autthorsahiba POV

In a big meeting room, a round table is filled with board members. On the big screen, there is a presentation going on on how we can improve this college. But everyone's eyes are more interested in the man fitted in a black tailored suit. He tapped the table with a pen in a rhythmic pace. 

Tuck, tuck, tuck, that tapping sound is not loud but enough to catch the attention of everyone. But his gaze was fixed on the pen in his hand. His jet-black eyes made everyone around the table more curious. 

Presentation ended, and his tapping against the wood also stopped. 

Then a middle-aged man stood and adjusted his microphone, “I would like to introduce myself for the principal position. Our current principal is too young to handle this position.” He presented that notion; he was in his late 50s, and his name is Walia. 

“Why did you think that you would be suitable for this position?” Another man asked from the boards. 

Then Walia replied, “I have experience that this young man doesn’t have.” 

“This Young man added the designer department, and we are in the process of the medical and management department.” A white man named Leo said in a sharp, loud voice.

“We don’t need experience, we need action, and that’s visible to everyone here. If anyone has a problem with the position of the principal? Come ahead and oppose openly,” But no one spoke. 

They don’t have the guts because he is the man who holds ten percent of the shares. The man with jet-black eyes owns thirty-five percent of this college. So, in total, they both hold forty-five shares, almost half of the shares. 

Leo leaned a little and whispered near the man who had jet black eyes, “VJ, is he realizing what trouble he is inviting? In response, VJ just curtly nodded. 

“I think no one is supporting you in this matter, Mr. Walia. So your thought remains as a notion. And without any critical purpose, the meeting is over, then I request the main authority, stop wasting people's time, Mr. Walia.” Leo again growled. 

Then the old members stood also, spoke, “Leo is right, Mr. Walia. VJ is the only person who can run this college smoothly. First, be a capable contender who has completed your assigned tasks; then you have the right to stand before our son. After that, we will acknowledge your request.” 

Before someone announced the meeting was over, VJ rose before anyone could move. He walked towards the exit with a wicked smile, tugging on his lips. Does he need to speak? Absolutely no. He moves with authority and speaks with purpose. Each step he takes screams power. Because actions speak louder than words, and I believe in actions.

He entered his personal office, “Leo, I want information,” he said on the Call. He cut the call, and his hands moved back to the previous work. But he is also taking glances through the window, from which a classroom is visible. His jet black eyes were constantly darting there. As if trying to find someone. As if waiting for someone.

In a very gentle voice, he whispered to himself, “She is coming today, here, to my college. Soon to be her college.” 

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Janaat Viraj Singh POV

Inside the luxury wedding hall, a man is waiting, his back toward me. I heard some people were chit-chatting with each other, all were well dressed in Christian traditional. 

As I stepped inside the hall, all eyes turned towards me. Their eyes are on me, I take the first conscious step toward that man, that man is just turning towards me, and suddenly, rain starts, not just rain, I feel the splash of water on my face. 

“Ahhh!!”

I woke up with a jerk and saw my dad holding an empty glass in his hand. I glanced at my pink nightsuit, now half drenched with water, and water was falling from my face. I looked at my left and right sides and realized I’m in my bedroom and half-drenched.

I looked upward and yelled, “Mr. Roy, it’s not the right way to wake a human.” 

“Yes, of course, if my baby slept like a human, you sleep like a dead human,” he retorted.

OOO

“Come downstairs, it’s already 7 am, your classes start sharp at 9 am, so wake up, young lady, I’m getting late for school. I think you forgot, your dad is a teacher, and I have to report on time.”

Seriously, I have to wake up this early. Now, you are doomed, Jannat. I stood up on the bed and entered the washroom. Then the sudden realization hit her, “I'm going to see him today for the first time.” 

Wait, what should I wear? I think the black color is going to rescue me today. Remember, when you can’t decide on any color, go with black because wearing black is never wrong. I should wear my new black lingerie with black heels.

