The next morning arrived quietly.
Areeba woke up early, long before the sun fully rose. The room was still, and so was her mind. She got ready slowly, packed her bag, filled her water bottle, and placed her lunch carefully inside. Everything was organized — just the way she liked it.
But inside, she had already decided something.
She didn't want any close relationships with anyone anymore.
Not because she hated people…
but because she had understood something about life.
In the end, everyone gets busy.
Everyone moves forward.
And slowly, people disappear from each other's lives.
Areeba had accepted this truth.
So she decided to keep her distance.
To focus on herself.
To not get attached again.
It was her second day at school.
She walked calmly to the morning assembly, standing quietly among hundreds of unfamiliar faces. After assembly, she went straight to her classroom. As soon as she entered, she took out the notebook she had borrowed and politely returned it to her classmate.
"Thank you for the notes," she said softly.
The girl smiled and nodded.
And just like that, the conversation ended.
The class began.
Areeba stayed completely focused on her studies. She listened carefully to every lesson, wrote everything sincerely, and avoided unnecessary conversations. She didn't know what others thought about her. She didn't care what they said behind her back.
Whenever the class ended, groups of girls gathered together, laughing and whispering about something. Sometimes Areeba felt they were talking about her. But she remained silent, sitting alone at her desk, pretending not to notice.
The boys talked loudly too, joking and laughing.
But that never bothered her.
Soon it was time for the combined class with the other section. Areeba felt slightly uncomfortable. On her first day, she had struggled to find a seat. The memory still lingered. But she had no choice.
Taking a deep breath, she walked into the classroom.
Her eyes quickly scanned the room. Every bench was occupied. No empty chairs. Once again, she stood still, unsure where to sit. Then she noticed a boy sitting on the second-last bench. He looked at her briefly and said calmly,
"You can sit here."
Without waiting for a response, he stood up and left the desk for her.
For a moment, Areeba felt relieved. At least she wouldn't have to share a desk awkwardly again. She thanked him politely and sat down. Soon, another girl came and sat beside her.
Areeba remained silent.
The boy returned after a while. His name was Sami. He seemed friendly — maybe a little too friendly. He asked the girl sitting next to Areeba,
"What's her name?"
The girl looked at Areeba.
Areeba turned slightly and replied calmly, "Areeba."
"Where do you live?" Sami asked.
Areeba stayed silent.
"What does your father do?" he asked again.
"Why?" she replied softly.
"Just casually asking."
Silence.
"You still didn't tell me where you live," he continued.
Areeba looked at him and said calmly,
"My father built a house somewhere on this earth. I live there."
Sami laughed. "Your sense of humor is good."
Areeba replied without expression,
"Do you work at a photostat shop?"
He looked confused. "No… why?"
"You're asking too many questions. I thought you were making some ID proof — Aadhar or PAN card maybe."
Sami smiled awkwardly. "I was just asking casually. I thought we should know each other so we can help and take care of each other."
Areeba's voice remained calm but firm.
"No need. I don't need anyone to take care of me. But thank you for thinking about me."
The girl beside her whispered softly,
"He's actually a very good boy."
Areeba replied without looking at her,
"I don't remember asking for any character certificate."
Just then, the teacher entered.
The class began.
Areeba stayed quiet and focused. After the class ended, she returned to her own classroom. She could hear faint whispers behind her, but she didn't turn around. She sat at her desk alone, waiting for the next class.
A girl approached her gently.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yes," Areeba replied. "Why?"
"You look a bit down."
"No, I'm fine. Thank you for asking."
She rested her head lightly on the desk and waited. But the teacher didn't come that day. It was a self-study period. After some time, Sami entered the classroom. He greeted everyone casually and talked freely with classmates. When he spoke to Areeba, she replied politely but briefly.
Nothing more.
Soon the final bell rang.
"See you tomorrow," Sami said casually while leaving.
Areeba walked home quietly. On the way, a thought kept repeating in her mind.
Was I too rude?
He was just being friendly…
He even gave me his seat.
By the time she reached home, she felt slightly exhausted. After lunch, she went to her room to complete homework. Just then, her sister Mili entered.
"How was your day?" Mili asked.
"Good."
"What happened?"
Areeba hesitated. "I think… I messed up."
"Tell me everything."
Areeba narrated the entire incident. As soon as she finished, Mili burst into laughter.
"Don't laugh!" Areeba protested.
"I can't help it," Mili laughed harder. "You actually said that?"
Areeba tried to stay serious but eventually smiled.
"Laugh as much as you want. I'm not telling you anything again."
"Okay okay," Mili said, still giggling. "Now what are you thinking?"
"I think I overreacted. My tone wasn't good."
"What's done is done," Mili replied softly. "You can't change it now. Stop overthinking."
Areeba nodded slowly.
"Yeah… I guess."
After a moment of silence, both sisters looked at each other and started laughing again.
For the first time that day,
Areeba felt a little lighter.