“Come on, Mr. Bookworm, let’s see what we can eat; otherwise, you’ll sneak off to the library,” Mrigank said, grabbing Sirin's hand.

“I’m joining you too,” Anyam said, looking at Sirin.

“Everyone here is a stranger to you anyway, so let’s go,” Mrigank laughed as he pulled both Sirin and Anyam along with him.

The three of them sat on a bench under a tree in the college campus, a bit away from the crowded cafeteria.

“So now tell me, what will each of you eat? I’ll bring everything for you in one go,” Mrigank said, playfully pretending to be a waiter.

Sirin replied, “Just get me a grilled sandwich and a banana milkshake.”

“And you, Anyam? What do you want?” Mrigank asked.

Anyam replied, “It’s my first day, so I’m not sure what to get. Just bring whatever you’re having, and I’ll have that too.”

“Alright,” Mrigank said, heading toward the cafeteria.

The sun had become a bit pleasant, so Sirin took off his scarf. Anyam noticed Sirin closely for the first time in the sunlight. His slender, delicate frame and slight shyness made him stand out. His straight black hair gently hung over his forehead, creating an attractive balance with his round face and small eyes.

Sirin’s fingers were closing the zipper of his bag, and there was a hint of nervousness in his movements. Suddenly, he felt two eyes staring at him, making him more self-conscious.

A few moments passed in silence. Anyam, with a faint smile, said, “You either get lost in your own world or are buried in books.”

Sirin lowered his gaze with a slight smile, as if taking a moment to respond to the question.

Leaning towards Sirin, Anyam said, “It seems like you prefer being alone, keeping yourself distant and minding your own business.”

Sirin looked a bit startled and replied, “I like solitude; there’s a big difference between solitude and loneliness.”

Anyam was taken aback by this answer. After a brief silence, he asked, “By the way, where are you from?”

“Rajasthan,” Sirin answered briefly without looking up.

“Do you live alone here?” Anyam asked to keep the conversation going.

Sirin nodded and said, “Yes.”

“Isn’t it tough living alone?” Anyam asked lightly, laughing.

With his head down, Sirin replied, “I’ve gotten used to it; it’s been almost three years. And if there’s anything, Mrigank is always around.”

“That’s true. Mrigank is definitely around, and now I’m your friend too. Am I not your friend?” Anyam said playfully while looking at him.

Sirin raised his gaze, their eyes met for a brief moment, and then he nodded in agreement.

Just then, Mrigank returned, balancing a tray in both hands.

“Here you go, sir! Your order,” Mrigank said with a laugh as he set the tray down.