Sounds perfect, firstly, start with settling in the bathtub. I wish I could have a pool in my home. 

A small thought is silly.

I’ll buy a new house near the sea.

Delelu is only solulu. 

I spent almost half an hour in the bathroom, then another forty minutes getting ready, making sure my full skincare routine was complete. A fashion Influencer can’t forget her skincare. We should remain intact at all times. You never know when your fan will meet you. You know I have 100k followers now.

Again struggling with the diffuser, A little bit of concealer just to hide my restless night, brown kajal, who uses black kajal nowadays, it’s so old-fashioned. Black mascara, cheek tint, and rose-pink lipstick, and a tint just for shine, setting everything with loose powder.

Let’s go, Jannat, otherwise Dad will show you the real Jannat (heaven) here. Reaching near the dining table, I saw Dad with my breakfast. “Hey, Dad, good morning.”

“Keep your morning aside for some time, I’m getting late. Here is your juice and salad, eat quickly so I can drop you off at college,” he said, rushing to put socks on her feet.

I just glanced up, “Where are my sandwiches, Dad? And salad, a normal human does not eat this blend of salad for breakfast.”

“Who says you are a normal human?” That man's sarcasm is next level. “I’m getting late for school, so just do me a favor, eat this, and let's go.”

“No need, Dad, I’m going on my own. You can leave. Don’t worry, Dad, I’m a responsible adult, I will lock the door securely.”

Dad gives me a forehead kiss and says, “Are you sure, my baby?” I just nodded and sat in the chair, letting him leave. I’ll ditch this salad and throw it outside, so he can’t find it. 

“Chiku fast, we are getting late”. My dad yelled.

“Come on, Dad, stop yelling at me, I’m a big boy now, did you forget I’m in the tenth standard now?” Gosh, every student thought that tenth was a milestone. But reality is opposite; after this, we get stuck in a quagmire. 

I was just enjoying the morning banter between father and son. Then Chiku came with his heavy bag on his shoulder. 

I also carried this burden in the past, just thinking that it gave me nausea.

 And then he said, “Bye, BABY.” I know he intentionally put pressure on the baby's word.

I stood from the table with a jerk, “Stop calling me Baby, I’m 5 years older than you, young boy.” Then he just gave me a sly smile and ran towards Dad’s car. Silly boy.

I quickly drink up my juice and grab the keys to lock the main door. Packing that bland salad in a black plastic bag, so I can get read from him or her, you can decide, I’m getting late. 

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The sun is shining brightly, but today’s sunlight is extra harsh, so I wear my sunglasses and mask just for safety. The roads are filled with vehicles. Oh, these damn red lights, bad luck!! Now I’m sure I’m going to stop at almost all the red lights on my way. 

With a 20-minute ride, I reach my destination, “Quantum Royal Z College. ” 

Why does Dad have to choose the same college? I’m sure there are better colleges that exist in our beautiful city, Chandigarh.

Entering college after years feels strange. I will never come here if Dad doesn’t force me to graduate, but my fate and I never synchronized well. Releasing an annoyed sigh, as I am now in front of college, I am going to be trapped here for my upcoming glorious years.

Why can’t our Indian parents understand that without a degree, we can still live a decent life? 

They should know the world is changing faster than ever.  Many of us are finding success, and yes, even making good money just using social media; it’s a full-time job, too. But noo, naa, they are obsessed with the idea of a stable job or business. 

We don’t need a degree to be called successful or make enough income for our livelihood, but the degree debate isn't about right or wrong. It's about differing perspectives and generational gaps. Also, what can we expect from a government teacher? 

There is another reason too, my mumma wanted me to be a successful businesswoman, and for her, here I am. 

One and a half years of breaks from education and books are enough for anyone lost interest in studying. Keep my nerves calm, I slung my white backpack over my left shoulder and made my way toward the prison. The new Prison for my jawaani. 

