Si, Per Favore

2. The First Date

I had to admit, in the last 1 month, whatever exploration I had done in Milan was mainly because my friends had made plans, and I simply went with the flow. But now, it was time to start doing things I wanted. Even if it meant doing them alone.

Determined, I decided to make a list of things I wanted to experience. After that, I decided to leave for class. I took out my vape and took a drag, the nicotine calming my nerves, as I made my way to the university. I lived just a kilometer away, and the walk to campus took me past two bustling supermarkets, a few quaint tabacchi shops, the tram station with its constant hum of activity, and finally, the charming junction with cafes where I usually stopped for a spritz after class.

As I walked, the familiar silhouette of my university emerged in the distance, its modern architecture a striking contrast against the historical backdrop of Milan. Despite having seen it countless times, the building's sleek lines and glass façade never ceased to captivate me. The bustling streets of Milan, though not as crowded as Mumbai, were filled with an electric charm that was undeniably infectious.

The conversation with my sister and friends had ignited a spark within me, a newfound sense of excitement. This was my chance to seize the day, to carve out my own experiences in this vibrant city. No more waiting around for others to make plans. It was time to take control of my journey. With a determined smile tugging at my lips, I continued walking, my heart lighter and my steps more purposeful. The iconic walls of the university loomed ahead, a beacon of both my academic pursuits and the broader, personal adventures waiting just beyond.

"You met Matteo on hinge, right? You used Hinge for a while? How was that experience? " I asked my friend, Elisa, as soon as I slid into the seat next to her in class. The teacher was yet to arrive, and if there's one major similarity I've noticed here with India, it's that people usually come in 10-15 minutes later than the scheduled time. Italians and Indians had that in common for sure.

Elisa looked at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ciao to you too. You seem excited. So, you're finally ready to date some Italian boys?" She wiggled her eyebrows playfully.

Elisa was one of the first friends I made here. And since she is from Milan she helped me with a lot of things around the city. And now I was hoping to get some help in this department.

Milan was a lot like Mumbai in that way. Like Mumbai, Milan attracted people from all over, seeking better work opportunities and a taste of the city's cosmopolitan allure.

"Yes, I think I've been in my head a little too much. I guess I should just screw all the nerves and random thoughts and give it a shot."

"Brava, Keya. Andiamo! Yeah, Hinge is cool. Bumble's not bad either. And he isn't bad either," Elisa said, pointing to the guy sitting a few rows ahead of us. My eyes followed her finger and landed on Luca. His curly brown hair cascaded over his forehead in effortless waves, framing a pair of soulful brown eyes that peeked out from behind stylish brown-rimmed glasses.

Luca embodies the perfect blend of nerdy and hot. There's an understated charm in the way he carries himself, and his smile—oh, his smile! It's a radiant flash of warmth that can brighten even the dreariest of days. When I look at him, my brain goes, Yep...Smash.

"Yes, Luca is a treat for my eyes but I've spoken to him only once at that welcome party in the first week. And you know what had happened that day." I felt my cheeks warm up at the thought of the incident. This particular incident happened with Luca the first night of our semester when we had a party and I have not been able to be normal around him ever since.

Elisa rolled her large, expressive eyes. If someone had to draw a quintessential Italian beauty from memory, they'd probably draw someone who looked like Elisa. She had the classic Roman nose, her sharp features were framed by thick, lustrous curly black hair, pulled back into a messy bun. Her full lips were always perfectly lined with brown liner and a touch of nude lipstick.