In the vastness of the universe, a faint spark flared—a tiny light in the endless dark. It wasn't random; it pulsed with purpose, rippling through the cosmos, touching unseen corners of existence. Though invisible to most, its journey carried weight, destined to intersect with a young boy named Alex.

On Earth, the city was alive with the buzz of Diwali preparations. Golden lights adorned homes and streets, casting a festive glow. The scent of marigolds mixed with the sugary aroma of freshly made sweets, while the crackle of sparklers filled the air. Amid this vibrant chaos, Alex stood at the gates of his new college, staring at the imposing structure before him.

He adjusted the strap of his bag, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. It was his first day, not just at the college, but in the city itself. The unfamiliarity was overwhelming, but it carried a spark of excitement too. He stepped through the gates, joining the throng of students in the bustling courtyard. Everywhere, groups of friends chatted, laughed, and hurried to their classrooms.

Inside, the building was a mix of old and new, with ivy climbing its walls and the sun streaming through large windows. Alex found his assigned classroom and paused outside, gathering himself. When he stepped in, the teacher—a sharp-eyed woman sorting papers at the front—looked up.

"You must be Alex," she said, her voice firm but kind. "Welcome. There's a seat for you at the back, behind Maya."

Alex nodded, scanning the room as he made his way to his seat. That's when he saw her.

Maya sat by the window, sunlight spilling over her like a spotlight. She was turned slightly, chatting with her friends. Her laugh was soft but captivating, her smile lighting up her face. Alex's steps slowed as he took her in—the easy grace with which she moved, the way her hair caught the light. She seemed to glow, like the festival lights outside had found a home in her.

Realizing he was staring, Alex quickly looked away and hurried to his seat. He slid into the chair, his heart beating faster than he cared to admit. As he settled in, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"First day?"

Alex turned to see a boy grinning at him from the next seat.

"Yeah," Alex replied, grateful for the distraction.

"Welcome to the chaos," the boy said, extending a hand. "I'm Lucky."

Alex shook it, laughing lightly. "Nice to meet you."

Lucky leaned back, smirking. "You got the seat behind Maya, huh? Not bad, my friend."

Alex frowned slightly. "Why does it matter?"

Lucky raised an eyebrow, as if Alex had asked a ridiculous question. "She's kind of... the star around here. Smart, friendly, and, well, you've seen her, right? Most of the guys in this class have a crush on her."

Alex glanced at Maya, now bent over her notebook, writing something with a small smile on her lips. He shrugged, hoping his face wasn't as red as it felt.

"She seems... nice," he said, trying to sound casual.

Lucky's grin widened. "Nice? Sure. But just a heads-up—she's way out of our league."

Before Alex could respond, the teacher's voice cut through the chatter, calling the class to attention. Alex tried to focus on the lesson, but his thoughts kept drifting. His eyes wandered to the decorations scattered around the room: fairy lights waiting to be strung, colorful banners in a corner, and a box of marigolds ready to be hung.

The festive spirit of Diwali was everywhere, but for Alex, the most radiant light sat just a few feet away, her hair catching the sun as she tucked a stray strand behind her ear.

The lesson ended, and students began to file out. Lucky nudged Alex.

"Come on," he said. "Let me show you around. You'll need a guide to survive this place."

Alex followed, relieved to have someone easing him into the unfamiliar environment. Lucky led him through the corridors, pointing out landmarks like the library, the cafeteria, and the sprawling courtyard where students hung out between classes.

"And this," Lucky said, stopping in front of a large board covered in photos and posters, "is the events board. If it's worth knowing, it's up here. Debates, competitions, festivals—you name it."

Alex nodded, taking it all in. Lucky's easygoing nature made him feel less like an outsider.

As they headed back toward the classroom, Alex's attention was drawn to a familiar figure standing by the window. Maya. She was surrounded by a small group of friends, laughing at something one of them said. Her smile was effortless, her presence magnetic.

For a moment, the noise around him faded. The world seemed to hold its breath, leaving only the sound of his heartbeat and the soft echo of her laughter.

"Careful," Lucky said, noticing Alex's gaze. "You'll fall for her like the rest of them."

Alex shook his head, tearing his eyes away. "I'm just... curious. That's all."

"Sure you are," Lucky teased, clapping him on the back.

The day carried on, blending into the rhythm of introductions, classes, and brief exchanges. But Alex couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had begun. It wasn't just the start of his college life. It was something deeper, like an invisible thread had tied him to this place—and to her.

As the day ended, Alex stood at the gates once more, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The city lights began to flicker on, one by one, their glow reminiscent of the spark he'd glimpsed in Maya's smile.

In the distance, the first crackle of fireworks lit up the evening sky, painting it with color and light. Somewhere in the vastness of the universe, that spark of cosmic energy flared again, unseen but felt. And as Alex walked home, the feeling lingered—that this was only the beginning of something far greater than he could understand.

His story had just begun, and it would be one illuminated by light, love, and the mysteries of the cosmos.