𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭

Part 10

POV AUTHOR

It had been a week since their freshers' party, and now, after what felt like an eternity of studying, today marked the last day of their exams. 

As usual, the squad was gathering outside the classroom, discussing everything but the subject they were about to be tested on. 

"Guys, tumhe pata hai? Aaj exam ke liye classes change ho gayi hain, aur humare saath koi aur class bhi baithegi," Tiya announced, approaching the group with a smug expression as if she had just cracked a secret government code.

(Guys,you all know that for today's exam classes have changed and some else is going to sit with us)

Tara, already irritated because today's exam was Economics—the subject she despised with her entire existence—groaned loudly. "Yaar, yeh school wale pagal ho gaye hain kya? Ek toh already exam ka stress hai, upar se inke naye naye tantrums. Ab kya classes bhi dhoondte phirna padega?" 

(Man, have these school people gone crazy? There's already the stress of exams, and on top of that, their new dramas never end. Now we have to go around searching for classes too?)

Tiya grinned. "Tension mat le, maine pehle hi pata kar liya hai. First floor pe chalna padega." 

(Don't worry, I've already found out. We have to go to the first floor)

At the mere mention of "first floor," the whole group groaned dramatically, as if they had been asked to climb Mount Everest. 

Still, they made their way upstairs and entered the classroom. The moment Tara stepped in, she froze. Sitting there comfortably, as if they owned the place, were none other than her brother and his friends. 

"Bhai? Aap log yahan?!" Tara asked, baffled.  (Bhai? You guys are here?!)

Her brother, unfazed, casually replied, "Haan, aaj science aur commerce wale ko ek class mili hai."

(Yes, today science and commerce students have been assigned the same classroom)

Tara made an "Ohh" face, nodding as if she had just discovered the meaning of life. 

Just then, Rahul grinned and turned towards Mahi. "Mahi, your roll number is beside me." 

Mahi, who had been peacefully existing until now, dramatically looked at the ceiling as if questioning the gods. "Yaar, Bhagwan! Aakar abhi mere roll number iske baju hi likhna tha?" she groaned, making everyone chuckle. 

(Oh God! Of all places, my roll number had to be next to his?)

Meanwhile, Tara's eyes were subtly scanning the classroom, searching for someone. But he wasn’t there. 

"Guys, chalo, abhi baithte hain. Time ho raha hai," Ishita said, and everyone moved forward to take their seats.  (Guys, come on, let's sit down. It's time)

Ishita sat beside Rajveer, Mahi reluctantly took her place next to Rahul, Shivi sat with Manav, and Tiya ended up with some random student. Tara, however, remained seatless at the last bench, while Sahil sat in front of her. 

"Tara, tere baju koi nahi baith raha kya?" Shivi asked, turning back.  (Tara, is no one sitting next to you?)

"Don't know" Tara shrugged nonchalantly, but inside, she was hoping for a certain someone. 

Just then, the teacher entered and started distributing the papers when a familiar voice echoed from the doorway. 

"May I come in, Miss?" 

Tara's head snapped up. 

"Yes, Tarun, come in," the teacher replied. 

And just like that, Tarun entered the room, walking straight towards the last bench—straight towards Tara.