Today was Sanjana’s first day of class.  Meenakshi had dropped her off earlier, so she could get a chance to explore the campus before going to class.   Sanjana was beyond nervous.  Instead of exploring the small, quaint campus, Sanjana perched herself on a bench and began expressing her concerns about the first day of college in her diary.  Even though the college was small, it was so different from the college she’d gone to in her village in India.  The atmosphere was a lot more social, but Sanjana felt like it was a lot less friendly.

            Finally it was time for class, Sanjana put her diary in her bag and stood up to find her class.  After searching for about ten minutes, she found the correct classroom.  It was a small classroom, with about twenty or so desks.  There were already a few students seated in the classroom.  Sanjana chose to sit somewhere in the middle, close to the window.  In her college, students in the back were the ones who didn’t take their studies very seriously and the students in the front were always the ones eager to answer all of the professor’s questions.   So Sanjana decided that sitting in the middle was the best choice. 

            “Welcome to Creative Writing! We will be primarily be focusing on memoirs and also fiction.  I know the two genres are completely different but a little variety is good for the mind!” The professor walked in and promptly greeted the class. 

            Once the syllabus was passed out, Sanjana examined it and noticed that there were only a few assignments and some reading.  She could tell that this class wouldn’t be very rigorous. 

            “There are two major assignments I’d like you all to note on the syllabus.  You will write one full-length memoir about your past and one full-length fiction.  However, it’s only necessary to turn one of these in at the end of the term as your final exam.” The professor continued. 

            The rest of the class was spent doing various writing exercises.  Sanjana didn’t mind them.  She enjoyed writing and appreciated that she was given different prompts that she’d never before written about.  After class, Sanjana was gathering her belongings when a girl approached her. 

            “Hi! I’m Amrita,” The girl said. 

            Sanjana looked around to see if the girl was talking to someone else, but they were the only two left in the classroom. 

            “What’s your name?” Amrita asked. 

            “Sanjana,” Sanjana answered quietly. 

            “I was sitting in the back.  This class seems really boring. I’m not that into it, but oh my God!  You’re the first Indian girl I’ve seen on this campus, so I thought I’d introduce myself.  I like your outfit by the way!  Are your parents strict about what you wear?” Amrita spoke very quickly.  She asked question after question without giving Sanjana a chance to answer. 

            Sanjana stood up slowly and began to make her way out of the classroom.  Amrita followed her, still asking her question after question. 

            “India,” Sanjana answered when Amrita asked where she was from. 

            Amrita fell silent for the first time since Sanjana met her.  She looked at Sanjana wide-eyed. 

            “Seriously?” Amrita asked in disbelief. 

            Sanjana nodded. 

            “I got married in India,” Amrita said simply. 

            It was Sanjana’s turn to be shocked.  Amrita was so jovial and so youthful.  She barely looked old enough to be married.

            “I’m older than I look.  I’m twenty-five. I’ve been married for almost a year.  I just go to class to get out of the house.  It’s something to do, you know. I like to write too.” Amrita explained.  “Are you married?”  Her eyes were on Sanjana’s engagement ring.

            “Engaged.” Sanjana replied.

            “Oh! Love marriage or arranged?” Amrita asked, excitedly.  

            “Arranged.” Sanjana replied. 

            “I had an arranged marriage too, and if you ask me, that’s the way to go.  My husband and I get along great!  I don’t think I would have been able to find a guy like him on my own.” Amrita said dreamily.

            Sanjana smiled.  She hoped that one day she would feel the same way about Rohit. 

            “I need to get going!  Totally lost track of time! It was really nice meeting you, Sanjana.  I’ll see you next class! Bye!” Amrita rushed down the hallway and out of sight. 

            Sanjana watched as Amrita left.  She knew they could be great friends.  Amrita was such an extrovert and would balance nicely with Sanjana, who obviously was much quieter.  Sanjana turned to leave and came face to face with a man with piercing blue eyes and light brown hair.  She took a step back and tried to walk past him.  He kept his eyes on her and smirked. 

            “Hi,” The man with blue eyes said.  His tone wasn’t friendly, however. It was forceful. 

            The roughness of his voice made Sanjana stop.  She looked at the ground, afraid to face him.  She could hear him coming closer to her. 

            “You’re beautiful, so exotic.” He said.  He was now standing in front of Sanjana. 

            Sanjana looked up at him.  He didn’t even know her and he was being so forward. 

            “I’m Jason,” He continued.  “What’s the matter? Don’t wanna talk to me?”

            Sanjana said nothing.  She looked down again.  She felt herself growing increasingly anxious.  All she wanted to do was leave. 

            “Fine then, but you’re not getting off the hook that easily, Beautiful.” Jason said, walking away. 

