Suresh's POV:

The moment of levity felt much required, considering how we didn't see things on the same pages in the past. But now that we did, I was hoping things would be alright.

When I dismissed the three, they left with bright faces filled with hope, they looked up to me. I should feel proud but I felt a sense of sadness overcome me. Did I deserve it and would I be able to give them what they truly deserved?

Mr. Gupta called me at that moment, pulling me out of my thoughts. I answer him immediately, my legs tapping against the bench. I needed to have this conversation with him and yet, I didn't know how to approach it... or maybe I knew and still feared it.

Mukesh was no stranger to me. We were friends since high-school and when we reunited, he insisted that I be a mentor at SNK. I didn't think how much that simple decision would change my life, yet here we were.

"Suresh, aa raha hu main, theek hai na? I got some work here but I'll be there in another ten minutes. Problem nahi hai na?"

I tried to keep my voice calm but my hands were shaking. Every minute cutting through me like a dagger that drained my confidence bit by bit.

"Han, theek hai, I'll be waiting. Is it fine here or you want to go out?"

There was a pause as he contemplated his options.

"Actually, we can meet outside. I don't feel school grounds, even after everyone has gone, might be a good place to discuss more personal matters."

I found myself mulling over the last part. I talked to Arav's parents in my cabin but it was still on school grounds. I don't think they'd have agreed otherwise but a doubt seeped into my mind: What if I made things more risky by that move?

"Hello?" He said into the phone and I answered him.

"How about Jagdish Chai Wala?" I suggested to which he agreed and ended the call.

Jagdish Chai Wala was filled with the aroma of cardamom and fried samosas, mingling with the low hum of distant chatter. The sight of unfamiliar faces who knew nothing about my life was far more comforting. I could relax without fearing repercussions for the same.

The clang of a metal spoon against a steel plate pulled my thoughts elsewhere-back to a house that always felt too quiet despite the constant clamor of work. Mom's hurried footsteps as she rushed to finish cooking before her night shift. Papa's deep sighs as he counted bills under the flickering tube light. I sat at the corner of the room with my schoolbooks, squinting at the textbook in hopes it would make the house feel less hollow.

I remembered how I'd push myself-finishing every assignment, reciting every formula-because that's how you earn love, wasn't it? By being good enough. Perfect enough. I squeezed my eyes shut, chasing the ache that crept into my chest, but it clung stubbornly.

I got up from my seat, hoping that being on the move would help with my thoughts.

They loved me, I knew they did. But love often came in forms I couldn't understand then-packed lunchboxes, new shoes, life lessons folded into hurried conversations. And yet, I'd sit by the door every evening, listening for their voices, wondering if today they'd have time to ask about my day, my friends or my dreams. Time always felt like it slipped through their fingers, and I was left clutching at its ghost.

Mr. Gupta walked towards the location, his pace increasing when he noticed me. We took a table at the corner to avoid people eavesdropping.

"Is everything okay, Suresh? You look very worried." He said while putting his bag besides him.

"I am good, you say? We haven't had some alone time for so long. I thought it might be a good idea to meet up."

"So there is a heart beneath that tough exterior, ha?" His eyes perked up with amusement as he looked at me.

If only he could see through me. I thought to myself.

"Of course there is," I quipped back, "You just never asked."

"What? Now, you expect me to become a doctor and look deep into your heart, is it?"

Laughter burst between us just like the old times when things were more simple. But if I were in that time, I would've still wished for simpler times. What does simplicity ever even mean and why do we keep wishing on it like a shooting star that'd never cross us.

We composed ourselves and he asked the inevitable. "Say, whose parents did you meet and why were they yelling at you?"

His question is simple yet it hits like a sword to the heart, a pain I cannot quite recover from. A storm of emotions pull me into it's tornado but I struggle to stay afloat. Maybe it's the first time I have felt something so strongly and I don't even know how to get back up anymore.

I realize my breathing was ragged and concern was etched on his face but he doesn't question it. It's the first time he's seen me openly vulnerable.

I steady my breath and speak. "It's... that's what I wanted to discuss, Gupta."

