Me and Nakul were sitting in class when a group of girls walked in. There were four of them — Nikita, Sanvi, samaira, and Diya.
I already knew Nikita, samaira, and Diya from last year. Diya happened to be Arjuna's childhood friend.
Since there was still some time before class started, the girls came over and started talking to us. We exchanged some questions, just casual chatter.
Then Nakul asked Sanvi, "Do you live in Delhi, or did you come from another city?"
Sanvi replied, "Yes, I'm an outsider. I'm from Haryana, and I came here for studying."
Class started, but that day Nikita didn't sit beside me. She chose to sit with the other girls at the last bench.
Next Day
When Nakul and I entered the classroom, we saw the girls sitting on my seat, eating snacks. I asked them to leave, but they refused. In a mix of ego and stubbornness, I decided to sit with them.
Then Sanvi asked Nikita, "Do you want to sit beside Hriday?"
Nikita ignored her.
During class, Sanvi turned to me and asked, "When's your birthday?"
I replied, "18th September."
She said, "Okay, I'll note it in my calendar app."
Nakul was quietly listening to our conversation. After class, he nudged me and said, "Maybe Sanvi likes you."
I shrugged it off. "I love Nikita," I said.
Sunday – Extra Class
I woke up late and texted Nakul, "I'm going to be late, don't wait for me."
When I reached tuition, I found Nikita, Sanvi, and Nakul talking together. I joined them.
Curious, I asked, "What are you talking about?"
Nakul grinned. "We have a surprise for you. Just wait till class ends."
I tried to get a hint. "At least tell me… for what occasion?"
"They just smiled mysteriously. 'You'll know soon.'"
After class, the girls left before us. I called out, "What's the surprise?"
They just walked away.
I turned to Nakul. "At least give me a hint."
He said, "Come with me. We're going to the park."
At the park, I noticed the girls were already there. As I walked toward them, they walked toward me.
I was so confused about the surprise… until Nikita came close, knelt down, and whispered, "I… I… I love you, Haaarshhh~~!"
I felt my heart leap. "Okay… I love you too."
Nikita smiled mischievously. "Huh? I was expecting more words ."
I stammered, "Um… mmm…"
She laughed softly. "Okay, fine, I'm leaving."
Then Sanvi and Nikita left.
I was so happy that I started dancing in the park. Nakul secretly recorded it. After a while, we walked back home. That day, I reached home smiling and fell asleep in the afternoon, still grinning.
In Evening
Later, my mom woke me up. "Nakul is outside. Go and meet him," she said.
I found him waiting and asked, "What's the matter?"
"We're going somewhere. Get ready," he replied.
I was skeptical. "Where?"
"It's a surprise."
I groaned. "Isn't one surprise enough for today?"
I wore a white shirt with black lining and followed Nakul.
I asked, "Are we going to our tuition?"
"Yes," he said. "Nikita asked me to bring you to the park."
When we reached, Nikita and Sanvi were already there, along with Diya and samaira. I went straight to Nikita, and she took me to a bench.
Nikita looked at me, her eyes searching mine. "Why didn't you say anything this morning when I confessed?"
I shrugged, a little embarrassed. "I… I'm bad at expressing myself. Please don't mind it."
She smiled faintly. "I already knew that. Nakul sent me the video of you dancing after I left the park… I could see how happy it made you."
I felt my face warm. "Well… it did. Really."
Nikita tilted her head, studying me carefully. "Hriday… when did you start liking me?"
I hesitated for a moment, then said honestly, "When Arjun mocked you with the stolen book… at that moment, I saw an innocence on your face I couldn't ignore. That's when I realized I liked you."
Nikita seemed thoughtful, absorbing my words. Then, my attention shifted — I noticed Sanvi walking toward the park gate. Arjun was waiting there on his bike. She climbed onto it, and they rode off together.
I turned to Nikita, confused. "Why are they going together?"
She looked calm. "You don't know the whole story."
"Please, tell me," I urged.
She sighed and began explaining. "This morning, we were all sitting together in class. Then Nakul asked Sanvi, 'Do you like Hriday?'"
Sanvi quickly replied, "Nooooo! What makes you think that?"
Nakul grinned. "You asked for his birthday yesterday in class."
Nikita's eyes narrowed, looking at Sanvi sharply. "You asked for his birthday?"
Sanvi's voice cracked. "Y-yes… I asked him… but you already know I love Arjun. Trust me, I'll never lay my eyes on Hriday that way."
Nakul looked at Nikita knowingly. "So… you like someone, right?"
Nikita hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I do."
Nakul raised an eyebrow. "Is it… Hriday?"
Nikita opened her mouth, then Sanvi cut in before she could speak: "Yes… she did."
Nikita glanced at Sanvi, confused. "Why, Sanvi?"
Nakul leaned forward, his grin wide. "Nikita, one more time. You like Hriday?"
"Yes, I do," she said firmly.
Nakul chuckled. "Then why wait until now? Go and ask him out."
Nikita looked at Nakul , her expression a mix of nervousness and determination. "Does he… like me too?"
Nakul smirked. "You'll know when you ask him."
I couldn't stop smiling. My heart felt like it was about to burst. Everything that had happened today — from the confession in the park to hearing Nikita admit she liked me — felt surreal.
The four of them chatted and joked for a little while longer, but I could barely focus on anything except Nikita. For the first time, I realized that today wasn't just another day at tuition or in the park. Today… today had changed everything.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park, I knew one thing for certain — I was happier than I had ever been in my life.
"And deep down, I couldn't wait for what would come next… little did I know, more surprises were just around the corner."