𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒

四

/SATURDAY- SCHOOL HOLIDAY/

"Who is this? And why are you calling my daughter?", Saba's father said. 

"Uncle, I'm Veer. Saba's classmate. We have to complete a group project together so I was asking if she can come to  Dlhi Library today to complete it. 

"School group project?", her father asked. 

Saba who just came from the terrace after hanging wet clothes listened to her words. She understood that Veer has called. Her heart races with fear hoping that her father wouldn't say anything bad to Veer. 

Her father's gaze goes to her and he gives her phone. 

"Your call", he said. Saba took the phone from him and started to talk with her. Veer said her to come to Delhi library for the project. She agreed and hung up. 

"He is Hindu?", her father asked her. 

"Yes, Abbu. But he's just a classmate, and we need to finish this assignment for school. It's important", She tried to convince her dad to let her go to the library. Her dad agreed and she went to the library. 

"From where did you get my number?" Saba asked him. 

"I've my sources", Veer said in a playful manner. They both started to do their project. The calculus questions their teacher gave didn't have any direct answers on the internet. Without learning the concept, no one could solve it. Veer who didn't know the concept couldn't understand a thing Saba was doing. Saba noticed it and started to explain it to him. 

"Was maths always this interesting?", he thought. 

As if Saba put magic in her words, he understood everything she said. The arrogant Veer was sitting like a puppy in front of Saba, who was explaining to him math concepts. 

It's not like Veer wasn't a good student. He was a good student but he never bothered to study.

He watches her intently, captivated by her grace and enthusiasm. His eyes trace the delicate movements of her hands as she sketches diagrams and writes equations on a piece of paper. The way Saba was explaining math is like watching an artist create an exquisite masterpiece. It was like Saba has this incredible ability to unravel complex concepts with such simplicity and clarity. It's like she is unlocking the secrets of the universe right in front of him.

After a few hours, they completed 40% of the project. It was getting late. 

"Let me drop you", Veer said. Saba agreed and both of them sat in his car. 

While driving Veer thought of his question. 

"Saba, why did you apologize to me even tho you weren't at fault and it was me who was at fault?", Veer finally asked. 

"Veer,  apologies aren't always about who's at fault or who's to blame. They are about healing wounds, restoring harmony, and preserving peace is what truly matters. I apologized because of my unacceptable behavior. Touching your shoulders with a broom was bad behavior. I know you started this first but with a simple apology I can end this and bring peace, I don't want to be enemies with you or with anyone", Saba said. 

Veer started to think and Saba's house came. She waved goodbye and went to her house. 

Veer went to his house and lay down on his bed. 

Veer, apologies aren't always about who's at fault or who's to blame. They are about healing wounds, restoring harmony, and preserving peace is what truly matters", Saba's words repeated in his mind. He was moved by her words. A simple apology can fix a lot of things, he thought about it. 

/MONDAY/ 

"Saba's and Veer's project was the best one. I'm very impressed. 10 points for both of you for the Hampton scholarship", The teacher said after reviewing the projects of everyone. 

Veer looked at Saba and she looked back at him with a smile. 

Yashika, wasn't so happy about this. She wasn't happy, not because Veer and Saba were smiling at each other but because her project wasn't good enough to get points for the scholarship. It pissed her off. So she followed the teacher after his class ended. 

"It seems like you don't like promotions", Yashika said to the teacher. 

"Excuse me?", the teacher said, confused. 

"Sir, how can you give point to SABA ? IT should be ME", Yashika said. 

"Well, because she did a better job than you", the teacher said. 

"Sir, for your kind information. This school is majorly funded by the Ahujas. And you very well know who controls Veer Ahuja? ME. Veer doesn't need this scholarship but I NEED IT. Next time don't give any f**cking points to that SABA", Yashika said. 

"I can also tell Veer to give you promotions", Yashika said and kissed the cheek of her teacher in a seductive manner and went away totally unaware that someone has clicked a photo of her kissing the teacher in that hallway.