The morning tea somehow tasted different that day.
Aarav's mother, dressed in her usual old clothes, was humming softly in the kitchen.
"Come on, beta, wake up… it's time for college. Oh, and I packed aloo parathas in your tiffin today!"
Aarav smiled.
"Thanks, Maa… you're the most beautiful mom in the world."
"Don't try to butter me up with fake compliments again. Get up, or you'll miss your bus!"
As Aarav got out of bed, he thought to himself,
"I wish I had listened to you more that day, Maa... but this time, I'll make everything right."
---
College had a lighter vibe that day.
Sunlight draped gently over the trees, and students roamed around the campus like they used to.
But one thing had changed — Aarav's perspective.
As he entered the classroom and was about to settle on the back bench, a voice called out —
"Excuse me, Mr. Time Traveler, sit here."
He turned — it was Priya.
"Time traveler?" Aarav raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah… you always seem like you live in some other zone. Talking to you feels like you've already seen the future."
Aarav chuckled,
"Nah, I've just become a bit philosophical. Besides… knowing the future can be a burden too."
Priya playfully nudged him,
"Oh wow! So you're some great soul carrying burdens? Then you deserve a Nobel Prize!"
They both burst into laughter.
---
Lunch break — corner of the canteen.
Aarav and Priya were at the same table.
Priya had her lunchbox — paneer paratha and pickle.
Aarav had his mom's special aloo parathas.
"Let's do a lunch exchange today," Priya suggested.
"Look, I can compromise on anything… but not on my mom's aloo parathas," Aarav said with a teasing tone.
"Excuse me! My paneer parathas won't tolerate that insult!"
"Alright then, let's do a little exchange… mutual understanding," Aarav smiled, offering a piece.
Priya passed a piece too.
And just like that, in those little shared moments, their friendship found a comfortable rhythm.
---
After class — Library.
Aarav sat in a quiet corner, reading some old books on the stock market.
"Investing during inflation" — that was his topic for the day.
Just then, Priya walked in and sat beside him.
"Oho, turning into a serious investor now?"
Aarav looked up from the book —
"Actually, yeah. A big crisis is coming. This time, I want to be ready."
Priya looked surprised.
"How do you know what's coming in the future?"
Aarav paused… then said,
"Just a gut feeling. I've seen a lot in the past few years. Now I don't want to step into life unprepared."
Priya stayed quiet for a moment, then said —
"You know… you're different. Not like the others."
Aarav gave a soft smile.
"Sometimes life brings you to a point where there's no turning back… and that changes you."
---
The next day — entering the campus.
As Aarav reached his class, three girls came walking from the other side — laughing, chatting.
Among them was one — Sakshi.
Sakshi — the girl who had once broken his heart.
Aarav froze for a second.
Her eyes met his, but he didn't respond.
Sakshi smiled.
"Hi, Aarav…"
He nodded slightly but walked straight into the class, without stopping.
For the first time… he didn't wait for her.
---
During the break — Priya noticed.
"You know that girl?"
Aarav looked down.
"Once I did… not anymore."
"Oh… something happened?"
Aarav let out a small laugh and dodged the topic.
"Something like that… but I don't want the past to repeat. This time I'm going to be a little selfish — for my mother, and for myself."
Priya looked into his eyes.
"And keep a bit of that selfishness for me too."
Aarav blinked.
"What?"
Priya laughed.
"I mean… I want good friends all to myself. I don't share easily!"
They laughed again.
---
Night — dinner at home with Maa.
Maa: "You've become so calm these days, beta… You used to be so naughty!"
Aarav: "Now Priya's the naughty one… I just fall for her traps."
Maa smiled.
"Oh… Priya?"
Aarav blushed a little.
"No Maa… nothing like that. She's just a good friend."
Maa gently placed her hand on his head.
"Sometimes, good friendships turn into the strongest bonds."
---
Late night — Aarav alone in bed.
"Everything's happening like before… but I won't let it end like before.
This time, I won't fall into Sakshi's trap…
This time, I won't lose Maa…
And this time… if someone truly loves me — I won't ever let her go."
The story was now picking up pace.
---