“What is that white portion?” Shivam asked, his voice directed at no one in particular as he peered through the microscope.
“Empty space,” Piya answered from behind him, not looking up as she scribbled something in her diary.
“No, those are air bubbles, I think.” Another girl from their group chimed in, prompting Piya to glance up.
“Ma'am is saying, it’s empty space.” Shivam smiled wryly at Piya, clearly waiting for a response. But she just shook her head, returning to her notes without saying a word.
Aaya bada, kuch pata toh hai nahi. Gadha!
•••
“Hey, pretty lady, pass me the test tube.”
Piya glanced up over the rim of her glasses, her expression unreadable.
“Are you talking to me?” she asked, looking at the guy who was leaning casually on the table in front of her, clearly waiting for her to hand over the test tube.
“Can you see anyone else?” Shivam replied, jogging around the row of tables to stand beside her.
Piya scanned the area, trying to spot her friend who had been sitting next to her just moments ago.
“Please, move aside,” he added, motioning for her to clear the space as he began gathering a few items for their experiment.
“Yeah, sorry,” Piya mumbled, suddenly flustered. Her nervousness kicked in. She had little experience interacting with guys, and this new admission one was giving her more attention than she was accustomed to.
“Did you write down everything Ma’am just dictated?” Shivam asked, standing where her friend was supposed to be, but she was nowhere in sight.
“Yes,” Piya replied, pushing her notebook toward him. In return, Shivam gestured for her to hold his test tube holder, and she complied.
“Did I do something wrong?” Shivam frowned, glancing between the notebook and her, tilting his head. “It was supposed to turn red.”
“It’s still not heated,” Piya said, mirroring his earlier gesture.
“Right.” He grinned, tossing the notebook onto the table and then gesturing for her to move toward the burner. “Let’s go.”
“Excuse me,” Shivam said to the girl in front of him in the queue. She stepped aside with a shy smile, letting him take her turn. However, she frowned when he motioned for Piya to take her place instead. Shivam stood just behind her as she carried out the experiment, watching closely from over her shoulder.
“See, it’s red now,” Piya said, turning around and raising the test tube holder between them.
“Yeah, looking good,” Shivam replied, reaching out to touch the solution, but Piya quickly swatted his hand away, tugging at the sleeve of his lab coat.
“Don’t touch, it’s still hot,” she warned, stepping toward the faucet to wash both her hands and the test tube.
“Tu toh bolti hui bhi achhi nahi lagti. Yahi baat apne aapko bhi keh liya kar,” Vanessa taunted, joining her to wash her hands.
(You don't even look good saying that. Tell the same to yourself sometimes.)
Piya narrowed her eyes at her, then raised her brows in a questioning gesture, silently asking where Vanessa had been, especially since they were supposed to work together on the experiment.
“Kya, kuchh ho gaya tha kya?” Shivam asked, suddenly making his presence known as he stepped closer to them.
(What, Did something happen?)
“Ma'am almost performed a self-acid attack in the chemistry lab,” Vanessa laughed, sneakily moving behind Piya to wipe her hands on her lab coat.
Piya caught her just in time and shot her a death glare, while Vanessa made a face, turning to the other side and ss usual, Piya helped her remove the lab coat and folded it before tossing it at her face.
Shivam, bemused, watched the exchange between the two.
“Ain't sorry to leave you alone, though. I sent him to you,” Vanessa whispered in Piya’s ear before turning to walk away.
“Where to?” Piya grabbed her arm.
“I’ve got a crush, and guess what? He likes me too,” Vanessa beamed, her excitement palpable.
“Who?”
“‘This new guy’s’ best friend.” Vanessa pointed at Shivam, referring to him by the name Piya used.
“Hey! I thought we were past this; I've been here for over two months now,” Shivam practically whined.
“Ask her,” Vanessa shrugged, tossing a thumb over her shoulder toward Piya, who simply looked away.
“Do you really like him?” Shivam asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Cross my heart,” Vanessa replied with a mischievous grin.
“Woah, interesting,” Shivam said, clearly intrigued.
“What else did you do behind my back, woman?” Piya whisper-yelled at her friend, giving Shivam a quick side-eye.
“That’s why I was begging you to join school ASAP, but you needed that extended break after the boards. See you later, bye!” Vanessa blew a dramatic kiss as she walked off.
“Yeah, bye bye,” Piya muttered, already feeling the absence of her friend as Vanessa disappeared out of sight.
───────
thanks for reading <3
