Dev's P.O.V

Have you ever trusted someone so deeply that you wanted to pour your entire life into their hands? To let go of all your secrets and fears, and just be vulnerable? But what happens when that person you trusted changes? Do you ever wish someone could love you so fiercely that they'd cross any boundary for you... even if it meant crossing the line?

Vikram's messages keep flooding in, and I'm too scared to hit that block button. What if he decides to show up? The mere thought of hearing his voice makes my heart race, and he's already called me a million times.

My phone buzzes incessantly on the bed, but I'm standing by the window, lost in memories of a simpler time, when life wasn't so complicated. Back when I was a carefree kid. But as the years went by, things shifted. Now it feels like I'm trapped in a fancy cage, only there's no happiness within. People might come and go, but they never truly get inside. Why does growing up have to be this way? Why couldn't life have stayed uncomplicated? Why did everything have to get so tangled?

The clock's gentle chimes snap me out of my reverie, and I find my mom standing at the doorway, her familiar smile lighting up the room. She's the queen of positivity.

"Hey, Dev," she starts to say, but then she stops herself, her gaze on me by the window. It's like she wanted to wake me up, but then changed her mind. I haven't slept much anyway.

I stand there by the window, gazing out at the cityscape as the sun begins its ascent, gradually dispelling the darkness with each delicate ray. My hands press against the cool glass, as if I could reach out and touch the warmth of that rising sun.

"Are you here to bring me some sunshine today, like you did yesterday?" I whisper, my words drifting into the early morning air, addressed to no one in particular, my eyes locked onto the horizon.

"Absolutely, sweetheart," comes Mom's reply from the doorway, her voice carrying an unwavering, boundless love.

With a soft and tender smile, she approaches, her very presence a comforting embrace. "Good morning," she utters, her voice a soothing caress only a mother could provide.

I return the smile, but a trace of uncertainty lingers in my eyes. "How can you be so sure?" I inquire, still fixed on the burgeoning sun, as though seeking answers in its golden glow.

Her response carries a playful twinkle in her eye. "Moms are always right. Are you starting to doubt that now?" She leans in and lets out a soft chuckle.

Her hand gently rests upon my head, and a sense of serenity washes over me. Her touch acts as a soothing salve, easing the inner turmoil that's been churning within me. "Dev, have you ever noticed that regardless of the challenges life hurls its way, the sun never fails to rise with hope? Each day, it confronts the unknown, braving storms, rain, and even thunder. Yet, no matter what it endures, it returns the next morning, ready to bestow its light and warmth anew. It's a reminder that, no matter how tough things may become, there's always a new day waiting for us." Her hand continues to caress my head gently, her words sinking deep into my soul.

Her infectious positivity permeates my very soul. I pull her into a warm embrace, enfolding her in my arms. The gentle, circular caress of her hand against my back feels like a magical incantation, banishing my worries to the shadows. In her embrace, I find refuge, a sanctuary where nothing can harm me. It's a sensation I hold dear, one that alleviates my fears and uncertainties.

As I release her slightly, she cradles my face in her hands, her words resonating deep within me. "Dev, always remember, if you haven't committed any wrongs, happiness will inevitably find its way to you. Regardless of how daunting things may appear now, there will come a day when you'll receive what you truly deserve—the whole world." Her words wash over me like a soothing tide, filling my heart with gratitude. "I love you, Mom," I whisper, my voice brimming with sincerity. She comprehends me in a way no one else ever could.

Her lips press tenderly against my forehead, leaving behind a comforting warmth. "Promise me something, alright?" she says, her eyes locking onto mine.

I nod with unwavering determination. "Yes, Mom?"

"Promise me that you won't allow memories of your previous school to overshadow your mind in your new one."

My resolve solidifies, and I offer her a genuine smile. "I'll do my utmost, Mom. I promise."

Her smile mirrors mine, radiating hope and steadfast support. "That's all I ask, sweetheart."

"I adore your smile. Now, go and take a quick shower; I'll prepare breakfast," her touch on my shoulder is both affectionate and motivating as she gracefully exits the room.

With her departure, I quickly snatch the towel and make my way to the bathroom. The warm water envelops me, momentarily washing away the burdens that had settled on my shoulders. Her words linger in my mind, a comforting reminder that fear should not dictate my actions. Why should I be afraid? I haven't done anything wrong, so there's no reason for me to quiver at Vikram's messages. He's the one who should be hiding, not me. The thought emboldens me as the water soothes my skin.

