Ishika pov
I was standing at the entrance of the college, surrounded by lots of luggage—bags, suitcases, and memories packed inside them. The air felt heavy yet hopeful. I was happy… yet sad. Happy because I was finally here, standing at the starting line of my dreams. Sad because I had left everything behind—my home, my comfort, my parents—just for this one chance.
But that’s all I want.
I want to be successful for my family, for myself and I will be.
I repeated that in my mind like a promise, like a vow I couldn’t afford to break.
The college was huge, far bigger than I had imagined. Tall buildings, wide roads, students walking confidently as if they already belonged here. I felt small, almost invisible. I got lost more than once, turning left when I should’ve gone right, stopping to ask directions and feeling embarrassed every time.
But jaise-taise karke I finally reached the girls’ hostel.
With great difficulty, somehow.
I collected my room key and checked the slip again—second floor, Room 204. My heart was beating fast. New room. New people. New life.
I hoped I could make friends with my roommate. I hoped she would be kind.
Just as I opened the door—BOOM!
A sudden loud sound echoed through the corridor. I froze. When I looked properly, I was shocked. Four big suitcases had fallen right in front of me, almost crashing into my legs. The girl who owned them was staring at me with dead, unreadable eyes—as if I had committed a crime.
“I am so sorry, I’ll pick them up,” I said quickly, panic rising in my chest.
Stupid. This was my first impression, on my first day. Could it get worse?
I bent down to lift the suitcases, and the girl bent too. Our hands almost touched.
“No worries, that happens. You’re the newbie, right?”
Oh. So she must be my senior. Her tone was casual, confident—nothing like mine.
But then a question popped into my head. Why were her suitcases blocking the door like that?
“Yeah, a newbie. Are you my senior?”
Such a stupid question, Ishika. Why would you even ask that?
“Yes, your senior. By the way, there’s a party for newbies at my place, and we can also be friends. Wanna come?”
Ooo bete, she was inviting me to a party where all the freshers would be there. Party on the first day? That sounded exciting and scary. But it also meant a chance to make friends, to not feel so alone.
“Yeah, I would love to come. Just send me the address and I’ll be right there.”
“No way. You’re not coming alone. I’ll take you to my place, okay? Be ready at six.”
"Thik ha, chalo "
(Alright then, let’s go.)
But the thought refused to leave my mind. Her place? Then why was she staying in the hostel?
“If you have your own house to stay in, then why this college hostel—”
Oh no I shouldn’t have asked that. Too personal. Too soon. Shit.
“Actually, I’m from a very rich family, and I want to feel and live like a normal person in college—so no one uses me for money and I can have loyal friends. That’s the reason.”
Her words were calm, practiced—as if she had answered this question many times before.
Oo rich hai… सही है यार इन लोगो का
(Oh, she’s rich… must be nice, these people have it all.)
“Okay, meet me at six. Be ready on time, okay? Bye, I have to go.”
When she left, the room suddenly felt quiet. I sat on the bed and looked around. There were four beds, just like every hostel room—you all know how it is, so I won’t explain. Each bed had its own study table, neatly arranged.
But there was only one girl’s luggage.
How come?
Questions tried to fill my head, but I shook them away. Ishika, what will you even gain by knowing? Mind your own business.
I unpacked my clothes, arranged my books, and kept my parents’ photo carefully near the bed. Then I rushed to get ready. I didn’t want to be late—not today. I had heard that late people aren’t liked much in college, and I wanted to make a good impression.
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Finally, I was ready—wearing a one-piece dress. I had secretly brought it, hiding it deep inside my bag, or my dad would have scolded me endlessly. My hands trembled a little as I checked myself in the mirror.
It was almost six when Avantika entered the room.
“Ooo, looking hot and all, haan? Beautiful ✨”
Her words made me smile. Compliments still felt new to me. But when I looked at her she looked perfect. Confident. Effortless.
“Avantika, you yourself look so beautiful. I’m just chai kam pani in front of you.”
(Very less compared to you / not even close.)
I meant it. And I also wanted to strengthen our bond. First impressions matter.
“Yeah yeah, whatever. Let’s go or the party won’t happen—because the host is right here. Hurry up.”
I took one last look at myself in the mirror, took a deep breath, and followed her outside.
And then—
A black BMW stood right in front of my eyes, shining under the hostel lights.
Sach bolun toh meri aankh hi meri socket se bahar nikal gayi thi
Honestly, my eyes almost popped out of their sockets.“Wow, Avantika, is this your car? It’s as beautiful as you—and my dream car.”
“Yes. Any doubt about it? Hop in, or we’ll get late.”
Chalo chalo
(Come on, let’s go.)
The drive took only 15 minutes, but it felt like a lifetime. The driver means Avantika was fast—too fast. My hands were clenched the entire time. For a moment, I truly believed this was my last day—without fulfilling my dreams, without saying goodbye to my parents.
But somehow, we reached safely.
When I entered the place, I was blinded by lights, surrounded by loud music, laughter, and glasses filled with wine🍷.
Everything looked unreal, like a different world.
Aren’t we kids? Aren’t we not allowed to drink?
Maybe this place was an exception.
But then I noticed something else.
Why was everyone staring at me?
Some curious. Some amused. Some… judgmental.
“Avantika, yeh log mujhe aise kyun dekh rahe hain?”
(Avantika, why are these people staring at me like this?)
I had to ask, or this strange uneasiness would eat me alive.
She didn’t answer. She just stopped walking.
When I followed her gaze and looked straight ahead, I saw a guy—standing confidently, smiling, waving his hand in our direction like he owned the place.
“He’s my boyfriend. The most popular person in the whole college. And as rich as me… actually, far richer. His name is Prem. Wanna meet him?”
My heart sank.
No.
I didn’t like his gaze.
It wasn’t warm—it was sharp.
And it made me uncomfortable.
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The next chapter is going to be spicy, because there’s going to be suspense.
Want to know what happens next? Stay with me till the end—because the next chapter will be perfect for Avantika and Prem, and painful for our Ishika.
Oops… did I just give you a spoiler?
It’s okay 💔✨
Bye💓🧿
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