As Vrinda stepped into the classroom, she saw Anish talking with his new friend Shriyan about their studies. As she passed by Anish, her heartbeat quickened. Anish noticed her and their eyes met for a brief moment. Vrinda quickly broke the eye contact and made her way to her seat.

Vaidehi, who had been watching, teased Vrinda mischievously. “Oh ho, aaj ka din toh bohot accha jayega tumhara,” she said.

“Aise kyun bol rahi ho?” Vrinda asked.

“Subah subah Anish ka chehra jo dekh liya tune,” Vaidehi replied, winking at Vrinda.

“Chup ho ja, aisa kuch nahi hai,” Vrinda said, her cheeks flushing pink.

As they were talking, the teacher entered and announced an upcoming school function. “Students, there is a function at our school next week. If you want to participate, give your names to Vrinda,” the teacher said, looking at Vrinda.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll give you the list as soon as it’s ready,” Vrinda assured her.

“And Shriyan, you will handle decorations and other preparations. Both you and Vrinda will be in charge and represent our class,” the teacher added.

“Yes, ma’am,” Shriyan said, nodding at the teacher and then at Vrinda.

Vrinda nodded back in agreement.

During the lunch break, Vrinda and Shriyan were discussing decorations and sharing suggestions. Anish entered the classroom. Shriyan called him over for his input on the decorations.

“Hey Kanha! Yeh abhi hona tha? Shriyan baad mein bhi toh puch sakta tha na. Abhi puchhne ki kya zaroorat thi?” Vrinda thought, feeling a bit awkward.

As Anish joined them, standing beside Shriyan, Vrinda found herself stealing glances at him while he suggested decoration ideas. When Shriyan turned to Vrinda and asked, “What are your thoughts on this?” Vrinda, caught off guard, struggled to respond.

“I… think…” she stammered, confused and flustered with Anish standing in front of her.

“I think it’s really great. What do you think, Vrinda?” a voice interjected, seeking their attention. It was Vaidehi.

Understanding Vrinda’s predicament, Vaidehi stepped in to help. “Yes, you are right!” Vrinda added quickly, looking at Vaidehi.

“Then let’s go with this plan,” Shriyan concluded, and the discussion ended. As they all took their seats, Vrinda whispered, “Thank you,” to Vaidehi.

“Jyada formal banne ki zaroorat nahi hai. Dost dost ke kaam nahi aayega toh kaun aayega? Chup chap tiffin kha,” Vaidehi said, reassuring Vrinda.

After lunch, Vrinda and Vaidehi went to the washroom. On their way back, Anish hurriedly passed by. Vrinda, walking backward while talking with Vaidehi, unknowingly collided with him. Surprised, she turned and found herself face-to-face with Anish. Their eyes locked for a few seconds until Shriyan called Anish, breaking their eye contact. They both said, “Sorry,” simultaneously.

Vaidehi giggled at the scene, and Vrinda, taking a deep breath, turned to Vaidehi. “Tu mujhe bata nahi sakti thi?” Vrinda said, slightly irritated.

“Agar bata deti toh yeh sab kaise hota?” Vaidehi replied, blinking at Vrinda. “Puri Bollywood wali vibe aa gayi,” she added mischievously.

“Chup kar, kuch bhi bolti hai,” Vrinda said, playfully hitting Vaidehi on the shoulder. “Kanha, accha hua hum gir nahi gaye unke upar. Nahi toh muh dikhane layak bhi nahi rahete,” she whispered, clutching her RadhaKrishna necklace.

As the school bell rang, everyone went home except Vrinda, Shriyan, Anish, and Vaidehi, who stayed back to help with the decorations. While Shriyan and Vrinda were busy tying ribbons, Anish and Vaidehi sat idly.

“Hi, I’m Vaidehi,” Vaidehi introduced herself to Anish.

“Hey, I’m Anish,” he replied.

“What do you think about our school?” Vaidehi asked.

“It’s really nice and different. Initially, I thought no one would be friendly since it’s a new school for me. But everyone here is friendly, and the teachers are cooperative,” Anish said.

“If you ever need any help, you can always ask Vrinda or me,” Vaidehi assured him.

“That’s really thoughtful of you. I’ll remember that,” Anish said.

“Anish, pass me those ribbons, please,” Shriyan called, interrupting their conversation.

“Sure, here you go,” Anish said, handing over the ribbons.

“Thanks,” Shriyan said.

As Anish was about to take his seat, he saw Vrinda on a ladder, trying to come down. Suddenly, her leg slipped, and she was about to fall when Anish caught her in his arms. Her eyes were closed, and she called out, “Kanha… Mummy… Bachao,” unaware that Anish was holding her.

Shriyan and Vaidehi rushed over, asking, “Tu theek toh hai na? Kahi chot toh nahi aayi?”

“Hamare pair fracture ho gaya hai kya?” Vrinda asked, still with her eyes closed, not realizing Anish was holding her.

“Hame kuch dard mehsoos kyu nahi ho raha hai?” she wondered aloud, finally opening her eyes. She was shocked to see Anish holding her and looked down in embarrassment, her cheeks turning pink.

“Hum theek hai. Aap hame neeche utar sakte hai,” she said softly.

Anish gently set her down like a light feather. “Tum pakka theek ho?” he asked.

“Haan… Hum… Hum theek hai,” she managed to say, looking at the floor.

The teacher entered to supervise the decorations and was impressed, even though they weren’t fully completed. “You all can go home now and finish the remaining decorations tomorrow,” she said.

They packed their bags and started leaving. Vrinda stopped Anish and said, “Thank you. Agar aap nahi hote toh hume fracture ho jata,” she said.

“You’re welcome. Aur agar koi aur bhi hota, toh bhi main yahi karta. Isliye thank you bolne ki zaroorat nahi thi,” Anish said, smiling at her.

Vaidehi, waiting for Vrinda, started teasing her as they left the school and headed home.