As the first class of the day began, the school fell into a sudden silence. The once bustling corridors now stood empty, almost abandoned. Among them walked Priyam Kalita, the students' one of the favourite teacher—PK Sir.
Usually, he carried a warm smile, his friendly demeanor making his well-loved among the students. But today was different. His brows were furrowed, his face clouded with worry. Unlike his usual relaxed pace, he walked briskly, urgency in his every step. His eyes were fixed on his phone screen, his expression tense with concern.
Pressing the phone against his ear, he listened to the repetitive, unchanging sound.
"Tut… tut… tut…"
PK Sir's patience stretched thin as he waited for the call to connect. Then, suddenly, for a brief moment the sound stopped. His heart leaped with anticipation, only to be met with the familiar, mechanical voice of a woman.
"The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later....."
A sense of betrayal settled in his chest. He had waited, but the call never connected, with a sigh, he pulled the phone away and stared at the screen. A name flashed in bold letters—'Aran', with the word 'Disconnected' beneath it.
His face twisted with worry as he stopped his steps, his mind racing with unsettling thoughts about what might have happened. He had been calling repeatedly, yet there was no answer.
Staring at his phone screen, uncertainty gnawed at him
Lifting his head, he glanced around and realised he was standing just outside class 11, section 'A'.
From within the classroom, a soft yet firm voice carried through the closed door. It was unmistakably that of a young woman—their teacher. Her tone held quite confidence, not overpowering but filled with wisdom and care.
PK Sir stepped closer to the door, and tapped gently on it before grasping the handle and pushing it open with a careful swing.
The faint sound of the knock had already drawn the attention of the class. As the door swung open, all eyes turned toward the entrance, widening in surprise. Even the teacher inside appeared momentarily taken aback.
She stood before the class in a beautiful dark blue saree, the pallu draped elegantly over her shoulder and cascading down her back, contrasting strikingly against her crisp white blouse.
As PK Sir stepped inside, a gentle yet apologetic smile played on his lips. His gaze briefly lingered on her faired complexion, her composed expression, and the way her neatly tied hair framed her beautiful face.
"Priyam Sir?" The teacher said, her brows lifting slightly. "What… are you doing here?"
Though she asked, there was no real confusion in her voice—rather, a hint of happiness, respect, and something else, like admiration.
"Miss Nidhi, please forgive me. I just need to speak with a student from your class," PK sir apologised gently, his tone calm and composed.
As he met Miss Nidhi's gaze, she felt a sudden warmth rise within her, an unfamiliar shyness creeping in. She quickly averted her eyes, her usual confidence faltering ever so slightly.
PK Sir took a step closer. He was tall and strikingly handsome, his well-built frame just a little taller than Miss Nidhi's, making then seem, oddly well-matched.
At the front of the class, three girl students exchanged knowing glances. Their lips twisted into Amused smiles, as if they had witnessed something they had always suspected.
One girl leaned a little toward her friend and whispered. "So… the rumors are true."
"Yep, I think you are right." Her friend grinned.
"She is totally into him." The first girl said added, barely suppressing her excitement.
Unaware to the hushed murmurs, PK Sir again asked Miss Nidhi.
"If you don't mind, could I speak to Yesh, for a moment."
Miss Nidhi blinked, regaining her composer. "Yes… sure, sir."
She then turned to the back of the classroom and called out, "Yesh!" Her voice was firm, regaining it usual strength.
"Yes, ma'am." A tall student stood up from the last bench. He was noticeably taller than Miss Nidhi but just a little shorter than PK Sir. His posture was upright, and he spoke with respect and confidence.
"Priyam sir want to speak with you." She informed him.
Yesh nodded, as PK Sir turned back to Miss Nidhi, and gave a small nod. "Please excuse us for a moment."
Miss Nidhi nodded in return, watching PK Sir stepping out side and Yesh just following him.
As the door closed behind them, the classroom consumed by curiosity. What could have happened for PK sir to personally seek out Yesh?
Outside the classroom, PK sir didn't turn to Yesh immediately. Instead, his voice cut through the silence, low but seething with restrained fury—like the growl of beast.
"Where is my idiot brother?"
Yesh swallowed hard. "I…I don't know," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. A slight terror ran through his body. "He… he said, he had someone special to meet, and after the evening… we didn't saw him again."
PK Sir's head snapped toward him. His piercing gaze locked onto Yesh's eyes, unreadable yet suffocatingly intense.
"Do you know anything about that 'special' someone?" PK Sir demanded, his voice still controlled but laced with command.
Yesh shook his head quickly. "Please… forgive me…, W… we don't know…." His voice was unsteady, his eyes dropping to the floor as his hands trembled slightly at his sides.
PK Sir stepped closer, his presence looming over Yesh. His next words came out in a low, whispered tone, but they were filled with barely contained rage and frustration.
"Did any… of you… even asked him where he was going?"
"Sor…. Sor…. Sorr…. Sorr,"
Yesh was unable to respond. His knees felt weak under the intense presence PK Sir's gaze, and the fear gripping his chest made it hard to even breathe.
*******
Inside the classroom, Miss Nidhi checked her wristwatch, noting the time that had passed since PK Sir and Yesh stepped outside. Though she remained composed, a hint of curiosity lingered in her expression.
Just then the door swung open, and Yesh walked in first, followed closely by PK Sir.
PK Sir offered a warm smile. "Thank you for your help," he said.
Yesh nodded, a smile tugging at his lips too. There was no fear in his eyes now, completely gone.
Yesh turned back and returned to his seat.
Miss Nidhi took a step forward, her brows slightly furrowed. "Is everything okay?" she asked, a trace of concern in her voice.
PK sir nodded with a gentle smile, reassuringly. "Oh Yes, everything is fine miss Nidhi. I just wanted to ask Yesh about someone he is acquainted with."
Miss Nidhi gave a small nod, her lips curving into a polite smile. As her gaze met PK Sir's she quickly looked away, she felt something in her, avoiding direct eye contact.
PK sir gave a slight smile. "Please forgive me for wasting your precious time," he said, his tone was gentle. "And thank you for your help."
With that PK Sir turned and left the t classroom.
The moment he stepped out, Miss Nidhi let out a quiet breath. She straightened her posture, regaining her composure. The confidence that had momentarily wavered was now back in place.
But then, her eyes landed on the girls sitting at the front bench. They were watching her, amusement dancing in their eyes, their lips curled into knowing smiles.
Miss Nidhi felt a wave of embarrassment. She shook her head slightly and turned away, choosing to ignore their teasing expressions.
Clearing her throat, she raised her voice with firm authority.
"Alright, everyone, let us continue our lesson."
The classroom fell into order once again, but the teasing smiles on some faces still remained.