The morning sun cast a soft golden glow over the college campus. Yeshwanth adjusted his backpack straps nervously as he walked toward the familiar yellow bus. After the overwhelming first day, he had expected today to feel like any other—intimidating, crowded, full of strangers. But with Arjun and Keerthi around, he felt a small spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, he could belong here.
As he reached the bus, he noticed Arjun lounging across two seats as if claiming them for himself. Arjun's eyes lit up when he saw Yeshwanth.
"Bro! You're late! We almost left without you!" he shouted, waving his arms like a conductor dramatizing the opening of a symphony.
Yeshwanth rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. "I'm five minutes early."
Keerthi, leaning over from behind, smirked. "That's late for Arjun. He comes like he owns the bus."
For the first time in his life, Yeshwanth felt a sense of comfort. The laughter, the teasing, the carefree energy of the students around him—it all felt like a warm blanket, soothing the anxiety that had been weighing on him for years.
The bus ride was full of chaos and camaraderie. Arjun loudly narrated his morning routine, exaggerating every detail, while Keerthi rolled her eyes but giggled silently. Yeshwanth sat quietly, observing the scene, feeling a little lighter than he had in a long time.
"Bro, don't just sit there! Say something!" Arjun nudged him.
"I'm fine," Yeshwanth muttered, looking out the window.
"Fine? That's your trademark answer! You can do better, Mr. Silent Genius," Keerthi teased.
He wanted to argue, but a small smile tugged at his lips. He realized that, for the first time in years, he didn't feel invisible.
The first class was a combined session with Electronics students. The classroom buzzed with excitement as students shuffled into their seats, whispering and laughing. Yeshwanth quietly slid into a corner near the window, hoping to remain unnoticed.
And then she walked in.
Yeshwanth noticed immediately: long dark hair tied neatly, a confident stride, and eyes that seemed to scan the room as if measuring everything at once. She wasn't in his department—she was from Electronics—but somehow, his gaze followed her.
Arjun noticed and smirked. "Oh-ho, did Cupid just shoot you?"
Yeshwanth coughed, flustered. "W-what? No, I was just… looking."
Keerthi raised an eyebrow. "Sure, just looking."
The girl, Meera, walked past his desk and took a seat a few rows ahead. During the lecture, she asked thoughtful questions, responded clearly, and even managed a joke that made the entire class laugh. Yeshwanth noticed something else, though—how her eyes sparkled when she joked with friends. There was a warmth to her smile, effortless and natural, that drew attention without demanding it.
Arjun nudged him. "Go talk to her."
"No way," Yeshwanth muttered.
"Why not?"
"I… I don't even know her name!"
Keerthi leaned back, smirking. "Relax. It's just day two. But…" she glanced at him mischievously, "…you were staring enough to make it obvious."
Yeshwanth groaned. He wanted to disappear into his notebook.
After class, the cafeteria was alive with chatter, clattering trays, and the hum of students catching up. Arjun and Keerthi dragged Yeshwanth to a table near the window.
"Operation Love Spy starts today," Arjun whispered dramatically.
"What operation?" Yeshwanth asked suspiciously.
Keerthi pointed across the hall. "Her. She's in Electronics. I think her name is Meera."
Yeshwanth froze. "How do you know?"
"Unlike you, I actually talk to people," Keerthi smirked.
Before he could protest, Arjun stood up and shouted, "Hey Meera!"
Yeshwanth and Keerthi yanked him down instantly. "Are you crazy?!"
Arjun laughed so hard he nearly fell off his chair. "Relax, bro. I was joking!"
Yeshwanth buried his face in his hands, heat rising to his cheeks. Keerthi leaned closer. "So… Meera, huh? Don't worry. We'll help you."
Lunch was a mixture of teasing, whispers, and stolen glances. Yeshwanth noticed that Meera had a natural charm; she spoke with confidence, helped her friends with small problems, and occasionally glanced at him, as if curious about the quiet boy in the corner.
Arjun whispered again, "You should say something. Compliment her notes. Even a 'Your handwriting is neat' works."
"I… I can't do that," Yeshwanth muttered.
Keerthi grinned. "You can, and you will. Small steps, trust me."
Meanwhile, Meera laughed at something a friend said, a sound soft yet melodic, that left a strange flutter in Yeshwanth's chest. He felt a mix of admiration, nervousness, and curiosity that he didn't fully understand.
After lunch, walking back to class, the campus paths were buzzing with students moving between buildings, some jogging, some chatting. Arjun hummed a ridiculous love song, deliberately teasing Yeshwanth.
"Everywhere you look, everywhere you go…"
Keerthi joined, dancing slightly and laughing until tears formed in her eyes.
"Stop it! People are watching!" Yeshwanth hissed, but he couldn't stop the faint smile tugging at his lips.
Meera, walking nearby with her friends, glanced over and smiled subtly. His heart skipped a beat.
During afternoon lectures, Yeshwanth found his attention drifting. He kept watching Meera, noting how confidently she expressed her thoughts and how patiently she guided her friends. He felt inspired, wanting to learn even a fraction of her courage to speak up and connect with others.
During a group activity, he was paired with another student. Yet, he couldn't help but notice Meera, who was calmly encouraging her group. Her presence left a deep impression on him, and he realized admiration was slowly turning into something more.
After college, the group passed through the courtyard, where some students were playing frisbee. Arjun suddenly burst into song, teasing Yeshwanth with over-the-top romantic lyrics.
"Everywhere you look, everywhere you go…"
Keerthi joined in, laughing and dancing. Other students passing by giggled at their antics.
"Stop it! People are looking!" Yeshwanth hissed.
Meera glanced at them and smiled. That tiny gesture left him flustered, a strange warmth spreading through his chest.
That night, Yeshwanth sat on the balcony of his home, the cool breeze brushing his face. He reflected on the day:
He had laughed more than he had in years.
He had been teased, but he felt included.
He had noticed a strange, new feeling for Meera.
He realized he had friends who genuinely cared, who pulled him out of his shell.
Yet, amidst the warmth, a quiet shadow lingered—the pressure to succeed, the uncertainty of college life, and the need to find his path.
By the end of the day, Yeshwanth realized: he wasn't alone. He had friends, laughter, and a girl who had unknowingly stirred something inside him. College, once intimidating, now seemed full of possibilities.
Deep down, he wondered: Maybe this is the start of something bigger… not just in college, but in life itself.