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~ Pakhi's heart, full of cheer,

Tomorrow's tour, excitement clear,

New sights, new friends, a day so bright,

A chance to learn, with all her might.

Matthew waits, with a calm face,

A mix of feelings, in a quiet place,

The tour's arrival, a story to tell,

A new chapter, with hearts that swell.

The morning sun, shines bright and high,

Pakhi's group arrives, with a happy sigh,

Matthew watches, with a curious eye,

A sea of faces, passing by.

Their worlds collide, in this chance meet,

Strangers' glances, fleeting and sweet,

No words exchanged, yet hearts beat fast,

A moment's pause, that will forever last.

Perhaps fate, has brought them near,

Two paths crossing, without a fear,

Their hearts unaware, of what's to come,

A story unfolding, yet unknown. ~

•·•·•·•·•·•·•·••●❍•❅•°•❈•°•❅•❍●••·•·•·•·•·•·•·•

14th October 1899

Calcutta, Bengal

PAKHI POV ~

My room is in chaos, much like my thoughts as I scan the mountain of sarees sprawled across my bed and floor.

“Which one should I wear?” I mutter, picking up a yellow saree, then a blue one, then a red one.

I toss all of them aside, not finding anything that matches my mood right now.

“I don't have anything to wear!!!” I whine, throwing myself into the mountain of clothes on the bed.

“Nautankibaaz!!! Itne saare kapde hai lekin maharani ko aur chahiye!”

[ DRAMA QUEEN!!! HAVING THESE MANY CLOTHES, BUT STILL THE QUEEN YEARN FOR MORE! ]

I lift my body off the bed, listening to my mother's teasing taunt.

“Maa! You choose na!! Which one should I wear for tomorrow's tour!?” I ask her, picking up a green satin saree with yellow floral embroidery.

I hold it up in front of me, so that Maa can see if it looks beautiful on me.

“Nah!....ummm….. try that pink one!” Maa suggests, pointing at a light pink saree with black detailed zari work.

Picking it up, I show it to her and she nods with acknowledgement, touching the fabric and glancing at me to check if it goes with me for the tour.

“Why not try that black one?” Priya chimes, entering my room and hugging Maa from behind.

“Bhak!! Vidhyalaya ki shair pe ja rahi hai wo. Shamshan ghat pe nahi!” Maa mocks, slightly tapping on Priya’s knuckles.

[ BHAK!! SHE'S GOING IN AN EDUCATIONAL TOUR. NOT TO A BURIAL GROUND! ]

“Maami!! Didi will look very beautiful, like some nymph!” Priya says, trying to persuade Maa to say yes, for me to wear the black saree.

I sigh, knowing it's impossible that Maa will let me wear this black saree for anything.

“No! She'll not wear this ominous colour during her youth! If she wants, then she can wear it in her in-laws house!” Maa says strictly, handing me the light pink saree with a smile.

I knew better than to argue. Maa's beliefs are as unyielding as the monsoon floods in Bengal.

I smile and take the saree, keeping it on the side table, ready for tomorrow's tour.

“Come, I have made jalebi for you all!” Maa says, making me smile happily and I share joyous glances with Priya.

Priya and I swiftly turn towards the door to reach the dining room to savour the sweet delights.

“First clean the room and keep all these messed up dresses back in their places!” Maa says, stopping me in my tracks.

I pout, scanning my messed room and glare at Priya, seeing her pointing her tongue at me, in a teasing manner and then darts out of my room.

I turn to my room and quickly pick up all the clothes and seeing Maa walk off my room, I shove all the dresses in my wooden almirah, without folding it neat and clean.

“I’ll deal with this chaos later. Maa won’t check anyway” I mumble, a playful smile never leaving my face as I close the almirah.

I rush to the dining room for my jalebis.

MATTHEW POV ~

I turn to Marshall when he tosses beside me on the bed.

