My alarm started blaring at six o'clock and I unwillingly got out of bed to go get ready for the first day of the semester. Mira groaned and grabbed my pillow to hide her face. I did my morning shower routine and put on a little bit of makeup. I looked through my suitcase to find something to wear but I was stuck. I finally  decided to wear a red blouse with jeans and some bangles. Mira finally woke up to get ready and drop me off in her car. During the car ride, we chattered about what happened at the reception. She wished me good luck and left me all by myself to begin this journey. 

I took out my schedule to see what was planned for the first day. As I was looking, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and there Neha was smiling at me. 

"Hey, Jas! How did you sleep? I barely slept a wink due to my excitement. Anyways, we should hurry to the introduction in the auditorium."

God, does she ever take breaths in between her sentences? So much stamina.

"Hi, Neha. I am alright, just a little tired from yesterday's reception. Let's start walking."

"Okay, Sid has gotten me a seat already but I will text him to grab you one as well."

I groaned and said, "why does he have to be so annoying?"

She chuckled and said, "there is more to come."

We reached the auditorium and found Sid waiting for us at the front row. Neha saw someone else she know and so she went to quickly talk to them.

"So Jasmine, about yesterday, sorry to annoy you."

"Oh..it's no big deal, we were just playing around, right?"

"Haha, you actually thought I'd apologize? It is fun to see your cheeks turn rosy from my teasing and how you look down when I do any of this."

"You are unbelievable Sid. How do you gain any joy from this?"

I turned around in fury after this and crossed my arms. He grabbed me by the shoulder and turned me around quickly. 

"Look at me Jas, I am just having fun with you but if I am crossing my limits, please tell me. I would never want to hurt you. I apologize for any grief I have caused. "

I looked up at him and he looked extremely serious which I was shocked by. I hesitantly held out my hand and he looked at me for a moment before shaking it. 

"Friends?"

"Always Jas."

Neha rushed down to her seat as the principal archaeologist started his introduction. A bunch of speakers spoke for an hour before everyone was sent to their respective project groups. It was a bit surprising when both Sid and Neha were in my group. All three of us walked collectively with our group to the project lead's room.

"Hello everyone. My name is Krish Sanera and I am master's student in archaeology from Yale University. I will be your project lead for the semester and I hope we all get to know each other well. By the way, please call me Krish. I am not a big fan of formalities and take me as your friend rather than an unapproachable senior.Let's go in a circle to introduce each other before we start on the details of the project. Please tell me your name, your university, why you decided to take this opportunity and what you are most excited for."

Krish pointed at Neha to start off the introductions.

"Hi, My name is Neha Malhotra and I am from University College London. Uhm..I decided to take this opportunity as I am interested in learning about the classical history of India. I am most excited to meet everyone and develop close friendships."

"Hey everyone, I am Sidharth Malhotra. Please call me Sid and I am from Princeton. I am Neha's cousin. I came here hoping to learn more about the country that I am from and to hopefully find a beautiful Indian girlfriend. I am obviously most excited for the girlfriend part."

We all looked at him dumbstruck and he chuckled before he said that he was just joking. 

"Urh...hello,  I am Jasmine Patel from UC Berkeley. I took up this opportunity because I am deeply passionate about archaeology and I wanted to explore my Indian roots. I am most excited to explore the culture here."

"Hey guys, I am Aria Williams and I am from Emory University. I came here in search of my identity and I am most excited to learn more about archaeology."

"I'm Avery De Santis and I am from Cornell University. I wanted to explore different cultures and that is exactly what I am most excited for."

"Hello, I am Jay Amit. I am enrolled at Duke University and I am here mainly because of my parents. I am most excited to learn everything about India."

After Jay spoke, the introductions finished and we were all paired up for the project. Of all the people I could have landed with, I ended up with Sid. 

"So Sid, looks like we need to research about the Indus civilization. I want to start on it right away as the report is due tomorrow."

"That is fine with me. Let's go to the library for books."

We walked in silence to the Archaeology Library and we started looking. I saw some interesting books on the top shelf which I couldn't reach. I grabbed a nearby stool and got up on it to grab the books. As I reached for the books, I lost my balance and started falling. I embraced myself for a fall and screamed but I never fell. When I opened my eyes, I was staring straight into Sid's eyes and he was holding me tight. Seconds passed...I never realized how beautiful his eyes were. His chestnut brown irises really complimented the stubble on his face and his shoulders were broad. He looked at ease half carrying me and holding me. As soon as I realized the duration of this staring match, I got out of his hold. 

"I am sorry Jas, I was just trying to help. Are you okay?"

"Thanks, Sid. It was nice of you to rescue me. I am bit clumsy."

"Let me grab those books for us. Why don't you go sit down while I grab them."

He got the books and we worked for a little while before I received a text from Mira asking me to come to the front so she can pick me up.

"Sid, I need to go home now but how about we meet later on tonight to work?"

"That is good with me. Why don't you come over to my place? Neha most probably will be with her partner so we can work in peace. Here, let me write down my number and you can text me when you want me to pick you up."

"Urh, that's fine with me. I will text you. Bye!"

I quickly went down to meet Mira up front and we rode back home. I told her everything that happened during my day and she was equally surprised that Sid apologized to me. I guess first judgements are not always right. 

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Thank you guys for reading my story and I am extremely sorry for the delayed update. I am trying to be more involved with my story but due to school, it is difficult. However, I will make myself more regular during the new year. I know there are a lot of errors as I am out of practice now. Please vote if you like it and comment with any suggestions! 

P.S. I hope your holidays are going well.