As time passed, Deepika and Manish both started coming to school regularly again. Slowly, they began to notice each other more. At first, it was just stolen glances — quietly watching one another in the hallway, in class, or during lunch breaks. They never said a word, but their eyes began to say everything. Sometimes, they would find silly little excuses just to see each other — going to fill their water bottles at the same time, walking slowly past each other's classrooms, or sitting near each other during group activities.
Then slowly, the silence turned into small conversations. A smile, a "hi," a shared laugh. Their friendship began to grow, naturally and gently.
One day, an announcement was made: the school was organizing its Annual Function. Manish, who was known for his dancing skills, signed up immediately for the cultural performance. While preparing for his solo dance, an idea began to form in his mind — what if Deepika joined too?
He wasn't sure if she would say yes, but he wanted to try. He waited for the right moment and then asked her softly one afternoon,
"Deepika… would you like to join me in the dance performance? We could do a duet. I'll help you practice."
Deepika was surprised, but she didn't say no immediately. She smiled and said,
"I don't know… I've never performed before."
Manish replied with a grin, "I'll teach you. It'll be fun."
The next few weeks were filled with rehearsals. After school, in the open hall or near the music room, Manish would teach Deepika the steps. She was shy at first, but slowly started enjoying it. Their coordination improved, but more than that — their bond grew. They began to understand each other better. There were laughs, awkward moments, shared music, and silent understanding in between the dance steps.
Seeing this closeness, one of Deepika's close friends noticed what was happening and decided to speak up.
Manish, unsure about how Deepika truly felt, once again turned to Renu — Deepika's best friend — for help.
"Renu," he said one evening, "do you think Deepika would ever consider being more than just a friend? I really like her, but I don't want to make her uncomfortable."
Renu smiled kindly. She could see that Manish's feelings were genuine.
"I'll talk to her again," she said. "But just be patient."
That evening, Renu sat down with Deepika.
"You know, Deepika… Manish really is a good guy. He's not like the others who just want to waste time. He's serious, he respects you, and he genuinely cares."
Deepika stayed quiet for a moment. Then she looked at Renu and said,
"I know… He's kind. He's always been respectful. Maybe… maybe I should give it a chance."
The next day, she went up to Renu and quietly said,
"Tell him… okay. I'll try. We can be friends. Just as friends, for now."
That one small "okay" from Deepika made Manish smile more than any applause ever had. It wasn't a confession, it wasn't love — but it was a beginning. A real, honest start.
And sometimes, that's all we need — a chance to know someone without pressure, a chance to let things grow on their own.