A brand-new day dawned at the bustling American international airport, as two bright-eyed girls from India stepped into a world far from home. Ashera and Zubiya, both brilliant scholars who had topped their classes back in India, arrived with hearts brimming with hope and dreams that stretched across continents. Every sight—the rolling luggage carts, the chatter of travelers, and the hum of airplanes—felt both exhilarating and overwhelming.

They had come to America to pursue their studies, eager to embrace new experiences and carve out a future of limitless possibilities. A freshman week had been specially organized for international students, giving them a head start before the semester officially began.

From the airport, they made their way to the sprawling college dorms, excitement and nervousness intertwining with every step. Ashera’s eyes widened as she gazed at the towering building.

Ashera: “This is it… our new beginning.”

Zubiya: “Let’s go in then,” she said, pushing the door open.

Inside, they were greeted by two unfamiliar faces—already unpacking and chatting in their dorm room.

Alya: “Hey there!”

Alya: “I guess you two are our new roommates?”

Zubiya: “Yes! I’m Zubiya, and this is Ashera. We’re from India.”

Ashera: “Hi!”

Alya: “I’m Alya. I was born and raised here, so if you need anything, just ask.”

Cassie: “And I’m Cassie, from Canada. Nice to meet you both!”

Ashera and Zubiya: “Nice to meet you too!”

Alya: “Unpack your things, and let us know if we can help with anything.”

Cassie groaned, collapsing onto her bed. “Rest while you can,” she murmured, a hint of playful warning in her voice. 🥲

Zubiya gave a sheepish grin, stretching her arms. “Yeah… I’ll try,” she said, though exhaustion clung to her like a heavy blanket. 😅

Ashera and Zubiya exchanged excited glances, feeling a flicker of comfort in this new, foreign place. The journey ahead was unknown, but somehow, standing in that sunlit dorm room, it already felt like the first page of an extraordinary adventure.

The next morning, sunlight poured through the thin curtains, casting golden streaks across the cozy apartment. Ashera was already in the kitchen, the rhythmic clatter of pots and pans mingling with the smell of sizzling spices. The aroma of freshly toasted bread and simmering eggs wafted through the air like a warm embrace.

Alya stirred in her bed, blinking sleep from her eyes as she finally rose.

“Good morning,” she yawned, rubbing her eyes.

Ashera looked up, cheeks tinged with pink from the early morning rush. “Oh! You’re up! Good morning! Sorry if I made too much noise cooking,” she said, gesturing helplessly toward the organized chaos of the kitchen.

Alya burst into laughter, the sound bright and musical. “🤣 You’re hilarious! I usually wake up around this time anyway, so it’s not your fault.”

Ashera wiped her hands on a towel, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Oh… I guess it’s already late. I better wake the others too, before they miss breakfast of first day of college,” she said, glancing toward the bedrooms with a mock sense of urgency.

Ashera and Zubiya had no idea what awaited them at school that day. New friendships, surprises, and even love were waiting to catch them off guard, ready to change their hearts forever.

To be continued....

Everyone got ready, had breakfast, and headed toward the main building blocks. The air buzzed with excitement — it was their first official day of college life.

Cassie glanced at the board and sighed. “Looks like my block is different from yours,” she said, forcing a smile. “Never mind, let’s meet at lunch, byee!”

Alya, Ashera, and Zubiya waved. “Byee!”

Zubiya pouted playfully. “I’ll miss you.”

Cassie laughed. “Me too, bbg 😭”

Everyone then approached the reception desk to submit their forms — when suddenly—

Zubiya gasped. “Oh no!”

Ashera turned to her immediately. “What happened?”

Zubiya bit her lip nervously. “Looks like I forgot the form in the dorm… 😅”

Ashera crossed her arms. “Oh, Zubi! I reminded you like three times!”

“Sorry…” Zubiya said, her voice small. 😞

Alya chuckled. “It’s okay, we still have time to get it back and return before they start collecting.”

Zubiya nodded quickly. “I’ll leave right away.”

Ashera sighed. “Lemme come with you.”

Zubiya shook her head. “I can go myself, no worries.”

Ashera raised an eyebrow. “We’ve been besties since childhood, and there hasn’t been a single time you didn’t mess something up.”

Alya laughed. “Okay, you two go. I’ll save seats for you both.”

Ashera smiled. “Thanks! We’ll be back soon.”

They hurried back to the dormitory, found the form lying on the desk, and started rushing back to the main building. But just as they crossed the street—

A race bike came speeding toward them, screeching to a stop just inches from Zubiya.

Zubiya jumped back, heart pounding. “OMG!!! Hey, are you crazy?! You were about to hit me!”

The biker slowly removed his helmet — revealing a sharp, handsome face with dark eyes that gave off a dangerous, mysterious vibe.

Unknown Guy 1: “I was about to, but I didn’t. You new here? This isn’t a place to walk around, girlie. Go sit at home.”

Ashera whispered urgently, “Zubi, calm down!”

📝 Note: What he didn’t know was that Zubiya wasn’t just any ‘girlie’ — she was a real baddie with zero tolerance for arrogance.

Fuming, Zubiya clenched her fist and landed a quick punch right on his face.

Zubiya: “Who’s a girlie now?”

Ashera gasped. “Zubi!!! Apologize now!”

Zubiya snapped, “No, I won’t! Let’s go — we’re already getting late.”

She stepped closer to the biker and muttered coldly, “You better not mess with me again.”

Before he could respond, Ashera grabbed her arm and pulled her away.

Ashera hissed, “You are mad — literally! How could you just punch someone?! Wait until your parents hear about this!”

Zubiya gave her a pleading look. “Please no, Ash 😭 I’m sorry!”

Ashera sighed, shaking her head. “We’ll talk about this after class.”

They reached the reception, submitted the form, and walked down the hallway. Just as Ashera was about to enter the classroom, her phone buzzed with an unknown call.

She frowned, stepped aside, and answered. “Hello?”

No response. Just silence.

She frowned deeper. “No answer, huh?” she muttered, and hung up.

As she turned around to head inside, she bumped straight into someone — papers and books scattering across the floor.

She bent down to pick them up, but the guy didn’t even move to help.

(In her mind): “What a strange guy… couldn’t even bother to lend a hand.”

The guy, tall and sharp-featured, froze for a few seconds — his expression unreadable, like something just shifted inside him. Then, snapping out of it, he said coldly, “Watch where you’re going.”

And just like that, he walked away.

Ashera muttered under her breath, “Sorry… for you being rude.”

Alya popped her head out of the classroom door. “Hey! Get in, the class is about to start!”

Ashera sighed. “Yeah, coming.”

Later, as the lecture ended, Ashera couldn’t shake the weird feeling from her chest — that mysterious call, that strange guy’s stare… and the fact that her first day was only just beginning.

After the class the students were asked to meet at the auditorium where the principal decided restrict rules and regulations on them.

to be continued....