Stepping into the Unknown

umber pov:

It was an unusual morning for me; the clock struck 5:30 am, and I was wide awake – a rare occurrence for a night owl like myself. My mornings usually started around noon, but today was different. Determined to study seriously this year, I had already begun my preparations, even though college hadn't officially started. My first class of summer camp was scheduled for today, and I wanted to be fully prepared from day one – or even before!

As I sat at the dining table, with my legs propped up and a book on my lap, my baba (father) looked at me with pride. He loved watching me study, and it warmed my heart to know that he was happy with my efforts. Breakfast was served, and though I appreciated his gesture, I couldn't help but grimace at the apple milk – a "good diet" according to him. Truth be told, I hated it, but I had to play along.

I studied diligently until 7 am, and then headed to my room to get ready for the very first day of the two-year college adventure that awaited me. The clock was ticking, and I had only 30 minutes to get ready. Since the college campus was close to my house, I knew I could make it in 15 minutes. I quickly took a shower and grabbed my blue trouser-shirt, which I had ironed the night before. This outfit held a bittersweet memory, as it was the same dress I wore at my phoopo's (dad's sister) funeral. But today, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

I tied my hair into a messy bun, put on a clay-colored dupatta, and contemplated wearing some accessories but decided against it at the last moment. My clay-colored ballerina flat shoes completed the look. Giving myself one last glance in the mirror, I took a deep breath and headed out.

"Baaba! I'm ready, drop me off at the campus," I called out to my dad.

"Did you finish your breakfast?" he asked, always looking out for me.

"Yes, I did," I replied, although I hadn't entirely told the truth.

"Alright then, let's go," he said, and we set off.

In less than 15 minutes, we arrived at the campus gate. On our way, my father wished me good luck with my new class and encouraged me to try and make new friends. I appreciated his support, but deep down, I knew making friends wasn't my forte. Ever since my best friend Emily left the city in 5th grade, I struggled to form that deep connection with anyone else. We remained best friends, staying in touch online, but finding someone else like her seemed impossible.

Entering the college building for the first time, I was in for a shock. The place was bustling with students from different backgrounds, each lost in their own world. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I felt a flutter of nerves in my stomach, but I was determined to face whatever lay ahead.

Little did I know that this very first day would mark the beginning of a journey filled with surprises, challenges, and growth. College life would teach me more about myself than I ever thought possible. It was time to step out of my comfort zone, embrace change, and take a leap into the unknown. As the doors of opportunity opened, I was ready to walk through and explore the world that awaited me. This was the beginning of something extraordinary.