One day, during a science period, the teacher gave a simple instruction.
"Sit in pairs—only two per bench. And study quietly."
Students immediately
began moving around.
Riya got up from her usual seat at the back and walked toward
the middle benches.
She chose a place where she could sit across from Lakshith.
Not too close.
Not too far.
Just enough to see him.
As the class settled down, Riya opened her book and began working on the questions.
But every few minutes, her
eyes drifted up.
Toward him.
Lakshith was focused on his work, not noticing her at all.
Riya quickly looked back at her notebook each time, pretending nothing had happened.
She finished all the questions neatly and submitted her notebook first.
The teacher checked it and smiled. "Very good, Riya."
Days passed.
Half-yearly exams came and went.
When the results were announced, Riya got a centum in science.
Lakshith too.
For a moment, her heart felt light.
She was happy.
Not just for herself… but for him too.
But that day she didn't realize she would be happy for his success rather than her own.
Later, Lakshith casually asked, "What about your Tamil mark?"
Riya didn't answer with words.
Instead, she showed him
with her fingers.
55.
Out of 60.
No one else understood.
But he did.
He nodded slightly.
And that small understanding felt… special.
But life didn't stay still.
One evening, her parents told her something unexpected.
They were planning to change her school.
Riya was shocked.
Her class teacher tried convince them not to, but her parents had already made their decision.
There was nothing she could do.
Around the same time, as students were being shifted between sections, the sports teacher rearranged house groups again.
Riya ended up in a different house.
So did Lakshith.
For a brief moment, she felt relieved.
But that feeling didn't last.
Lakshith and Ananya were still in the same house.
Still talking.
Still laughing.
Watching them together, something tightened inside her chest again.
She didn't say anything.
She just looked away.
Days passed like that.
Quietly.
One day, Lakshith participated in an essay writing competition.
He got first prize.
Riya heard about it.
She wanted to congratulate him.
She really did.
But as always, hesitation held her back.
After standing there for a few seconds, she finally walked toward him.
"Lakshith…" she called softly.
He turned.
"You got first prize, right?"
He nodded.
Riya extended her hand.
"Congrats."
He smiled slightly and shook her hand.
"Thanks."
For a moment, she wanted to say something more.
Anything.
But before she could, Lakshith turned away to talk to his friend.
Just like that.
The moment ended.
Riya stood there for a second, then quietly walked back.
A small disappointment
settled in her heart.
And she carried it silently, like everything else.
Finally, the last day of sixth grade arrived.
Students were busy saying their goodbyes, laughing, making plans for the holidays.
Riya stood near the doorway for a moment.
Her eyes searched for him one last time.
She saw him.
Just standing there, talking to someone.
She didn't go to him.
She didn't call out his name.
She just looked.
For a few seconds.
And then she turned away.
That was the last time she saw him in sixth grade.
And without saying anything… she went home.