Riddhima, a soft-spoken twelve-year-old, walked to school beside Abhi, who was sixteen and carried a seriousness that showed in the way he spoke and moved. Their steps matched without effort, their conversation easy and unforced. It was clear they had known each other long enough to be comfortable in silence as much as in laughter.

Their friendship didn’t need explanations. It existed in the small pauses, the shared smiles, and the familiarity with which they talked.

Just as the school gates came into view, Veer—loud, energetic, and always up to something—appeared out of nowhere. He tapped Riddhima sharply on the shoulder.

She flinched, eyes widening in shock.

“Veer, why do you always scare her like that?”

Abhi snapped, irritation slipping into his voice. When it came to Riddhima, he was always on edge.

Veer only shrugged, completely unfazed.

“What’s your problem, Abhi? Can’t I have a little fun?”

He said, smirking.

“It’s not fun if you’re scaring her every time,”

Abhi replied, gesturing toward Riddhima, who was still catching her breath.

“Just look at her.”

Veer laughed it off.

“Relax. She looks funny when she’s scared.”

With that, he sprinted ahead, disappearing through the gates, clearly pleased with himself.

Riddhima recovered quickly. Laughing, she called after him,

“You look like a clown all the time, Veer!”

She wasn’t upset. This kind of banter had always been part of their trio.

★⋆. ࿐࿔

Abhi was naturally serious, especially about studies. Somewhere along the way, that seriousness had turned into protectiveness—particularly toward Riddhima. He watched out for her without realizing how deeply it came from care.

Veer, on the other hand, brought chaos wherever he went. His jokes and antics often led them into unexpected situations, but they always ended with Riddhima laughing, which somehow made everything feel lighter.

At school, they headed toward their respective classrooms. Just before Riddhima could leave, Abhi stopped her.

“Pay attention today,”

He said in his usual firm tone.

“If you don’t understand something, ask the teacher. And we’ll revise your science test in the evening, okay?”

She smiled softly and nodded. She knew he meant well—and she appreciated it.

Sixth grade wasn’t easy for Riddhima. Some subjects, especially science, felt overwhelming. Abhi had noticed her struggles long ago and quietly took it upon himself to help her. After school, he often sat with her, patiently explaining concepts she found confusing.

★⋆. ࿐࿔

During the break, Tanvi rushed up to Riddhima, excitement written all over her face.

“Have you smelled it?”

She asked breathlessly.

“There’s a new chowmin vendor outside the school. We have to try it after class!”

Riddhima hesitated, guilt flickering across her expression.

“I want to,”

She said softly,

“but I can’t. I have to study with Abhi this evening. If I skip it, he’ll definitely scold me.”

Tanvi groaned dramatically.

“Ugh, Abhi! Sometimes he feels like the villain in your life. He never lets you have fun.”

★⋆. ࿐࿔

Later, Veer tried his luck with Abhi, attempting to drag him away from his books. Abhi didn’t even look up. Each interruption only annoyed him more.

“Stop bothering me,”

Abhi said sharply.

“If you don’t want to study, that’s your choice. Just don’t distract me.”

Veer scoffed.

“You’re such a bore. You’re entering tenth grade—there’ll be so many pretty girls—but you don’t care at all.”

“Yes, I’m boring,”

Abhi replied flatly.

“Now go away.”

★⋆. ࿐࿔

That evening, Abhi and Riddhima sat beneath a large tree, books scattered around them. Abhi explained science concepts with focus and patience, determined to make things easier for her.

But Riddhima kept laughing—soft, carefree laughter that floated through the air.

Abhi paused.

“Why are you laughing so much?”

He asked, confused.

“Do I look funny?”

She shook her head shyly.

“No. I’m not laughing at you. You just… make me smile. You’re really sweet.”

He wasn’t expecting that.

His ears turned red, and he looked away quickly.

“Stop joking and concentrate,”

He muttered, trying—and failing—to hide his embarrassment.

As they studied and teased each other, their bond quietly deepened. With Veer’s chaos, Abhi’s seriousness, and Riddhima’s warmth holding them together, their friendship grew stronger with every passing day—shaped by small moments, shared struggles, and unspoken care

★⋆. ࿐࿔