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“Have a wonderful day, sweetheart,” Mary whispered, planting a tender kiss on Priya’s forehead before dropping her off at college.

“Thanks, Mother. I’ll be fine,” Priya smiled warmly as she stepped into the bustling campus.

A wave of contentment washed over Priya as she immersed herself in the familiar surroundings of her beloved college. Education had always been her refuge, a sanctuary she cherished, alongside the simple pleasures of eating and sleeping.

“Hey there,” a melodious voice interrupted Priya’s thoughts, drawing her attention.

Turning, Priya’s gaze met the sight of a girl with radiant brown hair and a friendly smile, making her way towards her.

Perplexed, Priya squinted slightly, trying to place the girl and recall if they had crossed paths before. The warmth in the stranger’s smile suggested a level of familiarity Priya couldn’t quite grasp.

“Um, sorry, do I know you?” Priya inquired, her voice tinged with confusion.

“You might not know me, but I certainly know you. You’re the department’s top student, right? Everyone’s heard about the full scholarship recipient. I’m Nishi,” the girl introduced herself with a hint of admiration.

Embarrassment flushed Priya’s cheeks at the unexpected praise. She had always worked diligently, not seeking recognition but simply striving to excel, driven by the necessity of securing her scholarship to afford college tuition.

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, Nishi. Is there something you need from me?” Priya responded, offering a polite smile.

“It’s my pleasure to meet you. Actually, I was hoping we could be friends. I could use some help with my studies, and perhaps I could assist you in return,” Nishi proposed earnestly.

“I’m not sure if I’m the right person to help you. I don’t have much confidence in myself, but I’ll try my best if that’s what you need,” Priya admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

The weight of Nishi’s request hung heavily on Priya’s shoulders. She had never been one for group studies, let alone teaching others. Caught between the fear of appearing rude by refusing and the anxiety of her own inadequacy, Priya felt at a loss for words.

Nishi’s desperation was palpable, her smile belying the turmoil within. She had always struggled academically, her admission to the college secured through her father’s connections. Yet, the strings attached were suffocating-a looming threat of an unwanted marriage hanging over her head if she failed to meet expectations.

“Please help me,”

Driven by a desperate need to escape her fate, Nishi had sought out Priya, the department’s top student. Despite the selfish undertones of her actions, she knew she had to seize this opportunity, no matter the cost.

“I can help you out, even though I’m not exactly a pro at teaching. But hey, we can give it a shot and, of course, I’d love to be your friend,” Priya beamed, her smile stretching from ear to ear.

Never having had friends before, Priya couldn’t bear to let this opportunity slip away.

What was the worst that could happen?

They could study together, and perhaps she could lend a hand with whatever problems Nishi was facing. The prospect of friendship filled Priya with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, but she was determined to make the most of it.

‘I can do it,’ Priya motivated herself in her head.

Nishi’s face lit up with delight. “That’s so sweet! Let’s head to class together!” she exclaimed, bubbling with enthusiasm.

Together, they took their classes, the day passing in a blur of lectures and note-taking.

As lunchtime approached, Nishi’s stomach growled audibly, betraying her hunger. “I’m famished! How am I supposed to survive until lunch?” she groaned, her complaint echoing Priya’s own rumbling stomach.

Priya chuckled at Nishi’s dramatic hunger pangs. “Well, I don’t think you’ll starve to death in just a few hours. It takes a lot longer than that,” she quipped, her tone light-hearted.

Nishi couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at Priya’s response. Something about her casual demeanour and unconventional replies seemed out of place for a top student. Was Priya just oblivious to Nishi’s playful banter, or was there more to her than met the eye?

“Absolutely! Now that I’ve got a friend, let’s celebrate! How about we grab a meal during lunchtime and make the most of our free time?” Nishi suggested eagerly, determined to push aside her earlier worries and enjoy the moment.

She chided herself for her selfishness. Priya had already agreed to help her, and it wasn’t fair to judge her based on a few interactions. Everyone had their own quirks and ways of reacting, after all.

Priya’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “Sounds like a plan! Shall we head to the college café?” she proposed, ready to embrace the chance to bond over a meal.

“We can go, but I know, there is a shop nearby, just five minutes away, and they have the best breads and cookies,” Nishi suggested eagerly, her distaste for the cafeteria food evident in her tone. The thought of eating the cafeteria fare made her stomach churn uncomfortably.

Priya’s heart sank at the suggestion. “I don’t think I can go,” she replied sadly, her thoughts drifting to the promise she had made to Mary. Breaking that promise was out of the question, no matter how tempting the idea of visiting the shop sounded. It was a matter of principle for her.Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

“It’s just five minutes away. What’s the issue? Don’t worry, I can take you there,” Nishi offered, confusion evident in her voice as she tried to understand Priya’s reluctance.

“I know, but I promised my mom I wouldn’t go anywhere else after classes,” Priya explained, her voice tinged with regret as she wrestled with her commitment.

Nishi frowned, recognizing the conflict Priya was experiencing. “What promise?” she inquired, curious about the source of Priya’s hesitation.

“That I won’t leave college no matter what,” Priya clarified, her words weighed down by the weight of her obligation.

“It’s not even far away though,” Nishi pointed out, attempting to ease Priya’s concerns with reason.

“Still…” Priya hesitated, her sense of duty conflicting with her desire to join Nishi.

“You’re in college now, Priya, not kindergarten. And the place is just five minutes away. I don’t think it’s breaking a promise; it’s practically within the college radius,” Nishi reasoned, trying to convince Priya to reconsider.

Nishi felt a pang of frustration. Who still listened to their parents’ warnings like they were children? Nishi certainly didn’t, and she couldn’t comprehend why Priya was so bound by her mother’s paranoia. This was supposed to be a time for enjoyment, not unnecessary restrictions.

“Okay.”