Blue Wolf Moon

9. New Kid

"Do you have any idea what the announcement is gonna be?" asked Riya as her and her friends were all huddled on the ground for the morning assembly.

"I think it could be a trip, but probably not because our school sucks." said Nidhi and everyone laughed and agreed.

After all the usual announcements, their Principal came on stage.

"Good morning students! I know you all are wondering what the announcement is. Well, I'll tell you. We have organized a trip to Innovative Film City!" she said and saw all the children's faces light up with excitement and happiness. "You'll get more details about it later from your class teachers. Thank you." she continued and exited the assembly.

Soon, they were all dismissed and went back to class, talking about the news they had just gotten.

"HA! I told you guys it was going to be a trip!" bragged Nidhi.

"Yeah okay. But this is actually so cool though! I really needed a break from all of this drama." said Riya genuinely happy.

"What drama? Did anything else happen?" asked Akul walking up from behind.

"...No nothing new. I just meant I needed a break." said Riya. She didn't want to tell him every single detail and besides, it wasn't even a big deal.

"Are you coming Akul?" asked Nidhi filling in the awkward silence in between.

"Yeah, most probably. What about you?"

"Yeah we're going too." answered Nidhi.

Their teacher walked in and started taking attendance. He was about to call Riya's name when the classroom door opened and everyone's eyes fell on a tall, black-brown haired boy with honey colored eyes. 

"May I come in Sir?" he asked and he allowed him in.

"Ah yes. You're the Principals nephew aren't you? What's your name?" he asked as all the students still stared at him surprised.

"Vihaan Maurya." he replied smiling as he looked at Riya and then the other students.

"Yes Vihaan. I'm your class teacher, Mr. Shyam and these are your classmates. Students, this is Vihaan." he introduced.

"Uh-hey!" he said awkwardly lifting his hand. Riya gave a short wave and a smile back.

The Principal entered into the class and everyone greeted her with a long "Goodmorning Ma'am" 

"Good morning children. Sit down. I see you've already met your new classmate, Vihaan. Welcome him well. I just came by to see if everything was going by smoothly. Yes Vihaan?" she said.

"Yes ma'am. Thank you." he replied as he took his seat in the row parallel to Riya's. 

You may think why he's addressing his aunt (The Principal) as a teacher instead of calling her Auntie or so on. That's just how it is probably everywhere in schools? I don't really know but, everything is formal here.

The Principal left and Mr.Shyam continued taking attendance. Riya glanced over to Vihaan a few times in between. She wanted to get to know this kid and see if he would fit in with her and her friends. He seemed to be paying close attention the class though, so he didn't notice Riya's quick glances here and there. Except for one time when they both looked at each other for a second and then turned away like nothing had happened. It's happened to all of us at some point though, right?

Soon it was their short/snack break and Riya, Nidhi and Akul went over to talk to Vihaan.

"Hey! I'm Riya."