The next morning arrived, ready for new stories to unfold. The school gate groaned open at its usual hour, and children began trickling in one by one. The watchman sat in his chair, his gaze sweeping over each student as they entered.

Vrishti and Ishita parked beside each other. Kunal and Nirav did the same nearby, while Aradhana and Arnav were locked in their usual pointless argument. But in the middle of it all, two pairs of eyes were silently speaking.