"Krish, don't jump on the stairs! Take one staircase at a time!" Nora exhaustingly shouted.
Not minding his sister's words Krish excitedly ran to her and jumped on the couch. "Sister, I am already loving this place. My school is great and very very big. I have made so many friends here in just a month. I love this city. Everything is so convenient and stylish here."
"Already so many friends?"
"Yes. And actually I have got one best friend too."
"That too already?"
"Don't worry, I did the tests."
"And?"
"They don't know anything about our identity. We are just like foreigners and have no pure line here."
"Good boy. Now let's go for dinner."
Nora said and walked to the dining hall with him. What she meant by doing this was to make sure that no one would try to take advantage of any of their situations in future.
Right now even if she has Karan as her guardian, she lives alone and also decided to not use any security guards. For safety purposes, till it's not important, she wants no one to know about her true identity.
"Sister."
"Hmm."
"It's been a month, how do you feel about living here?"
Nora's hand movement stopped. Pursing her lips she squinted before giving an acknowledging nod. "I won't say all good. But good enough."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Awesome. Because I don't wanna go back at all."
To that, Nora said nothing much. She isn't thinking about going back for now either. She didn't lie, but every corner of that house kept reminding her of something. But also it doesn't scare her. It's been a month, and she still has dreams related to her past.
With time she was getting used to this place. She visited every bedroom of the mansion except her parents. She has got all the time in the world, and she is gonna use that to open that door. But she also believes that time will heal it away.
*** After a week
"Nora, please visit the college today. Once you get to choose your stream and generic you can start your classes. You can start any time then too. And one more thing make sure to get yourself in any club. It will help you."
"I'll do that Mr. Gill."
"... Amm Nora."
"Yes?"
"You don't need to be this formal with me."
"... I'll go first."
--- At the college
Having no one to drive, Nora had to take a cab to reach the college. In abroad she was eligible to get a driving licence, however, here she isn't eligible for that yet. The college Karan has decided for Nora was actually the best in the country. And it's also the same college from where Ryan has graduated and also from where he was doing his master's.
Walking inside the campus she looked around it. Being honest, Nora actually felt very good about the campus. Like every other day she was still wearing her mask and a cap. Her outfit was very simple with her denim jumpsuit and ankle black shoes.
While she walked around many other students still noticed her presence between them. Unlike others she carried no backpack or anything except her cellphone. Walking straight to the administrative office she got her paperwork done.
After an hour she was finally done with her admission process. Coming out of the building she moved towards the cafeteria. This morning after dropping Krish to his school, she had no time to take care of her meal.
Removing her mask and her cap she was waiting for her order to come when she heard a huge commotion outside the cafeteria. Initially she didn't care much about it. But slowly students from the cafeteria started leaving towards the commotion.
***
Nora's eyes squinted at the ruckus. She got irritated at her high point only when the waiters also started leaving their work in the middle.
Exhaustingly getting up from her seat she wore her cap and carried her mask in her pocket before leaving the arena. She was about to wear her mask when she heard people talking about the commotion.
-- "Is Parth actually doing that to a girl?"
-- "Of course not. I can't believe it. Have you ever seen Parth actually being around any girl before?"
-- "But he looks like forcing himself on her."
-- "Oh my god she is crying for help!"
On hearing all that, Nora was stunned by both the culprit and the crowd. How one can actually misbehave in front of everyone. And how everyone in the crowd is gossiping but not helping that girl at all.
Being frustrated by such an act, she did not hesitate even for a second and entered the crowd straight away. Pushing everyone from her front, she stood at the forefront. She did not try to be rash with her actions. She wanted to be sure of what was actually happening.
At first glance she could not understand anything. Both the boy and girl were showing some gestures like push and pull.
However, unlike the girl who was shouting for help, the boy was standing still and calm. As if he had nothing to do with whatever was happening, or he doesn't care that the whole crowd is looking at him with those judgmental eyes. Rather than a shameful or fearful look, there was a strange smile on his face. More like a victorious smile.
And that smile irked Nora deeply. The moment she noticed that the girl was being drawn too close to that boy, she marched forward, before pulling that girl away from that boy with full force. Her push was too hard for them and too sudden for the boy.
"What the hell do you- clack" Before that boy could complete his words Nora slapped his cheek tightly.
"Stay back before you regret more." Nora sternly spoke.