CHAPTER 4

When I stepped into Once upon a time, a bookstore and cafe, I found myself calming with the silence it offered. The welcome scent of coffee wafts, the books of all kinds, invited me to take a seat on the corner of the shop. It was only a few years back when I started appreciating the beauty in words and getting lost in the fictional world.

It was still early in the morning, everyone was in the arms of sleep and when everyone began their day with a smile, mine started on a bad note. It has been only two days after the dinner with the Oberois which means I have to attend school today. Last day, when I was having dinner, mom thought it would be a good idea to talk about my future. A future they have already planned out for me, it was a few words here and there, then we argued till the dusk. I didn't even stay to take my make-up kit to hide the dark circles under my eyes before I ran to here.

I hate my life.

Sighing, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened, I saw my best friend's hazel eyes staring at me with concern. Once upon a time was owned by Tessa's mom and she volunteered to help her in the early mornings and late nights, the perfect place for bookworms like her.

"Are you okay?" She asked me as she took a seat across from me.

"I am great. Remember, I am Anika Reynolds and nothing can break me," I chuckled and she shook her head.

"You know that I am always here for you, right? I will do anything for you," She promised again and I smiled.

"Maybe you can kill a blue-eyed monster and set me up a date with Shahrukh Khan. You will be the bestest best friend in the world then," I winked and she rolled her eyes.

She walked towards the coffee machine, taking two cups in her hands. "You know, Andrea is throwing a welcome party for your arch-nemesis."

"I don't understand what people see in him." I groaned thinking about the day Shivaye joined the school. The girls went crazy as if Brad Pitt came to their school and he is the new hero of our school. I feel so sorry for the jocks who spend their lifetime in gyms and maintaining their reputation but I don't think anyone even glanced in their way last two days.

"You gotta admit that he got looks, girl. And not to forget, he was once your best friend too," She said, handing me the cup of coffee.

"That was once upon a time, Tessa. We are not living in a fairytale." I took a sip of the warm liquid, loving the taste of the coffee.

"Literally, we are at Once upon a time, Anika. Maybe I can write a story for you, till now it is perfect for a cliche book. Like you were best friends before, then enemies and now he is back to your life," She said and I grimaced at the thought. No way.

"It is a nightmare," I stood up collecting my things, not reading in the first place. "I am also happy in a relationship with my chocolates."

"Whatever, Anika. Let us make your face a little pretty and go to school," Tessa said and I walked towards the small washroom in the other end.

"I am already breathtakingly beautiful," I commented and she smacked my head.

"Sure you are and that is why you never had a boyfriend,"

"Anika Reynolds doesn't need a boyfriend, Tessa," I said as I ran a mascara over my eyes and applied a pink shade lipstick.

"Are you done? Because unlike someone, I want to study." She said heading for the door.

"Have a great day, girls." Tessa's mother yelled and I waved at her before entering to my car.

I am sure it will be a great day indeed.

×________________×

There was only one person who can make the entire students of Everlight High School silent. It was Mr.Henderson, our calculus teacher who was referred to as He-who-must-not-be-named because of his resemblance to Voldemort with balding head and nose. It didn't help that he had a short temper and his one stare can make a student faint, it happened more than once.

I was sitting in the class pretending as if I was listening to every word he said but while my mind was in my own la-la land. I bet half of the class don't even know what topic we are studying today but their eyes are fixed on the board and are sitting like statues on their seat. Henderson Effect.

My mind was a mess. I was thinking about my parents, chocolates, Shahrukh Khan and Shivaye all at the same time. Maybe I could think them one by one but what am I going to think first. I can think about chocolates but I will not be in peace because of the craving or about Shahrukh Khan, I will be tempted to watch a movie and then I will be fangirling till night forgetting about the homework.

So that is why I decided I will think about Shivaye, who was sitting beside me, and cross my parents because they are not an option in the first place.

I and Shivaye go long back. He was the first friend I made here and he was the one who helped me to be accepted in the school as an Indian. It was not easy to blend into the crowd but he was there always with a smile. He was caring, kind and everything because he was admired by everyone. But things went downhill after that day.

"Miss Reynolds, I would like to know what is brewing up in your head for the last five minutes?" I shuddered at his voice and saw his eyes glaring at me.

Looked like I earned myself a detention.

"I am listening, sir." I raised my hand.

"Sure you are, then why don't you answer the fifty-eighth question?" I heard the class gasp, maybe the old man gave me the hardest question.

I turned my page checking the question. I calculated in my mind and answered, "It is zero point eight three four."

This time, everyone including the old man's eyes widened. I was good in studies if I needed to argue with my parents every day then, I need my head held straight and high.

"You are excused this time, young lady. But don't ever repeat it again," He warned before going back to the topic.

I felt an intense gaze from Shivaye, who looked surprised that I had answered.

"I am just not a pretty face, you know." I hissed at him trying to lower the voice as much as I could.

"Who said you are pretty?" He fired back and I clenched my fist.

"You- nevermind, whatever that is going to come out of your mouth is stupid," I whispered to him and amusement was clear on his face.

"Anika," He said and my eyes widened.

"You think I am stupid?" I asked getting angry at the moment.

"I know that you are stupid," He chuckled but damn, he looked good.

"I am going to -" I started but he cut me off before I could complete the sentence.

"Confess my undying love to Shivaye." He smirked.

"You are -"

"Handsome, gorgeous, very good looking and a treat to watch,"

"Stop interrupting me, Shivaye." I finally yelled and the whole class turned to me.

"Detention for both of you after school," Voldemort said and I shooted daggers at the blue-eyed monster sitting beside me.

Great. Just great.

×××

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Question of the day,

If you have a chance to ask me one question, what would it be?

I will be answering them honestly.