ʜᴇᴀʀᴛʙᴇᴀᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴀʟʟᴡᴀʏꜱ

.Test & Triumph༊˚

AUTHOR'S POV:

Throughout the day, Avni kept her distance from her friends, unsure of how to handle the situation. At lunch, she ate early and went to the staff room to sign up for the test. Mr. Gupta noted her name and asked, "You're working on the project too, right?"

Avni nodded, replying, "Yes, sir. It's almost done." (She lied.)

After leaving the staff room, Avni sighed and walked back to her classroom. She continued to stay silent, avoiding conversation with her friends. When it was time for the games period, everyone headed to the ground.

As usual, the basketball team was playing, while the girls watched from the sidelines. Some were close to the game, while others chatted. Avni and Nidhi, however, were sitting on a bench. Avni was absorbed in reading something, and Nidhi was busy on her phone.

Soon, the match ended, and Aaron and Ishan headed towards Nidhi and Avni. Nidhi and Aaron went back to the classroom, while Ishan stayed behind, watching Avni, who was engrossed in a book. He cleared his throat loudly to catch her attention.

Avni looked up and asked, "Where's Nidhi?" She started to get up to leave.

Ishan reached out, gently holding her wrist and drawing her closer. He gazed into her eyes and asked, "Are you ignoring me?"

Avni, momentarily lost in his gaze, quickly pulled her hand away and replied, "Why would I?" before heading towards the classroom.

They all packed their bags and headed towards the school exit gate.

Nidhi said, "Let's meet at Ishan's place then."

Everyone nodded except Avni, who lagged behind. She stopped and said, "Listen."

When everyone turned to look at her, Avni continued, "I can't join you guys today or tomorrow. I've signed up for the national physics test, which is in two days-the same day as our project's deadline. Don't worry, I'll send you the materials to add to the slides and will also handle the presentation in the classroom. I promise."

She said everything in one breath, eyes closed, then opened them to see their reactions.

Nidhi came over and hugged Avni, saying, "Don't tell me you were keeping your distance because of this."

Avni nodded in response.

Nidhi added, "Stupid. Study hard for the test. We'll manage the project."

Avni replied, "No, no, I'll do the presentation in the classroom and send you th-"

Nidhi laughed and cut her off, "Okay, okay."

Avni then looked at Aaron and Ishan. Aaron gave a thumbs-up, indicating it was fine. Meanwhile, Ishan remained silent.

Nidhi said, "You better come first in the test."

Avni replied, "I will try my best."

Nidhi added, "Okay, bye."

Then they all parted ways. Avni went to the library to study. After studying for an hour and a half, she sent a few pictures from her book that should be added to the slides to Nidhi.

Then she got back to studying and continued for another hour and a half. After gathering her belongings, she left for the bus stop. On the bus, she checked her Instagram and saw a story posted by Ishan. The story showed them working on the project with a text that read, "Something's missing." Avni quickly realized he was referring to her. She decided to reply with a simple, "Sorry."

..........................................................................................

The next two days flew by for Avni as she juggled preparing for the national physics test and contributing to the group project. Her schedule was packed, but she managed to balance her study sessions with providing her input for the project.

Despite her busy routine, Avni stayed in touch with Nidhi and Aaron, sending them updates and materials whenever she had the chance. In return, her friends kept her informed about their progress, reassuring her that everything was on track.

On the day of the physics test, Avni arrived at school early, determined to give it her all. With a deep breath, she entered the examination hall, channeling all her focus into the test. When it was over, a wave of relief washed over her, though she knew she still had to handle the presentation in class.

As she returned to the classroom, she noticed the teacher hadn't arrived yet. Nidhi spotted her and rushed over, wrapping her in a warm hug.

"How was the test?" Nidhi asked eagerly.

Avni smiled, "It went really well. I couldn't let you down, so I had to ace it."

Nidhi grinned, "Aww, my hardworking best friend! Now you can finally relax."

"After the presentation," Avni reminded her.

Nidhi nodded, "Oh right, it's right after the break. You can rehearse during the break."

Avni agreed and took her seat next to Ishan, feeling a bit more at ease now that the test was behind her.

Ishan was looking at Avni, as if he was proud of her. When Avni looked at him, he placed his hand on her head and said, "You are amazing, Miss. Einstein."