Chapter 1:
A swift wind blew by as Yash was going back to his car. He turned around towards the college entrance. His deep eyes focused towards the entrance. He was feeling as though he was being called upon by someone in there. "Yash...what happened?" yelled his brother. Yash quickly shrugged off an uneasy feeling in his stomach and left in the car. ...at the same time,
Aarti looked towards the exit of the college...why was she feeling a longing to step outside and see who was there...the wind blew again..."Hello Miss Aarti..?? where are your thoughts???" She was about to open her mouth when they all heard the screeching bike wheels again.
The bell rang, and everyone dispersed. One of the girls came in front of Aarti and Mansi "...we are not here, we'll meet again soon" she winked and left. Both the girls dashed into the ladies room and laughed nervously..."oh my god Mansi...that was close..."..."yeah Aarti...who knew how first day would be...a lot of handsome dudes too!" Aarti just rolled her eyes..."you are too much Mansi! Chalo, lets go, its time for class anyway". Then Aarti suddenly gave Mansi a tight hug "Thank you Mansi, for everything!"...Mansi knew what Aarti meant and simply said "ok, dont get too emotional on me. What did I do? We are lucky to get into the same college!"
Aarti was in Arts major and Mansi was in Engineering. Aarti just had a passion for Arts and when she got in with merit, there was no stopping.
All the first year students had Math and Language as a common class to take. Mansi and Aarti headed to the same class and were excited that they were finally in college! The students sat down. Professor entered the class and introduces herself. She asked the students to introduce themselves and tell a little background about themselves. "family and what their goals where". Mansi eyed Aarti. Aarti nodded back saying she was ok. One by one, everyone answered the questions. Mansi's turn came - "Hi, I am Mansi. I am a Bhopal native and my father works at the electricity board as a head engineer. My mother stays at home. My goal is to become an engineer and head to the US for higher studies".
"Hi everyone, my name is Aarti. I grew up with my grandfather until 2 years ago since my parents died in a car accident when I was 5. He passed away 2 years ago and I have been living with one of my relatives until I got admission into this college and hostel. I am originally from a small town in South India. Mansi has been my neighbor and friend for last two years. I look forward to making more friends here." ...and she gave a small smile looking around at everyone in the class.
The class fell silent. Finally, the professor welcomed her and told her not to hesitate if she needs any help. Aarti was thankful. After class, she made more friends...maybe the ones that were moved by her story.
Yash and Pankaj drove into the parking lot of Scindia and Sons Industries. It was a 6 story glass building, a tad bit fancy for its neighborhood. But economy was booming in Bhopal and Suraj Pratap Scindia did not delay in making his sons join his business. "Come on Yash..." said Pankaj. Yash followed his brother. Their father had been waiting, saw his sons walk in and welcomed them with a warm smile and hug. "Oh...here they are, my sons...come in, come in..."
"Good morning Bauji" said both in unison.
"Come on Yash...let me give you a run down of your roles..." he walked in with Yash into his office.
It was 4:30pm. Classes ended. Mansi and Aarti were to meet back at the bus stop in the college grounds. "Lets go Mansi...you have to take another bus and I have to be at the hostel by 6pm...if we miss this bus, then warden will kick me out!"..."Then let her Aarti, you can stay with me"...Mansi grinned. "Mansi, dont talk stupid...lets go yaar"...and she dragged Mansi to the bus stop.
"Okay baba, I am coming...slow down, lets go" she was giggling.
Both of them were running when suddenly Aarti ran into a two guys. "Ouch" they all screamed together. "So sorry.." said Aarti. Both the guys just smiled and "its ok...go ahead, you may miss the bus"...
...Aarti and Mansi got in the bus. Aarti looked back to see the two young men casually stroll into the college corridor and disappear. She wondered who they were.
Yash was tired and overwhelmed but he was excited to start helping his father. He sometimes felt guilty about having it the easy way...and his friends had to look for jobs...but Pankaj said business was always risky and their father had been counting on them to take over from him someday...He was getting ready to leave, when Pankaj came by "Yash, I need to stay back with Bauji. He wants me to meet this client. So you take the car and leave. Its your first day, so I dont want you to be overwhelmed too much. I'll see you at home, ok?"..."Sure Bhaiyya, I need a break" he grinned and caught the car keys his brother threw at him. "What should I tell Bhabhi?" he winked. "Thanks, but I already called her" Pankaj said sharply in return. "...oh so you got permission first?" Yash pulled his brother's leg...
Pankaj just shook his head and left.
Yash took the car, and drove home. He stopped at the stop light waiting for a green signal. Then he felt it again, there was a breeze...he felt uneasy...then all he saw was a Orange dupatta on his windshield.
He slowly started to unwind it from his wipers and it seemed the lady was stopped because of it. Who is she, why is she not even turning...
Aarti was in a hurry, she felt her dupatta got stuck, and was frantically trying to pull it, not turning...suddenly she felt it let go, and she felt a breeze...she had to cross the crossing by then, so without turning she ran to the other side. Yash sat back in her car, and drove away...Aarti turned to see...but she couldnt figure it out...
...Yash turned on some music to clear his head...and then he heard his favorite singer Celine Dion's song...
Every night in my dreams
I see you, I feel you
That is how I know you go on
Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on
Near, far, wherever you are
I believe that the heart does go on...
...he had to turn it off when he got a call.."Yash Bhaiyya, can you pick me up please" Prateek, his younger brother called..."did you miss the bus again Prateek?" ..."Sorry Bhaiiya. can you please?" Yash sighed and made a u-turn. "Ok, I'll be there in 20mins. Wait for me, dont wander off!"
Chapter 2 Preview
Aarti makes some new friends. Yash and Aarti bump into each other in the most unexpected situation.