Aditi, a small-town girl with big dreams, has always known struggle. Despite her humble beginnings, she lands a chance to study in the bustling city, carrying with her a hope to uplift her village and bring positive change. But life in the city is f...
The bus pulled into the city of Rajapur just as the sun was beginning to set. The warm hues of the sunset reflected off the glass buildings that towered over the bustling streets. Cars honked, vendors called out to passers-by, and a sea of people filled the sidewalks, each immersed in their own hurried world. Aditi peered out of the bus window, wide-eyed, drinking in the sights and sounds of a place that was completely foreign to her.
She had heard stories about the city—the opportunities it held, the people from all walks of life who lived here. But nothing could have prepared her for the overwhelming reality. Stepping off the bus with her small suitcase, she felt like a small fish in a vast ocean.
As she took in her surroundings, her heart raced with a mix of excitement and fear. Every corner of Rajapur seemed alive with energy, a stark contrast to the quiet, slow-paced life in Gauripur.
Aditi(thinking to herself): "So this is Rajapur... It feels like a different world. Can I really find my place here?"
She clutched the small garland of flowers from her village around her neck, feeling a sense of comfort from it. It was a reminder of her roots, grounding her as she stepped into this unfamiliar territory.
With directions from a kind passer-by, Aditi made her way to Maharaja Institute of Science and Arts. The college campus sprawled across a wide area, with tall buildings, lush green lawns, and groups of students gathered in conversation or hurrying to classes.
Aditi gazed around in awe. This was her new home—the place where she'd study, learn, and grow.
Aditi(thinking): "This is it. The place where everything changes. I have to do my best... for Aai, for Rohan, and for everyone back home."
As she walked across the campus, she couldn't help but feel out of place. Her simple salwar kameez stood in contrast to the trendy clothes of the other students. She noticed groups laughing, some speaking in English, a language she understood but felt shy to speak fluently.
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Lost in thought, Aditi didn't notice a student coming up beside her until he spoke.
Student(smiling warmly): "New here, right?"
Aditi looked up, surprised. The young man in front of her had a friendly face and wore a bright smile.
Aditi(nodding shyly): "Yes... I just arrived."
Student: "I'm Sameer. Fourth-year political science student. Welcome to Maharaja Institute! You look a little lost. Need help finding something?"
Aditi(relieved): "Yes, please! I need to get to the admissions office... I'm not quite sure where it is."
Sameer(gesturing to a building in the distance): "It's over there. I can walk you there if you'd like. The campus is huge; it can be a bit confusing at first."
Aditi nodded, grateful for his help, and they began walking together. Sameer pointed out various buildings, explaining which departments they housed.
Sameer: "Where are you from, Aditi?"
Aditi(smiling shyly): "Gauripur. It's a small village..."
Sameer(with genuine curiosity): "Wow, that's amazing. Not many people make it here from small towns. You must be really dedicated."
His words boosted her confidence. She hadn't expected someone from the city to be so welcoming.
As they neared the admissions building, Aditi's attention was caught by a group of students who seemed to be buzzing with excitement.
Student 1(whispering to another): "Did you hear? There's a new student this year who supposedly turned down studying abroad to be here. Some say he's got connections with royalty."
Student 2(eyes wide with awe): "Really? I heard he's incredibly humble, despite his family's wealth. Imagine meeting someone like that here!"
Aditi looked over at Sameer, a bit confused.
Aditi: "Why are they so excited about him?"
Sameer(shrugging): "Sometimes students come from pretty influential families. I guess it's exciting for people, but honestly, we're all just students here. Everyone has their own reasons for being here, so try not to get too caught up in the buzz."
Aditi nodded, though the idea of someone coming from such a different world intrigued her. It was yet another reminder of how different her background was from some of her peers.
After finishing her paperwork, Aditi was shown to her small but comfortable room in a nearby hostel. The walls were bare, and a single window overlooked the bustling campus below. She set her suitcase down and looked around, feeling a mixture of loneliness and excitement. This was her new home—a place she would have to navigate on her own.
She unpacked, placing the garland of flowers from her village beside her bed. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she whispered a promise to herself.
Aditi(whispering to herself): "I'll make the most of this chance. I'll make everyone proud."
She spent the evening familiarizing herself with her schedule and the campus map, feeling the weight of her decision settle on her shoulders. But despite her nerves, there was a spark of determination in her heart.
As night fell, Aditi sat by the window, looking out over the campus lights flickering in the distance. She thought of her family, her village, and the journey she had begun. Rajapur was intimidating, but she knew she had something powerful within her—an unbreakable resolve to prove herself, to make a difference, and to live up to the expectations of everyone who believed in her.
