Me and Nitesh were sitting in class when a group of girls walked in. There were four of them — Neetu, Saniya, Sakshi, and Divya.
I already knew Neetu, Sakshi, and Divya from last year. Divya happened to be Aakansha's childhood friend.
Since there was still some time before class started, the girls came over and started talking to us. We exchanged some questions, just casual chatter.
Then Nitesh asked Saniya, "Do you live in Delhi, or did you come from another city?"
Saniya replied, "Yes, I'm an outsider. I'm from Haryana, and I came here for studying."
Class started, but that day Neetu didn't sit beside me. She chose to sit with the other girls at the last bench.
Next Day
When Nitesh and I entered the classroom, we saw the girls sitting on my seat, eating snacks. I asked them to leave, but they refused. In a mix of ego and stubbornness, I decided to sit with them.
Then Saniya asked Neetu, "Do you want to sit beside Harsh?"
Neetu ignored her.
During class, Saniya turned to me and asked, "When's your birthday?"
I replied, "18th September."
She said, "Okay, I'll note it in my calendar app."
Nitesh was quietly listening to our conversation. After class, he nudged me and said, "Maybe Saniya likes you."
I shrugged it off. "I love Neetu," I said.
Sunday – Extra Class
I woke up late and texted Nitesh, "I'm going to be late, don't wait for me."
When I reached tuition, I found Neetu, Saniya, and Nitesh talking together. I joined them.
Curious, I asked, "What are you talking about?"
Nitesh grinned. "We have a surprise for you. Just wait till class ends."
I tried to get a hint. "At least tell me… for what occasion?"
"They just smiled mysteriously. 'You'll know soon.'"
After class, the girls left before us. I called out, "What's the surprise?"
They just walked away.
I turned to Nitesh. "At least give me a hint."
He said, "Come with me. We're going to the park."
At the park, I noticed the girls were already there. As I walked toward them, they walked toward me.
I was so confused about the surprise… until Neetu came close, knelt down, and whispered, "I… I… I love you, Haaarshhh~~!"
I felt my heart leap. "Okay… I love you too."
Neetu smiled mischievously. "Huh? I was expecting more words ."
I stammered, "Um… mmm…"
She laughed softly. "Okay, fine, I'm leaving."
Then Saniya and Neetu left.
I was so happy that I started dancing in the park. Nitesh secretly recorded it. After a while, we walked back home. That day, I reached home smiling and fell asleep in the afternoon, still grinning.
In Evening
Later, my mom woke me up. "Nitesh is outside. Go and meet him," she said.
I found him waiting and asked, "What's the matter?"
"We're going somewhere. Get ready," he replied.
I was skeptical. "Where?"
"It's a surprise."
I groaned. "Isn't one surprise enough for today?"
I wore a white shirt with black lining and followed Nitesh.
I asked, "Are we going to our tuition?"
"Yes," he said. "Neetu asked me to bring you to the park."
When we reached, Neetu and Saniya were already there, along with Divya and Sakshi. I went straight to Neetu, and she took me to a bench.
Neetu looked at me, her eyes searching mine. "Why didn't you say anything this morning when I confessed?"
I shrugged, a little embarrassed. "I… I'm bad at expressing myself. Please don't mind it."
She smiled faintly. "I already knew that. Nitesh sent me the video of you dancing after I left the park… I could see how happy it made you."
I felt my face warm. "Well… it did. Really."
Neetu tilted her head, studying me carefully. "Harsh… when did you start liking me?"
I hesitated for a moment, then said honestly, "When Ankit mocked you with the stolen book… at that moment, I saw an innocence on your face I couldn't ignore. That's when I realized I liked you."
Neetu seemed thoughtful, absorbing my words. Then, my attention shifted — I noticed Saniya walking toward the park gate. Ankit was waiting there on his bike. She climbed onto it, and they rode off together.
I turned to Neetu, confused. "Why are they going together?"
She looked calm. "You don't know the whole story."
"Please, tell me," I urged.
She sighed and began explaining. "This morning, we were all sitting together in class. Then Nitesh asked Saniya, 'Do you like Harsh?'"
Saniya quickly replied, "Nooooo! What makes you think that?"
Nitesh grinned. "You asked for his birthday yesterday in class."
Neetu's eyes narrowed, looking at Saniya sharply. "You asked for his birthday?"
Saniya's voice cracked. "Y-yes… I asked him… but you already know I love Ankit. Trust me, I'll never lay my eyes on Harsh that way."
Nitesh looked at Neetu knowingly. "So… you like someone, right?"
Neetu hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, I do."
Nitesh raised an eyebrow. "Is it… Harsh?"
Neetu opened her mouth, then Saniya cut in before she could speak: "Yes… she did."
Neetu glanced at Saniya, confused. "Why, Saniya?"
Nitesh leaned forward, his grin wide. "Neetu, one more time. You like Harsh?"
"Yes, I do," she said firmly.
Nitesh chuckled. "Then why wait until now? Go and ask him out."
Neetu looked at Nitesh , her expression a mix of nervousness and determination. "Does he… like me too?"
Nitesh smirked. "You'll know when you ask him."
I couldn't stop smiling. My heart felt like it was about to burst. Everything that had happened today — from the confession in the park to hearing Neetu admit she liked me — felt surreal.
The four of them chatted and joked for a little while longer, but I could barely focus on anything except Neetu. For the first time, I realized that today wasn't just another day at tuition or in the park. Today… today had changed everything.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the park, I knew one thing for certain — I was happier than I had ever been in my life.
"And deep down, I couldn't wait for what would come next… little did I know, more surprises were just around the corner."