Once Upon A Time In New York

Aftermath...

Simran's POV:

I woke up to the soft glow of dawn filtering through my window. Stretching, I felt the warmth of the sun on my face and smiled at the familiar sight of my dance and artistic quotes. Each one was a reminder of my idols, a source of motivation and comfort.

As I made my way to the university cafeteria, the campus was already buzzing with life. Students hurried to their classes, some chatting animatedly, others lost in their thoughts. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods filled the air, mingling with the scent of jasmine that lingered from the night before.

Grabbing a tray, I joined the line, my mind wandering to the day's classes and the projects I was excited to work on. I spotted my friends at our usual table and waved, feeling a sense of belonging. The cafeteria was a place of camaraderie, where stories were shared, and laughter echoed off the walls.

Sitting down with my friends, I took a bite of my breakfast and savored the moment. The food was simple but satisfying, and the conversation flowed easily. We talked about everything from the latest anime episodes to our plans for the weekend. It was in these moments that I felt truly at home, surrounded by people who understood my passions and dreams.

As the morning progressed, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges of the day seemed less daunting with the support of my friends and the inspiration I drew from my surroundings. I was ready to face whatever came my way, knowing that I had a place where I belonged and people who believed in me.

I couldn't help but wonder if Kaartik would remember our scavenger hunt after getting drunk last night. The thought made me chuckle. It had been such a fun night, filled with laughter and adventure. I hoped he would, because those memories were precious to me, and I wanted to share that joy with him.

Samriddhi's POV:

I walked into the bustling university cafeteria, the familiar hum of chatter and clinking cutlery filling the air. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods mingled with the scent of jasmine from the campus gardens. It was a comforting, wholesome feeling that made my chest swell with joy.

Scanning the room, I saw a mix of familiar faces and new ones. There was Priya, always animated, her hands moving as fast as her words. She was deep in conversation with Ananya, who nodded thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling with interest. Near the window, Aarav was engrossed in his laptop, probably working on another one of his tech projects. His brow furrowed in concentration, but a small smile played on his lips, hinting at his enjoyment.

And then there was Raghav. He stood out, not just because of his height, but because of the way he carried himself. Confident, yet approachable. He was laughing with a group of friends, his deep voice carrying across the room. His laughter was infectious, drawing smiles from those around him. I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement whenever I saw him.

I wondered if he remembered our scavenger hunt from last night. He had been pretty drunk, but the way he had looked at me, with that mischievous glint in his eye, made me hope he did. Those moments were precious to me, filled with laughter and adventure. I wanted to share that joy with him, to see if he felt the same way.

As I made my way to our usual table, I felt a sense of belonging wash over me. This place, these people, they were my home. And in that moment, surrounded by friends and the comforting routine of our mornings, I felt ready to face whatever challenges the day would bring.

The food in the cafeteria was a delightful mix of comfort and variety. I grabbed a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs, perfectly seasoned and still steaming. Next to it, I added a couple of crispy hash browns, golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside. There were also freshly baked croissants, their buttery layers flaking off with each bite, and a selection of vibrant fruit – juicy strawberries, sweet pineapple chunks, and crisp apple slices.

For those with a sweet tooth, there were stacks of pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, and a tempting array of pastries – from chocolate-filled éclairs to cinnamon rolls with gooey icing. The coffee station was always a favorite, offering everything from rich, dark espresso to frothy cappuccinos, perfect for kickstarting the day.

I couldn't resist grabbing a blueberry muffin, its top sprinkled with coarse sugar that added a delightful crunch. As I sat down with my friends, I felt a wave of contentment. The food, the company, the atmosphere – it all came together to create a sense of home, a place where I truly belonged.