The notification blinked on Deepak's screen. A new follower. He tapped it nervously.
"Queen đź‘‘ Sahasra."
His eyes widened.
Was it really her?
Her profile picture gleamed—simple, elegant. The name rang like a bell inside his head. He felt his face grow warm as a blush spread across his cheeks. He tapped "Follow."
---
Inside Deepak's Mind
"Is it really her?" he wondered.
"Who knows?" Heart whispered.
"Yes, it's her," Brain replied confidently.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Check her followers," Brain instructed.
Deepak scanned the profile—there it was. Chaitanya was following her.
"It means…"
"Yes," Heart confirmed softly. "It's really her."
Overthinking barged in, "But why would she follow you? She barely even knows you."
"You're right…" Deepak murmured.
"Wait," Brain interrupted, "Did any of your classmates know you well? Yet they followed you."
That made Deepak pause.
"You're right too…" he said, confused.
---
A new message popped up.
Sahasra: Hi Deepak.
His fingers trembled. He replied.
Deepak: Hi.
Sahasra: I'm Sahasra. Do you know me?
Deepak: Yes, Topper of the class, right?
Sahasra: Yeah! That means you know me. I'm so glad!
Deepak stared at the screen, heart pounding, unable to type.
Sahasra: Are you there?
He quickly typed: Yes.
Sahasra: Don't feel nervous, okay? 🤗
How does she know I'm nervous? he thought.
Sahasra: I know everything.
Deepak: What?
Sahasra: About your problem.
His breath caught.
Sahasra: Chaitanya told me everything.
Deepak tensed. His fingers felt cold against the screen.
Sahasra: I'll help you with that.
Deepak: Thanks…
Sahasra: Now we're friends. And friends don't say thanks.
He blushed.
Deepak: Okay.
Sahasra: Alright then, I'll text you later. Bye!
Deepak: Bye.
---
In His Mind
Deepak couldn't stop smiling.
"I thought this would never happen," he said.
"Very happy today," Heart said, fluttering with joy.
But Overthinking lurked nearby.
"Don't you feel anything suspicious?"
"What do you mean?" Heart asked, suddenly cautious.
"She messaged you only because Chaitanya told her everything. That sounds like pity."
Deepak's smile faded slightly. "He's… right."
Heart faltered.
"No. No, I don't think so…"
"Let's ask Chaitanya," Brain suggested. "Get clarity."
"Yes," Heart agreed.
---
Message to Chaitanya
Deepak: Hi.
A few minutes later, the reply came.
Chaitanya: Hi! Made new friends?
Deepak: Yes.
Chaitanya: Oh nice. Did Sahasra message you?
Deepak: Yes. But… why did you tell her about me?
Chaitanya: Because she asked.
Deepak: She asked? Why?
Chaitanya: She wants to be friends with everyone.
Deepak: Why though? 🤔
Chaitanya: I don't know. That's just her.
Deepak: But you're close friends, right?
Chaitanya: Yeah. But I never asked her to talk to you.
Deepak: Then why is she helping me? Isn't that mercy?
Chaitanya: No, Deepak. That's called friendship.
Deepak: But… how?
Chaitanya: I helped you too. Did that feel like mercy?
Deepak paused. The truth sank in.
Deepak: No… I get it now. Thanks.
Chaitanya: Alright. Take care. Bye!
Deepak: Bye.
---
Back in His Mind
"Whatever it is… I've got a chance," Deepak thought with a newfound hope.
"Yeah!" Heart beamed. "You can talk to her now."
"You couldn't even speak to her since 6th grade. Is it really possible now?" Overthinking sneered.
"If you believe you can," Heart countered firmly, "you will. Dare to dream, my friend."
"YouTube?" Brain teased.
"Nope," Heart smirked. "Instagram."
Deepak clenched his fist lightly and smiled with determination.
"I can do it. This is my last chance."