Reyhan came out of the entrance class in the evening and walked towards the bus stop. Suddenly, someone slapped him on his shoulder. Reyhan turned back. He was surprised to see Noor in front of him.
"I do not believe this. You joined here,", Reyhan told.
"You wish. I have been studying here for two months. I purposefully kept quiet when you told me about this. So I could surprise you,", Noor replied delightfully.
"You are definitely a rare creature. Walk along", Reyhan felt so happy. They both walked towards the bus stop talking.
Noor and Reyhan met every weekend at the coaching center. In the short span of time they got closer, they complained about the classes, tests and talks about everything happening in their life. Their brief walk from the coaching center to the bus stop became the most anticipated time in both their lives. People rarely meet friends who are to stay in their lives. Everyone in St. George and St. Xaviers knew how close Noor and Reyhan were.
"I have brought something for you,", told Noor one evening while walking to the bus stop.
"What's it?", Reyhan asked curiously. Noor took out a book from her bag.
"Didn't you complain about not feeling confident enough, that you are feeling worthless and anxious? This is 'Alchemist'. My cousin Imran gifted this book to me. It is mind-blowing. You will definitely feel fresh after reading this book. I promise."
"Noor, don't you know I am not much a reader"
"Reyhan, definitely read it. Trust me."
Reyhan took the book from Noor and kept it in his bag.
"Hey, I need it back. Okay?" Noor reminded him.
Months passed by. The heat of the final exam had finally fallen on everyone. Life became shuttling between school and coaching centers.
"Did the whole world conspired so we could be best friends?", there stood Reyhan with the book.
"So, you finally finished reading?", Noor asked, taking the book back.
"Yes, miss. And I should say I loved it".
Noor smiled.
"Aa...That typical smile,", Reyhan exclaimed.
Noor was confused.
"I still can not understand your smile, Noor. Do you know a smile is a language by itself? It has depth more than words. But only if the other understood. Your smile is still mysterious to me. What do you hide behind those Noor?"
"You are mad, Reyhan".
The final exams were over. The train of classes at the coaching center was waiting for them throughout the summer holidays. Noor and Reyhan had classes almost every single day. They hung out every single day. After the classes, they went to the tea shop of Rajan Chettan had tea and snacks every day. They spent a lot of time at the tea shop, talking.
"I am done with these classes, Reyhan. It's killing me."
"I know. I also feel the same. School will open next week. I hope that will solve the boring part of life. We will have all other activities at school. We will be fine".
"You are right. That's my only hope. Do you think you will score good marks on the entrance exam?"
"Hopefully. I would love to get into a good college".
"It would be nice if we could join the same college. We can have a blast".
"Oh dear, Noor, I can't bear you for another four years." Reyhan ran to the bus stop.
"You.....". Noor ran behind Reyhan to catch him.
