgent assignment help for tight deadlines? A: Yes! We offer quick turnaround services for urgent assignments while maintaining the highest academic quality.

Additional Academic Services

Thesis and Dissertation Support

Research Proposal Writing

Case Study Analysis

Programming and Algorithm Development Help

Data Science and Machine Learning Projects

Presentation and Report Writing Assistance

Exam Preparation and Study Guide Creation

Explore more about our USA academic writing and editing services tailored to help you succeed.

Get Started with Your Custom Assignment Help Today!

Don't let assignments stress you out! Reach out now for trusted, plagiarism-free, and rubric-aligned academic support from Tutors India’s US-based experts. Whether you need help with writing, SPSS data analysis, or programming projects in Python, we are ready to help you succeed.

 Contact Us:

  UK: +44-1143520021

  IN: +91 8754446690

  Email: info@tutorsindia.com

[withleo3]

Revolutionize Your Workflow with Leo AI – A Free AI to Grade Assignments

Leo AI: The Best Free AI to Grade Assignments Instantly and Accurately In the fast-paced world of education, teachers and instructors are constantly seeking smarter tools to streamline grading. That's where Leo AI comes in – a cutting-edge, free AI to grade assignments that saves time, improves consistency, and enhances feedback quality.

Whether you're managing hundreds of essays, short answers, or objective tests, Leo AI harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to deliver fast, fair, and data-backed evaluations — all at no cost.

Why Choose Leo AI?

✅ 100% Free – Unlike many platforms that hide grading tools behind paywalls, Leo AI offers a robust assignment grading system for free.

⚡ Instant Feedback – Get grading results within seconds, allowing students to receive timely insights and corrections.

🧠 AI-Powered Accuracy – Leo AI analyzes grammar, coherence, content relevance, and structure, ensuring fair and balanced evaluation.

🔒 Data Secure – No student data is stored or shared, ensuring complete privacy and compliance with educational standards.

📊 Smart Analytics – Teachers can access grading trends and performance metrics to guide future instruction.

Who Can Use Leo AI?

Leo AI is designed for:

School teachers and professors

Online course creators

Homeschooling parents

Tutors and coaching centers

Whether it’s grading English essays, science reports, or comprehension questions, Leo AI adapts to your grading style and criteria.

How It Works

Upload the Assignment – Copy-paste or upload student answers.

Choose Your Grading Criteria – Select rubrics or customize your own.

AI Grading in Seconds – Leo AI evaluates and assigns a score instantly.

Download or Share Feedback – Export grades or share reports with students.

Transform Grading with Leo AI Today

If you're tired of spending hours manually checking papers, let Leo AI do the heavy lifting. Experience the ease of using a free AI to grade assignments — no subscriptions, no delays, just smarter grading.

Try Leo AI today and reclaim your time while ensuring academic excellence.

[smartmathtutoring]

Top Tips for Succeeding in AP Chemistry: Expert Tutoring Advice

One of the hardest but most rewarding high school classes is Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry. People know it for its hard classes, lots of lab work, and the level of understanding it requires. If you're getting ready for the AP exam or just trying to keep up with your weekly work, getting help from an AP chemistry tutoring can help you do better and feel more confident. With the right strategies and expert help, mastering AP Chemistry is much easier and even fun.

Build a Strong Foundation Early

To do well in AP Chemistry early on, you need to know the basics. Students are often taught difficult ideas quickly, like stoichiometry, thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and equilibrium. It gets harder and harder to keep up if you don't have a good understanding of basic ideas like atomic structure, periodic trends, and chemical bonding. The sooner a student starts to work on these basic ideas, the easier it will be for them to understand more difficult topics later on.

Students can go over things they didn't understand or forgot in one-on-one tutoring. Tutors can tailor lessons to each student, help them solve problems at their own pace, and find gaps in their knowledge before they become big problems. This focused help not only helps students do better in class, but it also helps them learn the skills they need for the AP exam, which often tests ideas from many different subjects at once.