Yes, dwelling on the past only brings pain. Raj, with his mesmerizing green eyes and infectious smiles, is like a soothing balm for my wounded soul.

"Dev!" Mom's cheerful call resonates through the house.

I reply with a quick, "Coming," while wrapping the towel around myself.

As I finish preparing for the day, I find myself filled with renewed energy. There's always a new day waiting for us. Today is another opportunity, another chance to embrace the present and release the past's grip on me.

Heading downstairs, I discover a delicious spread waiting for me – a combination of juice and paratha, an unconventional yet delightful choice that Mom knows is my favorite.

As I step into the car beside Mom, the air is charged with a palpable sense of determination. The second day of school awaits, and even though the building's architecture, the array of faces, and the daily routines are starting to become familiar, my resolve to seize the moment burns even brighter within me. This time, the weight of the past won't be my anchor.

The car comes to a gentle halt, and my gaze is drawn outside the window. The bold letters of "Bright Future Academy" greet me. I turn to Mom, enveloping her in a tight embrace, the warmth of her presence providing an extra layer of reassurance.

"Have a great day," her voice carries the depth of a mother's love.

"You too. Bye!" I respond, a wave of my hand punctuating my words. Stepping out of the car, I watch her drive away with a small smile tugging at my lips.

Left alone with my thoughts, I pivot towards the imposing gate of the school, its iron bars symbolizing  the promise of new beginnings. A subtle tension knots within me, a blend of excitement and anxiety that's characteristic of stepping into unfamiliar territory. The concept of a new school is still settling in my mind, the reality slowly taking shape amidst the fluttering of butterflies in my stomach.

In the midst of the bustling schoolyard, a familiar voice pierces through the noise. Well, "pierces" might be an understatement - it's more like an enthusiastic scream.

"GOOD MORNING, DEV!" Arya's voice reverberates with a level of enthusiasm that only she can muster. I turn to see her charging toward me, her arms flung wide open in what seems to be a hug-attack. A grin spreads across my face, anticipating the upcoming bear hug. But just as our embrace is about to happen, out of nowhere, another student appears right in between us, Arya's momentum to interrupt, and the two of them, well, they basically collide headfirst.  they collide with their heads, and both of them stumble and fall to the ground.

"Shit!" I curse under my breath as I rush to Arya's side. They have landed on the grassy ground, with Arya on top of the other student. He instinctively grabs her waist to prevent her from falling further, and their faces are just inches apart. It almost looks like they are about to kiss. 

Arya is on top of this guy, and the next, they're tangled in a messy heap, like a pile of clothes that someone tried to stuff into an already overflowing suitcase. their faces are dangerously close, and if this were a movie, a cheesy romantic score would start playing. But before any romantic sparks can fly, they both realize the absurdity of the situation and scramble to untangle themselves.

"What the F*CK?" Their synchronized expletive marks the end of this impromptu rendezvous on the grass.

The guy pops up like he's spring-loaded, retrieving his phone from his back pocket with a sense of urgency that makes me chuckle. As I approach Arya, extending a hand to help her up, I can't help but shake my head. The comedic timing of this collision is too perfect.

"You okay?" I ask, my concern genuine but my amusement far from hidden. She nods, rolling her eyes, her frustration evident.

Turning to the guy, I see he's not in the best mood either. "You really need to learn how to walk straight, man."

"Me? You were the one who came charging like a bull in a china shop!" he retorts, his tone anything but friendly. Arya steps closer to him, mimicking a graceful ballet dancer as she waves her hand theatrically in front of his face.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asks, clearly bewildered.

"Oh, so you can see. Where were these two buttons when you decided to come crashing into me?" she retorts with equal harshness.

"Oh, so it was ME who came in YOUR way, spreading my arms like a crashing plane?" he mocks, imitating Arya's actions. I can't help but burst out laughing, unable to hold it in. Arya turns her glare on me, and I quickly put a hand over my mouth, a silent promise not to spill the beans. She's not amused, and I'm not keen on being her next target.

"No, you're just a perverted guy who wanted to crash into a hot girl," Arya accuses, flipping her hair back.

"Who are you talking about? I don't see any beautiful girl around here," he responds, pretending to search for someone.

