Chapter - 19
Today was my first day at the new college. I felt nervous as I stood at the gate, clutching my bag tightly. My timetable was already in my hand, and I knew where I had to go—Room No. 301.
I glanced around and noticed there were two buildings in the campus. My first lecture was in the second building, which was behind the first one. Taking a deep breath, I started walking toward it.
Just as I neared the second building, I accidentally bumped into someone.
"Sorry!" he said quickly before rushing off, not even giving me a chance to see his face properly.
I blinked, confused for a moment, but then continued on my way. Reaching the second building, I looked up and realized my class was on the second floor.
Shivji, I thought, the old college would've been better than this. I wouldn't have to walk so much or climb all these stairs. Complaining in my mind, I started climbing, step by step, until I finally reached Room No. 301.
I peeked inside and saw that there weren't many students yet. Feeling a bit relieved, I quietly walked to the second bench and sat down. The first bench was already occupied, and I didn't want to sit at the back.
There were still ten minutes before the lecture started. I fiddled with the strap of my bag, trying to distract myself from the nervousness. After a couple of minutes, a girl came and sat beside me.
"Hey, are you new here? I haven't seen you before," she said with a friendly smile.
"Yes," I replied softly, unsure of what else to say. I'd never been good at talking to strangers.
"Oh, hello! I'm Trisha Shekhawat," she said cheerfully, extending her hand.
"H-hello," I said, hesitating for a moment before adding, "I'm Siya Ra... Rajput."
I had almost said Rathore, but Mr. Rathore's words echoed in my mind: I don't want anyone to know who my wife is. So, I corrected myself just in time.
Trisha didn't seem to notice my hesitation. "Nice to meet you, Siya!"
Before I could say anything else, the teacher entered the class, and the lecture began. I focused on the lesson, relieved to have something to distract me.
After two continuous lectures, Trisha turned to me. "Siya, let's go to the cafeteria!"
I blinked at her, unsure of what to say. Back in my old college, I always went to the library during free periods. Should I go with her? What if I didn't know how to act?
"Where are you lost? Let's go!" Trisha said, waving a hand in front of my face.
Before I could say anything, she grabbed my hand and started pulling me along. "Come on! You'll love it." I barely had time to grab my bag.
Trisha didn't give me a chance to refuse, and honestly, I wasn't sure I wanted to. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to try something new.
Trisha and I found a spot near a big tree in the cafeteria area. The shade was comforting, and a cool breeze made it feel peaceful.
Trisha asked, "What would you like to have?"
I hesitated. I didn't know much about what they served here, let alone which dish was good. "You decide," I said softly, hoping she wouldn't mind.
"Alright," she replied with a smile. "You wait here. I'll go place our order."
She walked away, leaving me alone at the table. A few minutes later, she returned, brushing her hair back as she sat down. "It'll take at least ten minutes," she said casually.
I nodded, not sure what to say.
Just then, a boy came up to our table and sat down without hesitation. "Trisha, how could you cheat me like this?" he said dramatically, looking at her.
"What?" Trisha asked, confused.
"What, what?" he mocked. "You made a new friend and ditched me! How could you?"
Trisha rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Karan. Don't start your drama now. I'm not in the mood."
He smirked. "Oh baby, what happened to you?"
Trisha shot him an angry glare.
"Okay, okay, calm down, Miss Angrybird," he said with a laugh. "So, are you going to introduce me to your friend or not?"
Trisha sighed and pointed at me. "Siya, this is my friend Karan."
"Only friend?" Karan said, pretending to be shocked. "You broke my heart, Trisha. Am I not your best friend?"
"It's the same thing," Trisha replied, sounding annoyed.
"No, it's not," Karan insisted with a pout, making her roll her eyes again.
Turning to me, he smiled brightly and said, "Hi, Siya. I'm Karan Sisodia."
"Hello," I replied softly. "I'm Siya Rajput."
Just then, our food arrived. Trisha placed a plate of pasta and three cups of coffee on the table.