            Sanjana held back tears that threatened to spill.  She rushed down the hall in the opposite direction, trying to find an exit.  She pulled out the cell phone her aunt bought her and found her aunt’s number.  No one answered.  Her aunt must’ve been busy.  There were only two contacts in Sanjana’s simple phone: Meenakshi and Rohit.  Sanjana tried Rohit’s number next. 

            “Hello?” Rohit’s voice sounded through the phone. 

            “R—”  Sanjana paused.  She felt foolish bothering Rohit over something so trivial. He must be busy.  It was juvenile of her to be calling him over nothing. She hung up quickly. 

            Rohit looked at his phone.  The call came from Sanjana’s new number.  Had she meant to call him? 

            “Who was it?” Sheila asked, as she updated some medical charts. 

            “Sanjana,” Rohit answered, putting down his phone.  “I think she accidently called me though.”

            “I went shopping with Radhika yesterday.  She’s dating a jerk.” Sheila changed the subject suddenly.

            “You’re still friends with her?” Rohit asked.  Sheila had been his friend way before he and Radhika started dating, and he was surprised that Sheila still talked to Radhika

            “Of course! We got along so well, but you’re my best friend! She’s my shopping buddy.” Sheila laughed.

            Rohit made a face at her.  He hated shopping, especially when Sheila dragged him with her to go shopping. 

            “Why is he a jerk?” Rohit asked suddenly. 

            “Who?” Sheila asked. 

            “Radhika’s new boyfriend,” Rohit answered. 

            “He…well…he doesn’t treat her well.” Sheila said nervously.  She looked up at Rohit.  “He’s not you.”

            “No one’s like me.” Rohit smiled.  “I’m one of a kind.”

            Sheila rolled her eyes.

            “Whatever,” Sheila commented. 

            “Does she…does she ever talk about me?” Rohit asked. 

            “Yeah, of course she does.  I didn’t tell her you were engaged though.  I wasn’t sure if it’s something you wanted her to know.”  Sheila answered. 

            “Do you think she should know?” Rohit asked.  He didn’t really think it was important whether or not Radhika knew about Sanjana, but honestly, he would want to know if Radhika was getting married. 

            “Yeah, she deserves to know.  I’m not saying invite her to the wedding or anything, just let her know that you’ve gotten engaged. That’s all,” Sheila explained. 

            “Maybe you’re right.” Rohit said. 

            He picked up his phone and dialed Radhika’s number. 

            “Hello?” Radhika’s confident, velvet voice sounded through the phone. 

            Rohit was speechless.  He looked up at Sheila, who had completely forgotten about updating medical charts and had given her full attention to eavesdropping on Rohit’s conversation with Radhika. 

            “Rohit, are you okay?” Radhika said, concerned. 

            “Hi Radhika,” Rohit finally managed to say. 

            “Hi,” Radhika said quietly.  She sounded sad.

            “I need to tell you something.” Rohit said. 

            “Sure, what is it?” Radhika replied.

            “I…um…I…” Rohit faltered. 

            “It’s okay, Rohit. You can tell me anything.” Radhika said gently. 

            “I’m getting married.” Rohit said. 

            There was silence for the longest time.  Radhika said nothing. 

            “Radhika,” Rohit said, not knowing what else to say.  Had she heard him?

            “Yeah, I’m here.” Radhika said, quietly.  “Congratulations, Rohit.”

            “Thanks,” Rohit said.  She was crying.  He could hear it in her voice. 

            “So, when’s the wedding?” Radhika said, sniffling. 

            “In two and a half months,” Rohit answered. 

            “That’s soon,” Radhika commented. 

            “Radhika,” Rohit said. 

            “I mean it’s good…that you’re moving on.” Radhika interrupted him. 

            “I should go.” Rohit said quickly.

            “Right, thank you for telling me.  I mean it.” Radhika said. 

            “Sure. Bye, Radhika.” Rohit said before hanging up. 

            “What the hell?” Sheila said.  “I didn’t mean right now!  My heart was beating so fast! What did she say?  How did she react?”

            “Your heart was beating fast? Sheila, think about how nervous I was!  She took it really well actually.  She congratulated me and asked me when the wedding was.  She didn’t even ask about who I’m marrying.” Rohit explained. 

            “Damn, I didn’t expect that from Radhika.”  Sheila commented. 

            “Yeah, neither did I.  I thought she’d be more dramatic about it.” Rohit said absentmindedly. 

            “Maybe she’s changed,” Sheila offered. 

            Rohit looked at her. Part of him hoped that Radhika was still the same.  That way he could justify hating her.  If she really did change for the better, he knew he would fall for her again.  Deep down, he still loved her. He knew he did.  He couldn’t trust her, however, and there was no point in staying in a relationship where there was no trust. 

