Chapter 2: First Class, First Glance
The classroom was filled with chatter, new faces, and excitement.
Students were rushing to grab the best seats.
Aditi pulled Swati inside.
"Come fast! Back bench or front?"
"Middle…" Swati said softly.
They sat down, still adjusting to the new environment.
Priyanka leaned in, whispering,
"New life starts today."
Swati nodded… but her eyes were still searching unconsciously.
Meanwhile…
Abhi entered the class.
Silence didn't fall… but something shifted.
He walked calmly, ignoring everyone, and took a seat near the window.
His inner voice again whispered:
"Why does this place feel… familiar?"
He frowned slightly.
The professor entered.
"Good morning, students."
Everyone stood.
"Good morning, sir!"
"Welcome to your first day of college. This is not school anymore. This is where your real life begins."
Swati listened carefully.
Abhi… looked outside the window.
"Let's start with introductions," the professor said.
One by one, students began speaking.
"Aditi."
Confident. Funny. Everyone laughed.
"Priyanka."
Simple. Elegant.
"Next."
Swati stood up slowly.
"My name is Swati… I like reading and… I believe in memories."
For a second…
Abhi's eyes shifted toward her.
Something felt strange.
Like he had heard that voice before.
His inner voice:
"Turn properly… look at her."
But he didn't.
"Next."
Abhi stood up.
"Myself Abhi. I don't talk much. That's it."
Class chuckled.
Swati looked at him for the first time.
Her heart skipped.
Why… does he feel familiar?
Their eyes almost met.
Almost.
But not completely.
At the back…
Shreya whispered to Aishwarya:
"Interesting… new love story?"
Aishwarya smirked,
"Let's make it complicated."
The bell rang.
First class ended.
But something had just begun
The second class was about to begin.
Students were settling down when suddenly—
"May I come in, sir?"
Everyone turned.
A girl stood at the door… slightly out of breath.
It was Poonam.
Simple, beautiful, with nervous eyes.
The professor looked at her.
"You're late on your first day?"
"Sorry, sir… bus delay…" she said softly.
"Come in."
As she entered the class…
Her eyes searched only one person.
And then—
She saw him.
Ayush.
Sitting two rows ahead.
Laughing with his friends.
Her heart smiled silently.
"Same college… finally…"
Flashback (School Days):
Poonam watching Ayush from far.
Never talking.
Just small glances, hidden smiles.
A one-sided love… growing quietly.
Back to present—
"Where will I sit…" she whispered.
Aditi waved,
"Here! Sit with us!"
Poonam smiled and sat beside Swati.
"Hi, I'm Aditi."
"Priyanka."
"Swati."
Poonam nodded,
"I'm Poonam…"
Meanwhile…
Ayush turned slightly.
For a second, their eyes met.
Poonam quickly looked down.
But Ayush… didn't think much.
Just another classmate for him.
At the back—
Shreya noticed everything.
"Ohhh… one-sided love story," she smirked.
Aishwarya replied,
"This campus is going to be fun."
Bell rang again.
But this time…
Hearts were louder than the bell.