Seven Days

A story revolving around the first few days of college life, this story will let you think if you are really who you are!

The untold incident 

I tried to lean back and rest my shoulders. My headache was increasing every minute, but I couldn't treat myself any better. This was all I was capable of doing. And my legs? Well, you simply can't possible imagine how numb I felt. Being  into these classes, was not the first thing I wanted to do. It was always frustrating. Moreover, the strident voice of our professor really made me think of killing myself. 

After all, what else can anyone expect from History classes? 

The bell rings. And I am the first one to get up and leave the room. I could see  the other university students down the aisles. Some girls trying to act unaware of the fact that they are being stared at. The nerd guys at the corner, probably trying to concentrate on some sort of out of the world formula that they could not understand. Another bunch of girls, busy with their best friends, probably discussing what to wear for movie tonight. I see one boy wearing a G.A.P T-shirt running across the corridor and finally getting inside the computer lab. And finally I see a pair of teachers going into one classroom. 

It was already one week after the freshers' party, but the atmosphere in my college was still the same. I could see some of the girls still discussing about that night, when it all happened. The college authorities had prohibited from any articles or newsletter essays on the event. It was the first anything like this had happened. But life is all about what we make of it. And past is only in the past. 

Or perhaps, sometimes the past becomes present when something terrible happens. 

A week ago  

It was my first day here. New people surrounded me. I  could have never imagined coming into this college, given my scores. My luck however was good at saving me at times. Most of my old mates had already started with their college. But i was the only one roaming from one college to the other, when suddenly a distant cousin suggested for this college.  

As I  entered the gates of the institution, I felt a strange, a feeling I never felt before. I could see people my age laughing and talking. The girls were all well dressed, and the guys were all ready to be showing up on some fashion show. And then there was me, with a hood over my head, coving myself from all angles I could. It was always this way, back in my town. I hadn't been so much about showing others, which dress I got or which pair of boots would be the perfect match for the weather. It was always about wearing something comfortable. And I didn't fail to continue this custom, on the first day of my college.  

I had no idea which way would be my class. It was the first time I was going for any formal education. Back home, I was tutored in private as a result of which the colony children were all the friends I had. It had always appealed to me to take formal training in a subject and emerge as an outstanding student.  And I was just stepping into my dream land: Mount Edmund College, established decades ago. To be frank, I never thought of putting much stress at dates, ironical to the fact that I opted for History majors. 

I thought of approaching a girl who was wearing a black skirt with a blue shirt. She was tall and pretty and her long hair fell into curls just above her hips. As I walked towards her, the girl saw me and turned away. That's the thing about being a new comer. You will always get rejected for being the way you are. 

A few meters away I saw one girl and two guys talking, though they seemed confused about something. I went towards them hoping for some kind response. As I drew nearer, the girl looked towards me. 

"Hey are you in any way going towards the History department?", she said 

"Yes, I was just about to ask you for the directions", I replied. 

"Let's search it together then", she said and grabbed my hand...       

   

  

Six days ago 

"I guess it is time for recess now", said Tina. She was my first friend here. An inch taller than me, fair and having  a flawless skin, she was the only one I had chatted with since the first day. She wore really nice clothes. Mostly branded though I haven't really mentioned about it to her yet. She comes from a nearby city and born into a business family, she considers herself lucky to have a pre arranged establishment for her to become an entrepreneur.  

"Yeah, let's grab a bite in the canteen", I said. 

" I was hoping to drink a coffee. I need to stay warm, given the cold breeze here.", she said. 

"Yes, me too.", I said.  

On the way to canteen, I saw many new faces, wondering if anyone really noticed me at all. I found like I was walking amongst a bunch of strangers, not even understanding what they spoke of. It's a mystique atmosphere and all I knew about this place was the name of the college, Tina and me. 

It was humorous how girls my age wore their outfits, tight fitting clothes, long open hair and adding extra layers of make-up after every ten minutes. Maybe this is how the outside world is, first self care, then care about others and at last, concentrate on the curriculum.   

Canteen looked like I entered a busy market place, where rather than young adults one could spectacle hoards of hungry people trying to break queues and grab the plates from the food counter. The other half of the room was filled with tables and chairs, where you can never imagine of sitting, given the fact that you are a fresher. They were absolutely reserved for the seniors. All I did then was: Sigh. 

Tina however managed to get two cups of macchiato and with the grey sky above us with no trace of any sunshine,  and the afternoon breeze chilling we sipped our little delight of warmth. 

The next classes were all boring, except for the fact that I made two new friends, given there was nothing more interesting than talking during the class. One of them, a brown eyed guy named Roger and the other dude, who was six feet and four inches tall with the perfect masculine physique one could possibly imagine to have, Warren. 

They were  nice and friendly. But the way Warren kept making a twitch on his face whenever he tried to concentrate on what was being taught was hilarious. I wonder how some people even pass out with the junior high finals. 

The day was tiring, but when I returned to my small rented house, I realized that I had a bunch of notes to be completed. So after taking a shower, I took out my notebook diary and something slid out. It was a torn piece of paper crumbled and somehow I could understand what was written on it. 

"It was nice to know you. Y ou are a really bold girl. S omewhat different.  

B ut I like Difference"  

P.S. we shall meet tomorrow too . 

I was stupefied. No one even before had ever written that for me. The handwriting was not very easily legible but I couldn't really understand who this was. Whoever it be, it felt good.  

