IN THE DEPTHS OF PASSION

CHAPTER ONE:NEW BEGINNING

                      
The day I had eagerly anticipated was finally here. A symphony of emotions swirled within me, propelling me forward with contagious energy. With each beat of my heart, the thrill of embarking on a new chapter in my life resonated deep within. As the sun gently peeked through my curtains, casting a golden glow upon my room, I couldn’t help but feel that this day held the promises of infinite possibilities.
Bounding out of bed, my feet barely touched the floor as I rushed downstairs eagerly embracing the day that lay ahead. And there, gathered around the dining table was my whole family; mum, dad, and my little brother Larry, their warm smiles radiating boundless love and unwavering support.

” Good morning, hunny. The day is finally here.”

Whispered mum, enveloping me in a tender hug and planting a soft morning kiss on my cheek.
A mixture of anxiety and excitement bubbled within me as I hugged her back, feeling the weight of her love and the bittersweet realization that I will miss her dearly.

‘I won’t be gone forever, Maa.” I reassured, gently detaching myself from her tender grasp.
“I  hate to admit that I will miss seeing your face, Jas."
Larry chimed in, his heartfelt words echoing through the room as I walked to my seat.
The use of “Jas’ instead of "Jasmine" conveyed the sincerity behind his sentiments.
“Fear not, Goat Matata. I will video call you, and together, we shall conquer virtual worlds, my mischievous friend. OK?”

I replied with a playful smile.

“Ook.” He gave me a flat reply.

In that moment I was acutely reminded of the bond we shared, the countless memories we had woven together over the years as siblings. Leaving him behind was a daunting prospect, but I knew deep within my heart that this new journey was necessary for my personal growth and the pursuit of my dreams.
“Good morning, guys. I’ll miss you all so bad to a point that it is haunting my dreams.”
I replied to them all, but my gaze lingered upon Larry.
As stubborn as he might be, I was going to miss his adorable brown eyes, adorned with a slightly wider dimple on his left cheek and framed by his blonde curly hair. I adored my lil bro. He was a treasure, a sole companion in my vast siblinghood.
“Come, sit here, little bunny. Breakfast awaits.” My dad beckoned, pulling out the sit for me.
“You’ll be gone for a long while, and I want to savor each of the remaining minutes with you.”
“But I will be back in a blink Dad, more so during holidays and some weekends,"
I reassured, flashing a mischievous grin as I savored a sip of my coffee.
"Please do, my bunny. I will miss you beyond measure."

“Ah, the unpredictable ways of fate. So, you and Atter are now freshers!”

Larry exclaimed, mischief dancing in his eyes. If looks could kill, Larry would probably be rolling on the floor fighting for his last breath. I pondered if he spoke to annoy me or to confirm what he already knew. Larry and Atter had formed an unexpected bond, defying their age gap, ever since Atter and I started having a thing. He is the one who has been helping him sneak into my room on certain occasions. It piqued my curiosity if that’s what nurtured their bond.
“Speaking of Atter, are you both joining the same uni dear?"
My mum asked politely, as she rested her tea mug on the table.

“Ooh no,” I muttered quietly to myself.

My mum and Atter haven’t been the best of friends. Were it not for Larry’s gossip, she and Dad wouldn’t have known of our little thing…well not little...in the first place. We were best of friends during our junior year only that I didn’t know he was romantically attracted to me till when he asked me for a dance at a prom night in our second year as seniors. And there, he confessed his unending love for me. I didn't hesitate to say yes. I wanted all the flock of girls that always throw themselves to him to know that Atter was not only just my friend but also mine for life. And that has never changed. Till now, Atter is the most loving boyfriend that girls only meet in their dreams.