Something dangerous in school
It was a normal Friday morning, in Brooklyn High School filled with numerous activities, students were having their daily gym class and others were rushing into their classes.
Yudistia was busy with her cheerleading practice .
“Five, six, seven, eight!” Music blasted through the speakers, and we hit the field in formation, pom-poms snapping with every beat. Her ponytail bounced as she nailed the first jump, landing in sync with the rest of the squad. The routine was muscle memory by now, but the butterflies still danced in my stomach — not from nerves, but from the fact that he was watching.
“Toe touch, turn, basket toss!”
Yudistia flew into the air, legs snapping into a perfect split mid-flight. The crowd gasped — then cheered as she landed, beaming.
We ended the routine with a sharp cheer:
“T-I-G-E-R-S — Who’s the best? EAST-BROOK, YES!”
Pom-poms up. Smiles on. Heart pounding.
The gym echoed with the sound of bouncing basketballs and squeaking sneakers. Dhruv wiped sweat from his brow, dribbling past a defender with effortless speed. He pivoted, rose, and nailed a clean jump shot. The coach shouted instructions, but Dhruv barely heard him—he was locked in, focused. Every move was precise, practiced, like he was born for the court. His teammates cheered as he sank a three-pointer, the net snapping sharply. Breathing hard, he jogged back to the baseline, jaw set, eyes intense. This wasn’t just practice. For Dhruv, every drill, every shot—it all meant something. He had something to prove.
The whistle blew, and the field erupted into motion. Aakarsh, the quarterback, barked signals, eyes locked on his best friend and wide receiver, Kavish. The snap came fast—Aakarsh stepped back, scanning. Kavish burst downfield, cutting through defenders like lightning. Aakarsh launched the ball just as a lineman crashed in. The pass spiraled perfectly. Kavish leapt, caught it mid-air, and landed in the end zone. Touchdown. They exchanged a quick grin, bumping fists. No words needed. They’d trained for this moment a thousand times. On this field, they weren’t just teammates—they were a duo no one could stop. Not today.
The ball bounced once, twice—then the serve came, fast and precise. Saira’s eyes tracked the yellow blur as she gripped her racket, muscles coiled like a spring. Her opponent’s return was weak, a perfect opportunity. She swung, the racket slicing through the air, sending the ball soaring over the net with devastating accuracy. Her opponent barely moved, the ball landing just inside the baseline. Ace. The crowd cheered, but Saira only nodded to herself. This wasn’t about them. It was about proving she could be the best. One set at a time, one victory at a time.
The shuttlecock flew across the court, a blur of white against the bright lights. Naina’s grip tightened on her racket, her heart pounding in rhythm with each step. Her opponent lunged for the shot, but Naina was quicker, moving with fluid precision. She lunged, spinning in midair, and sent the shuttlecock crashing to the floor on her opponent’s side with a powerful smash. The crowd gasped, then erupted into applause. Naina wiped sweat from her brow, barely smiling. Winning wasn’t just about the crowd—it was about proving to herself that she could dominate, even in the toughest matches.
The bell rang, and Radithya stepped into the ring, gloves up, eyes narrowed. His opponent, a bulky, confident fighter, came charging at him. Radithya bobbed and weaved, narrowly avoiding a punch that would’ve knocked him out cold. He saw the opening—his opponent’s left side was exposed. Radithya threw a right hook with everything he had, the punch landing with a sickening thud. His opponent staggered, then collapsed. The referee counted, but Radithya didn’t move. He stood there, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his face. This wasn’t about winning the fight. It was about showing the world he wasn’t afraid anymore.
After they finish practicing, the group takes a break before heading towards the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat. Girls gossip while having their coffee and boys were doing the same. Minutes later the group walked to their class hall way and suddenly there was a loud thud.
“WTF WHO WAS THAT!?” walked over to Yudistia as he saw you laughing while everyone was quite scared for her “Little brat you're gonna pay for this!!”
