Vyom was a student in class 11 at Assam High School. He always chose to sit on the last bench, where he could quietly watch the class without being noticed. From that bench, he could see everything—his classmates taking notes, the teacher writing on the board, and most of all, Keya. She was the kind of girl who seemed focused on everything she did. Her long black hair fell gently over her shoulders, and when she wrote in her notebook, she looked calm and serious. Vyom didn't know why, but he liked looking at her. It was something he did every day without even thinking about it.
The final bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Vyom slowly packed his books into his bag. He always took his time when Keya was around, pretending he was focused on something else. His best friend, Anand, was already waiting by the classroom door. Anand always had a way of noticing everything, even Vyom's little habits.
"Exams are coming soon," Anand said as they walked out of the classroom together. "Only three months left, and you don't look worried at all!"
Vyom shrugged. "Worried? If I fail, my parents will be very angry. I don't want that." He tried to speak casually, but he could feel a small knot of worry in his stomach.
Anand stopped walking for a moment and looked straight at him. "You're worried about exams? I thought you only think about Keya all the time!"
Vyom's face turned red instantly. He looked down at the ground and kicked a small stone on the path. "No… that's not true," he whispered. His heart was beating a little faster than usual.
Anand laughed loudly. "Not true? Vyom, you sit in class and do nothing most of the time. And because of you, I also sit on the last bench and waste my time!"
Vyom crossed his arms and frowned. "Then don't sit! Didn't I tell you not to sit with me?"
Anand smiled and shook his head. "It's too late now. I don't like sitting alone anyway. Besides, it's more fun sitting here with you. You make the class less boring."
Vyom sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Bro… I'm sorry. What should I do now?"
"Sorry won't help!" Anand said, waving his hand. "You have to tell Keya you like her. If you don't, next year… forget her! Lucky for you, she is still in the same class this year. You have a chance, but only if you act."
"But… Bro, we have been in the same class since we were little," Vyom said, feeling nervous. His voice sounded a little shaky, and he looked away.
"Well, whatever happens, happens," Anand said. "Just wait—things will happen on their own. Sometimes, you don't need to plan everything."
Vyom looked at him, confused. "Why?"
"Don't you trust me?" Anand asked, frowning at Vyom.
"No," Vyom said, trying to sound brave even though he was nervous.
"Then tell me," Anand said, smiling. "You will see, everything will work out."
The two boys continued walking down the empty road outside the school. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows on the ground. Vyom's mind was full of thoughts—about exams, about Keya, and about what Anand had just said. He felt a strange mix of worry and excitement, something he could not explain.
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(To be continued…)
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