'Dooong....'
As a wooden mallet struck a bronze bell, its chime rang through the school. Its echo stretching across the corridors and classrooms, making the end of the first period. The vibrations coursed through the walls as the teachers wrapped up their lessons. Stepping out of their classrooms, their footsteps blending into the murmurs of students eager for the next teacher's arrival.
In class 12, section B Miss Ankita gathered her register and notes from the desk. She turned to her students, her gaze sweeping over them with measured authority.
"Alright, everyone, we will continue in the next class." Her voice was firm, and final.
As she stepped toward the door, the entire class stood up in respect, their synchronized movement filling the room with a brief hush. The moment she exited, however, the silence shattered. Conversations erupted like an unpaused storm, resuming unfinished debates and whispered gossip.
At the first bench of one row, Arunika and Vani exchanged glances their flickering toward Nira. Their eyes widened—Nira was here, back in school, looking perfectly fine.
Just yesterday, Sristi had reappeared after an unexplained, long absence, and now Nira. After locking herself in her room for so long, why did she suddenly decided to come back to school today?
After all that going on—Sristi's panic at mare mention of Nira's name, finding her school ID, in that apartment—what was going on? Why now? Why so sudden?
Just the bench behind Riya and Nira, Akshay sat alone, silently observing Riya as she, unaware, talking something with Nira. He had a frowned expression in his face, as if he was trying to figure something out while watching them both.
Between Arunika and Vani's bench and Nira and Riya's bench, there was three boys animatedly discussing the last week's international match.
"I swear, I thought both the openers would have easily scored centuries," one grumbled, shaking his head in disappointment.
"Yeah, but they had to protected their wickets," another countered. "The other team's fielding was brutal, and their top bowler…"
"Yeah, twenty wickets in this tournament already," the third boy interrupted with a knowing nod.
The other two also node in a reluctant agreement.
"Still, our team put up a good fight. Win or lose, they never go down easy."
Their conversation blended into the classroom's chaos, but Vani and Arunika weren't paying any attention. There were still staring passed them at Nira, confusion deepening in their eyes.
Then suddenly, PK Sir entered.
The classroom fell into an instant hush. Arunika and Vani snapped their heads forward, raising to their feet along with the rest of the students.
"Please everyone, take your sits," PK Sir said, placing his book on the table.
His usual gentle smile rested on his lips as he scanned the classroom, his sharp eyes talking in each student. Then, his brows furrowed slightly.
"I see, we have some absentees today," he remarked, his tone felt thoughtful.
His gaze soon landed on Nira—the one who had absented for quite some time, A teasing glint flashed in his eyes.
"But it seems we are lucky today," he said. A playful smile tugging at his lips. "Miss Nira has finally decided to grace us with her presence."
A ripple of quiet chuckles passed through the class. Nira stood up, pressing her lips together in a small, shy smile.
"So, Nira, tell me—what kept you away for so long?" PK Sir asked, his tone light but curious.
"I had a bed fever, sir" Nira answered.
PK Sir raised his brows. "Oh! I wasn't aware. I hope you're feeling better now."
"Yes sir, I am completely fine now," Nira nodded.
"Good, please, sit down," PK Sir gestured her to seat before adding, "And please make sure to catch up on everything you missed, alright?"
"Yes, sir," Nira replied, lowering herself back into her seat.
Pk Sir nodded in satisfaction, then turned back to the table, flipping open the book,
"Okay then everyone, let us begin our class" he added.
PK Sir turned toward the black board, picking up a piece of chalk in his hand as he began the lesson. As always, he engaged the students with questions—some answered confidently, while others struggled, but each tried their best based on their ability.
With his usual patience, PK Sir encourage them. "Goos! You've improved a lot," he said with a warm smile. "Keep up the hard work, and one day, you might just become better than me." His words were both motivating and kind, making the students feel reassured.
*****
'Dong… Dong…'
Sometime later, the deep chime sound of the bell echoed the school halls again, making the end of the second period. Teachers began leaving their classes, as the next period will begin soon.
PK Sir picked up a duster, wiping away the remnants of his lesson from the blackboard. Then gathering his book, he turned back to the students.
"Alright, everyone, we will continue in the next class," he announced before stepping toward the door.
As he exited the students stood in unison as a sign of respect.
With the break between the periods, students started preparing for their elective classes, picking up their bags and slowly leaving the room. Meanwhile others from different classes entered, shuffling to find their seats.
