Yesterday's fantasy, today's mystery💫 |Deepsikha Roy|

College. The word which apparently seems to be a fantasy for the high school tutees, turns out to be one of the greatest escapism from the pampered sunshade of begetters. From being on the feather bed of home to sharing a single room with five, it is that place which upskills us with the real flavours of adulthood.

On the springs of 2018, Aarav, a fresher made his appearance on the first day of his college with an eye full of big dreams and innocence. He was little twitchy at the thought that nobody would probably talk to him. It is quite natural, everybody thinks the same, but it doesn't turn out to be real though. Afterall, college is that part of our life where we make some quality friends and so was the case with Aarav. On the first day, he befriended two handsome boys Viraj and Quasim.

Viraj was very reserved and timid, whereas Quasim was just his contrast, an impulsive and lively soul. Worriness was not a part of Quasim's behavior. On the very first month, he got into an amourous alliance with a beautiful girl. Although, they both were never very serious about the affair. For them, it was a delightful and casual part of every college fresher. For Quasim, Viraj and Aarav were like a family. They mattered to him more than anyone else. Amusing together was the only homely feeling they enjoyed. These three shared the same room and a bunch of memories together.

It is astonishing how time flies. From bunking classes to late night parties, almost half of the year passed. It was 20th of December, 2018. From the following day, the Christmas holidays would begin and everyone was exhilarated. Their attendance was really low and Aarav was the only one who was anxious. He was in hurry for his classes and Viraj was leaving for home. 

The moment Aarav was setting off for the college in haste, Quasim suddenly interrupted him and said, 

"Brother, I have something to tell you."  

Aarav who was already late, replied to him, " Not now please, I have such a low attendace and I need to attend the classes today. I will surely catch you at the evening."

Quasim, " But....."

After attending all the classes that day, Aarav was contend and excited for his holidays. As he was making his way towards the hostel, he picked up his phone and was horrified to see ten missed calls from many, one of them was Quasim's girlfriend.

It has been two years now since that day. Everyone graduated with flying colours. Life taught them many lessons, they got to know so much in these years, but one thing which still gives goosebumps to Aarav is the thought that what made his venturesome friend, Quasim take his life? What he wanted to tell him that day? What was he hiding behind his brightest laughters? Could he save him at the cost of just an attendance?