I wasn't excited for high school. Everyone said it would be full of memories, but I thought it would be boring. New place, new people, and no one I knew.
Worse? I was late on the first day.
By the time I entered the classroom, the introductions were already over. I took a seat at the back, alone. I looked around, watching strangers turn into friends. Laughter filled the room, especially from a noisy group of girls in the front row. I felt invisible.
Then a girl was asked to sit at the back. She scanned the room and chose the empty seat next to me. She smiled softly and sat down.
Her name was Manvi.
We introduced ourselves quickly. I said, "Hi, I'm Aysha. I'm 14. I love to draw, hate studying, but still do it. People say art has no future, but I'll prove them wrong. One day, I'll open my own gallery."
Manvi was the opposite. She didn't draw, didn't have hobbies, but she could sing like magic. Her voice made me feel like my own singing didn't matter. She was so good… so perfect.
That's how our friendship started. Two strangers, sharing a bench, and soon, a bond.