            “I want to see Sanjana.” Rohit said suddenly. 

            “What?  All of a sudden?” Sheila asked, surprised. 

            “I…I’m not sure why. I just want to see her.” Rohit said.  He felt guilty for talking to Radhika and maybe seeing Sanjana would make the guilt go away.  “Do you think they’d miss me?”

            “I’ll cover for you!” Sheila said, excitedly.  “Okay, we need a story!  You got a call, right? And there was a man, and the man told you you had to go somewhere otherwise there will be dire consequences.  And that’s where you are!” Sheila was nearly shaking with excitement. 

            “What the hell kind of cover is that?” Rohit asked, giving Sheila a weird look. 

            “Fine then! Give me something to tell people when they ask where you are.” Sheila pouted. 

            “Tell them, I’m taking a lunch break,” Rohit said. 

            “That’s so boring! They’re gonna wonder why you couldn’t just have lunch here.” Sheila countered. 

            “I’m having lunch with my fiancé.” Rohit added.  “No one is going to argue with that one.”

            “I still think the guy on the phone would work better!” Sheila called out as Rohit left to walk towards the exit.

            “You’re ridiculous!” Rohit called back to her as he stepped out of the hospital. 

            Rohit pulled out his phone and called Sanjana’s number.  He wondered is sending her text messages would be a better mode of communication, since she spoke so little. 

            “Rohit?” Sanjana’s voice sounded through the phone.  She didn’t even bother with a greeting, shock apparent in her voice. 

            “Hi Sanjana…I…um…feel like seeing you.” Rohit said nervously.  He felt silly all of a sudden. 

            There was silence on the other side of the line. 

            “Can I please see you?” He asked.  Rohit wasn’t sure whether he’d get a response from Sanjana. 

            He continued walking towards the campus where Sanjana attended her class. 

            “Tell me where you are, and I’ll be there in no time.” Rohit tried again.  He was starting to believe that Sanjana didn’t want to see him.  He pulled the phone away from his ear and looked at him.  Sanjana hadn’t hung up.  She was still listening to him.  He’d reached the campus and just started wandering around. 

            Rohit hastily looked down hallways and walked down side walks searching to Sanjana.  The campus was full of students, trying to get to and from class.  Rohit carefully dodged the crowds of people as he searched for Sanjana with his phone still pressed to his ear. 

            “Stop,” Sanjana said.  Her voice was quiet.  He’d barely heard her through the noise of the crowd. 

            Rohit stopped short as soon as he heard Sanjana’s command, nearly bumping into two students.  He turned to his left and then his right.  His eyes finally landed on Sanjana.    A wide grin appeared on his face.  He looked at her with her cell phone pressed up to her ear.  A small smile played on her lips.  She looked happy to see him.  Rohit made a move forward, but before he got far, Sanjana rushed up to him, nearly colliding into him.

            “So, how was your first day of class? Good?” Rohit asked.  He moved a little to the right, letting other people pass by them more easily. 

            Sanjana looked at him uneasily.  The encounter she’d had with Jason was fresh in her mind.  She wondered if she should tell Rohit.  How would he react?  She decided against it, nodding at Rohit’s question.  Rohit fell into a comfortable chatter with Sanjana, which was almost completely one-sided as usual.  He took her to a quaint café near the campus.  When their server approached them, Sanjana froze in fear.  It was Jason.  He exchanged pleasantries with Rohit and eyes Sanjana with a smirk on his face.  Sanjana kept her eyes downcast and glued to the menu.  Rohit had ordered for the both of them.  Jason gave Sanjana a cold look before retreating to get their orders. 

            “Was it just me or was the server a little creepy?” Rohit commented.  Sanjana’s eyes grew wider in surprise.  Rohit hadn’t pursued Jason’s odd behavior any further, however.  Jason returned with their orders after a few minutes and made no attempt to talk to Sanjana at all. 

            Sanjana picked at the food in front of her, not really in the mood to eat.  She looked up at Rohit who was scarfing down his turkey burger as if it was the last meal he’d ever have.  His eyes met Sanjana’s, and he paused. 

            “Are you okay?” He asked her, putting his turkey burger down. 

            Sanjana nodded and sat up a little, trying to make it seem like she was enjoying her meal. 

            “Not hungry, huh?” Rohit concluded. 

            Sanjana looked at him guiltily.  She didn’t want him to think that she wasn’t enjoying her meal because of him because that wasn’t true at all.  Jason made another appearance under the pretext of filling up their glasses of water.  He smirked at Sanjana, who quickly looked down at her plate.  Rohit was observant this time and noticed what had transpired between them. 

            “Do you know him?” He asked, his eyes following Jason’s receding silhouette. 

            Sanjana slowly shook her head. 