Dhruv runs after her and catches up to her “I can't believe you did that to me..”
“You owe me 100 bucks!” She said with a frustrated tone. “WHAT?! Why would I give you money? You just made me wet and now you want me to pay you?”
“It was a prank! It's not my fault you fell for it!” siad mockingly.
“It's not funny!! You could have at least warned me! And why would I pay you?” he said frustratedly yet in a confusing tone.
“Because you lost the bet!”
“What bet?! I don't remember making any bets with you!”
“You said if I made you wet you'd give me 100 bucks!”
“I-I did? Well I was probably joking!”
“It's a deal, no backsies.”
“What?! You can't be serious!”
“Guess what....I am” she says with a mischievous smile
“No way! You're not getting a penny from me!”
“Aww…the big lion of the jungle is giving up so easily”
“Shut up I'm not a lion”
“Oh! Then what? A mouse?” Yudistia can't help but laugh hard on that
“Shut up! I'm not a mouse either”
“Then what? a baby?” laughs hard “look guys he's a small baby~” teases him and laughs along with other schoolmates.
Dhruv gritted his teeth in frustration.
“Shut up you little-” He's about to lose his temper but he holds back.
“Gimme 100 bucks or else I'll tell your mom that you're dating without letting her know” Yudistia says in a threatening tone.
“Wait? What?..... I'm not dating anyone
then why is everyone rumouring around that you're dating?”
“They're lying! I don't have a girlfriend!”
“then pay up!”
“No way! You're just trying to make me look bad in front of everyone!”
Tell me what are you gonna do to me? I'll tell your mom anyways”
“Oh no you wouldn't!”
“Oh yes i am” she says in a teasing tone
“You're bluffing!”
Yudistia Fakes calls his mom “hello aunty i just-”
“WAIT WAIT WAIT!”
Yudistia Keeps the phone in her pocket and and crosses her arms
“You're a real jerk, you know that?”
“Your the biggest jerk off all”
“I'm not! You're just a little brat!”
Both glared at each other deathly and rolled their eyes, turning to walk away in their own ways.
Meanwhile Saira and Naina were sitting on the bench. Saira was munching her burger while Naina was busy texting him.
Saira saw Yudistia Coming and Taps on Naina ’s shoulder which made her jump.
“kyaackk kya hai?!”
“Bhai tu apne phone se hi shaddi kyu nahi karti hein?! saare din ussi mein lagi rehti hai, chod ab vo dekh Yudistia aa rahi hai…..” Saira points slightly
“Uska mood off lag raha hai” Naina notices
[What is it?!”
“Bro why don't you get married through that phone only?! You remain busy in it all day, leave that now look at that, Yudistia is coming….”
“Her mood seems to be off”]
Yudistia Approached them and sat beside Saira, giving a sigh.
“Oye tujhe kya hua?” Saira asks, meanwhile Naina gives her attention to her phone again but she was all ears to them
“Aree yaar mat puch…ek toh vo saala Dhruv ka baccha…” Yudistia said a bit frustratingly yet tiredly.
[“Hey, what happened to you?”
“Aree, don't ask... that Dhruv …”]
“PARESHAN KARKE RAKH DIYA HAI USS PAGAL LADKI NE!!” Dhruv said frustratedly to Radithya, Aakarsh and Kavish.
[“This crazy girl has made me suffer a lot!!”]
Kavish’s phone was buzzing with notifications of her messages. Meanwhile saira was calming Yudistia.“Behen tu shant hoja vaise bhi vo hai hi waisa….tu burger kha maine tere liye extra laya hai canteen se” Saira calmed Yudistia by handing her a burger.
[“Sis, you calm down, anyway it is like that only….you can have a burger, I have brought an extra one for you from the canteen”]
Meanwhile Naina was typing furiously on her phone messaging about her daily stuff to him.
Saira and Yudistia gave Naina a secret side eye and rolled their eyes.