Among those leaving were Vani, Nira, and Riya, blending into the flow of Students exiting their classrooms. Others who stayed behind began rearranging their seats, settling in for the next lesson.
Akshay's eyes remained fixed on the classroom door, expecting Raj to walked in at any moment.
But instead of him, Priya entered.
Unlike the last time, she wasn't late today. She walked in alone, her expression unreadable. Her usually messy hair was neatly tied today, and it seemed like if she had just fixed her hair and face moments ago. There was something different about the way she carried herself today, she might had put a little effort to look better.
The moment she spotted Akshay looking in her direction, her lips curved a quite smile—a smile that held a flicker of happiness.
Akshay, however, immediately turned away, clearly unwilling to acknowledge her.
Priya's steps quickened as he made her way toward his bench. Akshay still kept his elsewhere, as if her presence didn't exist. Dropping her bag on the bench, she leaned in slightly.
"Hey." She called out. "You were waiting for me, right?"
Akshay didn't respond, continued to staring at the opposite side of the room, pretending not to have heard her.
Priya pouted. She could tell he was deliberately ignoring her.
A mischievous grin formed on her lips as she slowly extended a finger and lightly scratched his back.
"Hey… Akshay," she teased, her tone playful. "I know you were looking at the door, waiting for me, right?"
Akshay flinched slightly at her touch and leaned away from her, his brows furrowing.
"What do you want?" he asked, visibly irritated.
Stilling smiling, Priya tilted her head. "I just want you to be my friend… and respond to me when I talk to you." Her voice held a teasing lilt.
Akshay narrowed his eyes. "Why me? Don't you have any other friends?" His expression clearly showed how much her persistence annoyed him.
Priya's smile faltered for a moment, as she glanced away, hesitating for a second. "I… I have friends… a lot of friends," she said, almost too swiftly, too rehearsed.
Then, as if realising her slip, she straightened, with a confident grin, "But I need a new friend… and I think you deserve to be my new friend."
Akshay exhaled sharply, then put his hands together as if in prayer. "Please," he said dryly, "I am better of undeserving."
Priya grinned triumphantly. "Nope, you deserve it, so you're getting it" she raised her chin proudly, as if she had already decided for both of them.
Just then Raj walked into the classroom.
His eyes scanned the room before landing on Akshay. He had considered to be a friend with the new student, but the moment he saw Priya sitting next to Akshay, and both of them chatting with each other. a deep frown formed on his face, his expression twisting with something unspoken.
Akshay also noticed him just then, as he about to raised his hand to called out to him.
But Raj turned his face away in disgust, and walked to the other row, where he took seats with two other student.
Akshay frowned, confusion clouding his expression. Why did he just turn away his face like that? What just happened?
His grip on his crutch tightened slightly. Just yesterday, he and Raj started getting along. Raj had even introduced him to his other friends and classmates. So why the sudden change?
Priya noticing his puzzled expression, followed his gaze before turning back to him.
"What happened?" She asked.
Akshay snapped out of his thoughts. "Nothing," Akshay replied instantly, shaking his head.
Before Priya could press further, their middle-aged maths teacher strode into the classroom
Dressed in his neatly pressed white shirt and his usual coat, his loosely hanging tie gave him a slightly disheveled yet professional appearance. His formal pants and polished shoes, however, maintained his strict demeanor.
As soon as he stepped in, all the students stood up in unison.
Akshay, though slower, rose to his feet with the help of his crutch.
The teacher placed his Mathematics textbook on the desk and scanned the room briefly before turning toward the blackboard.
"Alright, let's continue from where we left off."
He picked up a piece of chalk and began writing the first problem on the board.
Just like before, he was no different then the last day. No interacted with the students—just straight to the lesson, doing his part and leaving.
Akshay felt noting lively about this teacher. He sighed internally. But then, he suddenly remembered what had happened last time.
He quickly turned to Priya. Pressing his both hand together in a desperate plea, he whispered, "Hey, please…"
Priya turned to him, raiding an eyebrow.
"Please, don't do anything, I beg you." He added, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Priya frowned at him before flipping her hair dramatically and turning back to face the board.
Akshay hesitated, watching her closely, still half-expecting some sort of mischief, his side-glances toward her were filled with nervous anticipation, waiting for her to pull something that wound once again make him the culprit.
But nothing happened.
Throughout the entire period, Priya remained silent, her attention fixed on the board like a model student.
She didn't even glance at him once.
Akshay was surprised. After what had happened last time, he had been certain she would try something. But here she was, quietly attending the class like a noble student.
