The first week at NLS Bangalore was a whirlwind of orientation sessions, introductory lectures, and getting to know the campus. Amaan and Tanvi quickly settled into their new routine, though it was clear that the challenges of law school would require a whole new level of discipline and dedication.

Mornings began early, with Amaan waking up at dawn to the sound of his alarm clock echoing through the small, cozy room he now called home. He had always been an early riser, but there was something different about waking up in a new city, knowing that every day brought new opportunities and challenges. The soft light of the morning sun streamed through the curtains as he stretched and got ready for the day.

The hostel had a communal dining hall where breakfast was served. It was a simple but filling meal—toast, eggs, and a steaming cup of chai. Amaan often found himself sharing the table with other students, some of whom were just as eager and nervous as he was. Conversations at breakfast ranged from casual introductions to heated debates about current events and the latest legal cases. The atmosphere was lively, and Amaan enjoyed the intellectual stimulation that came with being surrounded by like-minded peers.

Tanvi, on the other hand, was not a morning person. She often stumbled into the dining hall half-awake, her hair in a messy bun, and a grumpy expression on her face. Amaan couldn’t help but chuckle every time he saw her like that.

“Rough night?” he teased as she sat down opposite him one morning.

She groaned, rubbing her eyes. “I don’t know how you do it, Amaan. Waking up this early should be illegal.”

He smiled, taking a sip of his chai. “You’ll get used to it. Besides, we have a long day ahead of us. You don’t want to miss the first lecture, do you?”

Tanvi made a face but nodded, reluctantly grabbing a piece of toast. “Fine, fine. But if I fall asleep in class, it’s your fault.”

Their mornings usually began with a quick review session in the library before their lectures started. The library at NLS was everything they had hoped for—spacious, quiet, and filled with an endless supply of books and resources. Amaan felt at home there, surrounded by the comforting scent of old books and the soft hum of students studying. He would often lose track of time, engrossed in a case study or a legal theory that piqued his interest.

Tanvi, too, found solace in the library, though she often complained about the sheer volume of reading they had to do. “I knew law school would be tough, but I didn’t expect to spend every waking hour with my nose in a book,” she grumbled one afternoon as they took a break from studying.

Amaan looked up from his notes, grinning. “You’ll thank me later when you ace your exams.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help but smile. “You’re such a nerd, Amaan.”

Their classes were intense, with professors who expected nothing less than perfection from their students. The workload was heavy, with readings, assignments, and case studies that seemed never-ending. But Amaan and Tanvi thrived under the pressure. They had always been driven, and the challenges of law school only fueled their determination to succeed.

Despite the demands of their coursework, they made time for each other. Their friendship had grown even stronger in the new environment, and they often sought each other out during breaks or after classes to decompress and talk about their day. Sometimes, they would grab a quick lunch at one of the campus cafes, where they would sit in the sun and chat about everything from their classes to their favorite movies.

In the evenings, they would head back to the hostel and continue their studies. It wasn’t uncommon for them to stay up late, quizzing each other on legal principles or discussing the finer points of a recent lecture. Their study sessions were intense but punctuated with moments of laughter and lighthearted banter.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day of classes, Amaan and Tanvi decided to take a break and explore more of the campus. The sun had just set, casting a golden glow over the buildings and the neatly manicured lawns. The air was warm, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees that lined the pathways.

They wandered through the campus, eventually finding themselves at the amphitheater, a large open space where students often gathered for performances, debates, and other events. It was empty now, the seats bathed in the soft light of the setting sun.

Tanvi sat down on one of the steps, stretching out her legs. “I can’t believe we’ve been here for a week already. It feels like we just got here.”

Amaan sat beside her, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, it’s been a lot to take in. But I think we’re settling in well.”

She smiled, looking out at the empty stage. “I’m glad we’re doing this together. I don’t think I could handle all this on my own.”

Amaan glanced at her, his expression softening. “I feel the same way. It’s been a tough week, but having you here makes it easier.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the peacefulness of the evening. The amphitheater, with its wide-open space and clear sky above, felt like a refuge from the demands of their new life. It was a place where they could just be themselves, without the pressure of assignments or lectures weighing them down.

Eventually, Tanvi turned to Amaan, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Do you remember the first time we met? You were so shy, you couldn’t even talk to me directly.”

Amaan chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, I remember. I sent Shaurya to ask you if you wanted to join our study group.”

She laughed, nudging him playfully. “I thought it was so cute. But look at you now—confident, determined, and on your way to becoming a great lawyer.”

Amaan smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. “Thanks, Tanvi. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Their conversation continued, filled with memories of the past year, their hopes for the future, and the camaraderie that had grown between them. As the night wore on, they finally made their way back to the hostel, both feeling a sense of contentment and anticipation for the days to come.

The following week brought more challenges, but also more opportunities for growth. Amaan and Tanvi found themselves immersed in their studies, tackling complex legal theories and case studies that pushed them to think critically and creatively. They began participating in classroom discussions, slowly gaining the confidence to voice their opinions and engage with their peers.

Amaan, who had always been more reserved, found himself stepping out of his comfort zone. He started to enjoy the intellectual debates and the exchange of ideas that were a staple of their classes. His professors took notice, often calling on him to share his thoughts, and Amaan found that he relished the opportunity to challenge himself and others.

Tanvi, with her natural charisma and quick wit, quickly became a favorite among her classmates and professors alike. She had a way of making even the most complex topics accessible, often using humor to diffuse tense situations in the classroom. Her energy was infectious, and Amaan couldn’t help but admire the way she navigated the challenges of law school with grace and confidence.

Despite their growing workload, Amaan and Tanvi made it a point to maintain a balance between their studies and their personal lives. They joined a few student clubs—Amaan signed up for the debate club, while Tanvi joined a theater group. These activities provided a welcome break from their academic routine and allowed them to meet new people and develop new skills.

Their friendship continued to deepen as they navigated the highs and lows of their first semester. They were each other’s sounding boards, always ready to offer advice, encouragement, or a listening ear. Whether it was discussing the intricacies of a legal case or sharing a laugh over a silly joke, Amaan and Tanvi had become each other’s constants in the ever-changing landscape of law school.

One weekend, after a particularly stressful week of assignments and deadlines, they decided to take a day off and explore the city of Bangalore. It was a welcome escape from the confines of the campus, and they spent the day visiting some of the city’s famous landmarks, trying out local street food, and simply enjoying the vibrant energy of the city.

As the day came to an end, they found themselves at Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a sprawling green space in the heart of the city. The garden was a peaceful oasis, with its manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, and serene lakes. They strolled through the garden, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.

Tanvi sighed contentedly as they sat down on a bench overlooking one of the lakes. “This was exactly what I needed. A break from everything.”

Amaan nodded, feeling the same sense of calm. “Yeah, it’s nice to just relax and not think about assignments or exams for a while.”

They sat in silence for a few moments, watching the sun set over the water, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a chance to recharge before diving back into the demands of law school.

As they made their way back to the hostel later that evening, Amaan couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the friendship he and Tanvi shared. It had been a challenging few weeks, but they had faced it together, and he knew that whatever the future held, they would continue to support each other.