At Chennai Airport

Siya’s POV

It’s 7 AM, and I landed in Chennai an hour ago. My orientation at IIT Madras begins at 8:30, and I have to be on time.

Coming to Chennai and pursuing a degree at IIT Madras has always been my biggest dream. Although my parents were a bit paranoid about me moving all the way from Mumbai, they supported my decision wholeheartedly—they knew how much this meant to me. Being their only child, it’s natural for them to be concerned about my safety. We even visited the campus last month, and my parents personally ensured all the arrangements. And now... here I am!

As I walked out of the airport, I suddenly bumped into a large suitcase and lost my balance. My eyes instinctively shut, bracing for a fall—but instead, I felt a pair of strong hands wrap around my waist, steadying me.

Once he helped me stand properly, I opened my eyes—and the sight before me was unexpectedly breathtaking. A guy, much taller than me, stood there staring straight into my eyes. His dark grey eyes locked with my dark brown ones, and I swear, they were enough to make any girl’s heart skip a beat.

He was still holding my waist, and my gaze unintentionally trailed down to his hands. Those veins. Gosh.

He immediately withdrew his hands, his voice low and calm as he asked, “Are you okay?”

I was so stunned by his presence, I couldn’t form any words. I simply nodded. He bent down, picked up my handbag and the admission letter I had dropped. His eyes briefly scanned the letter, and he smirked before handing it back to me.

Then he leaned down slightly, his voice brushing against my ear as he whispered, “Welcome.”

And just like that—he walked away.

I stood frozen, trying to process what just happened. Why did he say that? Did he know me? But before I could overthink it, reality struck—I was getting late.

Run, Siya, run. You can’t miss orientation!

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Veer’s POV

I landed in Chennai almost two hours ago. I was waiting near the airport gate for my best friend, Aarav, who had just landed. He had flown in from Mumbai after attending his cousin’s wedding.

I’m from Delhi, and this is my first time in Chennai. Honestly, I’m not sure how I’m going to manage here, but having Aarav with me makes it easier.

Aarav has been my best friend since high school. At first, my parents weren’t thrilled about me moving so far for college, but I eventually convinced them. My brother Parth, on the other hand, was overjoyed—finally, he gets the entire room to himself. Lucky guy. I don’t mind sharing a room with Aarav anyway.

While waiting, I felt someone stumble into my suitcase. I looked down just in time to catch her by the waist before she fell.

She slowly opened her eyes—and wow.

She looked at me like she’d seen a ghost, but I was the one who was completely taken aback. Her dark brown eyes were filled with panic, her wavy shoulder-length hair framed her face perfectly, and her rosy lips and petite nose made her look effortlessly beautiful. I couldn’t look away.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

She didn’t speak—just gave a small nod. I noticed her handbag and a paper on the ground and bent down to pick them up. The paper turned out to be her admission letter.

IIT Madras. So, she’s a student too. Interesting.

I handed her things back and leaned in slightly. “Welcome,” I whispered.

She just stood there, clearly confused. I was about to turn around and glance back at her one more time when I heard someone yelling my name.

I turned toward the voice—it was Aarav, the reason we were now probably going to be late for orientation. As he approached, I looked back—but she was gone.

I hadn’t seen her name on the letter, but it didn’t matter. We were in the same college.

I’ll see her again.