Author's POV :-

The daily ritual had solidified chatting with Aryan, whether in the bright light of day or concealed beneath the evening blanket, had become Krisha's most cherished habit. Their bond had deepened over time, built on shared secrets, late-night laughter, and mutual, unspoken comfort. This happiness, however, was brittle and built on secrecy.

It shattered abruptly after a school trip to another city. A few observant, gossiping peers spotted them chatting online, and in the small, traditional town setting, the revelation became a scandal. The news quickly reached the orthodox teachers, whose immediate condemnation was that girls and boys should not be engaging in private, online conversations.

Krisha's world instantly crumbled. Her reputation was brutally attacked.Girls who barely knew her started whispering about her "bad character."

Even the boys in class-including those who were friends with Aryan-looked at her differently. The most painful blow came from Pari, who had become her close confidante. When the gossip intensified, Pari, fearing association, quietly shifted her bench to another group.

Krisha felt utterly miserable, tormented by the cruelest question: "What was my fault? Am I really a bad person?" The sting of isolation was unbearable.

Yet, amid the wreckage of her social standing, one thing remained constant, her connection with Aryan. He became her sole anchor. He supported her fiercely, offering emotional strength when everyone else turned away. He listened, truly listened, to her distress and anger, validating her pain without judgment. He was the only voice of reason and kindness in the storm.

This unwavering support was the last, decisive push that sent Krisha's feelings for Aryan skyrocketing. He had transcended the title of "irresistible idol"
he had become her everything.

She felt truly loved and seen by him, even if, for him, she might just be a best friend. Her mood, her entire emotional landscape, began to orbit his presence, hinging on his next message. She realized then that she could never, would never, fall for anyone else. Aryan was it.

Through all the whispers and tears, Priti remained Krisha's steadfast pillar. They navigated the school gates together, shared their anger over the injustice, and offered mutual support, a small, loyal fortress against the judgmental eyes of the whole school.

But while Priti offered solidarity, Aryan offered salvation, cementing his place in Krisha's heart as an unforgettable, secret love.

Krisha's POV :-

What I felt was that rush, that uncontrollable happiness was no longer just an "irresistible attraction." It was love.

A ridiculous, stupid thing I never understood in all the Bollywood movies, but now I did. I was hopelessly in love with Aryan, and I knew with a dreadful certainty it would always remain a secret.(Aayein? Secret broh ur shyness around him says it all 🙄)

He would never accept someone like me. I was ugly, tanned, falling into the typical Indian stereotype of not being fair-skinned enough. He was everything I wasn't, he deserved better. (Maanlo pehle hi haar manlo tu kya ladka patayegi re😭)

But I decided I could forever love him from the shadows. I made myself one absolute promise. I would never cross the boundaries of our friendship. My overwhelming love would not be the thing that ruined the comfort we found together.

The final term flew by in this delicate, miserable balance. Then came Sports Day. We were both in the Red House, and he, of course, was the House Captain. He was so close-passing right by my bench, directing people-yet we never spoke. Why? Because I genuinely couldn't. Even the mere thought of saying a simple "Hi" made my world feel like it would tear apart. I cant even look him in the eye! It was insane: I talked to him about deep secrets in chats. but face-to-face (dabba gool🥰aayein meri sharmili)

My heartbeat didn't just increase,it exploded like a volcano, ready to erupt. I could only stare at the ground and pray he wouldn't notice my silent agony.

Then, the end came sooner than expected. School closed early. "A disease called Corona has spread across," Miss said vaguely. God save me please, I thought, a wave of panic was hitting me. I can't see him in school anymore? Till how many days will we have holidays? I had no idea. But a small relief settled: we still had TikTok.

Day over day, month over month, the news channels flashed escalating deaths of patients. My mother was stuck in another city, unable to return. Everything was locked down. My birthday came and went, the first without Mumma.

The world felt terrifying, but the online world with Aryan became my sanctuary. We talked more. We shared our online class schedules (I was now officially in 8th, he in 9th), gossiped about our teachers struggling with technology, and sent each other more funny TikTok videos. He even started making more videos.

Talking to him literally solved every puzzle in my anxious head. I found my solution in him, my hope in him.

Everything has become about him. I know I'm a hopeless lover, but that love fuels a stronger commitment to our friendship. He sees me as a best friend, and I care for him more as that best friend than as a lover, because I don't want to disappoint him. I love him, yes, but I love the safety and comfort of our unique friendship more.

Aryan's POV :-

The rumors that spread after the school trip were disgusting. It infuriated me how easily people could take a simple online chat between two friends and twist it into some kind of scandal. They were just jealous, I figured. I was the Headboy, I already had a solid image, so I mostly ignored it. Let them gossip.

But it destroyed Krisha. She was still new, still trying to find her footing, and seeing how it affected her studies and her mental health-that was what really hurt.

I couldn't stand the thought that I, her friend, was the source of her pain because of these petty, orthodox views. I supported her constantly, making sure she knew the rumors were baseless trash and that our friendship wasn't negotiable. I never wanted her to feel pressured about having me as a friend.

Thankfully, the drama eventually faded as she focused on her studies again, and once her grades shot back up, everything became normal-just in time for the abrupt start of the Corona holidays.

The lockdown made our connection essential. We talked every single day, and Krisha became my one and only female best friend. I felt truly good around her. In school, we were silent strangers, which was ridiculous. I know she's an introvert and incredibly shy, but I'm the extrovert, the captain, the one who talks to everyone. Yet, even I couldn't talk to her face-to-face. I just shut down, feeling strangely introverted around her, tongue-tied and awkward. It's the biggest joke of our online friendship.

Now I'm in 9th grade, and the studies are getting serious, but we still manage to discuss our schedules and classes-she's handling her 8th grade work like a champ. I still remember watching her play Kabaddi on Sports Day. She was so small but fought so fiercely. It was seriously cute, that determination.

Through our late-night chats, I learned that she is incredibly insecure about her looks. It breaks my heart a little. I try my best to encourage her, complimenting her quickly and sincerely, telling her she's great as she is, but I know that kind of self-doubt is deep-rooted.

It'll take time, but I genuinely believe she'll see herself the way I see her. She's the best thing that happened to me last year. She's funny, smart, and she challenges me without even trying. Our conversations are my constant, reliable escape from the Headboy pressure. She's simply the best.

🌸🫶