Rajeev's POV:

After dropping my beautiful wife at her colleg gates, I started my way to reach mine. It's a day that's really important to me and everytime I feel that I am actually going to live my dream, I feel surreal.

Pavi is a headstrong woman and even on her delivery day, she showed courage and valued my dream over her dependency on me and that sacrifice is what that got me here.
I felt clouded with emotions, but this is certainly was for my wife and son.

The college was decorated with flags and bright colours. Banners to welcome the present batch were hung pretty high and at almost every corner. There was a committee that ensured that all the new students are first assembled at the main hall. That's where I met my first of many friends, Manish Patel.

"Also an MBA student?", he joked around to lighten the mood.

I nodded.

"Hi, my name's Manish-Manish Patel. I did my B.Com in St. Joseph's last year and well, now I am here. What's your story man?"

"Rajeev Shukla, but you can call me Raj!"

Even before I could make more out of the conversation, there was an announcement that the inauguration program would commence shortly.

Manish and me immediately took our seats. The lights dimmed and the program started. Two and half hours later, I found myself glued to their course plans, research options, internships opportunities, and placement platforms. I also learned a lot about the clubs that I could positively be a part of. Interestingly, Manish also showed a similar interest as we discussed through the presentations.

The doors opened and the lights brightened. Everything seemed visible now and the hosts announced that there would be an hour of lunch break and then we were free to make rounds around the campus.

Manish suggested that we could try the stalls that were arrayed at the entrance and I readily agreed to it! As we made our way through the crowd, Manish asked me about my education background and what I did for a living. I selectively told him about my bachelor's life and how I own a stationary shop in the town. He seemed a bit surprised and sceptical, but that was okay with me.

"Sorry, if my life took you by surprise!"

"Oh, no no, it's just you have real experience with Business Management and I feel I have a lot to learn, Raj!"

I could honestly feel the genuineness in his voice. I gave him a nod.

"So, do you know anyone around here, Manish?"

"Yeah-", and he kinda felt shy to talk about it.

A man never blushes in front of another man unless he feels he's close to that person.

"Your girlfriend?", I asked as I chuckled through my words and he nodded.

"Woah, nice man! Congratulations!"

"Cheese, thanks! Her name's Sindhu, and we've been dating since college days!"

"That's really nice man, where is she? We can wait for her, you know!"

"Oh, she didn't come today. She's not keeping well. But she'd join us tomorrow!"

"Well, that's great. Ask her to get well soon."

"Sure thing, Raj. Thanks man!"

"Well, I think it's time for you to kiss your single life a big fat goodbye!"

"WHAT?", I asked with a huge shock.

Ofcourse our conversation never went to the level of my marriage and family life! And it was so wrong of him to ASSUME that I am single!

"Dude, today's your lucky day, 9 o' clock! Hot chick is checking you out!"

"Are you serious?"

Ofcourse my heart rate was increasing and not in a good way. Oh God no!

"Hell yeah man! I think the girls from the nearby medical college are here for the stalls man!"

My heart sank and on this note I dared to look at the 9 o'clock direction pointed out by my friend.

There stood my girl with her medical coat and stethoscope wound around her neck. Even from a distance she looked absolutely perfect and her smile started healing my soul. God she was absolutely beautiful and was definitely taking my breath away.

Pavi waved at me and took closer steps towards me. I smiled back at her.

"Dude, you too seem like you've been hitting it off already!"

I smiled and seriously had no words to say and so, I played along.

I seriously didn't know what had gotten into her, but she suddenly took faster steps towards me and then reached out to my arms and quickly hugged me. I felt complete and Pavi didn't seem to leave my hand.

My smile turned into a glee as Manish's surprise turned into a shock.

"You both are dating?"

"No!", chirped Pavi!

I laughed.

The look on his face, was so laughable.

"Please don't tell me that I was your cupid!"

"Oh God, no!", laughed Pavi.

"Then-HOW?"

"Manish, please meet my wife, Pavithra and Pavi, Manish was telling me about this 9 o' clock hot chick glancing at me-"

Manish was flushing in embarrassment as Pavi just laughed her heart out.

"So-sorry Bhabhi!", Manish said.

"Oh, there's nothing to worry about Manish! And please, call me Pavithra!"

"Really nice to meet you Pavithra. Let's have lunch, shall we?", asked Manish.

"Oh, I intend to!"

Pavi was so easily adapting to my kind of lifestyle and once again it filled my hear with all the love. I don't know why, but I really wanted her to be with me on my first day, right by my side, holding my hand and just enjoying this college life that we earned together. She mingled with Manish, not as my wife, but to genuinely be a friend to him. I just loved that about her.

As they engrossed themselves into a deep conversation I thought about how lucky I was. And suddenly it occurred to me that she had exams next week!

"Pavi, did you bunk classes? You have exams next week!"

Pavi and Manish just laughed on my face.

"Weren't you listening to our conversation?"

I guilty nodded a no!

"It's a half day for me, so don't worry about it!"

***