Like Me, Please

Chapter 3

Seeing Sneha's reaction didn't hurt as much as she had thought.Not only because the bhindi was burnt the second day but because Astha was finally giving up. In the fourth week, Astha shifted to only exchanging pleasantries. If Sneha noted this difference, she didn't comment.

Meanwhile, Sneha's old seatmate- Tanya was still nowhere to be seen. They were saying she might even have to skip this class. Sneha demeanour changed drastically when she first heard this rumour. She went from cold to solemn and even though it had been only a month since they had become somewhat acquaintances, Astha noticed.

So, when the teacher made the announcement about the lab partners, Astha was sure that the subject was doomed and she wouldn't be able to even pass. When the period ended, she went to the teacher, a sweet Ms Bannerjee and said " Ma'am, can I request for a change in lab partner"

Surprised, because she knew of Astha's social skills asked: " May I ask why?"

Astha in her innocence just said, " Well, I don't think Sneha likes me very much!"

" Oh, your lab partner is Sneha?" Astha could see a worried look on her face which cleared in seconds and said: " No, if I start changing partner just because two people don't like each other, then half the class will be upon me... don't you think?"

" Yes, ma'am but.."
" No buts. Why do you care if she likes you or not? You be nice to her, that's it."

" I tried that! It didn't work!"

" Well, were you kind only because you wanted her to like you?"

Astha couldn't meet her teacher's eyes.

" Well, why don't you trying being kind to her without any motive? Why not make your kindness, your second nature?"

Astha realised her mistake and though it was hard to implement, she said: " Yes ma'am, I will surely try."

" Good. Be kind to her. She needs it." With that Ms. Bannerjee left before Astha could question what she truly meant.