The early morning mist clung to the streets of Delhi like a shroud, weaving tendrils of frost that painted the city in a delicate veil of silver. At 9:30 AM, Jayasvi Rana hurried through the labyrinthine corridors of her college, her breath forming wisps of vapor in the chilly air. The sky above was a canvas of muted grays, the sun struggling to pierce through the thick blanket of clouds that promised a dreary day ahead.

Jayasvi, standing tall at 5'9", was enveloped in a cozy white turtleneck sweater that hugged her slender frame, its soft knit providing a comforting barrier against the morning chill. Her knee-length brown hair, woven in gentle waves, cascaded down her back, partially obscured by a loosely draped scarf that matched the subtle hues of autumn leaves. A pair of sturdy boots adorned her feet, their deep brown leather contrasting with the pale stone floors as she navigated the familiar pathways of her college.

Despite the cold, Jayasvi's demeanor exuded a quiet confidence, her brown eyes scanning the hallways with a mixture of focus and contemplation. She moved with purpose, each step echoing softly against the polished tiles, a testament to her habitual grace and poise. Small gold earrings glinted subtly against the backdrop of her hair, adding a touch of understated elegance to her appearance.

As she reached the lecture hall, Jayasvi adjusted the strap of her satchel, the weight of her textbooks a familiar companion. Her cheeks carried a faint flush from the brisk morning air, accentuating the natural warmth of her pale complexion. Despite the external chill, there was a subtle warmth to her presence, an inner fire that fueled her aspirations and convictions.

Entering the lecture hall, Jayasvi found herself greeted by the familiar sight of her classmates bustling about, their voices a soft murmur in the large room. She settled into her usual seat near the window, allowing the muted light to gently illuminate her features as she prepared her notebook and pen for the upcoming lecture on political theory.

Professor Sharma, a distinguished figure with graying hair and a gentle demeanor, entered the room and began setting up his notes at his table. Jayasvi watched him with a mixture of respect and anticipation, her mind already racing ahead to the discussions and debates that would unfold over the next few hours.

The lecture began, delving into the intricacies of governance and the moral responsibilities of leaders in shaping societal norms. Jayasvi listened intently, her brow occasionally furrowing as she took notes and highlighted key passages in her textbook. Her thoughts wandered briefly to her father's latest outburst the previous night, a bitter reminder of the turmoil that often lurked beneath the surface of her otherwise orderly life.

Her father, once a promising man with dreams of success, had succumbed to alcoholism and bitterness over the years. His rants about family honor and reputation had grown more frequent, each outburst leaving Jayasvi with a sense of helplessness and quiet defiance. She knew all too well the bitter irony of his concern for appearances while neglecting the emotional and financial well-being of their household.

Lost in contemplation, Jayasvi barely noticed when the lecture ended and her classmates began to filter out of the room. Pooja, her closest friend and confidante, approached her with a bright smile that momentarily lifted Jayasvi's spirits.

"There you are! I've been looking all over for you," Pooja exclaimed, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement.

Jayasvi chuckled softly. "Sorry, Pooja. I was lost in my thoughts. What's up?"

Pooja linked her arm with Jayasvi's as they walked towards the college courtyard. "Guess what I heard? There's a big event happening next week, and guess who's going to be there?"

"Who?" Jayasvi asked, genuinely curious despite herself.

Pooja grinned mischievously. "Raghav Hooda!"

Jayasvi paused mid-step, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Raghav Hooda? Why would he be here?"

Pooja rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't tell me you've never heard of him! He's the son of Gajraaj Hooda, you know, the big shot politician? Apparently, he's visiting our college as part of some youth engagement program. I hear he's as handsome as he is mysterious."

Jayasvi's interest piqued despite herself. She had heard of Gajraaj Hooda, admired for his ethical politics and progressive initiatives. His son, however, remained an enigma to her. She had never paid much attention to the personal lives of politicians, focusing instead on their policies and public personas.

"Pooja, why would Raghav Hooda come to our college?" Jayasvi asked skeptically. "It seems unlikely."

Pooja shrugged nonchalantly. "Who knows? Maybe he's here to inspire the next generation of leaders. Or maybe he's just making a guest appearance to boost his father's popularity. Either way, it's an opportunity we shouldn't miss!"

As they reached the courtyard, Jayasvi couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest. Meeting Raghav Hooda seemed like an insignificant event in the grand scheme of her life, yet something about it tugged at her curiosity.