“Are you excited?!” Marshall chirps, prompting a chuckle.

“Yes, I'm. Why won't I?” I reply, my eyes fixed on the ceiling as a smile creeps onto my face.

“If you really are, then why are you so silent?” Marshall asks, sitting up while looking at me.

I tilt my head, comfortably resting it on my palm as I lie on the bed.

“Nothing… I'm just feeling calm. Like, my heart feels empty yet calm. I don't know why though” I murmur, my gaze shifting to the crystal chandelier hanging on the ceiling.

The soft hum of the chandelier above fills the quiet room, adding to the calmness I couldn't quite explain.

It’s a strange feeling, like the calm before a storm. I couldn’t decide if it comforted me or unsettled me.

“Is it like, your heart is warning you that something is going to happen? Is it bad? Or Good?” Marshall asks with a frown, touching my shoulders.

“ I don't know. I just know it feels calm, in a good way” I whisper, inhaling in comfort and relaxation.

“If it's in a good way, then why are you so silent? Let it be and be excited for tomorrow” Marshall beams, patting my shoulders in an enthusiastic way, Prompting me to roll my eyes with a smile.

“So~ what do you think about tomorrow?” Marshall grins and I raise my eyebrows.

“Um.. happy and excited” I say, looking at him with confusion.

“It's a girl’s college that's coming tomorrow for the tour” Marshall says, leaving me even more puzzled.

“I know. What do you mean?” I ask him, unable to understand what he means.

“So, what if we meet some new friends from there?” Marshall’s grin widens, and I shake my head in disbelief.

“So what? We should be happy” I mutter, still glancing up at the ceiling.

“What if this unknown calmness of yours is indicating a strong storm coming tomorrow?” Marshall says, and I snap my face to him.

“With your jinxed tongue, I'm sure something will happen” I mock, looking at him nonchalantly.

“Aree!... I'm just saying, what if you find someone there~?” Marshall says, raising his left eyebrow.

“Someone? I'll find everyone there” I whisper, turning away from him.

“I really think your calmness is related to something that's going to happen tomorrow, I think it's love!” Marshall says, sliding to face me.

“Are you serious?! It's nothing related to that” I say in disbelief, turning my head towards Marshall.

I furrow my brows, unsure if he’s joking or being serious.

“I think it's just —” I fumble in my words.

Marshall’s grin widens as he leans closer, mischief twinkling in his eyes.

“I'm telling you, I have a great intuition, I have experience!” Marshall beams, making me frown.

“Which experience??!” I inquire him quickly, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Oh… Novel experience! You are saying as if you don't have” Marshall grins, making me suspicious of him yet, I nod my head slowly, brushing off the suspicion.

We turn our heads, hearing a knock on our door.

“Come in!” I ask in a loud voice, seeing the door open with a soft creak. our butler Jordan walks inside, and then he bows slightly, greeting us.

“Young Masters, the dinner is ready” Butler Jordan informs us about our dinner time.

“Yeahh!! Let's go!!” Marshall chirps, pulling me off the bed hastily by my arms and then dragging me.

“Marshall! Wait! I can walk!” I say, wriggling a little to take my hands out of his grip.

He doesn’t stop and keeps dragging me quickly down the corridors.

Marshall’s grip feels unrelenting, and I stumble behind him, laughing at his childlike enthusiasm.

15th October, 1899

Calcutta, Bengal

PAKHI POV ~

I walk to our Bethune college and see the garden buzzing with excitement as girls giggle, chatter, and laugh, filling the air with lively energy.

The cheerful energy is infectious, and I can’t help but smile as I scan the area, spotting Amrita and Mehreen standing under a tree.

I smile brightly, waving at them but they both seem to be so lost in their own gossip.

I arch my eyebrows in mock anger and walk to them, passing by other classmates.

I stand right behind them, placing my hands on my side waist and look at them with my narrow eyes, hearing their non-stop talking.

