“Fire!! Fire!! Fire!!!”
A jolt of panic. My brother’s face, contorted, eyes wide. I couldn’t help it – I burst out laughing. The little birdie. I’d been plotting this for days. “You little birdie, stop right there…” Vicky yelled, hot on my heels. I didn’t dare slow down.
“This was for screwing up my date last week…” I sprinted into the kitchen, him right behind me. He’s only a year older, but always acts like Dad. I know he loves me, is overprotective, but honestly? I’m a grown-up now. I need my own life, a life he doesn’t need to micromanage. Mom scolded us both and sent us back to our rooms to get ready. It’s my first day in college, and I’m buzzing with excitement. I’m a freshman in Business Administration while Vicky’s a sophomore studying Computer Engineering. He’s been a tech geek since… well, forever. No second thoughts on *his* stream.
Mine was a struggle. I finally settled on Business Administration, which made Dad ecstatic. He thinks at least one of us will take over the family business someday. The best part about moving was that Rosemary Field College is two hours outside of Shimla. To avoid the daily commute, Vicky’s been living in a hostel, and now I will be too. We can come back every weekend to spend time with Mom and Dad.
Senior year in school was… lonely. Vicky wasn’t there, so it wasn’t nearly as fun. Despite the constant irritation, we *are* sibling goals. He was captain of the football team, the star of the school. Girls flocked to him, throwing themselves at him, and my playboy brother loves every minute. I, on the other hand, was a popular cheerleader, alongside my best friend, Shanaya Khanna, who was head cheerleader too.
We’re opposites, but we click. Shanaya’s hot-headed, a little bit dumb, but I love her anyway. I have a perfect life – loving parents, wealthy (winking face), and a loving brother, a model best friend. Life is good, life is fun, and life is exactly as it should be for a teenage girl like me. “Hey Nan, ready for your first day?” I was bouncing down the stairs when I heard a sweet voice. There came in to my view my Brother's hot yet cute Best friend Reyansh Sehgal. I had a huge crush on him since 9th grade, I mean come on just look at the guy he is so good but was off limit. I mean obviously you can't hit on your best friends baby sister, not me but I am sure he thinks so.
“As ready as I ever could be…” I flashed him my Colgate ad smile, and he chuckled. I settled down at the dining table for breakfast beside Dad, Vicky settling beside me, ruffling my hair. I pouted angrily. “Ready for the big day, Kiddo?” Dad asked, and I gulped nervously. I hope everything goes well. Please, Jesus, be with me. “Don’t worry, Dad, she’ll be fine.” Vicky assured us both, and I know he’ll look out for me. “Of course, she’s a Taylor. Taylor’s always rock.” Dad finished with a proud smile, and we all chuckled. We finished our food silently, then after bidding bye to Mom and Dad with several tears and thousands of take cares and I loves you’s, finally made our way outside. I have to pick Shanaya while boys were going to follow me in their own car. Thank god my bestfriend is going in same College as me.
“Take care both of you and don't forget to eat on time and Yes no boys and no party only studies got it.” Shanaya’s Mom is a sweetheart but very conservative and strict, She was giving us several instructions of how to behave in college while we both were listening without paying a bit attention, Best friends you see. Though we both were the popular girls of school and every girl in our grade and even from other grades wanted to be our friend but we couldn't let them enter our small group. Shanaya and I are together since fifth grade and both of us always thought that letting in the third person will not be good for our bond, mostly Shanaya who hates sharing. So we both just confide in each other and were quite happy with the decision.
“Don’t worry Aunt, we’ll be safe, now we should get going, it’s too late.” I gave her a half smile, and after a final hug and goodbye, she let us leave. Vicky and Reyansh were getting impatient waiting for us. We both sent an apologising smile their way and finally started off, my car leading the way to the new phase of life. I don’t know why, but my gut feeling says this is going to be a great year. I hope Jesus plans the same for me, and I hope I meet my soulmate too. Oh Yes!! Shanaya and I both are hardcore romantics, waiting for our prince charming. Since there’s only one prestigious college in this town, most of my classmates will be from my previous school. But I really wish I find someone who makes my heart race like they show in those books and movies, and those stupid series I’m so hooked on.
Well, let’s just see what fate brings this time. So this is me, Nandani Taylor, and this is my story.