1. The Train To Dreams
Aarushi 's POV :
The station was quieter than usual this morning.
The fog clung to the air like a half-kept promise.
I clutched my sketchbook to my chest, my fingers tracing the worn edges of a dream I wasn't sure I was ready to live just yet.
The Aurora Express rumbled in with a tired screech. I looked back one last time - at Mama's teary smile and Papa's proud silence.
A storm of emotions swirled inside me: excitement, fear, guilt, and hope, all stitched into the fabric of a single moment.
I found my seat in the 3AC coach and settled by the window. As the train pulled out, the world outside blurred into strokes of brown and green.
I opened my sketchbook - page one: "My Designs, My Dreams.
"I didn't know what awaited me in Mumbai. All I knew was that my heart had always drawn dresses instead of diagrams. Music instead of machines.
And now, finally, I had a chance to turn that into something real.
A soft hum floated in from a nearby seat. Someone was playing music on their phone - the lyrics were muffled, but the melody felt familiar and strangely comforting.
Like a song you didn't want to miss.
I closed my eyes and smiled, dreaming of the day my designs would walk a real runway.
I always wanted to create clothes that told stories - that made people feel powerful, beautiful, and alive.
Just then, the sing-song voice of a tea seller echoed through the coach. Exactly what I needed.
I bought a steaming cup, held it between my hands, and let the warmth settle into me.
That night, I barely slept. Maybe it was the nerves. Maybe it was the excitement. Maybe it was the feeling of standing on the edge of something big.
The next morning, I woke up early. My station would be arriving any minute. I packed up my stuff quickly, heart pounding as the train rolled into Mumbai - The City of Dreams.
Outside, the city greeted me with noise, energy, and chaos.
I made my way to the taxi I'd pre-booked from the train. Getting an apartment in a city like Mumbai?
Not easy.
It had taken me a whole month of online searching and endless phone calls to finally find a place that was affordable and close to my college.
The only catch? I had no idea who my roommate was going to be.
Still, I was too caught up in the sights of Mumbai to worry. I mentally made a list of places I wanted to visit, soaking in the busy streets, the tall buildings, and the ever-buzzing energy. Of course, the traffic didn't disappoint - it took us forever to reach the apartment.
Once we arrived, I paid the driver, thanked him, and somehow dragged all my luggage to the front door. With my hands full and my shoulders aching, I managed to ring the doorbell.
Footsteps approached.
The door opened. And what I saw made my heart drop straight into my shoes.
A boy.
Not just any boy - but an infuriatingly hot, Greek-god-level disaster. Messy curls fell effortlessly over his forehead, like he'd just rolled out of bed straight from a modeling shoot. His jawline? Sharp enough to cut glass. Those deep, unreadable eyes had the arrogance of someone who knew exactly how good he looked - and enjoyed every second of it.
He wore a faded t-shirt, low-slung joggers, and a smirk that screamed trouble.
The kind of boy your mom warned you about - and your best friend secretly dreamed of.
My roommate... is this ridiculously gorgeous guy?!
What. The. Actual. Hell?!
How is this even allowed?!
How am I supposed to live with him?!
What will I tell Mama and Papa?!
Why, God, why?!
Why always me?!
***********
Hey Fam! ❤
I'm so so happy you guys decided to give my story a chance. This is my first real published Inkitt book. I hope I don't disappoint you all.
Feel free to comment anything, I always want to know your opinions . Also, please vote for my story if you really enjoy it❤❤
Let the journey begin 🎉
