A girl stood with teary eyes, her cheeks wet with happy tears.

Her heart was beating so fast that she was sure he could hear it. The world around her felt blurred, as if everything else had faded away, leaving only the two of them in that moment. The soft breeze brushed past her face, carrying a strange mix of nervousness and excitement. Her hands trembled slightly, not from fear, but from the overwhelming happiness swelling inside her chest.

In front of her, the boy she had secretly loved for so long was kneeling on one knee. His posture wasn't perfect, and his hands shook just a little, but that only made the moment more real. In his hand was a small ring, shining under the light, as if it held all the promises of a beautiful future. His eyes were fixed on her face, filled with hope, nervousness, and a love that needed no words. A soft, slightly unsure smile rested on his lips - the kind of smile that came straight from the heart.

He took a deep breath, gathering all his courage, his fingers tightening around the ring as if afraid the moment might slip away. His voice was gentle yet trembling when he finally spoke.

Boy: Will you be my girlfriend?

The question echoed in her ears, simple yet powerful enough to change everything. Her lips parted instantly, her heart screaming the answer she had been waiting to say for so long. Her eyes softened, and a small, emotional smile appeared on her face as she tried to form the words.

Girl: Ye-

She was about to reply when suddenly a loud voice broke her dream.

ABE KUBHAKARAN KI BEHEN, UTH JAA!

(Hey, sister of Kumbhakarna, wake up!)

The loud shout echoed through the room like a sudden explosion, breaking the peaceful silence of the early morning. It was sharp, familiar, and impossible to ignore.

With a sudden jolt, she woke up, her beautiful dream dissolving as reality crashed in.

Her heartbeat raced as she gasped, sitting up abruptly on the bed. For a few seconds, she looked around, confused and disoriented, trying to understand where she was. The dream that had felt so real just moments ago vanished into thin air, leaving behind only a lingering warmth in her chest and disappointment in her eyes.

Beside the bed stood another girl, hands on her waist, tapping her foot impatiently, her face screaming, "I'm done with this sleepyhead."

"How much will you sleep? I've been calling you for half an hour! Nalayak!" the annoyed girl huffed, hands still planted on her waist.

Sayali rubbed her eyes lazily and let out a dramatic sigh, her face scrunching up as she leaned back against the pillow.

" Yaar, Meher! Sone deti na 😭 Kitna pyara sapna aa raha tha. Abhishek mujhe propose kar raha tha, aur main haan bolne hi wali thi... beech mein teri danger awaaz aa gayi!"

(Oh yaar, Meher! You should've let me sleep 😭 I was having such a beautiful dream. Abhishek was proposing to me, and I was just about to say yes... and right in the middle, your dangerous voice ruined it!)

She said it with full frustration, pouting like a kid whose favorite toy had been snatched away. Her tone made it clear that the dream meant a lot more to her than she wanted to admit.

(The girl who shattered both the dream and the silence was Meher Singh - our female lead's best friend, professional troublemaker, and the self-appointed alarm clock of her life.)

Meher rolled her eyes hard, shaking her head in disbelief. She crossed her arms and looked at her bestfriend like she had lost all patience.

Meher: Accha, ab uth ja. Aaj ghar jaana hai na. Jaldi ready ho.

("Alright, now get up. We're going home today, right? Get ready quickly.")

She peeked out from under the blanket like a guilty kitten, her sleepy eyes softening instantly. Clasping her hands together, she put on the most innocent face she could manage.

"Pyaar se bol toh hi uthungi 🥺"

("I'll only get up if you say it nicely ")

Meher stared at her for a second before sighing deeply, clearly regretting waking her up in the first place.

Meher: "Nautanki kahiki 😒...Miss Drama Queen Sayali Kelkar ji, kya aap apni neend se mukti lene ka kasht karengi, ya main khud aake aapko uthaa loon?"

("Drama queen 😒... Miss Drama Queen Sayali. Sayali Kelkar, will you kindly free yourself from your sleep, or should I come and drag you out myself?")

She said it dramatically, joining her hands like she was begging before royalty, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

(Yes guys, she is our female lead - the girl who was dreaming about Abhishek 😉)

Sayali burst into a grin and immediately threw off her blanket, standing up with fake pride.

Sayali: Good. Aise hi bola kar. Dekh, uth gayi main!

("Good. That's how you should talk. See, I got up!")

She smiled cheekily, clearly enjoying Meher's helpless expression.

Meher shook her head but couldn't stop the small smile that appeared on her face.

Meher: Shabash. Ab ready ho, humari train hai - Mumbai jaane ke liye.

("Well done. Now get ready, our train awaits - time to go to Mumbai.")

Sayali:"Yes boss! Don't worry, I'm up... ish 🫡

The two set about their morning routines. Meher busied herself packing her bags, while Our sleepy-head, still rubbing sleep from her eyes, went to freshen up.