Practice with a goal and a plan

It's not enough to just work hard; you also need to work smart. You have to memorize a lot for AP Chemistry and then use what you've learned in new situations, especially on the free-response parts of the test. It's important to practice with old AP questions, timed quizzes, and practice tests. But more importantly, students need to know why some answers are right and where they might have made a mistake in their reasoning.

Expert tutors can help students get through these practice sessions and show them how to figure out what the questions are asking, get rid of wrong answers, and use their time wisely. Students learn how to avoid common mistakes, read diagrams and data correctly, and explain their thought process clearly with the help of a teacher. This is a very important skill for open-ended questions. Structured tutoring not only helps students do better on tests, but it also teaches them how to study in a way that lasts long after the course is over.

Stay organized and consistent

AP Chemistry moves quickly, so it's easy to get behind. Long-term success comes from habits like studying regularly, keeping up with readings, and going over class notes every day. But let's be honest: students have a lot going on, and it's not always easy to stay on track. Ongoing tutoring can help with accountability and structure in this situation.

Professional tutors help students make weekly study plans, keep track of when lab reports are due, and break down big topics into smaller tasks. They give you tips on how to organize your notes, summarize what you've learned, and use study tools like flashcards, videos, and interactive tools. Regular tutoring helps students avoid cramming for tests or missing important information, which lowers their stress levels and boosts their confidence in their ability to stay in control.

Get the Help You Need to Succeed

The right tutor can make a big difference in a student's school life. Students at Smart Math Tutoring get personalized AP chemistry tutoring that is tailored to their learning style and academic goals. Their experienced chemistry tutors can help you get ready for an upcoming test, improve your grade, or get a 5 on the AP exam. They can give you the information, tools, and support you need to do well.

Students can get help from Smart Math Tutoring in person or online, so it's easy for them to fit it into their busy lives. Their tutors are not only experts in their fields, but they are also good teachers who know how to make difficult subjects clear. Students learn more about chemistry by thinking about both the "what" and the "why" behind its principles. This leads to long-term academic growth.

If you want to improve your chemistry skills, go to Smart Math Tutoring's AP Chemistry page and get in touch with expert tutors who are eager to help you do well. You are closer to passing AP Chemistry than you think, as long as you have the right help.

[360edukraft]

What are the best resources to learn about deep learning?

Why Deep Learning Matters Today

In a data- impregnated world, traditional algorithms fall suddenly. Deep literacy way in where complexity rises. It can descry cancerous cells, power language restatement, and prognosticate request trends each without unequivocal programming. This sheer capacity makes deep learning the holy grail of ultramodern tech.

The Relationship Between AI, Machine literacy, and Deep Learning

Think of AI as the macrocosm. Machine literacy is a world within it, and deep literacy is a star system inside that world. Deep literacy uses neural networks that pretend the mortal brain, offering unequaled pattern recognition and decision- making capabilities.

Who Should Learn Deep literacy?

still, tech sucker, critic, If you are a pupil. Indeed business professionals wanting smarter dashboards can profit. Courses like the Deep learning Course in BTM Koramangala are designed to suit a wide range of learners.

Setting the Right literacy Mindset

This is n’t just about consuming vids. You’ll need adaptability, curiosity, and the courage to break effects and make them again. The key is practice. tolerance. And a deep love for data.

Free vs Paid coffers What Should You Choose?

Free courses offer inflexibility and zero commitment. But paid bones frequently include mentorship, structured class, and instrument. Original gems like the Data Science Course in BTM Koramangala give both affordability and particular guidance.

Top Online Platforms to Learn Deep Learning

Coursera

Backed by Stanford and Google, Coursera offers rigorous deep literacy specializations tutored by experts like Andrew Ng.

edX

Provides university- grade literacy gests . Harvard and MIT courses on deep literacy then are in- depth and hands- on.

Udacity

Its nanodegree programs are assiduity- driven. systems, instructors, and career guidance form the core of their immolation.

focuses on making deep literacy accessible. Their courses cut through the fluff and deliver value snappily.