“BHAI ISKI PROBLEM KYA HAI HUH?!! JAB DEKHO TAB MUJHE PARESHAN KARNE AA JATI HAI….I SWEAR AGAR EK DIN MEINE ISSE KISI LADKE KE SAATH DEKHI NA TOH MEINE SACH MEIN IS PAGLET KO VAISE HI GEELA KAR DENA HAI JAISE ISNE MUJHE KIYA!!” Dhruv said frustratedly pacing back and forth
[“WHAT IS HER PROBLEM?!! WHEN I SEE HER, I START GETTING FRUSTRATED…I SWEAR, IF I SEE HER WITH WITH ANY BOY ANY DAY I WILL MAKE HER WET THE SAME WAY SHE DID TO ME!!”]
While Radithya and Aakarsh blinked their eyes twice then looked at each other. Radithya Stood up from his seat and put his hands on Dhruv 's shoulder.
“Bhai…dekh mujhe itna kuch toh pata nahi hai but ha….vo ladki hai-” Radithya’s words were cut by Dhruv
“Ha toh kya hua….ussne pura geela kar diya mujhe Pani se!”
“Ha bhai pata hai sab dikh raha hai ye bhi aur vo bhi…..aur waise bhi tu shanti rakh. One day she will get a taste of her own cupcake tu tera dimag mat kharab kar” Aakarsh said casually stating the fact.
[“Bro...look, I don't know much about it but yes...she is a girl-”
“So what!?…she made me completely wet with water!”
“Yes bro, we know, we can see this and that too.... and anyway you keep quiet. One day she will get a taste of her own cupcake, you don't spoil your mind”]
Meanwhile Kavish who was giggling at Naina ’s messages Radithya, Aakarsh and Dhruv watched him with their side eyes.
“Bhai mujhe ek baat bata tujhe Naina mein dekhta kya hai?..jab dekho tab ussi se baate karta rahta hai tu” Aakarsh asks Kavish
“Bhai….aisa kuch nahi hai jaise tum dono soch rahe ho…..vo bas meri friend hai….aur kuch nahi.” Kavish said shyly
“Hmm….dikh raha hai.” Dhruv said sarcastically
[“Bro, tell me once, what do you see in Naina ? Whenever you see her, you keep talking to her”
“Bro, it is not like what you both are thinking…..she is my friend….nothing else”
“Hmm….it is visible”]
Unknownst to both boys and girls who were sitting right across each other heard everything.
Dhruv and Yudistia were glaring at each other and having an eye to eye word marathon of bad words and curses for each other.
Naina and Saira notice the tension between Dhruv and Yudistia.
“Ye dono ek dusre ki taraf aise kyun dekh rahe hai? Naina asked Saira in a low voice
“Lagta hai kuch toh kand hone wala hai…katt lete hai…nahi toh ye do kutto ke bich agar hum chuhe bane na toh kher nahi” Saira speaks in a serious tone in which Naina nods and both of them get up slowly and tip-toed.
[“Why are these two looking at each other like that?”
“It seems something is going to happen….let's leave before something happens…no then if we become mice among these two dogs then it will be a huge problem”]
Yudistia Saw them tip-toeing and asked in a serious yet dangerous tone.
“Kaha jare ho dono?”
“Umm….uhh…..vo…uhh” Naina stammered
“Vo hum cafeteria jare hai…..tujhe kuch chahiye?” Saira tried to remain causal
“Ha mujhe waise toh bhuk bhi hai chalo…chalte hai” Yudistia Said while giving a death glare to Dhruv.
[“Where are you both going”
“Umm…uhh…that…uhh”
“We are going to the cafeteria…do you also need something?”
“Yeah, i am also a bit hungry so…let’s go”]
“Ye pagal aurat hai hi pagal…jab dekho tab ladne aa jati hai..abhi dekha kaise aankhen dikhai?!!” Dhruv said in a frustrated tone.
