chapter 3

Part 3: There was something in that moment...— “Sometimes a smile, a word, or a moment... changes the course of life.”The next day there was a strange peace in school. The weather was also slightly cold with a breeze, as if something else special was going to happen today. Riya was sitting on her usual second bench, but today she was a little more excited - because now Dhirav was in her notice... and maybe he too.When the teacher came to the class after the assembly, she announced:“There will be a group activity - make pairs. Each pair will get a maths topic to explain.”Riya looked at Sneha, but Sneha was already paired with someone else. Then the teacher said –“Riya, you are with Dhirav.”Heart skip.Riya’s eyes was searching for dhirav. Dhirav calmly made eye contact and said through his eyes – “Let’s do this.”Riya slowly walked towards him. While sharing the table, both of them opened their topic: “Comparing Rational Numbers”Dhirav – (lightly teasing) “So Riya, you will not give the wrong answer this time, right?”Riya – (smiling shyly) “This time I am under your guidance, so it will definitely be right.”There was that calm spark in Dhirav's eyes, which could make anyone feel safe. Riya felt as if this pairing was not just a group project, but a good start to building a relationship.As the two discussed the topic together, Dhirav started talking about small things in between.Dhirav - "Why do you usually remain so quiet?"Riya - "I like to observe... talk less, but feel more."Dhirav - "Hmm... interesting. I like people who feel from the heart."Just that one line touched something deeply in Riya's heart.  As if he had understood Riya, without any facade.At lunch time, both of them sat on the same table. The rest of the friends were on the side, but Riya and Dhirav had formed a silent bond – without loud words, just with understanding and small gestures.Riya - “How do you always remain so composed?”Dhirav - (becoming a little serious) “Maybe because I have learnt to handle every emotion inside… it is not necessary to tell everything to everyone.”Riya - (quietly) “I also feel the same way… I also write down everything, but does not say anything.”Then the bell rang and the moment ended, but a new understanding was formed between the two.That night Riya writes in her diary:"There was such a vast ocean in his eyes... and my silence seemed to be searching for its home on its shore. Every second with him was a comfort... is this friendship or maybe something else?"