Rolling her eyes, Arya redirects her attention to the guy. "Oh, so you're blind. Great!"

The guy's eyebrow twitches in annoyance. "If I'm blind, then you're..."

"Don't even finish that sentence," she warns, her tone sharp.

"Apologize!" he demands, crossing his arms.

"Apologize? Are you even listening to yourself?" she scoffs, disbelief evident in her expression.

"This is your fault! I was walking perfectly fine until you suddenly turned into a tornado," he retorts, his argument lacking any sort of logic.

"Ah, yes. I'm the tornado that teleported you right in front of me," Arya mocks, her sarcasm dripping like honey.

Their verbal spat continues, the intensity and absurdity of their argument making it increasingly difficult for me to keep a straight face. I interject, my tone calm, "Hey, can you guys calm down?"

Both of them turn to me, their glares sharp and unwavering. I shrug sheepishly and offer a small smile, my way of saying "I tried."

"No!" they snap in unison, their voices laced with a shared frustration that's almost comical.

Recognizing a lost cause when I see one, I decide it's best to step back and let them carry on. As Arya and the guy continue to trade verbal jabs, their voices rising in a crescendo of chaos, I can't help but find the entire spectacle amusing. The school day has barely begun, yet here we are, witnessing a full-fledged war of words that's both entertaining and utterly ridiculous.

Arya is now thoroughly irritated, and she steps forward, getting closer to him. "Why should I apologize? It's your fault, not mine. You're the one who came in my way and crashed into me like a python," she seethes.

"It's your fault, okay? And if I'm a python, then you're a lizard," the guy retorts, closing the gap between them. They continue to shout at each other, their voices piercing and their eyes locked in a fierce gaze.

Just when I'm on the brink of stepping back into the verbal battlefield, a touch on my shoulder redirects my attention. I turn to find Raj, the embodiment of serenity with his calm eyes and that gentle smile. He taps my shoulder almost as if to say, "Don't worry, I've got this under control."

The ongoing debate between Arya and the guy continues to escalate. Seriously, this could be some sort of performance art by now. But before things spiral further, Raj steps in, the epitome of composure.

"Trouble magnet or trouble's chosen victim?" Raj directs the question towards Arya, his tone teasing yet laced with amusement.

Arya, never one to back down, swivels her gaze towards him and retorts, "Trouble just can't resist my charm, Raj."

Raj turns his attention to the guy, his expression almost apologetic. "She's got a point. She does have a certain magnetism that attracts chaos."

The guy smirks, clearly intrigued by this unexpected twist in the conversation. "Well, in that case, I guess I'm just another victim of her charm."

Raj extends his hand towards the guy, and they exchange a friendly handshake. "Raj, 11B."

A grin spreads across the guy's face as he replies, "Ofcourse Prefect Raj, everyone knows you. Asim, 11A."

The ice is broken, and tensions seem to thaw as they share this introductory handshake.

"I hope you're not scarred for life," Raj says with a hint of playfulness.

Asim chuckles, "Nah, just a minor collision. At least it's a story to tell."

Raj's expression shifts to a more serious note, and he extends an apologetic gesture. "Allow me to apologize for the eccentricity that's Arya. She's a force of nature."

Asim's gaze shifts to Arya, who's currently engrossed in a heated exchange with the nearest tree. "No apologies needed. I can tell she's got a strong personality."

Curiosity getting the better of me, I ask Raj, "Why is Arya arguing with that tree, anyway?"

Raj's lips twitch in amusement. "Oh, that tree. It's a classic Arya tale. She believes the tree is somehow cursed or has a personal vendetta against them. Every time she crosses paths, something bizarre or clumsy happens. Tripping over a loose stone, getting caught in their own backpack straps... You name it."

I can't help but chuckle at the idea. "Wait, Arya thinks the tree is their personal jinx?"

Raj nods, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "Yes, and trust me, that tree has become a living character in her stories. It's like a mischievous accomplice, adding a touch of drama to Arya's daily life."

After kicking the tree, Arya whirls around, locking eyes with Raj. "Let's just leave, Raj."

Raj's eyes seem to reflect a mix of amusement and understanding as he nods, allowing himself to be led away by Arya's decisive grip on his hand.

"See you later, man," Raj calls back to Asim.

Arya pivots again, interrupting, "See you never, Mr. Python." She playfully waves a finger at Asim before resuming her exit strategy with Raj in tow.

