I flipped the page, the crisp rustle of paper echoing in the quiet corner of the college library like a whisper from another world. Anticipation gnawed at my heart, a relentless beast ready to devour me in the scorching flames of the unknown. My pulse quickened with every word, the thrill coursing through my veins like an electric current, pebbling my skin into a landscape of goosebumps and raising the hairs on my arms from wrist to shoulder, all the way down to my toes. I lived for this- the rush, the escape, the way stories wrapped around me like a second skin, pulling me into realms far beyond the mundane walls of reality. Oh, how I yearned to step through the pages and live those adventures firsthand, to feel the grit of ancient battles under my feet, to smell the blood and sweat of heroes in the flesh. But for now, the words on the page would have to suffice, weaving their magic through my imagination and igniting sparks in the darkest corners of my mind.

I was lost in that world, reveling in the echoes of history, when a sudden noise pierced the bubble of my solitude. It was a hello-a casual, intrusive "Hello!"-and I found myself glaring heavenward, as if the ceiling of this book-lined sanctuary could shield me from the interruption. My focus was unbreakable; I was on the edge of a revelation in the story, and nothing short of an apocalypse could pull me away.

"Hey, madame," the voice came again, louder this time, laced with a mix of impatience and amusement. I paid no heed, my eyes glued to the page, determined not to let this fleeting disturbance derail my journey.

"What the f...?" The words erupted from my lips before I could rein them in, my voice rising like a storm before subsiding into a low, menacing growl. I glared at the man standing before me-Abhay, my so-called friend-who had just snatched my book right out of my hands. His audacity was staggering; he was practically begging for a confrontation, and in that moment, I was more than ready to serve him a plate of regret. My fingers itched to reclaim what was mine, my heart pounding with a mix of indignation and protective fury.

"What do you think you're doing?" I demanded, my voice dripping with threat, each syllable sharp as a blade. I could hear the edge in my own words, the unspoken promise of retribution if he didn't back down. And sure enough, he felt it too; his eyes widened slightly, and he handed the book back to me in the very next second, as if it had suddenly burned his fingers.

"Nothing, just wanted a little of your attention," Abhay reasoned, his tone light but edged with defensiveness. He shrugged, trying to play it off as harmless, but I wasn't buying it. I had laid down the law with my friends ages ago: unless it was a matter of life and death, or perhaps something as sacred as food, interrupting me during my reading sessions was the ultimate crime. It was my sanctuary, my escape, and anyone who trespassed did so at their own peril.

"What for? Who's dying?" I shot back, my eyes narrowing as I clutched the book tighter to my chest. I scanned his face for any sign of emergency, half-expecting him to reveal some catastrophic news that might justify his boldness.

"Nobody, but you might if you don't eat!" he stated, his voice dripping with exaggerated boredom, as if he were dealing with a stubborn child. I glanced at the clock hanging on the wall of this heaven of books, its hands ticking away in the dim light. My eyes widened in disbelief when I realized I had been lost in my reading for the last hour, completely oblivious to the passage of time. The library, with its towering shelves and the faint scent of aged paper, had swallowed me whole, making the world outside fade into insignificance.
"Good lord, it's been an hour," I muttered, the words tumbling out in a rush of surprise. As if on cue, my stomach growled loudly, a rude reminder of its existence and the glaring absence of any sustenance. I looked down at the book in my hands, its pages still calling to me like an old friend, then back to my traitorous body. The conflict was real-my hunger versus my insatiable curiosity-but practicality won out, at least for the moment.

"Get the food for me too. I'll be there after I'm done with this chapter," I said, already turning back to the page, hoping to squeeze in just a few more paragraphs before surrendering to the demands of the real world.

"As if you're ever gonna stop at one chapter," Abhay retorted with a knowing smirk, his words laced with that familiar snide tone. He was right, of course; I had a habit of tumbling down rabbit holes, one chapter leading to another until hours slipped away unnoticed. "Borrow the book and come along already."
"Okay, fine-wait here. I need to get a few more books," I conceded, setting my current read aside for a moment. With a sigh, I wandered deeper into the labyrinth of shelves, the wooden floors creaking softly under my feet as I browsed through rows upon rows of books. The air grew heavier with the musty aroma of history and knowledge, and I found myself in the history section, where the spines of ancient tomes whispered promises of forgotten eras.

