11."Did I Scare You?”

Standing in front of the mirror, I couldn't help but admire the new me. The sleek, short haircut and the absence of my glasses made me look more refined. The plain white t-shirt and black pants were simple, but they accentuated the new look perfectly. A smirk tugged at my lips as I muttered to myself, "How can someone look this handsome?"

It was 8 AM, and today was special—it was the first day of university. My classes would start at 10 AM, but I had decided to visit the temple first. It felt like a good way to begin this new chapter of my life.

I had cut my hair yesterday, something I hadn't told Leela about. It was my little surprise for her. She always teased me about looking like a nerd, so I wanted to show her a different side of me. I hadn't even worn my glasses, not that I needed them anyway. I had just used them to avoid drawing attention in the past.

After a moment of satisfaction, I grabbed my bag and the other things and headed toward the living room. I set my bag on the sofa, letting the comforting weight of my belongings settle for a moment. The house was quiet, with the faint hum of the morning rain still lingering in the background. The serene atmosphere felt like the perfect prelude to what was to come.

With a sense of purpose, I made my way to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I prepared breakfast. I swiftly assembled a sandwich, the crisp lettuce and juicy tomato contrasting with the savory layers of cheese and ham. The coffee bubbled as it brewed, sending out a warm, inviting scent. I poured the steaming brew into a mug, its rich aroma promising a good start to the day.

Returning to the living room, I settled onto the sofa with my breakfast. The view of the garden was calming, with the rain gently pattering on the windows and the greenery shimmering with the fresh touch of morning dew. As I took a bite of the sandwich and sipped the coffee, I couldn't shake the feeling that today was the beginning of something significant. There was an undercurrent of change in the air, and though I hoped it would be positive, only time would reveal the outcome.

The peaceful moment was a brief respite before the day's busyness. After finishing my meal, I cleaned up in the kitchen, rinsing the coffee cup and sandwich plate with a methodical rhythm. The kitchen was soon spotless, its familiar surroundings feeling like a quiet anchor before the storm of the day's events.

With everything in its place, I grabbed my bag and house keys and headed toward the door. The routine of locking up was a small but reassuring ritual, a sign that everything was in order before I ventured out. coming out I lock the door.

As I walked toward the gate, the cool morning air brushed against my face, invigorating and fresh. As I stepped out of the gate, the morning air was crisp and refreshing, a perfect start to the day. I saw Mansoor Bhaiyya making his way toward his house, Maya trotting beside him, a milk bag in his hand. The sight of them was a comforting reminder of the familiar faces in my life.

I raised a hand and greeted them with a warm smile. "Good morning, Mansoor Bhaiyya, and you too, Maya."

Mansoor Bhaiyya glanced up from his task, returning my smile. "Good morning, Shivaay." Maya looked up with a soft meow, her tail swishing as if acknowledging my presence.

As I started to move away, Mansoor Bhaiyya called out, "University?"

I nodded. "Yes, it's first day."

"Oh, a good day then. Have fun!" he encouraged, his tone genuinely supportive.

"Thanks" I replied, appreciating his well-wishes.

With a final wave, I continued on my way, heading toward the rickshaw stand. The short walk was a pleasant one, with the morning sun casting a gentle light over the neighborhood. The streets were beginning to come alive, the early buzz of activity providing a lively backdrop.

Reaching the rickshaw stand, I signaled for a ride. A rickshaw pulled up soon, its driver giving me a nod as I climbed in. Settling into the seat, I looked out at the city slowly awakening. The rickshaw jolted to life, and we started moving through the streets.

As we made our way toward the temple, the rhythmic clatter of the rickshaw wheels against the pavement created a soothing cadence. The anticipation of the day ahead mixed with the tranquility of the morning, creating a sense of calm excitement.

The cityscape began to change, the buildings giving way to more open spaces as we neared the temple.

