Chapter 4: Small Talk and Missed Chances

Someone noticed me.

A guy with a half-eaten samosa pointed. “Kabir, Mumbai University is a sure thing for you, right?”

Ananya heard this and turned to look, clearly interested in my answer.

She raised an eyebrow, almost challenging me. The sudden attention made my hands fidgety—I started playing with the rim of my paper cup. I tried to look cool, but my knee bounced under the table.

Meeting her gaze, my heart skipped a beat. “Not sure yet.”

I tried to sound casual, but my voice cracked ever so slightly.

“Don’t be so modest. If you don’t get into Delhi University, Mumbai University is definitely yours,” the classmate said confidently.

“Yeah, Kabir, don’t act so humble! We all know you’re a topper,” someone chimed in, nudging me playfully.

“Thanks, but I’ll have to wait for the results.” I smiled politely.

Inside, I was praying they’d just move on and talk about cricket or movies or literally anything else.

When I looked back, Ananya was still watching me. I tried to calm my pounding heart and looked away awkwardly.

She gave a small, knowing smile, like she could read my mind. I focused very hard on my shoes.

After a while, she chuckled. “Didn’t do well on the board exams?”

I wasn’t sure if she was talking to me. I glanced over—she was still looking right at me.

I froze, then pointed at myself. “You mean me?”

She smiled. “Who else?”

Her voice was teasing, almost playful. For a second, it felt like we were friends. Maybe even something more?

I glanced around—everyone else had drifted off to play games. Only she and I remained in the corner.

I felt a bit embarrassed. “I did… okay.”

She frowned. “Was it maths that tripped you up?”

I was surprised she even knew about my maths struggles.

I nodded. “Yeah.”

It was my secret shame, but she said it so matter-of-factly, I almost laughed.

She seemed to think for a moment. “What’s your estimated total score?”

Her eyes narrowed in mock seriousness, like she was the invigilator and I was being grilled before the results.

I replied, a little uncertain, “I should be able to just about get into Mumbai University.”

She seemed relieved, her face relaxing. “Good.”

She said it so softly, almost under her breath. I felt a warm glow in my chest.

After a pause, she asked again, “Any plans for the summer?”

I was confused—she was unusually chatty today. We hardly ever talked. I’d always thought she barely knew I existed.

“Not sure yet.” I smiled again.

She nodded. “Priya said you had something to do earlier. I thought you weren’t coming.”

The light caught her face, highlighting her faint smile.

Her smile was half shy, half knowing. I swallowed, the words stuck in my throat.

Seeing her lips curve, my heart fluttered along with them.

“Nah, just had some things to handle. That’s why I was late.” I was so nervous I stuttered a little.

I mentally kicked myself—smooth, Kabir, very smooth.

After that, we looked at each other for a moment, then both glanced away, embarrassed.

A brief silence.

She spoke up: “Kabir…”

She hadn’t finished when the class prefect came over.

“Ananya, come here! This guy’s still arguing with me about that problem. You settle it—did I solve it right?” The class prefect pulled her away.

She glanced back at me, then followed him to the front table.

She shot a tiny, apologetic smile before leaving. I watched her braid swinging as she walked away, wishing I’d said something better.