The next day, the whole college felt unusually active.
Students were being called to the seminar hall.
No one knew why.
"Any idea what this is about?" Aditi asked.
"No clue," Lavesh replied. "But looks serious."
Everyone settled down.
Abhi glanced at Swati.
She was sitting quietly.
But this time—
she didn't look away.
A small change.
But it meant something.
The Seminar
The principal walked onto the stage.
"Good morning, students."
The hall went silent.
"As you all know, your exams are approaching."
A collective reaction spread across the room.
Some nervous.
Some annoyed.
"Before your written exams begin," he continued,
"there will be a physical assessment test."
Now everyone was fully attentive.
"This test will be conducted in groups."
That got everyone whispering.
"Groups will be formed today itself."
And just like that—
everything became interesting.
The Groups
Names started getting announced.
"Group 1…"
Students started moving.
Then—
"Group 3: Abhi, Swati, Priyanka, Aditya…"
All four of them looked at each other.
A little surprised.
A little unsure.
But somewhere—
it felt right.
They moved together.
For the first time in days—
there was no distance.
Another Group
"Group 5: Aditi, Lavesh, Ayush, Poonam, Upendra…"
Aditi looked at Lavesh.
He smirked.
"Interesting group."
She rolled her eyes.
But didn't deny it.
Ayush glanced at Poonam.
She was already talking to Upendra.
That familiar feeling returned.
But this time—
he didn't walk away.
He stayed.
First Interaction
After the seminar, all groups were asked to gather in the ground.
"Looks like we're stuck together," Aditya said casually.
Priyanka smiled.
"Not bad."
Swati stood quietly.
Abhi looked at her.
"Ready?" he asked softly.
She looked at him.
Then nodded.
That one nod—
felt like progress.
Aditi and Lavesh
"Don't slow me down tomorrow," Aditi said.
Lavesh laughed.
"I'll carry you if needed."
"Try it and see," she replied.
But this time—
there was no irritation.
Just a hint of comfort.
Ayush and Poonam
"Kal practice karna hai," Poonam said to the group.
Upendra nodded.
"Yeah, we should."
Ayush finally spoke.
"I'll come too."
Everyone looked at him.
Even Poonam.
A small moment—
but important.
Because this time—
he didn't stay silent.
Ending Scene
As everyone started leaving—
the groups stayed in their minds.
Not just as teams.
But as something more.
Because sometimes—
being forced together…
brings people closer than expected.
Abhi walked beside Swati.
Not too close.
Not too far.
"See you tomorrow," he said.
Swati looked at him.
A soft expression.
"Yeah… tomorrow."
And maybe—
that "tomorrow" meant something more now.