As the rickshaw pulled up to the temple, I paid the driver and stepped out, the early morning light casting a gentle glow on the ancient stone steps leading up to the entrance. The temple stood majestically, its ornate architecture and tranquil atmosphere creating a serene backdrop for the day ahead.

I approached the base of the stairs, taking a deep breath to soak in the peaceful environment. The steps were worn from countless pilgrimages, each one a testament to the devotion of those who had come before me. My footsteps echoed softly as I ascended, each step bringing me closer to the sacred space.

At the top, I paused to remove my shoes, placing them neatly on the rack provided for visitors. The cool, smooth tiles felt refreshing against my feet as I stepped onto them. I made my way to the water station, where a gentle stream flowed for cleansing. I washed my feet, the cool water invigorating and grounding me, washing away the last remnants of sleep and the bustling city outside.

With clean feet, I walked through the temple's threshold, the transition from the bustling street to the calm interior marked by a subtle shift in ambiance. Inside, the air was filled with the soft scent of incense and the faint sound of chanting. The temple's interior was bathed in soft light, filtered through stained glass windows and cast by flickering oil lamps. The peaceful hum of devotion and the sight of flickering candles and serene deities created an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.

I moved slowly, taking in the intricate carvings on the walls and the gentle glow of the lamps. Each step felt deliberate, a moment of reflection before the new chapter of my life began. I found a quiet corner to sit and offer a prayer. The sense of calm within the temple wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, providing a moment of solitude and clarity.

As I finished my prayer and rose from my seat, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and readiness for the day ahead.

As I turned to leave the temple, the stillness of the morning was interrupted by the sight of a young man in front of me. He was hastily retrieving something from his pocket, and in the process, an ID card slipped out and fell to the ground. I quickly stepped forward, picking up the ID before he could walk too far away.

"Hey, bro, you dropped this," I called out, holding the ID up for him to see.

The young man turned around, his expression shifting from confusion to recognition as he spotted the card in my hand. He checked his pocket and then his face broke into a relieved smile. "Thanks, man. I didn't even notice it was missing."

"No problem at all," I replied, extending the ID toward him.

As he reached out to take the card, I glanced at it and noticed the logo of Mahindra University prominently displayed.

As I stood there, the young man noticed my distraction and asked, "Is everything alright?"

I looked up, catching his eye, and smiled. "Oh, it's nothing. It's just that you're a student from Mahindra University."

His eyes lit up with understanding. "Yes, it's my first day as well, so I came to the temple to seek a bit of peace before starting. Are you a student here too?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm starting today as well."

His surprise turned into a friendly grin. "Really? That's great! Which department are you in?"

I extended my hand towards him, feeling a spark of camaraderie. "I'm in Political Science. Name's Shivaay. Nice to meet you."

He took my hand with a firm and warm shake. "I'm Anand, studying Environmental Science. Nice to meet you too, Shivaay."

As Anand finished shaking my hand, he asked, "So, what's your plan now?"

I glanced at him and replied, "Just heading towards the campus."

He gave me a friendly smile. "Good, because I'm heading there too. If you don't mind, I can drop you off."

I hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother."

Anand's smile widened. "Of course I'm sure. It's no trouble at all."

I appreciated his offer and said, "Thanks, man. That would be great."

With a nod, Anand led the way to his bike. We both mounted it, and soon we were cruising down the road towards the university. The morning air was crisp, and the rhythm of the bike seemed to match the anticipation building inside me.

As we continued our ride towards the university, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I fished it out and saw that it was a call from Leela. I answered with a cheerful tone, "Good morning, Leela!"

Her voice came through, tinged with concern. "Good morning? Where are you? Class is starting in thirty minutes!"

I glanced at Anand, who was expertly weaving through traffic, and replied, "I went to the temple this morning. I'm on my way now, though. I'll be there as quickly as I can."

Leela's voice softened slightly. "Okay, just hurry up."