We started eating, and I was surprised at how good the pasta was. The coffee, too, was just the right mix of strong and sweet.
Watching Trisha and Karan joke and tease each other, I couldn't help but feel a pang of something I hadn't felt before—longing. They're so comfortable with each other. Is this what friendship feels like?
I had never had friends like this before. I never thought I needed them, but seeing the two of them laugh and share inside jokes, I realized I had missed out on something special during my school life.
For a moment, I wondered if I could be a part of this too.
As if reading my mind, Karan turned to me and said, "Siya, you're quiet. Don't worry, you'll get used to us. Right, Trisha?"
Trisha smiled at me. "Of course! You're stuck with us now," she said, her voice warm.
I couldn't help but smile back. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new.
By the end of the meal, I learned that Karan was doing BBA, while Trisha and I shared the same lectures.
Maybe college wouldn't be so bad after all.
When I reached the Rathore Palace, my heart raced a little. The grandeur of the place still took my breath away. As I stepped into the living room, I spotted Maa. She turned toward me with a warm smile and asked, "Siya beta, how was your first day?"
Before I could reply, Chachi entered, interrupting us. "Didi, you should let her freshen up first and then ask her everything!" she said with a gentle smile.
Then Chachi turned to me. "Beta, go freshen up, and then come. We'll have lunch together. I made something special for you."
I nodded and hurried to my room. After a quick wash-up, I felt a bit more relaxed. I made my way to the dining table, where Anaya, Maa, and Chachi were already sitting.
"Maa, where's Dadimaa?" I asked as I took a seat.
"She went to meet her brother and will be back in the evening," Maa replied.
As we started eating, Chachi served me gulab jamun. "Siya beta, I made this for you. Taste it and tell me how it is."
I took a bite, and my eyes lit up. "Chachi, they're tasty!" I exclaimed, savoring the sweet flavor.
Anaya looked at me curiously. "Bhabhi, how was your first day at college? Did you make any new friends?"
I smiled, remembering Trisha and Karan. "The first day was good. Yes, I made two friends—Trisha and Karan. Trisha is doing the same course, so we have every lecture together, and Karan has a different course."
Just then, Anaya said, "Aarav bhai."
I dropped my spoon, my heart racing at the mention of Mr. Rathore's name. He approached the dining table, and Maa invited him to sit with us.
"Aarav, sit and have lunch with us," she said warmly.
"I already did, Maa. I just came to take a file," he said, and with that, he turned and left the room. I couldn't bring myself to look at him; the mere thought of making eye contact made me nervous.
After finishing my lunch, Maa said, "Siya beta, you should go take a rest."
I nodded, feeling a bit drained, and headed back to my room. When I reached my room, I was startled to find Mr. Rathore sitting on the sofa.
Didn't he just come for the file? Why is he sitting here? My mind raced with questions. Should I say hello? Or should I just sit quietly?
"Siya," he said, breaking my thoughts.
"Hmm," I replied softly, my heart racing.
"How was your first day?" he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.
"It was good," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Did you make any friends today?" he continued.
I thought to myself, Didn't he hear me downstairs when I was talking to Anaya? But then he said, "No, I didn't."
"Did he just read my mind?" I wondered, feeling confused.
"I don't know mind reading," he replied with a slight smirk. "It's written on your face."
"Oh," I murmured, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"So, did you make any friends?" he asked again.
"Yes, I made two friends: Trisha and Karan. Trisha is in my class, and Karan has a different course," I explained, my voice steadier now.
I couldn't help but wonder if he would get angry, like Taiji often did when I tried to socialize. But instead, he nodded. "That's good."
Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a card. "Anyway, I was waiting for you. I forgot this in the morning." He handed me a card.
I hesitated, thinking Should I take it?
"Take it," he insisted gently.
"I... I don't know how to use it," I stammered, my anxiety creeping in again.
