WHAT IF?

1.

MIA

10 years ago

'I made it.' The words escaped me not above than a low whisper as I take in the magnificent view of my university. So grand, so beautiful! The main hall building has the classic dome and the other university buildings in a royal infrastructure stand majestically at both sides of the hall in an arc. Lush green spread till where eyes could see. All types of plants- from small shrubs to huge trees could be seen everywhere. Flowers of vibrant colours line up the path to the main hall. I had worked so hard for this, I have acknowledged that, sure, but never thought I could actually make it till here.

'Are you going to stand here and stare at it all day? MOVE!' A girl yelled at me. God, she was gorgeous. Gorgeous beyond my imaginations. Blonde hair going up till her lower back swaying freely in the light breeze. Her fair complexion accentuated with hazel green eyes and a – button nose? Aw, that just adds up to her facial features complementing each other in a balance. I wondered the game of unfairness nature plays with someone else by creating something like her. I wish I could have even half a percent of that beauty.

I was so lost in my thoughts I completely forgot how long had I been staring at her. But, no worries. Her face made that abundantly clear – long enough for me to be categorized as those homeless street boys staring at you shamelessly with no regards of their own. God! I feel so terrible now. I swiftly shift my gaze and step aside, looking down with sheer embarrassment written all over my face.'I am sorry. I did not mean it - I mean, to keep you waiting. AND, also, looking like..' My voice recedes as she looks up and down at me weirdly and walks away muttering something. I shake my head and pinch the bridge of my nose at my loss of words. I look around to find any witness to my miserable plight. Luckily, people aren't free like me every time, standing near the entrance for nearly half an hour now! Yeah, that is how I can be, skipping a class already!

I sigh, 'Way to go, Mia!'

After wandering about in the large halls, I reach to my class, which had obviously already begun. Professor abruptly comes to a halt so that I have the honour of everyone's attention and giggles. I flush at the sight and instinctively look down, lowering my gaze. The teacher is kind enough to ask me to get inside or get out quickly so that he could resume with his lecture. I rush inside with quick steps and climb up the stairs to sit in - the last row.

Great!

After the amazing incident I decide to follow my not – so – friendly peers to wherever they go. They'll get me somewhere eventually, won't they? I mean, what else could go wrong?

But hats off to my luck. I have never seen such treachery. Even the most hated and wicked enemy wouldn't wish betray someone to such an extent. I spend my day following a group who never attend any class! And all the people of university know it! They did go in some rooms but I was dense enough not to figure out that those halls were not supposed to be my classes. I don't really know what pathetic prank they were doing there since first year kids were not allowed in there. Why did someone not bother to tell me about it beforehand? Am I so unreachable? Am I that ugly?

I guess I'll never know.

I have received all kinds of stares and glares throughout the day and did not miss any comment made on me.

What a great idea to start off a new day!

Defeated, I reach for a chair at the corner of the cafeteria and plunge down at it throwing my bag down beside me. I look out of the window and the harmony between the world and other students. They just fit in so perfectly, whereas me? I haven't attended a single class properly yet!

Moments later, a miracle happens. The gorgeous girl from earlier takes the seat in front of me!

'Hey, remember me? We met earlier today.'

'Uh, yeah, of course. Hi.'

'I am Sarah. Sarah Haverford. What's your name?'

'Hi Sarah, I am Mia Stormvale. How can I help you?'

'I saw you today in my class, but you seemed like a freshman. So, what were you doing there?'

Remembering the earlier incident, my mind races to form words at a speed like never before, 'Ah! I... I followed a bad company. I didn't recognize it until very late and I have missed all my classes. That too on my first day! And yes, I am a freshman. I am sorry about earlier too. I shouldn't have looked – '

'Whoa whoa! Chill girl. Your words run faster than a bullet. Relax! It's just Uni. Don't stress over it so much. And yes, the people you were following are a VERY BAD company. Don't do that again. I am a sophomore, second year med student. If you want I can help you out.'My shoulders relax a bit at her words. 'Thank you. I'll keep that in mind.' I smile when someone comes behind her and pats her shoulder. My eyes go along the length of the man's hand and that, that was the real magic of the day.