Chapter 3- At First Sight

“Hi, I am Amrita. I am new here, “Amrita said

Shivanesh was surprised to hear a voice next to him. He never really had anyone sitting next to him. Shivanesh turned and looked at the owner of the voice. A sweet looking girl with the most charming eyes and the prettiest smile he has ever seen was looking straight at him.

“I know. They said no one sits next to you. But there are no empty seats anywhere. If you don’t mind, can I sit next to you?” Amrita asked.

Shivanesh was too shocked by the beauty sitting next to him, he just nodded. Her beauty definitely knocked his speech out of his head. Seeing Shivanesh being silent and acting so strange, Amrita felt more awkward. She started to feel insecure and uncomfortable when she saw Shivanesh staring at her. The confusion of whether or not she should continue sitting there to try to find other seat was slowly taking over her mind.

“Maybe I should not sit here. Why is he staring at me like that? Is there something weird on my face?” Amrita thought to herself.

“Is there anything on my face? Why are you staring at me like that?” Amrita asked finally not being able to hold the uncomfortable feeling in.

Her question made Shivanesh snap out of his frans and realized what he was doing. Shivanesh quickly looked away and sat straight. Regretting what he just did, he cleared his throat trying to get his speech back to carry on with the conversation with Amrita. “So, what made you choose this tuition centre?”

“Well, my boyfriend recommended it to me when I was looking for a tuition,” Amrita said with a smile.

Shivanesh could hear his heart breaking into million pieces. All of a sudden, he felt like his world was coming down .

“No, Shiva. You already have a girlfriend. You can’t fall for this girl out of nowhere. No way,” Shivanesh had to tell himself so, to stop his brain to imagine anything else.

“Owh, who is your boyfriend?” Shivanesh asked pretending to look for her boyfriend but he was actually not interested to find out who that guy was.

“Suresh. He is my boyfirned,” Amrita said pointing to a boy wearing a blue-checkered shirt.

“Owh. Ok,” Shivanesh said. He could feel a sense of jealousy growing in him.

“Well then, Amrita. Nice meeting you. Since you are going to be sitting next to me for some time, may as well, we be friends right?” Shivanesh said.

Throughout the class, Shivanesh tried his best to stay calm and not look stupid in front of Amrita. He doesn’t know why, but he doesn’t want to show his bad side to Amrita. During breaks, they would chat and joke around. Shivanesh found himself becoming very comfortable with Amrita having any form of interactions with Amrita. The Ice Prince was slowly warming up.

“Amrita, if you don’t mind explaining this? I just can’t understand,” Shivanesh asked. For a certain someone, it was shocking. Knowing clearly how cold Shivanesh is towards the girls, it was shocking to see him ask a girl for help.

Shivanesh and Amrita had a lot of discussion regarding the subject without realizing that the class has come to an end. Seeing Shivanesh being so happy with another girl is not a pleasing view for someone. Shivanesh packed his bag and was ready to leave.

“Ok then, I will see you tomorrow ok?” Shivanesh said to Amrita.

“Well, I guess you will, we are in the same class, aren’t we?” a voice said from behind of Shivanesh. Shivanesh turned to only find Vinodini looking at Amrita as though she was ready to eat her up. Realizing how intense and awkward atmosphere has become, Amrita decided to break the silence.

“Owh. Hi. I am Amrita. New student of the class,” Amrita said putting her hands out to welcome a handshake.

“Yeah. I know. Heard about you from Suresh,” Vinodini said ignoring Amrita’s hand.

“You must be Vinodini. The girl who is seated next to Suresh right? I have heard a lot about you,” Amrita said trying to be nice and composed after the short embarassment earlier.

“Yes, I am. Anyway, Suresh asked me for a favour. Would you like to exchange seats with me? He told me that you are his girlfriend,” Vinodini said in a synical voice.

“It is ok. I think I am comfortable with my current seat. Besides, it would not be fair for you because you have been sitting there for some time,” Amrita said.

