Krisha's POV (continues...,)

As I was on my way home, I pedaled slowly the afternoon sun scorching on my back as I started onto the bridge. It was my first day at the new school, and while the classes had been fine , the ride home felt strangely lonely.

All the other kids houses seemed to be in the opposite direction and I was starting to miss my old routine.

Just as I reached the starting point of the bridge,I noticed a familiar figure ahead. It was Priti, the girl, I met in P.E. class who introduced herself when we were playing kabaddi.

She was walking her bicycle by her side,her face looked like she was going to kill someone and there's no doubt, because it's really burning right now and we have to ride our bicycle through this damn long bridge.

A little surge of hope-and nervousness-hit me. I slowed down and stopped my bike next to her.
"Hey,Priti," I managed to sound casual. She looked up , with a quick smile lighting her face.
"Hey,krisha! Oh does your home also lie this way?" She asked eagerly.
"Yeah it does," I replied,feeling a small knot of tension loosen in my chest.
"I live in OM society. Do you live nearby too?" I asked.
"Yeah, I live in a shreesh colony." She replied ,her voice was genuinely exciting and she continued "We can go home together and even come to school together! That would be so good.What do you say?

My heart did a little flutter - kick of happiness. "Yeah! Why not? That will be really, really good!" I exclaimed,The relief flooded me."Before,I didn't even have any partner to go home with; everyone's house was on the other side of this Bridge. The ride was actually quite boring and tiresome but now we can go together! I'm so happy."

Priti beamed." Yeah, me too!"

We both smiled, a genuine, easy smile that felt like the beginning of something good. The lonely first-day ride suddenly wasn't lonely anymore.

Priti and I were laughing about today's incidents when we played Kabaddi How the losing team girls did drama and some said you just got lucky , we'll show you next time.

Me and Priti were in the same team.Our team was the winning one.

And then a sudden , louder noise - mix of bicycle gears and talking and shouting or Lil bit cursing came behind us. I instinctively glanced back. My breath hitched. There were four boys from school, and right in front was him : ARYAN , the headboy.

I recognized him instantly from my quick glimpse this morning. He possessed that kind of striking handsomeness. You stop and admire.

Panic flared , sharp and hot. I quickly spun back around, my cheeks instantly heating up. I didn't want them to see me staring especially not him. Why was I so embarrassed? I wanted to ask Priti , if she knew anything about him that why was he coming this way but I bit my words back. It's the first day , and If I brought up the headboy right away , she might misunderstand my admiration and think of something more.

So, I forced myself to focus on her. "The Sanskrit teacher seems really friendly, right?" I babbled , pushing my attention back to the school subjects. She didn't seem to notice my sudden awkwardness and we continued chatting about which teachers seemed kind and which ones were disciplinarian.

We soon reached the common road where our routes split.

"Okay, so tomorrow 6.55 AM , this same spot. Be ready!" Priti instructed, smiling.

"Absolutely," I agreed, feeling a surge of excitement for our plan. We waved and parted ways. I rode the last few minutes home , the image of the impressive Headboy quickly fading as my focus shifted.

"Grandma!" I'm home!" I called out, finally relaxing back into the familiar comfort of my house.

No sooner the words left my mouth then nani appeared from the kitchen , her face lit up with a familiar, loving smile. She rushed over, giving me a soft kiss on my forehead. " My child! How was your first day at school? How were the teachers? And the students? Did you understand their teaching? You didn't feel lonely, did you?" She flooded me with her questions, her anxiety evident.

I giggled, holding up my hands, "nani, nani stop it! I'll tell you everything later. First , please give me something to eat! I'm really hungry." I looked around. "And where is grandpa? Is he sleeping?"

She winked conspiratorially. "Yes, you know how he sleeps like a log after having his lunch" Just then , a deep , rumbling snore vibrates through the air, and we both burst into soft laughter. I quickly washed up and changed into my comfortable home clothes while Grandma set out my plate.

I ate my lunch by telling her the summarized version - making a new friend, Priti , and how strict the Math teacher was. Since it was her nap time too. I headed back to my room to complete my homework. Before that, I called my mumma telling her the same thing I told Nani and we talked a little.

I opened my notebook , started doing sums , but before I could even start , the sudden , sharp image of him - ARYAN.flashed before my eyes. That impressive Head boy. I quickly shook my head, trying to clear the thought.

"Does he live near my home? Why was he the same way as my home ? Why I never saw him before ?" All these questions flooded my mind. And ignoring them, I started studying and completed my homework. It was Lil easy as it's just some introductory topics. Then I took a nap.

At Night:-

Me, grandma and grandpa had our dinner while talking about my new school and other stuff. I asked my mumma over call if she had her dinner how was her day and everything.Then after doing little help to grandma I went to sleep with my grandma. We both sleep in the same room and nanu in the other room. I told her to wake me up early because Priti and I had decided to go together and meet at that spot on time so I can't be late for the first time...with that I drifted off to sleep .💤