“Oh, dono maharaniyan! Zara hame bhi batane ka kasht kare ki kya budbudahat ho rahi hai dono ke bich” I tease, standing behind them and folding my hands over my ribs.

[ OH, QUEENS! CARE TO ENLIGHTEN ME ABOUT YOUR SECRET CHATTER TOO ]

Amrita spins around, startled. “Oh! Pakhi you are here? When did you come? We were waiting for you!” Amrita says, making me raise my eyebrows in a mock surprise.

“I’ve been standing here for more than five minutes! And you both were so engrossed in your gossip that you didn't even notice me!” I mock them, and they exchange sheepish smiles.

“Leave all that! How am I looking?” I ask, twirling slightly and pointing at my pink saree which Maa chose for me.

“You are looking very pretty” Mehreen compliments me, making me smile brightly.

“You both look amazing too” I compliment them, glancing at Amrita's beautiful lavender coloured silk saree and Mehreen's yellow coloured silk saree.

“What about me?!” A familiar voice calls out.

We all turn our heads in the direction of  the voice to see Aara walking to us wearing a simple yet elegant cream-colored silk saree.

“Assalamualaikum, Kaka” We all greet Aara’s father, as he walks alongside her.

“Wa alaikum assalam, bacchiyon” Uncle greets us back, with a small fatherly smile.

“How are you all? Excited?” Uncle asks, glancing at us.

“Yes uncle! Very much!” We all beam in chorus with happiness.

“Enjoy your time and stay safe, okay dears” Uncle says, making us nod at his words, while grinning.

Uncle chuckles with us, seeing our enthusiasm and gently pats Aara's head and waves at us before walking out of the campus.

“Do I have to give you all the invitations again? Where is my compliment?” Aara jabs at us, making us laugh at her.

“Yeah yeah, you look super cute” Amrita giggles, pinching Aara's both chubby cheeks.

After a few minutes, while laughing and teasing we see Kavita entering the garden and scanning around the area.

With her joining us, our teasing keeps increasing and we walk to the tram station along with the teachers and principal.

—————-----------•°•°•°•-----------—————

The whole campus fills with excitement and anticipation as we— the Bethune college girls, enter Calcutta University.

The teacher exchanges greetings and handshakes, especially our principal.

I marvel at the grand architecture—the towering columns, intricately designed archways, and sprawling courtyards—a sight worthy of its international reputation.

The cheers and chatter of students echo across the marble halls as sunlight streams through tall arched windows, casting a warm glow on the intricate floral carvings lining the walls.

I hear Amrita mumbles something happily, though it's muffled in the cheers and laughter beside me.

“I can see why this university is even famous in foreign countries and why foreigners come here for higher studies” I express my thoughts, turning to Amrita.

I see all of them nodding and I see Kavita and Mehreen squealing and jumping like toddlers in happiness and excitement.

I tip toes to see the front as there are so many students from both the institutes in the campus, blocking our view.

“All the students, listen carefully, everyone makes a group of 5 students each as then, they will be escorted by each group of 5 students of the Calcutta University” Our principal, Sir Edward Miller announces and all the girls start making their groups, while giggling.

I turn to Amrita and we both stand together with a joyful smile.

I grab Aara's arms and pull her to us and Amrita gestures to Mehreen to stick to us.

“Where is kavita?” I ask, glancing and counting us, realising she's missing.

We all turn around to see her glancing up to the second floor, lost in her thoughts.

We burst into laughter as Aara crosses her arms and taps her foot, dramatically chastising Kavita before pulling her into the group.

MATTHEW POV ~

While teasing Darsh, we see our Mathematician professor entering our classroom, halting the movements of everyone.

He walks inside with an authoritative presence, even though he looks calm.

The thud of his each step resonates against the wooden floor, producing a rhythmic sound.

“Okay, students pay attention!!!” His firm and commanding tone cuts through the chatter of each student.

