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Pilot

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Under the warm embrace of the sun, the streets around the Oxford shrine bustled with activity. A 20-year-old Shivya emerged from Kidlington airport, her hands laden with luggage, and her heart brimming with dreams. As she stepped onto the bus destined for her university, she hoped that this foreign land would grant her the happiness and peace of mind for which she had always yearned.

Despite enduring 24 sleepless hours due to connecting flights, Shivya exuded an unusual freshness and enthusiasm. Her journey to the university, a place she had fought so hard to reach, began. Seated on the bus, she closed her eyes, reminiscing about her father's vehement reaction when she disclosed her decision to study in the UK. The opposition had intensified since her refusal to marry, and now, in pursuing a master's degree, her family was angry with her. Tears rolled down her cheeks as the weight of those painful memories flooded back.

Opening her eyes, Shivya leaned against the window, gazing at the city streets. Amid her dreams, she longed for her family's acceptance. Despite achieving admission into the prestigious Oxford University for her MBA, her parents continued to curse her for not conforming to their marital expectations. The contradiction between their disappointment and her accomplishments left her bewildered not just in the present circumstance but throughout her life.

Upon arriving at the university, Shivya navigated through paperwork and made her way to the dorm. The lively atmosphere outside and the bustling stairways provided a glimmer of hope. Finally, free from her parents' constant insults, she relished the idea of a judgment-free environment. Entering her assigned room, she found a blond girl already organizing her belongings.

Seeing Shivya, the girl offered a warm smile, prompting Shivya to beam in return. "Hi," Shivya greeted.

Observing Shivya juggling bags and suitcases, the girl rushed to her aid. Shivya felt a surge of elation at having such a warm roommate. The girl placed Shivya's things on the other side of the room, introducing herself with a friendly smile. "Hi, my name is Ruth Johnson."

Returning the smile, Shivya expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Ruth. Shivya Krishnan from India."

"I'm from the US, majoring in engineering," Ruth shared.

"Cool. I'm in business administration," Shivya replied.

"Actually, I know someone already from there. I can introduce you. You can make new friends, so you don't miss home", Ruth said.

"That would be amazing. But I won't miss my home anyway."

Ruth gave Shivya a questioning expression, her eyes subtly probing for more. Sensing that Shivya might be concealing something, Ruth tried to hide her thoughts, maintaining a friendly demeanor.

Shivya smiled as she said, "No, did all my studies in boarding school. So hardly miss my family."

Ruth, with a quizzical expression, responded, "Then, girl, you're going to enjoy Oxford. Let me be honest with you—I have a boyfriend, and I might bring him here sometime. Please don't be a typical Indian girl and make any complaints."

Shivya nodded her head saying, "I understand. Just one request - inform me beforehand so that I can make arrangements for myself."

Ruth said in a dramatic tone, "Absolutely, my Indian princess."

After freshening up, Shivya took a leisurely walk around the campus, exploring its charm. Having not eaten anything for the past nine hours, she treated herself to lunch before and considered returning to her dorm room. On the other side, a guy walked into their room. Ruth greeted him with a hug and welcomed him into their shared space.

Ruth quizzed him "So, done with all your room arrangements?"

The guy nodded, saying, "I am done with mine. So, thought I would help you."

Ruth, perceptive of the guy's emotional state, spoke with concern and candor "I know that is not the reason. You should be going out and meeting new people, not spending time with already-known faces. You came here all the way from the US to have a change of mind and not just clinging on to your past. Look at you. That situation has made you feel pathetic."

The guy sighed in response to Ruth's observations.

Ruth stopped arranging her things and sat on the bed opposite to him "I can't see you like this. But I am happy that you found out about her, at least now. Please move on and meet someone new. It's already been six months. There will definitely be someone who will again give you butterflies, make you fall in love, make you feel alive, and...."

The guy protested "And then cheat? I was so stupid; I never realized that she was just after my looks and money. If I were a normal guy, this wouldn't have happened to me. I don't feel like trusting someone again. When it comes to relationships, fate really plays with me."

Ruth began to speak in a comforting tone "That's why you have come here under a fake name and identity. You have changed your name in all your official records, and now no one can find your real identity. You are no longer a rich heir. Now no one will deceive you for the money. So, have hope. Someone will walk into your life."

The guy said in a dejected tone, "Ruth honestly, I don't believe anyone new anymore. My heart has been broken so much that I don't want to trust anyone new and put myself in that situation again. I don't believe in love or any kind of friendships anymore. I am so over it. And who are you talking about? Who will walk into my life? You are speaking as if someone will walk right through the door and fall into my arms."

Unbeknownst to them, Shivya who was fiddling with her phone and wearing headphones, entered the room. As she approached her bed, she suddenly realized the presence of someone and attempted to stop herself but slipped and began to fall.

The guy, sitting on her bed, swiftly scooped her into his arms, preventing her from toppling over. Shivya looked up to see a pair of green eyes gazing at her in amazement. Mesmerized, she noticed his features—medium eyebrows, a sharp nose, perfect pink lips, a slim jawline, and a neatly trimmed beard. She felt as if she had descended into the embrace of a Greek god.

While the guy took note of the exquisite Indian face before him, he found himself captivated by her expressive eyes, filled with warmth and curiosity, suggesting intelligence and depth. Her lengthy hair cascaded down in soft waves or gentle curls, framing her face like a beautiful halo. The color of dark chocolate glistened under the sunlight, creating a shimmering cascade of ebony tresses that fell elegantly over her shoulders. Her flawless skin was reminiscent of porcelain or warm honey, boasted a natural glow that seemed to radiate from within. The depth of her eyes momentarily made him afraid that he might fall for her.

A strand of her hair fell on her face, prompting him to delicately move it aside. As their heartbeats raced, it felt as if the entire world had come to a standstill. Ruth subtly coughed, indirectly signaling her presence and remarked, "Someone actually fell into your arms just like you wished."

Ruth's words snapped themback to reality and both realized they were still in each other's arms. The guyreleased her from his embrace, but their eyes remained locked. It seemed theycouldn't tear their gazes away.