Another Eye

The next day,

He was there in the class,

looking as okay as sunshine.

His white teeth were literally shining today, and the dimple when he smiled was visible even from my bench.

I found myself staring him, a smile spreading across my own face until Preeti poked me in the belly.

"Stop smiling at him," she whispered.

I snapped out of it, realizing mine were visible too.

A new teacher arrived-Miss Nina. She started taking attendance,

but then she said something that made the whole class whisper:

"Everybody, pick up your bags and stand outside the class."

One by one, she began calling names and assigning new seats.

My heart started to race as I realized what was happening. Then, it happened.

"Roll number sixteen, Kash. Come inside and sit on bench number four in row two."

My bench.

I sat down and adjusted my bag, trying to prepare myself because I knew what was coming next.

My body and mind were completely out of balance. I didn't know how to react or how to pretend to be okay.

"Roll number seventeen, Krish. Come in and sit beside Kash."

My soul started trembling. It felt like the coldest day in a harsh winter, yet my face felt hot.

A drop of sweat fell from my hairline, trailing down near my ear. For a moment, I felt like I had left my body.

I didn't even notice him entering; I just wanted to disappear into the wooden bench.

I only came to my senses when he was sitting right next to me.

Dead silence.

I sat there looking straight ahead, feeling like a wooden block placed on a wooden bench.

I saw Preeti looking at me, signaling me to relax. I swear, I tried.

But then the teacher announced:

"This sitting arrangement is permanent now."

And the hope my mind was thinking of... it just burst.

The teacher left the class, and a wave of voices flowed through the room.

Then, a voice I heard near my ear said:

"Hi, Kash."

I was so surprised I stayed still for a moment before managing to reply.

"Hi."

I was stunned by the fact that he knew my name. I was screaming inside.

Try to act normal, Kash.

"So, we are bench-mates now," he said.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Sorry, I know it is awkward for you because we barely talked.

But now, as the situation is, I think we will get along in some time." he said politely

"Yeah, I hope so."I replied

Then his friends called him, and he left the bench after saying, "See you." I nodded again, a real smile on my face this time.

Preeti quickly jumped in and asked for the details.

I zoned out. I didn't know what to say, I didn't know how to react... I didn't know.

Should I scream? Should I worry? Or should I cry?

It feels like the bird in the dark met his sunshine finally...

I hugged her instantly and tears rolled down. She hugged me even tighter.

"You know, he knows my name!" I told her. "He said, Hi, Kash!"

We were both screaming and dancing now.

"Can you believe that?"

Tears and smiles came at the same time. I hugged her again.

"When he speaks, you just want to listen without any disturbance.

The sweetness and the deepness of his voice blends like milk in water. It feels soothing. It makes you relax."

"And you know what? He is such a gentleman. When he sat down, he minded the space so that he didn't make me uncomfortable. He is such a respectful guy."

"Awww, look at you, darling," Preeti said.

"How happy you are! The smile on your face isn't fading for even a second."

"Preeti, he smells so good. I can't even explain it.

It's like the first rain, so refreshing and soothing."

She held me by my shoulders.

"Okay, enough of it now! He's this, he's that... stop now!

I am kind of jealous, bro.

I realized you didn't even mention that you'll miss sitting with me.

Do you even remember we are not sitting together anymore?"

I knew she was just teasing me.

"Aww... my little bestie is jealous," I said, hugging her.

"You are special to me. Nobody can take your place."

"I know," she replied.

As students started entering the class,

she left the bench, saying, "All the best, bro."

Krish walked back and I kind of panicked, suddenly remembering he was my desk-mate now.

I tried to pretend to focus on the book in front of me. The desk vibrated a little when he sat down.

He leaned forward.

"What are you reading?" he asked.

"Ah... um... nothing... just..."

"Okay......" he said while smiling.

How will I survive all the time? I questioned myself.

He folded his arms and looked forward.

I tried to focus on the book, but how could I?

The fragrance of him was teasing my nose again and again.

"Open your books," the teacher said.

I already had mine open.

He was looking for one in his bag, then he leaned forward and asked softly:

"Can we share the book? I think I forgot mine at home."

He was smiling, looking right at me.

How could I refuse to him, I mean how ?

I didn't dare.

"Of course, why not," I said.

"Thanks," he whispered.

I slid the book toward him. He placed his arm on the bench and rested his head on his hand, looking down at the book while maintaining space between us.

...How peaceful he is looking.... One can look at him the whole day. "How mesmerizing". I realized I was staring .

I instantly shifted my gaze back to the book. I could hear the little noise of his breathing.

"Kash, you read further," the teacher called.

I panicked and trembled.

Of course-how in the world would I know where they were reading?

Krish quietly put his finger on the line and smiled a little.

How generous he is...

After reading, I whispered a thank you to him. He smiled in response.

The butterflies in my stomach... I could feel them.

Then, the next teacher made an announcement.

"Students, tomorrow is your PTM. 10 to 1 PM. It is compulsory for all."

Holy shit. That is not what I was waiting for.

On the way home, Preeti and I discussed it, but I didn't have any solution.

I reached home and informed my mother during lunch.

She strictly said, "I am not going to hear any complaints."

I just nodded.

The whole night, I thought about tomorrow.

The next day, me and Preeti reached class and found Krish already there.

When he saw me, he smiled.

I smiled back. Preeti poked me.

I sat down, and that fragrance reached my nose again-the same one.

"Hi," he said.

"Hello," I replied.

"So, your parents are coming?"

"Yeah. Yours?"

"Yes, Dad probably," he answered

"Oh, nice."

We both smiled.

The ritual began.

Preeti's mother entered first. I went to the front to greet her. She hugged me with such warmth; she is such a nice lady, smiling all the time.

I just love her, and I love going to Preeti's place. Her home feels more like "home" than my own.

Then, Krish's father came. They looked so similar.

"My father," he whispered.

He went to greet him. They looked like they had a friendly vibe, a good bond. Looking at them, I remembered my own father.

Suddenly, they both looked at me. I hesitated and bowed my head to greet him from afar.

His father nodded and smiled back. Krish was smiling too.

I don't know why, but it felt good.

Now, I was waiting for the thunder to come.

Krish came back, and I didn't dare ask what he had said to his father about me.

And then... here she comes.

All smiles as she entered the class, but then she saw me sitting next to a boy. The smile faded a little.

She sat in front of the teacher and started talking, smiling and laughing.

Even Krish could read the tension on my face.

"Hey... relax," he whispered.

I looked at him and took a deep breath.

"Kash, come here," the teacher said.

I put myself together and went there, standing straight next to my mother. She was checking my unit test marks.

She looked at the test, then at me.

My marks are not so impressive for my mother, but for me ,they are pretty decent.

The teacher started pointing out my weak points.

"Kash needs to focus more on her calculations, and her participation in class could be better. If she improves these small things, her grades will definitely climb."

"Yes, ma'am," I responded.

Then the moment came.

My mother said,

"Who is that boy sitting next to Kash?"

"Oh, he is Krish, one of the best students in class," the teacher said.

"Actually, I changed their sitting plan. This way, the attendance-taking process is easier and it's a change of environment for the students, too."

"I see," my mother said.

"That's why I am wondering why Preeti is not sitting next to her."

They both laughed.

Then, my mother turned her head back. She looked at Krish and pretended to smile.

He smiled back at her, so innocently.

"If you don't mind, I want to meet him," she said.

"Ofcourse, why not "teacher replied

I looked at her and froze.