Never Have I Ever Spinn off Concept Season 1 (FAN MADE)

Chapter 6: Never Have I Ever Felt Lost

Returning to Princeton after a heartwarming Thanksgiving break, Devi felt a mix of relief and trepidation. She had enjoyed reconnecting with her family and friends, but the weight of her grandmother's health concerns and the demands of college loomed heavily on her mind.

As she stepped into her dorm room, the familiar sight of her unmade bed and scattered textbooks greeted her. The excitement of the new semester had faded, replaced by an overwhelming sense of pressure. Classes were ramping up, and Devi found herself buried in assignments, projects, and exams.

The first week back from break was a whirlwind. She struggled to balance her coursework with her newfound friendships and the constant worry for Pati's health. Devi often felt like she was being pulled in different directions, and it was starting to take a toll on her mental well-being.

One evening, as she sat at her desk surrounded by textbooks, her phone buzzed with a message from Ben. Hey! How's it going? Let's catch up this weekend.

Devi hesitated before responding. She appreciated Ben's concern, but the thought of spending time together felt daunting. She wanted to be present, to share her struggles, but she was afraid it would overwhelm him.

Instead, she typed back a simple, I'm good! Just busy with school. Let's hang out soon.

After hitting send, she stared blankly at her notes, frustration bubbling up inside her. Why did it feel so hard to ask for help? She could hear Fabiola and Eleanor's voices echoing in her mind, their jokes about her being the "strong one" among them. But inside, she didn't feel strong; she felt lost.

Later that week, Devi attended her classes, but her mind was elsewhere. The lectures blurred together as she tried to focus. All she could think about was how she was falling behind in her classes and how her friends were navigating their lives without her. Her thoughts drifted to the uncertainty of her future—what would she do after college? What if she couldn't make it?

As she left class one day, Devi's phone rang. It was her mom. "Hey, honey! How's school going?"

"Hey, Mom. I'm okay," Devi replied, forcing a smile even though her mom couldn't see it. "Just busy with school."

"I've been talking to Pati more, and she's been a little down. I worry about her. How are you handling everything?" her mom asked gently.

Devi hesitated, knowing her mom would pick up on any signs of her anxiety. "I'm just feeling really overwhelmed. I wish I could be there more for you and for Pati."

"I know it's hard for all of us, Devi. Just remember that it's okay to feel overwhelmed. You're doing your best," her mom reassured her.

Devi felt a wave of emotion wash over her. "I just feel so lost, Mom. I don't know if I can handle everything—school, my friends, and worrying about Pati. What if I fail?"

"Devi, you're not alone in this. You have your friends, and you can always talk to me. We're a team, remember? Just take it one day at a time," her mom said gently.

After hanging up, Devi felt a flicker of hope. Maybe she could reach out to her friends and be honest about how she was feeling. It was worth a shot.

The following day, Devi texted Maddie and Sofia, suggesting they meet up for coffee. As they sat in the bustling café on campus, Devi took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.

"Maddie, Sofia, can I be real with you guys for a sec?" she began, her voice trembling slightly.

"Of course! What's up?" Maddie replied, leaning in.

"I've been feeling really overwhelmed lately. Between school and everything going on with my grandma, it's been hard for me to keep it all together," Devi admitted, her heart racing.

Sofia nodded empathetically. "It's totally normal to feel that way. We all have our moments. You don't have to go through it alone."

"I just feel like I'm supposed to have it figured out, and I don't. I don't want to disappoint anyone," Devi confessed, tears welling in her eyes.

Maddie reached across the table and squeezed Devi's hand. "You're not disappointing anyone. We're here for you. And you know what? We all have our struggles. I think it's important to be honest about it."

Their conversation unfolded into a heartfelt discussion about their challenges, from academics to personal issues. Devi felt a weight lift as she shared her fears, realizing that her friends had their own battles to fight.

After their coffee date, Devi returned to her dorm feeling lighter. She still had a lot to sort through, but she no longer felt alone. As she lay in bed that night, she made a promise to herself: she would embrace her vulnerability, lean on her friends, and confront her fears about the future.

With each passing day, Devi started to navigate her college life with more confidence, understanding that it was okay to feel lost sometimes. And while she still had her struggles, she now had a support system that reminded her she wasn't alone in the journey.