“Owh. So, you are telling me that you prefer sitting with another guy than your boyfriend?” Vinodini said sounding really sarcastic as she was trying to provoke Amrita.

“Okay, fine. I will exchange seats with you. Bye Shiva. See you, Vino,” Amrita said and left immediately because she could not take the sarcasm Vinodini was giving her.

“Why did you need to be so sarcastic?” Shivanesh asked, feeling really annoyed with Vinodini’s attitude towards Amrita earlier.

“What do you mean? Out of nowhere you are smiling and talking friendly to her. How was I supposed to feel?” Vinodini asked.

“Vino, Amrita was seating next to me. I was just trying to make myself comfortable,” Shivanesh said.

“No need for that. Tomorrow onwards, I will be seating next to you,” Vinodini said before dashing out of the class, not giving Shivanesh any chance to say anything back.

Chapter 2 - A Beautiful Nerd

A girl with really petite body was carrying boxes of books that it covers her face. There is no way she can see where she is heading. Taking careful steps, she tried her best to carry the boxes. Being the teacher's favourite, she is always called out for help. 

"Gosh, I am worried of falling. It would be too embarrassing to fall. I think my dear Ms. Goh did not realise that I am a girl," she mumbled while carrying the boxes to her class. Once she reached her class, her called her classmates to help her out," Guys, could you help me out please?"

Many boys ran out to help this girl carry the boxes. "You should have asked us to come along," said one of the boys who helped her. "Are you forgetting that this girl is our class's Wonder Woman?" another boy said. 

"That is enough, boys. Thanks for the help. Anyway Ms. Goh asked all of us to take these books and read. She asked us to choose an article and write a review about it. She cannot make it to class today because she has a meeting to attend to. Everyone understood?" she said out loud. "Yes ma’am," the whole class replied. She just smiled and went to her seat.

This young lady here is Amrita Raman. A young lady with astonishing beauty. Tanned skin but smooth as silk. She has a deep-set eye with long and dense eye lashes. Long and luxuriant hair with big loose curls that frames her face well. A very responsible and clever lady. Elegant yet playful. Childish at times but has a really matured-way of thinking. She is a girl who can differentiate right and wrong. Always very practical in decision-making but still holds on to what she believes. Always find ways to make life fun but never over do things. A lady who holds on to her cultural values yet very modest. As a whole, she is a 25 years old lady trapped in a 17 years old pretty girl's body.

Amrita is the teachers' favourite not because she always sweet talk to them like how some people would do. She is very dependable that teachers trust her a lot. Her responsible character and really good leadership made the teachers to elect her as the Head Girl of the school.

There are many girls in school who envy Amrita because of her ability and talent. She is a good speaker, a talented sportswoman and a brilliant student. Some who are jealous always tries to bring her down, but given the fact that she is strong lady, she was never affected by other people's jealousy and threats.

Being a lady with a great personality, Amrita was often favoured by the boys. There were many boys who were crushing on her. Having to meet such an elegant lady which has a strong personality yet maintains her grace is every guys dream. And for the boys in her school, they couldn't thank God enough for making those dreams happen by sending her to that school.

"Amrita, if you don't mind, could you explain what this means?" one of her classmate came up to Amrita to ask for help.

"Sure," Amrita started explaining without realizing a guy standing behind her.

"You look really attractive when you teach others," he said.

"Owh. Hi, Suresh. When did you come in? I didn't realise you were there," Amrita said smiling.

#

Suresh. He is the Head Boy of the school. Strict young man but clever. Very responsible and has good leadership. Second best student in the school after Amrita.

Suresh and Amrita first met when they went for a camp together. They became really good friends  ever since. They helped each other in studies. They were close until Suresh decided to take the relationship to another level. He confessed to Amrita 2 months ago. They have been dating since then. Amrita was actually attracted to Suresh even before they became friends. Her feelings kept on growing by the day but she was too afraid to let him know because she was afraid that her confession might affect their friendship. But when Suresh confessed, she accepted without a second thought and agreed to go out with him.

