Our tuition teacher was explaining a science concept. I was focused, trying to absorb every word, but Neetu kept murmuring beside me.
Days passed like that, and slowly, my academics began to improve.
At school, teachers started noticing me. I was chosen to present topics in class, and classmates often came to me for help—especially in mathematics. My math was so strong that no one, whether in school or tuition, could match me.
Teachers were surprised. "How can a student from D section score so high?" But while they admired me, students from other sections didn't. They mocked me, called me a loser—just because I was from D section.
I ignored them.
But it was getting harder. I was already dealing with jealousy from other sections, and now my own classmates had started teasing me about Sneha.
Day by day, their comments grew louder.
I began to question my own feelings. I didn't like her romantically, but I respected her. Whenever someone spoke ill of her, I defended her.
Maybe it was just an attraction.
One random day, many of my schoolmates who also attended the same tuition were hanging around. I was near the waiting area with my friends when Neetu walked in and greeted me. Suddenly, one of my friends blurted out:
"Do you really like her?"
Neetu's face changed instantly. She didn't say a word. She just walked away—like she had vanished into thin air.
Class began. We took our seats.
Then Neetu turned to me and asked, "Who is she? Do you really like her?"
I replied, "Naah, she's just a neighbour and a schoolmate."
Neetu smirked, "Really?"
"Yeah," I said, "just a school friend."
That entire class, she kept teasing me—asking how the girl looked, how I knew her.
Now, there was one more person teasing me.
Days passed as usual.
20 October 2021
The lunch bell rang. I packed my books and was roaming through the school corridors. Suddenly, someone pulled me into an empty classroom.
At first, I couldn't see her face—sunlight flooded the room. But when I did, I was stunned.
"Why did you pull me in?" I asked.
She didn't answer. Instead, she got down on one knee.
"What are you doing? Are you out of your mind?" I asked again.
Then she looked up and said, "I love you."
I stood frozen. "What the heck are you talking about?"
She stepped closer and whispered, "I've loved you since the first moment I saw you," and leaned in to kiss me.
I pushed her away. "Please don't do this. I never saw you that way."
She froze. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Why can't you date me?" she asked.
"I just can't… because I don't feel that way."
I turned to leave. Before stepping out, I said softly, "Sneha, please… don't tell Aryan about this. He likes you."
And I walked away.
She didn't come to school for the next two days.
23 October 2021 — Sneha's Birthday
That morning, I was sitting near the window when Aryan approached me.
"You love Sneha, right?" he asked.
"No, I don't. I just respect her," I replied.
"Liar!" he shouted. "You love her! Why are you hiding it now after confessing?"
I was stunned. "Confessed? What are you talking about?"
The whole class was watching. We were the center of attention.
Aryan glared at me. "I don't believe you. You're the worst person I've ever met."
"Aryan, trust me. I didn't do anything."
Only two people knew what happened that day—me and her.
Did someone see us? I thought.
"Who told you this?" I asked.
"Sneha did," he said. "She told me everything. You think no one would find out about your disgusting act?"
"Please, believe me. I didn't do anything. How could I betray you knowing she's your girlfriend?"
Aryan paused. "Fine. I'll believe you—only if you confront her."
"Okay. I will," I said.
Later, during lunch break, Aryan walked in with her.
The moment she entered, she shouted, "You stupid bastard! You think you can deceive me with your fake talks?"
A crowd gathered—Sakshi, Aarti, Aman, and others. Everyone looked at me like I was a criminal.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
She screamed, "Didn't you try to kiss me forcefully?"
The room fell silent.
Aryan stepped forward and slapped me. "Don't ever talk to her again," he said.
I stayed silent.
If I told the truth, her reputation would be ruined—and I didn't want that.
So I took the blame and walked out of the classroom.
After lunch, I didn't return. I sat outside, on the ground.
After a while, Sakshi came and sat beside me.
"I know you weren't wrong," she said softly.
I didn't reply.
"I saw what happened between you two in that classroom," she continued.
I looked at her and asked, "Did you tell anyone?"
"No," she said.
I felt a wave of relief.
Then she whispered, "I love you, Harsh."