Kavya's POV:
As soon as I clicked my bicycle's lock and stepped onto the school grounds, a cool breeze lifted a strand of hair across my face.
My palms felt clammy as I moved toward the main building, each step echoing a mix of anxiety and determination.
Just as I reached the door, Mrs. Rao appeared, standing tall with her arms crossed, her gaze sharp.
"Kavya, you're late—on your very first day," she said, tapping her watch.
I tried to explain, my words stumbling out in a rush. "I—I got stuck near the café, by a strange passage. It was really odd—" But before I could finish, she raised a hand, cutting me off. "Wait here," she said, stepping back, her gaze returning to the front.
I stood still, the silence pressing down, and my eyes drifted to the board, trying to anchor myself. Then, from my side, a voice broke the tension.
I turned, and there he was—the boy from the café. "You?" I whispered, startled. He met my gaze, and with a slight nod, he said, "Yes, ma'am. We both got stuck in that same problem." Mrs Rao's expression shifted, just a little. "Oh, you both know each other," she said, her voice cooling. Then, with a final sigh, she added, "Stand together, both of you. You are late, and I don't expect this to happen again. Since you're both new, I'm leaving you with a warning." And as she turned away, I felt a strange mix of relief and tension, unsure what this morning would lead to.
I took a slow breath as Mrs. Rao stepped aside and gestured for me to follow her into the classroom. Rows of curious faces met me as I walked in, the boy just behind me. Mrs. Rao raised her hand, and the room grew quiet.
"Good morning, everyone," she said, calm but welcoming.
"These are two new students joining us today." She looked at me, and I stepped forward, keeping it simple.
"Hey, I'm Kavya Jain. I'm from Greenfield Academy, and I'm really excited to join you here." I could literally feel my legs shaking out of nervousness, but I still made it.
Then Mrs. Rao nodded and gestured toward the boy. "And you?" He stepped up, his voice calm but measured. "Hi, I'm Sid. I just transferred from Holy Saints in the U.S." The class leaned in, exchanging curious glances, some wide-eyed, sensing something different.
Really, is that enough? What a show off that he is from another country.
"Welcome both of you to this school, and please make sure to not to be late again. Now, both of you go and sit on that last bench", said Mrs Rao.
"Together?", we both exclaimed in unison.
"Yes, together. You two sit at the back together. You are late, and everyone has already settled into their seats, so you will both sit together at the last bench. Is there any problem?" she explained
Sid shook his head, and I whispered a quiet, "No," both of us feeling the weight of every gaze as we stood, walked to the last seat, and sank, trying to stay small in the quiet.
It's been a while since class started. We are studying physics. I'm trying to focus, but my attention is shifting towards this boy sitting beside me. If he is from the US, why does he look so Indian, and what was he doing with that boy, and how did he reach here so fast?
I was almost curled up with questions in my head and sneaking his glances when he finally spoke, "What do you want to say?" I was shocked because of his spidy senses.
"It's just, I'm thinking, how did they let go so easily?"
"Because I didn't do anything", he said with a straight face.
"Is that so. I don't think so. Whatever, I will find it out"
He just ignored me.
The lecture continued, and at least my focus had finally returned to where it should be.
The bell rang, and the teacher walked out. Within moments, the class turned chaotic—students laughing, giggling, and gossiping.
I'm better off with my books. I just hope no one approaches me as they did to that bully beside me. A few minutes ago, a group of boys had taken him away for a 'man-to-man' talk, and to top it off, he went along as if he had been their friend forever.
I was lost in these thoughts when a girl approached me.
"Hey, I'm Khushi," she said, offering her hand.
She looked beautiful, like an angel from heaven, and she also smelled nice. I wonder what body care she uses.
"I'm kavya, nice to meet you", I said.
"Kavya, since you're new here, if you want a school tour, I'd be glad to help," she offered with a smile.
"Oh, thank you so much. I'd be delighted."
Then, she moved back to her seat. I only noticed when my desk mate finally returned from his so-called "man-to-man" conversation.
I barely realized he was back until he smirked and said, "Oh, so someone's making friends. I thought you only made enemies."
And then, without waiting for a response, he shrugged like it didn't matter, but I knew it did.