Aditya stumbled over his words. "Oh, it's nothing... just... sports day is coming up, that's why??" He hoped his feeble excuse would suffice. But deep down, he knew that the mere mention of Yuvika's name had a way of lighting up his world and now as his feelings were more transparent to him it was difficult for him to contain them within himself.
******
The cafeteria hummed with anticipation as students streamed in, trays laden with food. The air crackled with the mixture of hunger and camaraderie. Aashmi, Yuvika, and Saanvi claimed their usual spot, nestled together, their laughter echoed off the walls, a symphony of shared secrets and inside jokes.
While the boys were momentarily absent. The PT teacher had summoned them, probably for some sports day-related announcement. But soon enough, they swaggered back, joining the girls, their camaraderie evident as they dug into their meals.
Yuvraj, fork poised mid-air, inquired, his voice laced with anticipation, "When's Abhimanyu coming back?"
"Don't tell me you're missing him." Aashmi playfully nudged him, giving him a sly look, but Yuvraj just rolled his eyes in response to her teasing.
Yuvraj rolled his eyes, a masterclass in nonchalance. "Hawwww! Dushman se dosti me wo kaam kiya hai, umar bhar ke gham hame inaam diya hai." Aashmi sang, wiping her imaginary tears. Yuvraj smirked, unfazed, and continued attacking his plate.
Aditya leaned in, eyes dancing with mischief, "Are we witnessing a best friend swap here, Aashu?"
Aashmi turned to Yuvraj, her voice dripping with melodrama. "Tu aisa krega mere saath? Yahi dosti, yahi pyaar?" Yuvraj's eye roll spoke volumes, he had seen enough of his friends' theatrics to last a lifetime.
"We've got a match next week." Yuvraj explained, as if that settled everything. Abhimanyu's presence was crucial and it was known to everyone.
Saanvi chimed in. "He'll be back by Monday. Probably." Yuvraj nodded at the information.
And amidst the clatter of cutlery and the warmth of friendship, they wove their lunchtime tales—of funs, mischiefs, and the beautiful friendships that bound them, eagerly awaiting Abhimanyu's return. 
********
As the lunch break concluded, everyone was returning to their classes, ready for the next lecture. Ishaan was making his way towards his class when he heard a voice and turned to see Saanvi standing there.
"Heyyy Ishaan." He turned to see Saanvi standing there, panting hard because of the running.
"Don't tell me, he proposed you?" He questioned looking at her, while she narrowed her eyes, hitting him on his arms while he started laughing looking at her flushed face.
Since the moment, Ishaan has got to know about her tiny miny crush on her senior, he never leaves a chance to tease her by his name. He enjoys seeing her flushed face at the mere mention of his name.
"Shut up." She retaliated, looking around them, making sure no one has heard them.
"Tell me." He asked her, stopping his little laughter session.
"Aree you free today?" She inquired, her voice laced with anticipation.
"Depends?" He responded, his curiosity piqued.
"I need to buy some stationery and abhi is not here or I would have hanged him. So will you join me if you are free?" She requested, looking at him with hopeful eyes.
"Okay. Time bta." He confirmed, smiling at her. 
"Ok then shaam me aa jaana aur late mat hona." She demanded hum and he bowed his head in front of her like a gentleman.