#TheWritingProject

Life often teaches us lessons in a hard way, through various people crossing their paths in our lives. Sometimes, we end up putting our complete trust in them, only for it to be broken. Sometimes, we end up giving our hearts to them, only for it to be returned in broken pieces. Those are the moments when we really need to focus on the good things in life and have faith on ourselves. We need to learn those lessons and grow, but, unfortunately, most of the times we seem to ignore them by solely focusing on our setbacks. My life, for example, had been quite a rollercoaster ride.
To begin with, I loved science. I’d always been fascinated with it. Hence, my aim in life was to go abroad, study and conduct scientific researches. But, to fulfill my dream, I had to work hard. I come from a middle class family. And, to have such a dream in life, being a middle class, doesn’t help much, unless and until one really has a good luck.
My brother, being my only alive guardian, got me enrolled in a graduate school, for the degree of Bachelor of Science. On the first day of college, I got ready and packed my bag. I lived in an empty house then. My brother was a doctor. He went abroad for some conference work for a few days. I took a bus and reached the university. I was very nervous, mostly because of the new environment and new people. As I made my way inside the gate, a feeling of fear gripped me. I closed my eyes and contemplated in going back home.
“Hi, I’m Varun.” I opened my eyes at a melodious voice. He looked handsome and flawless. He stretched his hand towards me and gave a warm smile. I got butterflies in my stomach at the sight of this mysterious boy. I smiled at him nervously and took his hand. Immediately, there was a tingling sensation deep down my body. Before making a complete fool of myself on my very first day, I said, “Hi, I’m Tania.”
He let go of my hand and asked, “Nervous?”
“Just a bit.” I said and looked into his eyes. They were of hazel brown colour. I had never seen such beautiful and deep eyes.
He smiled at me and said, “Don’t worry. We all are a bit nervous today. Just relax. It’s going to be our home for a few years now.” I smiled at his words. He was right. ‘Home for a few years’, indeed!
“Is it very obvious that I’m nervous?” I asked him thoughtfully.
He pondered over my question for some time and said, “Yes. You’re right palm is a bit sweaty.” My face flushed at his words. I tried to rub my palm on my jeans. Seeing my action, he laughed out loud. I looked down and started walking inside the university. This boy looked great, nevertheless, he was trying to get on my nerves.
“Hey! I was just stating the fact. You were the one who asked me how I knew it. Is it wrong to be honest?” He came running beside me and said.
“Right!” I retaliated, rolling my eyes.
“By the way, what are you here for?” He asked, being amused.
“To teach you a lesson.” I answered at his stupid question.
“That is?” He was playing along.
“Why are you asking me such a stupid question? Of course, people come here to study.” I said matter of factly.
“I meant your degree. Which subject are you here for?” He asked.
“Physics.” I said.
“Cool.” He said excitedly.
“And, you?” I questioned back.
“The same.” He replied. I liked him and the fact that he initiated the conversation with me made me feel good for some reason. Not to mention that, he would be my classmate.
We went to our class, with him chatting all the while. It took some time for us to finally find the class. I took a seat in the first bench, whereas Varun took the last. There were a few other boys and girls talking to each other. Before I could make an effort to strike a conversation with them, a girl came, pointed to the seat next to me and asked, “Can I sit here?” She was tall and beautiful. Her eyes were almond shaped and dark brown in colour.
“Yes, sure.” I smiled and said.
She sat down and thanked me, “I’m Ahana. What’s your name?”
“I’m Tania.” I said. She seemed to be very sweet. We started talking about random things. Our classes began and soon, it was time for our lunch break.
Ahana and I went to the canteen and bought our lunch. I couldn’t see Varun anywhere. He must be still in class or maybe somewhere else, I thought. After a few minutes, I found Varun enter the canteen with two girls in tow. They looked very close to each other. I tried to ignore the gnawing feeling deep inside.
“What happened?” Ahana asked me suspiciously.
“Nothing.” I said looking down at my plate. There was bread and vegetable curry, which I started eating reluctantly.
“Who is that boy? I think he is from our class.” She said, pointing towards the direction I was looking at some time back.
“Varun. I just met him at the gate.” I said.
“And those girls?” She asked again.
“I don’t know them.” I said with a lack of interest. Ahana must have understood it, so she quickly dropped the subject and started talking about the next class.
Soon, I spotted Varun come up to me. He walked casually and sat on the chair in front of me. He always seemed to be carrying a vibe of freshness with him.
“How are you, Shorty?” I looked at him, puzzled. Shorty? Who was...