The Hearts at the Edge of Forever

Chapter 1 : Aaina Mishra

"You're also going to Pune?" she asked

"Yes, I'm going to Pune, and I think you're also going to Pune," I said to her, smiling at the coincidence.

"By the way, you look like a college girl. Are you going for studies over there?" she asked again, her curiosity still evident.

I looked at her, a little surprised by the question, before replying.

"I know I'm behaving like those aunties who ask everyone everything," she said, chuckling nervously. "But right now, my battery is dead and it's charging. I can't sit idle and just stare at you, so I thought of asking some questions so we can get to know each other and make this journey pass by."

I told you, it's okay. "Yes, I'm going for studies over there," she replied with a small smile, feeling more comfortable now.

"Which college?" she asked, genuinely interested.

"MIT," I replied to her, offering a brief smile.

"Seriously, you're in MIT?" she asked, clearly surprised by my answer, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"But I've never seen you there," she continued, her confusion evident as she tried to piece everything together.

"I'm a new student, and my first day is tomorrow," I explained. "And why did you say you've never seen me there? Are you also from MIT?" I asked, curious about her response.

"Yes, I'm also from MIT," she said. "I came home for vacation and now I'm heading back. So, you're a fresher, hmm?" she added, nodding thoughtfully.

"And you're a senior?" I asked, a hint of curiosity in my voice.

"Yes," she said, smiling brightly, her pride as a senior evident in her expression.

"By the way, which course?" she asked again, eager to know more.

"B Design," I replied, then asked, "And you?"

"Wow, designing and all," she said, impressed. "And I'm in Computer Science Engineering," she added, her tone carrying a hint of pride.

"So, you're in which year ?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"3," she replied, a hint of confidence in her voice.

"Wow, that's great! I hope you won't rag me here," I said, laughing, clearly joking about the whole situation.

"Not now, but in college for sure," she said, laughing, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Okay, Ma'am," I said, and we both burst out laughing, the lighthearted moment making the journey feel a little shorter.

"Now we're having quite a bit of fun talking to each other. Let's be friends," she said, her smile widening as she extended the offer.

"Yes, friends," I said, smiling. "We still don't know each other well, though."

"Let's start now. I'm Shristi Gupta," she said, extending her hand. I shook it and replied, "I'm Aaina Mishra."

"So, where are you staying? In a PG or the college hostel?" she asked, genuinely curious."In the college hostel," I replied.

Suddenly, her phone rang. She excused herself and picked it up, her attention briefly shifting to the call.

"I'm gonna reach tomorrow," she said to the person on the phone. "And don't take tension, I'll call Rishaan there. Okay.... okay........ yaaa.... okay bye." She hung up and turned back to me.

"So, where were we? Yeah, hostel," she continued. "Listen, if you face any problems in the hostel or if any senior troubles you, just mention that you're my friend, and they won't even think of bothering you again. And if you get into any problem in college for anything, you can always ask for help."

"Thank you so much for that. As for ragging and all, it's okay, I'll take care of it," I said to her, appreciating her offer.

"Hey, don't take ragging too lightly, especially in the hostel. They rag too much. Some students have even gone into depression. You're so innocent, sweet, and especially my friend, that's why I don't want you to suffer," she said, her voice filled with genuine concern. I was overwhelmed by how much she cared for me in just a few hours. It meant a lot to me that she was looking out for me like this.

"Thank you so much for your concern," I replied, feeling overwhelmed by her care. It was comforting to know someone genuinely looked out for me.

"First of all, stop thanking me," she scolded lightly. "Or don't you consider me a friend?" she questioned, raising an eyebrow, her tone teasing but caring.

"Aree, it's not like that," I said quickly. "Okay, my friend," I added with a smile, feeling more at ease.

She smiled, her expression softening, clearly happy with my response.

she continued talking about college life there faculty she explained everything to me, and as it got late, I took out the food from my bag that my mom had packed for me. "Thank God she packed enough food," I thought to myself, as I served it on a plate. "We both can eat." I handed her a plate, and we shared the meal, enjoying the moment.

"It's time for sleep," she said, yawning as she stretched a bit, clearly ready to rest after our long conversation.

"Good night, Aaina," she said, settling back. "And I won't sleep gonna watch some web series now since I'm not sleepy right now."

"Good night," I said, closing my eyes, waiting for sleep to take over. Soon, I drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

.....~✿⁠✿⁠✿⁠~.....

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