AUTHOR'S POV
The girl lay curled up, lost in her peaceful slumber, when the shrill alarm pierced the silence. She groaned, pulling the blanket tighter around herself.
"Just two minutes... then I'll get up," she mumbled, her words slurred with sleep.
Without even opening her eyes, she fumbled for her phone and silenced it, rolling to the other side. But the alarm blared again. And again. Each time, she repeated the same half-hearted promise, her voice softer, more irritated, until the third snooze left her sighing in defeat.

A few minutes later, the alarm buzzed again. With an irritated groan, she slammed it off and let out a weary sigh. Reluctantly, she pushed herself up, knowing that if she didn't get out of bed now, she would definitely be late for her first day of college.

She stretched her arms overhead, fingers interlaced, and tilted her head from side to side in a lazy attempt to shake off the drowsiness. Her gaze finally fell on the clock.

7:45 AM.

Her eyes widened, and the color drained from her face. It was her very first day of post-graduation-and she was already running late.

Panic jolted through her like a lightning strike. Her heart hammered in her chest as she flung off the blanket and leapt out of bed.

"Oh God, yaar... why didn't I wake up at the first alarm!" she gasped, scolding herself as she rushed to her cupboard. She yanked the tiny hostel door open in a hurry-

"Ouch!" Aaradhya hissed as her little toe slammed against the edge. She hopped on one leg, clutching her foot with a pained frown. But there was no time. Curling her toes to numb the sting, she spun back to the cupboard.

Her eyes darted over the neatly stacked clothes. What should I wear today? she thought in frustration. Nothing seemed right. Every outfit looked dull, wrong, unworthy of her first day. With a sigh, she pulled out a few suits and held them against herself in front of the mirror.

"Ugh, why does everything look bad on me today?" she muttered, shaking her head at her own reflection.

Her ancestors would surely be laughing at her antics-running late yet stuck in a dilemma over what to wear. Her eyes flicked to the clock again.

7:51 AM.

"Shit, Aaradhya, you're hopeless!" she muttered under her breath, cursing herself as she yanked out a red long- side slit kurti with dangling side dories and her favorite high-waisted blue jeans.

She darted into the bathroom and emerged barely moments later, breathless and dripping. Only she knew how she had managed to shower, brush, and slip into her clothes at such lightning speed. Her damp hair clung to her shoulders, droplets trailing down her back. She gave it a half-hearted rub with the towel before tossing it aside.

Open hair will best for now. Ponytail or braid will take forever-and give me a headache, she thought, running her fingers quickly through the wet strands.

She shoved her feet into her sneakers, clipped on her signature lightweight oxidised jhumkas, and swiped a glossy coat of cherry lip balm across her lips. The sweet scent calmed her nerves for a heartbeat-but the pounding clock reminded her she had no time to waste.

She stuffed her notebook, pen, a small water bottle, and lip balm into her tote bag before reaching for the door handle.

(Vedika - her roommate and a good friend since undergraduate )

Behind her, Vedika stirred lazily in bed, rubbing her eyes at Aaradhya's continuous footsteps and muttering. Her broken sleep made her groan.
"Kyu itna subah-subah shor macha rakha tune itni der se?" she complained.

"8 baj gaye hain!" Aaradhya snapped, still fumbling with the door while glancing at her wristwatch.

Vedika frowned, her voice thick with sleep. "Toh kya hua bhai? Teri class toh 8:30 pe hai na? Chill kar, time se pahunch jaayegi... aur aaj pehla hi din hai college ka."

Aaradhya froze mid-step, giving her roommate an exasperated look. "Haan par college tak chal kar jaana padta hai, yaad hai? 10-15 minute lag jaate hain-vo bhi tab jab koi traffic na ho aur road cross easily ho jaye!" She let out a dramatic sigh before adding, "Aur mere priye chemistry department ne kaha hai hum logon ko 8:30 tak present hona hai, warna entry hi nahi milegi!"

Turning back toward the door, she paused and asked curiously, "Teri class aur orientation nahi hai kya aaj?"

