chapter 24

Part 24: Another colour of emotionsThe next morning, all the charts were on display at school. Students had brought their projects - some colourful, some hasty, some almost perfect. But there was one chart that was not just art, but emotion.Riya and Dhirav's chart.Every equal line was not just scribbles, but words from someone's heart.When the teacher saw their chart, she paused, then smiled and said,"This chart doesn't just show creativity, it shows connection."The class applauded. Riya looked at Dhirav - he had that same monkey smile on his face, but this time there was a pride in his smile... for himself, for Riya... for both of them.During the lunch break, they both sat down as usual - under the banyan tree. There was a light breeze."Is the chart stuck properly?" Dhirav asked in a casual tone.Riya laughed, “Everyone will see the chart… but only we will understand the meaning of what he had written.”Dhirav said softly, “Every time I look at you, I feel like I want to say something, but I can’t find the words.”Riya looked at him, there was an unspoken understanding in her eyes. “Sometimes silence is enough,” he said.There was no awkwardness between them at that moment. Just a comfort.The bell rang, class started. There was a surprise announcement in the last period –“Tomorrow is an essay writing competition. Topic: ‘A friend who changed me’.”Riya filled the form without thinking. She had already decided – she would write about the monkey (Dhirav), whom the world considers funny… but who is her biggest support system.That night, Riya opened her diary."Some relationships don't have a name... they are just a feeling. Maybe you are my 'best friend', or even more than that... but whatever you are, you are. And that is enough for me."While closing the diary, there was a slight smile on her lips. It was as if she wanted to say something, but was saying to time -"In the next tomorrow, you will also be there."