Dev woke up because of the alarm. He was still half-asleep and thinking about the dream.
"Was that even a dream? Why does it feel so real? It's like I can still taste the sweetness of that apple in my mouth. It can't be true. I must be overthinking... am I? Only if I could talk to that girl. Why did I have to wake up right when I started understanding what she was saying?"
Dev was still half-immersed in the dream when the alarm rang again.
"What, again? What time is it? Oh no, it's already 6. I'm gonna be late for college!"
Dev got ready for college by going through his daily routine. He brushed his teeth, wore his clothes, and packed his backpack.
"As I told you before, my college is 30 minutes away from my apartment. Now that everything is done, I should hit the road."
I study at the National Institute of Design and Animation in Bangalore. I'm doing my Bachelor's in Animation & Mythology. I'm planning to become a storyboard artist or game designer. But that's for the future. I'm not the kind of person who thinks too much about the future or is obsessed with fame, power, or money. I'm the kind of guy who lives in the present, enjoys each moment, and values his freedom more than anything.
I've lived my life like this, at least as far as I remember. Even in school, I was like this. I was average in studies because, while everyone was focused on getting higher marks, I was grinding levels in games. That's also the reason I was always a quiet background character—never popular, never in love. Sam was my only friend as far back as I can remember.
Thankfully, Sam also chose the same course as me. Otherwise, I would've spent my entire college life alone. I don't really mind being alone, but it's always nice to have someone to share interests with.
After all the metro and bus rides, Dev reached the college gate where he met Sam.
"Hey Dev, what's up? Did you complete the assignment?"
"Yeah, bro. Pulled an all-nighter and finished it."
"Good. Don't forget, you owe me one."
"Yeah, for sure. Let's go to class now."
"Wait a little. Amy's also coming—let's go together."
"Nah, I'm going ahead. You wait for her."
"Okay, fine."
Dev left Sam there and reached his classroom. He took his usual seat—last row, second last seat near the window. He put his bag down and sat with his head down. Sam arrived after dropping Amy at her fashion class. Soon, the lecture began, but Dev couldn't focus. He was zoned out, still thinking about the dream, unconsciously scribbling in his notebook.
"Why couldn't I see that girl's face? I don't know why, but I want to talk to her so badly. Who is she? Why does this dream feel so real—like she isn't just a figment of my imagination but a real person? Why does it feel like that? I wish I could just go home and dream again."
Dev didn't notice someone approaching him until it was too late.
"Dev, what are you doing?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
"What is this behavior? Are you deaf? How many times have I called your name to submit your assignment? Are you so busy daydreaming that you can't even respond?"
"No ma'am, I was just—"
"No excuses. Have you completed your assignment?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Then show it to me."
"Yes, ma'am. Here."
"Dev! What is this nonsense on your assignment?"
"What happened, ma'am?"
"You don't know? This is not your animation assignment. Why have you drawn on it?"
"Sorry, ma'am. I didn't do it intentionally."
"Then why is there a drawing of a girl on this?"
The whole class chuckled.
"Be quiet, everyone! Dev, is this an animation assignment?"
Dev was shocked and didn't know what to say. Before he could think of anything, Sam spoke from behind.
"Ma'am, it's for a club project. Dev and I are working on it. The deadline is pretty close, and he's been stressed with all the assignment deadlines, so I think he got the notebooks mixed up."
"Dev, is that true?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Okay, don't make silly mistakes like this again. And don't worry about my assignment—it's due next week. Young boys like you shouldn't take so much stress."
"Okay, ma'am. I won't."
"Alright class, let's continue with the assignment submissions."
The rest of the class continued as usual. After some time, the lecture ended and students moved to their next classes. Sam and Dev also left together.
"Hey Dev, what was all that about?"
"Nothing, bro."
"Really? You've seemed a bit zoned out since yesterday evening. Did something happen?"
"Nothing happened, bro."
"Then tell me—who's the girl you drew on your assignment? Don't tell me my boy has finally fallen in love."
"Don't be ridiculous. Do you even know me after all these years?"
"I do, but I also know what love can do to a man. It changes everything."
"Don't be stupid, Sam."
"Come on, bro. Be honest. Who is she?"
"Just shut up, Sam."
They kept joking as they walked, but suddenly Dev stopped talking and started running.
"Hey Dev, where are you going?"
"Wait there, Sam!"
"What happened?!"
Dev had noticed a girl. Without thinking, he ran toward her. She looked exactly like the girl from his dreams. He had to meet her.
He reached her and tapped her shoulder… but it wasn't her.
"Do you need something?"