Five days ago 

That note made me love college. I wonder who it was. But I felt better today and was desperate to share it with Tina. But what if it turned out to be her? The situation would get weird. So letting it go, i headed for my classroom. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Roger.  

My three new friends sat with me, and I felt really nice. Finally I was getting in with the people here. Classes were going fine. However, my mind stop thinking about that piece of paper which set me in mood of rejoicing every moment today. It is human after all to feel pleased after some appreciation. 

There were around fifty classrooms in this college and the round stairs made me confused after every classes about which direction to go. Thanks to my new friends, who were there with me this whole time, making me comfortable in this new place. 

It was during the recess that the four of us thought of sitting inside an empty room and talking. Something was really making me infatuated to the people here. I did not feel like going outside, as the weather today was the best of all my the days I spent here. The college students smiled at me now and I felt very good.  

However, something that really put a question on my mind was someone was secretly noticing me. I somehow felt that whenever I entered any room, a cold breeze would greet me. Or perhaps, this was some sort of nervousness that happens to every new person in a new place. 

After recess classes were usual. And I was enjoying. Our professor asked a question in the class and it was only me who answered it correctly. I realized that this made me a topic of discussion amongst the various friend circles. Students and teachers started to notice me. I made more new friends.  

After the classes got over, Warren and I headed for the college notice board as instructed by one of our seniors. As we saw the printed paper on the board, I felt purely mortified. 

It was the announcement day of a prom party for the Fresher's. 

"All new comers are invited to the prom party on this Sunday at the Auditorium. You can chose your own partners. Best of luck" 

 Prom was the last event I would go to. And searching for a suitable partner was not my game. I was sure Tina would be approached by any guy as she was one of the prettiest girls of our department. While me, the most unsightly.My problem was solved when I received another letter inside my notebook. 

"join me this Sunday as my prom partner. I will wait for you on the third floor near the terrace door" 

   

  

Four days ago 

The total scenario of the college changed. Everyone was busy searching for a partner. Many even bunked classes. 

"Hey dear, who are you coming with", said Tina. 

"I guess I will not attend it. I have to go to town", I said. 

"Why? I was planning to go somewhere for lunch with you all. Warren asked me to be his partner. We could all go for an after party.", she said. 

"I wish I could. But I shall try my best", I said.  

I did not want to tell her anything about the anonymous letters that I was getting. Moreover I wanted to surprise her.    

So after college, I went to a nearby shopping mall and bought myself a brand new lilac gown and a pair of heels that suited my dress perfectly. 

Three days ago 

I got up in the morning and realized I was having fever. So I skipped college and the day was boring with nothing to do but lay down on my bed, watch the television and constantly think about who could possibly be my partner! 

Two days ago 

I was busy the whole day at college writing down all the notes. I was also to perform a solo song for the fresher's and so I was summoned at a meeting with seniors.  

After college, I got back home and was tired.  

So I slept. 

The day... 

I woke up early. I was the last person on earth to be good at dressing up and make up. So I took my shower and shampooed my hair. I dried myself, had breakfast and put on my dress. It fit me perfectly accentuating every part of my body. This was the second time after my fifth birthday that I wore a dress. And seriously, there was a lot of difference now. I wore my body cream and did the best make up I could. 

My hair wasn't that ling. So I let my curls dry on their own and I put on a hair band. I was really nervous. 

First for my looks. Second my anonymous partner. 

I reached college early and went up to the third floor. It was the first time I came up here. There was time for the party to begin. I reached around an hour early. But I could find no trace of any person  up here. I looked into my cell phone and I realized my battery was about to die. 

Today the weather was lovely but too cold to wear a sleeveless  dress. I forgot to wear a jacket in a hurry. As I was getting bored of waiting, I went ahead and now I found myself at the terrace, a beautiful place where you could see the entire town ranging from the hills to the small houses. 

"Hi gorgeous", said someone. I turned back and saw a handsome guy behind me. He was tall, dark brown eyes and wearing a tuxedo. Someone whom I had never seen before at my department. 

"Hi!....Are you the one  who sent me the letter?", I said and could understand that I was smiling looking at him. He was definitely the most beautiful human being I ever saw. His skin was fair and glowing. His eyes met mine and I knew immediately that I had the best partner of all. 

"Yes, I  am from the other department and I noticed you at the college gate on the first day itself. I wasn't really sure if I should have asked you about this but I couldn't resist myself", he said and moved towards me and held me on my hips. I was blushing. 

"Maybe, we should join the others downstairs. I will introduce you to my friends.", I said. 

"There's no hurry, is it? We have a lot of time.", he said and now brought his face closer to mine. He drew my hair back and his fingers felt cold. He smelled different. I could hear myself breathe. But not him. 

The next thing I realized was his fangs deep into my neck and I was unconscious. 

When I woke up, I saw my friends and students gathering around me. I got up and hurriedly went to Tina. I held her hand. But she did not look at me. I was crying, but Roger and Warren who were standing next to Tina did not look at me either. I did not know what was happening. Everyone I saw was looking at the ground a few steps ahead. I turned back and went towards the crowd. I saw my crooked body lying there and my skin looked like there was no blood in my body. I lay there alone, eyes closed, waiting for the prom party to start. 

  

Author's Note

Do give forth your comments, as I would be glad to read it :)