The days of college had settled into a rhythm, but campus life was anything but predictable. As the group of freshers started growing closer, the university's social hierarchy slowly revealed itself.
Enter the Elites
It was common knowledge that some students ruled the campus, particularly a group of second and third-year elites who had claimed their territory long ago. At the center of it all was Taniya Mehra, a third-year business major and the undisputed queen bee of Delhi University. With her expensive designer outfits, manicured nails, and an ever-present air of superiority, she walked the campus like she owned it.
Her group consisted of Saanvi, Priya, and Nisha, all equally privileged and just as ruthless when it came to maintaining their status. They judged people by their clothes, their bank balance, and their usefulness.
And then, there was Karan Malhotra—the popular football player, campus heartthrob, and self-proclaimed ladies' man. His charm was effortless, his arrogance unmatched. He thrived on attention, whether it came from admirers or rivals.
The freshers had heard whispers about them, but soon enough, they were about to come face-to-face.
The Cafeteria Encounter
It was a rare moment when all seven of them—Shumaila, Komal, Akansha, Sneha, Rudra, Aarav, and Siddarth—managed to find a spot in the bustling cafeteria.
"So, how does it feel to have a solid friend group now?" Rudra asked, nudging Aarav, who still wasn't entirely used to the constant chatter.
Aarav smirked. "Feels like I got adopted."
Siddarth laughed. "Well, welcome to the chaos, my friend."
As the group continued chatting, the energy in the cafeteria suddenly shifted. People's attention turned toward a table in the center, where Taniya and her clique sat like royalty. Karan was leaning back lazily in his chair, flipping his football between his hands.
Taniya's sharp eyes scanned the cafeteria until they landed on the new faces—the freshers who had dared to take up space in their world.
"Look at them," she muttered to Saanvi. "Already acting like they own the place."
Saanvi smirked. "Freshers have no sense of hierarchy anymore."
Taniya took a sip of her overpriced coffee, her gaze lingering on Hamza for a second longer than necessary, who's on his laptop, sitting alone without any care. "Maybe they need a reminder."
An Unexpected Collision
After lunch, Shumaila was heading towards the library when she bumped into someone—hard. She took a step back, only to find herself face-to-face with Hamza.
"Seriously?" she groaned. "Do you not have eyes?"
Hamza scoffed, adjusting the strap of his backpack. "I could say the same to you. Maybe try looking where you're going next time."
Shumaila narrowed her eyes. "Oh, so now it's my fault again?"
He shrugged. "I mean, if the shoe fits."
Her jaw clenched. "You—"
"Relax," he said, smirking. "Don't get so worked up. It's just a bump, not the end of the world."
Shumaila scoffed, folding her arms. "You're insufferable."
Hamza chuckled. "And you're predictable."
Before she could retort, Komal appeared, pulling her away. "Come on, let's not start a war in the middle of the corridor."
Shumaila shot Hamza one last glare before walking off, while Hamza simply shook his head, amusement evident in his eyes.
Their two encounters weren't quiet, nor civil, and certainly not boring.
A New Target
Taniya and her group had been observing everything. The way the freshers interacted, the way they moved in a pack. She tapped her nails against the table, already plotting.
"They'll learn soon enough," she said with a smirk. "No one comes to Delhi University without knowing who runs it."
And just like that, the first seeds of rivalry were planted.