Finding My Place, One Bite at a Time

Everything was going perfectly to plan, except perhaps concerning the studies at college. Even when I tried sufficiently, it had become impossible for me to sit in my books after classes. Every other thing keeps popping into mind, not to mention so many assignments that one has to read. One did not get it because a person simply did not want to screw up, but this new habit felt very unusual to me.

Sundays became my respite, my day to breathe and reset. I had also started hanging out with my brother, who was in Delhi getting ready for engineering college. It was a relief to spend time with him. Unlike most people in college, time spent with him came effortlessly. He was my anchor in this whirlwind.Movies were our thing. Throughout a week of fatigue, I always looked forward to the other world for some time. Last week, we watched Munjya. I hardly knew about the movie. All Aarav was telling me was the folklore involved in it and the horror-comedy blend, which had me say nothing but okay to it.

As I sat there in the theater, it was then that I realized that these breaks were a must-something to look forward to. For me, college still felt a bit like walking through a labyrinth of unfamiliar faces and routines; although I was beginning to find some friends whom I wasn't ready to open up to as yet, going out with my brother seemed safe.

Aditi: (laughing) "Well, that was... something else. A haunted tree, a love-struck ghost, and all that black magic—talk about a rollercoaster ride!"

Aarav: (grinning) "I told you, the folklore in Munjya was going to be wild. I mean, the whole Gotya and Munni backstory? He literally turned himself into a ghost because of unrequited love."

Aditi: (nodding) "Yeah, and then poor Bittu gets possessed by Munjya just for visiting that tree! I didn't see that coming. Imagine being haunted by a ghost who wants you to fulfill their love story."

Aarav: (teasing) "Maybe you'll get possessed next if you don't confess your crush soon."

Aditi: (rolling her eyes) "Don't even start. But honestly, I loved how they mixed horror and humor. Bittu was hilarious, especially with that Elvis exorcist guy. Their plan to outsmart Munjya was genius!"

Aarav: "True, but I felt bad for Bela. She had no idea her family's history would literally come back to haunt her."

Aditi: "Exactly! And the whole twist about Munni being Bela's grandmother? That was mind-blowing. But you know, the movie also got me thinking about how obsession can ruin lives. Like Gotya's desperation turned into something so dark."

Aarav: "Yeah, and it wasn't just about the ghost story—it touched on family secrets, love, and even facing your fears. Pretty deep for a horror-comedy."

Aditi: (smiling) "Agreed. It wasn't just a scary movie; it had heart. Also, I liked the ending. It showed that even ghosts can't win against a well-thought-out plan and a determined team."

Aarav: (mock-serious) "Moral of the story: Stay away from haunted trees and never underestimate the power of teamwork."

Aditi: (laughing) "And maybe, don't mess with love-struck ghosts!"

Aarav: (smirking) "So, which haunted love story are we watching next?"

Aditi: (playfully nudging him) "Not anytime soon! Let's just grab some food now—I'm starving."

Aarav: "Sure, but you're paying this time. Watching you jump during the spooky scenes was worth it!"

Both of them laugh and head to their favorite food joint, discussing their favorite scenes from Munjya and enjoying each other's company.

I pushed open the door to our hostel room, the smell of takeout wafting in with me. Ankita, Riya, and Pooja were sprawled across the floor, surrounded by open books that clearly hadn't been touched in a while. Ankita was scrolling through her phone, probably looking at memes, while Riya and Pooja were deep in conversation about some random topic that would never make it to tomorrow's memory.The moment I stepped in, all three of them froze.

"Wait, is that food?" Ankita's head shot up, her nose twitching like a hound catching a scent.

I smirked. "Maybe."

"Don't tease us like that, Aditi! What did you bring?" Pooja practically jumped to her feet, peeking into the bag I was holding.

"Relax! It's biryani and kebabs from this amazing little place I went to with my brother. Thought I'd treat you guys."

Riya let out a dramatic gasp. "Our savior has arrived! I was this close to making instant noodles, again." She held up two fingers barely an inch apart for emphasis.

"Move over, let me sit," I said, setting the bag on the small table in the corner. Plates magically appeared as if conjured by sheer hunger, and the three of them descended on the food like vultures.

"This smells divine." Ankita took a deep sniff before piling biryani onto her plate. "What's the name of the place? We need to go there sometime."

"It's called Noor's Kitchen," I replied. "Small place, but the food is incredible."

"Bless Noor for feeding us," Pooja said between bites, her voice muffled by a kebab.

I couldn't help but laugh. Moments like this made the chaos of college life bearable. Sitting there, sharing food and jokes with these girls who had somehow become my people, felt comforting.

"Hey, did you hear about the poetry club?" Riya asked, her mouth still half-full.

"Yeah, their events seem so cool," Ankita chimed in.

"You should totally join, Aditi. You've got that creative vibe."

"Maybe," I said, noncommittally. They didn't know I had already applied for the club. I wasn't ready to share that yet.

As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to random gossip, exaggerated stories from their past, and teasing each other over the smallest things. The room was filled with laughter, crumbs, and the warmth of newfound friendships.

For a moment, I just sat back and observed them. These girls, who I'd barely known a month ago, had become my safe space in a world that still felt unfamiliar. I wasn't sure where this journey would take me, but I knew one thing for sure—this hostel, these people, and these late-night food feasts were quickly becoming the best part of my college life.