Chapter 6: The Confession That Wasn’t

Children's Day preparations had already taken over the school. Posters, banners, and half-done decorations cluttered the corridors, while groups of students chattered excitedly about the upcoming event. But for us, the board year students, there was just one rule—no participation in performances.

"Unfair, man. They are treating us like outsiders," Shazeb muttered as we watched the younger students practice a dance routine in the school grounds.

"Well, at least we get to host the event," I shrugged.

"Oh yeah, totally," he deadpanned. "The grand, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of standing in front of everyone, doing nothing."

Saksham, who had just walked up to us, smirked. "Well, not all of us. Only the chosen ones."

"And by chosen ones, he means himself and Divya," Shazeb added, elbowing me. "The prestigious duo."

I tried to ignore the way my stomach flipped at the mention of her name.

"Good," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "Means I don't have to do anything."

Shazeb shot me a knowing look but said nothing. Instead, he turned to Saksham. "By the way, speaking of chosen ones, I need to tell you something about our dear friend Devi here."

I froze. "No, you don't."

Saksham raised his eyebrows. "Oh? This sounds interesting."

"Bro, don't." I gave Shazeb a warning look.

Shazeb grinned, ignoring me entirely. "Devi here has a little situation—"

"Don't you dare."

"—madly, hopelessly, and completely in love with Divya.""

Saksham blinked. Then smirked. "Oh. Oh."

I sighed, burying my face in my hands. "I hate both of you."

Saksham smirked. "You could've just told me, man."

"Because you totally would not have made a big deal out of it," I muttered.

"Oh, absolutely not. I'm very mature," Saksham said with the most insincere expression I'd ever seen.

Shazeb snorted. "Mature my foot, Saksham. Watch how he reacts when he talks to Divya next time."

"I will be subtle about it."

"Yeah, as subtle as a drumroll before an execution," I groaned.

--- After School ---

"Alright, listen up." Shazeb clapped his hands as we sat on our cycles, getting ready to leave. "Devi, my dear unfortunate friend, you have a crisis. But fear not, for I am here."

I sighed. "I already regret this conversation."

"You need a plan to confess your feelings."

"No, I need peace in life."

"Too bad. Now, I have got some ideas." He grinned. "Option one: You dramatically drop your books in front of her, let her help you, and boom—romantic moment."

Saksham frowned. "That is dumb."

"Fine. Option two: Write her an anonymous letter and sign it as 'Your Secret Admirer'."

Saksham shook his head. "Absolutely not."

Shazeb rolled his eyes. "Fine. Option three: You 'accidentally' leave your notebook with a confession note inside and let fate do the rest."

"That is not fate," I said. "That is stupidity."

Saksham crossed his arms. "Shazeb, these are terrible ideas."

"Hey, I'm just throwing options!"

"Well, stop throwing," I muttered.

--- The Day Before Children's Day ---

Rehearsals were in full swing. The student council was making last-minute arrangements, and I was very carefully avoiding eye contact with her.

Everything was fine.

Until it was not.

Because Saksham told her.

About me.

I did not even know until after school when he casually mentioned it as we were leaving.

"Oh, by the way, I told Divya."

I stopped in my tracks. "You what."

"Told her."

"You WHAT?"

Shazeb burst out laughing. "Oh man, he looks like he's about to pass out."

I grabbed Saksham's arm. "What did she say?"

Saksham shrugged. "Nothing."

"…Nothing?"

"She just listened, gave no reaction, and stayed quiet."

Silence.

A silence so loud it felt deafening.

Then—

"OH GOD, I AM RUINED."

Shazeb wiped tears of laughter from his eyes. "Dude, breathe."

"Why did not she say anything? Was she disgusted? Was she weirded out? Oh my god, I'm never going to school again."

"You're being dramatic," Saksham said, rolling his eyes.

"I WANT TO BE GROUNDED. I WANT TO FALL INTO A HOLE AND NEVER RETURN."

Shazeb patted my back. "Don't worry, buddy. We'll visit your grave."

I glared at him. "Not helping."

Saksham smirked. "Well, we'll find out her reaction tomorrow."

I groaned. Tomorrow.

How was I supposed to survive that long?

That night, I tossed and turned, replaying every possible scenario in my head. What if she laughed at me? What if she told everyone? What if she hated me?

By the time morning came, I had barely slept a wink.

I was not ready for the day.