The warm sunlight kissed my face as I leaned back against the old wooden bench in the college courtyard, laughing at Lena's ridiculous impersonation of our economics professor. My friends surrounded me, their chatter mixing with the hum of campus life, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

"Come on, Avira! Admit it—you totally zoned out during his lecture," Sophie teased, nudging my shoulder.

I rolled my eyes, fighting back a smile. "Okay, maybe I did... just a little. But can you blame me? He sounds like a sleepy sloth reading a bedtime story."

The group erupted into laughter, and I couldn't help but join in, my heart light and carefree. This was my world—friends, studies, and plans for the future. Germany might have become my second home, but my heart still longed for India, for the chaotic streets of Delhi and the smell of Mom's freshly made parathas.

"Anyway," Lena said, flicking her long braid over her shoulder, "you're way too distracted lately. You used to ace every lecture, Miss Topper."

"I'm fine!" I protested, giving her a playful pout. "Just... a lot on my mind with finals coming up. Plus, Dad's business stuff—he's been hinting about me taking over once I graduate."

Sophie sighed dramatically. “Billionaire problems. Must be so tough being Avira Malhotra.”

I tossed a crumpled napkin at her, grinning. “Oh, shut up! Just because Dad’s successful doesn’t mean I’m some spoiled princess. You guys know I’m still me.”

“Yeah, the sunshine girl who refuses to date anyone because she’s saving herself for some mythical Indian prince,” Riya teased while approaching.

At that moment, Riya and Aryan walked up to us, carrying trays loaded with snacks and drinks from the campus café. Aryan flashed his usual charming grin, holding out a cup of chai.

"Guess who brought you your favorite," he said, winking.

I took the cup with a grateful smile. "You're a lifesaver! I swear this campus coffee tastes like muddy water."

Riya snorted, plopping down next to Lena. "Still can't survive without your desi chai, huh? You're such an Indian at heart, Avira."

I tossed a crumpled napkin at her, grinning. "Guilty as charged. Some habits just don't change."

"Yeah, like how you refuse to date anyone because you're holding out for some mythical Indian prince," Sophie teased.

I rolled my eyes again, but my cheeks warmed. Maybe they were right—I wasn't interested in any of the German guys here, no matter how hard they tried to impress me. My heart was set on returning to India someday, finding someone who understood my roots.

For now, though, I just wanted to soak up every moment of this peaceful, happy life—completely unaware of how drastically it was about to change.

The sound of a distant bell echoed across the courtyard, signaling the end of our break. We groaned in unison, reluctantly gathering our bags. Aryan threw his arm around my shoulder, giving me a light squeeze.

“Come on, Miss Topper. Let’s ace this marketing lecture too,” he teased, flashing that mischievous grin of his.

I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my elbow. “You’re one to talk! You almost fell asleep last time.”

Lena and Sophie giggled, while Riya smirked. “Yeah, Aryan, your snoring was louder than Professor Weber’s entire lecture.”

Aryan opened his mouth to protest, but I beat him to it. “Maybe if you actually paid attention, you wouldn’t be drooling on your notebook,” I shot back, grinning.

He feigned a hurt expression, clutching his chest dramatically. “Ouch! Betrayed by my best friend.”

I just shook my head, fighting back laughter. These little moments with my friends made me forget about everything else—Dad’s expectations, the pressure of taking over his business, and the constant longing for home.

As we walked toward the lecture hall, Sophie linked her arm with mine. “So, Avira, any plans for the weekend? We’re thinking of hitting that new café by the riverside. It’s supposed to have amazing desserts.”

“Ooh, count me in!” I replied. “I could use a sugar rush after this crazy week.”

Riya chimed in, already scrolling through her phone. “I heard they have the best chocolate mousse in the city. Totally worth the calories.”

Aryan leaned in with a smirk. “Careful, Avira. You might lose your title as the healthiest one in the group.”

I rolled my eyes again. “One mousse isn’t going to ruin me. Besides, I deserve a treat.”

The conversation continued as we made our way into the building, the familiar buzz of students and lectures surrounding us. As we found our seats, I couldn’t help but let my thoughts drift.

Despite how much I loved these carefree moments, there was always a small part of me that felt out of place here—like I didn’t fully belong. No matter how hard I tried to settle in, my heart still yearned for India, for the familiarity of my own culture and the comfort of home-cooked meals.

But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside, determined to focus on the present. I had friends who made life in Germany brighter, and that was more than enough to make me smile.

The lecture seemed to drag on forever, Professor Weber’s monotone voice lulling half the class into a daze. I doodled absentmindedly in my notebook, occasionally glancing at Aryan, who was valiantly fighting to stay awake. Lena shot me a knowing look, and we both stifled a laugh.

Finally, the clock struck three, and the class erupted in a quiet sigh of relief. As soon as Professor Weber dismissed us, I sprang to my feet, gathering my books.

“Freedom!” Aryan cheered, stretching his arms above his head.

“Calm down, drama queen,” Riya snorted, nudging him with her bag. “It’s just one class.”

I couldn’t help but smile as we made our way down the corridor, chatting about our weekend plans. The sun was still shining bright as we stepped out into the courtyard, a gentle breeze rustling the trees.

“Hey, Avira,” Lena called out as we reached the gates. “Don’t forget about dessert this weekend!”

“Of course!” I waved, watching them head off in different directions. Aryan lingered for a moment, giving me a quick hug.

“Text me when you’re home,” he said with a soft smile.

“I will,” I promised, and with one last wave,

As I made my way to the parking lot, I couldn’t help but let my thoughts wander. My parents had always given me the best of everything—love, care, a beautiful life filled with endless opportunities. Dad’s business was booming, and he had made a name for himself in Germany. Moving here when I was twelve had been a whirlwind, leaving behind my friends, my school, and the familiar chaos of India. I sighed, unlocking my car and sliding into the driver’s seat Turning the ignition, I pulled out of the parking lot. Germany was beautiful—clean streets, organized life, and people who respected privacy. But it wasn’t home. No matter how much I adapted, a part of me still yearned for India—the colors, the food, the festivals. Being an only child meant I was the center of my parents' world. Dad was proud of how far his business had come, and I knew he wanted me to take charge after my post-graduation. Sometimes, I felt the pressure gnawing at me, but I couldn’t complain. My parents had worked so hard to give me this life—I didn’t want to disappoint them. Yet, at the same time, I couldn’t deny how much I wanted to go back—live my own dreams instead of just carrying forward his legacy. And love? That was out of the question. Dad had made it clear—no distractions, after all Indian brown parents even if we live in Germany. Only studies and friends. Riya and Aryan were my solace, the two people who made this place feel a little less foreign.

I shook my head, forcing a smile. Stop overthinking, Avira. Just focus on finishing your degree first.

still lost in my thoughts I barely noticed the sudden movement to my right—a sleek black luxury car judging by logo its Maserati speeding up, trying to overtake me. My eyes widened as I instinctively pressed the brakes, but it was too late—our cars sides scraped against each other with a loud thud.

*****

“Note to self: Never daydream while driving—especially when fate decides to send a Maserati (and its infuriatingly hot owner) crashing into your life. Buckle up, Schwarzlings… Chapter 2 is where the real trouble begins!”

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