What changed?
*****
Meanwhile, outside the classroom, students from other sections were moving to their designated classes.
Among them, Nira and Riya walked side by side, heading toward Section 'D' for their elective class.
Behind them Vani hurried to catch up.
"Hey, Nira!" She called out.
Both Nira and Riya paused, turning around to see Vani rushed toward them.
"Vani?" They said in unison, surprised.
Vani finally reached them. "Hey, Nira. Is everything okay? you were absent for a long time?"
Nira's expression immediately tensed.
"Come on, Vani… I already told, that I had a fever." Her voice carried a hint of irritation.
"What's your problem?" Nira added, her brows furrowing as she crossed her arms.
"Nira… don't talk like that," Riya protested, clearly displeased with her bad manner.
Nira exhaled sharply, ger frustration evident. "Yeah, yeah," she muttered before turning back to Vani. "I had a bad fever."
Vani frowned, confused by her behaviour, Nira was clearly frustrated.
Nira locked eyes with Vani for a second before adding, "Are you happy now?"
Without waiting for a response, she spun around and walked off toward Section 'D'.
Riya sighed, turned to Vani with a apologetic look.
"Hey, I am really sorry about her." she said, her tone soft and sincere.
"It's okay?" Vani shook her head gently, offering a small smile.
"I don't know what's gotten into her… but she's been kind of acting strange from the morning." Riya's brows knitted together, a mix of concern and confusion in her eyes.
"What do you mean?" Vani asked, frowning.
Riya hesitated for a moment before speaking. "When I talked about going to Sristi's house today… she told me not to… she said we'd be bothering her. But…"
She trailed off, her expression clouded with doubt.
"But she's never said that before." Riya continued, her voice lower, as if trying to make sense out of it herself. "Whenever we talked about going to Sristi's house, she used to get excited. Every time."
Vani listened intently, sensing the unease in Riya's tone.
"We used to be so closed with Sristi's Brother and Father." Riya sighed. "Now everything feels so messed up. I don't even understand what's going on anymore, its feel like Nira was now a completely different person." Riya added, frowning her eyes brows.
Vani placed a reassuring hand on Riya's shoulder. "Everything will be fine, don't worry" her voice was gentle, though confusion flickered in her own eyes.
She paused before adding, "I think she's just worried about Sristi… Maybe she doesn't want to overwhelm her while she's still recovering."
Her tone was soft, meant to soothe.
"Yeah… Maybe you are right" Riya nodded slowly.
Vani offered a small, encouraging smile. "Now, let's go, or we will be late."
But as they started walking, Vani's thoughts churned.
Something felt off about Nira today.
She couldn't shake the feeling maybe… just maybe… Nira's connection to Abhinash was no coincidence.
Or worse—she might have had something to do with what happened to Abhinash.
*****
'Dong! Dong! Dong!..'
The bell rang multiple time, its sound echoing through the hallways, signifying the end of the third period and the start of break time.
The maths teacher swiftly wiped the blackboard with the duster, picked up his book, and left the classroom without another word. As if on cue, the students stood up in unison.
As some students began picking their begs, preparing to leave, while others returned to the classroom.
As Riya stood up from her seat, she turned to Akshay with a playful smile.
"Akshayyyy…."
Akshay's eyes widened, confused. Why was she calling her like that?
Riya grinned mischievously. "I don't bother you during the class, just like you asked."
Akshay frowned, sensing that something wasn't right.
"So now," Riya continued, "you will have to do what I say."
"What?" Akshay blinked in confused, "I never agreed to anything like that."
Riya gasped dramatically "How, cruel!" she exclaimed. "I did what you wanted, and now you're just dumping me like this?"
"Dumping you?" Akshay frowned his eyes, utterly bewildered.
"I don't know what are you talking about," he said, his voice laced with frustration.
Priya ignored his protests and smirked. "Next period is physics, and It's in our section. So, you're going to sit with me. That's final."
She waved her hand dismissively and turned to leave.
Akshay, still processing what had just happened, quickly grabbed his crutch and stood up, calling after her.
"No! No! Wait, Priya, listen—"
But she was already gone, vanishing beyond the classroom door, into the hallway.
Akshay stood there, just exasperated. 'Why is she bothering me like that?'
Around him, students returned to their seats, pulling out their tiffin boxes. Some left for the canteen or the playground, as was tradition at Aditya High school—a time when students gathered to shared home-cooked meals, laughter, and stories, eighter in the cafeteria or under the open sky.