The University Diary

Maya's Journey: A Tale of Growth and Discovery

Chapter 1: The New Beginning

Maya was filled with excitement when she was accepted into the University. It marked a fresh start, and she eagerly anticipated diving into university life. Everyone had told her that university would be a happier and more liberating experience compared to school, full of freedom and joy. However, as she embarked on this new chapter, Maya soon realized that the reality was far more complex than the idyllic image painted by her peers.

Having been selected to university during the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, her first semester was held online. This meant limited face-to-face interactions, but Maya made the most of it by joining her university's badminton practice every Wednesday with three friends. They entered the university with high expectations, excited about the fun and enjoyable experiences they had been promised.

Amidst the online classes, Maya formed her first connection with a senior from her A-level class, whom she admired for her guidance. After a few conversations, Maya was added to a WhatsApp group for her batch, where she introduced herself and began to bond with her peers. Among them were two familiar faces: one she recognized from tuition classes and another from her school.

Chapter 2: A Warm Welcome

As the semester came to an end, the seniors hosted a welcome treat at a local restaurant called Elite. This exhilarating experience allowed Maya to engage with her seniors and share her aspirations. It was during this event that she developed a crush on a charming senior named Kiran, who had been supportive of her studies. Unfortunately, her hopes were dashed when she discovered he was already in a committed relationship.

Despite her disappointment, Maya continued to enjoy her university experience. Kiran frequently asked about her academics, results, and GPA, showing genuine interest in her progress. Whenever she went to the grounds to see him, accompanied by her teasing friends, she felt a rush of emotions. Although her friends often joked about her feelings for Kiran, she learned to control her emotions, reminding herself that he was committed. Their interactions took on a brotherly tone, and although it was challenging for Maya to talk to him directly due to her shyness, she felt comfortable chatting with him online. Shadows from her past, however, began to creep in, as a previous love still intertwined with her current life through mutual connections.

Focusing on her academics brought Maya happiness and support. Gradually, she began to share details about her past love with Kiran, who offered her advice and understanding. However, after some time, her past love called her, questioning why she was spreading rumors about them. This confrontation made Maya reconsider her openness and led her to decide not to share her personal details with others anymore. As a result, her crush on Kiran gradually decreased, as the complexities of her past began to weigh on her present.

Chapter 3: The Beginning of Love 

Maya was a friendly, talkative girl who was comfortable engaging with friends, both girls and guys. She was easily drawn to masculine appearances but was even more captivated by those who showed kindness and cared for others. She is a dancer, actively involved in programs that allowed her to interact with people. Through these performances, she built connections and even received compliments from admirers who had crushes on her. However, the attention was fleeting and shallow, something she wasn't interested in. Maya craved a genuine, long-term relationship grounded in trust and understanding. 

Maya had everything she could ask for—her parents had raised her like a princess, providing her with all she needed and more.  She lives her life on her terms, never begging for anything and refusing to compromise her values. There was no reason for her to envy others; she had a life full of opportunities and comforts. The only thing she felt she was missing was love, this part of her life seemed to elude her.