Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 1

Aarohi POV

Today represents the final moments of freedom as my college obligations commence tomorrow, ushering in a new phase of busyness and responsibility.

MBA: a path I tread because it's expected, not desired. My family's influence looms large over my decisions, leaving me feeling like a puppet on their strings. Do I question my compatibility with this path? Perhaps. Am I lost in a sea of uncertainty? Absolutely.

After my 10th grade, my family chose commerce for me as I was uncertain about my future path. Heck, I'm still uncertain. My inner dialogue revolves around the pursuit of a happy life. Sure, I also aim to make my family proud, but that feels like an unreachable goal in this lifetime.

Nonetheless, whatever path I embark on, I excel – academically or personally. It's my talent, akin to Ananya Panday, albeit with my own unique struggles.

  I surfaced from my inner reflections when my dad questioned me "Tomorrow is your first day of college, right?"  "Yes, Papa " I responded.

This is my family talking minimally while having dinner. My grandmother holds traditional values in high regard and has a deep respect for antiquated customs and cultures.

"Tomorrow everybody makes some time, there's something on my mind that I'd like to speak about", my dad delivered a bombshell with his words.

I immediately darted towards my brother with the expression 'What did you do now', he wordlessly gestured to me that he was also not sure. In contrast to others, my brother and I share a tight-knit connection, often divulging our innermost thoughts.

After dinner, I was standing near the bed in my room, when Aarav, my brother suddenly stormed into the room, playfully slamming me onto the bed as if mimicking a WWE wrestler.

My apologies, I forgot that all brothers have a knack for getting under our skin.

I struggled to stand up again screaming at him "Bhai, I hate you so much". He answered, "I love you too, Ruhi". "Ughh" I let out a long agonized sigh.

"Starting college tomorrow? if you are facing any issues, do not even think about me" he quipped.

"Kidding, Ruhi - he said while clasping both of my hands in his hands - remember, if you ever stumble along the way, I am here to lift you and guide you forward. As your brother, my love for you knows no bounds, and I'll do everything in my power to support you through any challenges"

His words stirred some emotions within me. Concealing my emotion, I endeavoured to nod.

Restlessly tossing and turning, I struggled to find sleep, my anticipation for tomorrow's first day of college keeping me wide awake. But knowing Tara was by my side brought a sense of serenity, helping me stay calm.

Tara Singh. She has been my rock and best friend for the past five years. In the darkest moments, she has been the light by my side.

Throughout my life, besides Tara, I never managed to form close friendships. Socializing didn't come naturally to me, and my struggles in connecting with others often led them to perceive me as dull or uninteresting. As a result, any attempts at friendship fizzled out after just a brief encounter, leaving me feeling isolated and alone.

Lost in Reverie, I slipped into a peaceful sleep.

After waking up and doing my morning duty, I got ready for the day. I greeted my parents and was having my breakfast.

"Keep your behavior in check and present yourself decently. My reputation is at stake, and I won't tolerate you tarnishing it," my dad interjected, disrupting my tranquil breakfast with a stern admonition.

My relationship with my dad isn't like those heartwarming father-daughter bonds. Instead of sharing love, he issues orders and I obediently comply. I'm not sure why my dad can't stand the sight of me, but his demeanor towards me has always been cold and sour.

Lost in my thoughts, a message from Tara snapped me back to reality.

TARA: Bahar aa!
[ Come out ]

I dashed out the door, fueled by excitement for the day ahead at college.

I saw her waiting for me outside the door.  There she is with warm, expressive brown eyes framed behind a pair of stylish spectacles. She carries herself with confidence and her unique combination of brown eyes and spectacles gives her a distinct and memorable presence in any setting.

"Kaisa lag raha hai jaldi uth ke"  I teased her in jest with that remark. Well, I am early to bed early to rise kind of person and she is the opposite of me.
[ How does it feel waking up early? ]

"Seems like someone is going to meet my wrath head-on," she remarked. "It's our first day, let's keep the scare tactics on pause for today" I exclaimed.

" I wanted to make sure you weren't alone on your first day of college, so I am here to keep you company" she went on. Well yes, she is the kind of person who will make sure I am comfortable. Thank you I whispered, getting in her car.

In a matter of moments, we reached our destination.

"Tu jaa main parking dekh kar aayi" Tara conveyed. I nodded and entered the gate.
[You go on in, I'll sort out parking and join you in a bit]

As I entered the gate, the air was charged with the anticipation of students, their chatter creating a lively ambiance. While observing the bustling surroundings, a particular individual caught my attention. They seemed to navigate through the crowd with purpose, their presence distinct amidst the sea of faces. Soon, I noticed him making his way towards me, his determined stride drawing closer with each step.

Wo- wou-would  yo-you  li-like  to  sle-sleep with me? the guy said.

I saw a guy dressed in a long tee paired with baggy pants, he exuded a stylish yet laid-back vibe that complemented his cute and endearing personality.

Fear crept into his voice like an unwelcome intruder, casting a shadow over his words and causing a noticeable falter in his speech. It was as if he was grappling with his thoughts, struggling to find the right words to express the turmoil within him.

Having mulled over the matter, i reached the conclusion.

"Is someone bullying you to ask this?" I sought clarification from him. Our eyes connected , and his pleading gaze revealed his desperation for help, tinged with fear.

His gaze shifted towards a direction, filled with apprehension. I looked in the direction he was looking, hoping to find clues.

A gathering of bullies caught my eye, their laughter echoing as they ridiculed us. A brief pang of annoyance tingled through me.

I headed in their direction and before I could utter a single word, a resounding slap echoed through the air, finding its mark on the cheek of one of the bullies, perhaps the leader among them.

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First off, a huge thank you to everyone who's taken the time to give my book a chance. I truly hope I can live up to your expectations. I know this chapter was a bit sluggish and might not have been the most thrilling, but I urge you to stick with it.

If you enjoy it, please consider leaving a vote and a comment. Your feedback means the world to me and serves as a tremendous source of motivation.