Episode 4

AVA POV:

Papa and I entered Extension through the gate. A girl and her father were already standing in the verandah. I walked towards the girl, and she smiled in response.

"New admission?"

"Yeah, you?"

"Me too. I'm Ava kapoor. What's your name?"

"Riya,"

"Which branch?" she asked.

"Computer Science," I replied.

"Same here!" she exclaimed.

I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness. At least I had someone from my own branch to talk to, and it was a nice break from the frustrating encounter with that Rajveer guy.

"When will we be called inside?" I asked.

"Wait, the monitor, Mam, has gone to get the register book," she replied.

Just then, a woman arrived with a book in hand. "Come on in, uncle. You can take a look around too," she said.

I was initially impressed by the mam's calm demeanor, but my impression was short-lived. As soon as we entered, she scolded someone. "Listen, your daughter isn't the only student here. Things don't revolve around your preferences. If you want the bed allotment, take it. Otherwise, discuss it with the principal. Don't waste my time."

I felt a surge of fear again. What was happening today? I followed the mam nervously as she led us to a small room with two beds.

"This is the only room available, so please take it," the mam said.

"Alright," I replied curtly.

Papa chatted with Riya's father, and both of them seemed pleased that we would be staying together.

The items we brought were still in the car, so I called out to the driver, to bring them in. It took until afternoon to unpack everything.

       As the day wore on, my heart grew heavier. I would be staying here now. I suddenly remembered my mom - I hadn't called her back yet, and there were 5 missed calls from her.

"Maa, everything's fine. We arrived at the hostel and are getting settled," I said.

"Okay, dear," my maa replied curtly, still sounding emotional. I could sense she was crying. My eyes began to water, but I held it together since Papa was there.

      "Let's grab something to eat, princess. I need to head back soon, and it's already getting late," Papa said.

Riya and her father joined us, and we headed to the canteen near the college's main gate. We sat down and chatted a lot with Riya, who had a very open and cheerful personality.

After eating, Riya and I went to a nearby store to pick up some small things we needed.

I was about to step into the shop when I saw him,(Rajveer) and my voice caught in my throat. "A...you?"

"Y-yes, m-me," he replied curtly, still puffing on a cigarette. I wrinkled my nose at the smell and stepped back.

"Wait," he said, and I paused. I didn't want to be embarrassed in front of everyone.

"Get what you need, and what's with the trembling? Am I a ghost or something?"

I wanted to say, "You're not a ghost; ghosts are more lovable than you," but the words stuck in my throat. I silently picked up the items from the shop and walked away with Riya.

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