It was July, and the heavy Indian monsoon had turned the school playground into a muddy pond. Their science teacher, Mrs. Sharma, adjusted her saree and made an announcement that changed everything.
"For the Science Exhibition, we will have pairs. Since Aryan is failing and Ananya is topping, they will work together. Ananya, please help him."
The class giggled. Aryan felt his ears turn red. He looked at his shoes, but then he felt a shadow over his desk.
"Don't worry," Ananya said, smiling. Her voice was like the first rain. "We will build something great. Come to my house tomorrow after school? My mom will make chai and pakoras."