Romance of college

Chapter 1: A Chance Meeting The campus buzzed with the energy of a new semester. Students hurried across the quad, clutching coffee cups and syllabi, their laughter mingling with the crisp autumn air. For Aanya, a freshman still finding her footing, the sheer size of the university felt like stepping into another world. She adjusted the strap of her backpack and glanced at her schedule again, though she’d memorized it three times over. English Lit 101, Room 205. First class, first day. Easy enough. Or so she thought—until she turned the corner and collided with someone, sending her books and papers tumbling to the ground. “Whoa, sorry!” A deep voice said, kneeling to help her gather the scattered mess. Aanya looked up, her heart stuttering for a split second. He was tall, with messy dark hair that fell over sharp, hazel eyes. His navy hoodie looked just a little too big, the sleeves pushed up carelessly to reveal tanned forearms. “No, it’s my fault,” she mumbled, quickly stuffing her papers back into her folder. She could feel the blush creeping up her neck. He handed her a notebook, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest moment. “You heading to class?” “Uh, yeah. English Lit.” “205?” he asked, a smirk tugging at his lips. Her eyes widened. “How’d you know?” “Because you’re about to be late.” He stood, offering a hand to help her up. “I’m Arjun, by the way. Looks like we’re classmates.” Aanya’s heart thudded as she took his hand. It was warm, firm, and inexplicably steadying. “Thanks,” she muttered, struggling to sound normal. As they walked toward the building together, Aanya couldn’t help but glance at him from the corner of her eye. Maybe this semester wouldn’t be so daunting after all.