The days before college began had been filled with a mix of excitement, last-minute preparations, and a touch of nostalgia. The countdown to the first day loomed closer, but there was still time left—time to savor the final moments of high school and breathe in the calm before the whirlwind of college life took over.
Meera spent her mornings sorting through stacks of college brochures and the course list she had received. It wasn't just about choosing classes anymore—it was about making decisions that would shape her future. Each course, each new group of students she might meet, felt like a door to something unfamiliar. She was eager, but that flutter of nervousness still lingered. It was a balance she didn't mind. After all, no great adventure ever came without a little uncertainty.
Kabir had been just as busy. They had spent hours texting about what to pack, which clubs to join, and what to expect. The college might have been new, but the one constant was that they would be together. That thought comforted Meera during moments when anxiety crept in.
But there was still plenty of time left to enjoy, and they both knew it.
While Meera buzzed with excitement, her best friend Aditi had already begun settling into her own college life. Though they had grown up together, their paths were now diverging. Aditi had chosen a different college, and while it felt like a big change, she embraced it.
Aditi had always been the independent one—the kind who thrived on challenges and new experiences. When she'd first told Meera about her decision, Meera had felt a wave of apprehension. Would it create distance between them? Would they still be able to share everything like before? But Aditi had reassured her more than once.
"We're best friends, Meera. No college can change that," she had said with her usual confidence.
One afternoon, Kabir had called Meera with an idea.
"Why don't we go on one last trip before college starts? Just the two of us. Somewhere we've never been."
Meera's heart had skipped a beat. She had loved the idea. It had been a while since they'd had real downtime—just the two of them, away from the noise. It felt like the perfect way to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
She had agreed immediately. Within a few hours, they were packed and on their way. Kabir had driven, one hand resting on the steering wheel, his face relaxed as they headed toward a quiet hill station just a few hours away. Meera sat beside him, her thoughts swirling. She felt excited, but she couldn't help but wonder what this trip might mean for them. College was coming, and everything was about to change.