5:00 AM – In the Kitchens of Nandanpur
Ishanvi's mother stood over the gas stove, flipping parathas with the focus of a soldier in battle. "Your tiffin is ready. Don't forget to drink water. And tell Vrinda to stop skipping breakfast!"
Ishanvi, still half-asleep and brushing her hair, grumbled, "Ma… I'm not her food monitor."
"But you are her sister, na?" her mother said, tapping her nose lovingly. "That makes it your job."
In the next house, Abhay's father was pouring tea into steel tumblers. "Your scooter's back tyre is looking a little flat," he warned.
"I checked it, Papa," Abhay said, tying his shoelaces. "It's just the road. Everything sinks there."
"Hmm," his father muttered. "You kids go before sunrise and return when it's dark. Tell that school to give you medals for dedication."
Abhay smiled. "First the scholarship. Then medals."
6:00 AM – Race to Devgarh
The early morning chill was different now — like the roads knew these kids, had learned to expect them.
They raced along the narrow roads again — four scooters, eight friends, backpacks bouncing, laughter echoing under the grey sky.
Abhay swerved a little too close to Ishanvi's scooter. "Hey!" she shouted.
He grinned. "You drive like you're in a Bollywood chase scene!"
She narrowed her eyes. "You swim like you're drowning in your own bathwater."
Meera and Vaidehi laughed behind them, and Vivaan added, "At least both of you are better than Aariv. He parked into a cow last week."
Aariv defended, "That cow walked into me. I swear she looked offended."
9:45 AM – Between Periods
The school felt different now.
Extra classes meant longer days and tired minds. Teachers were stricter. Blackboards were covered in formulas and timelines. But in the middle of it all — their group stood like an island.
In the corridor, as they waited for their physics teacher, Mr. Sinha, the bell rang long and sharp.
He walked out of the staff room with his usual calm. But today, his eyes lingered on Ishanvi's fingertips, where a red ink pen had burst — except it hadn't touched anything.
No stain. Just a strange warmth in the air near her hand.
And Abhay's collar was soaked though the rest of his shirt was dry.
Mr. Sinha frowned. "Strange morning?"
Both of them said at once, "No, sir."
He didn't push. Just walked on. But the suspicion stayed in his gaze.
1:00 PM – Lunch with Parents' Love Packed In
They sat under their usual gulmohar tree.
Meera opened her tiffin. "My mom sent three rotis. I think she thinks I'm starving."
Vaidehi smiled. "At least she sends food. My dad still thinks I live on mangoes."
Raghav pulled out pickles from his lunchbox. "Who wants some?"
Eight hands shot out.
Ishanvi held up a soft gulab jamun. "My mom packed this because I helped her with laundry yesterday."
Abhay stared at it longingly. "Will you marry me?"
She popped it into her own mouth and grinned. "Nope."
Aariv groaned. "One day, you two will actually get married and then blame us for not stopping it."
6:30 PM – Back Home Again
Back at their homes, schoolbags flopped onto beds, shoes were kicked off like grenades, and stories from the day flew between kitchens and hallways.
Ishanvi's little brother Viv6 barged into her room. "Didi, I told my teacher you're going to become the next Kalpana Chawla."
"I hate space, idiot," she said, ruffling his hair. "Now get out before I launch you into orbit."
Abhay's mom called out from the kitchen, "Dinner in 10 minutes! Don't disappear into your books!"
His father added, "Or your phone."
"I'm not on my phone!" Abhay shouted back, even though he was texting Raghav about tomorrow's assignment.
Later That Night – Alone with Their Thoughts
Outside, the village lights flickered under the stars.
Ishanvi stood at her window. A candle lit beside her without a matchstick. She didn't notice.
Abhay looked at the glass of water on his table. It had tiny waves. But his fan was off.