Unrequited

Chapter 1

Mumbai, India

My eyes fluttered open and took in the gentle, warm sunlight which was streaming in through the window. I stretched my hands above my head and twisted my body into an unattractive coil, trying to shake off the stiffness of slumber. I put my feet down and as soon as they touched the freezing floor they involuntarily jerked upwards.

Somehow, I shuffled to the bathroom and brushed my teeth. In the mirror, I saw a face which looked hungover. With deep but light brown eyes, and an unruly mane of brown hair, I looked like a sleep- deprived maniac. But then I suddenly felt my heart thud lightly in my chest, reminding me of the big day.

Hi, I am Kiara Mehta. Standing up to my name, I am ever so slightly dusky and dark- haired. 5'3, and reasonably slim. Not unhealthy but FIT- slim. I'm only 21, which is why I still live with my parents. Which reminds me, today is the first day of my college. Pursuing psotgraduate in English and I plan to become a content writer.

Enough of intro! Let's continue!!

After a quick shower, I got dressed in an olive- coloured sweatshirt and distressed jeans. I did my shoulder length hair in pony tail. Since they're as straight as an arrow, they spiked around in all directions. I didn't bother with much make up, only a slight eyeline on the upper eyelid. I smiled at myself in the mirror and whisper, "You got this Kia!", and rushed out of my room.

In the living room, my whole family had gathered up with proud smiles on their faces. For a moment, I felt thrown off the edge! My parents had great expectations from me. My grandparents too. What if I let them down? What if I couldn't get good enough grades and get kicked out of college? What if I get into bad company? What if I fail them?

Stop it Kia! It's ok! You've got this!!

Oh! I almost forgot. Meet Kira, my alter- ego. We have conversations all day (I wouldn't dare call them a monologue!). She keeps me rational, when my mind threatens to turn into the wild steeds of Helios's chariot.

I need her when I have to think clearly. She guides me—well yells is a better word—when I'm being a complete assho—well you got the idea.

I stepped forward and bent down to touch my parents' feet first, and then my grandparents. My mother, Namrata Mehta, ran a warm palm over my face, holding a brass plate with 'diya' and sweetened curd.

Her face glowed just like it had for the past 21 years of my life. However, now it showed some fine lines of age and the years of hard-work she has done, juggling work and family. And then she noticed my clothes.

"You should have worn jeans which are more torn than this one, aur achha hota!". I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and said," Ma, please!".

After a little back and forth and a small pep talk from my father, Dev Mehta, a railway officer, a tight hug from my elder brother, Karan Mehta, ( aka Bhai) and calming words from my grandparents, I left. I had to take a taxi to the railway station and then a train to reach college.

My head felt giddy as a slow wave of anxiety hit me. I was going to be spending the next three years in this college.

Rule no. 1—Chirped Kira— Don't attract too much attention.

Rule no. 2: mind your own business, you idiot!

Rule no. 3: STUDY FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE!!! But don't be a geek.

And Rule. No 4 MOST IMPORTANT: NO BOYS!! AT ALL! I AM DONE WITH YOU WHIMPERING FOR A GUY WHO CAN'T HANDLE US. SO PLEASE...OKAY?

Me: Yes, I know. I won't I promise.

And just like that I was standing in front of huge and spiky iron gates with an overhead arch reading: 'R.V.V World College of Arts, Commerce and Science'.

I could see the vast campus stretch ahead of me. I walked in with wobbly knees. The Arts building was the grandest, painted a subtle ochre. The other two flanking the main building were the science on the right and commerce on the left.

Students wandered about in the front yard in groups or individually. Lush trees were an extensive part of the landscape. The bright sun glinted of the leaves and the hued buildings. I entered my first class, and propped myself up next to a girl with a chubby face, though she wasn't fat, and hair black as tar.

If anything, she had a well-shaped body. She had thick glasses but a cute, goofy smile. Slowly students started filing in, dressed in their best eager to make a good first impression.

Before I could start a conversation with Ms. Goofy, Mr. Vishwanathan, our professor entered and bombarded us with a cannon ball of knowledge. I tried to soak in as much as I could. The others wrote down the notes furiously. An hour later, the professor released us, wishing us a good day ahead.

"Hi I am Aisha. I was so nervous when I walked in. It's so exciting, no?", Ms. Goofy paused to breathe. I tried hard to control my eyes which insisted to go round and wide at her speed of blabber.

However, I put on a sweet smile and introduced myself and agreed to whatever she was saying. But her cute grin made it impossible to dislike her. Slowly, two or three girls added up to our duo. Chattering away, we walked down to the cafeteria.

The cafeteria was a huge hall with millions of students buzzing around like bees. Nyra, Aisha and Amyra got themselves something to eat, while I stuck to a cup of coffee. I felt happy about myself. I had made friends on the first day. I had managed to be the first one to break the ice a couple of times.

Good job Kia! You're getting better.

With the same kind of motivation and energised spirit, I whizzed through the rest of the day. I made more friends, went around the whole campus (it has a huuuuggggeeee library!!!), went to the dormitory.

Mira, a girl I had become friends with, stayed at the girl's hostel and volunteered to show us her room. It was small but comfortable with big windows and study tables. Two bunk beds and two huge almirahs.

It was only when I turned left onto my street that even, I realised that my feet not only ached for a good night's sleep but a long, hot shower before that.