365 days with my roommate

1- Fated Reunion

The lawn looks alive with morning dews and its lush green color. I still can't believe that 7 years have passed since I have been to my school. All those memories brush through my head as if they happened yesterday. Even though my 11th and 12th were kind of fine 10th grade still has a special charm that I cannot forget in my lifetime. As for me, 10th grade was the time many things happened in my life. Those school days, exams, annual day, sports meet and the time spent with the people I treasure the most, my friends are still a living memory. Our friendship was so good that we still would keep in touch with each other. Now back to that alma mater who filled us with memories, I am waiting for that one person who filled my life with hopes of being loved. Aashish. He had a different character and way of approaching life from mine. He was quite a popular guy but still, he loved to walk alone and talk to all inanimate objects around him( we assume that he was talking). He was not a person with a perfect face according to beauty standards but had an excellent character and smile. l fell for him when I saw him smiling at me. Then only I did realize that he was my competitor for that year. Titled a 'studious' one by my classmates, I was supposed to study so well that I would never lose my position of rank 1. I was a short-tempered girl who would burst like a nuclear weapon when she was angry. Because of this, even my friends were scared to approach me when I was angry. So basically, I was a dangerous nerd.

Now when I see him, after all these years, I find him to be a fine gentleman. I caught him staring at me with a look that he used to give me years back and trying his best to show that he was not looking for me. Throughout these years, He has become so successful that he is leading a major company. Well, I am not in a bad situation. I completed my degree in technology and secured a job and after 6 months I was given a chance to study at my dream college. Well, amid all the good, since my dorm is not ready, I need to look for an apartment to rent. Now back to this day, mine and his friends are talking and we both are looking around the lush green lawn. I was brought back to the conversation when his friends inquired about me. Yes, I got admission to the California Institute of Technology and I am looking for an apartment to rent. This was when his friends brought me to note that Aashish is working in California and staying alone.

So I decided to talk to him about the same.

"Hey "

"Hello"

I find his voice becoming a little hoarse compared to the mellow sound he had.

"It's been a long time, right?" I said not knowing how to strike up a conversation with him.

"Yeah, it is"

Seeing that this conversation was not going anywhere, I decided to jump straight to the point.

" I heard that you are in California and currently I am enrolled in CalTech and my dorms are not ready. So if you don't mind, could you help me find an apartment," I told him with all my guts.

He said," Well, Sheron...".

We were interrupted by his friends.

" Hey, Aashish, what is there to worry about? You are living alone in your big apartment and she is also searching for a place to stay in California. It would be great if you could let her share the apartment. It will be great if you guys get used to living together", Akash sneered.

I blushed with embarrassment. My friend couldn't help but notice my flushed face.

" Sheron, are you okay?", Anu, mockingly, asked me.

We have been friends for years, just like sisters. Even though we were in different colleges, we always shared each other's happiness and worries. Being a leading researcher in ISRO she is happier than she used to be.

My thoughts were interrupted by Aashish.

" Well, Sheron, I'm fine with that. So when are you coming to California? he asked.

What?

SERIOUSLY!!

I'M GOING TO LIVE WITH MY CRUSH.

This made me more nervous than happy.

"After 2 weeks", I replied.

" Here is my number. Save it and call me  before your boarding", he went back to his friends after giving me his number.

I was standing there, wondering how I would explain this whole situation of 'living together' to my conservative mother.

At that time, I didn't realize that this step would be a page, opening a whole new chapter of my life.

Hello all, I like to know your serious opinions on this chapter. I am an aspiring novelist and I would like to get honest reactions.