It was going to take Mira a lot of time to adjust to her new place. It was very clear to her.
What was not clear was the fact that a world beyond her imagination was already awaiting her.
She had no idea that people, who were not human, like her, had already started surrounding her presence.
She hurried towards her first class for the day, A Brief Introduction to Historical Architectures.
She burst inside the classroom, which was more like an auditorium, a movie theater with a gigantic 3-D screen.
They were being shown some documentary and the room was pitch black except for the light from the screen.
As soon as she entered, the light from the outside corridor entered like a flood, forcing the entire class to turn in her direction.
" I... I am looking for the final year History class... Am I... Am I at the right place? "
A very husky voice from amidst the dark replied,
" Indeed, this is the History class for the final year students. Are you by chance an exchange student? "
Mira bowed and introduced herself.
" Yes, I am. My name is Mira... "
But before she could complete her introduction that husky voice became a little bit hostile.
" Did you not get the timetable with class timings dear?"
It was rhetorical .
" Yes... Yes I did but it's my first day here and this place is so huge and confusing... I got lost. I am so sorry. I will not repeat my mistake. "
The class burst into laughter.
The screen stopped and then the lights came on, blinding Mira for an instance.
She saw a very attractive looking young man in black jeans and black shirt walk slowly towards her. One would think him to be a college student, not a final year teacher.
" Everybody please stop laughing. That is not how we welcome our guests. "
He put one hand around Mira's shoulder, over her school bag, much to her surprise.
She wasn't used to teachers behaving like that.
" There Mira, you can go and take your seat at that corner. Those empty seats are for a few more exchange students whom we are expecting this year, but unfortunately they haven't arrived yet. Perhaps, they too got lost, like you on their way here. "
As Mira timidly walked towards the seat assigned to her, the class burst into laughter once again.
Given the size of the auditorium, one would think the class had a large population but it was just the opposite.
The place had recliners instead of normal seats and there were hardly more than a few dozens of kids, all together.
Mira didn't dare to look up and check all their faces but she could tell.
" Here, sit here. " She looked up as a friendly voice guided her in a hushed demeanor.
The lights darkened yet again as Mira took her seat.
" I am Stella. I am an exchange student as well. I arrived yesterday. I am so glad to finally have someone like myself. This place was already suffocating me, I swear. You are Mira right? "
" I want no hissing or kissing when the lights are gone. Focus or get out. "
And thus their little chit chat died even before it could be fully initiated.
It was more than an hour long class, quite contrary to what Mira was used to.
"The recliners make perfect sense, " Mira thought as she leaned back a little when her back started to hurt a little from that hour long sitting at a stretch.
She almost arched a little too much when her eyes caught a very familiar face looking at her and grinning ear to ear.
That heavenly smile that Mira could never forget in a million years.
She sat up startled and looked back to make sure that she wasn't daydreaming, after all.
It was her savior. The angelic being who saved her not once by twice.
He waved at her as she stared at him with wide open eyes.
Her new found mate, Stella turned around to look as well.
" I know right. They all look like they are all top class models. Like who comes to school all made up like that? They look perfect from head to toe... "
And then she had to stop because she saw Kian waving back at Mira with an acknowledging nod.
" Did that... Did that guy just wave at you? "
She was fumbling for words when the lights came back on and everyone had to turn towards the teacher because he demanded their attention.
When the lights came back up, Mira noticed that indeed Stella was correct. It wasn't only Kian who looked ethereal.
All the students present in that classroom looked like they were straight out of movies or they were vampires.
Everyone was sitting in perfect poise and attentively listening to the lecture. Both Mira and Stella looked like they didn't belong there.
But Mira could not help her heart which was racing with too much excitement.
Was it seeing a familiar face amidst the chaotic mess or was it because she was going to meet him again, talk to him and perhaps this time ask his name.
But she didn't have to wait long.
" Kian, my dear boy, would like to come over and explain your project, so our exchange students have a vague idea about what they will be working on in the coming days. "
And he stood up.
" So that is his name. Kian. Wow! As unique and classy as his existence, " Mira thought.
As Kian stood up and walked forward, he flashed another smile at Mira to her utter surprise. But their eye contact was cut short as a blonde beauty walked Kian and grabbed his hand, definitely with the pretense of passing him some important material.
Kian got busy with his presentation but the blondie turned back right at Mira.
Her gaze was razor sharp and Mira immediately had to look away.
After a few moments when Mira turned towards Kian, this time, with an intention of paying attention to the subject being discussed, she found the girl still staring at her, to her utter discomfort.