Finding you in the crowd

As the new class session started, Deepika and Manish began to see each other more often. Though they were in different sections, they found little ways to meet — sometimes during the lunch break, sometimes in the corridor, and sometimes right before the school day began.

They both started coming to school earlier than usual, just so they could catch a few extra minutes together. Deepika found herself smiling more, and Manish's day didn't feel complete without seeing her once in the morning. Even if it was just a glance from across the hallway, it was enough to make their day.

Their connection had grown — gentle, quiet, but strong.

But soon, the small moments they shared started becoming noticeable to others. A few students whispered, a few teachers raised eyebrows. One day, someone from the staff even saw Manish waiting near Deepika's classroom and reported it casually to the administration.

Then, things took a serious turn.

A complaint was made — not directly against them, but about Deepika's focus in class. Teachers started noticing she was often distracted, lost in thought, or quietly smiling to herself. She was still doing well in her studies, but not like before.

"She used to be one of our top students," one teacher said. "Something's changed."

That's when the conversation reached the school principal, and eventually, a call was made to Deepika's home.

When Deepika reached home that day, she was not expecting what came next.

Her mother and father were waiting for her in the living room — their faces serious. Her mother looked hurt, and her father had a look of disbelief. The school had informed them that Deepika might be talking to a boy — and that it was affecting her studies.

"Deepika," her father said sternly, "What is all this? Who is this boy the school is talking about? What's going on?"

Deepika froze.

She didn't know how to explain something that was so pure, so innocent, yet misunderstood. She had never done anything wrong. She wasn't hiding a secret relationship — she had simply found someone she could talk to, someone who made her feel happy and understood. But she knew her parents wouldn't see it that way. Not yet.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she softly replied,

"His name is Manish. He's a student in my school. We're just friends… nothing more."

Her father's voice rose. "Just friends? Then why are we getting complaints? Why are the teachers saying your focus is lost? Why is your name being talked about like this?"

Deepika looked down. She didn't have the words. Because in her heart, she knew she had developed feelings for Manish — and he for her — but they had always kept it respectful, never crossing any lines.

Her mother added gently but firmly, "Beta, you're too young for all this. Right now, your focus should be only on your studies. Friends are fine, but not if they distract you."

Later that evening, her parents sat her down again.

"We want to meet this Manish," her father said. "If he's such a good boy, then let him come and speak to us. We want to know who he is, what his intentions are."

Deepika was shocked. She had never imagined things would go this far. The last thing she wanted was for Manish to get into trouble because of her.

She spent the whole night wondering what to do. Should she tell him? Should she ask him to stay away? Would he even want to meet her family now?

And on the other side, Manish had no idea what had happened.

For him, this bond was special. He respected her more than anything. And if Deepika's family wanted to meet him — he would go, without hesitation. But only if she asked.