Kindle to Rekindle

2. First Impression

Are first impressions, true impressions?

Nivedya touched Nimrit's hand to check if she was okay, but a strong current jolted them and he removed his hand instantly. Nimrit saw the reason for her fall and what she saw made her fly up above the sky. Her heart fluttered and bubbles of excitement erupted on her skin.

A tall boy with broad shoulders, warm features, wheatish skin tone, and thick black hair was so close to her, looking at her like she was the most beautiful sculpture in human skin.

"Child, are you okay?" The skating instructor asked Nimrit with concern and she got up nodding in yes. "Nivi, get up. Hope you are not hurt?" The teacher enquired Nivedya but unlike Nimrit, he was still in a state of trance. He could not take his eyes off her.

The principal with Nimrit's parents came to the skating rink and commented playfully, "So, I see you have already collided with the most charismatic boy in your class."

Nimrit felt conscious because she did not want her overprotective father to know about the little encounter. Nivedya's friends helped him get up and the class greeted their Principal.

The Principal put her hand around Nimrit's shoulder while introducing her, "Good afternoon, everyone. I am glad to inform you that this girl standing next to me is Nimrit Khanna and will study in your class from tomorrow. She is an ex-student of the La Martiniere School. Apart from being an excellent academic student, Nimrit is the current skating champion of India in the under sixteen category. I am sure you all will befriend her soon not just because of her achievements but because she is a beautiful person."

"Beautiful? Ask Nivi who is ogling at her like a bee to a doughnut." Collin whispered and a few children who heard his comment tittered teasingly.

"We look forward to seeing you roll on the wheels, Nimrit. Welcome." The skating instructor shook hands with her, but an otherwise confident person Nimrit was nervous. Nivedya was still staring at her and as much as she wanted to, she couldn't risk reverting his gaze.

The class was over and everyone dispersed to their respective conveyances. Nivedya ignored Collin's remarks and comments. All he could think about was Nimrit's pretty face, especially her eyes which transitioned their expression from accusing to admiring in a split second.

Next morning when the alarm rang Nivedya got up at once surprising Rose.
When Nivedya was combing his hair he saw his reflection and smiled. He had the 'good' looks courtesy of his beautiful mother, and his height was around 5 feet 9inches which made him above the average height for a fourteen-year-old. His grades were good too, but what made him stand out from others was his empathetic nature and his immaculate fighting skills. His father and brother were trained in MMA and other techniques, and he was picking up quickly.

Nivedya plucked a rose from his garden and kept it safely in his bag. He wasn't sure if he would give it to Nimrit but he was sure if it was meant for anyone, it was for her.

Nimrit's father, Amber gave her a pep-talk before dropping her at school, "Nimrit, you know the rules. Talk to boys only when necessary. The boy who banged into you yesterday was not accidental. Boys use such cheap tricks, so keep your guard on. Remember, you are the best. Swarnbhoomi High kids are nowhere close to you, my girl."

"Papa, I know this is new for us but I assure you, like always, you will be proud of me." Nimrit replied confidently before stepping out of the car.

She was walking to the P.R.O's office to get her schedule when a group of girls stopped her and said, "Hey, Nimrit welcome to Swarnbhoomi High School. We study in the same class. Come with us."
Nimrit gave the girls a half-smile and walked with them. "By the way, I am Aarna, she is Aarfa and she is Aashna." The girls giggled at their alliteration introduction but Nimrit gave a 'whatever' expression and entered the class.