"Okay, then I'll explain it to you," he said, a hint of kindness in his voice. "Give me your phone."
I handed it to him, and he started downloading something. "This is Paytm. You can use this to manage your expenses. And the card works like this," he explained every step, patiently showing me how to use Paytm and the card too.
Just as I was starting to feel more comfortable, he got a phone call. "I have to go now. If you still have any problems, I'll explain more tonight."
I nodded as he left, feeling an unexpected warmth in my heart.
I sat on my bed, thinking about him. Before this, no one ever asked me how my first day—or any day—went in school or college.
I always thought Mr. Rathore would be strict or get angry at me, but he never did.
He wasn't like Taiji and Tauji, who always made me feel small.
Instead, he explained things patiently and made sure I had everything I needed.
He makes me feel comfortable, which I never expected. Maybe this new life won't be as scary as I thought. Mr. Rathore is different, and in his own quiet way, he takes care of me.
In the evening, everyone came home early because Anaya was leaving tonight.
Chachi seemed a little sad, and she and Maa made homemade pickle for her.
I baked some cookies for Anaya, hoping she would like them.
Everyone was sitting in the living room when Mr. Rathore came in and said, "Maa, send my coffee to my study room. I have some work."
When Maa started to leave, I quickly said, "Maa, you sit. I will give coffee to him." She smiled and nodded.I went to the kitchen, made a cup of coffee, and added some of the cookies to the tray. With a little flutter of nerves, I knocked on his study room door. "Come in," he said.
I stepped inside, placing the tray on the table without saying a word.
I felt a bit shy and didn't know how to start a conversation, so I just stood there.
"Siya, sit," he said. I sat down, and he put his work aside.
"You don't have to knock; you can come in anytime," he added.
I nodded, feeling a little more comfortable.
He picked up the coffee cup and said, "I don't like cookies." My heart sank a bit, but before I could stop myself, I replied, "I made them." I immediately regretted my words. " S...Sorry I... I don't—"
Before I could finish, he took a bite of a cookie and said, "I'll only eat cookies when you make them." A smile spread across my face at his words. "Why didn't you bring your coffee?" he asked. "I already drank with everyone," I replied.
"From tomorrow onwards, you'll drink coffee with me," he said, and I nodded eagerly. "Will you come to the airport to drop Anaya with me?" he asked. "Can I go?" I replied, my heart racing. He nodded, and I felt a surge of happiness. No one had ever asked me to go anywhere before.
We began talking about what I learned in college, and he shared how many meetings he attended. Suddenly, someone knocked, and he said, "Come in." A servant entered and said, "Ranisa, Anaya princess is calling you."
"Okay, I'm coming," I replied, glancing at Mr. Rathore before I left his study. I reached Anaya's room and knocked. She opened the door and said,"Bhabhi, you don't have to knock. Tell me what I should wear."
"Wear something comfortable. You'll need to travel for a long time," I advised.
"Yes, bhabhi, but I want an airport look for a picture," she replied. "What does an airport look mean?" I asked curiously. Anaya explained, and as I searched her closet, I found a beige halter crop top and olive cargo pants. "Pair these with sneakers," I said, handing them to her.
"Thank you, bhabhi! I was so confused," Anaya said gratefully. After she changed, we both went downstairs, and I noticed everyone was already at the dining table. We ate together, and Anaya was chatting happily, which felt nice compared to the usual silence.
After dinner, Anaya said goodbye to everyone, and the three of us—Anaya, Mr. Rathore, and I—left for the airport. About 40-45 minutes later, we arrived at the airport. As we moved inside, I noticed no one was stopping us. I asked Anaya in a quiet voice, "How is no one stopping us?"
She smiled and replied, "You don't know, bhabhi? Bhai has a private plane. And Bhai is ki—"
Before she could finish, Mr. Rathore said, "Princess, have you taken everything?" "Yes, bhai," Anaya replied. She then went inside the plane.
After Anaya went inside, Mr. Rathore and I turned to head toward our car.