After the Pongal holidays, the school slowly returned to its usual rhythm.
But this time, there was
something special.
The teachers announced that there would be a Pongal celebration program in school.
There would be dance, drama, and small performances organized by the students.
The classroom buzzed with excitement as names were being assigned for different roles.
Lakshith's name was called for a role in the drama.
Riya's eyes immediately lit up.
After the class, she turned toward him.
"So… what role did you get?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Lakshith leaned back in his chair.
"Some village guy role," he said.
"Nothing big."
"Nothing big?" Riya frowned. "Drama role is important."
He shrugged. "It's just acting. Why are you so interested?"
Riya quickly looked away. "I'm not interested."
Lakshith smirked. "Sure."
The next day, Riya came to school earlier than usual.
She didn't know why she was so eager, but she found herself glancing toward the classroom door again and again.
Time passed.
But Lakshith didn't come.
Her excitement slowly turned into disappointment.
Finally, when the program began, Riya moved toward the stage area with the other students.
And then she saw him.
Lakshith stood on the stage, dressed completely different from his usual self.
He was wearing a dark purple shirt paired with a dhoti.
A dhoti was a traditional piece of clothing worn by men in India, usually wrapped around the waist and legs, giving a simple yet elegant look often seen during festivals and cultural events.
For a moment, Riya just stared.
He looked… different.
Not the usual mischievous boy from class.
Something about him felt calm, confident.
Without realizing it, she admired him quietly from where she stood.
The program went on smoothly, and soon it ended with loud applause.
Riya expected Lakshith to return to class like everyone else.
But he didn't.
She later heard that the drama group had gone to perform at
an orphanage nearby.
Time passed slowly.
Classes continued, but Riya couldn't focus.
Even as the school day ended at 3:45 p.m., Lakshith still hadn't returned.
Her auto hadn't arrived yet, so she stood under the tree near the school gate, waiting.
But in her heart, she was waiting for something else.
I just want to see him once… she thought.
Minutes passed.
The sky slowly began to change as evening approached.
If my love is true… he will come before I leave, she whispered silently to herself.
Time kept moving.
But he didn't come.
Riya slowly lowered her gaze.
Maybe… it was just her imagination.
Maybe nothing like that would ever happen.
Just as she was about to lose hope—
He came.
Like a sudden flash of lightning, Lakshith ran toward the gate, slightly out of breath
It seemed like he was in a hurry, probably because his auto had already arrived.
For a brief moment, his eyes met hers.
He smiled.
And simply waved.
"Bye!"
Before she could even respond, he turned and ran toward his auto and left.
Riya stood there, frozen.
It was such a small moment.
Just a smile.
Just a wave.
But for her, it felt like something much more.
A strange warmth filled her chest, making her heart beat a little faster.
And as she stood under that tree, watching the empty road ahead…
Riya realized something quietly.
Her love wasnt just an imagination but a strong bond knitted together by a thread of fate...