“Olele mere Dhruv baby ko gussa aa gaya…chod tu itna aag babula mt ho…usse jo karna hai karne de…tu bas shanti rakh….chal tujhe cafeteria mein kuch khilata hu…my treat” Radithya said in a teasing tone while keeping an arm on Dhruv 's shoulder.
[“This girl is definitely crazy…whenever I see her, comes to fight…just now, did you see how she looked at me!!?”
“Olele my Dhruv baby got angry…leave it, don't be so furious…let her do whatever she wants to do…just keep calm…come..I’ll feed you something from the cafeteria…my treat”]
As they entered the cafeteria Dhruv and Yudistia ignored each other. Yudistia, Saira and Naina were sitting at the corner table as it was their usual spot.
Saira got up as she wanted a coke but Aakarsh snatched it from her hands.
“Let it go, Saira! I saw this Coke first!”
“Oh, please, Aakarsh! You were too slow. The vending machine and I have an understanding—you snooze, you lose.”Saira said.
“Understanding? It’s a machine, not like your friends!” Shouted Aakarsh.
“And yet, it treats me better than you ever could.” Saira spatted back.
“Oh, real mature. Just hand it over, and no one gets hurt.” Aakarsh said trying to calm the situation.
“What are you gonna do? Glare at me aggressively while sipping from your empty tray?”
“If I have to. I have very expressive eyebrows.” Aakarsh said dramatically.
“Look, we can solve this like adults. We can split it.”
“How? We don’t have a cup!”
“We can waterfall it. Like warriors sharing their last drop before battle.”
“Or... you could just give it to me because I’m thirsty.”
“And I’m not?! This is MY Coke now. You may as well say your goodbyes.”
Aakarsh Dramatically “You cold-hearted thief. I hope you sip that soda and realize it tastes like betrayal.”
Saira takes a sip, sighs “Mmm. Tastes like victory.”
“You monster.”
“You amateur.”
Naina bundled up “Ye ladki kaha chali gayi, isko ek coke lene ke liye itna time kaisa lag raha hai?! Coke lene gayi hai ki banane gayi hai”
Naina stood up from chair and started walking to find Saira. She saw her standing with Aakarsh in front of the vending machine.
“Oye tu idhar kya karri hai, main tera itni der se wait kar rahi hu”
Saira was about to answer Naina ’s questions but out of nowhere Kavish appeared and they both Naina and Kavish saw each other and started blushing.
[“Where did this girl go, how is she taking this much time just to take one damn coke!?”
“Hey! What are you doing here, i’ve been waiting for you for so long”]
Aakarsh didn't notice that Kavish was approaching him. Kavish jerked his collar from behind, pulled him and started dragging him, while Aakarsh was glaring at Saira.
Naina clasped her hands to Saira’s shoulders.
“Earth to Saira, konse rajkumar ke khayalo mein kho gayi thi?”
“Rajkumar!? kumbhakaran ke dusre avatar ko kos rahi thi.”
“Kumbhakaran ka dusra avatar? Ye konsa Ramayan hai bhai?”
“Aakarsh gorilla kahin ka!”
“Bhai tu usse chod de… aur chal ab class hai apni”
[“Earth to Saira, which prince’s thoughts did you get lost in?”
“Prince!? Was just cursing on Kumbhakaran’s second incarnation?”
“Kumbhakaran’s second incarnation? Who is Ravana's brother?”
“That Aakarsh gorilla!”
“Bro leave him…and lets go our class is gonna start soon”]
While they all go to their respective classes.
Yudistia, Naina and Radithya were in the same class in 10th, Kavish and Dhruv were in the same class in 11th, while Aakarsh and Saira were in 12th where Saira was the head girl.
Head boy was CedricBhatia who was in the same class as Saira and Aakarsh.
