Turning a page in life.

They say going away from home by yourself for studies is like turning a page in your life. So I guess I'm indeed turning a page in my life.

Past few weeks were crazy but amazing. From a person who never ran in the entire 17 years, I now have a daily routine of jogging 3.5 -5 miles almost every day, thanks to the persistence of Charles. After the jogging, a little bit of stretching and am back to regular life.

Wow! I can't imagine the change which Charles has instilled in me. After the initial burst out, Dad and Charles convinced me that Charles will not do anything to endanger his life and will push himself only within his limit. After my mom passed away, I cannot think of missing another person.

Guess I was crazy, not them. Last week, I accompanied Charles to the sports convention at indoor stadium and happened to meet other "crazy" people. That happened to be like a stadium full of them!

Over these two weeks I learned that unlike the mileage of a car which is mentioned in km/hr, a person's running speed is mentioned as minute per miles or minute per km. These people say ""hey you did 5 per km, amazing!!""

I didn't understand a single thing. Later Charles explained that it is the speed at which you cover a km or a mile for that matter.

Anyway, am on my way to my university. Nila and Charles have already reached theirs, my flight was in the morning , now I'm on the way to MIT in a bus . What's my new life holding out for me? Am indeed turning a fresh page of my life. Autumn was in her own world of thoughts.

The travel in the bus was pretty much event less. As the sun started it's descent we reached the university. Autumn checked in straight to the hostel.

During the Campus preview weekend the undergraduates get to visit different dorms, interact with the residents and learn as much as possible about each dorm. Instead of visiting Autumn has chosen from the Residence Hall section of university website to list her preferences.

You can list down your preferences from where you'd most like to live to least like to live. But it seems kind of sophisticated algorithm matches the student preferences with available housing.

Alan had suggested and accordingly highest preference was given to McCormack But

Autumn got her dorm in Maseeh Hall. Masseh Hall is a co-ed one. The freshmen got to share the room as it was doubles, triples or quads available for them.

Autumn got a triples room that means she will be getting two new room mates. She was apprehensive if the new room mates will get with her or not. One of her roommate Merin Alfred was already in the room . By the look of things in various stages of unpacking, it seems Merin had reached the dorm at least in the morning.

The other bed seemed untouched. Means the third room mate is yet to check in. Looking at the time, it is likely that the third one might be checking in may be by tomorrow morning.

Merin was deep in her tab with earphones plugged into her ears, when Autumn entered the room. Merin looked up from her tab and then checked the timing as if somehow Autumn was late. Then she realised, Merin was not checking on Autumn's check in time. instead she was checking if it is time for dinner.

"Just about time one of you joined me. I was going nuts sitting alone." Both of them introduced themselves and Merin guided Autumn to the common washrooms for Autumn to freshen up. "All the floors have shared bathrooms at the end of the hall. and do hurry up. We have 15 minutes for the dinner. In 10 minutes I will be out of this room. That means you better hurry freshen up in less than 10 minutes" , Merin stated very seriously but the twinkling in her eyes showed that she was joking.

Not bothering to unpack, Autumn just washed her face and tied up her hair in a ponytail. She did not bother for any make up just a lip gloss and she was ready to go. Merin was impressed with the speed at which Autumn got ready.

As Autumn was traveling for most part of the day, she was hungry and welcomed Merin's enthusiasm for dinner.

" Do you know this is a 119 year old building? it is said to have some secret passage ways. And may be the good mother with the magic wand pops in through that! Now that if you look at it, it does look like Hogwart's in Harry Potter right? What would I not give to get a magic wand in hand." Merin said dreamily.

Then all of a sudden she changed the topic. "Are you allergetic towards dogs?" Merin took a breath after pausing. Autumn was wondering how Merin manage to talk so much without taking a breath. She smiled as she thought that maybe that is Merin's super power. That and her ability to talk about multiple things jumping from one to other without blinking an eye. Autumn almost laughed out thinking about it.

"No, why?" Autumn asked. I don't like dogs per se. But don't you panic if you see Mickey. By the way our dining room.is called Howards. It rhymes with Hogwart's. right?" Merin continued her chatter. After a bit Autumn tuned out and just casually send a smile or a nod whenever Merin looked at her. It is ideal to agree to Merin rather than stating her opinion. Autumn wondered this is how Merin expended her energy.

They had a common dining area . The picture of a phoenix was drawn in several places. Merin said , " You know that Tim the beaver is our mascot at university, right. The phoenix is the mascot of Maseeh hall."

As they reached the dining hall, Mr. Carroll and Ms.Flynn, house masters at Masseh hall , were welcoming all undergraduates to Masseh Hall. As they started explaining the do's and don't's, Merin started whining for food.

"The rules are regulations are given everywhere. Why are they wasting our time? phew, it's over. Come, let's get our dinner." They went over the counter and picked their selection of food. "The cutlery is over there", pointed Merin. Autumn looked at her thankfully. Merin just shrugged."I came just after the breakfast . So had a bit time to unpack, and then explore. Do you know this doem is the the only meal plan hall which is also open for lunch".

"I also met some others during lunch time. Come let's go to the boys. I will introduce you to someone. " Merin said. She stopped suddenly and looked at Autumn and asked. "Are you single? or do you have any boyfriend at home? No, don't bother. even if you have, it won't survive more than 2 months. Max 3 months. so you are single got it? Now come. "

" The lobby of Maseeh Hall is architecturally notable for its spacious vaulting and mosaic decorations made of Guastavino tile", said a blond to the boy with chocolate hair. "Hey guys, did you start without me?" Merin pouted.

" No babe, I was just telling the architectural significance of our lobby to James.", said the blond. " Don't babe me Chris. Am not your babe. And hello Noah. By the meet my friend and dorm mate Autumn. Autumn has taken the same stream as yours, James".

Chris got up from his place and very chivalrously pulled out a chair. Observing this Noah also jumped up and pulled another chair near them. Autumn observed that while Chris seemed to be wooing Merin, James seems very nervous. Merin took the chair offered by Chris. Chris jumped in to the seat near her.

James nervously looked at all three of them as if he didn't know what to say or do. Autumn smiled at James and took the chair he offered . Thus four of them melded into a harmony of new friendship...