The week felt like one long sports practice. Dusty ground, whistles cutting through the air, the sun soaking up our energy like it was auditioning for a Glucon-D ad.
Shree wasn't there the whole week, and honestly, her absence was louder than the teacher's command. I tried blending in with the girls, but it was all formal giggles and short-lived chatter. Hairstyles, boys, whose clothes were more expensive—none of it felt real. And Di? She flitted around like a butterfly, buzzing wherever gossip swirled.
I wasn't about to tell anyone that I'd been talking to Akaay. Why would I? Some secrets aren't for a loudspeaker.
After practice, the girls gathered under a tree, gossiping as usual. I sighed, rolled my eyes, and decided… nope. Not today.
I walked toward the boys sitting on the amphitheater stairs.
"Kriti, finally, you know where you belong?" one of them called, grinning.
"Guess the girls' section was too boring for me," I said, plopping down beside them.
"Finally!" another cheered. "Our brother is here with us!"
The energy was contagious. They were talking over each other, roasting teachers, cracking jokes about the sports teacher looking like a mango in a neon T-shirt. I found myself laughing more than I had all week.
Then came the moment.
Everyone was panting and thirsty. I had only a water bo