Tobi walked into the classroom. He stayed right behind school, so he had the luxury of waking up late and still never missing his breakfast.
He was the exact opposite of Saka, in all aspects. He hated sports and preferred to read. He had no interest in studies and studied enough to scrape through, thanks to Saka's persistent nagging. Tobi was brilliant. But he did not find any reason to torture his brain cells. He loved drawing, and spent most of his time in the island's art club. He was also an introvert. He did not like crowd in general, and Tobi seldom smiled. He smiled around Saka.
Saka was a people's person, who loved sports. He had always been the class representative, loved by all, always cheerful. While Saka was a talker, Tobi was a listener.
Tobi was a spoilt child, being the only son. His father was the local doctor, very much respected by the village, and his mom was a herbalist. They were in charge of the supplies to the temple. In contrast, Tobi ran away from biology. He detested everything that was not art.
Initially his parents had tried their best to get him to study, but he could be stubborn and refused to budge.
It was unfathomable how these two had become friends, but they had been together since kindergarten, and both were more than brothers.
Tobi had cried more than even Saka at Saka's mother's funeral, for he could not bear to see Saka in pain. He cried so much, Saka had to stop to comfort him.
Tobi's mom had taken it upon herself to play the mother role. Everytime she prepared sweets or made pickle, she sent a big box to Saka's family.
He had cheered the hardest when Saka told Tobi that he had decided to become the head priest. "If you become the head priest, I shall be the temple artist." Saka nodded. "Ofcourse! You will be the artist and my exclusive costume designer. "
Tobi nodded solemnly. It was a given.
His parents had been proud when he decided to put his talent to good use.
They were avid worshippers of Lord Apā, and immense followers of uncle Karn's preachings. Even uncle Karn did not celebrate as had as Tobi's family when Saka completed his scripture studies.
When Tobi saw Saka coming in late on the very first day, he was worried. Saka hadn't sent him any message. Was he all right? After the morning meeting, he bumped into Roma. "Maw Roma, good morning!"
"Ah, Tobi, good morning!"
"Saka didn't come today? He hasn't texted me, is he okay?"
"Saka fell down the steps I heard. His phone smashed, so he sent a message through some passerby's phone to Laika saying that he missed his bus, so he'd come by the next. No grave injuries, luckily."
He nodded, relieved. Saka always texted him if he wasn't going to turn up. Tobi paid attention on those days and made notes so Saka wouldn't miss out on classes.
When Saka had hobbled in, stained in blood, Tobi literally chewed his lips with worry. He would have forced Saka to the infirmary, if the new teacher hadn't cornered Saka.
When Saka did not turn up the whole morning after that, he started getting anxious.
He went to the staff room during lunch, but no one was there, neither Maw Laika nor Maw Roma.
Agitated, he walked around the campus, munching on a cheese bun he got from the vending machine. He couldn't find Saka in the infirmary or the classroom.
He decided to give the staffroom one more shot. He bumped into Saka just before the staffroom who clung on to him and whispered "Run!"
He did not understand but helped Saka back to the classroom.
He pried into Saka's eyes, to see if Saka had cried, but they looked lively. He felt relieved. He wasn't one of many words.
Saka did not volunteer any information. He spent the whole afternoon staring out of the window. He didn't even notice the day had ended till Tobi told him.
When Saka rushed towards detention, Tobi was most bewildered. How could the perfect student get detention? He couldn't figure it out. Saka had never gotten punished, ever since his mother had passed away. He did not want to burden his father, so he made sure nothing one ever complained about him. Such a person, unless wrongfully accused, had no reason for getting punished.
He saw Saka's face, but seeing him cheerful reduced Tobi's worry to a certain extent.
This morning, when Tobi came inside, he saw Saka sitting on Tobi's chair, waiting for him.
Tobi walked upto Saka, who stood up and hugged Tobi tightly.
"Tobi! Let's have lunch together today!"
Tobi nodded. He had no idea what this was about, but he wanted to share his friend's excitement.
During lunch, Saka told Tobi all about Laika's prank (Tobi laughed) and Maw Mina's misunderstanding (Tobi's look could have burnt Maw Mina had she been around) and Maw Vira's coolness. Tobi would study hard for Maw Vira. He made up his mind.
But when Saka told about the confession, Tobi almost fell off his chair.
"What?"
"You heard me right Tobi. But I can't help it. My love doubles by the minute for Maw Vira. I'm not able to handle this happiness. You will support me right?"
Tobi solemnly nodded, patting Saka in the back. "If you are convinced, so am I. But if you cry because of him, I will make his life miserable."
Saka laughed. "You are the best thing that happened to me. Tobi we have a sleepover this weekend. You should come. You'll get to know Maw Vira. Did you know Rin and he are good friends?"
"Sen Rin and Maw Vira? What a small world!"
Tobi liked Sen Rin. She was the coolest senior when they were still in middle school. He would be delighted to see her. He nodded his confirmation.
If Sen Rin and Maw Vira were friends, then as far as Tobi was concerned, it was a double confirmation for him that Maw Vira was a worthy suitor for his best friend.
"What about detention?"
"Ah! I have to suggest books and help with decor for the book club, and I don't know where to start. Can you help me out?"
Tobi was excited. This was no punishment. Maw Vira won his heart as well. "Leave it to me. I will help you impress Maw."
Saka beamed. "I knew I could count on you!"