Unwritten Chords

Chapter 2: In my dreamland.

Anya's POV

I woke up at 4.00 am or maybe I just didn't sleep the whole night.setting up the alarm for today was useless,my nerves are already buzzing thinking about the day ahead.

Today was the day. My first day at larkspur University.

I hopped out of the bed after calming myself down and got ready for uni.I could already smell the fragrance of refreshing chai(Indian milk tea) from downstairs....I walked down wearing a sage green top that fit me well with jeans and converse...

"Ready for the big day??" Aunt Rhea asked excitedly placing the breakfast in front of me..

My stomach churned at her words and the nervousness kicked in again.I gave her a hesitant smile "ready as I'll ever be."

Rhea chuckled"you'll be fine Anya..just remember everyone is figuring out something and if today feels a bit overwhelming or slightly off,just smile.Americans love a good smile"

I chuckled "I'm definitely bringing a notepad at dinner table today"
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I took a bus to larkspur,I had the option to walk as my house is just 15 mins away but I did not want to risk my first class.

Now,here I was standing in front of the university awestruck! The sheer size of the campus took me back to the night overs I've pulled studying and painting back in India to study here at larkspur! It all paid of!! My excitement was at its peak as I clutched my backpack which was slung over one of my shoulders and walked in the maingate-a sheer black huge iron gate with university's name etched elegantly in a bold sans-serif in the centre of the rods with the university's logo.Beyond the maingate,a wide cobbled concrete path stretched out towards the main campus,flanked by minimalist street lights and short green grass spread all over the hedges.

The centerpiece of larkspur was it's iconic clocktower(which made me fall for this university) followed by huge buildings...oh god,it's going to take me forever to learn the directions! But it feels fresh. The central huge quad was alive,filled with laughters and chatters of students..some playing instruments,some sketching,having snacks and others studying or reading books..

I couldn't help but notice the varying fashion styles-some dressed up all cutesy in preppy sweaters and cardigans others in lazy fits,oversized clothes and even a few in bold,artsy ensembles. Oh I'm in love with this place!

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I finally managed to find out the art studio and OMG!! The scene before me was the best thing I've ever seen or perhaps the best thing any artist could ever see! It was massive studio with full length windows and roof windows which made the sunlight come across,making the place lively and wholesome.The room had easels kept in semicircles around the designated place for a model. The overall asthetic was white and wooden..I could smell the fragrance of paints,oils,turpentine and canvases which were loaded in a corner...I just want to keep on breathing here!

I claimed a seat on one of the stools and started to unpack when a girl with fiery red highlights on her blond short wavy hair plopped down beside me.

"Heyyy" the girl said cheerfully "I'm hazel,you new?"

"Yea,transfer student" I replied with a smile. "Anya..Anya Bhatt" I added

"Cool! So Anya welcome here!...stick with me,new girl...I'll show you how to survive around here." Hazel said with a grin and for the first time my shoulders relaxed...I realised just how much of nervousness was hidden cuz of the overwhelming excitement.

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It was late evening..I was walking back home,I couldn't help but recall my whole day..I skipped my classes after fine arts class as hazel and I strolled the campus talking about me..I told her how I missed Indian food while eating lasagna in the university cafeteria,we talked about art and painting,both having an exact amount of interest and enthusiasm,she even gave me a new huge sketchbook as a welcome gift...she's a sweetheart and has energy of three anyas in her..it's wrong if I'd say I don't have a buddy now.

It was getting darker,the orange and pinks fading away,I had my sketchbook clutched against my chest and was crossing the path when a sudden roar of engine made me flinch and I fell to the side tripping cuz of the horrific glare of the headlights and speed,making me freeze momentarily,my breath still caught.

The rider swerved sharply,the tires screeching against the flat concrete and came to hault finally braking hard just a mere inches away...I managed to get up,my palms scratched.

"Are you out of your damn mind?!" The rider snapped out pulling off his black helmet just as I turned to face him-sage green eyes.