The First Connection
When the girl starts looking for a seat, all the boys begin making empty space for her.
Some of them quickly clean their benches, hoping she'll sit with them. Others—even those who already have partners—push their partners off just to free up a spot beside them.
But the girl… sits beside me.
Everyone starts staring at me—some with curiosity, others with a mix of anger and jealousy.
Inside my mind, I speak to myself:
"Why did she sit beside me? I'm sure I'll lose my privacy now…"
The girl turns to me with a smile and says,
"Hello, my name is Prapti .I'm kind of a quiet and simple girl, but I really enjoy talking. I also have a lot of interest in mysteries."
I smile back and give her my introduction.
"I'm Rahat."
She notices I'm wearing gloves in this hot summer, which is definitely strange. She wants to ask about them, but just as she's about to—
—the teacher walks in, and she misses her chance.
During the lunch break, she starts looking for me and eventually finds me on the rooftop, lost in thought.
She walks closer and says,
"Hey, what are you thinking about so deeply?"
I reply,
"Nothing much… just thinking about today's work that I need to go to."
She looks confused for a second, then suddenly lights up in excitement.
"Wow! You work? But… I have a question—why?"
I sigh with sadness and answer,
"I have no one who can take care of me. My father died before I was born. My mother passed away a few years ago… and I lost someone precious, also a few years back."
In my mind, I quietly say:
"But… maybe now I have someone."
She sighs softly in sadness.
But then, she becomes serious and asks,
"I have a question. Why do you wear those gloves in this hot summer?"
I reply,
"It's a long story… and I don't want to talk about it. Sorry."
Her expression falls a little—but then she suddenly perks up and asks,
"Can I come see your work?"
I'm shocked.
"Why?"
She smiles.
"Because you have something that's unique. And yeah… can I be your friend?