Siren of Hearts

1. OUR STARTING-POINT

JULY 2013

As the metro doors slide open with a pneumatic hiss, Ishita steps onto the bustling platform with a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling in her mind. Her 19-year-old heart beats in sync with the rhythm of the city around her, echoing the anticipation of a new chapter awaiting her at university.

In the midst of the hurried commuters and the echoing announcements, she carries the weight of dreams and aspirations that brought her to this bustling metropolis. Her purpose in coming to study is etched in the determined set of her shoulders and the spark in her hazel eyes. This isn't just a move; it's a leap towards the future she envisions.

In her mind, university life isn't just about textbooks and lectures; it's a canvas awaiting the strokes of experiences that will shape her into the person she aspires to become. The promise of knowledge, independence, and the chance to contribute to something meaningful propels her forward.

She reads the address to her destination- 

Reigns University Hostel 

Reigns Ground-west

Threading road-136th 

As she was visiting this city for the first time, she struggles to set her feet more that she was expecting. She waits for any taxi to pass by. 

Sidharth waits for the tall dark haired boy to appear in the crowd. When he couldn't spot Raj anywhere, he decides to wait for him at the exit. After a good couple of minutes, his eyes lands on an anxious girl.

Standing with a certain poise, her posture exudes confidence. Despite the urban chaos around her, she carries herself with a composed demeanor that catches his attention. With  a heavy luggage in her hand, he doesn't think she can lift it by herself. As she waits for a taxi, there's a patient expression on her face, revealing a quiet resilience. He can't help but be drawn to the way she navigates the urban environment with a sense of purpose and composure. 

He jumps in his place as an arm wrapped around his shoulder. He glares at the boy with a smirk. 

That boy, Raj laughs," Hi, Sid."

He pushes his friend away with a smile. " What to you so long?"

" I just ran into someone I knew."

As they walks out, Siddharth glances at the girl with heavy luggage again. He sees her trying to ask something to others who are passing by. But keeps quiet not finding words. 

He looks at his friend. " Just a minute."

" Where are you going? Come here and help me carry my luggage." Raj shouts from behind but he ignores it. 

" Excuse me."

Ishita turns around, startled a little by someone's sudden approach. " Yes?"

Siddharth notices her getting all nervous. " You need any help? Guess you're looking for a taxi."

She clears her throat," Yeah. "

" Where to?''

" Reigns University Hostel."

He chuckles on it," Good for you. I'm going to Reigns University as well."

" Girl's hostel!", Her eyes shows alarm. 

He hides a laugh," I heard you. For your information, a huge playground separates  boy's and girl's hostels. So every taxi leads to same destination. And of course you wouldn't want to give 150(INR) alone. So my suggestion is, let's share one taxi."