With a quick farewell, she ended the call. I slipped my phone back into my pocket and looked up at Anand, who was grinning. "Girlfriend?" he asked with a knowing smile.

I chuckled. "Yeah, girlfriend."

Anand's smile widened. "I get it."

Curious, I asked, "So, do you have a girlfriend?"

Anand nodded, a hint of wistfulness in his expression. "Yeah, but she's not here. I'm from Mumbai and came here for the university exchange program."

I raised an eyebrow. "Mumbai, huh? Why did you choose Hyderabad for the exchange?"

Anand's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Well, I'm studying environmental science, and Hyderabad is a rapidly growing city. It's a great place for environmental case studies. The changes here are fascinating to observe."

I nodded, impressed. "So, you're a nature lover, then?"

Anand grinned. "Yeah, you could say that. I'm passionate about understanding and preserving the environment. It's one of the reasons I'm excited to be here."

The conversation made the ride feel even more pleasant. Anand's passion for his field was palpable, and it was refreshing to hear someone so dedicated to their cause. I found myself enjoying the ride even more, grateful for this unexpected connection.

As we neared the university, I could see the familiar campus buildings coming into view. As Anand pulled up to the university parking spot, he flashed a smile and said, "Here we are, right on time."

We both dismounted the bike. I turned to Anand and said, "Yeah, thanks for the ride. See you in the cafeteria after class?"

Anand nodded, a grin still on his face. "Definitely. See you later."

With a wave, we parted ways. I made my way toward my classroom. The campus was bustling with students, and I took a moment to appreciate the vibrant energy around me. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the buildings stood tall, reflecting the promise of new beginnings.

As I approached the classroom building, I heard the professor's voice echoing down the hallway. "While most students choose IT or Computer Science, all of you have chosen Political Science. What a commendable decision!"

My heart sank as I realized I was running late. I quickened my pace, my steps echoing loudly in the quiet corridor. As I reached the classroom door, I took a deep breath and pushed it open.

The room was filled with a mix of curious and anxious faces, all turned towards the front where the professor stood. I could feel their eyes shift to me as I entered. I cleared my throat, hoping to minimize my intrusion, and said, "Sorry, sir, for being late."

As I walked into the classroom, I immediately felt the weight of the students' stares. I noticed Leela's eyes widening in surprise, a mix of happiness and tension on her face. Chitra's gaze was equally intense, and I could sense that something unusual was happening.

The professor, sensing the growing discomfort, offered a calm, reassuring smile. "It's okay, you can take a seat," he said, his voice steady and encouraging.

I returned the professor's smile, feeling a bit relieved. "Thanks, sir," I said genuinely, hoping to blend in despite the sudden attention.

I began to make my way to the back of the room, where there were a few empty seats. As I walked past the rows of students, the whispers grew louder, and more eyes seemed to follow me.

Passing by Leela, I managed a small smile, trying to appear as casual as possible. She didn't return the smile but continued to stare, her expression a mix of surprise and something I couldn't quite place. It made me wonder what was going on. I glanced at Chitra, who also seemed to be caught off guard by my presence.

As I settled into my seat, I couldn't shake the feeling of being under a microscope. I tried to focus on the professor, hoping that the attention would soon shift back to the lecture.

Just then, I felt another gaze—a more uneasy stare. I turned subtly in the direction of the gaze and saw a young man who quickly looked away when our eyes met. The fear in his eyes was palpable, and it left me feeling a bit puzzled. I decided to ignore it for now, not wanting to dwell on the unease it caused.

As I focused back on the front of the room, the professor's voice cut through the whispering chatter. "Alright, guys, back to the topic," he said, his tone firm yet gentle.

The room gradually quieted down, and the students' attention shifted back to the professor. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, grateful that the scrutiny was lessening. But my relief was short-lived as I noticed Leela glancing back at me one last time before turning her attention to the professor. Her look was intense, and there was a hint of anger or frustration in her expression. I was puzzled; I thought she would be pleased or supportive of my new look. Her reaction was unexpected, and I couldn't quite grasp what might be bothering her.

