A flood of childhood memories came rushing back.
Kajal had always been a brilliant student, consistently securing the top position in class. Teachers adored her. And Lata?
“Uh! Math! I absolutely hate this subject!” Lata would nearly break into tears.
Mathematics was her worst nightmare! She would get scolded by the teacher almost every day, while the rest of the class giggled.
But there was one person who never laughed at her—
Someone just as brilliant as Kajal, but as mischievous as Lata—
Ankur!
Ankur was the most notorious boy in class. But he was sharp—exceptionally sharp!
He was the kind of student who could get away with cheating, ace his exams, and still manage to look completely innocent in front of the teachers.
Kajal would often shake her head and say, “You’re the smartest trickster I’ve ever seen!”
And Lata?
She and Ankur were two peas in a pod when it came to mischief!
From rubbing soap on the teacher’s chair, sneaking in little games during lessons, to secretly sharing lunch—these two were partners in crime.
Ankur would always sigh and say, “Lata, you’re going to get me into trouble one day!”
And Lata would laugh, “Oh, please! You’re a genius, nothing can happen to you!”
But one day, something did happen—something that changed their lives forever.
As time passed, their friendship deepened. Lata and Ankur remained the champions of mischief, but gradually, Kajal, too, found herself getting caught up in their antics.
Ankur had a terrible habit—teasing Kajal non-stop!
“Oh, studious girl, the sound of your page-turning ruins my sleep!”
“Are you a robot? Do you do anything other than study?”
And Kajal?
She would lower her gaze in embarrassment, unable to respond.
She didn’t realize when a tiny seed of affection had begun to sprout in her heart.
Slowly, Kajal started changing.
Now, after tuition, she lingered a little longer—just hoping Ankur would glance her way.
She changed her seat in class—right behind Ankur—so she could steal secret glances at him.
Whenever he sneezed, she would worry, “Oh no! Did he catch a cold?”
But Lata?
Lata was never one to stay quiet!
One afternoon, during lunch, as Kajal quietly unwrapped a cake, Lata noticed a dreamy smile on her face.
“Hey! What’s with that look? Are you falling in love with your cake?”
Kajal quickly wiped the smile from her face. “No! Nothing like that!”
“No way! No one smiles like that! Come on, tell me—who is it?”
Kajal’s face turned bright red! “Nothing! You’re just talking nonsense!”
Lata twisted her wrist playfully. “Nothing, huh? Nope, I need to know! Listen, if you don’t tell me the truth, I swear I’ll march straight to Madam and announce that you’re secretly in love!”
Kajal gasped. “Why would you do that?!”
“Because you’re not allowed to fall in love without my permission!”
Lata, when it came to love, was already quite the expert!
At that time, she had two boy-friends—
One who bought her ice cream every day for three rupees! (She called him “Mr. Kulfi”)
And another who whispered answers to her during exams! (She called him “Mr. Calculator”)
But Kajal?
She was innocent, shy—her love was all about stolen glances from afar and weaving endless daydreams!
To be continued…
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