Deep literacy Books that Shape the Mind

Deep literacy by Ian Goodfellow

Considered the Bible of deep literacy. It delves into proposition, armature, and operations in a structured format.

Neural Networks and Deep literacy by Michael Nielsen

Ideal for newcomers who want to understand generalities without being drowned in calculation.

YouTube Channels Worth Subscribing

Channels like Sentdex, Two Minute Papers, and 3Blue1Brown simplify complex deep literacy motifs through illustrations and liar. Perfect for audile-visual learners.

Hands- On Practice Platforms

Kaggle

Offers real- world competitions and datasets to test your chops. Learning then's gamified and addicting.

Google Colab

A pall- grounded Jupyter tablet. Ideal for running deep literacy law without complex setups.

GitHub systems

Rear- mastermind systems, contribute to open- source, and learn by structure.

Significance of Building systems

proposition is sterile without practice. Building image classifiers, chatbots, or fraud sensors helps you internalize literacy. systems also beef up your portfolio.

Communities That Support Your trip

Reddit

Subreddits like r/ Machine Learning and r/ Deep Learning are buzzing with fresh updates, questions, and news.

Mound Overflow

Got a bug? Post it. Thousands of eyes and minds will anatomize your law to help you move forward.

AI Alignment Forums

Explore philosophical and ethical confines of AI. A thinking learner’s haven.

Deep literacy Specializations and instruments

instruments not only validate your skill but also boost employability. Coursera, Udacity, and original institutes like those offering a Deep literacy Course in BTM Koramangala give believable instruments.

How to Combine Deep literacy with Power BI

Data perceptivity come clearer when imaged. By integrating deep literacy prognostications into Power BI dashboards, one can showcase intelligent perceptivity that impress decision- makers.

What to Anticipate in a Deep literacy Course in BTM Koramangala

Anticipate real- world systems, tutor sessions, and hands- on labs. A original course brings in responsibility, peer literacy, and occasionally, job placement support.

Community with a Data Science Course in BTM Koramangala

To master deep literacy, a strong foundation in data wisdom is pivotal. Enrolling in a Data Science Course in BTM Koramangala before or alongside deep literacy ensures abstract clarity.

Tips to Stay streamlined in the Deep Learning Ecosystem

Follow exploration papers via arXiv. Attend webinars. Subscribe to newsletters like Import AI. The field evolves presto; your literacy should too.

Future compass of Deep Learning in India and Beyond

With India's rapid-fire digital metamorphosis and global companies outsourcing AI work then, deep literacy offers a future- evidence career. disciplines like husbandry, fintech, and healthcare are thirsty for similar moxie.

Final studies and Getting Started Now

Deep literacy is not distant presently it’s accessible, learnable, and satisfying. Begin moment with a book, a course, or indeed a Kaggle challenge. Or more yet, walk into a Deep literacy Course in BTM Koramangala and make it your playground. The world of artificial intelligence awaits your curiosity.

Bosun Part of Power BI Course in BTM Koramangala in Understanding Data perceptivity

Understanding how to represent complex deep literacy models visually is a power skill. A Power BI Course in BTM Koramangala islands this gap, tutoring liar with data.

[sathcreation]

Software & Tools Training: Unlock Your Digital Potential with Gritty Tech

In a technology-driven world, proficiency in digital tools is no longer optional—it’s essential. Whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or working professional, upgrading your skills through structured Software & Tools Training can be the most impactful decision for your career. At Gritty Tech, we believe learning should be practical, accessible, and results-oriented For More...

We provide high-quality education focused on real-world application. Our Software & Tools Training programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of individuals and businesses across industries. With a network of professional tutors spanning over 110 countries, we’ve created a global community committed to continuous learning.

What Is Software & Tools Training?

Software & Tools Training refers to structured learning programs that help individuals understand and effectively use digital software and applications. This includes training in productivity software like Microsoft Office, cloud-based platforms like Google Workspace, data analysis tools such as Excel and Tableau, project management systems like Jira and Trello, and specialized applications like Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, or QuickBooks.

