First Day But Last Breath

Far from the rain-soaked streets of Verona City, Alisa’s dreams were written on the walls of a small house. Her world was tiny. Her mother’s tired prayers, the smell of old books, and just one dream... to become someone one day. But there was one problem. She was afraid of people. Of crowds. Of stares. Of voices. But today... today she had declared war against her biggest fear. Today was the first day at _Kingston University_. It was 9 in the morning. The air was damp with the scent of earth after the rain. With trembling hands, wet hair, and a thousand fears in her eyes, she stood in front of the huge university gate. A thousand faces. A thousand voices. Kingston’s glass corridors looked like they were ready to swallow her whole. She lowered her head. Held her breath. And walked straight toward the Admission Office. Her simple white kurta, her shy walk with eyes fixed on the ground... every gaze stopped on her. Like a caged bird had suddenly flown into a crowd. Holding her schedule in her hand, she went inside looking for the lecture hall. And went straight to... the very last bench, sitting against the wall. Silent. As if invisible. What did she know... There were only 4 guys sitting in that hall. The 4 devils of Kingston’s most dangerous group. And their king, _Ayaan_ - the most handsome, richest, and most arrogant guy in the university - was absent today. "Shhh..." A voice whispered. "New toy’s here." All four of them burst out laughing. The professor came in. It was time for introductions. One by one everyone said their names. Then it was Alisa’s turn. She glanced at everyone’s faces once, then said... "N... name... Alisa," her voice melted away like rain. The entire hall echoed with laughter. She broke in that moment. Quickly said "Alisa" and sat back down. Her heart was pounding. Her hands were soaked with sweat. Class ended. Everyone started heading out. Alisa also grabbed her bag and ran toward the door... That’s when a strong arm blocked her way. She was surrounded. All four stood in front of her like a wall. "Name?" One of them raised an eyebrow. "City? Did you come from some village in Verona?" Her breath caught. "Please... let me go." Just then a phone rang. The ringtone was loud. "What’s the scene?" Ayaan’s deep, lazy voice came from the phone. Ayaan asked what was going on. The guy grinned and put the phone to his ear. "A new girl showed up so we’re having a little fun. Come tomorrow, see for yourself." "Please... let me go," Alisa’s scared voice slipped out on its own. On the other side of the phone... Ayaan went silent for a second. There was something in that voice. Fear. Truth. Something strange. "Who is this girl?" he asked in a low voice. "You’ll find out if you come tomorrow," the guy laughed and hung up. The call ended... and Alisa didn’t wait even a second. She ran. Running straight to the girls’ washroom. Locked the cubicle door. And then... broke down crying like the rain. _What did she know... that the name she heard today through her tears, that same Ayaan... was going to become her biggest test tomorrow.