The college gate stood open in front of him, like an old dream turning into reality again.
Above the gate, the board read — "Shri Shantinath Degree College, Raipur" — the same place where he had lived his youth, the same streets, the same canteen, the same echo of cricket cheers… and all those relationships that brought both friendship and betrayal.
But this time, Aarav was different.
The first time he came to college, his eyes were full of curiosity, a little nervousness, and lots of dreams.
But today… his eyes held a new fire, born from the ashes of past struggles.
---
He stepped into the classroom.
There, on the first bench, sat the same two mischievous boys — Rohit and Harsh.
A group of girls were seated in the back corner, and in another corner, sat her — Priya.
There was a calmness on Priya's face, a glow of knowledge in her eyes, and a quiet confidence in her walk.
Aarav looked at her, and a soft smile appeared on his lips.
"That's her… the one who'll bring light into my life someday… but not yet, not now…"
He took his seat — third row, by the window.
From there, he could see the neem tree outside. That's where he used to get lost in thoughts.
---
First Lecture — Economics.
The professor walked in.
"Students, today marks the beginning of a new journey. You're starting fresh, and you must understand — your future begins right here..."
To most, those words were routine.
But to Aarav, they felt profound.
He was listening to every line as if the future itself was sitting in front of him whispering — "You won't get this chance again."
---
Break Time — The Buzz of the Canteen.
Aarav walked toward the canteen.
The same smell of samosas, the same chole in tiny bowls, and the familiar sound of sizzling hot tea.
He sat quietly in a corner and pulled out his old wallet — inside were just 50 rupees.
"That should get me two samosas and a cup of tea..."
Just then, a voice spoke up beside him —
"You new here?"
He turned around — it was Priya.
She smiled slightly.
"Yeah… I'm new, but this place feels oddly familiar."
Priya chuckled a little.
"Interesting answer."
She came over and sat at his table.
"I'm Priya. First-year, B.Com. You?"
"Aarav. Same."
"College is nice, but most people are here more for timepass than for studies. Are you one of them?"
Aarav looked into her eyes.
"No. I'm here to make things right this time."
Priya raised an eyebrow, a little surprised.
"This time...? What do you mean?"
Aarav smiled gently.
"Nothing… just saying."
---
Their first conversation was short, but it left a lasting impression.
In Aarav's eyes, Priya saw something she hadn't seen in other boys — a certain depth, a brokenness, and a quiet desire to rebuild.
---
Evening — Returning to the Village.
Aarav came home carrying vegetables for his mother.
As he opened the door, his mom smiled and asked,
"How was college?"
"Good… just kept remembering old things."
"Old things? But today was your first day."
Aarav smiled faintly.
"Yeah, Mom. First time, of course..."
She touched his forehead.
"You don't have a fever, do you? You've been talking strangely these days."
Aarav hugged her tightly.
"No, Mom. I just don't want to lose you."
She laughed lightly,
"What nonsense... I'm not going anywhere."
But Aarav knew — if he didn't change things, she would be gone from his life on 25th May 2020.
---
Night — Aarav lying in bed.
He stared at the ceiling.
"This is not the time to think... it's the time to act.
I have to change everything.
I have to top my studies, take care of Mom, and most importantly — not fall into the trap of that same girl again, the one who destroyed me before."
His eyes began to close slowly,
But one thought echoed in his mind —
"This life is a second chance… and I won't waste it this time..."