The Journey Begins

Beyond the facade of civilised human society lay a realm of hidden and unseen aspects, some of which held dangerous and unknown truths. Only the heart of an adventurous soul would dare to venture into these uncharted territories. I had encountered such intriguing statements in various books before, yet their true significance remained enigmatic until that transformative moment. The path I had chosen now seemed to unfold the profound essence of those words.

The forest trail stretched ahead, completely cloaked in a dense fog, veiling the night in an impenetrable darkness. Even the feeble light emitted by the flashlight I clutched in my hand failed to breach the misty armour that surrounded me. The stillness of the night seemed to hush the clamour of the bustling world, confining it to the periphery of the jungle. Only a serene silence embraced me, occasionally interrupted by the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind and the eerie howling of the gusts. The moonlight hesitated to cast its glow upon the dark forest floor, creating an atmosphere akin to a new moon night. Slowly, this all-encompassing darkness began to captivate my mind, luring me into its mysterious allure. It felt as though I had stepped into the very world depicted by the great novelist Sharatchandra Chattopadhyay in his masterpiece "Srikanta."

Despite the surreal ambience, I continued my solitary journey, allowing the beauty of the surroundings to captivate my senses. Suddenly, a swift gust of wind playfully interrupted my reverie, tousling my hair. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though the cold breath of the wind had tenderly caressed my face, leaving a tingling sensation in my ears.

Unperturbed, I pressed on, eventually arriving at the imposing gates of the college premises. The night had now fully descended, blanketing everything in pitch darkness. A broad cement road bordered the forest, leading to the college campus. Proudly standing amidst the vast expanse, the main building of the college was painted a striking red, nestled within the protective embrace of the walled campus. The iron gate, its surface shimmering in silver hues, proudly displayed the name "Mountain Zee College." The entire campus was enveloped by towering oak and fir trees, while a serene lake glistened before the college, adding to its natural allure. On this night, the college appeared like one of Aladdin's magical castles, existing in a realm of enchantment. Every soul who dared to cross the threshold of this fortress, shrouded in numerous mysteries, seemed destined to be ensnared in its illusions, with scarce hope for liberation.

As I approached the main gate, a doorman sat in a chair, wrapped in a cosy blanket to fend off the chill of the night, and sang a soulful song in his mother tongue, emanating warmth and contentment. The exact lyrics eluded my memory, yet the captivating melody resonated in my mind throughout that night.

Approaching him with polite courtesy, I greeted him with "Ram Ram, Chachaji," and inquired about the location of the Girl's Hostel. He was initially taken aback, surprised by a new college student arriving at such a late hour.

"You arrived at this time, in the dead of night! Well, show me your ID?" he asked, visibly intrigued by my presence.

Although a bit flustered initially, I quickly regained my composure, reaching into my bag to retrieve my college admission card. Proudly displaying it to him, he scrutinized the card for a moment before making a phone call. Shortly after, a man named Ram Singh arrived to guide me to the girl's hostel. Grateful for his assistance, I passed through the college gates, feeling as if a new chapter of my life had commenced. Yet, little did I know that this college, which I had believed would merely be a stepping stone towards success, would unexpectedly connect me to a century-old history and bring about profound changes in my life. The college held more in store for me than I could have ever imagined.

The warden at the college hostel warmly greeted me, showing me to my room, where I had the privilege of calling a space my own for the first time in my life. It was a novel and exhilarating experience, and I couldn't help but immerse myself in a realm of fantasies,

contemplating what my first day at college would be like. Above all, I harboured hopes of making meaningful friendships during this auspicious beginning. Little did I know that the souls I would encounter at Mountain Zee College, especially Abhi, would redefine the very essence of friendship and love in my life. Within the walls of this institution, I was destined to embark on a journey of transformation and revelation, forever altering the course of my destiny.

As the days unfolded at Mountain Zee College, I found myself engrossed in the vibrant academic life and the bustling atmosphere of the campus. Each morning, I would wake up to the gentle rays of the rising sun, casting a golden glow over the tranquil lake that stood as a sentinel to the college's beauty.

Within the college's hallowed halls, I discovered a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom. Engaging lectures, thought-provoking discussions, and the camaraderie of fellow students enriched my educational journey. But amidst all this, a particular soul stood out, captivating my heart like no other—Abhishek Singh, known affectionately as Abhi.

Abhi was unlike anyone I had encountered before. Mysterious and enigmatic, he seemed to exude an aura of intrigue and allure. His piercing eyes held a depth that hinted at untold stories, and his aloof nature only served to heighten the air of mystery surrounding him. Despite his distinct persona, there was an inexplicable magnetic pull that drew me towards him.

We met on a sunny afternoon at the college library. Lost in the captivating world of books, I found myself gazing out of the window, admiring the beauty of nature beyond. As if drawn by an invisible force, Abhi appeared beside me, a faint smile playing on his lips. But his arrival at college was like a scene I can't forget.