“The students from Bethune College are about to arrive soon, so everyone of you behaves properly, especially BOYS !!, don't make us embarrassed in front of them… If I catch you all doing any kind of prank, you will receive 5 more assignments from me. Understand !! Okay now come down to the campus in a line without making any noise and no pushing and rushing !” he explains to us in his deep voice with a calm warning, that makes me gulp silently.

With this, he claps his hands, signaling us to move.

“Let's give our best…come on, let's go gentlemen, to escort ladies” I dramatically muse while standing up.

I stretch my back, trying to ease the muscles and erase the tiredness.

Others stand up, joining me and we all walk down in a line towards the campus.

Our synchronized footsteps fill the corridors and the staircase.

I sigh and feel the eerily calmness inside me, sending unknown shivers down my spine.

“Is this fool's words going to be true or what?” I ponder, glaring at Marshall with my narrow eyes.

“No… this can't be true. It must be due to the sudden excitement that is jumbling my emotions” I mumble, trying to reason myself.

I rub my palms on my face gently, trying to cheer myself up.

“What happened?” Aditya nudges me with his elbow and I turn my face to him with a smile.

“Nothing” I say, scanning the campus, bustling lively.

“Are you sure? You look a little lost” Aditya asks, placing his palm on my shoulder.

“Yeah, I'm. It's just that— I'm suddenly missing my Mother, it's been more than a few months that I have seen her” I whisper, rubbing my nape with a small smile.

“She must be missing you more. You'll meet her soon” Aditya chirps, trying to lift my mood, earning a hearty chuckle from me.

“Yeah, she must be missing me more” I mutter, remembering my mother's serene face, calming me down from the unknown calmness.

“Now stop sulking and smile for her,” Aditya says, wrapping his arms around my shoulders from the side and pats me hard.

I chuckle seeing his light hearted camaraderie— the mood lifter of our group.

I glance around all the students standing in a line and teachers and principal standing in front rows, waiting for the Bethune college students.

I glance up at the light warm morning sky, and the towering height of Calcutta University.

I still remember the day 7 months back when Dad announced my admission in Calcutta University, along with Marshall as our fathers are best friends.

And as our fathers are the generals in India, they wanted us to be here and to continue our studies here, in front of them so that we can learn from them.

A soft smile adorns my face, remembering Mom's concerned face when Dad had told us about my admission in Calcutta University.

My smile turns into a tender one, remembering her sobbing and sad face and how she had refused to eat anything to make father change his decision. 

“I miss you so much Mom” I mumble, with a small smile.

“I hope to see you soon. I'm bored, seeing Dad's boring face everyday” I mutter, in a playful and teasing tone.

While remembering my Mom, I hear the sudden giggling, chattering and excited squeals from the campus.

I raise my head to see the students of Bethune college, gathering in the campus with excitement written on their faces.

Our teachers and principal greet each other and shake their hand,. friendly.

My eyes sparkle, seeing all the girls wearing colourful vibrant dresses, adorned with jewellery.

I glance at their jewellery in awe, admiring the designs and the hard work of the goldsmiths who carved such dreamy things.

“Wow! They all look very beautiful” I mumble, complimenting the girls of Bethune college, admiring their colourful and traditional attire.

“All students listen carefully, form groups of 5 students each, and each group will escort one group from Bethune college… and you will guide them while explaining the things in detail… and,  Behave in front of them , okay!”  Our principal, Sir David Harrington, explains the rules in a friendly calm tone.

“Wow.. what a coincidence, we are five too… let's make a group!!” Darsh exclaims in happiness and we all nod our heads happily.

We all form a group and stand in a line waiting for the girls group to get matched up.

We all walk to the front and see a girl group approaching us with one of our teachers.

I glance at the girls with a respectful smile, not knowing what storm is about to come.

~ Every calmness doesn't mean peace, some means upcoming destruction.

჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻.✾.჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻჻

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