⛧°。 ⋆༺ ＳＡＲＡ'Ｓ ＰＯＶ ༻⋆。 °⛧

I was getting ready for my first day of school, and my stomach felt like a bundle of nerves. The thought of walking through those gates made my heart race. Bhaiyya and I would finally be at the same school, along with Shahneel, my best friend. I couldn't help but hope that having them around would make everything easier.

As I straightened my uniform, Mumma called from downstairs, "Sara, come down for breakfast!"

I took a deep breath, smoothed out my hair one last time, and rushed down the stairs. The aroma of toast and fresh fruit filled the air, and I could see Mumma bustling around the kitchen. "You're going to be fine, sweetheart," she assured me, setting a plate in front of me.

"But what if I don't fit in? What if no one talks to me?" I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mumma smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "You're smart, kind, and so full of energy. People will love being around you. Just be yourself."

As I took a bite of toast, I felt a little reassured, but my nerves still danced around inside me. Just then, Bhaiyya walked in, looking slightly more put together than I felt. "Ready to conquer the world, Sara?" he teased, ruffling my hair.

"More like ready to survive it," I shot back with a nervous laugh.

Bhaiyya grinned, his confidence infectious. "With me and Shahneel by your side, you've got nothing to worry about. We'll stick together."

After finishing breakfast, we grabbed our bags and headed out. The morning air was crisp, and excitement mixed with anxiety bubbled inside me as we walked to school. I could see the school gates up ahead, and with every step, my heart raced faster.

As we entered the school courtyard, the bustling energy around us was overwhelming. Students chatted and laughed, some greeting each other with warm hugs while others formed small groups. I felt a mix of awe and apprehension.

"Look, there's Shahneel!" Bhaiyya pointed, and I spotted my best friend standing by the entrance, waving excitedly.

I rushed over, relief washing over me. "Hey! I'm so glad to see you!" I exclaimed, feeling a bit braver with her by my side.

Shahneel hugged me tightly. "I was worried I wouldn't find you! This place is huge!"

As we chatted, I noticed a group of seniors nearby, one of whom caught my eye. He had an easy smile and a confident presence that drew everyone in. I could feel a blush creeping up my cheeks as I tried to focus on the conversation. Was that Shubman Gill?

Before I could think too much about it, Shahneel pulled me back into our conversation. "Let's find our classroom before we get lost!"

With my friends by my side, I felt a surge of courage. Today was just the beginning of an adventure, and I was ready to embrace it, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

As I watched the guy hug Bhaiyya, curiosity tugged at me. He looked familiar yet completely new, like someone I should've known but didn't.

"Shanu," I whispered, leaning closer to Shahneel, "who is that?"

Shahneel followed my gaze and smiled. "Oh, that's my brother, Shubman. He's in Class 12, and he's the Head Boy."

My eyes widened. So, he's Shahneel's brother? And if he's close with Bhaiyya, that means they're friends. My heart did an odd little flip at the thought. It wasn't exactly because he was Head Boy or anything; there was just... something about him. The way he carried himself, the way he laughed with Bhaiyya—it all seemed so effortless, like he belonged wherever he went.

I couldn't help but keep looking, taking in his easy smile, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, and the confidence in his posture. A strange fluttery feeling bubbled up in my chest, unfamiliar and unexpected, making my heart skip a beat.

Suddenly, Shubman glanced my way, catching me mid-stare. I quickly looked down, feeling my cheeks warm. Shahneel giggled beside me, noticing my reaction.

"So, Sara," she teased, nudging me. "Already a fan of the Head Boy?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to brush it off. "He's alright, I guess," I mumbled, though the flutter in my heart lingered.

As we made our way to class, my mind kept drifting back to Shubman. What would it be like to know him better? I had no idea then, but that day was the beginning of something I couldn't yet name—a feeling that would only grow stronger with time.

The morning buzzed with excitement as we gathered in the school courtyard for the first assembly of the year. Rows of students lined up, and I found myself nervously standing among the new Class 11 students, my heart thumping louder than I would have liked. Shahneel gave me a reassuring smile from beside me, and Bhaiyya stood proudly with his Class 12 friends near the front. I couldn't help but glance toward Shubman, who was standing with the other school leaders.

As the principal stepped up to the microphone, the courtyard fell silent. His voice boomed, welcoming everyone back and especially addressing us, the new students.

"Today," he began, "we welcome a fresh group of bright young students who are joining us for the first time. We expect all of you to make them feel at home and to show them the respect and warmth that defines our school community."

The crowd applauded, and I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. The principal then began calling out names of new students to formally introduce us.

"Sara Tendulkar," he called.

My heart skipped a beat as I stepped forward, feeling dozens of eyes on me, including Shubman's. I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm, and gave a small nod as the principal introduced me.

After what felt like an eternity, I stepped back in line, relieved yet exhilarated. As the principal continued with the other new students, I could feel my nerves settling, slowly turning into excitement. This was the start of something new, and I was ready to make the most of it.

When the assembly ended, Shubman took the microphone as Head Boy, calling for everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone, let's make this year a memorable one!" he said with a grin that instantly captured everyone's focus. "Remember to be kind to each other, especially to the new faces around here."

He looked in my direction for a split second, and I felt my pulse quicken again. Shubman's words left a lingering smile on my face. Maybe this school year wouldn't be so intimidating after all. With my friends and family around, and a new, mysterious excitement fluttering in my heart, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.

After the assembly, Shahneel and I made our way to our first class. The corridors were bustling with students, everyone chatting and laughing as they settled into the rhythm of a new school year. Shahneel tugged me along, guiding me through the maze of hallways until we reached our classroom.

