How Fool Was I

How Fool Was I

Nikita had always been a bright and ambitious girl. Hailing from Balangard, a small yet vibrant town in Odisha, she had big dreams. When she received admission to the prestigious Center for Management Services College in Ahmedpur, Maharashtra, it was a bittersweet moment. Excitement mixed with apprehension as she prepared to leave her family and the comfort of her home. Moving to a new city, living in a hostel, and navigating the challenges of college life felt daunting.

The first few weeks were tough. Nikita found herself overwhelmed by the bustling life in Ahmedpur. The hostel, with its chatter and the unfamiliar faces of her roommates, felt nothing like home. The towering academic buildings and the constant buzz of activities reminded her that she was far from the serene streets of Balangard. She longed for a friend, someone she could rely on, someone who could make her feel at ease in this alien environment.

An Unexpected Meeting

One sunny afternoon, as she sat in the college canteen sipping tea and lost in her thoughts, she noticed the aroma of freshly fried samosas wafting through the air. The canteen was crowded, and the chatter of students created a symphony of noise that she found both comforting and overwhelming. As she sat quietly, staring at her notebook, a cheerful voice broke her reverie.

"Hi," the voice said. Looking up, she saw a boy with a disarming smile standing before her. "You’re new here, right? I’ve seen you sitting alone a lot."

It was Nikhil, the son of the canteen in-charge. He often helped his father run the canteen, especially when his father wasn’t feeling well. That day, he was bustling around the tables, delivering plates of snacks and cups of tea. But something about Nikita caught his attention.

"If you ever need anything—food or anything else—just let me know. I can manage it for you," he offered.

Nikita felt a mix of surprise and gratitude. "Thank you," she replied softly. Their brief conversation ended with an exchange of phone numbers, and Nikita felt a flicker of comfort in her otherwise lonely routine.

A Blossoming Friendship

That night, her phone buzzed with a message. "Hi, hope you’re doing okay! It’s Nikhil," it read. What started as casual messages soon turned into nightly conversations. They talked about everything: college life, dreams, fears, favorite movies, and childhood memories. Nikita found herself looking forward to these chats, which brought a sense of warmth and familiarity to her otherwise cold and unfamiliar surroundings.

One evening, as they sat under the banyan tree on campus, Nikhil asked, "What’s the one thing you miss the most about Balangard?"

Nikita smiled wistfully. "The sound of my mother calling me for dinner and the smell of my father’s jasmine plants."

"I’ll bet you’re the favorite child," Nikhil teased, trying to lighten the mood. "Do your parents call you every day?"

"They do. My dad… he’s very protective. When I told him I was staying in a hostel, he wasn’t happy at all."

Nikhil nodded thoughtfully. "They must miss you terribly."

Nikita’s eyes softened. "They do. But I’m here to make them proud."

Nikhil’s gestures were small but thoughtful. He noticed when she seemed tired and brought her a cup of hot tea. When she mentioned missing home-cooked meals, he surprised her with a dish his father had prepared, reminiscent of her favorite Odia cuisine. Slowly, Nikita’s loneliness began to fade, replaced by the joy of having someone who genuinely cared for her.

The Growing Bond

As months passed, their bond deepened. Nikhil would wait for her after lectures, and they’d sit under the shade of the old banyan tree, talking about everything under the sun. One day, he handed her a small gift—a book she had mentioned wanting to read.

"You’re the first person who listens to me so attentively," she admitted, her cheeks flushing.

"You deserve to be listened to," he replied with sincerity.

Their friendship blossomed into love. They became inseparable, exploring Ahmedpur together—from bustling markets to serene parks. Their relationship didn’t go unnoticed, and soon, they became the talk of the college. Nikita’s classmates gossiped about her new romance, and though some were envious, Nikita couldn’t help but feel special.

One evening, as they walked by the lakeside, Nikhil hesitated before asking, "Do you think your family would ever accept someone like me?"

Nikita paused, her face clouding. "I don’t know. They’re… traditional. But I’ll fight for us, Nikhil. You mean everything to me."

Gossip and Revelations

Nikita’s friends, especially her roommate Priya, often teased her about Nikhil. "So, what’s the story with the canteen prince?" Priya would say with a smirk.

"He’s not just the canteen prince," Nikita retorted. "He’s kind, genuine, and he listens. That’s more than I can say for most of the guys around here."

"You’re glowing these days," Priya observed one evening. "It’s obvious he’s good for you. But are you ready for the whispers? People can be cruel, you know."

"Let them talk," Nikita said firmly. "For the first time, I feel seen."

Love and Farewell

The envious whispers of her peers only elevated Nikita’s sense of importance. She felt like a princess, cherished by Nikhil and admired by others. Yet, as their college years flew by, the looming reality of parting grew heavier on their hearts.

On the last day of college, as the campus was filled with laughter and tears of goodbye, Nikita and Nikhil sat silently under their banyan tree.

"I’ll wait for you," Nikhil said, his voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes. "No matter how long it takes."

Through her tears, Nikita promised, "I will come back. We’ll be together."

Life’s Unexpected Turns

Returning to Balangard felt like stepping into a different world. Her parents, thrilled with her academic achievements, quickly turned their focus to her marriage. One evening, her father called her into his study.

"Nikita, we’ve found a match for you," he announced.

Nikita’s heart sank. "But Baba, I’m not ready for marriage. I just finished college."

Her father’s tone was firm. "This is not just about you. Rajiv is a good boy, working in the UK. He’s from our community, and this is an opportunity you cannot let go of."

Nikita’s protests fell on deaf ears. Her parents were adamant. Heartbroken, she married Rajiv. As she boarded the flight to the UK, memories of Nikhil and their promises haunted her. The initial weeks of her marriage were a struggle. She missed Nikhil deeply, crying herself to sleep most nights. But Rajiv’s kindness and patience slowly softened her heart. He was attentive, supportive, and deeply in love with her.

Coping with Change

During her first months in the UK, Nikita confided in her elder sister, who lived nearby. "I feel so torn," she admitted. "I still think of Nikhil, but Rajiv… he’s good to me."

Her sister placed a comforting hand on hers. "You’ve been through a lot. Give yourself time. Sometimes, life chooses for us, and we grow into those choices."

Over time, Nikita found herself growing into her new life. She and Rajiv built a happy home together, raising two lively boys who filled their lives with laughter. Their luxurious house, complete with sprawling gardens and sleek sports cars, was a testament to their hard work and shared dreams.

A Moment of Reflection

Years later, while scrolling through Instagram, nostalgia gripped Nikita. She searched for Nikhil’s profile, her heart racing with curiosity. When she found it, she was stunned. Nikhil still worked at the college canteen, living a modest life. His profile showed pictures of him with his father, his second-hand bike, and occasional glimpses of the college campus.

For a moment, her heart ached. She remembered the boy who had once been her world. But as she looked around her, at the laughter of her children and the comfort of her life, she felt a wave of gratitude.

"How fool was I," she whispered, realizing how different her life would have been. The tears she shed for Nikhil now seemed like a distant memory. She silently thanked her parents for steering her toward a life she hadn’t known to wish for.

The End

Nikita’s story is a poignant reminder that life often takes us on unexpected journeys. What may seem like heartbreak in one moment can lead to blessings in another. And sometimes, the choices we resist the most are the ones that shape our destiny in the best possible way.