PRITHVI POV***
"Bye dad" I couldn't wait to leave my house. Today is my first day of college. I was waiting for this day since I turned 18.
My dad came out from kitchen and noticed me rushing hurriedly. He said, "Slow Prithvi, there is a lot of time for your college bus to arrive. First listen to me."
"Dad I know what you are going to say" I made weird and funny expression.
"Prithvi first listen to me. From today onwards you are entering into a new path. Dont just focus on studies. Try to build on new skills, meet and talk with new friends, have fun BUT dont talk unnecessarily with strangers." When dad said that I didn't know if I should laugh or cry at his words.
"Dad, how can I be both Gandhi and Godse at a time? You are asking me to meet and have fun with new friends, yet asking me not to talk with strangers?" My dad's expression became serious now. I realized that.
"Ok dad sorry, but don't worry. Though I am born in Canada and resided there for a few years, I am brought up in India. I have studied here for 8 years and I know people well. Indians are very sweet dad. So you don't have to worry at all. Anyways dad your words will be ringing in my head." I smiled.
My dad satisfied on hearing those words said, "good my princess, i expect you to not to reveal my name before any of your friends."
"Dont worry dad. Except Shrishti no body will know that I am the daughter of CEO of Bhattacharya groups Arvind Kashyap." I always kept my word.
"Good. Now pack your bags, and get ready to scoot."
"Ok dad, bye" I took blessings from my dad and rushed out.
.
.
.
Ah my college....which will be my 2nd home for next few 4 years. I am excited, anxious and curious too. Different students, different teachers, different mentalities, new friends, new day. Time to explore.
As I was engrossed in my own world, I heard few boys' steps striding towards me. Suddenly they stood in front of me and I gasped for a second out of shock.
One of them asked, "Hey babe, are you a fresher?"
I replied expressionless, " yes"
They laughed for no reason. What's wrong in that of course I am a fresher. I can easily say that they are senior students.
My dad had previously warned me that there would be ragging in colleges especially in engineering colleges. So I am well prepared. But anyways today is the first day and I dont want to get into unnecessary trouble and arguments. I kept quiet.
One among them walked towards me and said, "What's your name?"
"Prithvi. Prithvi Kashyap."
"Ok Prithvi, since you are a FRESHER, why dont we show you around " saying that he put his arms around my shoulder. I hated his action and felt damn uncomfortable. I tried hard to escape from his clutches but failed. He kept pulling me despite of my negative answer.
"Stop!!" I heard someone shouting from behind. The person is 6ft tall and has "manly" appearance. His muscles are clearly visible from his white v-necked t-shirt. His jaws are absolutely sharp and his neatly gelled hair is giving him an attractive appearance. He is no less than any film star. A macho man....
I noticed that he is walking towards us.
"Hey, why are you harassing the girl on her very first day. Let her go." Voice clearly warning them. But their actions were reverse.
The fellow who was dragging me replied in commanding tone, "Hey, who are you to ask that? Are you her boyfriend? If not then just mind your work. We are seniors. We can do whatever we want." Arrogance bright in his words.
I didnt know what to do. So I kept quiet and stood like statue.
Suddenly a white majestic car entered the campus. Yes that is principal’s car. The boys started to move away from me immediately and quietly went away. That was an expected move. Hahaha.
“Are you alright?” he asked. I gasped for a sec.
“Yes, thank you.” I beamed brightly. After a long silence and stares, he started to inquire,
“What’s your name?”
“I am Prithvi.” I cut it short.
“Which branch?”
“Computer science.” I was rather shy to have a direct eye-contact.
Since he asked so much about me, I am curious too to know about him.
“Are you a senior student?” I smiled.
"I am Aadi. Aadi Bhattacharya. I am a post graduate student here." His face seemed to be irked. But his full answer impressed me.
While I was drowned in thinking about him, he interrupted "Do you want any help? I guess he has got quite temper. His face reveals that. I rolled my eyes.
I replied, "yes. Sorry to trouble you. Can you tell me where is the principal's chamber?" I didn't look into his eyes.
He said the direction and went away saying, "have a good day"
After replying I proceeded to principal’s office.
I saw his name plate on the table. Professor Edward Steven. I can say that he is around 55 or 60 year old man. He has a white moustache and beard which makes him look like a Santa Clause.
“Hello sir, I am Prithvi Kashyap.” I introduced myself and handed over the letter to him which my father had given me.
“Oh ho so you are the daughter of Mr. Arvind Kashyap. I see. Welcome my dear. Good to see you in this college, girl. Good day. The auditorium is in basement. You can go and attend the function.” Saying that, he returned the letter back to me smiling.
I thanked him and started to move towards the basement to attend the function.
