Chapter 1
I’m Sriya.
A 19-year-old, 5’5” undergraduate student, currently in my third year of Computer Science—Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, to be precise. Not exactly a topper, but I manage a 9+ CGPA, which sounds more impressive than it feels.
I’m the eldest daughter. That alone explains a lot.
Two younger sisters.
A mother who works tirelessly in an office.
A father who still depends on the unpredictability of farming.
And me somewhere in between dreams and responsibilities, trying to “upskill” my way into a better future.
God, please help me focus… just a little more…
That’s usually how my mornings begin.
“Sriya! It’s high time. You’re getting late, idiot!”
I shot up from bed.
“Coming!”
A rushed morning followed—brushing, dressing, stuffing books into my bag, and gulping down breakfast without tasting it.
And then—the daily battle.
The bus.
Public transport and I share a complicated relationship. Either no buses come for ages, or all of them arrive together like they’ve planned a reunion.
Today, thankfully, it was the second case.
“All four at once? Thank god…”
Even standing in a crowded bus felt like a blessing compared to missing it.
By the time I reached class, I was already out of breath.
“Sriya! Good morning… looks like you chased the bus again!”
I dropped my bag on the bench. “Shut up, Hanvi.”
Hanvitha—my best friend and unofficial commentator of my life.
“Okay, okay,” she laughed. “Same routine again. God…”
“Yeah… same classes, same lectures.”
“Hey, sir is here,” she whispered.
Morning classes began.
And dragged.
And dragged.
And dragged.
By the end of the day, my brain felt like it had been wrung dry.
“Uff… such a long day,” I muttered, stepping out of college. “Now I need to chase a bus again.”
“Maa… I’m home!”
I slipped off my shoes at the door—and paused.
There were extra pairs of footwear.
And voices.
“Do we have guests?” I murmured.
Mom rushed out almost immediately.
“Why are you late today?”
“What can I say, Maa? Buses were too crowded. I couldn’t catch one.”
“Okay, okay. Just come inside and get ready.”
I frowned. “Why?”
She hesitated.
“I’m sorry, beta… this is sudden. One of your uncles brought a match for you.”
My mind went blank.
“What?”
“Do you remember your cousin’s wedding last month? A family from the other side saw you there. They were interested. Your uncle checked about them and then brought this proposal.”
I stared at her.
“Ma… I’m just 19. I haven’t even finished my graduation.”
“I know,” she said softly. “Just sit in front of them for an hour. Don’t take it seriously. Your uncle brought this, so we’re just showing respect.”
An hour.
Just an hour.
“Come inside. I’ve kept a kurti on the table. And listen—don’t feel any pressure. Just be normal.”
Normal?
My heart was racing just standing outside my own house.
Be strong, Sriya. Just one hour. They’re strangers.
I stepped into the hall.
There were neatly arranged gift boxes on the table.
My eyes slowly lifted.
An elegant woman in a saree.
A well-dressed man in a suit.
They looked… rich.
And they were looking at me.
Smile, Sriya. Just smile.
“Hello, aunty… hello, uncle.”
“Hello, beta,” they replied warmly.
Mom quickly added, “She just came from college.”
“Oh, I see,” the aunty smiled. “Go freshen up and have some snacks.”
“Yes, aunty.”
I almost ran toward my room—
—and bumped into someone.
“Oh! I’m so sorry!”
He turned slightly.
Tall. Almost six feet. On a call. I could only see his back.
“Oh Sriya, what have you done…” I muttered under my breath.
He ended the call and looked at me.
“It’s okay,” he said gently. “Don’t get tensed.”
I nodded quickly and rushed into my room, shutting the door behind me.
Leaning against it, I tried to breathe.
God… who is he? Don’t tell me he’s the one…
I didn’t even see his face properly.
Just… a glimpse. And a brand logo on his shirt.
Focus, Sriya. It’s just one hour.
After a quick shower, I wore the kurti Maa had kept for me—the one she bought for Vijayadasami.
Loose hair, clipped lightly.
Minimal bangles.
A little compact powder.
That’s it.
“I know they’ll reject me after seeing my face,” I muttered.
Maybe that was easier.
“Are you done? Come, they’re waiting,” Mom called.
“Yes… coming.”
Don’t panic. They’re just strangers.
I walked into the hall again.
“Come, ma. Sit here,” the aunty said kindly, pointing beside her.
“What’s your name?”
“I’m Sriya.”
“Such a cute name.”
“Beta, give these sweets to the guests,” Dad said.
I picked up the box and stood.
First aunty. Then uncle.
Then—
Him.
I slowly looked up.
And froze.
Wow.
He had a calm, composed face… like someone out of a drama. Not overwhelming, just… quietly striking.
He took a sweet and gave a soft smile.
I panicked, returned a small awkward smile, and quickly sat down.
The elders continued talking.
I sat there, head slightly down, pretending to listen.
Then suddenly—
“If you’re okay,” aunty said, “let them talk and get to know each other better.”
I looked up instantly.
Mom nodded. “Yes, that’s a good idea. Sriya, take him to the balcony.”
My heart skipped.
“Yes, Maa…”
We walked in silence.
“Please sit,” I said.
“You first,” he replied.
I sat. He followed.
A pause.
“Are you comfortable?” he asked.
“Yes… I’m fine.”
“Sorry for this sudden meeting. I know it must be difficult.”
I nodded.
“But honestly,” he continued, “I don’t know what my parents saw in you at that function. They kept talking about you after coming home. Even I got curious.”
I didn’t know what to say.
“I’m Karan,” he added. “I work as a data analyst in an MNC. I’m 27.”
“I know you’re still in college,” he said. “This is completely your decision. No pressure.”
I heard him.
But my mind was somewhere else.
“So… which year?” he asked gently.
“I’m in my third year. B.Tech… AI and Data Science.”
“That’s cool.”
Another pause.
“You have anything to ask?”
My mind went blank.
What do people even ask in situations like this? Is this how it happens for every girl?
“I… don’t know what to ask,” I admitted honestly.
He smiled faintly.
“Fair enough.”
Silence again.
“Shall we go back?” I said quickly.
God, we barely spoke for ten minutes. Is that okay?
“Yeah,” he nodded. “I think they’re waiting.”
Hello everyone! This is my very first time writing, and I truly hope you enjoyed it.
Since this is just the beginning, I’d love to set a small goal for myself—hoping for 10+ views, likes, and comments on this first chapter. Your support would mean a lot to me!
There’s so much more to come, and trust me… something completely unexpected is on the way.
So stay tuned and keep reading ✨