Little did she know, the encounter with Raghav Hooda would set in motion a chain of events that would challenge her beliefs, awaken desires she never knew existed, and lead her down a path she never anticipated.

The courtyard bustled with activity as students mingled and exchanged stories of their morning lectures. Jayasvi and Pooja found a quiet corner near a flowering jacaranda tree, its lavender blooms offering a stark contrast against the gray sky.

"So, are you going to attend the event?" Pooja asked eagerly, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

Jayasvi hesitated, her mind still grappling with the implications of meeting someone like Raghav Hooda. "I'm not sure. It's not really my scene, you know."

Pooja nudged her gently. "Come on, Jayasvi. It could be fun! Besides, who knows? Maybe you'll get a chance to ask him about his father's policies or something. You're always so curious about politics."

Jayasvi smiled faintly, touched by Pooja's enthusiasm. "Maybe you're right. It wouldn't hurt to attend, I suppose."

As they chatted further about the upcoming event, Jayasvi couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension gnawing at the edges of her excitement. The prospect of stepping into the world of high-profile politics, even briefly, felt daunting yet strangely exhilarating.

Unbeknownst to her, across the city in the hallowed halls of the Hooda mansion, Raghav Hooda prepared for his own day. His thoughts, like hers, drifted towards the upcoming event at the college, where fate had already begun weaving its intricate tapestry of meetings and revelations.

The days passed in a flurry of lectures, assignments, and whispered anticipation among the students. Jayasvi found herself increasingly distracted, her mind wandering to the upcoming event and the mysterious figure of Raghav Hooda. She immersed herself in her studies, seeking solace in the pages of her textbooks and the comfort of her favorite corner in the college library.

On the eve of the event, Jayasvi sat in her room, a dimly lit sanctuary adorned with books and trinkets collected over the years. The soft glow of her desk lamp cast a warm halo around her as she reviewed her notes one last time. The clock on the wall ticked away the minutes, each second bringing her closer to the unknown encounter that awaited her.

She glanced at the mirror on her dresser, studying her reflection with a critical eye. Her brown eyes reflected a mixture of determination and curiosity, framed by long lashes that fluttered with each blink. Her lips, soft and pink, curved into a faint smile as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

With a sigh, Jayasvi closed her textbook and leaned back in her chair, her thoughts drifting back to her father. The memories of his once bright spirit, now dimmed by addiction and disappointment, weighed heavily on her heart. She hoped, in some small way, that attending the event would bring a sense of purpose and inspiration back into her life.

As the night deepened and the city settled into a hushed stillness, Jayasvi finally succumbed to sleep, her dreams weaving visions of unfamiliar faces and uncharted paths.

The morning arrived with a crisp clarity, the promise of a new day tinged with nervous anticipation. Jayasvi dressed carefully, choosing an outfit that struck a balance between professionalism and comfort. She opted for a navy blue sweater and faded blue denims with her hair tied in a French Braid by her mother. She didn't know if she'll get the chance to speak to him or if he would even glance at her way, she just wanted to get ready to click some good pictures and stare at them for few minutes of her day. This might make her feel happy and energetic. She knew their would be crowd waiting for him since she heard so much about him and there was no chance that they could actually really meet.

In the college courtyard, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as students gathered in small groups, their voices rising and falling in animated conversation. Jayasvi spotted Pooja among the crowd, her friend waving enthusiastically as she approached.

"You look great, Jayasvi!" Pooja exclaimed, giving her a quick once-over.

Jayasvi smiled gratefully, her nerves settling slightly in the warmth of Pooja's friendship. "Thanks, Pooja. You too!"

Together, they made their way towards the auditorium where the event was set to take place. The air was charged with anticipation, each step bringing Jayasvi closer to the unknown encounter that awaited her.

Inside, the auditorium hummed with activity as students and faculty took their seats. Jayasvi and Pooja found seats near the front, their excitement palpable as they waited for the event to begin. Jaysvi was feeling slightly uncomfortable with the big crowd talking loudly about their day and what they wish to talk with Mr. Hooda. This event was being captured by the media signifying it's importance as the media people informed them what kind of questions they can ask from him. This was now making her confused and scared. She never liked this much attention. Her heart was beating so loudly. One part of her was telling her to just run out of the auditorium and go back to her place and the other wanted to stay and be strong for once in her life. She took a deep breath as she started chanting a mantra she learned few days ago trying to calm her mind. She closed her eyes leaning back on her seat, only her lips moving as she silently chanted the mantra while Pooja was busy talking to few of her other classmates. 

