Saisha's pov:

A week had passed since I started college, and every day felt like a new beginning. It wasn't just about photography - I was learning things beyond the camera lens. I was learning about people, about myself, and about a world I had never been a part of before.

Most importantly, I had made friends. Real friends.

Aditi, Meena, and Riya they had welcomed me into their little group like I had always belonged. Aditi was lively and full of energy, Meenal was the quiet observer, and Riya was the one who always found a way to make us laugh. They made me feel included, never once making me feel like I was different.

Today, as I sat in the cafeteria with them, sipping my chai, I couldn't help but feel grateful.

"Saisha, are you even listening?" Aditi waved a hand in front of me.

I blinked. "Huh?"

Meenal chuckled. "She's lost in thoughts again."

Riya nudged me. "You're always thinking about something. What is it this time?"

I smiled, shaking my head. "Nothing... just happy."

And I truly was.

That evening, as soon as I stepped into the house, I saw Pranay sitting on the couch, flipping through his camera. He looked up, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Someone looks happy," he said, setting his camera aside.

I walked up to him hugging him,though he is a bit taken aback he holds me and i speak with  excitement bubbling within me. "Pranu, I made friends today! Real friends! And you know what? I clicked some pictures in class today, and my professor said they weren't bad for a beginner!"

His brows lifted in amusement. "That's amazing, Aishu. See? I told you, you'd do well."

I sat beside him, still buzzing with energy. "Also, today we learned about shutter speed and aperture! It's so much more than just clicking pictures, Pranu! And light! Oh my god, lighting changes everything!"

Pranay chuckled, watching me ramble. "Seems like someone has turned into a photography nerd in just a week."

I scrunched my nose at him. "Not a nerd! Just... fascinated."

"Alright, fascinated one," he teased. "Let's see how much you've actually learned."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He leaned forward, grabbing his camera. "Let's do a little test."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You're testing me now?"

He smirked. "Of course. Consider this a practical exam, Miss Photographer."

I glare at him,"Alright , Mrs.Photographer."

I rolled my eyes, but inside, I felt a little nervous. He was Pranay, a professional photographer, and I was just beginning.

He adjusted the camera settings and handed it to me. "Tell me, what settings would you use if you want to click a portrait in low light?"

I bit my lip, thinking. "Uh... I would increase the ISO?"

"Good. What else?"

"Maybe open the aperture wider?"

His smile widened. "Not bad. And what about shutter speed?"

I hesitated. "Slower... but not too slow, or the image will blur?"

Pranay nodded approvingly. "Looks like someone's been paying attention in class."

I grinned, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Of course, I have! My professor explained it really well."

He feigned offense. "Oh? So your professor gets the credit, not me?"

I laughed. "You're the reason I even got into this, Pranu. You'll always get the credit."

For a moment, he just looked at me, his expression unreadable. Then, with a small shake of his head, he ruffled my hair playfully.

"Good job, Aishu. I'm really proud of you."

And just like that, my heart felt warm.

____________________________________________________________________________

It was another usual day at college, filled with lectures and assignments. But during our break, I noticed Meena sitting under a tree, completely engrossed in a book. Her brows were furrowed in concentration, and she barely reacted when I sat beside her.

"What are you reading so seriously?" I asked curiously.

Meenal finally looked up, smiling. "Oh, it's just a romance novel."

I tilted my head. "Romance novel?"

She nodded. "Yeah, you know, love stories. Some are sweet, some are emotional, some are dramatic..." She paused before grinning. "Some are steamy."

I blinked in confusion. "Steamy?"

Meenal chuckled. "You wouldn't get it unless you read one. Want to try?"

I hesitated. I had never read a novel before, let alone a romantic one. But the way she spoke about it made me curious.

"Alright, I'll give it a try."

She beamed and handed me a book from her bag. "This one's my favorite. I think you'll like it."

I took the book carefully, flipping through the pages. It looked interesting.

That evening, after finishing my college work, I settled down on the bed with the book.

As I started reading, I found myself truly enjoying it. The way the hero cared for the heroine, the little things he did for her, the way he protected and loved her - it all felt so... familiar.

Just like my Pranu.

The hero reminded me of him in so many ways. His patience, his warmth, the way he always made the heroine feel safe - it was exactly how Pranay was with me.

I smiled to myself, turning the pages eagerly.

And then... I reached that mature content part.

Why are they both undressing themselves???

My eyes widened. My hands froze.

I reread the lines again. Then again.

This... this can't be true.

What were they even doing? What was happening?

I flipped through the next few paragraphs, my heart pounding. The words made no sense to me, but they still left me feeling strange. It was unlike anything I had ever known or heard about.

And then, a new thought struck me.

If this was all fiction... but then how were babies actually born?

My mind spiraled into confusion. My mother had never explained these things to me. No one had. I had just assumed that one day, a woman became a mother. That's it. But this...?

I shook my head. No. This had to be just the writer's imagination. People couldn't possibly do something like that!

Right?

I shut the book quickly, my hands trembling.

I... I needed to ask Pranay.

Yes. He would know. He always had answers to everything.

Taking a deep breath, I placed the book aside and clutched the bedsheet tightly.

Tomorrow... I would ask him.

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