The room slowly filled with the usual morning chaos. Meher moved around briskly, folding clothes neatly and stuffing them into her bag, occasionally checking the time to make sure they weren't getting late. On the other side, Sayali stood in front of the mirror, splashing cold water on her face, trying to fully wake herself up. Her thoughts kept drifting back to her interrupted dream, a soft smile appearing on her lips every now and then as she brushed her teeth.

After almost an hour of rushing around, double-checking their belongings, and reminding each other not to forget important things, they were finally ready.

After an hour, they were ready and went to the mess for breakfast.

The mess was already buzzing with noise - plates clinking, students chatting loudly, and the aroma of food filling the air. They grabbed their plates and joined the line, waiting patiently for their turn. Once their plates were full, they scanned the room and chose a quiet corner table, away from most of the crowd.

Taking their plates, they stood in line, got their food, and sat in a corner of the mess, eating peacefully.

For a few minutes, everything felt calm. They ate silently, enjoying the rare moment of peace before leaving the hostel.

Suddenly, a group of girls came and stood near their table.

The sudden shadow falling over their table made Sayali look up instinctively. The air around them felt heavier.

Their leader stepped forward with a smirk.

Her eyes were filled with mockery, her lips curved into a smile that clearly meant trouble.

Zara: Hello, idiots.

The words were sharp and insulting, spoken loudly enough to attract attention.

Hearing her voice, Sayali flinched slightly.

Her shoulders stiffened, memories of past encounters flashing through her mind. She lowered her gaze almost immediately.

Meher noticed it. Her jaw clenched and her hands turned into fists.

The moment she saw Sayali's reaction, anger flared inside her.

Meher: What do you want, Zara?

Her tone was cold, warning Zara to back off.

Zara: Nothing. Just seeing what losers are doing.

She smirked again, clearly enjoying the situation.

Meher: Mind your own business, Zara, and fuck off from here.

The words came out sharp and fearless, making a few heads turn in their direction.

Sayali (holding Meher's sleeve softly): Meher, leave it.

Her voice was low, almost pleading, as she tried to calm her down.

Meher: No, Sayu. How dare she call us losers? She's the only loser here - roaming around with her minions.

Meher stood her ground, glaring straight at Zara without a hint of fear.

Zara: You-

Her face reddened with anger, and she was just about to snap back-

She was about to reply when someone entered the mess.

The sudden shift in attention made everyone turn towards the entrance.

The heartthrob of the college walked straight towards their table.

His confident walk and calm presence instantly changed the atmosphere.

Rohan: What's happening here?

He asked casually.

His tone was relaxed, as if he already knew things were under control.

Zara (in a flirty tone): Hey Rohan... nothing is happening. We were just talking.

She immediately softened her voice, her attitude changing completely.

Meher: Oh really?

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed.

Zara: Yes. Come on, guys.

She turned towards her group, shooting one last glare at Meher.

Zara: Bye, Rohan.

She waved sweetly, trying to get his attention.

Rohan ignored her and sat beside Meher and Sayali.

Not even sparing Zara a glance, he pulled out a chair and settled comfortably at their table.

Rohan: Hello, beauties 😉

He flashed his trademark grin.

Sayali: Hello.

She replied in an annoyed tone.

Her irritation was obvious.

Meher: Hello, Mr. Idiot.

Rohan placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be hurt.

Rohan: Oh please, Meher, don't say that.

He made a pouty face, looking both funny and cute.

The dramatic expression was enough to break the tension.

Sayali and Meher burst into laughter.

Their laughter echoed through the mess, drawing amused glances from nearby tables.

Rohan: You twoooo!

He shook his head, pretending to be offended.

(Yes guys, meet Rohan - best friend of Sayali and Meher.)

They completed their breakfast while laughing, bickering, and teasing each other.

_________________________________________________________________________

Time Skip

The hours passed quickly, filled with goodbyes, final laughs, and the bittersweet feeling that always came with leaving hostel life behind.

It was time for their train. They were going back to their homes, and Rohan had come to drop them at the railway station.

The station was crowded with people rushing in every direction - families hugging, friends clicking last-minute pictures, vendors shouting, and trains announcing their arrivals. Rohan helped them with their bags, teasing them nonstop about how they'd miss him terribly.

After bidding him goodbye and promising to meet again soon, the girls boarded their train.

They settled into their seats.

Sayali placed her bag safely under the seat and looked out of the window, watching the platform slowly move away as the train started. Meher leaned back comfortably, finally relaxing after a long and tiring morning.

After some time, Sayali's phone rang.

She smiled softly when she saw her mother's name flashing on the screen.

Mom: Sayali beta, tu basali ka barobar train madhe?
(Have you seated properly in the train?)

Sayali: Ho aai, mi basali. Udya sakali pahuchu Mumbai la. Atharva la pathavun deshil.