Women and their emotions were often a mystery to me, and this situation was no exception. I knew that I needed to understand her feelings better, but right now, I had to focus on the class. I took out my notebook and tried to immerse myself in the lecture.

As the professor's voice echoed through the room, the atmosphere began to shift from the initial surprise and murmurs to a more focused attention. "I really appreciate that you all decided to choose Political Science," he began, his tone warm and encouraging. "Today, we're going to discuss career possibilities in this field. You can become a journalist, an analyst, a sociologist, a political strategist, or even a politician."

He looked around the room, his gaze landing on various students as he continued, "Now, I'd like to hear from you about what you aspire to be. Let's start with you."

The professor pointed to a student in the front row. The student spoke up. "I want to be a pathologist, sir."

A ripple of surprise and stifled laughter spread through the room. The contrast between a career in pathobiology and political science was glaringly apparent, and a few students exchanged incredulous glances. I could see some smirking, their amusement evident.

The professor's expression softened into a mix of patience and amusement. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but you can't become a pathologist with a degree in Political Science. However, you could become an analyst within this field, focusing on data and trends related to politics."

"This is the trend, sir," the student said with a self-assured grin. "An analyst finds a clean state, jumps in with mud, and makes it dirty. That's how they create a buzz and make money."

Laughter erupted among the students, their clapping echoing around the room. The professor raised an eyebrow, clearly struggling to reconcile this unconventional view with the academic ideals he was aiming to impart.

The professor cleared his throat and addressed the student with a hint of frustration. "What about society?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation back to a more serious note.

The student's laughter continued, and he shrugged nonchalantly. "What society are you talking about, sir? For them, it's all about the money."

The professor's expression grew more serious. "This kind of thinking is not typical of an analyst; it's more akin to the mindset of terrorists."

The student, seemingly unfazed, responded, "It's just business, sir."

The professor sighed deeply, clearly exasperated. "Okay, okay, that's enough. Let's move on."

He then turned his attention to me, his gaze searching for a more grounded perspective. "You, in the back," he said, his tone softening. "Tell me, what do you want to be?"

As I stood up I noticed Leela looking at me with a playful smile. I couldn't help but return the smile, savoring the brief, light-hearted moment before turning back to the professor.

"Sir, I didn't want to be anything," I declared, a grin on my face. The classroom fell silent as the professor's brow furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean you didn't want to be anything?" he asked, clearly puzzled. "Then what are you planning to do after getting your degree?"

I took a deep breath, savoring the dramatic effect of my words. "Sir, I'm going to marry a beautiful and rich girl and become a househusband."

The room erupted into a murmur of surprise. I could feel the eyes of my classmates drilling into me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and disbelief. Amid the commotion, I saw Leela's hand move in a swift motion as she threw a pen toward me. Reacting quickly, I ducked, narrowly avoiding the pen's trajectory.

The entire class turned their attention to Leela, who was now apologizing with a smile. "Sorry, it just slipped from my hand."

With everyone's gaze focused on her, Leela looked at me and said, "Right?"

"Uh, yes, yes, you're right," I stammered, nodding vigorously. I quickly retrieved the pen from the floor and made my way back to Leela. With a grin, I handed her the pen, saying, "Here's your pen."

As she took the pen, she playfully pinched my arm, making me wince. "Thanks," she said, her smile still intact.

I returned to my seat, trying to suppress my laughter. The professor, seemingly exasperated by the day's events, tried to regain control.

"Alright, alright," he said, his voice taking on a resigned tone. "It seems this year's students are... unconventional."

Then professor's gaze shifted to Leela, and with a curious tone, he asked, "What do you want to be?"

Leela stood up gracefully, her calm demeanor captivating the room. "An activist, sir," she replied confidently.