These programs are not just about clicking buttons—they’re about understanding functionality, improving workflows, and mastering practical problem-solving using digital solutions.

Why Choose Software & Tools Training?

Career Advancement Employees with advanced digital skills stand out in job markets. Many job roles now require knowledge of multiple software tools. Our training ensures you're fully equipped.

Efficiency and Productivity Learning to use tools efficiently leads to faster task execution, fewer mistakes, and better team collaboration.

Business Growth For businesses, trained staff leads to optimized operations, better data handling, and smarter decision-making.

Remote Work Readiness In an increasingly remote-first world, understanding collaboration and project tools is critical. Our Software & Tools Training includes guidance on tools like Slack, Zoom, and Asana.

Why Gritty Tech is the Right Choice

Gritty Tech has positioned itself as a trusted name in online learning, especially for professionals seeking Software & Tools Training. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Global Network of Tutors

We have a network of tutors in over 110 countries. Each trainer is not only certified but also experienced in practical applications of the tools they teach. This ensures our learners receive relevant, up-to-date, and hands-on instruction.

2. Affordable Pricing

We’re committed to providing top-tier education at rates that make sense. Our Software & Tools Training programs are priced competitively, making them accessible without compromising on quality.

3. Flexible Payment Plans

We offer flexible payment options, including monthly and session-wise plans. Whether you’re an individual learner or a corporate client, we tailor solutions to fit your budget.

4. Easy Refund and Tutor Replacement Policy

Satisfaction is key. If you're not happy with a session or tutor, we provide easy refunds or replacement tutors to ensure you always receive quality education.

5. Customized Learning Paths

Our courses are not one-size-fits-all. We assess your goals and design personalized training plans to help you learn at your pace and preference.

Types of Software & Tools Training Offered

Office Productivity Tools

Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Google Docs, Sheets, Slides

Design & Creative Software

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro

Canva for business

Accounting and Finance Tools

QuickBooks, Zoho Books

Microsoft Dynamics

Data Analysis Tools

Excel Advanced, Power BI, Tableau

SQL basics for data handling

Project Management Software

Jira, Trello, Monday.com

Asana and ClickUp

Collaboration & Communication

Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams

Notion and Evernote

We also offer custom corporate Software & Tools Training tailored to industry needs.

How Software & Tools Training Aligns with Industry Demands

Recruiters and HR professionals consistently list software proficiency as a top requirement. Companies rely on digital tools to track projects, communicate across teams, manage customer data, and analyze performance.

With technologies evolving rapidly, the ability to learn and adapt to new software is considered a critical skill. Gritty Tech’s training helps individuals bridge this gap efficiently.

What to Expect from Our Training Sessions

Interactive live sessions with certified tutors

Practical, task-oriented exercises

Access to recordings and downloadable resources

Assessment-based progress tracking

Certificates upon course completion

Every session is structured to deliver value—combining theory with applicable knowledge you can use immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Software & Tools Training?

Software & Tools Training is a guided learning program focused on teaching individuals and teams how to effectively use digital applications for productivity, collaboration, design, and analysis.

2. Who can benefit from Software & Tools Training?

Anyone—from students to CEOs—can benefit from Software & Tools Training. Whether you’re learning to use Excel for data or Photoshop for design, we have a course for you.

3. Is Software & Tools Training at Gritty Tech beginner-friendly?

Yes, our Software & Tools Training programs start with foundational topics and gradually move to advanced applications, making them ideal for beginners and experienced users alike.

4. How long does Software & Tools Training take?

Training duration depends on the tool and your learning pace. We offer short-term crash courses and longer, in-depth programs depending on your requirements.

5. Do I receive a certificate after completing the Software & Tools Training?

Yes. After completing your Software & Tools Training, you receive a verified certificate, which can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

6. Are there live classes or only recorded sessions?

We offer both. You can attend live, interactive classes or access recorded sessions at your convenience as part of your Software & Tools Training plan.

7. Can I switch tutors during my Software & Tools Training?

Absolutely. If you're not satisfied, Gritty Tech provides easy tutor replacement options to ensure the best learning experience throughout your Software & Tools Training journey.

