13

The day began like any other in the bustling corridors of their school. Aditi was already at her desk, her books neatly laid out, and her pen poised to take notes. She exuded an air of calm and focus, her disciplined nature evident in everything she did. Around her, the classroom buzzed with chatter, but Aditi tuned it out, lost in her preparation for the day ahead.

Shruthi, however, was a stark contrast. She burst into the room with her signature energy, her bag slung over one shoulder and an exaggerated scowl on her face. She plopped down into the seat next to Aditi, letting out a dramatic groan.

"I swear, Aditi, if I hear the words 'math quiz' one more time, I might just walk out of school and never come back," Shruthi said, flinging her arms over her head.

Aditi glanced at her, a small smile playing on her lips. "You say that every week, and yet, here you are."

Shruthi gave her a pointed look. "That's only because you keep dragging me back with your superhuman ability to stay calm and actually study. It's unfair, really."

"You wouldn't survive without me," Aditi teased, her eyes twinkling.

"You're not wrong," Shruthi admitted with a grin, leaning back in her chair. "But can we please skip the nerd stuff today? Let's just chill. It's not like anything exciting ever happens in physics class."

Aditi shook her head, though her smile lingered. "You're hopeless."

---

The first period began with their physics teacher striding into the classroom, his presence immediately silencing the chatter. Shruthi slouched in her seat, groaning under her breath.

"Sit up straight," Aditi whispered, nudging her.

Shruthi made a face but complied. "Why do you care so much?"

"Because you'll thank me when you actually understand the material," Aditi replied, turning her attention back to the board.

Shruthi opened her notebook with exaggerated reluctance. Instead of taking notes, though, she began sketching caricatures of their teacher. Aditi caught sight of one—a doodle of the teacher holding a giant ruler—and stifled a laugh.

"You're going to get caught," Aditi murmured, not looking up from her notes.

"Only if you snitch on me," Shruthi shot back, her grin widening.

---

When the bell rang for the break, Shruthi jumped up immediately. "Canteen?"

Aditi hesitated. "We just had breakfast. Do we really need—"

"Yes," Shruthi cut her off, grabbing Aditi's arm. "You, my dear best friend, need to learn to live a little. Let's go. And you have totally changed these days I know you study well but these days you're too distant. Are feeling pressure from your family? You aren't even flirting with me these days"

"Well, that could be a reason, you know right if I don't get best score my parents are going to not let me join where I want and are you complaining that I am not flirting? Do you miss it"

Shruthi feels so bad to see her friend in this situation and she tries to ease her mind. "Don't worry, I'll get you chocolate cake. Who wants you to flirt I was just asking"

The canteen was already buzzing with students when they arrived. Shruthi led the way to their favorite corner table, plopping down with a satisfied sigh. Aditi followed more reluctantly, her disciplined mind already protesting the time they were wasting.

"You need to stop overthinking," Shruthi said, catching Aditi's expression. "This is a break. You're allowed to enjoy it come on take your cake and eat without thinking of anything."

Aditi rolled her eyes but allowed herself to relax. They ordered some cakes and juices, and Shruthi has always been with Aditi in worst and best, she has never judged her. Shruthi talks a lot or never talks at all, she has different personalities. Aditi loves flirting with Shruthi just like any other girlhood. 

Shruthi had a way of making even the most mundane events sound like epic adventures, and Aditi couldn't help but be drawn into her narrative.

---

Back in class, the day continued as usual, with lessons and assignments filling the hours. During a particularly dull history lecture, Shruthi leaned over to Aditi, whispering, "Let's skip the last period and go to the library. We can pretend we're doing research."

Aditi frowned. "We can't just skip class, Shruthi."

"Why not? It's not like we'll miss anything important," Shruthi argued.

"Because it's against the rules," Aditi said firmly.

Shruthi groaned. "You and your rules. Fine, we'll stay. But if I fall asleep, it's on you."

Aditi shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. Shruthi's antics could be exhausting, but they also made the monotony of school life a little more bearable.

---

As the day wound down, the two friends found themselves sitting on the steps outside the school building, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The golden light cast a warm glow over everything, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

"You know," Shruthi said finally, breaking the silence, "I don't say it often, but I'm glad I have you."

Aditi turned to her, surprised by the sudden seriousness in her tone. "What brought that on?"

Shruthi shrugged, her usual bravado giving way to a rare moment of vulnerability. "I don't know. I guess I just realized how much you put up with me. And how much I'd hate school if you weren't here."

Aditi smiled, her heartwarming at the admission. "I'm glad I have you too, Shruti. You make life... interesting."

"Interesting?" Shruthi repeated, feigning offense. "I'll have you know, I'm the best thing that's ever happened to you."

Aditi laughed, the sound light and carefree. For all her teasing, Shruthi wasn't wrong. Their friendship was a constant in her life, a source of strength and joy that she knew she could always rely on.

As the sky darkened and the first stars appeared, Aditi felt a rare sense of contentment. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew she could face them—as long as Shruthi was by her side.