8:05 AM – School Gate
The sky was bright and clear, the air crisp with that early morning coolness that fades by noon. Shapra stood in front of the school gate, adjusting his slightly wrinkled uniform.
It felt weird… being back.
Just a few days ago, he was dodging goats, sparring with Ridhir, and eating battle-cooked curry.
Now—he was back to bell rings and math problems.
He sighed and walked in.
8:10 AM – Courtyard Chaos
"SHAAAAPRAAAAA!"
Kabin's voice pierced the air as he sprinted across the courtyard like a bullet.
"You finally returned! Bro, the squad's been DEAD without you!" Kabin said, flinging an arm over Shapra's shoulder.
Behind him, the rest of the gang gathered like hungry reporters.
"Where's Anmol?""Did he stay back in the village?""Did he fall into a ravine or something?"
Shapra blinked. "What?! No! He's just... sick. Yeah, cold or fever or something."
"Dang. Must be serious if he missed the first day," one of them said.
"Yeah…" Shapra mumbled, scratching his cheek.
What he really meant:Anmol left five days ago with Viren, heading to Arvind Grandpa's place.
What he really said:"He coughed so hard, even the dogs ran away."
The group burst into laughter and dropped the topic, thankfully.
9:00 AM – First Period
The classroom buzzed with post-holiday chaos. Chairs scraped, books flopped open, and pencils were already missing.
Shapra sat by the window, head half-out, watching the clouds drift lazily above.
His mind wasn't here. It was with Anmol, wondering what kind of insane training he was going through.
10:45 AM – Break Time
As Shapra opened his lunchbox, he noticed something tucked in the side pocket of his bag — a folded note.
He opened it slowly.
"Oye don't forget about your training. HAHAHA"– Ridhir
Shapra mouth was wide open.
3:00 PM – End of School
As he stepped out of the gate, wind brushing his cheeks, Shapra thought:"I guess back to training."
And then the real story begins.
To Be Continued...