Once done, they began their tour around the college, exploring different buildings, the library, sports area, and common hangout spots. The campus was lively, buzzing with students immersed in their own activities.
After a while, they reached a particular spot and realized that the college hours were over. The sky had begun to change shades, signaling the afternoon.
Chahat checked her phone. "I need to go report at the hostel to get my room assigned," she said.
" its girls hostel right ?" Jai asked.
" yes, It's about a 15-minute walk from here," Chahat replied.
Tiya rolled her eyes. "Why walk when I can drop you off?"
Chahat hesitated. "But you guys—"
"You need time to unpack, settle in, and rest before we tour the city later," Tiya interrupted. "So no arguments. Let's go."
The two made their way to the hostel, chatting about their first impressions of the college. When they arrived, Chahat stepped inside, pulling out her paperwork for verification. The receptionist glanced through the documents, nodded, and handed her a key.
"You'll be sharing a room," the receptionist informed her.
Chahat sighed in relief. At least she wouldn't be alone in an unfamiliar place.
Tiya patted her shoulder. "Get settled in. We'll pick you up later."
Chahat smiled. "Thanks, Tiya. See you soon."
As Tiya left, Chahat took a deep breath, glancing at the key in her hand. A new chapter of her life was about to begin.
Chahat stepped into the room, her tired eyes scanning the space that was now hers to share. The silence greeted her like an old friend, offering solace after the exhausting journey. She rolled her suitcase to the side and let out a slow sigh, allowing the weight of the day to settle for a moment. The walls were plain, the furniture minimal, yet there was something oddly comforting about the emptiness—it was a fresh start, a blank canvas waiting to be painted with new experiences.
Shaking off the fatigue, she moved toward the small washroom attached to the room, splashing cool water on her face. The weariness in her bones didn't fade entirely, but it was enough to keep her moving. Once refreshed, she turned her attention to her belongings, carefully unpacking her essentials. With precise movements, she laid a soft, floral-patterned bedsheet over the mattress, smoothing out every wrinkle as if arranging her own sense of belonging.
Her books found a place on the small study table, her clothes neatly stacked in the cupboard, and her toiletries aligned perfectly in the corner. There was something oddly therapeutic about setting things in order, a way to ease herself into this unfamiliar environment.
By the time she was done, exhaustion caught up with her. She barely had time to pull the blanket over herself before sleep pulled her under, her mind drifting away into the comforting embrace of dreams.
The quiet click of a key turning in the lock stirred the silence, though it did little to disturb the girl lost in slumber. The door swung open gently, and a girl stepped in, her eyes scanning the room with curiosity. She immediately noticed the presence of another—her new roommate, fast asleep on one of the beds.
So, she's here already, she mused.