Vedika yawned, snuggling deeper into her blanket. "MSc Botany hai meri jaaneman. Orientation aur pehla lecture 10:30 ka hai. Main toh aur soongi."

Wow, what a lucky person you are!" Aaradhya muttered under her breath as Vedika turned to the other side and snuggled deeper into her blanket.

"Botany department waalo ka itna accha schedule rakha hai, aur ek mera department ka dekho, Kaun rakhta hai itni subah-subah orientation and classes that too on the first day," she added with an annoyed remark. "Jisne bhi banaya hai na wo mere haath na lag jaaye..." she grumbled, pulling the door shut behind her with a soft thud.

She dashed down the stairs-three steps at a time; no elevator in the PG, obviously.
Once outside, she tried to walk at a composed pace, but who was she kidding? She was practically running, weaving past slower walkers and constantly adjusting her bag.

"Bas college pahunch jaun time se... Bus traffic na ho yaar, Kal se main pakka jaldi uth jaungi," she whispered to herself, her breath coming in short gasps.

The college was just across the road, barely ten minutes away from her PG. But like always, time seemed to fly when you were running late.

As she neared the gate, her eyes locked on the college entrance. She stepped onto the zebra crossing, still slightly in a rush-when suddenly, a sleek black Mercedes came out of nowhere, screeching to a sudden halt just inches from her.

Aaradhya froze in her tracks, her eyes wide with shock, her hands instinctively rising slightly, and her breath caught in her throat. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat deafening in the stunned silence that followed the screech.

The car door clicked open.

A man stepped out. He was tall, broad-shouldered, his frame lean yet powerful, carrying the quiet strength of someone used to control. Sharp features carved his face into something unreadable, a mask that revealed nothing. His amber eyes were cold, stripped of emotion, as though they had forgotten warmth altogether. His clothes, sharper than even his features, spoke of old money and an effortless authority- a crisp white shirt, black tie, and an Armani suit tailored to perfection.

His presence wasn't just powerful; it was charismatic.

As he stepped out of the car, a flash of tension and urgency crossed his expression-not because of her, but because of the lingering fear that had yet to leave his chest. If he hadn't slammed the brakes in time... someone could have been seriously hurt.

His eyes scanned the scene, and then landed on the girl gripping her bag as if her life depended on it. Her fingers were clenched so tightly around the strap that her knuckles had turned white, her whole body slightly trembling from the shock.

With slow, steady steps, he walked toward her.

"Aap theek ho na? Kahin chot toh nahi aayi?" he asked, his voice low, carrying a hint of irritation. How can people be so reckless while crossing the road? he thought, glancing at the girl.

Aaradhya, still in shock, couldn't form a single word. The image of that sleek black car screeching inches from her kept replaying in her mind.

He waved his hand gently across her face. She blinked, finally returning to the present.

"Huh...? Kya keh rahe the aap?" she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

He repeated, this time a little more firmly, "Aap theek ho? Kahin lagi toh nahi?"

She shook her head, her lips still parted in disbelief. Thank God... and whoever the bright energy in the universe saved me today, she thought.

Gathering herself, Aaradhya turned to leave-her college just a short walk ahead. But as she took a step, his voice stopped her. Low, yet slightly scolding, it carried authority, though he didn't want to frighten her.

"Aapki aankhen hai ya button? Aapko road cross karna nahi aata kya?"

She froze, then turned sharply, eyes blazing. Wow, ulta chor kotwal ko daate, she thought, suppressing a fume of anger.

"Ye words main aapko bolo toh. Aapko gaadi chalani nahi aati kya?" she snapped, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Aapki wajah se aaj main is duniya se chali jaati! Traffic signal red tha, tabhi toh chali main. Par shayad aapko colour blindness hai, isliye red light dikhayi nahi diya hoga, haina!" she said fiercely, sarcasm sharpening each word.

Before he could react, her gaze unknowingly moved to her wristwatch.

8:25 AM.