"No, I just… I thought you were someone else. Sorry."
"Oh, it's okay."
Sam caught up, confused.
"Dude, what the hell was that?"
Dev didn't answer.
Dev attended his remaining classes, but Sam could tell something was off. Dev was zoned out almost the entire time. Sam tried asking him again, but Dev avoided the topic.
By lunch, Dev realized he hadn't brought anything to eat.
"Ugh, what do I do now? I'm starving. I'll grab something from the canteen."
As he was walking there, he heard a voice behind him.
"Hey Dev, wait!"
It was Sam.
"Where are you going? Didn't you bring lunch?"
"No, I woke up late. I'm heading to the canteen."
"Don't go. I brought extra for Amy, but she's busy with her assignment. You can have it."
"Really? Thanks, bro."
"No problem. Let's eat in the cafeteria."
They sat down to eat. As they did, Sam brought up Dev's strange behavior again.
"Dev, be honest with me. What's going on? You've been acting weird all day."
"Nothing happened, bro."
"Nothing? What about what happened in English class?"
"That was just a mistake."
"You've never made that kind of mistake before. And what about chasing that girl after class? I've never seen you do something like that."
"It was a mistake. I thought she was someone else."
"Who? You don't really talk to any girls besides Amy."
"Just drop it, Sam."
"Okay, okay. I won't force you. But if something's wrong, I'm here for you."
"Yeah, I know. It's just… I had a strange dream, and I guess I'm a little distracted."
"A dream? What kind of dream? Tell me."
"Wait, didn't you just say you wouldn't push?"
"Alright, alright. But at least tell me what the dream was about."
"It was nothing. Just a beautiful scene. I can't get it out of my head." (I shouldn't mention the girl—it'll just give Sam more ammo to tease me.)
"Just a scene? Are you sure?"
"Yes, don't worry about it. It was just a dream, okay?"
They dropped the topic and finished lunch while chatting about other things. Dev stayed more focused in his remaining classes to keep Sam from worrying further.
Now it was time for the last lecture—the optional subject. Sam and Dev had different electives. Dev had Ancient Mythology, while Sam took martial arts. Before leaving, Sam came over.
"Hey Dev, I'm heading to my class."
"Okay bro, enjoy."
"Why'd you choose Ancient Mythology? I told you to join my class."
"Bro, I wanted something that could give me a new perspective for my ideas. Besides, martial arts isn't really my thing."
"It's good for self-defense."
"Sam, I've never been in a fight. And besides, you're already teaching me the basics even though I told you not to."
"Yeah, and I'll keep teaching you no matter how much you complain."
"Yeah, sure."
"Okay, bye Dev."
Dev entered his mythology class. The teacher—a tall man in his late 40s wearing formal clothes—was known for his storytelling and research skills. Normally, Dev loved this class. But today, he just couldn't focus.
"So students, today we'll talk about mythical creatures," the teacher began, setting up the projector. "Many of you have heard of the phoenix, sphinx, or Kākabhushundi. But today's topic is dream-related beings."
Dev half-listened as the teacher spoke.
"In ancient texts, there are mentions of creatures that live beyond the realm of dreams. They feed not on food or blood, but on emotions—joy, sorrow, fear, love. Some protect dreamers, some cleanse nightmares. Different cultures have different names: Baku in Japan, Bulgasari in Korea, Bakunawa in the Philippines. But a recurring theme is their deep connection with human dreams."
"One Indian tale even speaks of a prince who fell in love with a Dreambounder and tried to enter their world. He failed and was never seen again."
Normally, Dev would be captivated by this. But not today. All he wanted was for class to end.
Then, the college speaker crackled on.
Announcement:
"Due to the rising temperature, the government has declared a 10-day holiday for all educational institutions. College will resume after the break."
Cheers erupted.
Even Dev smiled. As the teacher left, Dev packed his bag and rushed toward the exit—where Sam was already waiting.
"Hey Dev, did you hear the announcement?"
"Yeah, bro."
"Dude! Ten days off! Let's hit the gaming center. We can finally finish that co-op campaign!"
Dev, usually excited, declined.
"Not today. I've got… something else."
Sam was shocked. "You… turning down games? Are you sick?"
"I'm okay. I just have some stuff to do. You go ahead—I'll join you another day."
Dev rushed home. All the way, he could only think about going to sleep. He reached his apartment, tossed his bag on the table, changed clothes, and skipped his usual snack. He drank some water, switched off the lights, put his phone aside, and lay down.
As he closed his eyes, he whispered:
"Come on… I know you'll be there. I have to see you again."