Prologue

Kirti’s POV

Life has a funny way of leading us to the people we’re meant to meet. When I stepped into my dream college, I thought I had it all figured out—study hard, make a few friends, and enjoy the journey. What I didn’t expect was that amidst all the friendships, dramas, and heartbreaks, I would meet the love of my life—Rithik.

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The Beginning

It was the third day of my first semester. The initial nervousness of starting college had faded, and I was settling into the routine. The campus buzzed with excitement—groups forming, friendships budding, and a new phase of life unfolding.

I had made a few acquaintances, mostly with the girls in my class, but none of them were around that day. So, there I was, standing alone in front of the computer lab, waiting for the class to start. I leaned against the wall, scrolling mindlessly through my phone, when I noticed a group of boys and girls approaching.

One of them, Rashika, whom I had briefly spoken to before, smiled at me. “Hey, Kirti! What are you doing here alone?”

I shrugged. “The others didn’t come today. Just waiting for class.”

“That’s no fun! Come, meet my friends,” she said, pulling me towards the group. That’s when I saw him—Rithik.

At first, he didn’t stand out. He was laughing at something one of his friends said, his eyes crinkling with amusement. He wasn’t the loudest in the group, nor the one drawing attention to himself, but there was something about his presence that felt... warm.

From what he later told me, his group approached me because I “seemed like someone who’d match their vibe.” But Rashika had another version—she claimed they invited me out of pity because I looked lonely.

Whichever version was true, it didn’t matter. That moment marked the beginning of something special.

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Friendship Blossoms

Over the next few weeks, I got to know Rithik better. Our group started hanging out more—after classes, during breaks, and sometimes even outside college. We’d grab lunch at the nearby café, walk around campus, and talk about everything and nothing.

One thing about Rithik stood out—he always made sure I wasn’t left out. If the group planned something, he’d text me separately to check if I was coming. If I was quiet during conversations, he’d subtly bring me in. He had this effortless way of making people feel included.

One day, as we were waiting for a lecture, he leaned against the wall beside me and asked, “So, what do you think of college so far?”

I thought for a moment. “It’s... overwhelming. But fun. Just a lot of new people, new experiences.”

He nodded. “Yeah, it takes time to settle in. But trust me, before you know it, these years will be the best of your life.”

At that time, I didn’t know how right he was.

Drifting Away, but Holding On

College friendships are unpredictable. The people you start with aren’t always the ones you end up with. The girls I initially bonded with slowly drifted away, caught up in different social circles, different interests. Some friendships ended on a sour note; others just faded into polite nods in the hallway.

But Rithik stayed.

Even when our group shifted, even when others came and went, he was the one constant. Whether it was a group study session or just a casual coffee break, he always made time.

I didn’t realize it back then, but looking back, it was obvious—he had already started carving a space for himself in my life.

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The Goa Trip

The trip that changed everything.

It was organized by the student council—a getaway to Goa, a chance to escape assignments, deadlines, and stress. Our whole group signed up, excited for a few days of sun, sand, and adventure.

Before leaving, I had one condition: “One of you has to stay sober and make sure I don’t get lost or something.”

It was meant as a joke, but without hesitation, Rithik volunteered. “I’ll do it.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You sure?”

He grinned. “Yep. Can’t have you wandering off into the ocean, can we?”

I didn’t think much of it then, but during the trip, I realized just how much it meant.

For three days straight, while the rest of the group drank, danced, and partied, Rithik stayed sober. Not because he didn’t want to have fun, but because he wanted to make sure I was safe.

On the second night, after a long day of beach hopping, we all piled into a van, exhausted. Rithik and I ended up sitting next to each other.

“Sleepy?” he asked.

I nodded. “A little.”

“Here,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “Lean on me.”

I hesitated, but exhaustion won. I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his presence. Somewhere along the ride, I drifted off, and when I woke up, I realized he had fallen asleep too—his head resting gently against mine.

That night, something shifted.

We weren’t just friends anymore.

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Realization and Confession

Feelings are complicated. Even when they’re obvious, admitting them takes time.

After the trip, things between us felt different. We spent more time together, had deeper conversations, shared little moments that felt... more.

One evening, we were sitting on the terrace of our college building, watching the sunset. I turned to him and blurted out, “Why did you stay sober on the trip?”

He shrugged. “Because you asked.”

“That’s it?”

He was quiet for a moment. Then, with a small smile, he said, “Maybe because I care about you.”

The words hung between us. My heart pounded. “Care about me... how?”

His eyes met mine, steady and sincere. “You know how.”

And I did. I had known for a while now.

Taking a deep breath, I whispered, “I care about you too.”

A slow smile spread across his face, and at that moment, I knew—this was it.

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The Journey Forward

College life continued, but everything felt brighter. Rithik and I weren’t just best friends anymore—we were something more.

We had our ups and downs, arguments and misunderstandings, but through it all, he remained my constant. The person who walked beside me, even when the road was uncertain.

Looking back, I realize now—love doesn’t always come with grand gestures or dramatic moments. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet things. In staying sober on a trip. In saving a seat. In remembering little things.

And for me, love was Rithik.

The boy I met in front of the computer lab. The boy who became my best friend. And eventually, the love of my life.

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