Chapter 7: The Reunion

By the time I arrived, most people were already there.

The room buzzed with chatter and the smell of paneer tikka, but the moment I entered, everything went quiet. It was as if I’d brought a storm with me.

As soon as I walked in, the room fell silent.

All eyes turned to me—some curious, some sympathetic, others just uncomfortable. I set my bag down, forcing my back straight.

I sat alone in the seat closest to the door, putting away my smile.

It was safer that way. The old habit of shrinking into the background returned instantly.

The class prefect pushed up his glasses and broke the silence. "Neha, you came?"

His voice was gentle, but there was an undercurrent of surprise. The way he adjusted his spectacles reminded me of our old class monitor days.

I nodded.

He smiled, relieved, and motioned for the waiter to bring tea.

A girl I’d never gotten along with, Ritika, clicked her tongue sarcastically. "Arre, look who’s finally shown her face—Miss Toppers! Kya Neha, you still think you’re too good for us? Someone warn Arjun—he’d better not show up today..."

She always had a sharp tongue, and she tossed her hair as she spoke, looking at her friends for approval. Some things never change.

No one knew why I dropped out back then, but everyone knew I liked Arjun and had given him a gift.

Rumours had swirled for months—some said I’d run off with a boy, others whispered about a family scandal. Only the gift was common knowledge, the details twisted by gossip.

The girl next to Ritika tugged her sleeve, trying to stop her.

She looked uncomfortable, eyes darting towards me, as if silently apologising.

The class prefect frowned. "Enough, Ritika. Arjun’s been looking for Neha for eight years. If you tell him, he’ll just be happy!"

He sounded irritated, protective even. The room tensed further.

Ritika snorted, laughing. "Arjun’s just too nice. Who knew you’d have to apologise for not liking someone..."

She rolled her eyes, making a face. The others exchanged glances, unsure whether to laugh or stay quiet.

"Looking for eight years just to apologise to Neha!"

She said it like it was the biggest joke. My hands clenched under the table.

"Is it wrong not to like someone? Everyone knows Neha was humiliated by Arjun and transferred. You make it sound like Arjun liked her!"

The old wound opened afresh. I felt heat rise to my cheeks, but kept my face blank.

"Doesn’t Arjun already have someone he likes? I heard she’s rich and beautiful. Besides her looks, what does Neha have that’s worth remembering? A disabled father, a dirt-poor family, nothing at all."

The words stung. My throat closed up, but I refused to let her see me cry.

"That’s enough..."

Someone muttered, trying to stop the spiral. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut.

The more Ritika spoke, the more out of line she got. Everyone else frowned.

Some of the boys looked away, embarrassed. The air felt heavy, the way it does before a thunderstorm.

I stood up, not angry. "I’m not staying for dinner, so don’t worry about your appetite. I just wanted to see everyone—now I have, so I’ll go."

My voice was steady, even polite. The words came out clearer than I expected. I reached for my bag, head held high.

With that, I pulled open the door and walked out.

The echo of my sandals on the marble floor was the only sound. I felt their eyes on my back as I left.

The class prefect chased after me, grabbing my hand, his face serious. "Arjun really has been looking for you for eight years. Won’t you wait for him?"

He looked genuinely worried. His grip was gentle but insistent, as if he could keep me from disappearing again.

Arjun’s face flashed in my mind—so handsome, with beautiful eyes.

I remembered the way he laughed, the mischief in his eyes, the tilt of his smile. For a moment, I almost faltered.

But whenever he looked at me, there was no warmth, just a mocking smile at the corner of his mouth.

That same old pain returned, sharp and cold. The memory was a wound that never healed.

I shook my head and smiled. "I’m in a hurry. If you see him, please tell him I’m sorry. Really... very sorry."

My smile trembled at the edges. "Tell him... it’s all in the past."

The class prefect stood there, stunned.

He let go of my hand slowly, watching as I melted into the crowd outside.