A glance beyond

---First Day Of School

Nisha’s first day at school began with a strange feeling tugging at her heart. Even as she walked through the school gate, her mind drifted back to the boy from the corridor. That eye contact—they hadn’t even said a word to each other, yet it lingered in her thoughts like a whisper she couldn’t ignore.

Arvind, on the other hand, sat in his class, unusually quiet. He couldn’t shake the image of the girl he locked eyes with earlier. There was something about her—something that caught his attention and didn’t let go.

Later that day, Nisha’s class teacher offered to show her around the school. As they walked through the corridors, the teacher casually mentioned, “That’s the 10th-grade section. You’re in 9th.” Arvind’s class was just nearby. As they passed, Nisha glanced inside—and there he was, sitting by the window.

Their eyes met again.

This time, it lasted a little longer, like a silent question passed between them.

He blinked, recognizing her as the new girl. His friends nudged him, whispering about how pretty she looked. “Did you see her eyes? And the way she carries herself? Confident, na?”

Arvind didn’t reply. He just looked away, feeling an odd discomfort. Why was he feeling this way? Uneasy, almost... protective?

Meanwhile, Nisha couldn’t help but wonder: Were they talking about me? Was he too? Did he even notice me? Who is he? She shook the thoughts off. Whatever. Not my business.

In class, the teacher asked Nisha to introduce herself. With her signature boldness, she stood up straight and said, “Hi, I’m Nisha. I’m new here, and no, I don’t believe in staying quiet. I speak my mind, and I’m here to learn and enjoy school.”

The girls were instantly curious. “Omg, do you like anyone here yet?” one of them asked with a mischievous grin.

“Like? As in... romantic?” Nisha raised a brow. “No, I haven’t. Don’t even understand that stuff. Too dramatic.” She smirked and brushed off their questions.

During the mid-break, Arvind and his friends were hanging out near the corridor. That’s when Arvind spotted her again—Nisha, walking alone, seemingly lost in thought. Her lips moved slightly, like she was lipsyncing to a song only she could hear.

He stared, wondering, What’s she thinking? What’s she singing?

His friends noticed immediately. “Oye oye... look at him staring again!”

Arvind snapped out of it. “No no, it’s not like that!” he said quickly and began walking away—faster now, but still stealing glances at her as their eyes met again for a second.

Nisha noticed it all—the way his friends teased him, the way he walked off without breaking eye contact. And something about it made her wonder, Am I weird? Why did he run away like that? Did I do something wrong?

Back in his classroom, Arvind’s friends wouldn’t let it go. “When we were talking to you, you kept saying ‘hmm’ and ‘hmm’ while just staring at her! Now don’t say you don’t like anything about her.”

“I don’t,” he said, lying straight-faced—but his eyes betrayed him.

The school day neared its end. Nisha sat with her chin on her hand, thinking, That’s it. I’m here to study. No distractions.

Arvind, across the building, had the same thought. Focus on studies. That’s all.

But as the final bell rang, and the students lined up by class, fate had other plans. Nisha, standing at the back of the 9th-grade girls’ line, turned her head. There he was—Arvind, lined up across with the 10th-grade boys.

Another eye contact.

This one... different. It wasn’t just a look. It felt magnetic—like something invisible pulling them closer, something neither of them understood, but both could feel.

As the lines began to move, Nisha walked with her new friend, but her heart was still in that moment. She glanced back one last time.

Arvind exited the gate, eyes scanning. He saw her again, walking with someone—but his heart whispered, Forget it. Just a coincidence. He tried to silence the chaos in his chest, mounted his cycle, and rode off.

Nisha saw him leave, her heart oddly still. She waved her friend goodbye and grabbed the hands of her younger siblings, walking home with her usual responsible energy. But somewhere inside her, she hoped he’d notice.

Traffic piled up on the highway. Arvind zigzagged through it on his cycle. Nisha walked calmly with her siblings, managing to pass through faster on foot. She noticed him but wasn’t sure if he saw her.

Was that him again? Does he even notice me?

He wondered the same.

Back home, they both changed into casual clothes. Nisha, who usually hated Mumbai balconies and their view of honking traffic and dust, stepped outside today. Something felt different.

Across from her colony, in the facing building’s balcony, sat Arvind—relaxed, peaceful, sketchbook in hand, lost in lines and shades.

She froze.

He looked up.

They made eye contact.

Again.

The world stood still.

Neither smiled. Neither waved. But in that quiet moment, something passed between them. Something silent... but unmistakable.

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Author's Note:

Thank you for reading this chapter! We’ve just begun to witness the subtle sparks of something special between Nisha and Arvind, and I hope you’re enjoying their journey so far. This chapter is all about those first, unspoken connections—the kind that leave you wondering, "What does it mean?" I wanted to capture those moments of curiosity and the silent yet powerful pull that can form between two people.

Stay tuned for more as their paths continue to cross in unexpected ways. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feelings about their growing bond. What do you think is going through their minds? Feel free to leave a comment or share your thoughts with me. Until next time!

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Thanks for reading ❤️

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