Written in big letters: Class Ten, Section AI.
The teacher of this class, Subrata Sir, called out several times again, "Roll number sixty-two."
No response again. No one even said "absent," which meant she was actually present in class.
Subrata Sir was a strict and short-tempered man, so no one dared to utter a word.
His eyes were fixed on the last bench on the right side of the classroom. Roll number sixty-two was sitting right there, but she was so lost in her own thoughts that she wasn't even paying attention—forget looking up, she wasn't even listening.
Subrata Sir was about to call out once more and move to the next roll when—
"Keep quiet. Do you think I don't recognize you? I've been watching you since Class Five. Now you've reached Class Ten, but there's not a bit of change in you. You're still exactly the same—completely ill-mannered. Listen, Sagarika, if you are distracted in my class again, I will inform your family."
At Subrata Sir's scolding, Sagarika lowered her head. Taking one of her two braids that hung over her shoulders, she began twisting it around her fingers.
"Why are you standing? Sit down now," he barked.
Sagarika looked up and said, "Sir, please mark me present."
"I'll stop this excessive mischief of yours right now," Subrata Sir said angrily.
Realizing how furious he was, Sagarika quickly replied, "It won't happen again, sorry."
"How many times a day do you tell this lie?"
"I haven't counted, sir."
"Oh God! What is this girl made of? Sit down, and don't waste any more time. I have to teach."
"So… will you mark me present?"
"I will, but remember, this is your last chance."
Sagarika nodded and sat down. After calling out the remaining roll numbers, Subrata Sir opened the book. He was a mathematics teacher.
"There's a clock in your bag, right? See how long until it's eleven-forty."
The girl sitting beside her checked her wristwatch and said, "Five minutes more."
"Still five minutes! Ugh…" Sagarika muttered in irritation. Immediately, Subrata Sir's voice thundered, "Why is your mind not in class, Sagarika?"
Sagarika stood up again with a sulky face. In a disappointed tone, Subrata Sir said, "At an age meant for studying, you have no focus at all. Be a little serious. Look at our first boy—how much he studies. And you…"
"Instead of arguing with him, please complete the math problem. Class time is almost over," Sagarika replied.
Subrata Sir returned to the board. As soon as she sat down, Rukma, sitting beside her, whispered angrily, "Did you hear how he said that? He's the first boy—Ayan has so much attitude. I'll grind him into chutney!"
"Not now. Let Sir leave first," Sagarika hushed her friend. Rukma was Sagarika's only companion in the whole school, always supporting her in everything since Class Five.
After class ended—
"No, no. I took this blade from the pencil sharpener."
"Ugh, what are you doing, Sneju!"
"Forget that. Let's go scold that bookworm," Sagarika said, getting up from her seat, followed by Rukma.
As soon as they stood in front of the first bench, the second boy of the class, Himangshu, jumped up nervously. "Sneju, you're here! Wh-what happened?"
"Not you. We've come to talk to him," Rukma said, glaring.
"Go ahead," Ayan closed his book and looked at Sagarika and Rukma.
"Who do you think you are! You may be good at studies or even a gold medalist, I don't care. But don't ever comment about me. Otherwise, I'll have my brothers beat you up so badly you'll land in the hospital. I don't have just one, but two brothers. Got it?"
Sagarika turned and walked away, with Rukma following.
Himangshu then said, "There's no point getting into trouble with that girl, Ayan. I know her well…"