When Hearts Align

--Five--

He was finally yanked back from his wandering thoughts by the deafening noise of construction starting behind their house. It was 4:15 AM, still dark outside. “Seriously? This early?” Athreya muttered, his irritation barely contained. "Fuck" he whispered, his breath fogging the cold morning air.

His hair dripped with water, fresh from the shower he'd taken to clear his mind. He was restless, anxious. Today was the first day of college, but instead of sleeping, he had spent the night twisting in his bed, lost in a tangle of thoughts. His sister had left their shared room weeks ago, retreating back to their parents’ room because his late-night study sessions had been too much for her. He hadn’t minded, though—it meant he had the room all to himself now, even if it was by default.

His eyes wandered over to Cubbie, his old teddy bear sitting in the corner, staring back at him with its worn, button eyes. Cubbie wasn’t just a toy to him—it was a symbol of his childhood, of safety. It had been with him through everything. That cream-brown bear was his companion, his secret keeper, his best friend. He used to play with it, cuddle it at night when sleep wouldn’t come, bury his face in its soft fur when things got too overwhelming. Cubbie was his solace, his confidante. Now, it just sat there, still but ever present.

After a few seconds of staring, he chuckled softly, throwing his damp towel carelessly onto the chair by his bed. He wandered into the kitchen, stomach growling from hunger. Opening the fridge, he found nothing but a single brownie sitting on a plate—the one his sister had made two days ago. He grabbed it, took a bite, and immediately winced. It tasted delicious but oddly bitter, like she'd added too much baking soda. But he ate it anyway, savoring the mix of sweet and sour on his tongue. He was too anxious to care much about the taste.

The house was quiet, still in that peaceful pre-dawn lull where everyone else was sound asleep. But not him. Sleep had evaded him the entire night. Today wasn’t just any day—it was the first day of college, and his mind had been racing with all the possible scenarios. He was nervous, to say the least.

______________________

Renu stood with her group of friends by the college entrance, her eyes scanning the crowd of juniors passing by. They were the seniors now, and they were reveling in it. For the past week, they had been giving random tasks to the new students, getting a twisted sense of satisfaction from their uncomfortable stares and awkward compliance. Ragging was their tradition, after all. What else were they supposed to do—organize a welcome party? No, they wanted something wilder, more intense, something to make the juniors remember who was in charge.

Just as Renu was brainstorming their next torment, Alekhya walked into the campus, her steps unhurried, her face calm and unbothered. Her loose braid swayed gently between her shoulders, like a thin stream cascading down her back. She wore a multi-colored kurta paired with black ankle-length jeans, and something about her effortless style made her stand out.

One of Renu’s friends called Alekhya over, unaware of the fiery confidence she held within. "Come here," they beckoned, half-smirking, as if they'd found their next victim.They asked Alekhya to finish the records of one of their seniors, a task clearly designed to humiliate her. But instead of shrinking back, Alekhya broke into a laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Renu asked, visibly annoyed.
-
“Is this your idea of ragging? Really? This little task? I’m sorry, but I can’t help laughing. This is what you’ve been doing for a whole week? Wow, you guys are so... boring,” Alekhya’s voice was full of mockery. “Back in my BTech days, juniors would tremble in fear when I ragged them. My ragging had real impact. And you lot—MTech final years—can’t even do it properly?”

Renu’s face turned beet red, her friends glancing at each other awkwardly. Alekhya’s words had hit a nerve.

“Oh, really? Well then, why don’t you show us how it’s done?” Renu snapped, folding her arms.
-
Alekhya raised an eyebrow, not backing down. “Me? I’m a fresher. I can’t.”
-
“Doesn’t matter. No one here knows if you’re a fresher or not. Just for a minute, be a senior. Rag someone,”
-
Renu taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She scanned the passing students, eyes landing on a guy wearing a black-and-white striped t-shirt. “Him. Rag him.”