We found seats near the middle, with Shahneel beside me, and soon, the teacher walked in—a tall woman with a stern look but a kind smile. "Good morning, class," she greeted us, her voice carrying a tone of authority. "I'm Mrs. Mehta, and I'll be your English teacher for the year. Let's make this a great start."

I opened my notebook, eager to make a good impression. As Mrs. Mehta began to discuss our syllabus, I tried my best to pay attention. But, in the back of my mind, thoughts of the assembly and the newness of everything buzzed around.

About halfway through the class, there was a knock on the door. I glanced over, curious, and felt my heart jump—Shubman was standing at the entrance. He looked effortlessly cool, a slight grin on his face as he held a note.

"Sorry to interrupt, ma'am," he said, handing the note to Mrs. Mehta. His voice was calm, confident, and I noticed a few of the girls sitting nearby exchanging excited glances.

Mrs. Mehta glanced at the note, then nodded. "Thank you, Shubman," she said. Before leaving, he gave a casual wave to a friend in the back row, and just like that, he was gone. But not before our eyes met for a brief moment. I quickly looked away, hoping he hadn't noticed the warmth rising in my cheeks.

As Mrs. Mehta resumed the lesson, I found it harder to concentrate. I couldn't help but replay that fleeting glance in my mind, wondering what it was about him that had me so intrigued. Was it his easygoing attitude? His confidence? Or maybe just the way he seemed so... comfortable in his own skin.

Just then, Shahneel nudged me, breaking me out of my thoughts. "Sara," she whispered with a mischievous grin, "you totally zoned out there. Thinking about the Head Boy, are we?"

I rolled my eyes, pretending to be annoyed. "Of course not," I whispered back, even though my heart seemed to think otherwise.

The rest of the class passed by in a blur of new information and friendly whispers with Shahneel. By the time the bell rang, signaling the end of the period, I was filled with a strange mix of excitement and curiosity. High school had only just begun, but it already felt like I was in for more than just textbooks and exams.

And somehow, I couldn't shake the feeling that Shubman would be a part of that story.

As the school day wrapped up, Shahneel turned to me with an excited look in her eyes. "Sara, would you like to come over to my place?" she asked eagerly. "We can study together—or just, you know, hang out."

I bit my lip, trying to decide. "Let me ask Mumma," I said, pulling out my phone to send her a quick text. Within moments, my phone buzzed with a reply: Sure, sweetheart. Just be back in time for dinner!

I grinned. "She said yes!"

We walked to Shahneel's house together, chatting and laughing about our day, and before long, we arrived at her place—a cozy, inviting home filled with warmth. As we stepped inside, I was immediately welcomed by her parents, who greeted me with open smiles.

"It's so nice to finally meet you, Sara," Shahneel's mother said, her eyes twinkling kindly. "We've heard so much about you from Shahneel!"

I smiled, feeling a bit shy but happy. "It's really nice to meet you too, Aunty," I replied, my voice respectful. I wanted to make a good impression, and judging by the smile on her mother's face, I think I did.

After chatting for a while, Shahneel and I headed to the kitchen to grab some snacks. I was happily munching on a biscuit when I heard footsteps behind us.

"Shah—" came a voice from the doorway, and I looked up to see Shubman standing there. He was in casual shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt, looking like he had just come out of his room. His arms were toned, and his relaxed, effortless style somehow made him look even more attractive.

I felt my cheeks warm as my gaze lingered on him a moment too long, my heart doing that strange little flutter again. Shubman looked surprised to see me there, and I quickly looked down, hoping he hadn't noticed.

Shubman, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow and gave Shahneel a look. Without a word, he grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her toward the door. "Hey, Shanu, I need to talk to you for a sec," he said, his tone firm but casual.

Shahneel shot me an apologetic glance. "I'll be right back, Sara!" she said with a grin before following her brother out.

Left alone, I tried to calm my racing heart, but my mind was still filled with the image of Shubman standing there, looking like he owned the room. I could hear faint murmurs from the hallway, and though I couldn't make out what they were saying, I couldn't help but feel that curious excitement bubbling up again.

A few minutes later, Shahneel came back into the kitchen, a small frown on her face. "Sara, I'm really sorry," she began, sounding genuinely apologetic. "Bhaiyya just told me we have to go out with our parents for something important, and I completely forgot about it."

I waved it off with a smile. "Oh, it's no problem at all! I had a great time meeting everyone, and we can always hang out another day."

Shahneel's face brightened. "Thank you for understanding! I feel so bad for cutting our plans short. But next time, you'll come over, and I'll make sure Bhaiyya doesn't interfere!" she joked with a wink.

We both laughed, and she walked me to the door. "Let me know when you reach home safely," she added, giving me a quick hug.

As I left her house and started my walk back, I couldn't help but replay the day's events in my mind. Meeting Shahneel's family had been wonderful—they were so warm and welcoming. But more than anything, I couldn't shake the memory of Shubman standing in the doorway, the casual way he'd looked at me, and the butterflies that had followed.

When I finally reached home, Mumma greeted me at the door. "How was your day, Sara?" she asked, a curious smile on her face.

"It was really nice," I replied, feeling a mix of contentment and excitement. "I met Shahneel's family, and they were all so sweet."

Mumma noticed the faint smile on my face and raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing something more. "And did you meet anyone else interesting?" she teased lightly.

I felt my cheeks flush. "Mumma!" I protested, brushing it off. But as I headed to my room, I couldn't deny that, even though my plans with Shahneel had been cut short, the day had left me with a memory I wouldn't soon forget. And somehow, I couldn't wait for the next time our paths would cross.