Dil Ka Rishta

Tum Mile

Excitement and expectation accompanied Arun on his visit to Sacred Heart College in Chennai. He could not resist feeling homesick for Kerala as he boarded the train for Chennai. The blessings from his parents served as a constant reminder of their love and support. Arun realized that a thrilling new chapter in his life was about to begin. Before Arun departed for Sacred Heart College, his parents, Diya and Rajesh, had a deep conversation with their son. Diya bursts into tears. "Arun,ni eppol valarnnu, ente priye. Ningalude abhilaashangal pinthudaraanum chennayile colegil cheraanum ningal theerumaanichathil njangalkku sandoshamundu(you've grown up now, my love. We're so happy that you decided to follow your aspirations and attend college in Chennai.)" Rajesh looks at Arun and nods. "Mone, ninte Amma paranjathu shariyaanu. Ni eppol oru aaveshakaramaaya puthiya adhyaayathilaanu jeevikkunnathu. Ningalude acadamic focus nilanirthumbol, vazhiyil aaswadikkan marakkaruthu. Vazhiyil, suhruthukkalum ormmakalum undakkuka(Son, your mother is right. You're living an exciting new chapter right now. While maintaining your academic focus, don't forget to have fun along the way. Along the road, make friends and memories.)" Arun was committed to achieving his objectives. "Njaan nandiyullavanaanu,Papa Amma. Ningalude sahaayathe njaan valareyadhikam abhinandikkunnu. Njaan ningale abhimaanippikkumennu njaan vaagdaanam cheyyunnu(I'm grateful, Mom and Dad. I appreciate your help very much. I promise I'll do you proud.)" The journey on the train was emotional. Arun's mind drifted to the folks he had left behind in Kochi as he gazed out the window at the passing scenery. He was aware that part of the experience at college was developing new friends and memories, but he couldn't help but long for the times he had spent with them. Arun was astounded by the magnificence of the campus when he first arrived at Sacred Heart College in Chennai. He was in awe of the expansive grounds and the exquisite architecture. He realized how much he had changed since graduating from high school as he made his way to the orientation session. He was now wiser, more attractive, and more self-assured. There were plenty of introductions on the first day of college. Arun was introduced to his teachers and fellow students. He was both excited and anxious as he made his way through the unfamiliar landscape of college life. During the introductions, he got to know Arav and Aditya, who would end up being his closest pals. They instantly bonded over their similar goals, fears, and anxieties, forging a lasting friendship. Arun made the decision to take a tour of the campus once the day's classes ended. The sound of a girl singing enchanted him as he walked down the halls. He followed the sound out of curiosity, and it took him to a courtyard. He noticed a girl there, standing under a tree, her voice casting a spell of wonder. 

Although she was obviously beautiful, her voice was what really drew him in. 

Tum jo aaye zindagi mein baat ban gayi

Tum jo aaye zindagi mein baat ban gayi

Ishq mazhab, ishq meri zaat ban gayi

Arun located a seat close by and couldn't help but start a chat. His pulse was racing with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension as he walked toward her. "Yah ek adbhut pradarshan tha(It was an amazing performance)," he said to her. "Mainne kabhi kisi ko vah geet itane madhur dhang se gaate nahi suna(I've never heard anyone sing that song so sweetly.)" The girl turned to look at him, her lips forming a pleasant grin. "I truly value it," she answered. "It's among my all-time favorites. The lyrics have such depth." Arun gave a nod of approval. "They are, indeed. It's incredible how effectively music can express different emotions. By the way, my name is Arun." She introduced herself and held out her hand. "Main Darshana hoon. Arun, aapase milakar achcha laga. Kya aap yahaan bilkul nae chhaatr hai(I am Darshana. Arun, nice to meet you. Are you a brand-new student here?)"Arun nodded in answer, appearing somewhat uncertain yet amiable. "Haan, main abhi-abhi yahaan pahuncha hoon. Kya aap bhi nausikhiya hai(Yes, I did just arrive here. Are you a newbie as well?)" With excitement, Darshana said. "Oh,yah to bahut hi achchi baat hai! Main bhi naya hoon(that's wonderful! I'm also new.)" Darshana grinned. "Phir kin kaarako ne aapako Assumption college ka chayan karane ke liye prerit kiya(What factors led you to select Assumption College, then?)" Arun muses on the idea. "Kul milaakar, mainne yahaan shaikshanik avasaron ke baare mein utkrsht baate suni hain, aur Chennai adhyayan ke liye ek jeevant jagah lagati hai. Aap kaise? (All in all, I've heard excellent things about the academic opportunities here, and Chennai looks like a lively place to study. What about you?)" Surprised is Darshana. "Yahaan bhi vaisi hi sthiti! Main Chennai ki samrddh saanskrtik viraasat aur college ki shaanadaar pratishtha se aakarshit hua. Saath hi, kisi nae sthaan ki khoj karana hamesha aakarshak hota hai(Similar situation here! I was drawn in by Chennai's rich cultural heritage and the college's stellar reputation. Also, discovering a new location is always fascinating.)" She agrees with Arun. "Definitely! Haalaanki, nai setting mein rahana thoda daraane vaala hai(Being in a new setting is a little intimidating, though.)" Darshana gave comfort. "Oh,main ise bhalibhaanti samajhata hoon. Are, kam se kam ab hum isame ek saath hai. Saath milakar, hum collegiate jeevan naamak is yaatra ko saphalataapoorvak poora kar sakate hai(I understand that perfectly. Hey, at least now we're in this together. Together, we can successfully navigate this trip known as collegiate life.)" Arun grinned. "Mujhe lagata hai ki yah bahut achcha lagata hai. Shuru se hi ek dost rakhana achcha hai(I think that sounds excellent. It's good to have a friend from the beginning.)" He is agreed with by Darshana. "Main aapase sahamat hoon! Vaise, kya aapane apani class ka schedule tay kar liya hai(I agree with you! Have you figured out your class schedule, by the way?)" Arun responds. "Poori tarah se nahi. Main abhi bhi apane parivesh ka aadi ho raha hoon(Not entirely. I'm still getting used to my surroundings.)" Darshana chuckles. "Chinta mat karo! Mere jaisi hi naav mein. Kya hoga agar hum apane schedule ki tulana karake yah jaanche ki hamaare paas koi kaksha hai ya nahi(Don't worry! In the same boat as me. How about we check to see whether we have any classes together by comparing our schedules?)" A new connection was sparked as they talked about their classes and swapped schedules. Excited about the opportunities college life offered, Darshana and Arun couldn't wait to go out on this adventure together.