The professor raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And the reason?"

Leela smiled, her voice carrying a gentle resolve. "I want to create a society where people don't have conflicts with each other."

The professor nodded, leaning forward slightly. "And how do you plan to do that?"

Without missing a beat, Leela continued, "First, I want people to become selfless and control their egos. Everyone should be treated equally. I dream of a society where the rich help the poor, where we erase the evil within us and bring out the good. This is my dream."

Her words cast a hush over the room. The sincerity and idealism in her voice were palpable, resonating with everyone present. For a moment, it felt like the air had thickened with the weight of her vision—a vision so pure and hopeful that it left everyone momentarily speechless.

I found myself lost in her words, feeling a swell of pride. Leela was truly a sweet and compassionate soul. And in that moment, I decided—her dream would become my dream too. After all, she was my girlfriend, and if she wanted to change the world, then I would stand by her side.

Breaking the silence, I began to clap, the sound echoing in the room. My applause seemed to snap the others out of their trance, and soon, the entire class joined in, the room filling with the sound of appreciation and admiration.

Leela turned to me, her eyes meeting mine as she smiled sweetly. I returned the smile, a silent promise passing between us that I would support her every step of the way.

The professor, visibly moved by Leela's heartfelt response, nodded approvingly. "What a great thought," he said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.

The professor turned his attention to the young man who had been avoiding my gaze earlier. "And you, what do you want to be?"

The young man stood up with a sudden burst of confidence. "CM," he declared, his voice steady.

The entire class was taken aback. There was a brief murmur of surprise before the professor raised an eyebrow and asked, "What? Directly the Chief Minister?"

The young man nodded, unfazed by the reaction. "Yeah, why not?"

Curiosity piqued, the professor leaned forward slightly. "And why do you want to become the CM?"

Without a hint of hesitation, the young man replied, "That position has too much power, sir. No one can stop me on the road, and when my birthday comes, I can throw a state-wide party using government funds."

The room fell into an uneasy silence. The professor's face twisted in disbelief. "That's why you want to become CM? But how do you plan to achieve that?"

The young man's response was chilling. "Money, alcohol, a few bribes here and there... and for anyone who gets in my way, I'll make sure they sleep permanently."

The professor's eyes narrowed as he asked, "Do you really think you can become CM after doing all that?"

The young man, without missing a beat, replied, "That's how our CM became CM."

A murmur spread through the classroom. My gaze immediately shifted to Leela. Her expression was unmistakably angry. Of course, she was upset—this man had just insulted everything her father stood for. But as I watched her, a deeper unease settled in. There was something off about this guy. His words, his demeanor—they felt calculated, like he had some other motive, and it wasn't good.

The professor sighed heavily, a deep disappointment etched across his face. "When I see so many young people in this class, I feel hopeful for the future of our country. But hearing you speak… it makes me question that hope."

The bell rang, breaking the heavy tension in the room. As the professor gathered his things and walked out, I stood up, intending to go over to Leela. But before I could take more than a few steps, a group of girls from our class surrounded me, their chatter breaking through the lingering unease.

"Hey, what's your name?" one of them asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"You look so cute! Can we be friends?" another chimed in, her voice light and cheerful.

A third girl, more direct, leaned in slightly and asked, "Hey, do you have a girlfriend?"

The barrage of questions caught me off guard. My first instinct was to look at Leela, hoping she'd step in and help me out of this sudden attention. But to my surprise, she was already walking away, ignoring me entirely. Chitra started to move towards me, but Leela stopped her with a small shake of her head, muttering something under her breath that I couldn't quite catch.

"Let him enjoy," she said loudly enough for me to hear, her voice tinged with annoyance as she stormed out of the classroom.

I sighed inwardly, realizing she was angry, probably because of the girls' attention. I knew Leela well enough to understand that she didn't appreciate the idea of other girls flocking around me, even if it was all innocent.

