The Royal Boundaries

Chapter 7: First Encounter with Raghav

It was a sunny afternoon, and Aditi was seated on one of the benches in the campus garden, her textbooks open as she reviewed notes for an upcoming quiz. The gardens were one of her favourite places on campus—a peaceful spot filled with blooming flowers and shaded by sprawling trees. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and she could hear students chatting and laughing nearby.

As she flipped a page, her phone buzzed with a message from her mother. She smiled, reading a line of encouragement, but felt a twinge of homesickness. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the floral-scented air, letting the calm of the gardens ease her heart.

Just as Aditi was about to return to her studies, she noticed someone sit on the bench opposite her. Glancing up, she saw the same young man she had encountered in the library a few days before. Today, he wore a casual white kurta with rolled-up sleeves and jeans, blending traditional and modern styles with effortless grace. He looked calm, yet there was an air of quiet intensity about him, as if he was deep in thought.

For a moment, she debated whether to say something, but she quickly looked back down at her notes. However, the young man seemed to notice her hesitation.

Young Man (smiling warmly): "You're in the Development Studies program, right?"

Aditi looked up, surprised that he remembered her.

Aditi (nodding): "Yes... I saw you in the library the other day."

Young Man: "Ah, yes. The library has always been my favorite place on campus. It's one of the few places I can think clearly."

Aditi (smiling): "I feel the same way. It's peaceful... away from all the noise."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the sounds of the garden surrounding them. Aditi could feel her nerves easing as she realized he was just another student here, despite the quiet confidence he exuded.

Curious but cautious, Aditi decided to ask a question that had been on her mind.

Aditi: "Why did you choose to study here? I mean... you could have gone anywhere in the world."

The young man looked down for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts.

Young Man: "I wanted to stay close to home. I've spent a lot of time abroad in the past, but it felt... disconnected. I wanted to understand the people here, learn from them before stepping into any real responsibilities. You can't lead if you don't understand those you're responsible for."

Aditi nodded, impressed by his answer. She could see that he carried a sense of purpose, one that aligned with her own dreams of making a difference.

Aditi: "I think that's really admirable. It's rare to see someone who thinks beyond themselves."

He smiled, studying her with a look of curiosity.

Young Man: "What about you? What brought you here?"

Aditi hesitated, but something about his genuine interest encouraged her to open up.

Aditi: "I came from a small village... Gauripur. Life there isn't easy. My mother worked hard to help me get here, and I want to make something of myself, to bring change back home. I'm studying Development Studies because I want to improve conditions in places like Gauripur."

The young man listened attentively, his gaze softening.

Young Man: "You sound like someone with a big heart. It's not easy to carry such hopes on your shoulders."

Aditi (nodding slowly): "I know, but it's worth it. If I can make a difference for even one family, it will be worth all the effort."

They shared a quiet moment, both lost in their thoughts. For the first time, Aditi felt that someone truly understood her motivations. The young man's calm yet driven demeanor resonated with her, and she could see that he, too, carried the weight of expectations.

As they continued talking, a few students nearby began to notice him and whispered among themselves. Aditi noticed it too, and she could see that he was aware of the attention but chose to ignore it.

Aditi: "Is it difficult? Having everyone look at you that way?"

The young man sighed, his expression thoughtful.

Young Man: "Sometimes, yes. People see the title or role, not the person. I've grown up with it, but it's still... isolating."

He looked at her with a small, sincere smile.

Young Man: "That's why I enjoy talking to you. You don't seem to see me as... anything other than a fellow student."

Aditi blushed slightly, feeling both flattered and nervous.

Aditi: "I guess... I don't really know what it's like to be in the spotlight. But I do understand expectations."

He nodded, his gaze steady.

Young Man: "It's nice to be seen for who you are, isn't it?"

As the conversation wound down, he noticed Aditi's book, one of the many heavy tomes required for their coursework.

Young Man: "That's a tough one. I struggled with that section myself. If you ever need help with anything, let me know."

Aditi (smiling): "Thank you. I might take you up on that."

They exchanged a warm smile, a quiet understanding passing between them. In that brief encounter, Aditi realized that he, despite the attention he attracted, was just as human as she was—someone navigating expectations, seeking purpose, and craving authenticity.

That evening, Aditi lay on her bed, scrolling through social media and seeing updates from friends and family back home. She couldn't help but think about her encounter with the young man. Despite their very different backgrounds, they shared a common desire to bring positive change to the world.

She opened her notes app and wrote a few lines:

"Everyone carries a story behind their title, their role. Sometimes, the person is different from what you expect."

She smiled, thinking of his kindness and humility. Perhaps, she mused, life in Rajapur would bring more surprises than she had imagined.

Their paths had crossed in a meaningful way, and Aditi felt a growing curiosity about this grounded, thoughtful student. She didn't know where this connection would lead, but for now, she felt grateful for this unexpected friendship.