The alarm rang at exactly 6:00 a.m.
Sai groaned softly and pulled the blanket over her face for a second before reality hit her.
Today was the day.
Her first day of college.
She sat up slowly, her heart beating faster than usual. The hostel room was small but neat — two beds, a shared cupboard, a study table near the window. Sunlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting a warm golden glow across the room.
Her roommate hadn't arrived yet. That made everything feel even quieter.
Sai picked up her phone and saw a message from her mother.
"All the best, beta. Remember who you are. We are proud of you."
Her throat tightened.
She wasn't just starting college. She was carrying her parents' dreams with her.
After getting ready in her simple pastel kurti and neatly tying her hair into a low ponytail, she stood in front of the mirror.
"You can do this," she whispered to herself.
The Campus
The college campus was bigger than she had imagined.
Tall buildings, green lawns, students walking confidently with headphones on, some laughing loudly in groups, some taking selfies near the "Welcome Freshers" banner.
Sai adjusted the strap of her bag nervously.
Everyone looked like they already belonged here.
She didn't.
She checked her phone again. Room 204.
"Second floor," she murmured.
As she hurried through the corridor, trying to read classroom numbers while walking, she collided into someone.
Her books slipped from her hands and fell to the floor with a loud thud.
"Can't you see where you're going?" an irritated voice said.
Sai immediately bent down. "I'm so sorry, I—"
She looked up.
The boy standing in front of her looked calm but clearly annoyed. He wore a crisp white shirt with sleeves folded perfectly, black jeans, and a watch that looked expensive. His expression was serious, almost intimidating.
"I was just trying to find my class," she explained softly.
He picked up one of her notebooks and handed it to her.
"Room 204 is upstairs. Try looking up instead of at your phone," he said bluntly.
Her embarrassment quickly turned into irritation.
"You bumped into me too," she replied quietly but firmly.
For a brief second, his eyes changed. Not anger — surprise.
Most people probably didn't talk back to him.
He studied her face for a moment, then stepped aside.
"Welcome to college," he said dryly before walking away.
Sai stood frozen.
Who was he?
And why did he act like he owned the place?
Inside Room 204
The classroom buzzed with excitement.
Sai slipped into the last bench, hoping not to attract attention.
"Hey! New here?" a cheerful voice came from beside her.
She turned to see a boy with messy hair, bright eyes, and a wide grin.
"Yes," she replied, smiling politely.
"I'm Neel. Professional time-waster and part-time student."
She laughed despite herself. "I'm Sai."
"First year Computer Science?"
She nodded.
"Relax," Neel said dramatically. "The first rule of survival here — never sit in the front bench unless you enjoy suffering."
Sai giggled.
Within minutes, her nervousness reduced by half.
Then the classroom door opened again.
And everything went quiet.
A girl walked in confidently, her heels clicking against the floor. Long straight hair, flawless makeup, stylish outfit — she looked like she had walked out of a fashion magazine.
She didn't smile. Didn't look around. Just took the front seat near the window.
Neel leaned closer.
"That's Kiara Malhotra. Rich. Influencer. Probably has more followers than this college has students."
Sai smiled slightly.
Kiara looked perfect.
Too perfect.
Introductions
The professor entered and adjusted his glasses.
"Welcome, students. Before we begin, let's introduce ourselves."
One by one, students stood up.
Some confidently spoke about their achievements. Some nervously mumbled.
Sai's heart pounded as her turn approached.
She stood up slowly.
"Hi… I'm Sai Patil. I'm from a small village near Nashik. I want to become a software engineer."
Her voice trembled slightly, but she maintained eye contact.
A few students smiled politely.
She sat down quickly.
Then—
"I'm Aarav Deshmukh."
Her body stiffened.
It was him.
The corridor boy.
He stood straight, hands casually in his pockets.
"State topper. Interested in Artificial Intelligence and research. I prefer working alone."
There was quiet admiration across the room.
Of course he's a topper, she thought.
As he sat down, his gaze unintentionally met hers.
This time, there was no irritation.
Only curiosity.
The First Assignment
"Since it's your first day, I'll make it interesting," the professor said. "You'll work in pairs for your first project."
The class buzzed again.
Sai immediately looked at Neel.
Please let it be Neel.
The professor started calling out names.
"Neel Verma — Kiara Malhotra."
Neel looked shocked. "Oh wow. Destiny."
Sai tried not to laugh.
Then—
"Sai Patil — Aarav Deshmukh."
The room suddenly felt warmer.
She slowly turned her head.
Aarav didn't look surprised.
He looked… thoughtful.
Great.
The boy who already found her annoying.
After Class
As students began leaving, Sai packed her bag quietly.
A shadow fell over her desk.
She looked up.
Aarav.
"We should divide the work early," he said directly. "I don't like delays."
She blinked.
"I don't like them either," she replied.
He seemed mildly impressed.
"Library. 4 p.m."
It wasn't a question.
"Okay," she said.
He nodded once and walked away.
Neel rushed to her.
"You and Mr. Topper? That's intense."
Sai sighed.
"Does he always talk like that?"
Neel laughed. "You'll get used to it. Or maybe… you'll change him."
Sai rolled her eyes.
As if.
Evening Thoughts
Back in her hostel room, Sai sat near the window watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink.
Her first day had been overwhelming.
A confident city girl.
A funny new friend.
And a serious, mysterious topper.
She hugged her pillow tightly.
Maybe college wasn't about fitting in.
Maybe it was about discovering who you were meant to become.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
"Aarav here. 4 p.m. Don't be late."
She stared at the message.
No greeting. No emoji.
She shook her head, smiling faintly.
This was just the first day.
And already, her life felt different.
What she didn't know was—
This partnership wouldn't just test her skills.
It would test her heart.
And somewhere between coding sessions, arguments, and silent stares…
Something unexpected was about to begin.
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