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The Assembly Hall
The applause echoed through the hall as Ms. Kapoor beamed with pride. Kiara stood on stage, a gold medal gleaming around her neck, her eyes searching for her friends. She spotted Ansh and Sanya waving enthusiastically in the crowd.
Across the stage, Ayush fidgeted under Ms. Kapoor's praise. His gaze darted towards his buddies, Ajay, Tanmay, and Aadhit, who were exchanging goofy smiles. Ayush rolled his eyes, a touch of self-consciousness creeping in under Ms. Kapoor's admiring gaze (after all, she had been his childhood crush).
One by one, Kiara and Ayush received their awards, walking back to their seats amidst thunderous applause. As the assembly resumed, Ms. Kapoor announced the much-anticipated class shuffles for Grade 10. Lots of Awwwws and Ohhhhhs were heard.
Ayush, notorious for his chatterbox personality, couldn't contain his excitement. He leaned over to whisper to his friends, earning a playful jab from Ms. Kapoor.
Ms. Kapoor: (Teasingly) Ayush, perhaps you should focus on the announcements rather than your commentary. Remember, silence is golden, especially when your grades are hanging by a thread!
A collective gasp rippled through the hall, followed by a wave of laughter. Ayush's face flushed crimson as he sunk into his seat, the object of good-natured teasing.
Class 10 A
Sunlight streamed through the windows of Class 10 A, illuminating Kiara and her friends huddled around a desk. Textbooks lay open, but their conversation drifted towards the class shuffles.
Kiara: I don't want to be separated from you guys! We've been together since kindergarten.
Sanya: Don't worry, Kiara. We'll find a way to hang out, even if we're not in the same class. Besides, maybe this is a chance to meet some new people.
Ansh: (Grinning) Yeah, who knows, maybe you'll even find a new study buddy! and bro the shuffling hasn't been announced yet, so maybe we will be still together. Don't stress out.
Kiara: (Playfully punching him) Ya Ya! As if I need anyone else with you guys around!
Class 10 B
Across the hallway, Ayush wandered into his new classroom, Class 10 B. The unfamiliar faces made him feel lost. Just then, a girl with bright pink highlights approached him, a confident smile plastered on her face.
Sunidhi: Hey, you must be the super cricketer everyone's talking about! I'm Sunidhi.
Ayush eyed her warily, not impressed by her overly familiar tone.