At 12.30 p.m. it was lunch break. Kavish saw Naina standing near the window waiting for Saira and Yudistia, Kavish approached her and smiled shyly.
“H-hi” Kavish said, hiding his shyness but Naina noticed it immediately.
“It's ok, tumhe shy hone ki jarurat nahi hai….” Naina said while giving a reassuring smile to him.
[“H-hi”
“It’s ok, you don’t need to be shy…”]
“Uff! Ye itna accha kaise smile kar sakti hai? I bet koi iske jaisa smile kar hi nahi sakta. Mere toh rongte khade ho jate hai aur….shut up Kavish! she's not some slut to be flirty or get thoughts of someone like this with….I need to be calm” Kavish scolds himself internally while patting on his left chest so that he can be calmed down.
[“Uff! How can she smile so well? I bet no one can smile like her. I got goosebumps but shut up Kavish! She’s not some slut to be flirty or get thoughts of someone like this with I need to be calm”]
“Kavish tum thik ho na?”
“Huh? Uhh….haa!….um….”
“Beta Kavish aaj toh bol hi de nahi toh ye apsara agar haath se nikal gayi na toh isse ke jaise kahin milegi bhi nahi” Kavish says internally to himself
“Naina! Mujhe tumse kuch bolna hai” Kavish gathered some courage.
“Ha bolo” she said softly.
“Vo umm…..uhh…tumhe meri 10th ki book chahiye thi na?” Kavish stammered a bit.
“Oh ha…tum lekar aaye ho?”
“Uhh ha…mere bag mein hai...tum school ke baad le sakti ho” Kavish's hands fidgets while talking to Naina .
Naina nods with a smile.
[“Kavish, you are okay right?”
“Huh?Uhh..Yea!...umm…”
“Son Kavish, if you don’t tell her today, then this Fairy might slip out of your hands, then I won’t get anywhere like this.”
“Naina ! I want to tell you something”
“Yeah say”
“That umm….uhh…you wanted my 10th book, right?
“Ohh yes, have you brought it?”
“Uhh yes, it is in my bag, you can take it after school”]
“Fuck fuck fuck!!” Kavish says in frustration, he remembers his mom's words “Kavish mujhe pata hai ki tujhe Naina pasand hai, vaise toh mujhe bhi pasand hai par itna dhyan rakh..sundar ladkiya na zyada der tak single nahi hoti”
“Vaise toh mummi sahi hi bol rahi thi….ye nahi toh koi nahi” Kavish decides to tell Naina about his feelings.
[“Fuck fuck fuck!!”
“Kavish I know that you like Naina , i like her too, but pay attention to it, beautiful girls don’t stay single for too long”
“Well mom was right, if not her, then no one”]
Later after school ended everyone walked towards their respective houses Kavish was finding Naina so that he could give her his 10th book as reference when he found Naina coming with Saira and Yudistia, Naina 's height was 4’9 her tiny frame made Kavish looked at her in a admiring way with a lovely smile but he brushed it off when Naina came in front of him.
“Hey!” Naina said with a smile.
‘Heyy!!” Kavish hands Naina his 10th book.
“Thank You…i needed this” smiles at him.
“No problem” smiles back at her.
Naina waved bye at him and left with Saira and Yudistia.
As Naina walked away, Kavish stood there for a moment, watching her go, a small smile lingering on his face. He shook his head slightly, trying to refocus. It was just a book, after all. But as he turned to leave, he heard footsteps behind him.
“Hey, Kavish!” It was Yudistia, catching up to him.
Kavish turned around, a little startled. “Oh, hey Yudistia. What’s up?”
“I saw the way you were looking at Naina ,” Yudistia teased with a grin. “You’ve got it bad, don’t you?”
Kavish felt his face flush. “What? No! I was just... you know... helping her with the book,” he stammered, his heart racing a little faster.
Yudistia raised an eyebrow. “Sure, sure. Helping her, huh? You’ve been acting like that around her ever since we started school.”