Smiling awkwardly at the girls around me, I said, "Sorry, girls, I have some work to do."

Without waiting for their response, I quickly grabbed my bag and headed for the classroom door. As I stepped out of the classroom, I immediately spotted Leela standing face to face with that young man from earlier. The tension between them was palpable, and I could see the fire in Leela's eyes as she confronted him.

"Hey, what kind of idiotic things were you talking about CM in class?" she demanded, her voice sharp with anger.

The young man, unfazed by her anger, replied with a cocky grin, "I'm his son-in-law. What does that have to do with you?"

Now, this was getting interesting. I could feel the tension in the air thickening, and I knew this wasn't going to end well if it escalated. Seeing Leela's expression darken further, I realized she was about to lash out. Before she could say anything, I stepped in, my own frustration bubbling to the surface.

"Well, that's a nice dream you've got there, man," I said, my voice tinged with sarcasm.

Both of them turned to look at me, and the young man's confidence wavered for a moment. I began to approach him slowly, my eyes fixed on his, feeling a surge of protectiveness for Leela. I could tell from the look in his eyes that my presence was making him nervous.

"Shivaay, stop," Leela said quickly, sensing the rising tension. But I couldn't stop—not when I felt this urge to put this guy in his place. I ignored her, closing the distance between us until I was standing right in front of him. Up close, I could see that he was shorter than me, and his earlier bravado seemed to shrink as I towered over him.

Looking directly into his eyes, I asked calmly, "What's your name?"

For a moment, he just stood there, his earlier confidence evaporating under my gaze. He was trying to maintain his composure, but I could see the fear creeping into his expression. Leela, still behind me, seemed torn between stopping me and letting this play out.

As I asked the young man his name, he hesitated before answering, "Bhaskar."

I nodded thoughtfully. "Bhaskar, that's a nice name. So, Bhaskar, what do you see in my eyes?" My tone was neutral, but I could sense the weight of my question.

Bhaskar's gaze locked onto mine. I noticed his composure slipping; his eyes shifted nervously, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. It was clear that my question had unsettled him. I wanted to understand his reaction better, to gauge if there was more beneath his surface confidence.

"Don't be nervous," I said, trying to reassure him while keeping my own emotions in check. "Did you, by any chance, know me before today?"

Bhaskar blinked rapidly, as if trying to regain his bearings. "No," he said quickly, his voice slightly trembling. The sincerity in his voice told me he was speaking the truth, though the anxiety in his eyes told a different story.

"Good," I replied, trying to ease the tension. "Now, back to the topic—you mentioned you're the son-in-law of the CM."

Leela's voice was urgent as she pulled me aside, her grip firm yet not harsh. "Shivaay, what are you doing? Why are you scaring him? Everyone is watching."

I feigned innocence, looking back at Bhaskar. "What are you talking about?" I asked, genuinely puzzled by her concern.

Leela's eyes flashed with frustration, but she kept her tone controlled. "Shivaay, you're making him uncomfortable. Everyone is staring, and it's not helping."

I turned back to Bhaskar, who was visibly shaken. "Hey, Bhaskar," I said, attempting to ease the tension, "did I scare you?"

Bhaskar shook his head vigorously, though his unease was evident. "No, no," he said quickly, his voice betraying his nervousness.

Leela's irritation was palpable as she addressed Bhaskar. "You should be careful about what you say in public. The CM's daughter already has a boyfriend, and it's not you. Did you get that?"

Bhaskar nodded quickly, his face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and realization. He mumbled, "Got it," before hurrying away, eager to escape the uncomfortable spotlight.

Leela turned to me, her expression a mix of frustration and concern. She took my hand firmly, her touch warm and reassuring despite the urgency. "Come on, Shivaay," she said, her voice softening slightly as she started to pull me away. "Let's go."

(A/N:If you want to support me, please use this UPI:-omgadekar29@oksbi "Om Gadekar")

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