School Life Intrigues

The next morning, Amarasinghe Arjun Reddy arrived at School with a plan to maintain a low profile. Despite his best intentions, his newfound confidence and enigmatic demeanor continued to draw attention.

Walking down the hallway, he noticed how conversations hushed and heads turned as he passed. Some students admired him; others whispered behind his back.

"Did you hear? He's back after all that happened."

"They say he's super rich now. Imagine living in that estate."

Arjun smirked, brushing off the chatter. He had more important things to focus on.

An Unexpected Test

The day started with a surprise math test. While most of the class groaned in dismay, Arjun welcomed the challenge. Thanks to his advanced knowledge and previous life's experiences, the test felt trivial.

When the teacher announced that he had scored the highest, the class erupted in murmurs.

"Looks like you've been studying more than usual," Siri remarked during the break, her tone half-teasing.

Arjun leaned back in his chair, an amused glint in his eyes. "Let's just say I like staying ahead of the game."

Pavitra, sitting next to her sister, added, "It's impressive, really. You're not the same Arjun we knew before."

Arjun shrugged. "People grow up. Sometimes faster than they expect."

Lunchtime Confessions

During lunch, Arjun found himself at the twins' table again. They seemed eager to get to know him better, and he allowed it, recognizing an opportunity to build connections.

"Why don't you ever talk about your family?" Pavitra asked hesitantly.

Arjun's expression softened. "Because it's not an easy topic to discuss. But... let's just say I had to grow up faster than most people my age."

Siri placed her hand on his, surprising him with the gesture. "If you ever want to talk, we're here."

Their sincerity caught him off guard, but he nodded in acknowledgment. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

The Sports Challenge

Later in the afternoon, the boys in the class challenged Arjun to a game of basketball. Although he hadn't played in years (technically decades), his athletic abilities surprised everyone.

"Where did you learn to play like that?" one of the boys asked after Arjun scored the winning basket.

Arjun grinned. "Let's just say I've had a lot of practice."

The twins watched from the sidelines, clearly impressed. Siri clapped enthusiastically. "Looks like you're good at more than just academics."

"You'll find I'm full of surprises," Arjun replied, shooting her a playful wink.

After-School Bonding

As the school day ended, Siri and Pavitra invited Arjun to join them for ice cream at a nearby café. He agreed, intrigued by their dynamic.

At the café, the conversation flowed effortlessly. The twins shared stories about their family, revealing that their father was a wealthy industrialist with high expectations for them.

"And what about you?" Siri asked, leaning forward. "What are your plans, Arjun?"

Arjun took a sip of his coffee, his gaze steady. "To make the most of what I have and ensure I never lose what matters again."

Pavitra's eyes widened at his conviction. "That's... intense."

"Life is intense," Arjun replied.

A Growing Bond

As they parted ways, Siri handed Arjun her number. "In case you need someone to talk to—or play basketball with."

Pavitra smiled shyly. "We're glad you're back, Arjun."

Driving back to the Amarasinghe Estate, Arjun reflected on the day. The twins were intriguing, no doubt, but he remained cautious.

When he arrived home, Saumya Ananya Chowdary greeted him with a warm smile. "How was your day?"

"Eventful," Arjun said with a chuckle. "School is... interesting."

Ananya smirked, noticing the faint smile that lingered on his face. "Seems like you enjoyed yourself."

Arjun didn't deny it.