Her eyes widened. Oh God... she was running late.

"Ooh God... aapki wajah se main aur late ho gayi!" she said, shifting her gaze from the wristwatch back to him. She didn't want any argument now. With a resigned sigh, she added, "Chhodiye... maaf kiya aapko."

"Warna aapko acche se bataun ki gaadi kaise chalte hain aur traffic light kaise dekhte..." she said, her words dripping with mild sarcasm and a hint of irritation.

Without waiting for his response, she turned and sprinted toward the college gates. Shaking her head, she muttered to herself, Khan-khan se aa jaate hai log... Khud ki aankhen toh button hai, aur dusro ko bolte hai. Sorry bhi nahi boli jaati ki merese galti hogayi hai. Khair, mujhe kya? Main kaunsa isse milne waali hu...

She whispered under her breath as she moved toward her assigned room, cursing the man silently for making her morning chaotic.

He stood there-speechless, slightly amused, and very much in disbelief. She had not even given him a chance to speak.

Did she just blame him and forgive him in the same breath?

A loud honk behind him snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see a line of cars stuck behind, drivers leaning out impatiently. With a muttered curse under his breath, he rushed back to his car, got in, and drove forward.

Meanwhile, Aaradhya stepped into her classroom just on time, feeling a little relieved. She had no trouble finding the room-volunteers scattered across the campus guided students efficiently, making her path simple. The buzz of excited chatter wrapped around her like a familiar college blanket.

The WhatsApp message from last night had mentioned an orientation for their first class, and clearly, everyone had taken it seriously. The room was already full.

Students were scattered across the benches, talking, laughing, some even clicking selfies with their new friends. Aaradhya scanned the classroom, but did not find the familiar-or expected-face of Ishaan. She sighed, thinking maybe he had his own reason for being absent.

Quietly, she made her way to a middle-row bench-not too far in the front, not too far in the back-and slipped into a seat.

A girl sitting beside her shifted slightly, making space. She had a cheerful face, brown eyes, curly shoulder-length hair, and a bright energy that was hard to miss.

She turned toward Aaradhya with a friendly smile.

"Hi, I'm Priya Singh."

Aaradhya returned the smile politely. "Hi, I'm Aaradhya."

Priya tilted her head, her eyes lighting up. "Nice name! Where are you from?"

"I'm from Ambala, Haryana. And you?" Aaradhya replied, her voice soft but steady.

"Oh, nice!" Priya said, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Main Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh!"

She then introduced another girl sitting beside her-Tripti. Aaradhya smiled politely as they exchanged greetings. Tripti was a little introverted, so Aaradhya ended up asking most of the questions, sensing her shy nature. After a few moments, Aaradhya decided to wrap up the conversation to give Tripti some space.

A moment later, Priya grinned mischievously and leaned in slightly.

"Waise yaar, mujhe laga nahi ki tu Haryana se hogi," she said, her voice teasing but friendly.

Aaradhya raised an eyebrow, a small amused smirk tugging at her lips.

"Kyu?" she asked, curiosity laced in her tone, her eyes sparkling with mild amusement.

"Bas... tumhare bolne ka style! Jab you guys talk, aisa lagta hai jaise lad rahe ho ya gusse me ho," Priya giggled.

"Though your voice has this softness-totally opposite of what I usually hear in movies or serials-and there's no Haryanvi accent at all in your tone! That honestly made me wonder," she added with a playful tilt of her head.

"And one more... Arey kya bolte ho tum log," she said, frowning slightly, thinking aloud. "It's a very famous line yaar... jab first time milte ho..."

"Arey haan! RAMRAM bhai saare yane," Priya said, joining her hands with a wide grin. "Aur Haryana walo ki toh... you know..." She flexed her arm dramatically. "Body bhi hoti hai! Dekh, apne aap ko... kahi se bhi Haryana ki nahi lag rahi hai toh?"

Aaradhya was thoroughly amused by Priya's whole theory, and she burst out laughing, covering her mouth as a few nearby students glanced curiously.

