Finding you in the crowd

Every day at school, Deepika and Manish would see each other. At first, it was just short glances in the hallway or across the classroom. Nothing was said, but something quiet and unspoken began to grow between them. Manish had always admired Deepika — not just for her calm personality or the way she smiled when she talked to her friends, but for her presence. She was focused, kind, and carried herself with a quiet confidence.

Deepika, on the other hand, had noticed Manish too. He was the kind of boy who didn't talk too much, but when he did, he was thoughtful and respectful. She saw how people liked being around him and how he was always helping others.

Slowly, their paths started crossing more often. They would see each other during the morning assembly, during lunch breaks, or while waiting near the school gate. Sometimes they would look away quickly, pretending it was just a coincidence. But both of them knew it wasn't.

Then came the announcement of the Annual Function. Every student was excited. The school would be full of colors, music, dance, and celebration. Manish, who loved dancing, signed up immediately. He had performed before, and everyone knew he was good at it.

One day, while preparing for his performance, Manish had a thought:

What if Deepika joined me in a duet?

It was a crazy idea — or so it felt at the time. But the thought stayed in his mind. He wanted to know her better, and this felt like the perfect chance. But asking her wasn't easy.

So, he turned to the one person he trusted — Renu, Deepika's best friend.

Renu and Deepika had been close since childhood. They were more like sisters than friends. Renu was outgoing, cheerful, and full of energy. She always supported Deepika, but also knew when to push her to try new things.

Manish walked up to Renu one afternoon. "Renu, do you think Deepika would be okay dancing with me in the Annual Function?"

Renu smiled knowingly. "I had a feeling you'd ask. Let me talk to her."

Later that evening, Renu casually brought it up during their walk home. "Hey Deepika, you know Manish? He asked if you'd like to do the dance performance with him. He's serious about it, not just trying to waste time."

Deepika laughed. "Me? Dancing? You know I've never done that on stage."

Renu nudged her gently. "So what? Try something new. You'll be great. And honestly, Manish is a really good guy."

After thinking for a while, Deepika finally said, "Okay… but only if you help me learn."

Renu smiled wide. "Deal."

From the next day, the practice sessions began. Manish and Deepika would meet after school in the auditorium. At first, things were a little awkward. Deepika was shy, and Manish didn't want to seem too forward. But slowly, step by step, they found rhythm — not just in the dance, but in each other's company.

They would laugh when they got the steps wrong. Manish would patiently show her the moves again. Deepika would smile whenever he cheered her up with silly jokes. With every passing day, they became more comfortable, and their connection became stronger.

Then came the big day — the Annual Function.

The school auditorium was filled with students, teachers, and parents. The stage lights were bright, and the music echoed through the hall. When Manish and Deepika stepped onto the stage, everyone noticed the spark between them. Their performance wasn't just about perfect moves — it was full of chemistry, trust, and joy.

They finished their dance to loud applause. Backstage, Deepika was still catching her breath when Manish turned to her.

"Deepika," he said quietly, "Can I say something?"

She looked at him, a bit surprised but curious.

Manish took a deep breath and said, "I really like you. Not just as a dance partner or a classmate… but more than that. Would you like to take this friendship forward?"

There was a moment of silence.

Deepika looked at him, smiled gently, and said, "Yes, Manish."

It wasn't dramatic. It wasn't planned. But it was real. And from that day forward, something changed between them — a new chapter had begun.

That day became a memorable moment in their lives.

After the function, the new school session began. Manish and Deepika were placed in different classes now, but that didn't stop them from seeing each other. They would meet during lunch breaks, pass notes during assemblies, and sometimes wait near the gate just to walk a little distance together.

Their friendship grew — naturally, beautifully. There were no big promises, no pressure. Just little moments of care, support, and understanding.

And through it all, Renu remained a strong part of their journey. She would tease them sometimes, offer advice when they had doubts, and make sure both of them stayed grounded. She was the kind of friend who never got in the way, but was always around when needed.

One day, Deepika was at home when her mother noticed a change in her — the way she smiled at her phone.

Their story was still unfolding. There would be more moments, more challenges, more memories. But for now, they were happy — learning, growing, and holding onto a bond that began with a simple dance… and turned into something truly special.