Nasaza

XII

Walking into the classroom, the first thing I saw was a stranger's bag on my desk.

Clearly, the bag was more enthusiastic about the classes than I was.

"Move, Malhotra." The devil snapped behind me. I sighed and stepped to the right, allowing Sanskriti to walk past me, her 'just washed this morning' hair flying behind her.

Don't ask me why I know that. She fought with me for the window seat at the bus today because she needed to 'dry her hair'.

Her hair was dry, alright.

She suddenly halted when she saw the bag at my desk. Turning to me, she beckoned me over with her hand.

Ok, I'm definitely not a guy who will work at her beck and call but hey, maybe she'll give me some answers?

"What is Shreeansh's bag doing here?" She asked. "This is your brother's bag?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Yeah it's his bag. And what's with the whole 'your brother' thing? He's not my twin, just honorary brother. And he has a name." She looked away from me again, at the bag, her hair falling onto her face.

I was about to ask her about the bag but then she looked at me again. "Well then, why did he leave it here?"

"I'd love to know that myself."

"Are you two gonna sit together?"

I hesitated, remembering Shreeansh's words from yesterday. There was definitely something weird, as I was the one supposed to change my seat and I needed to make sure she, Sanskriti, didn't know more about it than I did.

"Why, are you feeling lonely?" I gave her an innocent smile.

"What if I am? Who's gonna sit with me huh?" She smiled a little at me, that little mocking smile, and looked away.

I could swear that smile was just for me.

"You want me to sit with you?" I asked her, grinning innocently.

"God, in your nightmares Malhotra." She laughed.

"Yeah I'm having a nightmare alright." My voice took on a sarcastic tone as I spoke, "Having to sit behind a girl who claims ownership of everything she likes when all I want to do is sleep through the day."

Her laughter dimmed a little, "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today"

"Oh really? Am I supposed to bow down and worship you for that?" I smirked at her.

"Maybe?"

My smirk faded into an annoyed squint as she smirked back at me. We stared at each other in silence for a few seconds, neither of us wanting to be the first to break eye contact.

"Aadu!!!" A bell like squeal interrupted as Aadrika entered the room.

I couldn't help but blink as she squealed, my irritation fading away, and being replaced by amusement.

I glanced at Sanskriti, seeing her face become expressionless, but I didn't have time to ponder over her sudden mood swing. Aadrika had already grabbed my arm, and was demanding my attention.

"Hey Aadrika" I chuckled, ripping my arm away from her grasp gently.

"What are you doing all alone?" She asked, the excitement in her voice unmissable. "Come on, let's go."

"Go where? I sit here -" I began.

"Don't care, you're coming. Now." She grabbed my arm again and began pulling me away from my desk.

Sanskriti smirked at me as Aadrika and I passed by her, "Bye 'Aadu'!" She teased, low enough for only me to hear.

I glared at her, but before I could respond, Aadrika was already dragging me out of the classroom.