The Story Of Us

CHAPTER 2: The New Phase

And with the start of college, a new chapter in my life had begun. Although I had anticipated an easy transition, it proved to be anything but. Filled with obstacles, hurdles, and adventures at every turn, my college experience was nothing short of dramatic. But despite the challenges, I found myself enjoying my newfound independence. It was my first time on my own, and I relished the freedom that came with it.

Adjusting to a new environment can often take time, but for me, it came naturally. The college was full of freshness and excitement, with an abundance of new people to meet. And the hostel was a mini-resort in its own right, complete with restaurants, a swimming pool, and even a jogging track. It had everything a student could ask for, from house-keeping to pest-control, catering to people of all classes. But what really made the hostel stand out were the nearby eateries, including our very own food joint called THADI, Temptation (a restaurant-cum-pub), and Highway King, affectionately known as H.K. And let's not forget the liquor shop, which allowed us to unwind and enjoy ourselves after a long day of classes.

But what truly amused me about the hostel wasn't the facilities, but the people who lived there. I was surprised to see that nearly ninety percent of the students had already committed to someone within the first week. It made me uncomfortable, and I couldn't help but judge them silently. How could they enter into a relationship based solely on appearances? To me, relationships require time to get to know someone and to develop a connection. It requires patience, not just from oneself, but also from the other person. I couldn't help but wonder what drove them to make such hasty decisions.

Little did I know that my own life was about to take a drastic turn. The obstacles and adventures that I had experienced so far were nothing compared to what was to come. But at that moment, all I wanted was to enjoy my new surroundings and the freedom that came with it.

Love, for me, was never something that could be captured at first sight. It was not just about someone's appearance, but rather the person they were on the inside. Their nature, thoughts, emotions, the way they treated others, and the experiences that shaped them into who they are today - these were the things that truly mattered. If I loved all these things about someone, then that's what made them special to me, and that's what I defined as love.

Personality was the most important thing for me in a person. I valued kindness and authenticity over the physical appeal. I wasn't the kind of person to enter a relationship just for physical benefits or to use someone. I wanted someone who would understand me, respect me, and be there for me when I needed them. I wanted a companion, not a disposable object.

So when I saw people getting into relationships after just a week, I was amused. It seemed like they hadn't taken the time to really get to know each other before jumping in. But I didn't judge them too harshly. To each, their own, and besides, it was not my place to interfere.

As for the dynamics of the class, new friendships and relationships were forming all around. I still remember the day I walked into class and saw a group of about ten people sitting together at the back. I was surprised that they had already formed friend circles in just 20 days. But they seemed happy and excited, and who was I to judge? Their friendships only grew stronger over time.

As I walked into the classroom, my eyes immediately gravitated toward a group of ten students at the back. I couldn't help but feel amused by the diverse personalities each one of them carried. Aahaan, tall and handsome, had a charming demeanor, but his slight attitude problem was hard to ignore. His best friend Shikha, on the other hand, was short and feisty, radiating confidence and ego. Bhuvi was the life of the party, always up for a good time, while Uday had a chill vibe and was a joy to be around.