Minutes stretched into moments, the anticipation building with each passing second. Jayasvi opened her eyes now feeling restless again and glanced at the stage where a podium stood, adorned with the college emblem and a bouquet of fresh flowers. The room buzzed with whispered speculation, everyone eager to catch a glimpse of Raghav Hooda.

And then, he entered.

The auditorium hummed with anticipation as Jayasvi Rana waited with bated breath, her eyes fixed on the figure who had just entered the room. Raghav Hooda cut a striking figure against the backdrop of the stage, his presence commanding attention without effort. Tall and broad-shouldered, he moved with a measured grace that spoke of confidence and authority.

His attire, a tailored charcoal suit with a crisp white shirt and a subtle patterned tie, exuded understated elegance. The fabric draped perfectly over his frame, hinting at a physique honed through disciplined routines. Dark hair, meticulously styled, framed a face that carried the chiseled features of privilege and responsibility.

Jayasvi observed him discreetly, her curiosity mingling with a hint of apprehension. Raghav Hooda was not just a son of a prominent politician; he was a symbol of the elite class that she had only read about or seen on television. His presence in their college, ostensibly to engage with students, seemed incongruous yet intriguing.

Beside her, Pooja leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's even more handsome up close, isn't he?"

Jayasvi suppressed a smile, torn between amusement and nervousness. "I guess so," she murmured, her gaze returning to Raghav Hooda as he greeted the faculty members with polite nods and smiles.

The event began with an introduction by the college principal, a distinguished woman with silver hair and an air of authority. She spoke eloquently about the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of the nation, her words punctuated by enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Jayasvi listened attentively, her mind racing with questions and observations. She glanced around the auditorium, noting the diverse mix of students and faculty members who had gathered for the event. Some faces were familiar, classmates and seniors she had seen in passing, while others were new, their expressions ranging from curiosity to skepticism.

As the principal concluded her speech, Raghav Hooda stepped forward to address the audience. His voice, deep and resonant, filled the room with ease as he spoke about his father's vision for the country and his own aspirations for youth empowerment. His words were measured yet impassioned, a reflection of a man who understood the weight of expectations placed upon him.

Jayasvi found herself drawn to his words, the sincerity in his tone resonating with her own ideals of social justice and responsibility. Despite her initial reservations, she couldn't deny the charisma that emanated from Raghav Hooda as he navigated through the intricacies of his speech.

Throughout his address, Jayasvi stole occasional glances at Pooja, who seemed captivated by every word. Pooja's eyes sparkled with admiration, her posture attentive as she absorbed Raghav Hooda's insights into governance and community engagement.

After what felt like both an eternity and a fleeting moment, Raghav Hooda concluded his speech to thunderous applause. He remained on stage as the principal invited questions from the audience, signaling the beginning of a brief yet intense Q&A session.

Jayasvi hesitated, her thoughts swirling with unspoken queries. She watched as fellow students raised their hands, voicing concerns about policies, opportunities for youth participation, and the role of education in shaping public discourse. Each question was met with thoughtful responses from Raghav Hooda, his demeanor composed yet approachable.

As the session progressed, Jayasvi found herself caught in a silent debate. Should she raise her hand and ask a question? What could she possibly contribute to the conversation that hadn't already been said? Despite her reservations, a small voice within her urged her to seize the opportunity, to engage with Raghav Hooda on a personal level.

Summoning her courage, Jayasvi raised her hand tentatively, her pulse quickening with a mix of nervousness and determination. To her surprise, the principal noticed her gesture and nodded in acknowledgment.

Well I can't explain how excited I am to come back. I know I have troubled you guys a lot but I have been working on different stories which were running in mind and finally I came up with this one. This story was in progress for more than an year now but I don't know how you guys are going to take it.

Reason being I wouldn't hold back myself in this book like I did in my other stories. I would try to present the raw emotions and desires of the characters to you guys. If somebody is having problem with that you can leave right now only.

This story isn't going to be a vanilla one. I am telling you now only and yes, it is an arranged marriage story but in a different set up. I hope you guys are going to admire it. 

Till Next Time...