The university gate stood tall in front of me, buzzing with energy. Students were everywhere — some clicking selfies, some nervously looking around, and some already deep in conversation like they'd known each other for years.
I quietly stepped inside.
The orientation was about to begin in the main auditorium. I followed the crowd and took a seat near the back, away from the noise. It was easier to observe than to participate.
A cheerful host came on stage and started the session with a welcome speech. She talked about opportunities, growth, friendships, and making the most of these years. Everyone clapped. Some students looked excited. Others seemed lost. I felt… in between.
My thoughts drifted back to Papa.
Did he manage to talk to the PG owner? Is the room being fixed now? He must be tired. I hope he's resting.
A soft voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
"Hi! Is this seat taken?" a girl asked.
I shook my head. "No, go ahead."
She sat down with a warm smile. "I'm Tanya. From Kanpur. You?"
"Pansy. From Lucknow."
"Oh, cool! You staying in a hostel?"
"PG nearby," I replied. "It's just ten minutes from here."
She nodded. "Nice. Lucky you. My PG is a 20-minute auto ride away and already feels like a mistake," she said, half-laughing.
We exchanged a few more lines, and just like that, I had my first friendly chat on campus. Nothing deep — just light conversation. But somehow, it made me feel a little less alone.
After the orientation, I checked the time. It was almost 1:00 PM. I remembered my promise.
Lunch with Papa.
I quickly walked back toward the PG. As I got closer, I saw Papa sitting on a bench near the gate, sipping chai.
His eyes lit up when he saw me. "How was it?"
"Good. Overwhelming. But good," I smiled.
"Your room's ready now," he said, getting up. "They even added a new fan. And yes — I negotiated the rent."
I looked at him, surprised. "Really?"
He nodded. "Little less than what they asked. It's still a stretch, but manageable."
I couldn't say anything. I just gave him a tight hug.
We had lunch together — simple food made by the cook uncle of the PG. Nothing fancy, but somehow it tasted like home.
After that, Papa helped me unpack. Clothes in the wardrobe, books on the shelf, small decorations from home — my little world started taking shape.
"You'll do well here," he said before leaving. "Just stay focused."
I walked with him to the gate, and watched as he got into the car. He waved. I waved back, hiding the sudden lump in my throat.
And just like that, I was alone.
But for the first time that day, I didn't feel scared.
I stood there for a moment, looking at the sky turning orange. A new life had started — not loudly, not dramatically — but quietly, step by step.
And somewhere deep inside, I knew…
This was the beginning of something big.