When Stars Aligned for Us

By Shubham Gour

"When Stars Aligned for Us" intricately weaves the tale of Harshita and Siddharth, two souls whose paths converge repeatedly but are consistently thwarted by life's circumstances. Despite the challenges they face, their connection remains steadfast, reflecting the unpredictable nature of destiny. As the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blue Rose Publishers
• Release date: Mar 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9789362616401

Book preview

Preface

In the tapestry of life, some threads are woven with such intricacy that they leave an indelible mark on our souls. When Stars Aligned for Us is a narrative woven from such threads, tracing the journey of Siddharth and Harshita as they navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery.

Set against the backdrop of college life, this story delves into the nuances of relationships and the serendipitous moments that shape our destinies. As Siddharth and Harshita's paths intertwine, they embark on a journey of growth, facing challenges, celebrating victories, and cherishing the bonds that defy time and distance.

Through their shared experiences, readers are invited to reflect on their own journeys, resonating with the universal themes of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection. When Stars Aligned for Us is not just a tale of two individuals; it is a mirror that reflects the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

As you embark on this journey, may you find solace in the warmth of friendship, inspiration in the pursuit of dreams, and the courage to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that life presents. Welcome to a story where stars align, hearts entwine, and destinies converge in the most unexpected ways.

Prologue

Dear readers,

As I delve into the recesses of my memory, I find myself drawn back to a time when life was an open book, waiting to be written. Let me share a story that's pretty special to me. Where the past and present converged in the most unexpected way. It is a journey into a world where the boundaries between fiction and reality blur, allowing you to explore the depths of human experiences through the lives of our characters.

This story revolves around a guy named Siddharth, the main character in this adventure.

While Siddharth was in college, navigating through studies and trying to figure out life, something unexpected happened. It's like destiny had its own plans, and Siddharth's story began to unfold, revealing a mix of surprises, dreams, and some really unexpected moments.

This isn’t just a series of events; it's a journey into what makes us who we are. In these pages, you’ll find the feelings we all go through—chasing dreams, growing up, and dealing with the twists life brings.

As I share Siddharth's story, I want you to feel the nostalgia, the sincerity, and the good memories. Let's explore this journey together, acknowledging that sometimes, the small and random moments in life can change everything.

So, let your imagination be your guide as we venture into the realms of this story—a story that is not confined by the bounds of reality but is bound by the shared human experiences that unite us all, and the profound impact of a chance encounter that forever altered the course of Siddharth’s life.—a story that's not just about reality but about the shared experiences that connect us all.

I invite you to join me in reliving the beginning of this extraordinary chapter—a moment of chance that unfolded amidst the backdrop of youthful ambition and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, where destiny unveiled its enigmatic hand and set life on an unforeseen path.

Chapter One:

The Origins

Shuruwat karte hai kisso ki dheere dheere, jaise har ek pal kahani ka pehla panna ho.

Dear readers,

In the pages that follow, I invite you to join me on a journey through the chapters of my life, each one a reflection of the twists and turns that fate can bring. As I look back on those days, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia, a longing for the past that often accompanies tales of youthful exuberance and ambition.

This chapter, in particular, marks the beginning of a story that defies expectations and conventions, a story where the stars aligned in the most unexpected ways. It is a tale that speaks of dreams, desires, and the unspoken connections that can shape our destinies.

Hi! My name is Siddharth, and I'd love to share this journey with you, transporting you back to a time when life was uncomplicated, dreams were limitless, and love was an undiscovered territory gleaming on the horizon. This story is close to my heart, a narrative that unfolded organically, every moment penned with the purest ink of destiny.

Back in my college days, particularly during the first year, I was a determined student with a clear goal — to establish an identity that others could admire. Yes, that was me. Despite being successful in my academics, I had a strong belief that mere academic achievements wouldn’t lead to anything truly meaningful. My college resembled a production line for robots, or one could say, students for sales. The focus was on showcasing the toppers on boards to attract parents who dreamt of their child being on top the following year.

I knew about this nonsense—the system—since I completed my higher education at the same institution. There's a saying I keep telling myself, 'In the bad going, there is always a good suffering…' Amidst the chaos and the mad rush to keep up with the curriculum, there was one teacher I genuinely respected—Mr. Bhushan Gupta. While everyone addressed him as 'Gupta sir', as I got to know him better, I started calling him 'Bhushan sir' out of respect.

Bhushan Sir had a unique philosophy. He used to say, Beta, success in academics, love, and life isn’t about scoring the highest marks. It's about understanding things. Don’t chase after marks, delve into the concepts. Then you’ll see, love will naturally find its way into your life, and success will follow suit.

Bhushan sir was an amazing teacher who taught me Networking. He showed me how to fall in love with the subjects I was learning. His teaching methods were commendable, and I believe he was the only teacher in the college who was loved by almost all the students. Despite being a hard worker, I only got good grades in the subjects that Bhushan sir taught. I struggled with physics, and God knows why I messed up with numerical problems "Whyyy Newton why… you should have eaten those apples which falled on you why the E=m c² sirr…kyu". Well, it doesn’t matter because I already knew physics wouldn’t benefit me much, as I dreamt of being in a software company.

