What kind of dream was it? Why did I suddenly dream of her after so many years. No, wait. It wouldn't be a dream if she was in it - it was a nightmare.

"Bhaiyya!"

Veer landed on top of me and began jumping on my stomach as if he was on a trampoline. I was already tired as I felt like I didn't sleep at all; it was all because of her.

"Wake up! Isn't today your first day at school?" Veer asked.

I lightly pushed his face with my index finger and got up from my bed. He told me to pick him up. I pursed my lips and shook my head. He pouted and gave me his puppy eyes. I told him that it wasn't going to be of any use no matter how much cute he acted.

I moved to get my towel and headed towards the washroom, but before I went inside, I looked over my shoulder. My younger brother stared at me in accusation and crossed his arms across his chest.

Damn, I can't see him sad.

I went back and picked him up, making him squeal in joy as I put him on my shoulders.

"Happy now?" I asked.

He placed his palms over my head and raised his head in the air like a king.

"Depart, my chariot. I command you to destroy the enemy walls and take me to the princess so I can save her."

Princess? Argh... I hated that word.

Suddenly, her face, mocking me with a mischievous smile, flashed in front of my eyes, and absentmindedly, I gripped Veer's legs tightly. He hit me on the head and reminded me of his order.

I sighed and gave him a trip of the first floor before dropping him outside my room. Before he could make me his servant, I dashed inside my washroom and locked the door. As I was running late, I took a quick shower and got ready for my first day at the college.

Actually, the classes started two days ago itself, but I wasn't able to attend because of a medical emergency. Ayush needed me beside him, and I had to make sure that he didn't fall back into his depressive state. My best friend had a traumatic past, and he didn't even want to go to college in fear of getting bullied, but I managed to convince him on joining the same institution as mine.

Dad wanted me to go abroad for studies, but I was adamant on staying in India. I knew that if I went overseas, he would overwork himself and take unnecessary stress. After Mom died, I had to support my father in ever way possible; Mom would have been proud of me if she was here.

As I got ready, I observed my reflection in the mirror. I had the same height and complexion like Dad, but that was it. I had inhereted most of my traits from my mother: dark brown eyes, straight nose, same smile, and a big mop of curly hair.

Bird's Nest.

I blinked rapidly when that nickname rang in my ears. I touched my head, and small spikes grazed my fingertips. I had cut down my proud mane because of two reasons. One, it always fell on my eyes and hindered whenever I played, and it was so thick that no rubber band was able to keep it tied for longer. Second, I always got reminded of that girl who used to make fun of me and hid weird objects in my hair.

If I ever found her again, I will definitely kill her. Man, I was getting worked up again. Chill, Ved, chill. She is not here; she left eight years ago. She ain't coming back.

"Hope we never see each other again, Ved."

That's what she had said. Of course, we would never meet even in hell.

"Bhaiyya!"

"What is it, Veer?"

"Why are you so slow? Breakfast is ready."

"I am not slow. Haven't you seen me play basketball?"

He nodded and told me to come to the dining room quickly. I picked up my backpack and followed him. We took our seats, and Mom asked me if I had a good sleep or not.

"Kind of," I said.

"Don't be nervous, okay?"

"I am not a kid, Maa." I laughed.

"It is not good to lie, bhaiyya. If you are scared then you can tell me. I will take you to the school today and warn everyone to be polite to you," Veer assured with a serious look.

I ruffled his hair. "My baby brother is growing up fast."

He gave me a toothy grin, and after we finished our meals, I grabbed my bike keys and hugged my brother. He patted my back reassuringly, and then Mom did her usual practice of giving something sweet to eat before leaving for an important work.

She was my stepmother, but I never felt short of her love. She loved me and Veer equally, though sometimes, I felt like she loved me more, but I didn't want to get in a fight with my little bro, so I never said it out aloud. I knew I was a spoilt brat when I met her the first time, but fortunately, I didn't make matters worse.

I would be always grateful to her for what she had done for me and my dad. It was all thanks to her that I wasn't a delinquent today.

I bid my goodbyes and hopped on my bike. As I moved it out of the parking lot, I felt a weird sensation. My intuition was pretty strong, and it signalled to me that something was going to happen. I was confused about it, but I waved it off and reached the college.

