The first monsoon rain had just arrived in the city of Pune. Raindrops tapped on the windows of Starlight College like a soft ha

K.shankuntla 1998 Romance

The first monsoon rain had just arrived in the city of Pune. Raindrops tapped on the windows of Starlight College like a soft rhythm. Students ran through puddles, laughing and shouting, happy that another academic year had begun.Among the new students was Ananya Sharma, a simple girl from Patna. She had worked very hard to get admission here because this college had the best Commerce department in the state. She stepped through the main gate holding a blue umbrella, looking around in wonder. Everything felt big and new — tall buildings, stylish students, and a campus that felt like another world.Ananya wasn’t used to city life. She wore a plain yellow kurti, her long black hair tied back in a loose braid. She looked nervous but determined. Her dream was simple — study well, get a good job, and make her parents proud.While she was looking at the notice board to find her classroom, someone rushed past her at high speedDirty rainwater from the ground splashed on her clothes.“Oh no! I am so sorry! I didn’t see you there!” a voice said.Ananya turned to see a tall boy standing with a football under his arm. He looked handsome — messy hair, charming smile — and his eyes were warm with guilt.“I… it’s okay,” Ananya said shyly, wiping her kurti.“My name is Aditya, first-year B,” he said, offering his hand.She hesitated for a second, then shook his hand carefully.“Ananya… same course.”Aditya smiled. “Welcome to Starlight College, Ananya.”Before she could reply, his friends called him from the football field, and he ran off waving, “See you later!”Ananya looked at her wet clothes and sighed. What a first day!The First Classthe classroom, Ananya quietly took a seat in the second row. She opened her notebook and pen neatly. Students around were laughing and gossiping. She felt alone… until a familiar voice spoke.“Is this seat taken?”It was Aditya.“Not really,” she replied softly, moving her bag“Great!” He sat beside her, still slightly out of breath from running. “Did you dry your clothes yet?”She nodded, trying not to look embarrassed.Aditya’s friendly smile made her feel a little less nervous.The professor entered and started introducing the subject. Ananya listened carefully, but she could feel Aditya occasionally glancing at her. She tried ignoring it but eventually whispered:“What?”“Nothing…” he grinned. “You’re very serious about studies, right?”“And you are not?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.“I am serious… about football,” he replied proudly.Ananya couldn’t help but smile. That was their first tiny moment.🍴 Canteen ConfusionAfter class, Ananya went to the canteen for lunch. She ordered a simple samosa — cheap and familiar.But as she stood waiting, the cashier said she had to pay through a QR code. Ananya had money in cash and didn’t know how UPI payment worked.But as she stood waiting, the cashier said she had to pay through a QR code. Ananya had money in cash and didn’t know how UPI payment worked.She stood frozen, embarrassed as people behind her complained.Just then, Aditya appeared again.“Here… I’ll pay,” he said, scanning the QR quickly.“No, no, I’ll return it right now,” Ananya insisted.“It’s just ₹20, relax. Consider it a welcome treat,” he smiled.She looked down shyly. “Thank you…”Aditya noticed how lost she looked.“You’re new to all this, right?”Ananya nodded. “Small town… things are different there.”“Well, now you have me. I’ll help you with everything,” he said confidently.Ananya didn’t reply, but inside her chest, her heart thumped fast.🌧️ Rain AgainAfter lunch, rain started again. Students rushed for shelter. Ananya stood under a tree hugging her books so they wouldn’t get wet. But drops kept falling on her hair and cheeks.Suddenly, someone held an umbrella over her.“You forgot yours today?” Aditya asked.“You forgot yours today?” Aditya asked.“It was already too wet from the morning…” Ananya said.He laughed, and for a moment, the world around slowed down. His umbrella covered both of them. Their shoulders brushed slightly.Raindrops sparkled like tiny diamonds around them.“I’m glad we met today,” he whispered without thinking.Ananya felt heat rise in her cheeks. She quickly looked away.“Aditya… why are you being so nice to me?”“Aditya… why are you being so nice to me?”He looked confused. “Why not?”Before she could answer, a professor called Ananya to the office for a form submission.She hurried away, leaving Aditya smiling to himself.✨ A New BeginningThat night, Ananya lay in her hostel bed, staring at the ceiling. She couldn’t understand why she kept thinking about that boy with the football.We just met today… Why does it feel like I’ve known him longer?Her phone beeped — a w******p message from an unknown number:Days passed, and monsoon slowly turned into the gentle winter of Pune. By now, Ananya and Aditya saw each other almost every day — in class, in the canteen, sometimes in the library (only when exams were close 😅).Ananya ♥

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