WATCH WHERE ARE YOU GOING

As I stepped into school, I felt a subtle yet noticeable difference. Heads turned, and whispers followed. I sensed eyes on me, scrutinizing my new look.

Uncomfortable with the sudden attention, I quickened my pace, seeking refuge in the familiarity of my classroom.

Just as I reached my desk, a bright smile greeted me. "Disha, you look amazing!" Riya exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration.

My cheeks flushed as I took my seat. "Thanks, Riya. Mom took me to the salon yesterday."

Riya leaned in, inspecting my hair. "Your hair looks gorgeous! I love the styling."

I smiled shyly, feeling self-conscious about the attention. "Thanks, Riya."

But Riya wouldn't let up. "Seriously, Disha, you're glowing. You look so confident and beautiful."

My face grew hotter, and I glanced around, hoping no one was listening. The whispers from earlier still lingered in my mind.

Riya noticed my unease and softened her tone. "Hey, don't be embarrassed. You deserve to shine, Disha. You're already beautiful inside; now you're rocking it on the outside too."

Her kind words calmed me, but People's gazes lingered on me, and whispers followed. It wasn't unfamiliar – I was used to attention for my grades.

But this felt different.

I Walked through the school corridors, my long hair swaying with each step. Yesterday's salon visit had made a difference, I could sense it.

Riya's compliment had caught me off guard. "You look amazing, Disha!" she'd exclaimed.

I'd smiled, feeling a slight flush rise to my cheeks. It wasn't that I was shy or conscious; I just wasn't used to this level of attention.

In my previous school, people praised my grades, my intellect. Some would say I was cute or beautiful, but it never made me blush.

I'd always been confident, knowing my strengths.

Yet, here, amidst unfamiliar faces and heightened competition, I felt a new kind of scrutiny.

Riya nudged me as the bell rang, signaling the end of the period. "Hey, Disha, the principal wants to address us."

I gathered my belongings, curiosity piqued. "What's it about?"

Riya shrugged. "No idea, but let's go find out. The principal's announcements are usually important."

We joined the stream of students flowing towards the main hall. The chatter and excitement were palpable.

As we entered the hall, I spotted our class teacher Mrs. Jain, standing at the podium. Her warm smile and authoritative presence commanded attention.

Riya and I found seats near the back, exchanging whispers. "Wonder what this is about."

I nodded, scanning the hall. The entire 11th standard was present, all eyes fixed on Mrs.Jain.

Mrs. Jain, our class teacher, stood on the stage of the main hall. "Our Principal, Mrs. Rao, has a few words to share with you all."

The main hall fell silent as Mrs. Rao's voice came over the public address system.

"Good morning, students," Mrs. Rao began. "I'd like to extend a warm welcome to our new students and welcome back our returning students."

"I'm thrilled to start this academic year with all of you. As your Principal, my goal is to ensure you receive an exceptional education and memorable experiences."

"Please note that we have some exciting new initiatives and events planned. Our school rules and regulations are in place to support your growth and success."

"Respect for teachers and peers, punctuality, uniform standards, electronic device policy, and code of conduct are essential. Your cooperation ensures a productive learning environment."

"If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your teachers or school counselors."

"Let's work together to make this year outstanding!"

The public address system clicked off, and Mrs. Jain smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Rao. Now, let's review the class schedule and syllabus."

Riya leaned over and whispered, "Mrs. Rao is amazing. She's always looking out for us."

I nodded, feeling reassured.

Mrs. Jain handed out the syllabus. "Any questions, feel free to ask."

The assembly concluded, and students began to file out of the main hall.

As I walked back from the main hall with Riya, I noticed a group of guys standing and joking near the lockers. The two boys from yesterday caught my attention again. They seemed to be the center of attention, effortlessly charming.

Their laughter and banter drew a crowd, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to them too. But as I gazed in their direction, the familiar feeling of emptiness crept back in. It was as if I'd lost something precious, something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

I pushed the feeling aside, not wanting to dwell on it. "Let's go," I said to Riya, quickening my pace.

As we walked toward our classroom, I sensed eyes on me.

Riya noticed my distraction. "Hey, everything okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, shaking off the feeling.

We entered our classroom, and I took my seat, trying to focus on the lesson ahead. But my mind kept drifting back to the unsettling emptiness that lingered within me.

As the teacher began to speak, I forced myself to concentrate, pushing aside the thoughts that threatened to distract me. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched.

During lunch, Riya and I headed to the school grounds to meet up with some of her friends. We sat down on the grassy lawn, surrounded by the lively chatter of students. I took a bite of my sandwich, enjoying the warm sunshine.

As we laughed and talked, I suddenly felt parched. "I'm getting water," I said to Riya, standing up.

"I'll come with you," Riya offered.

"No, I'll be right back," I replied, already walking away.

I turned to head towards the cafeteria when my feet tangled in each other. I lost balance and stumbled, falling forward.

Before I could react, I landed on someone. My hands instinctively grasped for support, finding myself on top of him, my hands on his chest.

As I looked up, our eyes met. I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. His hands rested on my waist, steadying me.

"Sorry!" I exclaimed, quickly scrambling to regain my footing.

"Watch where you're going," the boy said with an air of arrogance, his tone dripping with condescension.

His words stung, and I felt my face grow hotter with embarrassment and annoyance.

Riya rushed to my side, concern etched on her face. "Disha, are you okay?"

I nodded, still feeling flustered. "Yeah, I'm fine."

As I stood up, my gaze drifted behind the boy, and my heart skipped a beat. The other boy from yesterday stood there, his eyes fixed on me. But unlike the arrogance in the first boy's eyes, his were empty, expressionless.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as our gazes locked. Why did he look at me like that?

I felt a mix of emotions: embarrassment, irritation, and a hint of unease. What just happened?

Riya's expression turned serious as we walked back to our group of friends. "Disha, I need to tell you something about those two guys you just ran into," she said, her voice low.

"Who are they?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

"The one who caught you is Arjun," Riya began. "He's popular, athletic, and comes from a wealthy family. But there's more to him than that."

I nodded, intrigued.

"And then there's Hardik," Riya continued, her tone cautious. "He's... intense. Every girl in school falls for him, but he doesn't date anyone from here."

"Why not?" I asked.

Riya's expression turned grave. "His brother, who graduated two years ago, warned him off. There's some reason, but nobody knows what it is."

I frowned, sensing there was more.

"Hardik's not just a pretty face, Disha," Riya said. "He's intelligent, strategic. And with his family's wealth and influence... they're not people to mess with."

I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Be careful around them," Riya warned. "They're not like other guys. There's something going on beneath the surface."

I nodded, determination etched on my face. "I'll keep that in mind."

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