Chapter 1

I stood at the precipice of a life-altering decision, my heart heavy with the weight of uncertainty. The winds of change whispered in my ears, urging me to embrace the allure of a new beginning, to step into the unknown and leave behind the fragments of a relationship that had weathered countless storms. Yet, amidst the chaos of my emotions, a flicker of hope burned within me, reminding me of the love that had once been a beacon in my darkest hours.

Should I forsake that history, that connection, for the allure of the unknown? Should I turn my back on the love that had become woven into the very fabric of my being? The answer eluded me, buried beneath layers of longing, uncertainty, and the intoxicating pull of a future uncharted.

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As the early birds arose, the day dawned crisp with the chirping sounds of birds. The golden hands of the sun began painting the sky blue. The newly formed sun peered through my window flashing its beautiful but disturbing rays straight to my face. I was reluctant to get off my bed. I always love the day but not this particular morning. Suddenly, I remembered I got lectures today which prompted my springing out of bed and straight to the bathroom to freshen up. I wasn’t the kind of a person to delay while bathing. Not rushed up but out so early. Caring for my skin was my priority like every other sophisticated lady like me. I was always on trend with the latest Indian wear. With lehenga, pant-style salwar, and Anarkali being my favorite native Indian clothing for occasions. Being a college student, I was made to also love the modern clothing style. Ranging from simple pants and tops to the latest fitted gowns and the like.

On this exceptional morning, I made up my mind to go to campus as a pure Indian girl by dressing up in my favorite pant-style salwar. I’m not such a lady to get hooked up by following others’ styles, I do what pleases my sense of taste at most times. With that being stated, I dressed up. Untying my locks which was a natural black waistline length hair, I was set to go, stepping onto my high heels and picking up my bag, I took a final glance at myself in the mirror.

“You look gorgeous!” I always complimented myself.

Leaving my room and heading downstairs, I could smell the aroma of my mom’s cooking. Mrs. Amber Singh, my beautiful mother was the best mother of the new generation. A woman who was bent on watching over her beautiful daughters after the demise of her loving husband over a decade ago in place of remarrying like most women of this era.

Following my full salutation, I notified my mom of going to campus. Riding to campus on my rare magenta scooter was simply an amazing accomplishment. I met up with Manikarnika, Manu in short, my bestie. She was a bright stunning lady with a blithe and carefree character that draws attention, especially mine. She has always been my bestie right from day one on campus and she will always be.

My campus life has always been a sweet fanatic one, but recently, I found myself entangled in a hate relationship with one of my college mates, Siddharth Arora popularly known as Sidd.

Siddharth and I were the worst enemies on Earth. I just hated him for no reason. He is so full of himself, probably because he was handsome which was true though. He had such a heart-melting appearance with a fairer complexion. He had a hawkish nose, rosy pink lips, sparkling eyes, and a well-built gym-going body. Coupled with his jet black textured spiky comb over haircut which made him look like one kind of hero in a romantic Bollywood movie. Many girls admired him for his good looks. I could say he was the most handsome guy on campus but that didn’t change the way I feel about him. I bet he also hates me more than I can ever imagine. He will do anything to see me get hurt. I wish he could just disappear into the thin air.

I was with Manu after the morning lectures when I saw him. He walked closer to us with his two friends, Shekhar and Milan. They were his best friends, he goes out with them most of the time.

“Someone is trying to please the guys around,” he began his everyday scorning. “She tries to look beautiful even though she is ugly,” he scorned and tittered staring at me.

“Let’s go, Manu,” I commented and we stood up to go. I wasn’t in the mood to retaliate just yet. We heard them laughing as we were leaving. We went to stay at a different place far away from where we were before. A few minutes later, Manu got a call from home. Her mom asked her to come home if she was done with her lectures. She had to leave, I couldn’t stop her since it was her mom that called. When she left, I went to the library to study. I was done an hour later and I decided to go home. I was stepping down the staircase when I bumped into Sidd.

“Not again!” I exclaimed pissed off. “Why are you following me everywhere I go?” I questioned with a wave of obvious anger.

“Are you nuts or something!” He fired back. “Why in God’s name will I be following an ugly girl?”

“I guess you have lost your sense of sight,” I retaliated.

“Even a blind guy could see how ugly you are,” he scorned.

“Honestly?” Do you know how many guys are falling just to come in contact with me? Do you also know that one of them is you? That’s why you kept on following me everywhere I go. Anyways, no matter how hard you try, I will never fall for you ‘cause you are so arrogant,” I stated proudly. I knew that will certainly hurt him.

I stepped down from the last staircase and he said, “Stop flattering yourself.” I walked away without saying anything else.

I got to my scooter, sat on it, and then rode out of campus.

Later in the night, Kiara returned home from work. Kiara was my elder sister, kind and cautious. She graduated two years back and she’s now working as a Managing Director (MD) in a large firm.

I heard her voice downstairs and went to welcome her.

“Welcome, sis!” I greeted them as I hugged her. “How was work today?” I asked as I released her of the warm hug.

“It was hectic today. I’m exhausted!” she expressed.

A seven to nine-work all day except weekends was an exhausting one. I could see the signs of tiredness on her face. I helped her out with her bag upstairs and she trudged along behind me heading to her room.

The following morning, I dressed up and rode to campus. I met Manu as usual and we both went to class. After lectures, we went to the canteen and ordered soft drinks.

“Have you seen Sidd today?” I asked.

“No, I haven’t,” she replied negatively. “Are you missing him already?” she teased.

“Of course not! I’m happy that he is not around today,” I stated and sipped my drink.

“Whatever!” she commented.

After we were done, we paid the bill and left the canteen. We went home after the second lecture.