It was my first day in 11th grade, in a new school. I was nervous, my mind full of worries about how the day would go. Dad dropped me off at the school gate, and I stood there for a moment, clutching my bag, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings.
A girl walked up to me with a friendly smile."Hi! What's your name? Which class are you in?" she asked.I told her, and to my relief, she said she was in the same class too."I'm Shreya," she added brightly.
Feeling a little less alone, I followed her towards our classroom on the second floor. But before we could settle in, the bell rang for assembly. Everyone hurried down to the ground, and Shreya and I ran down the stairs together, laughing a little at our rush.
I stood in line with the rest of my class. Unlike them, I wasn't in uniform yet; I was wearing a simple colored dress, feeling a little awkward about it but hoping no one would notice. The assembly ended, and we all walked back to our rooms.
The day went by more smoothly than I expected. By the last period—English—I was starting to feel comfortable. Suddenly, a boy entered our classroom and announced that our section had to shift to another room for this class. We were asked to carry our English books and follow.
Shreya and I picked up our books and stepped out. But halfway down the corridor, I remembered I had left my pen on my desk. I turned back, hurried inside, grabbed it, and rushed out again.
In my hurry, I collided with someone at the turn. My books and belongings scattered across the floor. Heart pounding, I knelt to gather them, but before I could, a hand reached out to help.
I looked up—and froze.He was close, so close I could see every detail of his face. His features were sharp yet soft, his eyes deep enough that for a second, I felt myself drowning in them.
"Here… your pen," he said quietly, handing it to me.
I took it, speechless, and walked away without even thanking him. My heart was beating too fast to think straight.
Shreya was already waiting in the new classroom. We slipped into the last bench. Moments later, the same boy walked in and sat just one row ahead of us. My heart skipped again.
The teacher began class and then paused, looking straight at me."We have a new student. Stand up and introduce yourself."
I felt my face turn hot. I hated speaking in front of people. My heart thudded in my chest, but somehow, I managed to stand and say my name, my previous school, and a little about myself. When I sat down, I silently thanked God that nothing embarrassing had happened.
Little did I know… this was only the beginning.