"How much longer will it take to reach school? This new school is really far, man. I'm tired," I asked Ajay.
"Just 20 more minutes, then we'll reach," Ajay replied.
You must be wondering who I am. Well, I'm the main character of this story. My name is Harsh, and this is my cousin Ajay. This year, I got admission into a government school because I've entered 9th grade. In India, people say that doing classes 9 to 12 in a government school is better.
But government school exams are hard. Not that it's a problem for me—I've always been good in academics since childhood.
The real problem is something else. In my previous school, my behavior wasn't exactly the best. And if I continue like that in this school, it won't go well for me. I've heard that government schools have a lot of fights. It's not like I'm scared of fighting—I had quite a reputation for it in my old school.
But what happens here… can't really be called just fights. It's something far more dangerous.
Can I really survive here?
Anyway, let me continue with the story.
I don't remember the exact date, but it was sometime in August 2020. I still remember—it was a scorching hot day, the sun was right above our heads. Yet the school faculty made us stand in the playground. But it was okay because it was the opening day ceremony.
First, they started telling us about the school—its achievements, reputation, rules, and a bunch of other stuff. Then they began announcing the classrooms.
"My class is 9th Section E," one of the teachers shouted. "Room number 310."
I was fuming in my head—"310? That means third floor?! So many stairs to climb…"
I reached the classroom and sat down. Since it was the first time schools had reopened after the COVID lockdown, we were asked to strictly follow social distancing. About 10 minutes later, the bell rang—but the teacher still hadn't arrived.
Just then, a boy walked into the classroom. Since all the seats were taken, he came up to me and asked, "Can I sit with you?"
I said, "Yeah, sure. Sit."
And that's how I met my new friend—Aryan Mansoori.
He's a Muslim, but I don't believe in religious discrimination. I truly consider him a close friend.
He told me a lot about the school—he had been studying there since 6th grade. He introduced me to some new people too. I asked him, "Is it true that there are a lot of fights in this school?"
He replied, "Yes, it's true. But don't worry—if anything happens, just tell me. I'll be with you. I'll even call Shibu."
I asked, "Shibu? Who's that?"
Then he told me about Shibu—the most feared guy in school. His elder brother also studied here. But when his brother was in 10th, a teacher once hit him and told him to bring his father to school. In a fit of rage, Shibu's brother Sahil hit that teacher and even threatened the principal saying, "Do whatever you want."
He then bunked school and left.
After that incident, he was expelled. Later, Sahil tried to pursue photography as a career—but even that didn't last long. He's been in jail multiple times. A lot of people know about him.
I nervously asked, "He actually went to jail? I might meet this Shibu someday?"
Aryan said, "Yes. If I see him at school, I'll definitely introduce you."
And that was how my first day at the new school ended.
Next day...
I was sitting on the same bench, waiting for Aryan. But once again—he was late.
About 30 minutes later, he arrived and introduced me to a new guy—Nikhil.
He said, "He lives somewhere near your area."
I replied, "Oh, alright."
Then the maths teacher walked into the class.
"Today, we'll have a surprise test," she announced.
I answered all the questions correctly. The teacher was really happy and even praised me in front of everyone.
After the maths period, the lunch break began. We were still sitting in the class when Nikhil turned to Aryan and asked, "How's your girlfriend?"
I immediately reacted, "Aryan! You have a girlfriend?!"
Aryan quickly said, "No, no, he's just messing around."
Nikhil smirked and said, "Then who is Sneha?"
Aryan said, "She's just a friend."
I teased him, "Bro, who is she? Show me at least once!"
He replied, "She just passed by the corridor behind us. She'll be back soon."
We waited for her to return. As soon as she came near, I said, "This is Sneha? She lives in my neighborhood!"
Both of them were shocked.
And just like that, our third day at school came to an end.