We were lying in bed at night when Neha said, "Sia, what was that about Ansh-the guy so many girls are crazy about-asking to be friends with you? Could it be that he likes you?"

I turned towards her and said in exasperation, "Oh come on, you've said this a thousand times. Look, he only asked to be friends, not for me to be his girlfriend."

She immediately sat up, turned to face me, and asked excitedly, "But suppose he did propose to you-would you say yes?"

Blushing, I covered my face with the bedsheet and said, "Go to sleep, you crazy girl; we have college tomorrow."

She said, "That's not fair, Sia."

We were in the middle of a financial accounting lecture when Neha leaned towards me and asked, "Hey, what time is it?" "When will this boring lecture end?"

I shake my head ruefully, check my watch, and say, "Ten more minutes left."

She says dejectedly, "Ten minutes? It feels like ten lifetimes, not ten minutes."

I chuckle and say, "If you're done with the drama, let's get back to the lecture."

I focus on the class when two boys walk in and make an announcement: after the lecture, every student must join the club they had previously selected.

Neha sighs with relief, "Thank God! Finally, we'll get to do something fun."

After the lecture, Neha left to join her club, leaving me behind.

I was nervous; usually, having Neha with me made things easier, but being alone felt really awkward.

I tried to ask a girl-"Excuse me..."-but she gave me a weird, haughty look.

I backed off, unable to bring myself to ask where the music room was.

Just then, I heard a voice from behind: "Hey."

I turned around to see a tall, handsome guy standing there with a guitar and a smile.

He asked, "Hey, what happened? Is something wrong?"

"Um," I stammered, "actually, I'm looking for the music room. I just can't seem to find it."

He said, "Oh, that's no problem. I'm heading there too; let's go together."

When we arrived, the boy said, "Oh, I forgot to introduce myself," and extended his hand. "Hey, I'm Aryan, the head coordinator of this club."

Feeling a bit nervous but smiling, I shook his hand and said, "Hi, nice to meet you."

He smiled back and said, "Me too. By the way, what's your name?"

I smiled slightly and said, "Sia."

He said, "Wow, that's a nice name. By the way, which instrument do you like to play?"

Feeling nervous and embarrassed, I replied, "Actually, I don't know how to play any instruments, but I do sing a little.

Just then, a boy shouted while clapping, "Attention, everyone! Those who are new to the club have to show off their specialty today. That means if you know how to play an instrument and are interested in it, you perform that; or if you like singing, you sing."

I was startled.

Feeling nervous, I clutched my bag tightly because I had never performed in front of so many people before.

I remembered a time in school when I was supposed to give a speech but froze completely on stage-oh God, that was the most embarrassing day of my life.

And now, why was I facing a similar situation again, and in college, of all places?

Aryan asked, "Hey, nervous?"

I nodded hesitantly and told him, "Actually, I've never sung in front of so many people."

He said, "Is that all? If you use this formula, it might help when you're singing."

I asked innocently, "What formula?"

He explained, "Just go up there, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and feel the music. Imagine you're all alone and immerse yourself in the depth of the music-and that's it, you'll be fine."

I asked, "Are you sure?"

He chuckled and said, "100 percent. Now go."

I step forward quietly and grasp the microphone with trembling hands; closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and begin to sing.

Ha...

Dil charkhe ki ik tu dori

Dil charkhe ki ik tu dori

Sufi iska rang haaye

Ismein jo tera khwaab piroya

Ismein jo tera khwaab piroya

Neendein bani patang

Dil bharta nahi

Aankhein rajjti nahi

Dil bharta nahi

Aankhen rajjti nahi

Chaahe kitna bhi dekhti jaaun

Waqt jaaye main rok na paaun

Tu thodi der aur thehar ja sohneya

Tu thodi der aur thehar ja

Tu thodi der aur thehar ja zaalima

Tu thodi der aur thehar ja...

Ha...

As I slowly open my eyes, all the students are applauding.

A group of girls comes over and says, "Wow, you sing so beautifully!" I smile and thank them.

Then Aryan approaches; he praises me too, saying, "Wow, Sia, you sing amazingly. Tell me the truth-where did you get your vocal training?"

I reply, "No, I haven't had any training; singing is just a hobby of mine btw thank you for helping me ."

Aryan replied,"oh come on sia, wese bhi dosti mai no sorry or no thank you ."

Our club session comes to an end, and a friendship begins to form between Aryan and me. We discuss singing together, and I have to admit-he is truly an exceptional guitarist.

Stepping out of the music room, he asks, "So, are we friends now?"

I nod and say "Yes" with a gentle smile.

Then he says, "Come, let me introduce you to my friends."

I hesitate a little and ask, "Friends?"

Then I add, "Actually, let me bring my friend along too, or else she'll get angry."

He smiles and says, "Okay."

We walk a bit further and meet Neha; she and Aryan introduce themselves to each other.

According to his word about introducing us to

his friends, we head to the canteen.

Aryan points to a table where three boys are sitting and says, "Look, those are my friends."