The college campus felt larger than Poonam had imagined.
Tall buildings surrounded an open courtyard where students gathered in small groups, laughter and nervous introductions filling the air. Everything felt unfamiliar — new classrooms, new schedules, new expectations.
Poonam walked beside Aditi, Swarna, and Priyanka, quietly observing the surroundings while listening to her friends talk.
"I swear I'll get lost every day," Aditi said, looking at the map on her phone.
"You will," Swarna replied calmly. "Accept your fate."
Priyanka laughed softly. "At least the campus looks nice."
They finally reached their assigned classroom and stepped inside.
Rows of desks filled the room. Some students were already seated, talking excitedly.
And on the opposite side of the class sat familiar faces again.
Anshu occupied a window seat, flipping through a notebook. Ritik and Abhi sat behind him, speaking quietly, while Aditya arranged his books with careful precision.
The girls noticed them.
They chose seats on the other side without hesitation.
No greetings were exchanged.
The distance remained polite and intentional.
A few minutes later, the professor entered.
The room immediately fell silent.
"Good morning, students."
Everyone stood briefly before sitting down again.
"I am Professor Mehra. Today we'll begin with introductions."
One by one, students stood and introduced themselves.
When Poonam's turn came, she stood slowly.
"My name is Poonam," she said softly, giving a short introduction.
Her voice was gentle but clear enough for the entire classroom.
The professor nodded approvingly. "Excellent academic record."
Several students turned to look at her.
Poonam sat down quickly, avoiding attention.
Across the room, Anshu glanced up for a moment before returning his gaze to his notebook.
Soon it was his turn.
"Anshu," he said simply.
The professor smiled almost instantly. "Ah yes, your admission portfolio was impressive. Your artwork stood out."
Whispers spread quietly across the class.
Two names already remembered.
Two students already noticed.
From another row, Aishwarya's expression tightened slightly while Shreya leaned closer to whisper something to her.
After introductions, the professor continued.
"Our college orientation program will be held next month. We'll need students for cultural and creative responsibilities."
He scanned the class.
"Poonam, you are trained in singing, correct?"
She hesitated briefly before answering, "Yes, sir."
"And Anshu, you handle visual design."
"Yes, sir."
"Good. You two will work on the opening presentation — performance and stage design."
The classroom grew quiet again.
For the first time, interaction became unavoidable.
Anshu turned slightly toward her, his tone formal.
"We can discuss the details later."
Poonam nodded. "Okay."
Just work. Nothing more.
Yet several eyes watched them carefully.
Aishwarya looked displeased.
Shreya noticed and smiled faintly.
The bell rang loudly, signaling the end of the period.
Chairs scraped against the floor as students began leaving.
The girls gathered their things and exited together. On the opposite side, the boys left separately.
No conversations.
Only passing moments in the same corridor.
But as Poonam walked out of the classroom, she felt someone's gaze for a brief second.
She didn't turn back.
Inside the classroom, Anshu watched the empty doorway for a moment longer than necessary before closing his notebook.
He didn't question why.
College had only just begun.
And already, things felt strangely complicated.