Asim chuckles in response. "I wish the same, Miss Lizard."

With Arya's laughter echoing in the distance and the guy still standing there, wearing a bemused expression, I can't help but shake my head at the whole situation. Who would've thought that a morning collision could turn into such a comedic encounter?

Meanwhile, I find myself pondering how effortlessly Raj makes friends and resolves conflicts. He's well-known, everyone seems to like him, and he managed to diffuse this situation without anyone getting hurt. It's a stark contrast to... Vikram. But wait, why am I comparing them? I promised my mom I wouldn't think of Vikram ever again, didn't I? I shake my head to clear my thoughts and focus on where Arya is cursing at Asim.

"You didn't need to apologize to that rude guy. He's just mean. It was his fault, not mine..."

"Oh, really?" Raj smirks. "It wasn't? You're the one who always ends up in fights, Arya... with the old man at the canteen or the school's watchman. Sometimes, I feel like I became the Prefect just to sort out your problems."

Prefects are real? I used to think they were just things from TV shows.

"No... really. This time, it wasn't my fault. You can ask Dev," Arya says, turning to me.

I interrupt her, trying to change the topic. "Arya, let's leave that. So, did you submit your pending assignments?"

"Yeah, I did. I can handle my work myself, even if someone doesn't help me. I don't need any..." she points at Raj and lightly hits his head, "...selfish friend!" Then she runs off.

"Hey, who's selfish?" Raj chases after her, playfully calling out.

As I laugh and join Arya and Raj, we walk together towards our class. But suddenly, a sound catches my attention. It's familiar footstep...tip tap, tip tap.. it's him! My heart skips a beat, and I instinctively turn, hoping to catch sight of whoever's following me. But the bustling crowd reveals no one out of the ordinary. My racing thoughts get the best of me, and I shrug off the uneasy feeling, blaming it on my imagination. I shake off the uneasy feeling and continue walking, dismissing it as my imagination playing tricks on me.

Yet, the sense of dread lingers, growing stronger with each passing moment. The footsteps persist, growing louder and closer, filling me with an overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty. My heart races in my chest, and my muscles tense up involuntarily. It's the all too familiar feeling of being followed, and I can't shake off the unease. I increase my pace, hoping to put some distance between myself and the unknown pursuer. The footsteps match my every move, haunting me with their persistent rhythm. I turn around suddenly, scanning my surroundings, but find no one there.

What is happening? Is it really him? The thought sends a chill down my spine. How did he find me here? No, I can't let my past control me like this. I take a deep breath, attempting to calm myself down. It's probably just my mind playing tricks on me, I reassure myself. I push away the uneasiness, determined not to let fear overpower me. But the lingering doubt remains, casting a shadow over my every step.

Vikram, how much you've shattered me? After months of trying to rebuild myself, a single message was enough to shatter me into pieces again. You have broken me in ways I can't even comprehend. It feels like I'm standing in the midst of a raging storm, with waves of anguish and despair crashing all around me, and I can't find my way back to solid ground.

Then, a tender hand encircles mine, causing me to startle and look at the person holding my wrist. Raj's eyes meet mine, a shade of green that feels like a lifeline in this storm. His smile radiates warmth, a soothing balm to my turmoil. Anxiety ebbs away, the tension and unease melt away, replaced by a profound sense of calm and contentment.

But...wait, wasn't he just with Arya? How did he end up here again?

Raj's gaze envelops me in security, a reassuring presence that washes over me. "We were wondering where you disappeared to," he chuckles softly, and gently tugging me towards the classroom. With him by my side, the fear that had gripped me just moments ago recedes into the background, replaced by a renewed smile on my face that found its way on my face on its own...I didn't need to look for any reason.

He grasps my hand, guiding the way with care,

Once haunting, now a gentle, tender affair.

I follow willingly, no words to convey,

In his touch, my fears begin to sway.

No longer a source of shame, it's true,

In his presence, solace breaks through.

Being touched anew, a world rearranged,

No longer bothered, no longer estranged.

I embrace the warmth, unafraid, unchained,

For in his touch, healing is ordained.

In this touch, I discover the strength to be free,

He weaves a tapestry of perfect harmony.

In his touch, a refuge where I find glee,

He holds my hand, guiding me through the night,

In his touch, a sanctuary, where everything is right.