Well, my college life was filled with memories, a bunch of mischief that I didn’t used to like back then, but now I miss it. I still remember how we used to give our exams, and it always brings a smile to my face.

Batana… please, Vaibhav asked in a whispering tone as we were in the middle of the exam.

Ruk bhai, abhi to shuru hua hai… jitna aata hai utna likh, I replied as I was getting disturbed every time he called me.

Are likh liyaaaa… ssshhh, sun naa pleasee.. Vaibhav said.

Kya? Itne jaldi..? I replied in shock as the exam had just started at that moment.

Haa… name, roll number, sab likh liya, he replied.

Are you… As*hole yash se puch, I said, indicating a red flag, as I wanted to complete my exam first.

Yashh oyee dada, please bata de, Vaibhav asked again.

Beta, I guess you don’t know, but my ears are all open while I am reading the newspaper, Uth jaao mere jay or veeru, the invigilator commanded, all thanks to Vaibhav.

As we were left with no choice, we had to stand up.

Sir, vo main ek doubt puch raha tha, Vaibhav said.

Dekhe to bhai inki physics… he picked up Vaibhav’s answer sheet and added, isme to mujhe doubt ho raha hai. Everyone in the hall laughed as the answer sheet was blank.

Siddharth beta, I didn’t expect this from you… just sit there and focus on your paper, the invigilator said.

Sorry sir.. I looked angrily at Vaibhav. Sure sir, I will, and I sat at the next desk the invigilator asked me to sit in, and this is how my group, the troublesome, survived the exam.

Yes, Vaibhav did pass the exams because he had a backup of chits hidden in the boys' washroom. Well, well, that's how my college days were.

I spent a significant amount of time in the library and staff room seeking help with my doubts. I had a good reputation among all the professors, including Bhushan sir, with whom I often shared my concerns. I once approached him with a dilemma, saying, Sir, the subjects we are studying in college don’t seem practical. Aur mujhe development me hi jana hai, but our curriculum appears outdated. What should I do?

Bhushan sir thought for a moment and said, Beta, our curriculum has been the same for years, and changing it won’t be easy. Feeling even more confused, I asked, Sir, what should I do? I am so confused, and I fear for my future. Please help me figure this out.

Bhushan sir's advice became a turning point in my life. I remember his words clearly: ‘Siddharth, excelling in academics is good, but skill development is crucial too. I recommend enrolling in an IT course that offers real-time industry knowledge.’

Wanting to be more than just an average student, I worried if my college would prepare me well for a job after graduation. The uncertainty about my future casted a shadow on my dreams.

College ki padhai aur ab ye institute ki talash kya yarr… Kabil bano success jhak marke peeche aayegi kisi ne likh diya or hamne ye maan liya. Sometimes I used to say this to myself, but we can’t ignore the fact it is true. Sometimes I think it was written for people only like me. Searching for the right academy wasn’t an easy task, as only a handful of them offered professional training to students. Bhushan Sir suggested one called CodeMinds Institute. The name itself was intriguing, and without a second thought, I went for counseling.

The experience at the institute was fascinating. Beyond learning the course, the institute was managed by a knowledgeable and friendly young lady.

Approaching the academy teacher, I said, Hi Ma’am, I'm Siddharth, here for a software development career course. Can you tell me about the curriculum?

The teacher, well-versed in the field, suggested, Given your interest, start with the computer fundamentals. It lays a robust foundation for understanding systems.

Puzzled, I sought clarification. Computer fundamentals and computer programming… seems like two different worlds.

Smiling, the teacher explained, They’re interconnected. Understanding fundamentals provides a valuable perspective when you dive into programming. It's like knowing the canvas before you paint the masterpiece. Appreciating coding intricacies comes with a solid fundamental understanding.

I mentioned Bhushan sir recommended me, and it turned out they were good friends.

Ma’am, I already know about fundamentals. I'm Bhushan sir’s student, he suggested me your institute.

Oh, you’re Bhushan’s student? she asked.

Yes ma’am, I replied.

Then i believe there is no need for fundamentals. Bushan might have covered it already. I suggest you start with C first.

Excited for the educational journey, I asked, How long will it take to complete the first module?

The teacher replied, It varies, but dedicate a few months for a thorough understanding. It's a crucial investment for your future in Development.

Taking this valuable advice to heart, I thanked the teacher and decided to discuss this pathway further with Bhushan sir, whose insights I valued immensely.

During this transformative phase, destiny took a whimsical turn, orchestrating a moment that would shape the trajectory of my journey. This encounter involved a remarkable individual who would become the inspiration for my story, the focus of my reflections, and the love that would set my soul on fire. But before delving into that, let me introduce you to the world of the academy, where my tale truly begins.

CodeMinds, the academy, stood as a symbol of unconventional IT education. Unlike traditional schools, it embraced visitors with warmth and familiarity rather than a formal and intimidating atmosphere.

Upon entering the academy, Visitors were greeted by an environment that not only encouraged learning but also nurtured camaraderie. The state-of-the-art computer lab, with its powerful machines and cutting-edge equipment, replaced the conventional setup. Monitors displayed lines of code, and the gentle hum of processors filled the