Rudra had never been the type to actively seek out new friendships. He was laid-back, easygoing, and preferred to let things happen naturally. So, when he found himself befriending both Aarav and Siddarth within the first week of college, even he was a little surprised at how seamlessly they all clicked.
It had started during a rather uneventful afternoon in the campus library. Rudra had been attempting (and failing) to focus on an assignment when he overheard an argument at the next table.
"You can't possibly think it makes sense to spend 15 minutes explaining something that could be summed up in two," a voice said, clearly exasperated.
"That's called elaboration, genius," another voice countered, laced with amusement.
Rudra turned his head slightly, eyes landing on two guys deep in debate over what looked like an analysis paper. The first one, Aarav, had a calm but tired expression, like he had fought this battle too many times. The other, Siddarth, was grinning as if he enjoyed pushing Aarav's buttons.
"Okay, but hear me out—" Siddarth started, but Aarav cut him off with a deadpan stare.
"No."
Rudra snorted before he could stop himself, drawing their attention.
"You agree with me, right?" Siddarth asked, leaning forward. "Overexplaining is necessary for depth."
"I mean… I wasn't listening that closely," Rudra admitted, "but from what I caught, Aarav seems done with your nonsense."
Aarav exhaled, shaking his head. "Finally, someone reasonable."
And just like that, Rudra found himself joining their conversation. It turned out they all had overlapping schedules, and over the next few days, casual run-ins turned into shared meals, shared rants about professors, and a growing sense of camaraderie.
One week later, Rudra decided it was time to introduce them to his closest circle.
The main courtyard of Delhi University was always buzzing with life—students lounging on the grass, rushing to classes, or debating over chai at the corner stalls. It was there that Rudra found his usual group.
Shumaila, Komal, Akansha, and Sneha were already deep in conversation when Rudra strolled over with Aarav and Siddarth in tow.
"Hey, I brought company," Rudra announced casually.
Four pairs of eyes turned toward them.
Komal was the first to speak. "New recruits?"
Siddarth smirked. "Depends—what's the initiation process?"
"No initiation," Akansha replied with a shrug. "Just survive Shumaila's sarcasm, and you'll be fine."
Shumaila, who had been sizing them up, raised an eyebrow. "I'm not that bad."
Sneha snorted. "You're absolutely that bad."
Aarav, observing quietly, finally spoke. "I'm Aarav. Arts major."
"Siddarth, business major. And Rudra's suffering partner in our mutual struggle to stay sane in lectures," Siddarth added with a grin.
Komal laughed. "You'll fit right in."
And just like that, the group expanded.
Little did they know, this was just the beginning of something unforgettable.