That feeling from earlier intensified as I stepped inside the premises after checking with the security guards. I saw a banner titled Welcome Freshers and smiled at it. I clicked a selfie and posted it on my Instagram. I admired the vast garden before moving inside.

The smell of freshly made samosas traveled to my nose, so instead of going to the Dean's office, I went to the cafeteria to try on the snacks. Once I entered the diner, all eyes turned towards me. I heard my name from some of the students and how they were discussing about me.

I kind of felt happy that I was well known thanks to my sports achievements and family name, but I wanted to keep it low and focus more on my studies now that I was in college.

I roamed my eyes around, trying to locate the cafeteria kitchen when I heard a familiar voice.

"Ved, wassup man?"

I saw one of my close friends, Parth, waving at me. I went in his direction and bro-hugged him. He introduced me to his friends, who were standing beside him. The girl in red t-shirt waved at me and introduced herself as Surbhi. I liked her ambiance - she was very friendly and welcoming.

I turned my head to her right when I heard a small 'Hi' from a girl, who... seemed suspicious.

The moment my eyes snapped at her, she ducked her head, and my inner voice began running sprints. The girl looked familiar - a lot familiar. But since her face was not clearly visible behind her hair, I couldn't confirm my doubt.

No, it is not possible. Why the heck am I even thinking about her right now? I would prefer if she was not her.

I decided to try a trick. I commented that she was a shy person and sighed when she didn't say anything in return. If my childhood enemy was in her place, she would have punched me without thinking.

Unlike the shy girl, Surbhi was talking non-stop with enthusiasm. She was asked by her friend to leave, but Surbhi refused, and her friend left by herself. I stared at her back till she vanished from my sight.

Were my antennas broken?

Mayank and Rajeev bhaiyya had arrived and welcomed me with a warm hug, but I was having a hard time concentrating on what they were talking about. As soon as the first bell rang, we left for our lectures. I sat in the back row with my friends, and one by one, other students started arriving.

We were discussing about various topics when I felt a silhouette moving weirdly in the corner of my eye. I looked to my left and noticed the same girl from earlier acting strange as if she was looking out for someone.

"What are you looking at?" Nikhil asked.

"Nothing."

"Do you think we would need to give a performance test before we get selected in the basketball team?" he asked.

"Nah, I don't think so. My position was already decided before I joined, so I think you are also on the team going by your performance and the recommendation you got."

"Hmm... right, bro. But can you please look at us when taking?"

I moved my gaze on Nikhil and other guys; they looked at me in concern. I told them not to worry and didn't let my focus waver. We moved out of the classroom for our next lecture but Mehta Sir stopped me. He congratulated me for my recent interview by a leading newspaper and expressed how glad he was that I had decided to study in our college.

I felt grateful for his words and thanked him, trying to ignore a very unhealthy stare on the back of my head. Mehta Sir excused me, and I glanced at the door. I was sure there was someone, and I didn't like the feeling.

Why was I feeling as if I would get murdered if I wasn't careful? Was I watching too many crime shows?

"Let's meet the Coach," Nikhil said.

I nodded, and we reached the basketball court. I grinned when I saw the place clean and shining. We had a meeting with our future team members and did a formal introduction. The training was going to start from tomorrow, so we had all time to relax today.

We went for lunch after the first half of our day got over. I sat with Parth and the rest of the gang. One of the guys cracked a joke, and we burst out laughing.

Oh no, I was tired of it now. Calm down, you idiot heart. Stop giving me false alarms.

I ignored the stupid signals and ignored the doubts in my mind. After a day full of fun, it was time to leave. I was padding down the hallway, enjoying all the attention from my peers when I saw a figure dash at a flash speed.

"Surbhi!"

The girl collided with Surbhi, who balanced themselves before they fell down. As the shy girl's back was towards me, I couldn't see her face, but I could sense how happy she was. She told Surbhi that she was going to Parth's party, and I looked at her in confusion.

Party and her? I thought she was a closed off person, but look at her jumping like a clown.

Why are you so bothered about her, Ved? Stop staring holes in her, or someone will think that you are stalking her.

I rolled my eyes and reached the parking lot. I was really overthinking everything. It was all in the past, and there was no way Sandy Pandy would return and keep quiet after seeing me.

Even if we were the last persons alive on earth, we would never get along - ever. It would be a miracle if that happened.