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At college

College is bigger than a few famous universities, filled with greenery, large buildings, and each department has 4 floors. Well-maintained, looking very neat and clean, colored in maroon with a white roof. The architecture is simple but has little unique touch that makes it more elegant. 

Everything here screams MONEY!!

College is filled with students. Moving forward, I was looking for the Fashion department, but couldn’t find it. So decided to ask someone. Whom should I ask?

As I turned my head, I saw a boy, so I decided to ask him, tapping on his shoulder, “Hey, I was looking for the Fashion department. Could you please tell me the direction?”

“You came in the wrong direction. You should enter from Gate number three, just in front of the parking, where there is a new Fashion department building. But no worries, from here you can take the left and walk straight till you see two new buildings.” Saying this, he waved me bye.

According to his direction, I’m on my way to a new prison, jaha meri jawanni waste hogi. 

Ahh! How long is this walk? I am walking straight and straight. My legs start hurting after a 17-minute walk, and I’m in front of my department. 

Wait a minute, my eyes almost fell from my eyeballs, I can’t believe this. Why is the Principal’s office in front of my department, and are both buildings new? 

There is the big board just above the glass door, “Prohibited Area”, and if I’m not wrong, it’s his office. 

VIRAJ SINGH.

Last night, out of curiosity, I looked him up online, but found nothing at all. No photographs, no interview.

Come on, Viraj!! It’s 21 century, how can a man have no social media? If I become his girlfriend, then I have to work a lot. 

Stop, why will he be my boyfriend? He helps me, but it doesn’t mean he is mine. Maybe he was already married and had kids. I hope it’s not true. 

The garden is also decorated with different flowers, making it a perfect dating spot. There is also a separate parking area, filled with different luxury cars. I think it’s for professors.

It’s time for a new story. 

As an influencer, you should keep your followers entertained. 

But I want an empty spot where students are not roaming. After wandering, find a perfect spot where the sun is piercing through the building, and a tall tree, making it more aesthetic.

What should I add a caption to? Then it clicked in my head, “new start,” perfect, let the people guess. Dropping hints but never exact information on social media is a must to maintain a fan base. I click on upload. 

I should put the new Prison instead, but you know the terms and conditions from social media, I don’t want to vanish from there. That place keeps me away from all the overthinking. It’s my distraction, a distraction from the loss that will never be filled by anyone. 

Notification: @yoursjanaat posted a new story.

Story comments:

Comment: What is this new start??

Comment: Are you going to shift anywhere?

Comment: Are you going to start something new?

Comment: Where is this place?

Comment: Maybe she got a movie, she is cute

Comment: Congratulations on 100k

Comment: Oh, so a new start about 100k followers

Comment: wohoo, 100k

Comment: god bless you, 

Comment: 100k

Like this, my story is flooded with many comments, but mostly congratulating me on 100k. This is a big achievement for me. I started with zero; nothing was decided. What can a person do who is trapped in one room? 

Thanks to interest, I started posting about my routine. Slowly, I got a good audience base, and people started asking for my review of skincare products and makeup products. With my reviews, a lot of girls save their money, like this, brands are attracted, start collaborating, and that’s how I became a fashion influencer with 100k.

Now I have been paid for new product reviews. Sometimes the brand approaches with a script, but I have never given any fake or scripted reviews because I can’t play with people's trust; only showing real results about the product made me here today. 

Most of my followers are young girls between the ages of 15 and 25,  who trust me with their skin and money, and I can’t ruin people's expectations of me. 

I was taking my steps towards the department, then I saw I.. It’s a…Swing, a fucking swing in the middle of the garden. Decorated with leaves and flowers.

I did not know when my steps automatically stopped in front of the swing. Swing has a special place in my heart because when I was little, my mom always took me to the garden so I could play. 

“Slow, slow, mumma. What if I fall? 

Never. 

My baby, your mom will never let anything happen to you until she is alive, so don’t worry and enjoy.”

Our giggles filled the surroundings. 

That sweet memory flooded back into my mind, and a small smile formed on my lips.

