Noor's POV

The college gate loomed in front of me like a portal to another dimension, one where social norms were optional and fashion mistakes were a rite of passage.

I stood there, biting my lip, the sea of students swirling around me like a school of fish. Maybe I should've worn something less... bright.

The neon pink of my baggy t-shirt screamed confidence, but inside, i felt like a balloon that was just a little too inflated. "You got this, Noor," i whispered to myself, taking a deep breath.

Just as i was gathering courage to step inside, i collided with two figures-one tall and lanky, the other shorter but with an infectious smile.

"Oof!" The taller one stumbled back, steadying himself. "Watch where you're going!"

"Sorry!" i blurted, my cheeks heating up. "I didn't mean to-"

"It's okay," the shorter one chimed in, flicking her hair back with a laugh.

"Welcome to the jungle! I'm Aarav, and this is my sister, Arushi."

"Nice to meet you," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I'm Noor."

Arushi grinned. "Are you ready for the most thrilling ride of your life? Or are you just here to survive?"

"Survive, mostly," I shrugged, glancing at the entrance. "I just hope I don't trip and fall on my face."

"Oh, don't worry! That'll probably happen to someone else," Aarav chuckled, guiding me toward the classroom. "Just stick with us. We'll make sure you don't get eaten alive."

"Or at least give you popcorn when it happens," Arushi added with a wink.

As we entered the classroom, we took seat in the back, trying to blend in with the wall. The room buzzed with chatter until a figure strode in, commanding immediate attention.

Dressed in all black, with sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular forearms, he looked like a villain straight out of a movie. I swore I could hear a dramatic score playing in the background.

"Good morning," he said, his voice deep and slightly gravelly. "I'm Reyansh Malhotra, your mathematics professor. Discipline is key in this class. I expect you to follow the rules and respect the learning environment."

I couldn't help but think he looked like a muscular crocodile-strong and intimidating, with eyes that could pierce through nonsense. I tried to suppress a giggle.

Arushi nudged me, eyes wide. "He is so hot!"

"Hot? More like a furnace that'll burn you alive," I replied, rolling my eyes. "Not my type."

"Not your type?" Arushi gasped, her mouth forming a perfect 'O'. "What do you mean? He's like a Greek god!"

"More like a god of discipline," I muttered, trying to focus on the lecture. But it was hard to ignore the way Arushi was practically swooning.

Professor started scribbling equations on the board, his expression serious. "Mathematics is not just about numbers; it's about discipline, focus, and commitment. If you don't respect that, you'll find yourself standing outside this classroom."

I felt a mischievous impulse bubbling up inside I. Why not have a little fun? I discreetly pulled out a piece of paper and began sketching a caricature of Mr. Professor, exaggerated muscles and all, with the caption, "The Math Monster: Fear the Discipline!"

As I was finishing up, a sharp voice cut through the air, "Ms...?"

My heart dropped like a lead balloon. "Noor sharma"

"Ms. Sharma would you Care to share what you find so amusing?" His gaze was piercing, like he could see right through my innocent facade.

"No, sir!" I squeaked, trying to flatten the paper against my thigh.

"Then perhaps you'd like to stand outside and reflect on that laughter?" he said, crossing his arms, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he did.

"Ugh, fine!" I said, standing up and shuffling to the door. I shot Arushi a look. "This is your fault for encouraging me!"

"Sorry!" Arushi mouthed, trying not to laugh.

As I stood outside the classroom, I could hear the muffled sound of him continuing his lecture. "Discipline is not just a rule; it's a way of life..." His voice trailed off, and I could picture him pacing, the muscles in his arms rippling with every dramatic gesture.

I leaned against the wall, feeling a mix of embarrassment and defiance. "What a way to start my college career," I grumbled to myself.

"Okay, Noor, you've made it this far. Just don't die of embarrassment."

After what felt like an eternity, the classroom door swung open, and Aarav poked his head out. "Hey, Math Monster is giving you a second chance. You can come back in."

I perked up. "Really? What did I miss?"

"Just him explaining why pi is irrational," Aarav said with a smirk, "and how you might be too if you keep this up."

"Haha," I replied sarcastically, rolling I eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

As I stepped back inside, Professor's eyes narrowed. "You're back. I trust you've reflected on your actions?"

"Yep, all about discipline and respect," I said, nodding vigorously. "And how not to draw caricatures of my professors."

Aarav snorted, and Arushi stifled a giggle. His lips twitched, almost forming a smirk, but he quickly masked it with a stern expression. "Very well. Let's see if you can apply that lesson in the next exercise."

"Sure, just let me know if you want a portrait while I'm at it," I shot back, a grin creeping up my face.

"Not unless you want to stand outside again," he replied, his voice steady.

"Point taken," I said, settling back into my seat, determination coursing through my veins. Maybe I could survive this semester after all.

As the class continued, I found herself surprisingly engaged. Reyansh Malhotra, despite his strict demeanor, had a way of making mathematics come alive. I couldn't help but admire how he explained complex theories with such passion. Maybe he was more than just a crocodile in a suit.

"Okay, class," he said, "I want you to pair up and solve these equations. And remember: discipline is key!"

I turned to Arushi. "So, what do you think? Should we take notes or just doodle?"

"Doodle! He's way too stern. We'll rebel with creativity!" Arushi declared, pulling out her colored pens.

"No, no, focus! We should at least pretend," I replied, shaking my head. "But... maybe a small doodle won't hurt."

As we sketched ridiculous math monsters together, laughter bubbled between us, and I felt her nerves begin to ease. The classroom, once intimidating, now felt like a safe haven filled with budding friendships.

When I looked up, he glanced at us and raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Maybe he was starting to see that laughter and discipline could coexist, just like a math equation.

"Hey, Noor," Aarav said, leaning over. "You think he's ever smiled?"

"No idea," I replied, my eyes darting to Crocodile. "But I bet he has a secret stash of snacks he guards like a dragon."

"Or maybe he's just a misunderstood artist," Arushi chimed in, giggling.

"More like a math superhero who needs to lighten up," I said, sketching a cape on her doodle. "The Fearsome Professor of Discipline!"

As the class continued, I realized I was beginning to enjoy myself. The thrill of the unknown mixed with the camaraderie of my new friends made the whole experience feel like an adventure. Maybe college wouldn't be so bad after all.

And who knew? Maybe one day, Reyansh Malhotra would crack a smile, and we'd all get to celebrate the day the Math Monster became a Math Hero.

"Okay, class," Crocodile said, turning back to them, his expression serious. "Let's see those equations. And remember, discipline!"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, but this time, I smiled. "Right, right. Discipline."

As laughter erupted around me, I felt a sense of belonging seep into my bones.

The crocodile professor might be

strict, but he was about to become a part of my college story, and I was ready for whatever came next.