CHAPTER 1 - It's me !

Rohan stood at the podium, facing a sea of expectant faces in the auditorium of Delhi University. His heart raced, and his palms were slick with sweat as he clutched the edges of the lectern. This was his moment - his first opportunity to address his new classmates as a college student, but for an introvert like him, it felt like standing on the edge of a cliff.

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Rohan cleared his throat and began to speak. His voice wavered at first, betraying the nervousness that gnawed at him from within. Each word felt like a mountain to climb, each syllable a struggle against the overwhelming fear of being judged.

Rohan's heart pounded as he finished his speech, the weight of his nervousness lifting slightly with each word spoken. But as he stepped away from the podium, relief washing over him, he failed to notice the microphone stand directly in his path. With a sudden, jolting force, his foot caught on the base, sending him stumbling forward.

Time seemed to slow as Rohan fought to regain his balance, his arms windmilling wildly in a desperate attempt to stay upright. But it was futile. With a sharp gasp, he tumbled forward, the world spinning around him in a dizzying blur.

Rohan's cheeks burned with humiliation as laughter erupted from the audience, echoing in his ears like a cruel symphony of mockery. The sound pierced through him, fueling the fire of embarrassment that consumed him from within. Without a word, he turned on his heel and fled from the stage, his heart hammering in his chest as he made a beeline for the nearest exit.

As he burst through the doors of the auditorium, the laughter still ringing in his ears, Rohan felt a wave of nausea wash over him. He stumbled blindly down the corridor, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps as he fought to escape the suffocating grip of shame that threatened to swallow him whole.

Finally, he reached the sanctuary of the washroom, where he collapsed against the cool tiles, his chest heaving with the effort of holding back tears of embarrassment. Alone in the dimly lit room, he buried his face in his hands, willing himself to forget the humiliating scene that had unfolded before his classmates.

Rohan's face is a portrait of youthful charm and innocence, framed by a halo of tousled, dark hair that seems to dance in the sunlight. His fair skin glows with a natural radiance, the warmth of his complexion enhanced by a scattering of faint freckles across his nose and cheeks, like tiny constellations adorning the night sky.

But it's his eyes that truly captivate - pools of deep, chocolate brown that shimmer with intelligence and kindness. They sparkle with a playful glint, reflecting the joy and curiosity that fill his heart. And when he smiles, his rosy lips curve upwards in a grin that could melt even the coldest of hearts.

Tears welled up in Rohan's eyes, shimmering like liquid diamonds as they threatened to spill over and betray the turmoil raging within him. The weight of embarrassment bore down on him like a heavy burden, threatening to crush his spirit beneath its suffocating grip.

His vision blurred as tears cascaded down his cheeks, each droplet a silent testament to the pain and humiliation that consumed him from within. He blinked furiously, trying in vain to stem the tide of emotion that threatened to overwhelm him, but the floodgates had already been opened, and there was no turning back.

As Rohan hears the faint echo of footsteps drawing nearer, his heart skips a beat, and he springs into action. With a sense of urgency, he splashes cold water onto his face, the shock of the icy liquid jolting him out of his reverie.

Water droplets cascade down his cheeks, mingling with the remnants of tears, as he scrubs his hands vigorously over his features, willing away any trace of vulnerability. His movements are hurried, almost frantic, as though he can wash away the embarrassment along with the water.

With trembling hands, he reaches for a paper towel, dabbing at his cheeks in a desperate attempt to dry them before whoever approaches enters.

Feeling the weight of his embarrassment begin to lift, Rohan slips out of the washroom and into the open air of the campus. The cool breeze brushes against his cheeks, offering a welcome respite from the stifling confines of the washroom. With each step he takes, he feels a renewed sense of determination coursing through his veins, a quiet resolve to shake off the humiliation and face the world with courage once more.

Finding solace in the familiar surroundings of the campus, Rohan makes his way to a quiet corner, where a deserted desk beckons invitingly. He settles onto the seat, the smooth surface cool beneath his fingertips, and takes a moment to collect his thoughts.