            “We should get going.” Rohit said seriously.  He paid the bill and stood up.  Sanjana followed him out.  “I should get back to the hospital,” Rohit said, rubbing the back of his neck.  “I’ll take you to Meenakshi Aunty’s office before I head out.”

            Meenakshi’s office was a short walk away.  Rohit didn’t really say much to Sanjana, but she didn’t think much of it.  They reached her office and Rohit decided that they’d just walk in.  Nobody stopped them or even gave them a second look, and he knew where her office was located anyways.  He knocked on Meenakshi’s door, waiting for her to answer. 

            “Sanjana!” Meenakshi exclaimed after she threw open the door.  She looked at Rohit.  “Oh! Good you’re both here. Come in, there’s some I need to discuss!”

            Rohit and Sanjana entered and sat down in the chairs opposite Meenakshi’s desk. Meenakshi sat down in her chair, beaming. 

            “What’s up, Meenakshi Aunty?” Rohit asked curiously. 

            “So I was talking with the Pandit and he said that there’s another date that we could have the wedding.  It’s the most auspicious and, according to Sanjana’s horoscope, is the luckiest day of the year for her.” Meeakshi explained carefully. 

            “Okay, I don’t mind changing things up a little.” Rohit said.  He looked over at Sanjana, “Especially if it’s better for Sanjana.”  He added. 

            “The only problem is that it’s only a week and a half away.” Meenakshi blurted. 

            Rohit paused. 

            “A week and a half? From three months to a week and a half?!  I don’t know.” Rohit said. 

            “I know it’s soon, Rohit, but it’s such a great day.  If preparations are what you’re worried about, Sudhir said you wanted a simple wedding, and I know Sanjana wouldn’t mind.  We can have a grand wedding ready in no time, actually.” Meenakshi replied. 

            “What about family?” Rohit asked.  “Sanjana’s family needs to travel all the way from India.  I mean most of my friends and family are close by or a short plane ride away, but Sanjana…” Rohit trailed off. 

            Sanjana’s saddened eyes met her Aunt’s.  Meenakshi plastered on a fake smile before addressing Rohit’s concerns. 

            “Everyone on Sanjana’s side can make it whenever. I’ve already discussed everything with them.” Meenakshi said. 

            Rohit looked at Sanjana, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. 

            “Can I talk to Sanjana about this?” Rohit asked. 

            “Sure! I’ll…get some coffee from down the hall in the meantime.  You two take your time.” Meenakshi answered, leaving the room and giving the couple some privacy. 

            “What do you think?” Rohit asked Sanjana as soon as Meenakshi was out of the room. 

            Sanjana shrugged slightly.  She had no preference honestly.  She knew no one from her family was going to attend her wedding and she and Rohit were going to get married regardless of whether it happened in a couple of months or a couple of weeks. 

            “I just think everything is being rushed.” Rohit said, concerned.  “Maybe it’s just the way I was raised, but I don’t think we know each other well enough.”

            Sanjana thought back to how marriage were fixed in her village.  There were very few instances she could recall where the bride and the groom met as frequently as she and Rohit had before they got married.  Usually, marriage were fixed almost exclusively by the parents with the boy giving his own approval or disapproval when asked.  Girls were hardly ever asked, however.  Sanjana considered herself lucky that her Aunt had gone to great lengths to make sure she and Rohit got along well with each other, especially considering Rohit’s Americanized upbringing. 

            “I know I want to marry you though.” Rohit added, breaking Sanjana train of thought.

            “Do you object?” Sanjana asked quietly. 

            “To what? Marrying you?” Rohit asked.  He’s just made it clear that he wanted to marry her. 

            “Sooner?” Sanjana finished the question. 

            “Do you object?” Rohit asked, turning Sanjana’s question on her. 

            She shook her head immediately. 

            “No objections here either.” Rohit stated, a smile playing at his lips. 

            Sanjana but her lip nervously.  She couldn’t believe this all of this was happening so fast. 

            “We’re getting married,” Rohit smiled, “in ten days.” He finished.  “Shit.”

THIS CHAPTER ESCALATED SOOOO QUICKLY!! It was supposed to be Sanjana’s first day of class and that’s it, but I want them married sooo badly! They might get married in the next chapter itself. I’m just toooo impatient! 

Sorry for the longest time between updates.  I’m drowning in school work. Ughhh!! Aannddd I have the coolest idea for a new story!! It’s set in a college and is kinda similar to Sanjana discovering herself…only the girl is nothing like Sanjana. Lol she’s more like meee :) But we all know I apparently need to write one story at a time because updating is so difficult so I don’t know when I’ll ever get to write this story :(

Next update will be up soonish! They’re gonna get married! I’m determined lol!

Tell me what you thought of this chapter!

 COMMENT AND VOTE!!!