Since I was a child, I've always been alone. Now, at 19, I'm a first-year student at university, but I still don't have a boyfriend or even a simple friend. I've never been used to being around crowds, and I keep to myself, staying distant from others. Growing up in an orphanage, I had no family or friends to rely on. I made it this far through hard work and scholarships, all alone. Sometimes, I really wish I had at least one best friend. But at the end of the day, I stay away from people.
Before starting university, I promised myself that I'd try to make at least one friend this time. I prayed to God for this before going to bed last night.
It was 8 AM today. I needed to fill out the student registration form at the college. The orphanage caretaker had arranged for me to stay in a place a little far from the college, but I planned to leave today because I couldn't stay at someone's house for too long. I thought about all this as I got ready and headed out to the college.
It would take me about 30 minutes to walk there. I tried to avoid people as much as possible. Who would want to be friends with someone as boring as me?
As I walked, I couldn't help but sigh at my own thoughts.
Before I knew it, 30 minutes had passed, and I had arrived at my department. I stood in front of it, staring, wondering if this would be the beginning of a new chapter in my otherwise dull life.
A few moments later, I heard the honk of a car. Turning around, I saw a beautiful girl driving a car toward the college. She smiled and said,
~ "Do you not hear the honking? I've been honking for a while, but you didn't react."
I was too busy staring at her lips, thinking how carefully God must have made her—she had such a warm smile, and her eyes were captivating. Her outfit was quite simple—a boyish look with jeans and a white shirt—but she still looked incredibly good, almost like she could never look better in any other outfit. She was taller than me, fair, with pinkish lips. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
Seeing no response from me, she raised her eyebrows and said,
~ "Excuse me, I'm talking to you."
I snapped out of my daze and awkwardly said, "Sorry," stepping aside.
She didn't mind and got into her car, parking it in the department parking lot.
A few people came to her, holding an umbrella and snacks. I watched from a distance, thinking to myself, She must be rich, unlike me. I don't have anyone to help me—no friend to offer me such comfort.
In class, I sat at the back. Everyone was chatting and introducing themselves, but I didn't speak to anyone. Arohi noticed me sitting alone and walked up to me.
~ "Hi, I'm Arohi. You can call me Ayu. That's what my friends call me."
I didn't answer.
~ "You can't speak?"
...
~ "Do you know who I am?"
...
~ "You seriously don't know who I am?"
...
~ "Well, we're both girls, but why are you acting like I'm a guy?"
...
~ "Are you mute?"
I stayed silent.
~ "Oh, so you're not mute.?are you?"
...
~ "Still silent? Oh my god. Listen, I have a place near the college where some of my friends and I stay. If you want, you can stay with us."
~ "No thanks."
~ "Hey, I'm not offering this for free. I'll take payment at the end of the month."
I wanted to say something, but she cut me off before I could.
~ "Okay, see you after class."
I was left stunned, wondering what was going on.
After class ended, as everyone filed out, I noticed Arohi and a few other girls had gathered around me.
~ "Let me introduce you to my friends—Sana, Sithi, Sathi, and Mayur. We all live together."
They greeted me with a "Hi."
~ "Sorry, but I don't need any help. I'll find a hostel for myself."
Arohi stepped in front of me and started walking closer, slowly. I felt my heartbeat quicken, and I began to back up. Suddenly, I bumped into a wall, and Arohi stepped forward, trapping me with her hand on the wall. She leaned close to my ear and whispered,
~ "Miss, you have no idea what I'm capable of, so you better listen to me. By the way, what's your name?"
~ "Sa...Samy...ra"
~ "Good girl. Now, you're coming with us, right?"
~ "Yeah."
I shifted slightly, moved past her, and looked down as I said,
~ "I'll wait outside."
And with that, I hurried out.
Arohi's friend, Sithi, looked at her and asked,
~ "Do you know her? Why are you so interested in her all of a sudden?"
Arohi smiled and said,
~ "She's the one who scored the highest in our department and got into the college. You know my dad, right? He's thinking of hiring her to tutor me. I saw her details in his office."
Sithi nodded,
~ "Ah, got it."