The start of the second year at Delhi University came faster than anyone expected. The buzz of the festival had faded, replaced by the crisp rustling of notebooks, the clatter of laptop keys, and the collective groans of students realizing that college wasn't just about fun and games. Assignments piled up, deadlines loomed, and professors wasted no time in reminding them that the honeymoon phase of college was officially over.
The hallways were filled with returning students catching up after the break, and the energy felt different—they were no longer freshers. A new batch of students had arrived, wide-eyed and eager, while the second-years walked around with a new sense of familiarity and confidence.
Shumaila entered the building, adjusting the strap of her bag when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"You'd think being a second-year would come with privileges like, I don't know, fewer assignments?"
She turned to see Siddarth walking beside her, holding two coffee cups.
"Wishful thinking," Shumaila snorted. "You do realize they're going to torture us even more now, right?"
Siddarth groaned, handing her one of the coffees. "Great. Love that for us."
"Thanks," she said, taking a sip. "Where's your girlfriend?" she teased, raising a brow.
Siddarth smirked. "Waiting for me in class. She said if I didn't bring her coffee, I'd be single by noon."
Shumaila laughed. "Smart girl."
They walked into their common classroom, where Komal was sitting at her desk, scrolling through her phone. As soon as Siddarth handed her the coffee, she narrowed her eyes at him. "You're thirty seconds late."
Siddarth dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "Forgive me, my queen."
Komal took a sip of the coffee and sighed in approval. "You're forgiven."
Shumaila shook her head at their antics and took her seat beside Sneha, who was already drowning in notes. "You're taking this semester way too seriously."
Sneha groaned. "I have to. The professors are out for blood."
The day went by in a blur of lectures, quizzes, and stress. By the time classes ended, the group decided to head to the library for a study session, knowing full well that none of them would get work done at their dorms.
Inside the library, they gathered around a large table, books and laptops spread out in front of them. For exactly ten minutes, everything was peaceful.
Then, chaos erupted.
"Rudra, stop eating chips!" Akansha whisper-yelled.
Rudra stuffed another chip in his mouth. "What? I'm eating slowly."
Shumaila glared. "You're crunching so loudly."
"It's not my fault libraries don't allow soft snacks."
Sneha threw a crumpled piece of paper at him. "Your brain doesn't allow common sense."
Meanwhile, Siddarth and Komal were deep in an argument over financial models.
Komal rolled her eyes. "That strategy won't work for small businesses."
Siddarth smirked. "Says who?"
"Says logic."
Aarav leaned toward Akansha and whispered, "They're totally flirting, right?"
Akansha snickered. "One hundred percent."
Across the table, Hamza wasn't even pretending to focus on his work. Instead, he was watching Shumaila. She was completely unaware of his gaze, focused on typing away on her laptop.
Shumaila sensed the intense staring and turned her head. "What?"
Hamza smirked. "You're supposed to be writing your report, not distracting me."
Shumaila raised a brow. "I'm distracting you?"
"Can't help it. My girlfriend's too gorgeous." (Bruh calm your ass down)
She flushed. "Hamza—"
He leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper. "I should be worried about my grades, but all I can think about is you." (Cringeee–)
She shoved a book in his face. "Read."
He chuckled but did as she said, all while still holding her hand under the table.
As the study session continued, the conversation took a more serious turn.
"What's next for everyone?" Aarav asked, closing his laptop. "Like, after college?"
The table went silent for a moment.
"I want to start my own firm," Shumaila said confidently. "Something independent, something I built myself."
Sneha nodded. "I want to work in PR. Maybe start in a firm and build my way up."
Siddarth shrugged. "Honestly? I'm open to anything that makes me money."
Hamza smirked. "A tech startup. Something that disrupts the market."
Komal grinned. "I'll be a creative director someday. That's the goal."
Akansha and Aarav exchanged glances. "Publishing," they both said at the same time.
Rudra stretched his arms. "I dunno, man. I'll just go with the flow."
They all laughed, but there was an underlying melancholy. The reality that college wouldn't last forever was starting to sink in.
As they were packing up, a new email notification popped up on their phones.
Subject: INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & CAREER SEMINAR
Shumaila read the details out loud. "The university is partnering with companies for student internships. Sign-ups open this week."
Sneha's eyes widened. "This week? That's so soon!"
"Wait, does that mean we'll be competing for spots?" Aarav asked.
"Looks like it," Komal replied.
The group exchanged glances, excitement and nervousness creeping in. This was it. The start of something big.
Hamza leaned toward Shumaila. "Looks like we're about to find out who's more ambitious."
Shumaila smirked. "I'll destroy you."
He grinned. "Can't wait."
The next phase of their lives was beginning. And none of them were ready for it.