Salman's POV

A couple of weeks passed by and by the end of March we had our first term examination. The days passed on sooner and we had finished with the exams.

We are getting our results today. My friends told me that usually for term exams our school has the practice of having an assembly in the morning gathering all the students and teachers and announcing the position of the students who scored first place, second place and third place of every class. This is the first time I am going to experience it. We were all excited to get our results and none of us knew our positions.

As we were lined up in rows class by class, the report giving started. Our principal came in forward to distribute the reports of the students. It started with the juniors and we were waiting till our turn comes. When it was the time for grade nine I felt an excitement in myself.

A student announced the positions, "The first place goes to Anna Edward".

"The second place goes to Aliza Azeez"

Then it said "the third place goes to Juliet Horan"

My heart skipped a beat when I heard her name. This happens to me whenever I hear her name. I was happy for her. The audience clapped their hands as the three girls walked to the stage to collect their reports. I could see the happiness in her eyes and her smile made her look prettier.

Then it was time for my class to receive our reports and I wasn't much excited as I was before rather I was quite afraid about my position and I wanted to have the same position as Juliet or above hers. Then I heard the announcer saying Harry's name as the first place and Omar's name as the second place. I was waiting till she announces the third, praying and expecting that it was me, but unfortunately I heard another name. It was Edgar. I felt sad and disappointed, at the same time I was happy for my friends too. I watch them go to the stage and collect their reports as we cheered them clapping our hands.

The rest of the reports will be distributed in class by the class teacher, so the rest of us were waiting till we go to class to get our reports.

While we were going to our class we met the girls in the hallway congratulating and hugging each other. I too wanted to congratulate Juliet but it was crowded there so I thought of meeting her later. I went to my class and found that my position was fourth. I was contended because this is my first try here and I was sure I could improve by the next term. My friends were very happy when they got to know that I was the fourth because they never expected it. Since I joined school recently they expected my position to be towards the last. 

When it was the break time, the six of us went down to the playground, but the girls weren't there. We knew they would come after a while so we waited for them. I went upstairs heading towards my class hoping that I would see Juliet somewhere around because I eagerly wanted to talk to her. I've never spoken to her except for just one or two words. I wanted to speak to her often, get close to her and get to know about her, but I don't know why I feel awkward to move with her and she too doesn't want to.

She wasn't anywhere to be seen. I went to my class, drank a bit of water and decided to go back to the grounds disappointed that I didn't see her. While I was walking through the corridor I saw two girls walking this way, since they were far I couldn't recognize who it was but I could see one was with hijab and the other was without. When they came closer I realized that it was Aliza and Juliet. They were talking about something and walked fast passed me and I don't think they even noticed me.

              When they had just passed me, I turned behind and took up the courage to call Juliet,

"Hey Juliet"

The girls turned behind and recognized me. I realized the astonishment in her face and she took time to answer to me. This is the first time I've called her like this and the first time I am going to directly look at her and speak.

"Hi Salman"

We had a distance between us, so I took few steps towards them till I was a few inches away from Juliet and I can feel her curiosity. Aliza was beside her smiling because she knows that her friend has never spoken to me and felt awkward.

"Uh.. I just wanted to congratulate you. I am happy that you performed well in your exams"

She looked into my eyes for the first time and flashed a short smile

"Thank you"

That's all she spoke. I stretched out my hand in order to shake her hands, she hesitated at first and then stretched hers too. I held her soft hands in mine and didn't want to let go. I wished I could hold it forever. I was looking at her and smiling but she didn't look at me rather looked down at our hands. I let it go as she took a step behind.

Then I turned towards Aliza, gave a quick hand shake and congratulated her. She thanked me and asked my position. I didn't mind telling it to Aliza because I know she would understand and not look down at me but I was worried that Juliet was there. I still don't know how Juliet's character is and wondered what her reaction would be.

I told Aliza that I was fourth in class which made her smile widely. She congratulated me and told that she never expected that I would perform so well. She was very happy for me and wished me for better results next term. Juliet didn't react much except that she too smiled wide and I noticed that she looked at me when I told Aliza my position.

Olivia saw us and came towards us.

"Salman! Where were you? I kept searching for you in the playground"

"I was there at the playground and I came here a few minutes ago... By the way, why were you searching for me?"

"I wanted to ask you about your position".

"Very important Olliii" Aliza said laughing and I noticed Juliet rolling her eyes.

"Ha ha, yea it is" replied Olivia.

"I am fourth"

"Omg! Really? I am also fourth in my class" and she jumped playfully giving a high five. I returned her high five and smiled. She was excited for some reason which I didn't understand.

...........

Juliet's POV

I was surprised when Salman spoke to me yesterday and I hope he didn't notice my nervousness. I can't believe that I shook hands with him. Everything is like a dream for me.

Today we are getting our first term vacation. It's the first week of April. Today is the last day of our first term so we are having a party at school with food and games.

Everything went well at school. We enjoyed a lot with the guys and when it was the end of the day at school we were sad that we'd be parting our friends for a month.

Hello! I hope you guys are doing great. Sorry for the late update. I won't be updating often, for a few months maybe. Please do have some patience. 

How was the chapter? Finally Salman spoke to Juliet yeah? How was her reaction? How's Olivia?

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With love,

Blessed Muslimah