Indhu POV
After the seminar about our science exploration, Aditya and I had a fight.
Of course, it wasn't anything new for us. We always fought.
But usually, either I spoke first… or he did.
This time, neither of us did.
That silence felt strange.
That evening, the sun dipped low, painting the park in soft golden shades as I sat on the swing with Shweta and Charlotte. Charlotte hadn't been there on the day Aditya and I fought, and I could see the curiosity in her eyes.
"Why, Indhu…" she asked gently. "Did you really fight with Aditya?"
I shrugged, pretending it didn't matter. "It's not a big deal, really."
Before I could say more, Shweta leaned closer, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.
"You be quiet. I'll tell you the reason."
I rolled my eyes but stayed silent.
Shweta giggled softly. "It all started when I brought my diary to school. Indhu… you read it, remember? After that, Aditya kept talking in Malayalam, and someone couldn't resist making fun of him."
I laughed softly, feeling my cheeks warm. "Hey! I was just teasing. I said things like… 'I think you have a Malayali girlfriend. I think her name is Navami.'"
"Exactly," Shweta said, smiling. "During the break, everyone joined in teasing him. Later, back in class, you two kept the joke going. He handled it, but by the end of the day, there was a misunderstanding."
I played with the swing chain, looking down.
"Yeah… it wasn't serious. We argued a little. He said he doesn't like anyone, and I… I didn't feel anything either. It was silly."
Charlotte smiled like she already knew the answer.
"So… aren't you going to talk to him?"
I hesitated. "Maybe. I'm not sure."
The three of us swung quietly, the breeze brushing past. Shweta kept teasing about the "Malayali girlfriend," and Charlotte added her own funny comments about how Aditya would never admit anything.
As the sun sank lower, the park grew quieter.
I wanted to talk to Aditya. I wanted to clear it up, laugh about it like we always did.
But the words stayed stuck inside me.
So I just kept swinging, lost in thought, while my friends stayed beside me—letting me be.
The park felt peaceful. Warm. Safe.
I knew I would talk to him eventually.
Just not that night.
The Next Day
The next morning, I sat quietly on a bench, still unsure.
Aditya came and sat behind me.
"You're not going to talk to me, huh?" he asked softly.
I didn't reply.
Again and again, he asked the same question. I stayed silent every time.
Finally, Shweta—who was sitting nearby—turned around, annoyed.
"Why are you doing this? My ears are literally in pain!"
Aditya looked at her. "Then tell her to talk."
Shweta sighed and turned toward me.
"Can you please talk? My ears are literally paining."
I shot her a sharp death glare. She immediately turned away, trying not to laugh.
Still, Aditya didn't stop. He kept asking patiently throughout the entire period.
Finally, I turned back.
"Okay… I'll talk to you."
His face instantly lit up.
"Sorry!"
I smiled. "Sorry too."
Just like that, everything felt normal again—maybe even stronger .
We both laughed, teasing each other like nothing had ever happened.
And for the first time in days, Aditya bought me a Snickers.
I took it from him… then casually pulled out the same chocolate from my pocket and handed it back with a grin.
Our little daily ritual—restored.
Our friendship—sealed once again.