Everyone in school believes that this couple is the best couple in school because they both are idol among the students. Everyone acknowledged the fact that the coupled were meant for each other.

#

"Well, wanna go for lunch with me?" Suresh said.

"It looks like I have to say no because I have some errands to take care of," Amrita said.

“Well, if that is the case, then can I walk you home later?” Suresh said trying to get her to spend some time with him.

“I guess you can. I was going to ask you about something. Maybe we can discuss it later? Usual place after school?” Amrita said.

“Ok then, I will see you later. Usual place,” Suresh said and left.

Amrita always liked how Suresh took effort to understand her and his charisma attracts her the most. But she was actually not sue if she was in love with him or if it was just affection.

After school, Amrita went to their usual meeting place. She saw Suresh already there waiting for her.  “I am so sorry I am late. Was teaching a friend something that she didn’t understand in Add Maths,” Amrita said feeling really guilty that she made Suresh wait.

“If this is what I have to do to date the school’s sweetheart, than I have to,” Suresh said.

“Awww, don’t say that. Let’s go. Walk me home, okay?” she said with a cute voice to make Suresh feel better for waiting. Suresh finds it hard to say no to Amrita when she acts cute because it is too cute and she doesn’t show it to anyone else in school but himself.

While their walk back, Amrita decided to ask Suresh the thing she has been meaning to ask him from earlier.

“Suresh, I was thinking of joining some tuition session because I think I need some guidance to prepare for the big exam. I discussed with Amma and Appa. They asked me to find out. Any place you know of or you would like to suggest?”

“Why would you need tuition? For God sake, you are teaching others in your class. Why would you need someone to guide you?” Suresh said surprised.

“Oh, come on, Suresh. I still want some help with the preparation and answering techniques. I may have the knowledge, but I should know how to use it right? Please,” Amrita explained to him.

“Fine then. Why don’t you join the tuition session I am attending currently? It is quite fun and nice. Besides, it would be awesome to have you there. We would get to spend more time studying together,” Suresh said with a smile plastered on his face.

“Okay then. That would be fun. I will talk to Appa and Amma about it. We are here. Thanks for walking me back,” Amrita said.

“Okay. I will text you once I reach home. Bye,” Suresh said and left.

Amrita got inside her house and got herself freshened up. When she went down to have her lunch, she saw her mom in the kitchen preparing her favourite meal, chicken feet curry.

“Owh, Amma. I could smell it from the bathroom while showering. Is it ready yet? Can’t wait to have it,” she said.

“Wait for it. It is almost done. So, how was school?” her mother asked to distract Amrita from the chicken curry till it is ready.

“School was good. Oh, yeah. Amma, I asked my friends regarding the tuition I was telling you about. One of my friends suggested this place. I thought I could do with some help to score a bit better for my papers especially the subject that I haven’t been scoring very well. Is it ok?”

“Well, I trust your choice. You know are always the girl who knows what is the best for you. Just don’t forget to ask Appa for some cash for your enrolment tomorrow,” her mother reminded her.

“Thanks, Amma. Is the curry ready now? I didn’t really eat anything at school so I am very hungry.To death,” Amrita said complaining of hunger.

“Okay. It is ready. Here you go. Eat slowly. Don’t rush. You can have more after this,” her mother said giving her a plate of rice with curry.

That night, Amrita decided to discuss with her father about the tuition during dinner.

“Appa, I was thinking about joing some tuition session especially it is now really close to the trials and SPM. Can I join?” Amrita asked.

“Sure. Do you have a tuition centre in mind?” Amrita’s father asked her.

“Yes. A friend of mine suggested a place he attends. The timing is also not bad. The session starts few hours after school. So I gives me time to come home and have lunch before going back out and I would be back before dinner time to spend some time with my own studies and school work after dinner,” Amrita explained.

