The sun hung high over the sprawling campus of Delhi University, casting warm golden hues over the bustling crowd of freshers navigating their way through the chaos of Orientation Day. Excitement, nerves, and an air of new beginnings filled the air as students swarmed the registration booths, checking their schedules, meeting their peers, and soaking in the reality of college life.
Shumaila adjusted the strap of her bag and exhaled, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. She had always been confident, outspoken, and fiercely independent, but something about this day made her feel just a little out of her element. A nudge to her side made her turn to find Komal grinning at her.
"I can already see you plotting world domination," Komal teased, flipping her wavy brown hair behind her shoulder.
"Please, I'm just plotting how to get through today without strangling someone," Shumaila replied with a smirk.
From behind them, Akansha joined in, adjusting her oversized tote bag. "Well, at least let me know in advance if you decide to strangle someone—I'd love to take notes."
The trio laughed, drawing a few glances their way, but they didn't care. This was their world, their fresh start.
Not far from them, Sneha arrived with Rudra, her childhood best friend and now fellow business major. They had been inseparable since school, always backing each other up, always reading each other's minds.
"This is madness," Sneha muttered, gripping her phone as she checked the day's schedule. "We have a campus tour, ice-breaking sessions, and then the departmental meet-ups. I don't even know where we're supposed to be."
Rudra chuckled, shoving his hands in his hoodie pockets. "You mean you don't have it all color-coded in your planner already? That's shocking."
Sneha shot him a glare but smiled anyway.
On the other side of the courtyard, Hamza and Siddarth stood watching the chaos unfold, exuding an air of casual confidence. Hamza, with his cold demeanor, leaned against the railing, eyes scanning the scene.
"So, what do you think? First impressions?" Siddarth asked, the unknown guy casually who was standing beside him stuffing his hands into his pockets.
Hamza shrugged. "Same as school—just bigger. More people, more drama."
As if on cue, a commotion near the registration desk drew their attention. A tall guy—Aarav—was being cornered by a group of overenthusiastic juniors bombarding him with questions. Aarav, known for his quiet and composed nature, looked seconds away from making a run for it.
Siddarth chuckled and left while commenting. "Poor guy. He's already overwhelmed."
Hamza said nothing and scrolled his phone, making his way towards the assigned class when someone bumped into him, making him stumble slightly. He turned, scowling, only to find Shumaila glaring up at him.
"Watch where you're going," she snapped.
"Maybe you should watch where you're walking," Hamza shot back, folding his arms.
Komal grabbed Shumaila's arm before she could escalate the situation. "Okay, let's not start fights before classes even begin."
Shumaila huffed and turned away, muttering something under her breath.
Siddarth saw that and smirked at Hamza. "And you say there's no drama?"
Meanwhile, near the auditorium, the so-called queen bee, Taniya, stood with her group of followers, surveying the crowd like royalty. With her meticulously styled outfit and an air of entitlement, she was already setting the tone for her reign. Beside her stood Karan, the star football player, who was basking in the attention of admirers.
"Freshers are so predictable," Taniya drawled, twirling her hair. "Clumsy, clueless, and desperate to fit in."
Karan smirked. "Well, they do make things interesting."
And with that, the stage was set. New friendships would form, rivalries would spark, and amidst it all, love would find its way through the chaos of Delhi University's vibrant campus.