Kavish crossed his arms, trying to play it cool. “I’m just being friendly.”
Yudistia smirked. “Yeah, right. Just don’t take too long to figure it out, alright? You never know when someone else might make a move.”
Kavish stared at Yudistia for a moment, then laughed nervously. “You’re impossible, man. Just go catch up to Saira and Naina . I’ll see you later.”
Yudistia gave him a knowing look before walking off, leaving Kavish standing there, lost in thought. He couldn’t help but wonder if Yudistia was right.
Kavish stood there for a few more seconds, watching Yudistia catch up with Saira and Naina as they disappeared down the street. His thoughts lingered on the way Naina had smiled when she thanked him for the book. That smile—there was something about it that made his heart flutter, and he couldn't quite explain why. He took a deep breath, shaking off the feeling, and began walking home, his steps slower than usual. But as he walked, he found his mind wandering back to Naina. There was no denying it; he had always admired her. She was smart, kind, and had this way of making everyone around her feel comfortable. But the way Yudistia had teased him... it made him question whether his feelings went beyond just friendship. Suddenly, he heard a voice behind him.
"Kavish!" It was Saira, jogging up to him with a playful smile. "Hey, I just wanted to thank you again for lending Naina the book. She was really happy about it."
Kavish turned around, trying to act casual. "Oh, no problem I’m glad she needed it."
Saira raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You know, you’re not fooling anyone. It's kind of obvious you like her."
Kavish’s heart skipped a beat, and he felt his face turn red. "What? No, I don't. I mean, I do like her, but…you know, I just want to help."
Saira laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah, yeah. But you’ve been looking at her like she’s the only person in the world. Don’t be shy, Kavish. Just go for it."
Kavish opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. He wasn’t sure what to say. Was he ready for that kind of step? What if Naina didn’t feel the same way?
Saira must’ve noticed his hesitation. "Listen, no one’s saying you have to do anything right now. But if you really care about her, don’t wait too long. Sometimes, the moment passes, and you’ll regret it."
Kavish let out a small sigh, glancing down at the ground. "I don’t even know where to start. I don’t want to mess things up."
Saira’s expression softened, and she patted his shoulder. "You won’t mess anything up. Just be honest with her. And remember, sometimes taking the first step is the hardest part."
Kavish gave a small nod, appreciating her advice, but his mind was still racing. What if Saira was right? What if this was the moment he had been waiting for? That night, Kavish lay in bed staring at the ceiling, his mind still buzzing with what Saira and Yudistiahad said. Did he really have feelings for Naina ? And if he did, what was he supposed to do about it? He had always seen her as a friend, but lately, things felt... different. With a sigh, he rolled over and grabbed his phone. His fingers hovered over Naina ’s contact.
Should he text her? Maybe just a simple "Did the book help?"—that wouldn't be weird, right? After a few seconds of hesitation, he quickly typed it out and hit send before he could overthink. A minute passed. Then another. Just as he was about to put his phone down, the screen lit up.
“Yes! It was really helpful. Thank you again, Kavish :)”
Kavish smiled at the screen. His heart felt lighter just seeing her message. He typed back.
“Glad to hear that. Let me know if you need any more notes.”
A few seconds later, she replied.
“Haha, you’re officially my study savior now. I owe you one!” Naina texted.
He chuckled, shaking his head. Before he could reply, another message popped up.
“By the way, we’re all planning to go to the café near school tomorrow after class. You should come!” The message followed.
Kavish blinked at the message. An invitation. From Naina . His stomach did a weird flip. Was this just a casual hangout, or was there something more? He didn’t want to overthink it, but his heart was already beating faster.
“Sounds fun. I’ll be there! I'll bring Radithya, Aakarsh and Dhruv too!” Kavish replied back.
“Sure thing!” Naina texted back.
As he put his phone down, he couldn't help but smile. Maybe Saira was right—maybe this was his moment.
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