“Okay then. That sounds like a good plan. Let me know how much you need. I will transfer to your account,” Amrita’s father said.

The next day, after school, Amrita went to see Suresh. “Suresh, I am not sure where the tuition center is. Could you tell me?”

“I can show you where it is. I can come and pick you up and we can go together. How is that?” Suresh suggested.

“Awesome. So, I will see you later,” Amrita said, quickly walking back home.

The moment she got home, Amrita cleaned herself and had her lunch. She was ready in time for Suresh to pick her up as she was excited to join her first tuition session.

“Hey, Girl. Let’s go. We are gonna be late,” Suresh said when he saw Amrita coming out of her house. “Ok, I am ready. Let’s go.”

Once they reached the tuition centre, Amrita settled her registration and paid the monthly fees before joining her class. Suresh came out to introduce Amrita to everyone in the class. “Everyone. Attention please. Let me introduce the new student joining our class from today onwards, Amrita Raman.”

Many of them came up to her and introduced themselves. Amrita realised that there were a lot of new faces in the class. She figured out that the tuition centre was attended by students from different schools.

“Where shall I sit?” Amrita asked.

“Well, there is only one seat left and it is next to Shiva,” one of them said. “But no one dares to sit next to him,” another said. “I think, him being cold also seem to be charming,”

“It won’t be that bad right?” Amrita said and went to the only seat available in the class.

Suddenly, a boy came and sat next to her. “He must be Shiva. What is with those injuries? Is he some kind of thug or is he just trouble?” Amrita started getting scared. “I still need to create some kind of bond with this guy. Don’t wanna feel awkward. Come on, Amrita. Go for it,” Amrita thought to herself. She took a few deep breaths.

“Hi. I am Amrita. I am new here.” 

Chapter 1- An Intelligent Rowdy

From a distance, a boy could be seen, sitting at the corner of the school compound under a tree. This is not like the usual scene of a boy sitting under a tree while reading a book or any other kind of normal image. This boy has a bloody lip, a bruised cheek and scratches on his forehead and a torn shirt, a bloody shoulder and many other injuries.

"Damn, never expected those idiots to get that many. I could have beaten the shit out of them. Those fools better not be hanging around alone anywhere because I swear, I will make them regret what they did to me."

The name of the boy is Shivanesh Kumar Shankar or usually known as Shiva with other around him. He has a charming face with ayes like a doe and a sharp nose. A small- sized boy with a smile of a charmer. Skin slightly tanned but still attractive to the eyes of the girls a school and maybe some boys. Rough and hates when someone tries to challenge him. Brilliant but loves to move by instinct. Enjoys a good fight but hates to lose. Arrogant, but still a gentleman. Being him, he is always okay with everything but if he is not happy about something, he would be sure to show it. Always believes that he is always right and in total he is basically a troubled good-looking fellow.
 

Unfortunately, for other girls in school, this boy was never interested with having relationships with those girls. He is known to hate commitments with girls from the same school and sometimes known as the Ice Prince of the school. He believes in a lifestyle with freedom in school.

“I am going to get myself in trouble if Amma sees this. And these are new pair of uniform. Of all days in the world, why today?” Shivanesh kept on mumbling as he packs his stuffs that was thrown all over by the group of boys who hit him.

This fight started because some girl decides to have an eye on the Ice Prince making him an enemy to the school bully. Knowing the fact that Shivanesh was the ladies’ favourite, Krishna, a boy from the other class who is a well-known bully of the school, realized that the girl he likes, Aarthi is having a crush on Shivanesh. Unable to contain his jealousy, Krishna decided to attack Shivanesh along with his so-called “brothers”- loser friend of his. Shivanesh was caught off guard when Krishna and his gang attacked him. Being a guy who fights, Shivanesh tried to fight back. Somehow, the gang started growing bigger as many of them started to join in and they outnumbered Shivanesh’s strength to fight back.

