The next day—
The school campus slowly came to life.
Cars arrived. Students walked in. Conversations filled the air.
At Naira's Side
Naira stepped out of the car with Shivik and Aditya.
Without looking around—
She walked straight inside.
Same calm face.
Same focus.
Same distance.
But behind her—
Shivik and Aditya didn't follow.
Instead, they turned toward Kartik's group.
At Kartik's Side
Kartik stepped out of the car with his friends.
And as always—
His eyes searched.
And found her.
Naira.
Walking ahead.
Without noticing him.
Before he could think further—
Aditya and Shivik reached them.
"Hi, Kartik bro," Aditya said casually.
Kartik nodded.
"Hi, Aditya… Shivik."
After a few words, Aditya left with Kabir and Meher.
Now—
Shivik stood with Kartik's group.
"Hi guys…"
Everyone replied,
"Hi…"
Shivik smiled easily.
"Let's go… we're friends now."
Abhir laughed.
"Of course."
Virat smirked, glancing at Kartik.
They all walked toward the class together.
Inside the Classroom
Naira was already there.
Sitting with Ishita.
Talking. Smiling lightly.
With her friends—
She was different.
Not cold.
Not distant.
Kartik noticed that.
And for a moment—
He just watched.
At Kartik's Side
They sat together, talking casually.
After a while, Abhimanyu asked,
"Shivik… you're Singh and Naira is Rathore. How are you cousins?"
Shivik replied simply,
"I'm her bua's son."
Virat nodded.
"Ohh…"
Then he smirked,
"So she's always strict?"
Shivik shook his head.
"No. She's not like that. Only in school… with others. Not with family and friends."
Kartik heard everything.
Carefully.
Every word.
So… that's her real side.
Class Begins
The teacher entered.
"Silence!"
The class settled down instantly.
"Open your science book."
Students followed.
Then suddenly—
The teacher looked toward the back.
"Kartik… and all of you—come to the front bench."
Kartik frowned slightly.
"But why, ma'am?"
"I said come."
No argument.
They stood up.
And walked forward.
Kartik stopped.
The only empty seat—
Was beside Naira.
For a second—
He hesitated.
Naira noticed.
But didn't react.
She simply moved her notebook slightly—
Making space.
Kartik sat beside her.
Silence.
That Moment
The teacher started teaching.
But neither of them was fully focused.
Naira was writing notes.
Fast. Neat. Perfect.
Kartik glanced at her notebook.
"You write very fast," he said quietly.
Naira didn't look at him.
"Practice."
A pause.
Then—
She pushed her notebook slightly toward him.
"You can see."
That small gesture—
Unexpected.
Kartik looked at her for a moment.
"Thanks," he said softly.
Their hands brushed—
Just slightly.
Both paused.
For a second.
Naira pulled her hand back quickly.
And continued writing.
As if nothing happened.
But her grip—
Tightened.
Kartik looked away.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
From behind—
Virat whispered,
"Front bench is dangerous today 😏"
Kabir smirked.
"Very dangerous."
At the Board
After some time—
The teacher asked,
"Who will answer?"
Silence.
Then—
Naira raised her hand.
At the same moment—
Kartik spoke,
"Ma'am, the answer is—"
They both stopped.
And looked at each other.
The teacher smiled slightly.
"Both of you. Come to the board."
They stood up.
Walked forward.
And for the first time—
They worked together.
Side by side.
No competition.
No ego.
Just understanding.
The class watched silently.
Because something—
Felt different.
🔥 Ending Line
Sometimes distance doesn't end with words…
It ends with moments.
🖤 To be continued…
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