LOOKING IN EACH OTHER'S EYES

CHAPTER 5 : DREAMS COME TRUE

I was in the kitchen trying to find something to eat. "Aadhira! Please check your group, there's an important message," Mom said. "Okay, mum." I went to the room and checked the phone, the message stated:

Dear Students and Parents,

We wish to inform you that, due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, the school will remain closed. Online classes will continue until we receive further guidance from the government.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,
Scindia Public School
New Delhi

I was so disappointed when I learned that the new school year will start with online classes only. I was really looking forward to seeing my friends in person, and especially Nithiv. We're in the same class this year. "Oh no, I was so excited to finally meet Nithiv. But now, with the virus keeping us apart, it looks like I won't be able to see him until the school reopens." I drop the phone on the bed and returned to my bedroom. 

"It's such a difficult day for me. I never thought that sitting in the same class as him would be this hard. This dream, so long cherished—us finally sharing a space—feels bittersweet now. With the moment that COVID has taken from me, this feels tainted. I'm feeling lost and overwhelmed, unable to truly embrace what I once hoped for. It's heartbreaking to see how things have changed. It feels as though a significant opportunity has slipped through my fingers, and I can't quite grasp what I always wanted." 

The phone rang, cutting through the quiet afternoon. I glanced at the screen and saw Avni's name lighting up. Curious, I picked up the receiver."Hey, Aadhira!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Did you hear the news about the online classes?"

I let out a soft, hesitant "Hmm," as I responded. At that moment, I felt a wave of reluctance wash over me; my mind was elsewhere, and I truly wasn't in the mood to engage in conversation. "What has transpired?" she asked in a tone of concern. "Are you well?" I replied, "Nothing has happened. I simply wished to go to school, see my friends."
"Yeah, me too, sitting home feels like a burden now, but still I am happy we don't have to go school for some more days."
"Yeah, I know, but aren't you bored sitting at home and attending online classes for a whole year? I just can't continue this anymore. I want to go outside like we used to," I replied, my voice tinged with irritation. 
 "I understand, Aadhira, just relax; everything will get back to normal eventually. Sometimes it's hard for us to accept situations, but there's nothing we can do about it; we just have to let things happen as they are. I really hope we can return to school soon," Avni said. "Hopefully, I wish the same. I'll talk to you later, Avni," I responded.
"Yeah, cool. Okay, bye!" She hung up the phone.

the next day...

I entered the Google Meet classroom, scanning the faces of my fellow participants, only to find that the one person I had been eagerly anticipating was still absent. My heart raced as I scrolled through the list of attendees, searching in vain. Just when hope began to wane, a sudden notification flashed across my screen:

 *Nithiv Thakare has joined the meeting.*

In that instant, a whirlwind of emotions surged within me—my heart pounded loudly, and I felt a mix of exhilaration and anxiety washing over me. A smile spread across my face, and I could feel the warmth of a blush creeping in. "Thank you, God, for making this happen," I whispered, overwhelmed. As the class commenced, my thoughts were consumed by Nithiv's presence, igniting a tension within me that was impossible to ignore. What do you think will happen next? Aadhira, it's important to keep your composure in class so just don't unintentionally embarrass yourself in front of him.