The moment Shivanesh got home, his mother was already outside of the house watering the plants. He tried to hide and go in, avoiding his mother’s view.

“Oh God!!! Shivanesh Kumar!!! What happened to you?  Got yourself in another fight? I just bought you a new pair of uniform. Why do you always have to come home looking like this? Can’t you come home without any blood or bruise for a day?” and his mother kept on nagging.

“Amma, this time I didn’t get myself into any fights. There was this idiot who got jealous and started hitting me. I really don’t want to get involved. But because of a girl, I got beaten today,” Shivanesh explained to his mom.

“Wow! Was the girl that beautiful that someone would beat you up?” his mother asked him in a teasing tone. 

“No idea. I don’t even know who she is. You know, Amma, I am never interested. Having girlfriends is equal to going to jail. No more freedom,” Shivanesh said and went into his room to avoid needing to listen his mom’s nagging.

Sitting on his bed, Shivanesh took out his diary from his bag. There was a picture. A girl’s picture. Shivanesh only portrays as if  he was not interested with girls in school. The truth is that he already has someone he likes. A beautiful girl. He only pretended to not be interested in order to protect the girl he likes. He is aware that there are some girls in his school that were crushing on him, but he never acknowledged them because his interest and attention only belonged to one girl only, Vinodini.

#

Just like her name, she is always bubbly and cheerful. Very cheerful and childish at times. Those were the reason the stone-hearted Shivanesh could fall for her. They met during a tuition session 4 years ago. He kept it a secret till recently, when he finally managed to have enough courage to ask her out.

Shivanesh at last confessed a few days before Valentine’s Day. Of course, the girl accepted and agreed to go out with him. But Shivanesh kept on being secretive about their relationship to avoid problems for him and Vinodini as there are some of his school students that attend the tuition. They always went out secretly without anyone knowing they are meeting each other. Everything was beautiful. Shivanesh was so happy and very much in love.

#

“Shiva!! Get yourself down here and clean your wound. Lunch is ready,” his mother was screaming from the living room.

Shivanesh kissed the picture and hid it in his diary and hid his diary under his pillow. He ran downstairs to get his wound treated.

“I am gonna have to do a lot of explaining to Vino later about this,” Shivanesh thought to himself while cleaning his wound.

Shivanesh attends tuition 3 times a week. The tuition centre that he attends has students from different schools. Vinodini is from a different school. Which made is easier for him to hide the fact that he was dating someone from his schoolmates. Even so, he still needs to be careful.

Shivanesh, had his shower which was full of whining and cursing due to the injuries, had his lunch and left for tuition. He is always excited for tuition because he will get to see his girlfriend.

The moment he arrived at the tuition centre, he saw Vinodini. He walked towards her and the next moment saw her worried face.

“Shiva!! What happened? Why are you injured?”

“Don’t worry. Some idiots hit me. So how was your day?” Shiva asked ignoring her previous questions.

“Owh, nothing much. A guy approached me today at school. He said he likes me. I didn’t know what to say,” Vinodini said with worrisome heard in her tone.

“So, what did you tell him?” Shiva asked.

 “I just told him no. He asked why, if I had a boyfriend. I just ignored him. Shiva, do we have to keep thing a secret?” Vinodini asked.

“Well, we went through these many times already. We can’t risk it,” Shiva said.

“What is the point of having boyfriend when I cannot tell anyone about it? What’s the point if I can’t show my affection to my boyfriend in front of others?” Vinodini started asking, feeling frustrated.

“Keep it down. You know why I am doing this right? Please understand me.”

“You only want me to understand you. But you never cared to understand how I felt,” Vinodini said and left to her seat.

Shivanesh didn’t know what to do. He just walked to his usual table and took his seat.

“Hi, I am Amrita. I am new here,” a girl next to Shivanesh spoke.