It's a struggle to get those words out but I am sure he would understand. For so long, people have relied on me and for the first time in a long time, I realize, I needed someone to rely on without the fear of falling apart into the abyss.

He didn't say anything, simply placed his hands on top of mine, keeping me together and preventing me from being carried away by the tsunami that's in my mind. My gaze is far, my vision blurred and yet I glance at his hands on top of mine and count from three to one, clinging to the moment even though it was taking everything from me, but for the first time in a long time, I wasn't alone. I didn't have to pretend being strong. Maybe it was okay to need help.

I took the water from the table with my one hand and he let go of my other hand, understanding my need to compose myself before explaining myself.

"Suresh... is everything okay? I have never seen you so heartbroken. Do you need me to use my authority or want me to talk to people? It's okay, you can tell me."

I take a steady breath and answer him. "You don't have to do anything. I do need your help with things, though."

"Han, han batao na. I am here. Kya karna hai?" He inched closer to the table, eager to hear me and help me on the matter.

"Its..." I begin, struggling to find the right words, "I know you're not going to believe this but do you know Arav Shah from 12th B?"

He thinks about it for a moment. "He's that student whose parents requested a year break before he was readmitted to our school, right? What about him?"

I brief him out about how when his parents made that decision it was because of what he went through and the worst part about it all was that the potential suspect was my college friend who I shared a deep bond with. It was difficult to say it out in the open, to be honest about it and face the reality head on.

He pondered over the matter and I wasn't sure if he believed me. I hope he did because another sharp accuse would send me spiraling down the very edge I've been desperately holding on to.

"I can't believe it, Suresh," He began, his voice careful. "But that doesn't mean I don't believe you. I trust that your words are true, it's just..."

"Too unrealistic?" I try to complete it for him, interlocking my fingers and leaning forward.

"You can say something like that." He said thoughtfully, "I'm not saying it's impossible for things like this to happen but I am having a hard time processing it. What did your friend say?"

"She says she didn't do it. I trust her but I don't know if she's telling me the whole truth, either. I trust the boy and his friends, I talked to the three and my friend together, Mukesh. Seeing that things were getting rather complicated, I suggested a legal case."

"That's a good decision on your part. What did they say?"

"At first, they were against it but I tried to convince them that involving the authorities would really be the best foot forward from here. The case signing is tomorrow evening. I have Jay and Karan - his friends signing for testimony as well as Arav's parents. I am not sure if your signature will be required, though, it'd make them take the case more seriously. My real concern is school. I am trying to make sure there's no rumors or talks about it even when they might eventually get to know... but how much would school get affected?"

"Technically..." He said, "The school isn't even in this question. The case happened outside of school and that's the beginning and end of it. I knew my classmates in college years, some were convicted and behind bars. The college never bothered one bit about it. The thing about students is that they will talk, we can try to keep it low, but they're still going to talk. You tell me how can I help you? If there's anything regarding the school, I'll handle it. There's going to be searches, questions..." He paused before continuing, "But nothing that goes too much out of hand. We're trying to do the right thing here and that's what matters."

I was appalled by his wisdom and his words lifted the heavy burden on my shoulders. He was going to be there for me and it was going to be okay.

"Wow, you have quite the knowledge." I stated, "It's fine then, you help me out as a friend and we'll figure out the rest as we go. If school won't be affected unless involved directly, we can skip the unnecessary troubles. Say, should we have a cup of chai?"

"Sure."

We ordered tea with fafda gathiya and talked about life, occasionally ribbing each other and overall having a good time.

When we were done, he was about to pay when I stopped him. "Arre, at least let me pay this. You've done a lot for me!"

He looked at me with his signature accusatory face like I had just killed someone.

I laughed and pulled out cash from my wallet. After a few moments of battling to pay the bill, even the shopkeeper found it amusing and let us go.

I felt bad about not paying him so I called out when we both were out. "Bhai, I'll pay you tomorrow!"

Besides me Gupta elbowed my sides but I simply laughed about it, feeling much better than I walked in.

Third Person POV:

"Wait... what is that?" Himanshu pointed out to his teammate Shubham.

