The final days of fifth grade passed in a blur of exams.
One subject after another, one paper after another—Riya focused on her studies, trying to push away everything else from her mind.
Finally, the last exam ended.
There were no tests scheduled for the next day.
Students were asked to simply come to class, relax, and prepare for the summer holidays.
That evening, as students were leaving after the last exam, Lakshith walked beside Riya as usual.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then suddenly, Lakshith said casually, "Tomorrow is my birthday."
Riya blinked and turned toward him.
"Really?" she asked, trying to keep her voice normal.
"Yeah. April eighteenth," he said with a small shrug, as if it wasn't a big deal.
Riya nodded lightly. "Oh…"
But inside, her heart felt unexpectedly happy.
After a second, she asked, "Will you come in colour dress tomorrow?"
Lakshith thought for a moment. "I don't think so."
Riya didn't argue further. "Okay."
They continued walking as usual, talking about small things.
But for Riya, that simple sentence stayed in her mind.
Tomorrow is his birthday.
And somehow, the fact that he told her himself made it feel even more special.
The next day, she went to school with a strange excitement in her heart.
That morning, she reached the classroom a little earlier than usual.
She sat at her desk, pretending to arrange her books, but her eyes kept drifting toward the door.
After a few minutes, Lakshith walked in.
Almost immediately, his friends surrounded him.
"Happy birthday!"
"We want treat!"
"Don't forget us!"
The classroom filled with
cheerful voices.
Riya watched quietly from her seat.
She wanted to wish him too.
But for some reason, she couldn't.
Not in front of everyone.
Not like the others.
So she stayed silent.
Classes went on as usual, though no one was really paying attention.
The last day before holidays always carried a different kind of energy—light, carefree, and full of anticipation.
Finally, the last bell rang.
Students began packing their bags, laughing and saying their goodbyes before the long summer break.
Riya slowly stood up.
As Lakshith was about to leave, she turned toward him.
She stretched out her hand.
"Happy birthday, Lakshith," she said softly.
Lakshith looked at her for a moment, slightly surprised.
Then he smiled and shook her hand.
"You didn't wish me the whole day," he teased.
Riya shrugged lightly. "I just did."
He laughed.
"Usually you say something longer, right?" he added. "Like those big wishes you tell others."
"What??"
"You will be like 'Wish you many more returns of the day dear' "
Riya looked at him for a second.
Then she said quietly, "This is enough."
Lakshith didn't question it further. He simply smiled.
"Okay then. Bye."
"Bye," she replied.
And just like that, they parted ways.
As Riya walked out of the school gate, the warm summer air greeted her.
The holidays had begun.
But somewhere in her heart, she held onto that small moment—the simple "Happy Birthday" she had saved just for him.
A quiet ending to a year filled with laughter, arguments, and feelings she had learned to keep hidden.
And without realizing it…
Her story with him was only just beginning.