Gazing out at the bustling campus around him, Rohan feels a sense of calm wash over him, a reminder that he is not alone in his struggles. The world continues to spin, indifferent to his momentary setbacks, yet filled with endless opportunities for growth and redemption.

Startled by the soft voice that breaks through the din of his thoughts, Rohan turns to find a girl standing nearby, her eyes bright with curiosity as she looks to him for guidance. Her voice is gentle, a soothing melody amidst the chaos of the campus, and Rohan feels a flutter of nervousness in his chest as he meets her gaze.

For a moment, he is lost for words, caught off guard by the unexpected encounter.

Rohan's heart skips a beat as the girl introduces herself as Tina, her name rolling off her tongue with a musical lilt that sends a shiver down his spine.

Caught off guard by the sudden interruption, Rohan's moment of hesitation is extended as he hears other voices calling out to Tina. His heart sinks slightly, realizing that their brief encounter is about to come to an end before it's barely begun.

Caught off guard by the sudden interruption, Rohan's moment of hesitation is extended as he hears other voices calling out to Tina. His heart sinks slightly, realizing that their brief encounter is about to come to an end before it's barely begun.

Before departing with her friends, Tina turns back to Rohan, a brief flash of excitement lighting up her eyes. "Oh, by the way," she says with a smile, "I have a musical performance now. It's part of the college welcome event." Her voice is tinged with anticipation, a hint of nervousness underlying her words.x

Feeling a bit self-conscious after the earlier incident, Rohan decides to take a less conspicuous route into the cultural hall. Instead of entering through the front door where he might be more visible, he opts for the back entrance, hoping to slip in unnoticed.

As he quietly pushes open the door and steps inside, Rohan takes a moment to collect himself, the dimly lit hallway providing a brief respite from the bustling activity of the college welcome event. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what lies ahead, determined to put the embarrassment of earlier behind him and focus on enjoying the performances unfolding within the hall.

("Hello, I'm Rohan," he begins, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "I've just turned 18, and I'm a freshman studying Medicine at Delhi University."

There's a brief pause as he gathers his thoughts, the memories of loss still fresh in his mind. "I lost my mother when I was just 6 years old," he continues, his voice tinged with sadness. "And then, when I was 14, I lost my father."

Rohan takes a moment to compose himself, the pain of his past etched in the lines of his face. "I became an orphan at the age of 14," he says softly, his words carrying the weight of his grief. "Now, the responsibility of managing our family's assets falls to me, but until I reach the legal age of 21, my paternal aunt and uncle are overseeing everything."

What happened today was just a small part of my everyday bad luck life. I have got a very unpleasant luck. It's been for years with me and now I am used to live with it. I don't even when would this bad luck strikes me in the whole day. It was the 6th day, when summer had almost begun and we had summer holidays. I was in my room and felt thirsty so came out to quench my thirst. As soon as I held the fridge's handle, it just came out. At the same moment my aunt also entered the kitchen and saw me with fridge's handle in my hand. she got furious and I was punished to stand outside the house under the hot sun.

Rohan's skill in the kitchen is nothing short of impressive. With a culinary repertoire that spans continents, he's a master at whipping up a diverse array of dishes to tantalize the taste buds of anyone lucky enough to sit at his table.

From aromatic Indian curries bursting with spices to comforting Italian pastas draped in rich sauces, Rohan's cooking knows no bounds. He effortlessly navigates the complexities of flavor profiles, seamlessly blending ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and memorable.

With the first light of dawn, Rohan rises from his slumber, ready to greet the day . As the rest of the world slumbers on, he quietly goes about his morning routine

The first order of business is to tend to the household chores, a task he approaches with diligence and care. With practiced efficiency, he tidies up the living space, ensuring that every corner of the house sparkles with cleanliness. Next, he gathers up the day's laundry, rolling up his sleeves to tackle the pile of dirty clothes with determination.

