The IIT Connection

The Freshman Fiasco

The sun cast its warm glow over the IIT Delhi campus, buzzing with excitement as freshers scattered around, trying to get a grip on their new environment.

 Among them was Shreya, a bright-eyed Chemical Engineering student, her curly brown hair tied up in a ponytail, and Abhishek, a quiet yet brilliant Computer Science Engineering student, his eyes fixed on his phone as he navigated through the crowds.

Their paths crossed in the most unconventional way – a simple mix-up in the mess hall. Shreya, trying to navigate her way through the lunch line, accidentally bumped into Abhishek, spilling his tray of food all over the floor. 

The aroma of spilled curry and biryani wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of clattering utensils.

"Watch where you're going!" Abhishek snapped,

 his face flushed with embarrassment and anger, as he frantically tried to gather his scattered belongings. His eyes locked onto a fallen sandwich, its bread slices separated, revealing a tantalizing layer of chicken and veggies.

"Oh, I'm sorry! It was an honest mistake," Shreya replied, 

trying to help clean up the mess, her hands touching Abhishek's as they both reached for the sandwich. The touch sparked a fleeting glance between them, but Abhishek's scowl deepened.

As they stood up, Abhishek's eyes never left Shreya's face. 

"Just be more careful next time." His deep voice sent a shiver down Shreya's spine.

Shreya's eyes widened, taken aback by his tone.

 "I said I'm sorry! You don't have to be so rude." Her voice rose, drawing the attention of nearby students.

And so, the argument began, esalating into a full-blown spat, with neither willing to back down. The mess hall, once filled with the hum of conversation, now focused on the unfolding drama.