Chapter 9
Sam was also on the boys' football team.
While the girls were finishing practice, Meera noticed him across the field laughing with his teammates. He waved casually when he saw her, like he always did. Sam had always been easygoing like that — friendly, warm, never complicated.
Standing next to him was Aryan.
Aryan had recently become a very important person in Kitty's life.
For years Kitty had had a massive crush on him, and just a few weeks ago they had finally started dating. Everyone in their friend group had been excited about it.
Aryan was actually very nice to Meera too.
Maybe it was because Kitty was her best friend, but Aryan always treated Meera kindly. Sometimes the three of them would talk together after class, joking about school or teachers.
Meera liked Aryan.
He made Kitty happy.
And even though, occasionally, a small part of Meera felt a tiny bit jealous seeing her best friend in such a perfect relationship… she pushed that thought away quickly.
Kitty deserved it.
And Meera was genuinely happy for her.
After practice ended, Meera was exhausted.
Her legs hurt, her hair was a mess, and she was pretty sure she had kicked the ball wrong at least ten times.
Still, she headed toward the locker room.
Maybe football wasn't her thing.
But she had decided to try.
After a quick shower, she changed back into her school uniform and tied her hair neatly again.
School was almost over for the day. There was only one period left.
Meera walked into the classroom just as the teacher arrived.
"Alright everyone," the teacher said, placing his books on the desk. "For the next two weeks, you will be working on a team project."
Groans filled the classroom.
The teacher ignored them and continued.
"I will assign the partners."
Meera immediately sat up straighter.
Please give me Kitty. Please give me Kitty.
The teacher started reading names from the list.
Different pairs were announced one by one.
Then suddenly—
"Hirsh and Meera."
Meera froze.
Her stomach dropped instantly.
You have got to be kidding me.
Across the classroom, Hirsh looked just as unhappy.
In fact, he looked worse.
He leaned back in his chair with an annoyed expression and muttered something under his breath.
Before Meera could even process what was happening, Hirsh suddenly stood up.
"Sir."
The whole class turned toward him.
The teacher looked up. "Yes?"
Hirsh spoke calmly, almost coldly.
"I think this pairing might affect the project."
The teacher frowned slightly. "Why?"
Hirsh didn't hesitate.
"Because Meera has below-average intelligence."
The classroom went completely silent.
Meera's face burned instantly.
She felt like someone had slapped her in front of everyone.
A few students gasped.
Someone in the back whispered, "Dude…"
The teacher's expression hardened.
"Hirsh," he said sharply, "you will not speak about your classmates like that."
But Hirsh didn't look embarrassed.
He simply shrugged.
"I'm just being honest."
Meera clenched her fists under the desk.
How dare he.
The teacher sighed and waved his hand dismissively.
"That's enough. I have already decided the partners. You two will work together."
Hirsh looked irritated but didn't argue further.
The teacher returned to the lesson, and the class slowly settled again.
But Meera barely heard anything.
Her ears were still ringing with the words.
Below-average intelligence.
She glared at Hirsh from across the room.
But he didn't look at her once.
When the bell finally rang, Meera stood up quickly and began packing her bag.
She was still furious.
Just as she was about to leave, Hirsh walked up to her desk.
"Meet me at the mall this evening," he said casually.
Meera looked up sharply.
"What?"
"For the project," he said. "We'll sit at Starbucks and discuss it."
His tone was completely normal.
Like he hadn't just insulted her in front of the entire class.
Meera stared at him in disbelief.
"You seriously think I want to meet you after what you said?"
Hirsh adjusted the strap of his bag.
"If you want a good grade, you will."
That made her even angrier.
He turned to leave but added over his shoulder,
"Six o'clock."
Meera glared at his back as he walked away.
She was still burning with anger.
Yes, she knew she wasn't the best at studies.
But he didn't have to humiliate her like that.
He could have been nicer.
Just a little.
Instead, he had embarrassed her in front of everyone.
And for that moment, Meera decided something very clearly.
She hated Hirsh.
Absolutely hated him.
Still…
At six that evening, she found herself getting ready to go to the mall.