As the washing machine hums to life, Rohan turns his attention to the kitchen, his domain where he truly shines. By the time the clock strikes 8, the house is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked food, a testament to Rohan's culinary prowess. 

In the eyes of his parents, Sunny is more than just their son - he's their pride and joy, the embodiment of all their hopes and dreams for the future. . He is also of my age and studying liberal arts and communication from Delhi university. He gets all that he wants in just instance, for his 16th birthday he wished to have a mobile and it was gifted by his father the very next day. But now he got a new one and I am using his old phone.

See, My life is not going so great to have a discussion on it.)

Taking his place in the last row of seats, Rohan finds solace in the quiet corner of the room. From this vantage point, he observes the senior students scattered throughout the auditorium, their presence looming large in his mind.

As the announcement echoes through the auditorium, Rohan's attention shifts to the stage, anticipation building within him. He knows that Tina's performance is about to begin, and he can't help but feel a sense of excitement for his newfound friend.

With bated breath, Rohan watches as Tina takes her place on stage, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. As the first notes of music fill the air, he feels a surge of pride swell within him, knowing that he has the privilege of witnessing her talents firsthand.

As Tina's performance unfolds, Rohan is captivated by her grace and skill, each movement fluid and precise. Her voice, pure and melodic, carries through the auditorium, enveloping the audience in its warmth and beauty.

For Rohan, watching Tina perform is a moment of pure joy, a reminder of the power of music to touch the soul and unite people from all walks of life. As he listens, he feels a sense of connection with Tina, a shared bond forged through their brief but meaningful encounter. And as Tina's performance comes to an end, Rohan joins the rest of the audience in a heartfelt applause, his heart filled with admiration and gratitude for the opportunity to witness such talent in action.

As the program comes to an end, Rohan stands up from his seat, a quiet determination guiding his actions. With a respectful nod to the seniors seated ahead of him, he gestures for them to leave first, his eyes conveying his deference and gratitude.

Once the seniors have departed, Rohan gathers his belongings and makes his way towards the back gate, his steps steady and purposeful. Though the main exit may be crowded with students eager to leave, Rohan knows that the back gate offers a quieter, more secluded path.

As Rohan makes his way towards the back gate, his mind lost in thought, he suddenly collides with someone, jolting him out of his reverie. Startled, he looks up to see one of his seniors standing before him, a look of surprise on their face.

"I'm so sorry," Rohan stammers, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise to his cheeks. "I didn't see you there."

Rohan attempts to apologize and step aside, the seniors unexpectedly grab hold of him, their sudden grip tightening around his arms. Startled by their reaction, Rohan's heart races with a mix of confusion and apprehension.

"I'm sorry, it was an accident," Rohan insists, his voice tinged with unease as he tries to pull away from their grasp. "I didn't mean to bump into you."

But the seniors' expressions remain stern, their suspicion evident as they scrutinize him with narrowed eyes. "Are you sure about that?" one of them demands, their tone accusatory. "It seemed like you did it on purpose."

Feeling the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on him, Rohan's mind races as he tries to find the right words to defend himself. "No, I swear, it was just an accident," he pleads, his voice tinged with desperation. "I would never—"

Before he can finish his sentence, the seniors release their grip on him, their expressions softening slightly as they exchange a knowing glance. "Fine," one of them says with a dismissive wave of their hand. "Just watch where you're going next time."

With a sense of relief, Rohan nods hastily, his heart still pounding in his chest as he watches the seniors walk away. As the evening descends and the campus gradually empties out, Rohan turns his steps homeward, his mind already shifting to the tasks awaiting him. With each step, he feels a sense of responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders, knowing that a pile of work awaits his attention.

With a determined sigh, Rohan sets to work, his movements methodical and purposeful as he tackles the chores that have accumulated throughout the day.From tidying up the living space to attending to the day's laundry, Rohan approaches each task with diligence and care, determined to complete them to the best of his abilities. Despite the fatigue that threatens to creep in, he pushes himself onward. As the hours pass and the night draws near, Rohan finally finishes the last of his chores, a sense of satisfaction washing over him as he surveys his handiwork.

