Chapter 2: Unwritten Bonds

The next few weeks passed like a gentle breeze. Rayhan and Fahim became inseparable. Wherever one went, the other followed. They sat together in class, shared lunch, and laughed at the dumbest jokes anyone could imagine. It was as if two completely different souls had somehow aligned perfectly in an imperfect world.

Rayman, who was once quiet and kept to himself, now had someone who understood his silence. Fahimnever forced him to talk — instead, he spoke enough for both of them. And in those silly stories and overdramatic expressions, Rayman found comfort.

One afternoon, as the bell rang for lunch, the two boys rushed to the schoolyard. They had their favorite spot under the banyan tree. Rayhan sat down first and opened his lunchbox.

"Oh, biriyani today? Bro, your mom’s cooking should be illegal — it’s too good!" Fahim exclaimed, dramatically sniffing the aroma.

"You say that every time," Rayhan laughed.

"Because it’s true every time!" Fahim replied, already stealing a spoonful before Rayhan could stop him.

...But in the middle of their laughter, Rayhan noticed something. Fahim had a bruise on his arm — purple and slightly swollen....

..."Hey... what happened to your arm?" Rayhan asked, his tone turning serious....

Fahim paused for a moment, looking at the bruise as if he had just remembered it.

"Oh, that? Nothing. Just... slipped on the stairs at home," he said quickly, avoiding eye contact.

Rayhan didn’t believe it, but he didn’t push. Something about the way Fahim avoided the topic made it clear — not all wounds could be shared over lunch.

Later that day, during English class, the teacher announced a group assignment. Everyone groaned, but Fahim leaned in with his usual grin.

"Guess we’re a team again, Mr. Silent Poet."

Rayhan smiled. "Let’s make it the best project in class."

They decided to work on their assignment at Rayhan’s house over the weekend. On Saturday morning, Fahim arrived with an old backpack and a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Rayhan’s mom greeted him warmly, even serving them both snacks before they started.

Hours passed. Their project slowly took shape. Posters, charts, and silly skits filled the room. But in between their laughter, there were moments when Fahim stared out the window — his smile fading.

Rayhan finally asked, "You sure everything’s okay?"

Fahim hesitated. Then forced a smile.

"Yeah, bro. Everything’s fine. I just… I wish some moments could last forever, you know?"

Rayhan didn’t reply. He simply nodded and handed Fahim a marker.

As evening approached and Fahim was about to leave, Rayhan walked him to the gate.

"You know," Rayhan said quietly, "You can tell me anything. I'm not just your partner in a project."

Fahim looked at him for a moment, eyes heavy with something unspoken. Then he smiled — that same playful, careless smile — and walked away.

Rayhan stood there for a while, watching his friend disappear down the road. He didn’t know why, but a strange heaviness settled in his chest.

...Something was wrong. He could feel it....

...But what was it?...

And then… in the distance, that same schoolgirl appeared again, walking by silently, her face still unseen — as if time had paused for her alone.

Rayhan blinked.