The First Glance
“Why are you doing this? Just leave me... leave me alone. Ple.. Please... ”
My eyes flew open with a sharp gasp, chest rising and falling unevenly.
Sun was already up, faint rays coming through my window.
Just a stupid dream.
My hands reached out to my phone to see it's already 7:30.
Today is the orientation day of my college life.
Myself, Krittika Roy, your typical Bengali Diva far away from home for studies in South India. And of course my first time in hostel.
“Hmm.. What should I wear? Well, I heard this area is kinda conservative so I think kurti. Though not my style. Anyway, Kirti. First impression is the last impression.”“Kirti!” Vaishali called opening the door “Chal, breakfast k time ho raha— oyee hoyee kya lag rhi ho. Ekdam chummy.”
“Hatt, tum bhi kuch kam nhi lag rehi.” I replied playfully.
Well. She's my first friend in hostel, Vaishali from Jharkhand. And yeah I'm pretty much adjustable and waiting years to finally leave my house. so I didn't have any problem living in hostel and making friends. I've already formed my girl gang ( Riddhika From Maharashtra, Priya from Kerala, Jeny and Yashitha Well, both of them were locals) after all.
“let's go. I'm hungry. Where's others? ”
“Everyone is here waiting for you. Chalo jaldi.”
—At 10:15 am, in front of the
Academic Block—
Riddhika : “Oi, I think it's already started. Look.”
“hehh? But according to the schedule, it should be 10:30 na. Anyway Vaishali , you go first. Hum tumhare piche hai.”
“Wahh... Late huye hum 6. But I have to go first. Wahh... Kirti.” Vaishali said in the most dramatic way but still decided to go first in the end.
All last rows were full so what choice did we have? Of course second rows, right after all professors.
“Good morning, students, and welcome to your new home,” the professor spoke proudly, adjusting his glasses while the auditorium echoed with polite claps. “Our college is not just an institution, it’s a family. And the hostel?” He smiled dramatically. “Nothing less than a five-star hotel. Spacious rooms, delicious food, excellent facilities — No other hostels are like this one.”
The students around me looked impressed.
I folded my arms quietly, staring at the stage with a small doubtful smile.
We’ll see.
Because in my experience, everything looks beautiful from a distance. Though today's Idli was nice enough. But Reality begins after the lights go off.
One after another just boring speeches. And after that pile of boring speeches, what we got in the end? Just one samosa and tea. Seriously at least , not even two samosa? Anyway it's almost lunch time. Afternoon we have department-wise orientation.
Lunch was almost over when my phone started vibrating on the table.
“Tinny calling…”
A small smile instantly appeared on my face. Out of everyone, she is my bestie basically partner in crime.
“So? How’s the grand college life?” she asked dramatically the moment I picked up.
I laughed softly, walking slowly across the corridor while telling her everything — the boring speeches, the “five-star hostel” promises and the weird nervousness sitting inside my chest since morning.
Meanwhile, my friends had already started leaving for their department-wise orientations.
“Go ahead, I’ll come,” I told them, waving casually.
Vaishali and Jeny disappeared together toward the Psychology department — obviously roommates. What a luck! You know how nice it is to already know one classmate from the begging. Riddhika went toward Economics, Priya toward B.Sc CS and Yashitha proudly marched toward Political Science.
And me?
Still gossiping on call like my life depended on it.
By the time I finally cut the phone, reality slapped me hard.
I was late.
Very late.
“Great,” I muttered dramatically before practically speed-walking through the corridors with my bag slipping from my shoulder every five seconds.
And of course… because destiny loves embarrassing me… the professor was already inside when I reached the classroom.
Every single head turned toward me the moment I pushed the door open.
Wonderful.
The seats were almost full, so with whatever dignity I had left, I quietly walked to the last corner seat near the window and sat down, pretending like I absolutely loved being late.
And Thank God! Looked like I wasn't the only late one. Some students came late too. Among that students, That one boy who caught my eye... He looks kinda—ok ok you know cute.
His soft brown shirt, slightly rolled sleeves, and light-shaded watch. Messy black hair framed his sharp features. Tall with confidence. Even more fair than me. And around his neck...
Wait?....
Tulsi mala? And Tilak in college? Is he also Krishna Bhakt too?
Kirti! Pull yourself together! Remember your damn promise. Now no more attraction —no more Namuna boys! He would be like those boys too. After all, all boys are same.
Shitty! Darinde!
And if you look closely he looks arrogant. Just a pretty cute face. What a waste!
While I was busy judging him in my head, the girl sitting beside me suddenly nudged my arm, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Hello... Where are you from?” she asked with a small smile.
I blinked and looked at her properly for the first time.
“We.. West Bengal.”
“Oh, I’m Shreya,” she said, adjusting her glasses. “You came here from that far.”
“Yeah. I'm Krittika.” I replied awkwardly, quickly fixing my expression. “so are you a... Local?”
“ Yes, a Day scholar you know. So are you living in hostel?”
“Yeah. Do you know Hindi?” I asked her softly.
“A little bit. I can understand but not speak fluently.”
Before I could continue the conversation, a professor started talking. Instantly, the noisy room turned quieter.
“Good morning students.”
“Good morning sir…” the class replied unevenly.
One by one, they started introducing themselves.
The class mentor.
Subject teachers.
And finally the HOD.
Honestly, I was trying to pay attention but my mind was somewhere else.
Beside me, Shreya whispered softly, “Why do that HOD look so strict?”
I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing.
After the introductions ended, our class mentor adjusted his glasses and looked around the classroom.
“Now… we are going to select a Class Representative.”
Here comes the worst part. I think my college life has really just started.