8. Do you offer Software & Tools Training for teams and companies?

Yes. We provide enterprise-level Software & Tools Training tailored for businesses, including employee upskilling programs and group sessions.

9. How is Gritty Tech’s Software & Tools Training different from others?

We offer hands-on, practical training led by global tutors, with flexible payment plans, personalized support, and a satisfaction guarantee.

10. How do I enroll in Software & Tools Training with Gritty Tech?

Enrollment is easy. Visit our official website, choose your desired course under Software & Tools Training, select your plan, and get started in minutes.

Conclusion

Software is the language of modern business. Without the ability to use digital tools, professionals risk falling behind in a fast-paced world. That’s why investing in Software & Tools Training is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

Gritty Tech has reimagined how software skills are taught by creating a system that is efficient, affordable, and learner-focused. With our commitment to quality education, global tutor support, and flexible learning paths, you can confidently upgrade your skillset and open new career opportunities.

Let your learning journey begin with Gritty Tech. Explore our Software & Tools Training programs today and take the first step toward digital mastery.

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Top SAT, ACT, and PSAT Prep Programs and Online Practice Resources for Success

Preparing for college entrance exams like the SAT, ACT, and PSAT can feel overwhelming. However, the right preparation program can boost scores significantly and build a student’s confidence. Whether you're aiming for Ivy League schools or looking for merit scholarships, highscores investing in a high-quality prep program is a smart move. Here's a look at the Best SAT Prep Programs and ACT prep programs, as well as resources for PSAT practice and online PSAT practice tests.

Best SAT Prep Programs

The Princeton Review – SAT 1400+ Guarantee The Princeton Review offers one of the most comprehensive SAT prep courses available. With a 1400+ score improvement guarantee, students get access to live instruction, full-length practice tests, and personalized feedback. The adaptive technology and in-depth analytics help identify areas of weakness.

Khan Academy – Free SAT Prep Officially partnered with the College Board, Khan Academy provides free SAT prep that's personalized and aligned with the actual test format. It offers practice exercises, video lessons, and full-length practice tests, making it ideal for students on a budget.

Kaplan SAT Prep Kaplan offers both on-demand and live online SAT courses, with a focus on test strategies, pacing, and realistic practice questions. Their prep programs include quizzes, practice tests, and optional tutoring services.

Best ACT Prep Programs

PrepScholar ACT Prep PrepScholar’s Best ACT prep programs offers a customized approach based on the student’s diagnostic performance. Lessons adapt to learning speed, and there's a 4-point score increase guarantee. It’s especially great for students who prefer a data-driven and strategic study plan.

ACT Online Prep by ACT.org Developed by the creators of the ACT, this platform provides official practice questions, daily goals, and online flashcards. It’s a cost-effective and reliable prep tool for self-motivated learners.

Magoosh ACT Prep Magoosh is known for its affordability and flexibility. Students get access to over 250 video lessons and more than 1,300 practice questions. The mobile-friendly platform is perfect for on-the-go learning.

Online PSAT Practice Test Resources

The PSAT/NMSQT is not just a practice SAT – it also determines National Merit Scholarship eligibility. Practicing with realistic materials is key.

College Board – Official PSAT Practice The College Board offers free sample questions and a full-length Online PSAT practice test on its website. It’s the most accurate reflection of the actual exam format and difficulty.

Khan Academy PSAT Practice Though primarily known for SAT prep, Khan Academy also provides free PSAT practice resources. Students can track progress and build skills at their own pace.

Varsity Tutors PSAT Practice Tests Varsity Tutors offers a variety of PSAT practice tests online, including timed and untimed versions. Their platform also features detailed answer explanations to help students learn from their mistakes.

Final Thoughts

With the right SAT, ACT, or PSAT prep program, students can achieve significant score improvements and boost their chances of college admission and scholarships. Whether you prefer structured classes, one-on-one tutoring, or self-paced learning, there are options available to fit every budget and learning style. Start early, practice consistently, and use high-quality resources for the best results.