Our 8th-grade year came to an end, and 9th grade was progressing smoothly. During this time, my bond with Amaira grew stronger and stronger. Though Binita and Amaira didn't get along well, they managed to coexist for my sake. I usually sat with Binita on the third bench of the window row, while Asmita and Amaira sat right behind us.
As the new school year unfolded, I found myself reconnecting with Ishan. We began talking like normal friends again, putting the past behind us. Meanwhile, Tushar confided in me that he had always wanted to be my good friend. I was happy to hear that, and soon, we were back to our usual antics, teasing and mocking each other playfully. It was our unique way of expressing friendship.
One of the most amusing events was when Krish Rana changed his name to Anirudh Singh. He did, after all, alter his name in seventh grade, but I didn't know him then. In the eighth grade, we continued to refer to him as Krish. However, in the ninth grade, he informed me that his official name is now "Anirudh Singh". His grandfather had decided he didn't like Krish's original name. I couldn't help but wonder why it took his grandfather so long to make this decision, but it quickly became a source of amusement for all of us.
During this time, I became known as the class's "Boomer supplier." Boomer was a popular chewing gum brand, and many of my friends got addicted to it. They would often ask me to bring handfuls of Boomer to school, and I happily obliged. It became a part of our daily routine.
Binita, Asmita, Amaira, Krish (now Anirudh), and I formed a close-knit group and even created a badge with the name "#BAAKI." We loved making temporary tattoos during our free time. We had a technique: first, we applied powder to our skin and wiped it off with a dry cloth. Then, we drew designs with a permanent marker. The powder helped prevent the marker from smudging. Most of us favored drawing heartbeats near our wrists, a simple yet meaningful design.
Our group, along with Ishan and Raghav, often played truth and dare during breaks. Those sessions were filled with laughter and shared secrets. However, sometimes Binita would leave to play with another group that included Arpan, her crush since the beginning of 8th grade. Amaira and I found this a bit irritating and often teased Binita about how smitten she was.
"Seriously, Binita? Arpan again?" Amaira would say, rolling her eyes.
"Can't help it, guys. He's just... different," Binita would respond, her cheeks turning pink.
Amaira frequently reminded me that Binita might not be the most reliable friend. "Incia, I'm telling you, there's something about her. Just be careful."
Sometimes, I shared Amaira's concerns but chose to trust my instincts over my doubts. I valued my friendship with Binita and didn't want to let unfounded suspicions ruin it. (Though, as you'll find out in a few years, my intuition eventually proved right—just wait for that chapter.)
Despite these minor hiccups, 9th grade was a time of joy and bonding. We shared countless memories, from passing notes in class to playing Truth and Dare in History/Civics period. The bond we had as a group was strong, and even though there were occasional misunderstandings, the laughter and shared experiences far outweighed any conflicts.
One day during lunch, as we sat in our usual spot, Anirudh brought up an interesting topic. "Hey, do you guys ever think about what we'll be like in a few years?"
"Probably still teasing each other," Binita said with a grin.
"Or maybe we'll all be too cool for school," Amaira added, laughing.
"I think we'll still be friends," I said confidently, looking at each of them. "No matter what happens."
That statement was met with a chorus of agreements and a round of high-fives. It was a simple moment, but it captured the essence of our friendship—a mix of hope, trust, and a lot of laughter.
As 9th grade continued, the bonds we formed grew stronger. We faced the usual challenges of school life—exams, projects, and occasional drama—but we faced them together. Our group, "#BAAKI," became a symbol of our unity and the unforgettable memories we created.
Looking back, those days were some of the best of my school life. They were filled with fun, mischief, and the kind of friendships that leave a lasting impact. We were just a bunch of kids navigating the ups and downs of growing up, but we did it together, and that made all the difference.