29. Books and Crushes

Nishant was my first crush in my past life.

We eventually got into a relationship in the final year of our undergrad. It was beautiful—no drama, no fights, no heartbreak. Even our breakup was gentle, like parting ways after a long, thoughtful conversation. I just told him I didn't see it working out long-term, and he understood. We stayed friends. I know some people believe "exes can never be friends," but I've always thought—if a friend can become a lover, why can't a lover return to being a friend?

But all that was in another life.

In this one, Nishant and I were just ninth graders again, our paths only beginning to cross. He had a crush on me in the 9th in the last life, I remembered that clearly. I didn't realize it back then, but now, with everything I know, it all seems so obvious in hindsight. My crush on him came later, in 10th grade. But by then, our sections had changed, and we drifted apart.

I don't know what's going to happen this time. Maybe nothing. Maybe everything. I haven't planned anything—I've learned not to force fate. Let it flow.

I was lost in thought when his voice jolted me back to reality.

"So, love letters already on day one? That was fast," he said with that familiar crooked grin, eyes scanning me like he'd already caught me red-handed.

I turned to him, lifting an eyebrow. "Love letters? Yeah, maybe three. I'm a multitasker."

He blinked, clearly not expecting that. His smile faltered for a second before sliding back into place, though it didn't quite reach his eyes this time. Speechless, huh? That's new.

I leaned in just enough to whisper, "Don't be so shocked. I live with three people at home. Amma, Appa, and my brother. They've all charmed me far more than any guy has so far."

I stepped ahead in the line, tossing my hair back. "Maybe someone will earn a letter someday. But I'm a tough nut to crack."

From behind, I heard him laugh low. He fell into step beside me. "Tough nuts make the best challenges."

I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself.

"We are in the same class in 9th, aren't we?" he asked casually, like he didn't already know.

"Technically, yes. But we didn't officially meet," I replied, keeping my tone breezy.

"So… are you single?" he asked, dropping the question like a pebble into a pond, waiting to see the ripples.

I turned to him, mock serious. "Hi, I'm Nila. What's your name? Isn't that how this conversation was supposed to start?"

His sly smile returned in full force. "Hi, I'm Nishant. Same class. Also, I am currently single, in case that's part of the questionnaire."

I couldn't help it—I laughed. "Why do guys care more about a girl's relationship status than her name in high school?"

"Because names are easy to forget. Crushes… not so much."

I looked away, pretending to be unfazed, though my heart thudded louder than it should have. "Well then, thank you for your concern. I am very much single."

"Noted," he said with mock solemnity.

Before I could reply, the line moved. I was next to collect my books.

"Duty calls," I said, stepping forward with my fee receipt and checklist in hand.

He gave a little salute. "See you back in class, multitasker."

I didn't look back, but I was smiling.

I walked into the storeroom with my book receipt and checklist in hand. The staff member at the counter glanced at the paper, nodded, and took it from me. He scanned the list—a detailed breakdown of every textbook we'd need for the semester. Subject-wise books, the number of notebooks required, and even the record notes. Everything was itemized.

He started handing me the books one by one. I was stacking them carefully when I noticed one of the science books had a torn corner and a water-stained back cover.

"Sir," I asked hesitantly, holding up the damaged book, "if there's a damaged one, can I exchange it?"

He looked mildly surprised but nodded. "Yes, you can bring it back with your receipt. It'll be easier if you come today itself, since we're issuing books only for 9th grade now. That way, we'll have replacements ready."

"Noted, sir. Thank you," I said with a small smile of relief.

He continued marking off the items on my checklist. "Most of your books are here. In addition to your regular textbooks and notebooks, here are five short story books—each one focuses on a character from the Mahabharata. It's a gift from the school."

He handed them over with a faint smile and added, "Also, this one contains all the school prayers and slokams. Usually, no one opens it, but it might come in handy if you're curious."

I nodded, tucking it into the pile.

"Your record books haven't arrived yet. Come back after a month, or we'll inform your class teacher once they're in. Just remember to bring your checklist when you return."

"Got it, sir. Thanks again," I said and turned to leave, my arms full and heart oddly light.

I didn't exchange the damaged science book right away. In my past life, some books looked perfectly fine on the outside but had pages missing or printed twice inside. I'd learned the hard way. This time, I'd rather review everything in class first and then return to the book depot with a proper list for exchange. One trip. No second-guessing.

Soon, everyone had collected their books and started trickling back to class. Only one period had gone by during all the chaos. As we entered, the classroom buzzed with chatter, laughter, and that back-to-school energy. No one seemed to care about what they'd received—bags were tossed aside, and books were already forgotten.

But I had other plans.

I sat at my bench, pulled out my checklist, and began the process. First, I sorted the notebooks—90 pages ruled, 140 pages single-line, the 160-page unruled one for diagrams, and the four 200-page notebooks for math. Once I confirmed the quantities, I put them in the storage compartment under the bench and moved on.

Next came the diary, the short story books on Mahabharata characters, and the slokam book the school had included as a "gift." Most people wouldn't bother, but I wrote my name on the first page of each one before storing them too. No one's going to "accidentally" borrow my books this time.

Then came the real work—textbooks.

I checked the covers for damage—none. Then I flipped through each book page by page, scanning for misprints or missing content. It was time-consuming, yes. But after the mess last time, I wasn't about to be careless.

And just like that, I spotted it.

My Maths book was missing thirty pages. A full section—gone. And the already-damaged Science book? Half the diagrams were printed over text, some questions repeated, and a few chapters looked like they were typed by a distracted ghost. Definitely going back.

I gathered the two defective books and got up to leave. I knew the staff might break for lunch soon, and if I didn't hurry, I'd be stuck with these for a while. As I stepped out of class, I noticed Nishant was suddenly flipping through his own books, his expression turning focused. He'd definitely seen me checking mine.

When I came out of the book depot, he was waiting by the corridor wall.

"Do you mind waiting for me?" he asked casually.

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Of course not. You're my classmate, after all."

"Good. I need to exchange three. I'll be quick." He flashed a grin and disappeared into the room.

He returned a few minutes later, but I noticed he still held the same book with the half-torn cover.

"What happened? Couldn't find a better copy?"

"I forgot my book receipt," he said with a dramatic sigh. "Tragic, isn't it? Now I have to do another heroic run later."

I laughed. "Oh, poor you. Guess you'll get your cardio in today."

He walked beside me as we turned the corner. "How did you even think to check the books so early? Most people wait until class starts."

"Well, I didn't tell you this, but…" I leaned in slightly, smirking. "Books are my all-time crush. They deserve extra attention."

That sly smile of his reappeared. "Tough competition. I don't think anyone can steal their place in your heart."

"Hmm, you never know," I teased. "But for now, I think they're safe."

He chuckled. "Right. But between us—this banter, the teasing—I've got a feeling we're going to become best friends again."

Again.

That word echoed in my mind.

He didn't know the weight it carried. The whole world thought this was our first hello. Only I knew it wasn't.

But I smiled, soft and sure. "Yeah… I think so too."