PASTA SAUCE

As we walked back to class, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. We settled into our seats, and Mrs. Patel began to discuss the day's lesson.

Just as we were getting into the topic, the principal's voice crackled over the intercom. "Attention students, we have an exciting announcement. Next week, we'll be hosting a welcoming party for all our new students."

Riya's face lit up with excitement. "Yes! I love school parties!"

I exchanged a confused glance with her. "A welcoming party? For all new students?"

Riya noticed my perplexity. "What's wrong?"

"In my last school, we didn't have parties like this," I whispered.

Riya leaned in, grinning. "That's because this isn't just any school, Disha. This is one of the most expensive schools in the city. The administration needs occasions to... well, justify the tuition fees."

I raised an eyebrow. "You mean, they throw parties to make the parents feel like they're getting their money's worth?"

Riya nodded. "Exactly! And trust me, it's going to be fun. There'll be music, food, decorations... the works!"

I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. I would finally get to meet the other new students.

I settled into my favorite spot at the kitchen table, unpacking my backpack and spreading out my textbooks. Time to tackle my homework.

Mom walked by, offering a reassuring smile. "Need any help, beta?"

"I've got it, Mom," I replied, focusing on my math problems.

The next hour flew by in a blur of equations, essays, and notes. Finally, I closed my last textbook, feeling accomplished.

"Done!" I exclaimed, stretching my arms overhead.

Mom walked into the kitchen, a warm cup of tea in hand. "Great job! Now, how was your day?"

I took a sip of water, gathering my thoughts. "It was good. We have a welcoming party next week for all the new students."

Mom's eyes sparkled. "That sounds exciting! What's the theme?"

"I'm not sure yet," I replied. "But Riya says it's going to be amazing."

Dad walked into the room, interest piqued. "A party, huh? What's the plan?"

"I don't know much yet," I admitted. "But Riya's really excited."

Mom exchanged a glance with Dad. "We should get you a new dress for the party!"

My face lit up. "Can we go shopping this weekend?"

Mom nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! We'll find the perfect dress."

I walked into school, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. The party was just two days away, and the corridors were buzzing with anticipation.

As I turned a corner, I stumbled upon Riya. "Hey, Disha! What's up?"

"Hey, Riya," I replied. "Just getting ready for the party."

Riya grinned mischievously. "You know, my friends' class is having a pre-party hangout today. Want to come?"

My heart skipped a beat. "Which class?"

Riya's smile faltered for a moment. "Arjun and Hardik's class."

My face fell, memories of yesterday's embarrassment flooding back.

Riya nudged me encouragingly. "Come on, it'll be fun! Don't let yesterday's awkwardness hold you back."

I hesitated before nodding. "Fine, but if things get weird, I'm leaving."

Riya beamed. "Deal!"

We walked into the classroom, where Arjun and Hardik sat at the back, as they talked with their friends.

As we settled in, Riya introduced me to her friends, and we started chatting. The atmosphere was relaxed.

Riya's friends urged us to join them, and soon we were surrounded by plates of pizza, sandwiches, and pasta. Riya grabbed a bowl of creamy pasta and handed it to me.

"Let's share," she said, grinning.

We decided to eat together, using just one fork. Riya sat down, and I stood beside her, opening my mouth wide as she brought a spoonful of pasta towards me.

Just as the pasta entered my mouth, I felt piercing eyes on me. I turned, my gaze locking onto Arjun's intense stare. Hardik's eyes were fixed on me too, a hint of amusement dancing in them.

My face burned as I realized my predicament – mouthful of pasta, cream around my lips, and Arjun's unnerving gaze.

Riya, oblivious to my distress, continued feeding me, chuckling as I tried to chew with dignity.

"Mmm, this is so good!" Riya exclaimed.

I nodded, still locked in Arjun's gaze. Hardik's smirk grew wider, and I felt my embarrassment deepen.

Suddenly, Riya noticed my frozen expression. "Disha, what's wrong?"

I discreetly gestured towards Arjun and Hardik, my eyes pleading for rescue.

Riya turned, her expression transforming from confusion to understanding.

I swallowed my pasta, my face aflame. This was not how I wanted to spend my Saturday.

Mortified, I excused myself and headed to the washroom to compose myself. After scrubbing my face clean, I decided to explore the school to clear my head.

The school's vast corridors stretched out before me, with many areas seemingly unused. As I wandered, I caught snippets of conversation from a nearby hallway.

Curiosity piqued, I drew closer, recognizing the familiar voices – Arjun and Hardik.

"...can't believe she still thinks she has a chance," Arjun said, chuckling.

"Ridiculous," Hardik replied. "Some people don't know their place."

Arjun snorted. "And she just won't take no for an answer."

"Don't worry, she'll get fed up," Hardik said. "She'll soon learn her place."

My footsteps echoed as I turned the corner, announcing my approach.

Arjun and Hardik's conversation ceased, their eyes locking onto mine.

Arjun stood with his phone in hand, a smirk on his face. Hardik stood beside him, a cigarette dangling from his lips.

Their piercing gazes followed me as I walked confidently past them, my heart pounding.

I felt like an insect under a microscope, but I refused to show weakness.

As I disappeared around the next corner, I sensed their eyes still on me.

Their conversation replayed in my mind. Who was the girl they were discussing?