Everything was going great in the 12th class. The pandemic had changed our way of life, but we had adapted to the new normal. Online classes were no longer a challenge, and we had found a rhythm that worked for us. By March, the situation had improved enough for schools to reopen for offline classes. It was an exciting time, but there was a hitch: bus facilities to school weren't available from all stops yet. As a result, I didn't go to school a single day in March and eagerly waited for April when I could finally join my friends in person.
Amaira and I were in different streams; she took Commerce, and I was in the Non-Medical stream. Binita, another close friend, had opted for Medical, placing her in Section B, while I was in Section A, and Amaira was in Section C. Kohinoor, who had become an important part of my life, was in Section C too. In my class, I only knew Nisha and Pragiti initially, and no one else.
For our fifth optional subject, Binita chose Painting and insisted that I take it as well. Reluctantly, I agreed, hoping it would be a fun experience. Binita's life had seen some changes too; Arpan, who used to be her crush, was now her boyfriend. I had known Arpan since the 6th grade when he joined our school as a newbie. We had been good friends, but our relationship took a turn for the worse during this crucial year.
One day, Arpan and I had a heated argument over something significant to me. He dismissed my feelings, which hurt deeply. Binita, a mutual friend, tried to mediate and cool us down, but it was in vain. As days passed, Arpan started mocking me in front of my friends. He went so far as to tell our mutual friends that they had to choose between talking to him or me. Some chose me, and others chose Arpan.
I thought Binita wouldn't believe such nonsense, but to my dismay, she blocked me immediately and didn't even talk to me. No matter how many friends I had made, Binita and I had been so close that I never imagined this day would come. Amaira was shocked too, but she reminded me that she had warned me about Binita back in 9th grade. I had the same intuition, but I didn't let my thoughts win then. Now, everything was in front of me, and I wasn't expecting this.
April finally arrived, and with it, the long-awaited start of offline classes. Walking into the school building after such a long hiatus felt surreal. The hallways were buzzing with chatter, and the excitement was palpable. Despite the tension with Arpan and the heartbreak over Binita, I was determined to make the most of my final year.
"Hey, how was your first day back?" Amaira asked as we met up after school.
"It was good to be back," I replied, trying to sound upbeat. "But it's strange without Binita. I still can't believe she blocked me."
"I know, it's tough," Amaira said sympathetically. "But you'll get through this. We're all here for you."
In my class, Nisha and Pragiti were a welcome sight. We quickly reconnected and started catching up on everything that had happened over the past months.
"I missed this so much," Nisha said, looking around the classroom. "Online classes just aren't the same."
"Definitely," Pragiti agreed. "It's good to see everyone in person again."
Despite the initial awkwardness, I began to bond with my classmates. Slowly, new friendships started to form, and I found solace in their company. However, the shadow of the fallout with Arpan and Binita lingered over me.
The incident with Arpan had left a bitter taste in my mouth. It all started with a simple disagreement over an minor issue. Arpan had insisted on doing things his way, disregarding my suggestions and feelings. When I tried to voice my concerns, he dismissed me outright.
"You're overreacting," he said curtly. "It's not a big deal."
"It is to me," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "You can't just ignore my input."
"Whatever," he scoffed. "Do what you want."
That argument was the beginning of the end. Arpan's behavior towards me became increasingly hostile. He would make snide remarks and belittle me in front of our friends. The tension reached its peak when he issued an ultimatum to our mutual friends.
"Choose," he said. "Either you talk to me or to Incia. You can't be friends with both."
It was a cruel move, and it divided our friends. Some sided with Arpan, while others stood by me. The atmosphere was tense and uncomfortable, and I felt like I was walking on eggshells every day.
Binita's reaction was the most painful. She had been my confidante, someone I trusted implicitly. When I reached out to her, hoping for support, she shocked me by blocking me immediately.
"How could she do this?" I asked Amaira, tears streaming down my face. "We were so close."
"I'm sorry," Amaira said, hugging me. "I wish I had been wrong about her."
In the days that followed, I tried to reach out to Binita multiple times, but she refused to respond. Her silence was deafening, and it shattered me. The realization that someone I considered a sister could turn her back on me so easily was devastating.
Despite the turmoil, I found strength in the new friendships I was forming. Nisha and Pragiti were a constant source of support. They listened to my rants, offered advice, and stood by me through the tough times.
"Don't let them get to you," Nisha said one day during lunch. "You're better than this."
"Exactly," Pragiti added. "Focus on the people who care about you."
Their words were a balm to my wounded heart. I realized that while I had lost some friends, I had gained others who were genuine and supportive.
In the midst of all this, there was a silver lining. My bond with Amaira grew stronger. Despite being in different streams, we made it a point to spend time together. Whether it was studying in the library or grabbing a quick snack during breaks, our friendship remained unshaken.
"Remember when we first met?" Amaira asked one day, a smile playing on her lips. "We were so awkward."
"I know," I laughed. "But look at us now. We've come a long way."
"Exactly," she said. "And we'll get through this too."
Kohinoor was another pillar of strength. Being in the same section as Amaira, he often joined us during breaks. His sense of humor and positive outlook were infectious.
"Don't let them bring you down," he said one day. "You're stronger than you think."
"Thanks, Kohinoor," I replied, genuinely touched. "You always know what to say."
As the days turned into weeks, I began to navigate the challenges of 12th grade with renewed determination. I focused on my studies, participated in extracurricular activities, and tried to stay positive.
One day, during a painting class, Binita walked in. It was the first time we were in the same room since she had blocked me. The tension was palpable, and I could feel my heart racing.
"Just ignore her," Nisha whispered, sensing my discomfort. "Focus on your work."
I took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on the canvas in front of me. But Binita's presence was hard to ignore. She acted as if I didn't exist, chatting and laughing with her new friends.
It hurt, but I reminded myself that I was stronger than this. I poured my emotions into my painting, using it as an outlet for my pain and frustration.
As the school year progressed, I found myself healing. The initial pain and betrayal began to fade, replaced by a sense of resilience. I realized that sometimes, people change, and friendships end. It was a harsh lesson, but it made me stronger.
Amaira, Kohinoor, Nisha, Pragiti, and my new friends became my support system. They helped me navigate the ups and downs of 12th grade, and I was grateful for their presence in my life.
One evening, as we sat in the school courtyard, Kohinoor turned to me and said, "You know, despite everything, I'm glad we met."
"Me too," I replied, smiling. "You guys have been amazing."
"Here's to new beginnings," Amaira said, raising an imaginary glass.
"To new beginnings," we all echoed, clinking our imaginary glasses.
As the end of the school year approached, I felt a sense of closure. The challenges I had faced had taught me valuable lessons about friendship, resilience, and self-worth. I was ready to move forward, leaving behind the pain and embracing the future with hope and determination.
The memories of 12th grade would always be a part of me, but I knew I was stronger for having faced them. As I prepared to write the next chapters of my life, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement.
Looking back, I realized that the experiences of 12th grade had shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined. They had tested my strength and resilience, but they had also shown me the value of true friendship and the importance of self-respect.
As I prepared to write about the future, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. There were new adventures to embark on, new challenges to face, and new friendships to form. The journey wasn't over; it was just beginning.
And as for Binita and Arpan, they were a part of my past. I had learned to let go and move forward, focusing on the people who truly mattered. The future was bright, and I was ready to embrace it with open arms.
To everyone who had been a part of my journey, thank you. And to those who would join me in the future, I couldn't wait to see what adventures lay ahead.