Star-Crossed Yet Not Aligned

Subh's Freshman Year

"It was late November when my alarm clock pierced the morning silence, signaling the start of a new chapter. As I stepped out of bed, the thrill of independence coursed through my veins. For the first time, I was living away from family, in the vibrant city of Varanasi, a world away from my rural upbringing in Uttar Pradesh.

As I brushed my teeth and bathed, excitement bubbled up inside me. Today was my first day of college, and I had no idea what to expect. I hesitated while choosing my outfit, unsure of the unspoken dress code. But I shook off my doubts and focused on the day ahead.

As I entered the college campus, I felt like a small fish in a vast ocean. Everyone seemed to exude confidence and wealth, their designer clothes and polished accents intimidating me. But the pandemic had leveled the playing field; masks obscured faces, and social distancing reduced interactions.

I took a deep breath and reminded myself why I was here: to learn. I dove into my studies, observing my classmates with curiosity. They were bursting with energy, eager to connect with newcomers. I made a mental note to remember each of their names, a strategy to break into social circles.

That's when I spotted Suresh, my online friend, walking towards me with a warm smile. 'Hell dude, finally you're here!' I exclaimed, as we laughed and exchanged stories of how we ended up in this college.

After classes, I returned to my room, where I met Pankaj, a BCom student who asked to be my roommate. A week later, Aman joined us, and suddenly I had two buddies from different courses. They took me under their wing, teaching me how to dress stylishly and navigate college life.

Our room became a melting pot of diverse perspectives, as friends from various courses gathered to discuss the latest gossip: the beautiful new teacher, the charming girls in our batch, or the quirky professors. It was an exhilarating ride, and I was grateful to have found my tribe."

"A week later, our seniors arrived on campus, exuding an aura of confidence and sophistication. Most of them were from affluent families, and their luxurious cars and designer attire made it hard to ignore the economic divide.

My friends and I, however, were undeterred. We approached them with warm smiles, eager to make a good impression. December 1st marked the beginning of a new month, and I was determined to glean every bit of information about college life.

Pankaj, my Rajput friend, took the lead. His charming personality and business acumen, honed from his family's hydra business, allowed him to effortlessly connect with strangers. He quickly befriended one of the seniors, Rohan, who welcomed us into their circle.

But as we mingled with the seniors, I realized they weren't from our courses. Instead, they were Aman's batchmates, and his excitement grew as he chatted with them.

'Aman, you're in good hands,' Rohan said with a grin. 'We'll show you the ropes.'

As we spent more time with the seniors, I noticed the subtle dynamics at play. Social hierarchies, cliques, and unseen rules governed college life. I was determined to navigate this complex landscape.

'Pankaj, what's the best way to get acquainted with the college scene?' I asked.

'Just be yourself, Subh,' he replied. 'And attend the upcoming fresher's party. It's the perfect opportunity to meet new people.'

The party was just around the corner, and rumors swirled about its grandeur. I couldn't wait to experience it for myself.

Little did I know, the party would change everything."

"As December drew to a close, the college announced a three-day Activities Day, packed with sports, cultural events, and team-building exercises. Pankaj, Aman, and I were thrilled.

On the first day, we gathered in the college grounds, buzzing with excitement. Rohan, the senior, approached us with a warm smile.

'Subh, Pankaj, Aman, what made you guys choose this college?' he asked.

'I wanted to experience city life,' I replied. 'And Banaras has a rich history.'

Rohan chuckled. 'You're a Mahadev devotee, aren't you?'

I laughed. 'Not particularly, but I respect the city's cultural significance.'

Pankaj jumped in. 'I chose this college for its business programs. And Aman here wanted to explore new opportunities.'

Aman nodded vigorously. 'Yeah, and I've already found some amazing people.'

The conversation flowed easily, and we discovered shared interests. Rohan introduced us to more seniors.

During the sports events, I surprised everyone with my impressive three-pointers in basketball, earning a spot on the college team. Suresh led our volleyball team to victory.

That's when I met Yash, my classmate, who was also participating in the basketball event. We exchanged smiles and words of encouragement.

'You're a natural,' Yash said, impressed by my shots.

'Thanks, man,' I replied. 'You're not bad yourself.'

As the first day of Activities Day came to a close, I felt a sense of belonging. We had only just begun, and I was eager to see what the next day would bring."

To be continue...