School had its own rhythm — a rhythm I was learning to lead as class monitor. In our school, every class had two monitors: one boy and one girl. I was the girl, Sultan the boy. We weren't exactly close, but we had a bond — a shared understanding about studies and keeping order in the classroom.
One day, our teacher was absent, and Sultan and I stood at the front, keeping the class silent. For a moment, everything seemed normal — until one of the girls asked me to announce her birthday party to the class. I did, and immediately, the room erupted in shouts.
I raised my voice, telling them to calm down. That's when Sultan spoke up.
"Don't tell the boys anything. I'll handle them. You focus on the girls," he said.
I shook my head, frustrated. "No. I'm the class monitor. It's not about boys or girls — it's about the class."
We had a small argument, a clash of responsibility and pride, but it passed as the school day ended.
Outside the school, Ritika and Lavanya were waiting for me. I finished a little work our teacher had given me, packed my bag, and as I was leaving the classroom, Sultan was there.
"I'm sorry for earlier," he said. I smiled. "Me too."
As we walked out together, he added quietly, "I don't like it when you talk to boys." I laughed, a little embarrassed. "Why not?" He didn't answer, quickly changing the topic, leaving me curious and confused.
Ritika's eyes followed us as he left. She looked sad, and I wanted to ask why, but I held back — she wasn't feeling well. After she left, I asked Lavanya. "Why is Ritika sad?"
"She likes Sultan," Lavanya said casually. "She's just trying to ignore him. Don't worry."
I nodded, thinking it over. I decided to keep some distance from Sultan, not wanting to come in the middle of anyone's feelings.
Later, as I got ready for the birthday party, my thoughts kept drifting back to him. Would he even come? Unable to control my curiosity, I called the birthday girl and subtly asked if Sultan was coming. She laughed, teasing me. "He asked the same about you!"
My face heated up instantly. "I'm coming," I blurted, ending the call before I could say anything else.