This is not the End

Meet Samar

Samar Ahir, a die-hard Gujarati, was an ambitious 24-year-old who aspired to become the next big business icon. He was brought up by his mother and uncle in Vadodara. Samar was a mechanical engineer and had worked as a buyer in Mumbai for three years before deciding to take the next step in his career.

Samar had a mixed personality. He wasn't shy about asking questions, even if they seemed silly, but he wasn't very outgoing when it came to making friends. He was the kind of person who could hold a conversation with everyone but only had a few close friends.

Over the past three years, Samar had fully embraced the life of a Mumbaikar. He had learned Marathi and became an expert in navigating the Mumbai locals, knowing every nook and corner of the city. Samar had arrived on campus four days prior and had already met most of his classmates, as well as some seniors from his previous job and other connections. He had thoroughly researched the classes, courses, professors, and upcoming events.

This morning, Samar woke up extra early to make a good first impression. He dressed in his favorite brown shirt and black trousers, completed his formal look with his low bridge oval spectacles and black shoes. He joined his old colleague Ketan, who was now in the senior batch, at the breakfast area. They were discussing the new session and upcoming events when Ketan noticed Nishant walking past their table. Ketan and Nishant exchanged greetings, and Nishant proceeded to another part of the room.

Samar asked, "Who was that?"

Ketan replied, "Nishant Jain, he is from my batch."

Samar continued looking at Nishant and saw him talking to a girl. He inquired, "Who is she? Is she from your batch too?"

Ketan responded, "No, it looks like she's from your batch."

Samar said, "Don't think so, we only have six girls in our class this year, and I have met all of them."

Ketan teased, "Who knows then? Could be his girlfriend," winking at Samar.

Samar tried to get a better look at the girl but eventually returned to their conversation. He checked his phone and realized it was already 8:45 am. "I should get going; I don't want to be late on the first day." He picked up his bag, put his phone in his pocket, and hurried towards the classroom. On his way, he walked past Nishant and the girl in the green outfit on the stairs.

Arriving at the classroom ten minutes early, Samar settled down at a desk in the middle of the room. As he engaged in conversation with the other guys, he noticed the girl in the green outfit had indeed joined their class. He observed her walking in and taking a seat at the front. Samar couldn't help but keep stealing glances at her until she turned around, and their eyes met for a brief moment before he looked away.

"She must have joined today," he thought to himself. Just as he was lost in his thoughts, the professor entered the class, and the roll call began. He eagerly listened for her name but didn't hear it until the very end. Finally, it was called out - Roll No. 65, Ria Taparia.