Chapter 1
September 2016
Anvika was getting ready for her first day at Vedha Ventra Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Tiruppur. After returning from her hostel in Erode due to health issues, she had transferred to this school to continue the same academic year.
"Anvika! Anvika! It's already time! Come here, let me braid your hair. Your sister has to get ready for college too, so be quick!" her mother called from the hall.
"Coming, Amma!" Anvika replied.
As her mother neatly braided her hair, she smiled and said,
"Anvi, study well. Don't get into any trouble. If anything happens, tell Appa or me immediately, okay?"
"Okay, Amma," Anvika replied.
Although she answered, her thoughts were elsewhere.
How will this new school be? Will everything be alright?
She let out a deep sigh.
I escaped from this place once... and now I'm back to the same prison. Once again... Tiruppur.
Oh God... help me survive this. I don't even know if I believe in you, but I still hope you'll protect me.
Her father dropped her off at school on his bike.
"All the best, Anvi," he said with a reassuring smile.
She forced a smile, adjusted her backpack, and walked towards the school gate.
Standing before the entrance of Vedha Ventra Matriculation Higher Secondary School, she took a deep breath.
"Here we go..."
The principal welcomed her warmly before introducing her to the school's Discipline Coordinator, Mr. Karan.
"Mr. Karan will take you to your classroom."
Karan nodded with a smile and led her to Class XI-B (Bio-Maths).
As they entered the classroom, every student's eyes turned towards the new girl.
"Good morning, everyone," Karan said.
"We have a new student joining us today."
Anvika stepped forward nervously.
"Good morning, everyone. My name is Anvika. I recently transferred from a school in Erode due to health reasons. It's nice to meet you all."
The class greeted her warmly.
She quietly walked to the first bench and sat down.
Although every face around her was unfamiliar, she tried her best to maintain her composure.
The girls sitting beside her smiled warmly.
"Hi, Anvi! We're happy to have you here. If you need anything, just ask us."
A small smile appeared on Anvika's face.
"Thank you."
Before another conversation could begin, Karan sir returned.
"Everyone, please stand up. We have an important session on Mental Health in the auditorium."
Anvika blinked.
Seriously...? First day itself, a mental health lecture? Maybe the school already knows I'm the problem.
Trying not to overthink it, she followed the class towards the auditorium.
As she entered the large hall, she quietly found a seat.
Please don't fall asleep, Anvi...
Sleeping during a lecture on your very first day would be the most embarrassing thing ever.
Stay awake... just stay awake...
The session continued for nearly an hour.
As everyone walked back towards their classrooms, Anvika suddenly slowed her steps.
A few familiar faces caught her attention.
Wait... aren't they my 10th-grade classmates?
Her eyes widened for a brief moment.
What are they doing here...?
They had already noticed her.
Yet...
None of them smiled.
None of them greeted her.
For a brief second, their eyes met.
They're... pretending they don't know me?
Not wanting to make things awkward, Anvika simply looked away and walked past them as if they were strangers.
One question refused to leave her mind.
Why did they pretend they didn't know me?