It was abrupt, almost fated, when my eyes landed on the most beautiful book I had ever seen. A spark of inquisitiveness ignited in my heart, pulling me toward it like a moth to a flame. I reached out, my fingers trembling slightly as they brushed the cover, and my breath hitched in my throat. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me-this wasn't the kind of book you'd expect in a regular college library. No, this was a artifact, something destined for museums and exclusive exhibitions, not for the dusty shelves of a student-filled hall. It wasn't the words inside that captivated me, though I had no doubt they held secrets of their own; it was the cover, a masterpiece of intricate carving that seemed to pulse with life.
The thick cover was a work of art, etched with the most exquisite patterns I had ever laid eyes on. Delicate flowers bloomed in vivid detail, their petals unfurling as if kissed by the sun, while alongside them, leaves shed gracefully, symbolizing the inevitable cycle of growth and decay. There were vibrant scenes of flourishing plants reaching toward the light, intertwined with wilted stems curling inward, a poignant reminder of life's fleeting beauty. The book was a paradox made manifest-light and darkness coexisting in perfect harmony, joy and sorrow etched into every groove. In that very moment, I knew the words within were destined to entrance me, to wrap their tendrils around my soul and hold me captive forever, drawing me into depths I might never escape.

"Hey pretty girl!" I exclaimed cheerfully as I enveloped my friend in a warm hug, the two of us settling into a familiar corner of the bustling cafeteria, which was alive with a cacophony of voices, laughter, and the clattering of trays. Sometimes, I found myself pondering the contradiction that I embodied-how I could find solace in the hushed whispers of the library while simultaneously thriving amidst the vibrant chaos that surrounded me at this very moment. As Sakshi squeezed me a bit too tightly in her embrace, I felt the air whoosh out of my lungs, and I quickly jabbed her playfully in the stomach, a well-practiced move that meant, "Okay, enough of that!" To us, this kind of friendly banter was just part of our everyday routine, our version of normalcy.

"Say hi to your favorite boy too," I heard Abhay chime in, his words dripping with playful sarcasm as he flashed a mischievous grin. It was so typical of him to provoke me like that, and deep down, I knew he was just looking for a playful smack from me in return, which I was more than willing to oblige. Meanwhile, I noticed Rishabh's face turn a bright shade of crimson at Abhay's teasing, and he shot a glare in Abhay's direction, clearly uncomfortable with the spotlight.

I was fully aware of Rishabh's feelings for me, and I appreciated his affection. However, there was a firm boundary I had drawn in my mind-the line between friendship and romance was clearly defined, and I had no intention of letting any untimely feelings of love or lust disrupt the bonds we had built together.

"Hello, Rishabh! Come sit and ignore this ridiculous man here," I beckoned, noticing his hesitance to approach where I sat. That was exactly what I meant when I said friends were friends-supportive and understanding, yet teasing and fun.

"Oh come on, Sana! You can't be breaking his heart like that by keeping him close and not letting him actually be with you!" Abhay joked, feigning disappointment as he leaned back in his chair. My response was swift- I tossed a crumpled paper cup right at his face, a classic retaliation that made all of us erupt in laughter.

"You need to stop using that non-existent part of your body!" I shot back, relishing the banter. "The more you try, the more it shows its absence!"

"Oh for the love of the Lord, can there be any moment where you two don't fight?" Sakshi interjected, rolling her eyes although I could see the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. It was true, she often feigned annoyance at our endless bickering, but deep down, she loved it- it was our version of affectionate sibling rivalry.

The enticing aroma of freshly fried fries wafted through the air, simultaneously reminding me of my insatiable hunger. As soon as the plate of golden fries landed on our table, I dug in eagerly, almost as if my taste buds had been waiting all day for this moment. However, as I relished each crispy bite, I couldn't help but tune into the quiet whispers and hushed giggles from my other three friends, a conversation that danced just beyond my earshot. Did I care about being excluded? Of course, but at that moment, it paled in comparison to my love for food. So I indulged, savoring the delicious fries, reveling in the fleeting moments of culinary joy while my friends chatted without me.

Just then, as I was lost in the delight of my fries-with ketchup smudging my lips and cheeks-I noticed a boy approaching our table. This wasn't entirely new for me, yet it wasn't common either. Typically, I didn't get asked out often but I was well known around, and to be completely honest, although I'm a humble person, I was acutely aware of my looks and the confident personality I projected. The attention was flattering, though I certainly wasn't thrilled about being approached in the midst of stuffing my face with fries.

