Love Before Graduation

After that Nami and I did not bother to talk to Suhina. And neither did she.

The day dragged on like the breaths of a sick man, and the last bell announced death.

I went out – the cold wind slapped me on the face.

Freedom felt like a prisoner breathing air after years.

"Suhina has shown herself today," I said through clenched teeth, tapping my fingers on the bag.

Nami swallowed her saliva. "She thinks the world will turn on her lap."

Her voice was full of disgust.

I clenched my fists. "I let you go today... next time I will tear your hair and give it to you."i said, shaking my hand, as if i was really ready to do anything now.

Nami pushed me lightly while laughing. "Go home sister, don't waste your time."

She walked away waving her hand at the bus stop. "Bye," I said, but my mind was already somewhere else.

As soon as I entered the bus, I took a seat near the window.

I kept looking at the world outside as if I was looking for a cure for my anger.

My fingers kept dancing on the glass - Suhina's play, Arin's letter - everything kept dissolving into a frenzy.

I put my forehead against the cold window.

A fire was burning inside, which was refusing to die down.

________________________________________

The next day.

As soon as I entered the class, I felt as if I had fallen into a dry well.

The lecture was going on. Miss Sharma was telling stale stories of the Mughals.

The moisture was creating all sorts of absurdities on my notebook.

I was in a half-heard, half-unheard world.

Just then —

Suhina bowed her head, twisted her hair in her fingers and mumbled in her fake sweet voice,

"Aira, are you even able to understand anything? Or are you obsessed with Arin's notes?"

I raised my head, glared at her.

"Are you jealous? If you want, I can get you the notes too."

There was whispering in the class, chairs rattled.

A fake smile crept up on Suhina's fake lips.

"Oh please. I don't want others' alms. I have come to study, not to steal notes."

Miss Sharma roared, "Both of you keep quiet!"

Her voice had also become a part of this stale atmosphere.

I leaned back on the chair and smiled.

"See, Suhina? The teacher also knows who the real troublemaker is."

A fountain of laughter burst out in the class. Suhina's face was covered in anger, but she knew her place—she was not one to give in easily.

The lunch bell rang.

The kids ran out as if someone had opened the prison doors.

I was packing my bags when Nami nudged me.

"Look sister, the snake is crawling away."

I raised my head.

Suhina, wearing her disgusted innocence, walked towards Arin's desk.

"Arin, can I get two minutes?"

She made a sound like a goat bleating before it is slaughtered.

Arin looked up indifferently.

"What is it?"

Suhina deliberately raised her voice so everyone could hear,

"I was thinking about Aira. She is... being a little too friendly with you."

My mind went blank.

What stupid game was this girl playing?

Arin looked at me for a moment, then looked back at Suhina.

"What do you mean?"

Suhina took a deep breath, as if she was going to tell me a very serious truth.

"When Aira wants something, she gets closer. I was just warning you."

I was about to burst out laughing -

What a drama it was!

Nami whispered, "She should get an Oscar."

Arin looked at Suhina for a moment like one looks at the gutter cover.

Then he turned the book.

"Cool. It's not my problem."

I suppressed my laughter.

Nami covered her mouth with her hand.

Suhina said with a reluctant laugh,

"I just thought I'd tell you."

And as she walked away she hissed in my ear,

"Enjoy it while you can."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry. I was born into this game."

But deep inside

A river of fire was flowing.

Suhina had started the game.

Now it was my turn to show her her place.