Aadhya's POV
Next day.
Back. To. Chaos.
As usual.
I walked into the classroom like it was my stage, humming dramatically—
"Saari umar main joker…"
And then I paused mid-step.
"…wow."
I blinked.
"That's actually kinda true."
Then I shook my head. "No no. I'm not a joker. I'm the entire circus."
Satisfied, I walked in.
Everyone was busy in their own nonsense. Papers flying, people shouting, someone laughing like a broken speaker—normal day in Section E.
And then—
Avi.
Of course.
Standing there. Smiling. Like always.
I smiled back automatically. Don't know why. Habit maybe. Or maybe his smile is contagious. Annoying.
Before anything could happen—
Sir entered.
Our class teacher. Our hero. Our only hope.
Everyone instantly sat straight like disciplined citizens.
Class started.
I tried to focus.
I really tried.
Like genuinely.
My brain: focus… focus… focus…
Also my brain: what if pigeons secretly judge humans…
Yeah. Failed.
Then suddenly—
"Okay class, rest we'll do tomorrow."
AND HE LEFT.
…
WHAT???
That's it???
Sir please come back. I was just about to start focusing.
New period.
Teacher absent.
Heaven.
Me and Avi instantly looked at each other.
Same thought.
"Name, Place, Animal, Thing?"
"Done."
Game started.
And within five minutes—
"YOU'RE CHEATING."
"NO YOU'RE CHEATING."
"CITY IS NOT FOOD AVI."
"It can be if you eat there regularly."
I stared at him.
"…what logic is that???"
"Advanced logic," he said proudly.
I narrowed my eyes. "Google it."
He froze.
Silence.
Then slowly… he sat down.
Quiet. Defeated.
I smirked.
"Victory."
"-10 points for Avi."
I was enjoying my win when suddenly he nudged me and pointed toward DJ.
I looked.
And froze.
Dheeraj.
Sleeping.
While sitting.
In class.
Perfect posture. Eyes closed. Peaceful face.
I blinked again.
"…this is not real."
"I thought this only happens in movies."
I slowly stood up.
Walked in front of him.
Waved my hand.
Danced a little.
Nothing.
Dead.
People started looking at me like "she has officially lost it."
I ignored them. Vision clear. Mission set.
Then—IDEA.
I leaned and whispered my evil plan into Avi's ear.
He started laughing. Loud.
I instantly slapped my hand over his mouth.
"SHHHHHH."
He nodded like a criminal partner.
I sat back like nothing happened. Innocent face ON.
Then slowly…
I placed my hand on DJ's other shoulder…
Tap.
He woke up slightly… turned back… saw no one…
And went back to sleep.
I BIT MY LIP TO STOP LAUGHING.
Again.
Tap.
This time he turned fully.
"What?" he asked annoyed to the people behind him.
They shook their heads.
Meanwhile me and Avi—
DYING.
Silently.
He went back to sleep.
Now I got scared.
"Your turn," I whispered to Avi.
He looked excited like he just got promoted.
We swapped seats.
He tapped.
And—
CAUGHT.
Dheeraj grabbed his hand mid-air.
Avi froze.
I BURST OUT LAUGHING.
Like no control. Zero. Gone.
Dheeraj glared at him.
Avi?
Peace sign. Smile. No shame.
Dheeraj sighed like a disappointed father… and opened his book.
Wow.
What a disciplined child.
Respect.
Periods over.
Lunch break.
And then reality hit.
"I forgot my lunch…" I whispered dramatically.
"I'm hungry Adi…" Avi said, holding his stomach like he's dying.
"Me too…" I joined.
We both looked at DJ.
He was staring into space.
Like food might spawn from air.
Suddenly—
"You look like stupids."
We turned.
Samar.
This rude human.
"Wow. You're so kind," I said sarcastically.
Jiya laughed.
Thank you Jiya. Someone appreciates my pain.
"Follow us," she said and walked.
We three froze.
"Did she call us?"
"Or themselves?"
Confusion.
But hunger > confusion.
We followed.
Reached near door.
Samar arranged tables.
Jiya unpacked food.
And oh.
MY.
GOD.
The smell.
The dishes.
The beauty.
My stomach growled LOUDLY. Betrayal.
"Why are you standing there… wait you didn't tell them?" Jiya asked.
Samar facepalmed.
"I forgot…"
I stared at him.
You forgot FOOD???
"Forgot what?" DJ asked.
"That I'll cook for all of us. I told him to invite you," she said.
I looked at Samar.
He avoided eye contact.
Coward.
But whatever.
FOOD.
Me and Avi rushed like starving beggars and sat instantly. Plates ready. Souls ready.
DJ walked like a civilized human. Disappointed.
Jiya laughed.
We ate.
Talked.
Teased them.
"Jiyaaa…"
"Samaaaar…"
Both blushing.
Mission successful.
After eating, DJ, Avi and Jiya started discussing something serious like world war planning.
Me and Samar cleaning.
He picked trash…
And casually moved toward window.
I froze.
"TRY IT."
He stopped mid-action.
Slowly turned.
Raised both hands like a criminal surrendering.
Walked to dustbin.
Good boy.
We left them there.
Probably talking.
Or staring.
Or blushing.
Who knows.
We three walked out.
"They are so funny," I said.
They stopped.
Then I added softly—
"But they're happy."
Both of them smiled.
And we walked back.
I wanted to ask Jiya about Yuvika… about Manik… about everything.
But…
Not today.
Today she smiled.
And I won't steal that.