'Hurry up, Aashi you are getting late.' Mrs. Verma called from the dining table.

'Yes, Ma!' came an instant reply from upstairs.

'What is it today?' Mr. Verma asked taking his seat at the table.

'Today is result day, Aashi wants admission at MIT College of Arts & Commerce.' Mrs. Verma sounded worried.

'Don't worry our daughter is a very bright student, she will crack this.' Mr. Verma assured his wife. She smiled feeling better.

Aashi stood in front of the mirror and checked herself, this is going to be a big day for her and she wants everything to be perfect. Dressed in a peach top and denim jeans and with her natural wavy elbow length hair neatly combed and tied in a loose ponytail she looked decent enough. She quickly applied Kohl in her big round eyes and dabbed her thin lips with nude lip gloss. Wearing her sling bag across her chest she hurriedly left the room.

'Have breakfast.' Mrs. Verma called but Aashi refused stating she is getting late and will have something in the Canteen.

Luckily, she got an auto and quickly climbed in

'Bhaiya, MIT College of Arts & Commerce Chalo.' She said to the driver. He nodded and started the ignition.

As the auto drove to the College, Aashi silently prayed, 'Yaar, Rishabh I hope you aren't sleeping.'

***********************************

Aashi stood in front of the campus, she looked at it Awed. The campus so huge, Aashi thought she might get lost here. The tall building, perfectly mowed garden and trees, the quiet roads. She smiled thinking she will be spending next two years studying her BA here, hopefully. She saw many people crowding the notice board and she felt nervous, 'the results are out.'

She and Rishabh had sat for the entrance exam last week and since then Aashi is panicking, Rishabh, as usual, is cool. Thinking of him, Aashi looked around hoping to see him among the sea of people. But, he isn't seen anywhere. Frustrated, she dug her hand into her bag and fished out her phone. She dialed Rishabh.

He picked up few rings after she called for the second time.

'Hello.' He said in a hoarse groggily voice. Aashi slapped her forehead, her thoughts were right- he was indeed asleep. She glanced at her wristwatch, 10 am, who sleeps so late she wondered.

Idiot, where are you?

(yawn): at home

Come to MIT college. (Angry)

Why?

(Roll eyes): Results are out

WHAT?

Aashi heard him fall hard off his bed, she covered her mouth to suppress her giggle. And without him saying like always Aashi said, 'Get ready and come soon, I will check your result.'

'Wow!' he sounded relieved, 'Thanks a ton, you are the best.'

Okay, no need to butter me. Come fast.

Yup!

Aashi kept pacing near the notice board, the crowd as cleared a lot with only a few people now standing. She kept cursing under her breath and glancing repeatedly at her watch and then towards the entrance looking for any sign of her irresponsible friend.

It is 11 am, exactly one hour since she had spoken to Rishabh. Aashi's legs hurt and so she sat on the bench. She exhaled loudly adjusting the sling of her bag.

'Hey!' Aashi heard someone huff and looked up. She pressed her lips tightly when she saw Rishabh standing in front of her. He wore a Yellow Tee and Denim jeans, his hair fell across his forehead and slightly wet with sweat, a sling bag across his chest.

'I hope I am not too late.' He said wiping his sweaty face with his handkerchief. Aashi folded her arms tapping her foot impatiently.

'What?' Rishabh asked cluelessly.

'The results?'

'What is it? you topped, I failed?' he joked and chuckled at his own joke.

'I am Rank 3 and you....'

Rishabh froze, suddenly he looked nervous.

'Rank 100.'

'Phew!' Rishabh sighed in relieve.

'Dude, 100... aren't you disappointed...I got 3 and...'

'Chill, Aashi. You are just 18 if you think so much you will look like 38.' Rishabh said lightly. When she opened her mouth to counter him when he threw his arm around her shoulder.

'Let's have food in the canteen.' He said steering her towards the canteen. Aashi wanted to protest but dropped the idea when she felt her stomach rumble.

**************************************

Aashi enjoyed the delicious club sandwich in the canteen, also loved the campus as she and Rishabh strolled around. Rishabh was verbally more excited than her, he kept commenting on everything he found interesting and boring.

Finally, they went to the admin office got the details, filled the necessary forms, and left. Aashi had a bright smile on her face, she is excited to start her studies. But the college will be opening on Monday for the new session.

'Studying here for whole two years, it will be fun.' He said as the two walked towards his bike.

Fun, Aashi frowned.

College isn't about fun, it is about studying, harder than school and to bag an excellent well-paid job or get into Prestigious MBA college, perhaps abroad. But, Aashi chose not to say all this because it won't change his POV rather he will make fun of her nerdiness.

'Come sit, what are you waiting for?' Rishabh said wearing his helmet.