I touched that swing with my feathery finger, like I was afraid, if I touched it with my hand properly, it might disappear. “Oh, these flowers are real, I thought they were fake like most people.” I hold the swing rope with both hands and bend a little. With my feet, I gave myself a little push and weee, I started enjoying riding on a swing. 

After a few minutes, I stopped because my head was spinning. To distract myself, I opened my gallery and started admiring my photos. 

It’s not weird, we all stare at our old photos when we feel bored. 

Then I found my picture from last year. On the side of the sea, on a cruise, holding my lemonade. My back was a little visible, and my hair was flowing because of the air. Enjoying my freedom. I can post that, it’s old, but who knows.

“What caption should be suitable?” This is another big trouble for us about what caption will be on that post. We can’t post randomly. Sometimes our words affect a few people, and we become their target, they start making bad comments, and also something trolling became a trend. 

I saw many influencers face this, but luckily, till now, I’m safe from this.

Notification: @yoursjanaat posted a new post.

35,456 likes

@yoursjanaat strong, independent woman enjoying her life.

View all 2528 comments.

I know, I know, I can’t even tell if I’m happy or sad. Or here I’m posting a caption of enjoying my life. Social media works like this: we all show our best side here. Actually, no one really cared about your inner self. No one shows their failure, their weak moments. We are all fake here. 

I think I should leave from here, before the ants attack me, bite me to death. This is very weird. Ants love to bite me, and grass prickles my skin. Am I that tasty? 

Can you imagine, I love flowers so much, but I can’t sit near them for a long time. If ants spare me, then this greenery, which I admire, replies to me with hives. Our relationship is one-sided; I love them, but they don’t.

This is called a toxic relationship, maybe one-sided love, or unrequited love. 

I was still sitting on the swing, not moving, steadying myself with the help of my feet. I’m using the swing as a chair. Suddenly, I heard my name. I turned myself toward that voice and saw a white man with brown hair in front of me, maybe nearly 6ft, wearing a formal white shirt with brown pants. “Miss Jannat, VJ is calling you to his office.” 

Who is VJ?

Why is he calling me?

Then it clicked in my dumb head, Ooo, He is talking about Viraj Singh. But why is he calling him VJ? 

It should be VS because his name is Viraj Singh. Leaving my this weird thought, my head again overloaded with questions.

Did he know I’m here?

How does he know I’m here?

Will he tell Dad that college started two weeks ago, and I pretended not to know that?

Does he remember me? I mean, he helped me that time, but it was just a favor. Rich people help and forget.

Wait, wait, is he going to ask me out for a date? 

Silly girl, why would he ask you for a date? 

What if he is a stalker? 

I remember I got a creepy message last night. 

What if he kidnaps me or asks for money from Dad? 

“Haan, Haan, itne amer toh nhi hai hum, par fir bhi careful rehna chaiye naa. Because I’m a pretty independent woman. “

(I know, I know, we are not that rich, but we should be careful.)

“Miss Janaat.” That white man again called my name. I looked up, then he gestured to me with his hand to follow him. 

“Should I run from here?” Why I should run, I’m a strong woman, and I’m not scared of anyone. Just lizards, ants, and cats are exceptions. 

I also nodded to tell him, “move ahead,” and within a minute, I was in front of that large glass door, where that big board of the prohibited area was resting. Then I look towards the man with questioning eyes.

“On the second floor, there is his office. When you enter his office, you will see a door to his personal office. There you will find him.”

I was just catching up with all the information, and he again started speaking. Yes, again

“Password is 1110, of VJ's personal office, and my name is Leo, I’m the PA of VJ”. 

Saying that, he turned to just walk away, and within seconds, he disappeared from my sight. 

I must say, there are many benefits of having long legs. I wish I also had long legs, never mind, heels are created for people like us.

To be continued…

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⬩➤ Up next ~  Second lead entry. 

⬩➤ For spoiler and extra stuff, you can follow me on Instagram. ID is ~ autthorsahiba_