Chapter 4: Rejection and a New Beginning

I didn’t see Arjun again that day. I never got the chance to apologise. The next morning during self-study, his friend came to move his desk.

The boy gave me an awkward smile, shuffling his feet and avoiding my eyes, as if he was carrying a dangerous secret. 'Uh, Arjun bhaiya said he felt sick yesterday and is taking three days off. I’m just helping him change seats…'

He mumbled quickly, like he couldn’t wait to get away from me, the ‘bad luck’ girl. He caught my numb gaze and added, 'It’s not because of you. Don’t overthink it.'

His words were meant to be kind, but they tasted sour. He hurried away. I blinked back the sting in my eyes, refusing to let tears fall. The classroom felt colder, the ceiling fans churning old air, mixing my sadness with the smell of chalk and uniforms.

Why is it that just because I eat half a plate more, or take an extra samosa, I have to be hated? I remembered all the times I skipped lunch, the hungry nights dreaming of forbidden sweets. Was it really such a crime to want more?

I looked at my chubby hands, flesh pressing against itself, and decided I would never dream of being a princess again. The bangles on my wrist dug into my skin. No more fairy tales, no more hoping for miracles.

Arjun returned three days later, his arm draped around the class beauty’s waist. The room buzzed with excitement. Girls straightened dupattas, boys puffed out chests, teachers peeked in with knowing smiles.

Riya, the dance student, floated in, her ponytail swinging, uniform perfect. Me, Priya: shirt a little tight, skirt bunching, hair untamed, socks drooping. The PT monitor teased, 'Arjun bhaiya, the iron tree has finally bloomed~~' Laughter followed. 'Is it real this time?' Riya pouted, 'What do you mean? Am I the kind of girl who’d let someone hold my waist so casually?' Her voice was sweet as mithai, eyes sparkling with mischief. Arjun just raised his eyebrows, hand still on her waist.

Everyone cheered and congratulated them. I lowered my head, ink smudging my workbook as I forced myself to focus. Thankfully, no one brought up what happened, and no one mocked me anymore. The silence was a relief.