"Sana!" he called out, his soft and shy voice cutting through the noise of the cafeteria. It might have struck many as endearing, but I was far from impressed. I wasn't the one to go for the shy boy type; in fact, I could feel my mind already rejecting his advances before they even truly began. Wiping my mouth clean and chewing as quickly as I could without choking on my fries, I turned to face him with what I hoped was a friendly smile. But really, I wanted to smack the poor guy for being so shy-he looked perfect, after all. He had the kind of physique that many would envy, chiseled features that made him a head-turner, and those mesmerizing curls that I could imagine running my fingers through if only his personality wasn't so dull.

"Yes?" I replied, trying to sound interested, even if I was already hatching my subtle exit plan.

"How are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm fine......?" I answered, my tone cordial.

"Sarthi," he introduced himself, extending the moment longer than it needed to be.

"I'm fine, Sarthi, thank you," I replied, noting the suppressed giggles from my friends that made my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

"Actually, I wanted to ask you..." he began, yet I could see hesitation flicker across his features, as though he were weighing his words carefully.

"Yes?" I said, half anticipating what came next.

"Actually, which class is your next class?" he finally blurted out. My heart sank a little-not due to the unexpected nature of his question, but because my instinct had been right all along. I had expected him to be bold and ask me out, but of course, he asked about my class schedule instead.

"I have history class today."

"Okay, that was all." He smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck before turning to leave. The truth was, I felt a pang of disappointment for him.

In mere seconds, the table erupted into laughter, and I felt the heat rise to my face anew.

"Poor guy, wanted to ask you out, but couldn't," Sakshi teased, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"I know," I replied, a part of me enjoying the idea that I had caught someone's attention, even if only momentarily.

"He was smart, though," Abhay chimed in, nudging Rishabh who was uncharacteristically quiet.

"Only if he had the guts to ask me out, I would have given him a chance," I added, hoping my casual tone masked any guilt that crept up regarding Rishabh's evident discomfort at the table.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Rishabh's dulled expression, and for a fleeting moment, I felt bad. But as much as I sympathized with him, I wasn't going to pivot my feelings toward our friendship just because one more suitor had floundered in front of me.

After navigating classes and tackling heavy textbooks, I trudged into history class, exasperated. Despite my fondness for learning about the past, I equally detested the professor who had the uncanny ability to turn intriguing historical events into dry drudgery. And to make matters worse, I was now burdened with a hefty stash of books that weighed heavily on my arms as I maneuvered my way back to the dorm.

"Sakshi..." I drawled her name dramatically, knowing it would signal a favor request.

"What do I have to do?" she asked, her tone instantly aware of the impending ask. The downside of having a friend for years is that they know your tactics well enough to see your plans coming a mile away.

"Help me with these," I pleaded, showcasing the pile of books that had become my unwitting burden. She sighed dramatically but accepted my silent request, her body language screaming of a sympathetic friend.

"Why did you get so many books all at once?" Sakshi inquired, arching an eyebrow. She wasn't wrong. The stack was heavy, but I rationalised my choice, fearing I may run out of reading material if I didn't attain some variety.

"Because I wasn't sure what I wanted to read. Just wanted to have options," I explained, shrugging it off.

"No, it's because you wanted all the books to yourself, and you didn't think that it through," she replied, amusement laced through her words. I didn't bother arguing further; she was already helping ease the load.

As luck would have it, on this very day of overindulgence in books, the elevator I relied on was out of service. I barely stifled the urge to shout in frustration, settling instead for a resigned sigh as we both turned to the stairs, me nearly tiptoeing like a guilty cat caught with muddy paws.

"I'm not your friend anymore," Sakshi declared in jest, leaning over the table to drop the books with an exaggerated thud. I couldn't exactly blame her; I tol wouldn't have been my friend too, after carrying that load up four flights of stairs would faze anyone.

"I'll treat you to the best and most expensive pastry in town!" I offered, definitely not above bargaining to salvage my friendship.

Even the proposal of sweets wasn't enough to sway her feigned indignation. Dejected, I fell flat onto my bed, sinking in and exhaling deeply as I desperately tried to catch my breath. The allure of a sweet treat was still alive, but my spirit was weighed down-both by my load of books and the inevitable back-and-forth that made my days both exhausting and exhilarating.