"Aur aur kya kya stereotype hai Haryana ke baare mein?" Aaradhya giggled, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Prying a little, Priya grinned with a toothy smile. "Pata nahi... aur kya kya stereotype hai maine paal rakhe hai, but if you're willing to be my friend, you can break those stereotypes!"

Aaradhya chuckled, shaking her head at the playful teasing.

"So... friend?" Priya asked, extending her hand with anticipation.

Aaradhya laughed at her antics, shook her hand, and nodded. "Yes... friends," she said warmly.

After a few more introductions and light chatter with other students, the temporary class coordinator entered for the orientation. He spoke about the college, its history, and the career paths unique to this institution. At the end, he wished everyone good luck for the future, reminded them to make memories with their new friends, and not to forget to study.

"Your first class will begin in ten minutes. Please remain in this classroom," he added.

Collective groans followed. First-day energy had just begun to build, and no one was ready for actual studies yet.

Priya slumped over her desk dramatically.
"Yaar, aaj hi class kyun hai bhai? Abhi toh admission hua hai!"

Aaradhya chuckled at her antics.
"As if you didn't know-kal shaam hi message aaya tha group mein. So we have to study. But here's something more interesting that you should worry about. Guess what? Humein Organic Chemistry kon padhayenge."

Priya blinked, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
"What's so special about this subject, professor? And plus... I hate this subject yaar."

"Me too yaar," Aaradhya agreed with a laugh. "And the professor... Special? No... his whole personality is extra special! Suna hai, jo humein Organic Chemistry ke liye assign kiya gaya hai, wo bohot strict hain... aur usne bohot se baccho ko rulaya hai. Aur waise bhi, he is the director of this college too."

Priya's eyes widened, a small gasp escaping her.
"Director? Pakka bhuda hoga yaar... agar director hai toh!"

Aaradhya giggled at her remark, shaking her head.
"Khair... college me hum log kaise handsome hunk professor expect kar sakte hain!" she {Priya} added with a teasing grin.

Aaradhya chuckled at her last line.
"Well... he's not a senior citizen, but yeah... kind of a grumpy oldie."

Priya looked at her suspiciously, eyebrows raised.
"Waise... tujhe yeh sab kaise pata?"

Aaradhya raised her eyebrows, smirking.
"Mere paas connections hain iss college me," she said, her voice teasing.

Priya laughed, unconvinced.
"Jhutti! Chal, sach bata."

Leaning in slightly, Aaradhya whispered conspiratorially,
"Mere PG mein ek senior hai... second year mein hai. Usne bataya."

Priya nodded, grinning.
"Badiya hai yaar... warna mere yahan senior se pucho toh bolte hain ki 'humein nahi pata.' College jaake hi pata kar lena!"

Aaradhya laugh at her exaggeration.

Just then, the chatter around them started dying down-slowly at first, then all at once.

A man entered the classroom with calm authority.

Polished black shoes struck the floor in measured steps.
Tailored black trousers carried the weight of discipline, every crease sharp and deliberate.
A crisp white shirt clung to him, sleeves rolled up to the forearm-veins etched clearly against his skin, the curve of his biceps visible beneath the fabric.
And his eyes-steady, sharp-swept across the room as if he already knew exactly who belonged where.

He didn't need to raise his voice. His very presence commanded silence-quiet, magnetic, and dangerously attractive.

Aaradhya's gaze traveled slowly from his polished shoes to the tip of his head, drinking in every detail. Awe settled over her first, a quiet admiration that made her heart skip a beat.

Then disbelief hit, sharp and sudden, her breath catching as if the air itself had thickened around him.

And beneath it all, a flicker of anxiety stirred in her chest, a tiny, uneasy flutter she couldn't quite suppress.

Her eyes widened, pupils dilating, struggling to reconcile what she was seeing.

It was...

______________________________________________________________________________

------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for giving my story a chance and reading this chapter 😺
So... how did you like it?
Drop your thoughts, comments, and votes-I'd love to hear from you!

Author, Arpan 💗