Ch 1 - New Seating Plan
The classroom was louder than usual that morning.
Students were busy talking, laughing, and sharing weekend stories. Maya sat near the window, smiling as she chatted with her friends. Sunlight touched her face, making her look even brighter than usual.
Suddenly, the classroom door opened.
Their class teacher walked in, holding a file.
"Good morning, everyone," she said firmly.
"Good morning, ma'am," the class replied in unison.
"I have decided to change the seating arrangement," she continued.
The class immediately filled with groans.
"What? Why?" someone whispered dramatically.
Maya blinked in surprise. She liked her current seat. She liked sitting with her best friend.
The teacher began calling out names.
"Ayan Rahman… front row, second bench."
Ayan stood up quietly without saying a word. He was known as the silent topper of the class. Always serious. Always distant.
"Maya Ahmed… you'll sit next to Ayan."
The classroom went silent for two seconds.
Then—
"Oooooooh…"
Maya froze.
Next to Ayan?
Her smile slowly faded.
She glanced at him. He didn't even look at her. He simply walked to his new seat and placed his bag down neatly.
Maya sighed and stood up, carrying her books. As she walked toward the front row, she could feel her friends staring at her with teasing expressions.
She sat down beside him carefully.
"Hi," she said softly.
No response.
He continued writing something in his notebook.
Maya cleared her throat. "I'm Maya… in case you forgot."
Without looking at her, he replied calmly, "I didn't."
That was it.
Just two words.
Maya stared at him, slightly annoyed.
Great.
This was going to be a long semester.
But she didn't know—
This small seat change was about to change much more than just where she sat.
It was about to change her heart.❤️