On the screen, where progress of the data being processed to the server was visible, there was also a tiny green dot that appeared from time to time, it was subtle enough to be missed but the more they observed they realized, it wasn't just on one system. Soon, everyone started noticing these eerie green flashes on the screen that refreshed from time to time, leaving everyone confused.

Team leads - Harshad and Suraj caught a hold on the situation and asked the team to pause their processes and take a break while they handled it head on. They did, leaving only the two in the office.

Harshad leaned against a desk while Suraj stood opposite to him, both deep in contemplation of what had happened and why their systems had started being this way.

"You know, I am starting to think there's some bug issue" Harshad said after a long pause.

"And that bug issue wasn't something they could resolve with the servers and now it's reflecting to systems?"

"Could be," He said cautiously, "It's been a while since we got any updates either... are you sure we took the right decision?"

Suraj shrugged, "QD is a reputable company and it providing us with server access and storage is a huge boost to our business. This had been under experiment for long enough... we didn't have any issues then. I am pretty sure whatever it is, they'll update us."

Harshad's eyes lit up at the idea. "Maybe sending an email can work!"

They sat behind the admin computer together, typed and refined the email.

Greetings of the day,

We are team leads of Rotarix, communicating on behalf of the team for an important issue. You recently provided us with server access and storage, which we are very grateful for and it has brought immense ease to our work load as well.

This morning, we started to see some green dots on the screen while the data was being processed. First, it was only one system but now, every system seems to be doing the same. We would really appreciate if you could help us understand why it's happening or if we should be worried for the same.

Thanks and Regards,
Team Rotarix

Another ten minutes passed by and the much awaited mail from QD came through.

Hi Rotarix,

We have raised your complaint and you will see the changes reflected on the systems immediately. It must've been a bug issue that we failed to notice. Apologies for the inconvenience and thanks for the update.

Thanks and Regards,
User 863

Eventually, when the TL's took a break and they were sitting in the break room that was adjacent to the office, Suraj turned to Harshad who bore an equally unease expression. "Isn't it odd they almost never use their names?"

"I don't know," Harshad shrugged as he munched on his paratha, "It seems to be that way only with online communications. I think they're just trying to keep the ID-communication everywhere because it's easy to lose things."

Suraj let out a sigh at the curiosity that wasn't relieved, yet had to accept. "It always gives me the shivers."

Harshad couldn't help but laugh. "It's just the company ID, what could possibly be wrong with that?" He placed his hand on Suraj's shoulders. "Also, come to think of it, it is also an efficient way to hide your identity online. Besides, it's not like they have a whole system build around number and hierarchy right?"

"You make some good points," Suraj said as he ate another piece of dhokla, finally feeling relieved, "Maybe it's just their way of staying on top of things, keeping their identity safe while also getting things done. Nothing to worry about."

When they returned, things were back to normal and to their relief, the data processing no longer showed green flashes. Everyone was called back to the office and they returned to their work, relieved that the issue was gone.

"Hey, looks like it was a bug glitch, after all." Suraj said thoughtfully, making sure to keep his voice low.

Harshad smiled in response, relieved the issue was behind them.

"We worried too much about nothing."

❛You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...I'll always be with you.❜
— Carter Crocker (author of Winnie the Pooh)

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Word Glossary:

aa raha hu main - I'm coming
theek hai na? - It's okay, right?
Problem nahi hai na? - No issues, right?
Han, theek hai - Yes, its okay
Chai Wala - Tea Stall (or really just a name brand addition but this is what it means)
Chai - tea
Fafda Gathiya- snacks made from shaping and frying gram flour with other ingredients
Dhokla - Dhokla is a steamed savory cake made with spiced gram flour batter that's fermented and then steamed to be served with various sauces.

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a/n: Suresh Sir's childhood... I am very vulnerable about the subject, dunt touch me ;-;

Speaking of the quote at the end, I really believe the best candidate to be Winnie the Pooh would be Suresh Sir, he's got that gentle, wise spirit, that kindness, that generosity of heart, but also, he's been through so much, he's seen so much pain and hardship, and yet, he's still here, still fighting.

And we are finally getting to see the unease of the situation that Rotarix is facing. What do we think? Comment below!