Her voice was warm and reassuring, as if trying to calm her mother even through the phone.

Mom: Theek aahe.

After exchanging a few more loving words,

They cut the call.

Meher plugged in her earphones and rested her head against the seat.

Meher put on her earphones and started listening to music, slowly getting sleepy.

Her eyelids drooped as the rhythm of the train and her favorite songs lulled her into comfort.

Noticing this, Sayali smiled knowingly.

Sayali told her to take the upper berth and sleep. Meher climbed up, and Sayali opened Google Docs - the place where she wrote her stories.

With her fingers flying across the screen, Sayali lost herself in words, pouring emotions into sentences like she always did. The outside world faded as creativity took over.

After half an hour, she completed one chapter and decided to make a reel on it.

Satisfied, she leaned back, rereading a few lines with a small proud smile.

Time passed quietly until Meher stirred awake.

Later, Meher woke up and came down for dinner.

The two girls grabbed their food and sat together near the window.

They both ate while talking casually.

Their conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and comfort.

Meher: Ghar jaake sabse pehle kya karegi?

(So, what's the first thing you'll do when you get home?)

Sayali: Pehle toh maa ke haath ka khana 😭 phir seedha bed pe gir jaungi.

("First, mom's homemade food 😭... then I'll just flop straight onto the bed.")

Meher: Same yaar. Hostel food se thak gayi hoon.

("Same here. I'm so tired of hostel food.")

Sayali: Aur tu? Papa se kya baat hui?

(And you? How was the conversation with your dad?)

Meher: Bas wahi - ghar aa rahi hoon, safe pahuchna, dhyaan rakhna, etc.

(The usual - 'You're coming home, travel safe, take care,' and all that.)

The familiar concern in their parents' words made them smile.

They smiled and continued talking until they finished dinner.

Soon, exhaustion caught up with them.

Then both went to sleep.

Next Morning

Sunlight filtered through the window as the train slowed down.

Sayali woke up and shook Meher gently.

Sayali: Meher, uth ja. Station aa raha hai. Fresh ho ja.

"Meher, get up! We're almost at the station. Freshen up

Meher groaned but eventually smiled, rubbing her eyes.

After some time, they both got ready and sat waiting for their station.

Sayali adjusted her bag and glanced outside, excitement and nervousness mixing as home drew closer.

Sayali received a message from her online friends' group chat. 💬✨

PAGAL KHANA (GC)

The familiar group chat notification popped up on Sayali's screen, instantly making her smile. This group was her safe place - full of chaos, comfort, and people who understood her without ever meeting her in real life.

Kiara: @author_sayu
Kaha hai bhai tu?

Sayali chuckled softly, adjusting her phone in her hand as the train continued its steady movement.

Sayali: Aa gayi 😭 bolo.

Her reply carried the tiredness of travel mixed with relief.

Kiara: Kal se dikhi nahi. Kaha thi?

Sayali glanced briefly at Meher, who was busy organizing their bags, before typing back.

Sayali: Ghar jaa rahi hoon. Chutti chal rahi hai na.

Almost immediately, a reply popped up.

Kiara: Ohh accha. Sahi hai.

Sayali smiled at the simplicity of the response.

Sayali: Tu kya kar rahi hai?

She leaned back against her seat, enjoying the casual conversation.

Kiara: Kuch nahi. College se ghar aayi abhi.

Another notification followed before Sayali could reply.

Siya: Hello Sayali.

Her smile widened. Siya's messages always felt warm.

Sayali: Hello Siyu.

Siya: Kaisi hai?

Sayali's fingers paused for a second, as if she was actually thinking about the answer.

Sayali: Main theek hoon. Tu kaisi hai?

Siya: Main badhiya.

Reading that made Sayali feel oddly happy, like everything was exactly where it should be.

Sayali: Achha, mera station aa gaya hai. Main jaa rahi hoon.

She felt a slight tug of sadness at ending the chat so soon.

Siya: Byeee. Take care.

Kiara: Byee bbg 💗 Take care.

The messages felt like tiny hugs wrapped in words.

Sayali closed her phone, smiled softly, and looked outside the window as the train slowed down near her station.

To be continued...

__________________________________________________________________________

Author's Note

And that's a wrap on the first chapter, guys! Sayali's journey home has officially begun, but somehow, you just know this is only the beginning of all the fun, chaos, and little surprises waiting for her.

From dreams that tug at the heart to best friends who can't stop teasing, and friends who just get you... life is already shaping up to be anything but boring!

I hope you enjoyed this little slice of Sayali's world. Can't wait for you to join her in the next chapter - more laughter, more drama, and maybe... just maybe, a little bit of love! 💖

If you liked this chapter, please do like and comment - I'd love to hear what you think! 🫶

- With love, your storyteller💖