The exhaustion that had been lingering slowly began to ebb as the evening unfolded, like the gentle lapping of waves on a sandy shore. The weight of the day lifted, and the room, once filled with the oppressive air of fatigue, now hummed with the quiet energy of focused minds. Each of us settled into our respective tasks, the soft scratch of pens on paper, the occasional click of a keyboard, and the rustle of pages turning creating a symphony of productivity.

I, however, found myself free from the shackles of college assignments, and my hands instinctively reached for the book that had been my curiosity find. Its worn cover, a testament to countless nights spent between its pages, felt comforting under my fingertips. The words within were like going to boggle me at the same time offering solace and escape. I knew of it. But as I delved into the narrative, the tranquility was shattered. The door burst open with a resounding bang, like a crack of thunder on a serene evening. My heart leaped into my throat, and the book slipped from my grasp, landing with a soft thud on the floor. My hands, now free, instinctively clutched at my chest, as if to still the frantic rhythm of my heart.

"What the hell was that supposed to mean?" I demanded, my voice tinged with a mix of fear and irritation. My friends, those three individuals who had woven their way into the fabric of my life, stood before me. Their faces, however, were far from reassuring. Sakshi's expression was a mask of calm, but her eyes betrayed her, a flicker of mischief dancing in their depths that left me wary.

"Nothing," she replied, her tone smooth, almost too smooth. "We just wanted you to join us." Her words were laced with innocence, but the tight-lipped smile and the glint in her eyes told a different story. My skepticism was palpable, but the prospect of unraveling the mystery was too enticing to resist. I hesitated, my mind a battlefield of curiosity and apprehension, before I finally relented. Slipping out of bed, I joined them, my feet moving as if drawn by an unseen force.

The living room was shrouded in darkness, a stark contrast to the warm glow of my bedroom. As I stepped inside, the sudden burst of light was blinding, like stepping into a sunrise after the quiet of the night. The confetti popped, a joyous explosion that made my heart skip a beat. The air was filled with cheerful shouts of "Happy Birthday!" and it was then, in that moment of chaos and delight, that I realized the time. It was midnight, and the day had shifted into a new one, carrying with it the significance of my birthday.

"It could have been my last birthday!!" I exclaimed, my voice dramatic, a trait well-known among my friends. My words were laced with hyperbole. Yet, it was quickly overshadowed by the joy that bubbled within me. I jumped, the movement almost involuntary, as happiness surged through me.

"You can save the drama!!" Abhay retorted, his voice a perfect blend of teasing and affection. His hands reached out, pulling me into the center of the room, where a cake adorned with candles sat, a beacon of celebration. The room was filled with loved ones, their faces aglow with smiles. Even my parents were there, their presence virtual but their love palpable. The night unfolded with games that tested our bonds, laughter that filled the air, and drinks that loosened our inhibitions. It was a tapestry woven with moments of connection, each thread a testament to our friendships.

As the night waned, and the first light of dawn crept into the sky, we retired, our minds foggy but our hearts full. The room, once a stage for celebration, was now a sanctuary of rest. But as I entered, Sakshi by my side, a peculiar brightness caught our attention. The lights were off, yet an ethereal glow permeated the space, like the soft luminescence of fireflies on a summer night. Our minds, hazy from the evening's indulgence, struggled to discern the source. Curiosity, that relentless guide, led us closer, each step a blend of trepidation and intrigue. And as we approached, the light grew brighter, an omen of the unknown, leaving us on the brink of a discovery that would unravel the ordinary and usher in the extraordinary.

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Hey everyone, this is your writer back, hopefully with a fresh start! I've been working on this story for a while now and had even posted a few chapters, but honestly, I just wasn't satisfied with how it was turning out. So, I decided to take a step back, rethink, and breathe new life into it. This time around, I've decided to try something different by writing it in the first person—a narrative style I haven't experimented with before—but I'm really hoping it will make the story even better and more engaging for all of you.

I hope you'll join me on this journey as I share this revamped version with you. While I won't be posting updates daily, I do plan to keep you all entertained with new chapters twice a week. Your support and feedback mean the world to me, so I'd love to hear your thoughts as we go along. Let's fill the comment section with your ideas, suggestions, and reactions—good or bad, I want to hear it all!

Thanks for sticking around, and let's dive into this new chapter (no pun intended!) together!