The deadline for the semester project was approaching, and Reena decided to spend the day in the library researching past student projects for inspiration.
As she sifted through old records and reports, she stumbled upon a file marked with a familiar name: Raghu, BBA student.
Curious, she opened it and was stunned by what she found.
Raghu’s projects weren’t just good—they were exceptional.
Detailed proposals, innovative ideas, and glowing faculty feedback filled every page.
Further digging revealed that Raghu had been a rank holder for five consecutive semesters in the BBA course, earning accolades for his academic brilliance.
Confusion clouded her mind. How could someone so accomplished have ended up with ATKT status?
As she continued reading, the answer became clear. Raghu had dropped out of college two years ago due to family circumstances, which had forced him to prioritize responsibilities over his education.
Reena closed the file, her heart heavy with empathy.
Raghu’s story painted a picture of resilience and sacrifice, far from the "failure" she had once assumed him to be.
Later that day, she spotted Raghu in his usual corner of the library, engrossed in his notes. Taking a deep breath, she approached him.
“Hey, Raghu,” she said softly.
He looked up, surprised to see her. “Hey, Reena. Need help with something?”
“Not exactly,” she replied, taking a seat across from him. “I found your old projects while researching. I didn’t know you were a rank holder.”
Raghu’s expression shifted, a mix of surprise and discomfort. “Oh… that,” he said, his voice guarded.
Reena hesitated before continuing. “I also read about why you had to drop out. I’m really sorry. It must’ve been tough to go through all that.”
Raghu leaned back in his chair, his face unreadable. “It was what it was,” he said simply. “No point dwelling on the past.”
“I just wanted to say… I admire how you’ve handled everything,” Reena said earnestly. “And I was wondering if… we could be friends?”
Raghu froze, her words catching him off guard. He studied her face, searching for any trace of pity. “Why?” he asked bluntly.
Reena blinked, startled by the question. “Because I think you’re a good person. You’ve been helping me even when you didn’t have to, and I’d like to get to know you better.”
Raghu’s lips tightened. “Reena, I appreciate what you’re saying, but I don’t want sympathy. If you’re offering friendship because you feel bad for me, then don’t.”
“That’s not it,” Reena said quickly. “I just… I think we could be good friends. But only if you’re okay with it.”
Raghu exhaled deeply, his defenses softening slightly. “Look, it’s not about you. It’s just… trust takes time for me. I’ve learned the hard way that not everyone who offers friendship really means it.”
Reena nodded, understanding his hesitation. “I get that. Take your time. I’ll be here.”
Raghu gave her a faint smile, his walls still up but with a small crack of openness. “Thanks, Reena. Let’s see how it goes.”
As she walked away, Reena felt a mix of emotions—sadness for what Raghu had endured and hope that, in time, their connection could grow into something meaningful.
Raghu, meanwhile, sat in silence, contemplating the unexpected offer of friendship and the first flicker of trust he had felt in a long time.
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