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. Every little thing seemed to catch his attention now: the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the soft clinking of his school bag, even the faint hum of distant traffic.
Anand walked beside him, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Hey Vyom," he said casually, "do you even know what 'set' means?" (In India, that word can sound like a slang sometimes.)
Vyom paused mid-step. "What? Why are you saying that?"
"You know… that word. I'm just asking," Anand said, still grinning, clearly enjoying Vyom's confusion.
Vyom frowned and muttered, "I thought you never used bad words, bro!"
Anand chuckled. "Wait… you really don't know what it means?"
"Of course I know! But I didn't think you'd say it like that!" His face turned slightly red, and he looked away, kicking a small stone along the road.
Anand shook his head slowly. "Now I'm sure — you actually don't know what it means."
"I do know! I just didn't expect it from you," Vyom said defensively.
Anand let out a small laugh, raising his voice slightly, more teasing than angry. "Bro, our first lesson in math is about 'sets'!"
Vyom's eyes widened. "Wait… what? I thought that was only in biology!"
Anand's jaw dropped. "What?! Biology? Are you serious?"
Vyom shrugged, looking innocent. "Yeah! Do they really teach that kind of stuff in math now? Maybe that's why you're so interested in it!"
Anand shook his head, trying not to laugh. "Vyom, stop talking nonsense!"
Vyom grinned sheepishly. "Okay, okay, fine! What happened? I won't tell anyone."
"Give me your math book," Anand said, pointing at Vyom's bag.
Vyom frowned. "Why? I don't even want to see that thing."
"Just give it to me!" Anand insisted, his tone still playful.
With a sigh, Vyom opened his bag and handed the book to him. "Fine, fine, here."
Anand shook his head. "I don't need it — you open it."
Vyom laughed softly. "Haha, fine. Whatever makes you happy." He opened the book and Anand immediately pointed to a page.
"Look here — 'Sets,'" Anand said.
Vyom leaned over, trying to focus. "Ohhh, so that's what it was! Set Theory!"
"Yeah! It's right there in the introduction!" Anand said, smiling. "Read it! Or have you already forgotten?"
Vyom's face turned red, and he gulped nervously. "Bro… you know I haven't studied at all this time…"
Anand shook his head. "Yeah, sure. Only three months left till exams and you're acting like a genius."
Vyom's shoulders slumped. "Please, forgive me! Everyone makes mistakes!"
"Whatever, man," Anand said, looking at the book carefully. "Even your book looks brand new."
"I take good care of my stuff!" Vyom said quickly, a little defensive.
Anand raised an eyebrow. "Still… it looks a little different."
Vyom muttered, "In this year, a little…"
"A little? Bro, you're doomed. Only three months left!" Anand said, half laughing, half annoyed.
Vyom rubbed his head. "What will I do then?"
"After three months… forget Keya," Anand said seriously.
Vyom's eyes widened. "I've decided — I'll study seriously for three months, and then I'll try to get her attention!"
"Good idea. But what if Keya gets a boyfriend before that?" Anand asked, raising an eyebrow.
Vyom thought for a moment. "Now tell me, what should I do?"
Anand smirked. "Study hard, but also… handle your feelings. Thinking too much won't help anything."
Vyom sighed deeply. "Easy for you to say! I can't even talk to her face-to-face."
"Then leave her a note," Anand said calmly. "A small letter, or something on her desk."
Vyom shook his head. "I don't even have the courage to do that."
Anand laughed softly. "Then just focus on studying for now. Everything else will fall into place."
Vyom looked down at his feet, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He knew Anand was right, but the thought of talking to Keya made his heart beat faster. He imagined what it would feel like to hand her a note, to see her reaction, to finally say something meaningful.
They walked in silence for a few steps, letting the cool evening breeze wash over them. The orange light of the setting sun made the road look long and endless, and Vyom's mind kept spinning. Every sound seemed louder now: the soft rustle of leaves, the distant honk of a horn, even his own heartbeat.
Anand noticed Vyom's thoughtful expression and nudged him. "You're too quiet, bro. You're thinking too much. Come on, tell me what's going through that head of yours."
Vyom rubbed the back of his neck, still embarrassed. "I… I don't know. I just… I want to do everything right, but I'm scared I'll mess it up."
Anand grinned, shaking his head. "You're always overthinking. That's why I love teasing you. Life isn't perfect, Vyom. You'll figure it out — just don't freeze when it matters."
Vyom smiled faintly, feeling a little better. "Thanks, bro. I guess I just need to… start somewhere."
"Exactly," Anand said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Start with sets in math, then maybe a little courage for Keya. One step at a time."
Vyom laughed quietly. "One step at a time… I like that."
They continued walking down the quiet road, the last rays of the sun stretching long shadows before them. Vyom's mind was still racing, but now there was a small spark of hope — maybe, just maybe, he could handle exams and his feelings at the same time.
Anand glanced at him with a teasing smile. He knew Vyom would never admit everything easily. "Come on, Vyom… tell me one thing," he said, his voice playful.
Vyom has some confusion but told,"what?"
"When I tell about to propose you think so much but couldn't answer," anand said, thinking something
Vyom stopped walking for a moment, took a deep breath, and finally said with a shy smile,"Wait… let me tell you a story…"
The evening wind blew softly around them, carrying their laughter and quiet thoughts along the empty road. Vyom felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement, thinking about everything Anand had said and the small steps he would need to take. The world seemed a little bigger now, and for the first time that day, he felt like maybe, just maybe, things could go his way.
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(To be continued…)
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Next part coming soon… Stay tuned for Tuesday!