Ishita’s POV

The college gate towered ahead—half rust, half paint, all memories.

It was my final year, and  everything felt more fragile now. Like every moment was a last draft—no more room for mistakes.

I adjusted the strap of my tote bag and stepped in, greeted by the familiar chaos: nagging for late arrivals, someone shouting “assignment submission today!”, and the smell of samosas from the canteen .

“Ishiiiiii!”

I didn’t even need to turn. That squeal belonged to Adhya, my best friend.

Dressed in an oversized hoodie and wing eyeliner that somehow worked, she skipped toward me with two cups of coffee.

“I bribed the canteen guy. Double shot espresso. You’ll need it.”

“I didn't even sat down yet,” I laughed, hugging her. “And since when did you start drinking espresso?”

“I don’t. This one’s for you. I’m emotionally supporting your meltdown from the sidelines.”

I groaned. “It’s just a interview. Not the end of the world.”

“But it’s at Rathore & co. , Ishita! That’s like… Mount Everest in heels!”

I winced. “Don’t remind me, I am already nervous."

We walked toward the lecture hall, past notice boards plastered with half-torn posters and lost ID cards. Students bustled by, everyone living their own dramas.

But even in the noise, I felt that quiet ache in my chest.

Something was missing.

Later, in class...

The professor was droning on about corporate law, but my mind kept wandering.

I thought of the silent tension at home — Of Papa’s smirk, Ishaan's quiet support, mom’s tired eyes.

“Ishita?”

I snapped out of my thoughts to find the professor staring.

“Since you’re clearly lost in thought, maybe you can explain Section 27 of the Indian Contract Act?”

I stood up slowly. I knew the answer. But my throat was dry.

“Section 27 declares agreements in restraint of trade void,” I said quietly, eyes fixed on the back wall.

The class went quiet.

The professor raised a brow. “Correct.”

As I sat back down, Aadhya passed me a folded note under the desk.

"You’re going to kill that interview. And if not, we’ll start a tea stall. “Chai by Ishita” has a ring to it." was written on it.

I chuckled.

Maybe I was scared.

But maybe I wasn’t alone.

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Ikkk the chapter is short but will update soon.