“I…” “Prisha....” “Wow! Krist, you got the perfect timing.” My heart was at ease seeing Kristen coming towards us.“Prisha, you didn’t answer my question,” Aster asked again, sounding desperate.“Um! I am sorry, Aster. Kristen and I got a plan after school,” I refused but deep down I was not feeling good at all but still, I did that.“Are we going somewhere?” with a face beaming K

I was not convinced by her words. “Tell me the truth.”“Why don’t you believe me? I told you the truth. I didn’t call him here.”“Are you sure?” I asked for reassurance.“Of course I am,” she said with full confidence.“Okay, don’t let him see us. Hide your face.”“Why should I hide my face? It is not that he will come to us seeing my face. He will come only if he sees you. So you better cover your face. I am sure he is your Romeo. He even found your favorite cafe and followed us

Tears rolled down my eyes and I was feeling totally helpless. Lowering my head I kept on praying. I recalled every loved one in my life. “How will mom and dad find me? If anything happens to me today will they be able to take it? Will they be able to find Aster the culprit? Will justice be served to me?” In a second my mind was flooded with lots of thoughts.“Prisha…”His sudden call made me flinch and grow more anxious.“What was wrong with your eyes this morning? Did anyone hurt you?”“What? Why is he showing so much concern?” I was astounded, but still, I had no courage to look up at him.Suddenly the car came to halt

“Newt?” I was astounded to see him sitting in the next row close to my seat.“What do you have to say in this regard, Philosopher Prisha? Someone is finally not turning blind eye to you,” I heard Kristen whispering near my ear.I elbowed her. “Shut up.”My eyes were fixed on Newt, not knowing what I was supposed to say. I was trying my best to keep my distance from him, but it seemed like he was against my decision. Or was it just a coincidence? I was not able to figure it out.As I was still on the verge of deciding what I was supposed to do, his face suddenly beamed with a smile. Then in his deep tone questioned, “can we be friends?”I gulped hard as the words got stuck in my

“What are you doing?” I stammered again feeling embarrassed in front of everyone. “What happened to your hand?” he suddenly questioned. “What…” I glanced at my hand and was astounded seeing blue bruises. I had no idea where it came from until I recalled Kirsten’s painful pinch during class. “It’s Kirsten…” “She knocked her hand on the tap unknowingly,” Kristen hastily interrupted.  “What?” Aster and I mumbled in unison. I was not able to understand her.  “She was searching for me at the washroom when she slipped and knocked her hand on the tap.” “What? Slipped? Are you alr