After lunch, we all headed to the shopping street, the one near VOC Park—the go-to place for all clothing shopping since childhood. The sun was still high, but the narrow streets were alive with colors. Shops were packed with parents and kids doing last-minute weekend shopping. I held Amma's hand while Santhosh skipped ahead, eyes already searching for a toy shop.
It's always a tradition in our home—birthday clothes are special. We get to pick them ourselves, but within a certain limit. That was the only day in the year when I could dress a little differently from the regular school dress code. But still, I had to be smart about it.
I couldn't pick anything too modern—no western wear. I wasn't sure if the hostel would allow it, and I didn't want to risk the wardens giving me an hour-long lecture. At the same time, I didn't want to settle for the same old kurti either. And definitely not a formal gown—when would I ever wear that again?
That's when my eyes landed on the rack of half sarees.
"Amma, can I try these?"
She looked at the section, then at me. "They look a bit grand."
"I'll pick a simple one. Maybe semi-silk material. Not too flashy, I promise."
She nodded. "Okay, pick something light. But you'd better wear it at least twice before you grow out of it."
I laughed. "Promise."
I started flipping through the colors—bright maroons, bottle greens, deep blues. I paused at a mustard yellow with magenta border and checked the fabric—it was soft, light, but had a festive look. Exactly what I wanted.
Just when I turned around to ask Amma if she liked it, I saw a familiar face near the mirror.
"Rino?!" I called out in shock.
She turned around and screamed, "Nila! Oh my god!"
We both ran to each other like long-lost sisters and hugged.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I'm shopping for my cousin's wedding! But also picked a few casuals. What about you?"
"Birthday shopping," I grinned.
We both sat down for a minute in the corner near the trial rooms and caught up like no time had passed. Rino was my close friend in my previous school. We hadn't stayed in close touch after I moved to the hostel, and it felt so nice to talk to someone from 'the past life'—the old school life.
"Do you miss old school?" she asked.
"I do," I nodded. "Especially our Maths teacher. Her voice was so soft, but we understood everything. She had a rhythm, you know?"
Rino nodded. "Exactly! Here it's all speed and volume."
"Pass my regards to her. Tell her I remember her every time I understand something easily."
Rino smiled. "I will."
Then we both picked random outfits to try out in the trial rooms—just for fun. From Anarkalis with shiny mirrors to over-the-top ball gowns that looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. We giggled, tried on jeans and t-shirts, twirled in full skirts, and judged ourselves in the mirror like stylists on a fashion show.
Appa peeked in once and asked, "Any progress?"
"Just rehearsals, Appa," I replied.
He laughed and shook his head.
Rino and I took a few mirror selfies together—ones that I knew I'd treasure later when I'd scroll through my photos on a sad hostel night.
After our little photoshoot in the trial room, Rino and I stepped out, still laughing at how ridiculous we looked in that neon pink ball gown.
Then, out of nowhere, Rino asked, "Do you remember Akil?"
I blinked. "Akil? Of course. Why?"
She leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "I think he has a crush on you."
"What?" I frowned. "No way. We were just good friends."
"He keeps asking about you every time we meet. Where you are, how's your new school, whether we're in touch or not. Every single time."
I was quiet for a second, then smiled faintly. "That doesn't mean he had a crush, Rino. He probably was just surprised I disappeared."
"No," she insisted. "This is beyond normal curiosity. I even asked him if he wanted to pass on a message to you, and he just said 'It's okay, nothing important.' But he looked… weird. Like he wanted to say something but didn't know how."
That made me pause. Akil and I were deskmates for all of last year. We fought, competed, laughed—he was like a close rival and teammate. But I never thought he saw me that way.
"Well, maybe he was disappointed I left without telling him. Honestly, even I didn't expect the transfer. It was a sudden decision. Appa and Amma had been thinking about it for a while, but we didn't act until the very last week before school started. Once we made the decision, everything happened in a rush."
"Yeah, I remember that random call you gave me one evening. I was totally shocked," Rino nodded.
"Do one thing," I said. "Pass him my school address. If he wants, he can write a letter to me. We don't have phones in the hostel, and I don't even have his number."
Rino grinned. "A letter? You're sounding like some 90s movie heroine."
"I know," I laughed. "But trust me, getting a letter in the hostel feels so special. Like receiving treasure. It's slow, but it makes everything more meaningful."
"Alright," she said. "I'll let him know. If he writes something, I'll make sure it reaches you."
I smiled, not thinking too much about it, but a small part of me wondered what Akil might say. Would he just say 'hi'? Would he ask me why I left without telling him? Or maybe… nothing at all.
"Anyway," I said, pushing the thought away, "you still talk to our old classmates?"
"Some of them. Most are too busy with their own circles. But a few like Akil, Kavya, and Arun—we keep bumping into each other in tuition classes."
I nodded. "That's nice. I guess I'll meet them again someday."
Rino looked at me with a soft smile. "We all miss you, you know."
That hit a little harder than expected. In my past life, I hadn't realized how many people genuinely liked me or missed me. I had spent so much time worrying about the future that I didn't enjoy my present. But this time, I promised myself I'd do better.
I reached out and hugged her again. "I miss you guys too."
Just then, Amma called me from the counter. "Nila! Appa's done paying. Come, it's getting late."
"Let's keep in touch better this time, okay?" she said, tightening her ponytail.
"Absolutely. Ping me when you're free. We'll meet again during holidays."
I finally picked the deep blue half saree and an extra cotton kurti. Something comfy, everyday wear. Amma got Santhosh a checked shirt and jeans, but he insisted on buying a small toy too.
"I got fewer clothes than akka," he complained.
"She's the birthday girl!" Appa reminded him.
Rino waved goodbye, and we walked out of the shop with our bags, full of chatter and laughter.