Vihaan had always been someone who noticed the smallest changes around him—even when he pretended not to. So the moment she entered the coaching centre, he noticed her.
The same girl from yesterday.
She walked in with quiet confidence. Dressed in a black t-shirt, black pants, and clean white shoes, she didn't try to stand out. But somehow, she still did. Maybe it was the way she didn't glance at any boy… or the way her eyes stayed focused ahead, like nothing outside her world could touch her.
Today, Vihaan wasn't drifting into his usual silence. Instead, something about her presence tugged at his mind—like a soft hum behind loud music. It wasn't love. Not even attraction, really. Just… a feeling.
Like something was about to begin.
---
During the break, Vihaan stood outside, hands in his hoodie pocket, leaning against the side wall of the building.
"Bhai," he called out to a boy from another batch who was always chatting with everyone, "That new girl… she from this batch?"
"Avantika," the boy replied casually, flipping through a packet of chips. "Joined just this week. No one knows much. Doesn't talk."
"Which school?"
"Don't know, bro. But definitely local."
Vihaan nodded slowly. The name stayed in his head.
Avantika.
Short, sharp. Had weight.
He didn't smile. He just stood silently, watching her from a distance again. She was talking to no one. She was writing something in a notebook, eyebrows slightly furrowed.
There was a kind of peace in her stillness.
---
After the class ended, the boys in Vihaan's group gathered like they always did. A group of 7-8, laughing, pushing each other, some already getting on their cycles or scooters.
Vihaan stayed back.
Then, as Avantika came out, walking quickly toward the gate, Vihaan whispered to a classmate beside him.
"Ask her section."
The boy blinked. "Huh?"
"Just go and ask her which school section she's in. Do it casually."
The boy looked confused, but nodded. "Alright."
He jogged towards her, and Avantika immediately turned at his approach. Her eyes darted slightly—she'd noticed now that a group of boys were standing far behind, all quietly watching her.
She looked around, slightly nervous. Her steps slowed.
The boy reached her.
"Hey… um… which section are you in?"
Avantika stared at him, unsure, maybe a little scared too. Her grip on the strap of her bag tightened. Then, without a word, she muttered:
"10-G."
And walked away fast.
The boy returned, looking a little embarrassed. "Bro… she didn't like it. I think she got scared."
Vihaan didn't respond.
He just kept staring in the direction Avantika disappeared in.
Then he turned to the others.
"So… 10-G," he said, barely loud enough.
And suddenly—
"Oye oye oye!"
"Bhaiii you are becoming serious !"
"you are getting out of hand!"
"Vihaan you are in love,naa!"
They all exploded into laughs, pushing each other, hooting as if they'd just witnessed history being made.
Vihaan chuckled too, shaking his head. "Shut up, idiots."
But inside his mind, that name kept repeating.
Avantika.