Ayra locked herself inside the washroom, her breath shaking as tears streamed down her cheeks. She pressed her mother's locket against her heart, letting its familiar warmth calm the ache inside her. After a moment, she splashed cold water on her face, wiped it clean, and stared at her reflection—the medium fair skin, the big expressive eyes behind her white glasses, the small hands. She took a deep breath. She had to keep going.
Ayra walked to the library, picked up a book, and sat quietly, but the insult still burned in her chest. Time slipped by. When she checked her phone, it was already 3 PM. She signed the ledger and walked to the parking area, taking out her bicycle. Just as she was about to leave, Preethi appeared.
"I'm sorry, Ayra," she said softly. "If you want… I can drop you in my new BMW?"
Ayra forced a smile. "No. I'll go on my bicycle."
Preethi nodded and gave her a gentle hug before leaving.
Ayra rode to a small spot near the college where a dog and a cat were playing. She whistled, and Tommy the dog and Timmy the cat ran to her happily. She opened her breakfast box and fed them pancakes. Watching them eat with so much joy made her heart feel lighter. She played with them for a while before heading home.
Her father, Peter Johnson, welcomed her warmly. "Ayra, how was your day?"
She lied with a smile, "Good, Dad."
After a bath, she changed into a white shirt and red pants, but the moment she sat on her bed, the pain resurfaced. Tears spilled again as she remembered everything.
Peter knocked gently. "Ayra, sweetheart? I made you a vanilla milkshake and chocolate cake…"
She wiped her tears quickly and opened the door. Her father's face tightened with concern when he saw her dull expression. He studied her closely.
"Thanks, Dad," she whispered, taking the tray and closing the door. On the other side, Peter wondered, What happened to my daughter today?
Alone again, Ayra broke down, wiping her tears with her handkerchief.Why did Reena behave like that? What did I ever do to her?
After crying, she finally drank the milkshake, ate the cake, and finished her homework. When she was done, she picked up another notebook and began writing her storybook titled "Roy, The Magical Watch – A Fantasy Adventure for Kids." But she quickly hid it when her father knocked again.
"Are you okay, baby?" Peter asked gently. "You look so dull. Did someone scold you?"
Ayra shook her head. "No, Dad. I just had a lot of homework because I went late."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Dad. Why would I lie to you?"
Peter sighed. "If you ever want to share anything… I'm right here. You're not alone."
Ayra smiled faintly.He told her he made her favourite chicken salad and a burger. After dinner with him, she went back to her room and fell asleep with heaviness still resting on her heart.
✨ THE NEXT DAY
Ayra woke at 8 AM and reached college early for once."Today I came half an hour before!" she said proudly.
Preethi laughed. "You came early!"
But Reena and Gautam, seated on the stairs, began mocking her immediately.
"Ayra, you big fat liar!"They burst into laughter.
Ayra controlled herself. Preethi placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
Gautam shouted dramatically, "Ayra! Since you helped Reena yesterday, help me too! I also took many books! My invisible wound is paining!"Reena and he laughed again.
Ayra finally stepped forward."I don't know why you lied yesterday, but you tricked me, and even God knows I'm innocent. If it was for fun, then the mistake is yours, not mine."
Reena and Gautam stood up angrily."How dare you, filthy cat?" Reena shouted."You're the ugliest thing in the college!" Gautam added.
Ayra clenched her fists."You tricked me. If you threaten me, I'll complain."
"How dare you!" Gautam yelled and pushed her.Ayra fell to the ground, her books and glasses scattering.
Just then, an expensive car stopped. A stunningly handsome boy stepped out—wearing a black leather jacket, diamond watch, and golden accessories. Everyone stared at him.
He bent down and helped collect Ayra's books and glasses.
"Thank you," Ayra whispered.
"My name is Vicky," he said gently. "Be careful, Ayra."
People couldn't stop admiring him as Ayra walked to class. Vicky later sat opposite her. PP Sir took attendance and glared at Ayra for being early, then introduced Vicky as the new student. A notice arrived announcing competitions—basketball, dance, chess. Everyone cheered.
✨ LATER
Ayra felt excited. "Preethi, I want to join basketball… and maybe dance too."
"But Ayra, you don't even know how to dance," Preethi said.
"I'll learn! And I'll find a boy partner too."
Before leaving, PP Sir stopped her."You can't go. You lied yesterday. Your punishment is to clean the classroom and bring materials from the library."
"Sir, I didn't lie—Reena did—"
"I don't want arguments."
Ayra had no choice. She cleaned the room, fetched the books, and finally left.
Vicky, who was practicing basketball, noticed her walking away with a sad face. He ran up to her.
"Ayra, why do you look so dull?"
"How do you know my name?" she asked.
"I asked your friend Preethi."
Ayra sighed. "Just PP Sir's work. Nothing else."
Then Vicky asked softly, "Ayra… will you be my friend?"
Ayra froze. Someone like him wanted to be her friend?
But she remembered how people already mocked Preethi for being close to her. She didn't want Vicky to face the same.
"No," she said quietly.
Vicky's eyes widened.
"It's not you," Ayra added. "I just… have enough friends."
She took her bicycle and rode away, leaving Vicky standing there in disbelief.