The new session had just begun. Sunrise dawned upon the grounds of Elite High School. The golden rays peeking above the horizon marked a fresh start of the new academic year. The dew-kissed grass glistened like pearls. The air felt crisp and a peaceful hush loomed over the school. The school was few minutes away from bursting into giggles and talks, as the students were about to arrive.

Few minutes later

Kriti(excited): Diljit Dosanjh's new album came out. Did you guys hear?

Aadya: I like Guru Randhawa's more, but my most favorite is the K-Pop group, Stray Kids. Their recent choreography seems so hard. They're so hot!

Manya: Stop fangirling Aadya!

Kriti: You tell Manya....what have you been listening to recently?

Manya: Oh, my Spotify playlist if full of Olivia Rodrigo's and Lana Del Rey songs.

Aadya(frowned): Such a unique taste!

Aanya(laughed): Stop fighting you guys! We're seniors now. Two more years to go!

Aadya(pouted): You didn't have to remind us that we're getting old.

Manya: Oldie!!!

Aadya: You OLDIE!!!

Aanya and Kriti laughed at their bicker. Aanya noticed Misha and Saanvi walking up to them.

Aanya: Hey guys! How was your break?

Saanvi: Misha was probably at the library the whole break. And me? Don't ask about me. Yuvaan stayed over at my house this break. Ughh...so annoying!

The rest laughed at Saanvi.

...

Yuvaan(excited): I downloaded a new game. Let's play it later at my house.

Ishaan(yawned): I want to sleep. I stayed up all night pushing the ranks.

Ayush: Bgmi or Free Fire?

Ishaan: Bgmi! There's a new update.

Yuvaan: What about you, Adarsh? You free?

Maahi(mocked): He would rather complete the syllabus than waste his time on video games.

Yuvaan: So boring! What about you Aditya?

Aditya: I'll pass this time.

Ayush: I'm free today. I'll come.

Maahi: Count me in as well.

Yuvaan(smiled): You guys better not betray me later.

WE WON'T!!!!

...

Teacher: Class, open your book to page number 7. I'll explain to you how to solve this equation. The rest of it, you'll attempt on your own.

Yuvaan(whispered): Why do we pay you, if we have to do it on our own...

Ayush giggled.

Teacher: What's so funny, Ayush?!

Ayush: Nothing ma'am!

Teacher: It's the first day of school. Do you want me to change your seats?

Ayush: Sorry ma'am!

Ayush stared at Yuvaan whereas Yuvaan acted innocent of his actions.

Teacher: Okay, lets continue!

...

Manya: There are rumors that our classes will be merged with boys' section.

Aadya: Let's wait for the teacher to announce it.

The teacher entered the class.

Teacher: Girls sit down! I have some news to share. We will be merging the sections. The school has released a new policy where boys and girls will no longer have separate classes. They'll be combined into one class.

Manya(whispered): I told ya'

Teacher: This rule will be implemented from tomorrow onwards. That's it! Class dismissed!

-

Saanvi: Yuvaan will eat my head. He'll probably copy all my answers during exams.

Aadya: I've heard a lot about them and trust me I've not heard anything good. They're such a notorious class.

Saanvi: Misha is not used to being around boys. Her family is so over-protective and conservative.

Aanya: Will you be okay Misha? Reach out to us if the boys give you any trouble.

Misha nodded her head quietly. She rarely interacted with boys. She felt nervous and conscious about herself.

Kriti: You should worry about yourself, Aanya. Adarsh is their class topper. You won't be able to secure your position as the class topper anymore.

Manya: Don't demotivate her, Kriti. He shouldn't underestimate our topper girl. Btw, I heard they have cute boys and a handsome teacher.

Kriti(giggled): Not more than our seniors. Grade 12 have such good-looking boys.

Aadya(joked): You better control yourself lest you both want to get suspended by the principal.

The rest giggled at Aadya's statement.