The next morning, Rohan rises with the first light of dawn, his determination to make the most of the day ahead evident in his every movement. With practiced efficiency, he completes his daily routine, each task completed with swift precision.

From tidying up the house to preparing breakfast for his family, Rohan moves through his morning rituals with ease, his mind already focused on the day ahead. With a quick glance at the clock, he sees that he has some extra time before he needs to leave for college. As Rohan arrives at college and makes his way towards the gate, he notices a familiar group of seniors gathered nearby. His heart skips a beat as he recalls the encounter from the previous day, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity swirling within him.

Rohan tries to blend into the background and avoid any further interaction with the seniors, he realizes with a sinking feeling that they are already approaching him. His heart races as he weighs his options, but before he can make a move, they're standing right in front of him.

"Hey! you the guy who had bumped our friend yesterday and also ran without saying his name? "

"I apologize for that seniors , I was in hurry so I had to leave. "

"And what is your name?" asked the second senior. Rohan raised his head and saw third senior was still standing and saying anything when these two seniors were talking with him.

" My name is Rohan, seniors. Please do take care of me."

" Yes ! yes ! of course we have to take care of you or else who will hold you when you fall" both the seniors started laughing loudly as if they were mocking Rohan for the incident.

" If you guys are done we can leave this looser" said the third senior and all left after that.

Rohan sits, feeling discouraged after the encounter with the seniors, a familiar voice breaks through the haze of his thoughts. He turns his head, his heart skipping a beat as he recognizes the voice. It's Tina, the friend he had met just the day before.

"Hey, Rohan, are you okay?" Tina asks, concern evident in her voice as she approaches him.

Rohan's spirits lift at the sight of her, grateful for the unexpected distraction from his worries

Tina takes a seat beside him, her presence a comforting presence in the midst of his turmoil. "Do you want to talk about it?" she offers gently, her eyes full of empathy.

"Tina tells Rohan to come with him as it was Freshman day celebrations today.

Rohan's heart skips a beat at Tina's invitation. Despite the discouragement of the morning, her offer fills him with a sense of excitement and anticipation. With a grateful smile, he nods eagerly, ready to embrace the opportunity for a fresh start.

"Yes! I will come." Exclaimed Rohan. " Then what are you waiting for?" Tina hold Rohan's hand and rushed towards the cultural hall, where the gathering was organized.

Rohan was on cloud nine when Tina held his hand, as no one had held his hand so firmly. He was lost in his own imagination. Rohan and Tina enter the conference room, Rohan's excitement falters slightly as he realizes there's only one empty seat left, and it's in the front row—right in front of Tina. With a sense of disappointment, he watches as Tina quickly takes the seat, leaving him with no choice but to find another spot further back.

Despite his initial disappointment, Rohan takes a deep breath and reminds himself to make the best of the situation. He scans the room for an available seat, eventually finding one near the back. With a resigned shrug, he makes his way over and settles into the seat, trying to push aside any lingering feelings of frustration.

student presidents of each club take turns introducing their respective organizations, Rohan listens intently, eager to learn more about the diverse opportunities available on campus.

First, the president of the Science Club steps forward, highlighting the club's dedication to promoting scientific exploration and discovery among students. They speak passionately about the various activities and events the club organizes, from hands-on experiments to guest lectures by esteemed scientists.

Next, the president of the Debate Society shares their enthusiasm for fostering critical thinking and public speaking skills in their members. They detail the club's weekly debates and competitions, emphasizing the supportive and inclusive environment they strive to create.

Then, the president of the Cultural Society takes the stage, showcasing the club's commitment to celebrating diversity and cultural exchange. They describe the vibrant array of cultural events and performances the club hosts throughout the year, inviting students of all backgrounds to participate and learn from one another.

As each club president speaks, Rohan finds himself intrigued by the unique opportunities presented by each of them. He makes a mental note to explore further and consider joining a club that aligns with his interests and passions.