INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2

CHAPTER 106

Happy Reading

Keerthi arrived early, her backpack slung over one shoulder, eyes scanning for Angad. The air still held a chill, but her steps were calm — firm. She had made up her mind.

From across the courtyard, she spotted him. He was leaning against the wall near the tree, hands in his pockets, deep in thought.

She walked over without hesitation.

“Good morning,” she said softly.

Angad turned, surprised, but pleased. “Hey… you're early.”

“I told you,” she smiled gently, “I'm here.”

He nodded, and she slipped her hand into his — just for a second — before stepping back as a few students passed by.

“Dharshi messaged,” Angad said. “She’s going to the principal's office with Abeer after homeroom. Just to be there.”

“I’ll go too,” Keerthi replied. “He shouldn’t feel alone.”

_______________

At Principal Office

Abeer sat rigid in the chair, jaw tight, as the principal reviewed notes. The evidence from his locker was damning — but he hadn’t even touched those pills.

Dharshi sat beside him. Her hand lightly touched his arm under the desk.

“I know you didn’t do it,” she whispered. “We’ll find out who did.”

He gave a small nod, grateful but still shaken.

The door opened. Keerthi stepped in, holding a permission note. “I’m here too, sir. I know Abeer. He wouldn’t do this.”

The principal raised an eyebrow but allowed her to stay.

Abeer glanced at her. “You sure you want to be here?” he asked under his breath.

She looked him in the eye. “I should’ve been yesterday. I'm not going to make that mistake again.”

_____________

In the hallway

Ruby stood by her locker with Otis, whispering.

“They really think that golden boy didn’t do it?” Ruby scoffed.

Otis shrugged. “I heard someone saw Keerthi walking into the office this morning. With Dharshi.”

Ruby rolled her eyes. “She thinks being a perfect sister suddenly erases doubt? Please.”

But just as they turned to leave, Caroline stepped from behind the corner.

“I heard everything.”

Ruby froze.

“Funny, isn’t it?” Caroline said, eyes narrowed. “That Abeer’s locker had drugs... but the week before, Ruby was bragging about knowing where to get stuff.”