Chapter 1: Divya, Not Devi !!

"He there, behind that rock at 150 north, let's go, rush-rush!"

The familiar voice sent us all into action. My fingers tightened around the controller as we rushed forward. Gunfire erupted, bullets flying all over the screen. In just a few seconds, the fight turned into an absolute chaos.

"Bro, what the hell?! You said there was only one guy!" Saksham shouted frustration was clear in his voice.

"I never said that! You just anticipated it," Shazeb shot back, smashing buttons like his life depended on it.

"Then why did you tell us to rush? They also had an airdrop loot! One of them had AWM!!" I added, already regretting the decision to rush.

"Devi, shut up! Just because I said 'rush' doesn't mean you should attack like a noob. How was I supposed to know what kind of loot they had?"

"Anyway, because of your foolish command, I have got a negative rating and dropped back to Platinum," Saksham protested dramatically, throwing his mobile on the bed.

"Alright, let's play safe next round—"

"Can't," I interrupted. "I have to go to the market. And besides, our school starts tomorrow. Did you guys get your section lists?"

Saksham sighed. "Yes, my father got a message. I'm in 12-A. What about you guys?"

"12-C," Shazeb replied. "It seems like. They'd never put me in the same section as Saksham. I might ruin their topper group."

I checked my phone and sighed. "I'm in 12-C too."

Shazeb chuckled through the mic. "Well, at least you won't be alone."

A moment of silence settled over us. Despite our casual tones, there was an unease we weren't telling.

"I swear, if they had split us up too, I would've protested outside the principal's office," Shazeb murmured.

Saksham exhaled loudly. "Damn, man. The final year of school, and they just shuffle us like we're pieces on a chessboard."

"Isn't that strange?" I added. "We have always been together. Without you guys, I can't image sitting in a classroom.

Shazeb coughed, although his tone carried a note of forced informality. "There's no doubt that it won't be the same."

 "We knew this was about to happen," Saksham said, trying to sound reasonable, but even he could not hide the disappointment in his voice. "Still sucks, though."

Shazeb let out a loud sigh. "I believe we should make an agreement."

Saksham: "An agreement?"

 "Yes. No matter what, no one is going to be replaced. Even if classes get boring, we will always meet for lunch, bunk classes together— you know, keep the tradition alive."

I smiled. "That actually sounds like a decent idea."

Saksham grinned. "What, like a friendship contract?"

"Exactly! "Like a blood pact," Shazeb said boldly.

I laughed. "All right, my drama queen, calm down. Somehow, we'll make it through.

 "By the way, did you guys hear? We're getting a transfer student this year," Saksham mentioned casually.

Shazeb chuckled. "Oh yes? Let's hope she's hot."

I rolled my eyes. Typical Shazeb.

"Okay, see you tomorrow," I said, logging off.

The next morning, the scent of blooming mogra flowers filled the air as I was pedaling my bicycle down the narrow school lane. The warm April sun, casted a golden glow over everything, making the morning feel bizarrely peaceful. My school tie, lazily wrapped around my handle, flapped with every turn of the pedal.

The sight of the school gate—tall iron gate,—sent a familiar nervous flutter through my stomach. It was not the first day of school, but it felt like one. New classes, new sections….. 

As I parked my cycle, I saw Shazeb already inside, lazily leaning against the corridor wall. The moment he saw me, he grinned and tossed a toffee towards me. It landed on my shoulder before bouncing to the floor.

"Nice reflexes, loser."

I picked it up and unwrapped it. "I hate you."

"I love me too."

Before I could respond, someone called my name. "Devi !"

That was the moment when it happened.

A girl passing by us suddenly turned her head, surprised. Her eyes, large and curious, met mine. And for a second, the world slowed down.

She was beautiful.

Tall, long black hair tied in a loose ponytail, a few curls escaping to frame her face. Her skin was fair, glowing under the soft morning light. But it was her eyes that held me—calm, deep, and filled with confidence.

She glanced at me, then at Shazeb, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. And then, realized.

"Oh," she murmured, a small, amused smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You were not calling me? By the way, I'm Divya, not Devi."

Her voice was soft but it carried an effortless charm.

I wanted to say something—anything—but my mind had stopped functioning. My heart was pounding like an over-caffeinated drummer at a rock concert. My brain short-circuited. Should I say something? No, my mouth refused to move. Should I look away? Too late—I was already frozen like an idiot.

She smiled once more before turning away and walking off, her ponytail swaying slightly as she disappeared into the crowd of students heading to their classrooms. It was not a big smile—just a small curve at the corner of her lips, amused yet effortless like she was a master in turning awkward moments into something beautiful.

Shazeb elbowed me hard. "Dude."

Saksham, who had just arrived, looked between me and the retreating girl. "What just happened?"

Shazeb smirked. "Our boy just fell in love."

My face turned red. "Shut up."

Saksham looked at me. "Wait a second… isn't she in our class?"

Shazeb snapped his fingers. "Oh yes! She is in 12-C. She is the transferred one, right? I had never imagined Shivangi's Cousin to be this beautiful…she is flawless."

My heart pounded again. So she was not just some passing stranger. She was our classmate.

I swallowed. This has got a lot more complicated.

But even as I said it, my mind refused to let go at that moment. The way she had turned. The confusion turned into a smile. The way her voice had lingered, like an echo in my thoughts.

It was stupid, unrealistic, and Just a random misunderstanding.

And yet, I could not shake the feeling that something had shifted. Like the first page of a new story had been turned.