The classroom clock ticked lazily, the slow rhythm matching the energy level of a post-lunch lecture. But Divyanshu's mind wasn't on the lesson. As usual, it was running in a hundred directions—past, future, possibilities, regrets, and imaginary conversations. He rested his chin on his palm and stared outside the window, where the sunlight flickered through the half-drawn curtain.
"Bhai, you look like you're writing a novel in your head again," whispered Aditya, seated beside him. He nudged him with a half-suppressed grin.
Divyanshu turned slowly, blinking as if pulled from a dream. "Huh? Yeah... maybe I am."
Aditya chuckled. "What chapter now? Drama, suspense, ya heartbreak?"
"Overthinking. Always overthinking," Divyanshu muttered.
They both tried to suppress their laughter as the teacher shot a stern glance in their direction. But Aditya's presence, as always, made the day bearable. While Divyanshu lived in his head, Aditya lived in the moment. He was loud, spontaneous, and unfiltered—everything Divyanshu wasn't.
---
After school, the two walked home, their bags slung carelessly over their backs. Their usual route passed through a narrow lane behind the campus where the walls were covered in graffiti, and the neighborhood chaiwala knew their faces too well.
"You know, sometimes I think we're too different to be friends," Divyanshu said suddenly.
Aditya raised an eyebrow. "You had another imaginary fight in your head, didn't you?"
"Not this time," Divyanshu smiled slightly. "I mean… you're always confident, loud, and easy-going. And I... I think 10 times before saying a word."
Aditya paused, thinking. "You're right. You do overthink. Like that time you thought I was mad at you just because I didn't reply to your message for 4 hours."
"Well, you were online," Divyanshu replied defensively.
Aditya laughed. "I was pooping, bro!"
They both burst into laughter, and for a moment, the heaviness in Divyanshu's chest dissolved.
---
Later that night, Divyanshu sat at his desk with his diary open. The page was blank, as always before he started writing. He titled the page:
Chapter 5: The Friendship Equation
He stared at the title, tapping his pen lightly.
"Aditya is loud. I'm quiet.
He speaks first, I think too much.
He walks into a room like he owns it.
I walk in hoping nobody notices me.
But still, somehow, he sees me—actually sees me."
He paused.
"Today he said I live in my own world. He's right.
But maybe I need someone to occasionally knock on the door of that world and say, 'Let's go have chai.'
Maybe that's what real friends do.
They don't pull you out of your world.
They just sit there with you until you feel like coming out yourself."
He closed the diary with a soft sigh, and for once, his thoughts felt lighter.
---
The next morning, as they reached school, Aditya surprised Divyanshu with a handmade badge.
On it was written in bright red sketch pen:
"Certified Overthinker – Handle with Snacks & Patience"
Divyanshu blinked. "You made this?"
"Yup," Aditya grinned. "Now you don't need to explain yourself to people. Just point at the badge."
Divyanshu chuckled. "Thanks, idiot."
"Anytime, Overthinker."
---
That day, something clicked. It wasn't just about being friends. It was about acceptance.
Aditya didn't try to "fix" Divyanshu. He didn't tell him to stop overthinking, to "just chill," or to "act normal."
He just stayed. Laughed. Listened.
And in a world where Divyanshu often felt too much, too weird, too lost—Aditya was the constant that reminded him he wasn't alone.
---
End of Chapter 5