Capítulo 17: Chapter 17: First Day of Academy II
Diya's Perspective:
I sat quietly in the car, watching the city pass by as I tried to gather my thoughts. Today was our first day at the academy, and the weight of everything that happened between me and Dhruvansh at the housewarming party still lingered. I knew that I had to apologize, but the silence between us felt heavier than what I expected.
I glanced at Dhruvansh, hoping to find a moment to break the ice. He stared out the window, his face unreadable, lost in his own thoughts. I swallowed hard, feeling nervous. What could I say? Everything I thought of sounded wrong or forced. So, I kept quiet for the rest of the drive.
When we finally reached the academy, our parents gave us both encouraging smiles. Karna Uncle patted Dhruvansh on the shoulder, while mom gave me a gentle squeeze on my hand. I tried to smile back, but my stomach was in knots.
As we walked into the academy, I clutched my student guideline booklet tightly. The building was enormous, filled with students—most of them older than me and Dhruvansh. It didn't take long for me to notice how out of place we both were, being just five years old in a setting meant for older kids. It made me feel even smaller than I already did.
Dhruvansh barely said anything. He just walked beside me in silence, his steps purposeful, as if he couldn't wait to get away. It was like he just wanted to keep to himself and didn't want any interaction with me and he was walking side by side with me because of some compulsion that he may have felt because of our parents being friend or the class was on the same way. I wanted things to go back to how they used to be, before everything got so complicated at least.
When we found our classroom, the sight of all the other teenagers made me freeze for a second. They all looked so much older. I hesitated but then made up my mind. I picked a seat right in the front, hoping it would show that I was serious about my studies. And Dhruvansh, however, headed straight to the back, choosing a desk by the window, as far away from me as possible.
Class started soon after that. The teacher, a tall man with glasses, introduced himself, and then asked both me and Dhruvansh to introduce ourselves to the class. I stood up, feeling everyone's eyes on me as I was kind of famous from my birth because of my intelligence which I was most proud of till recently. I said my name and a few words before quickly sitting back down as everybody knows about me and this introduction was a formality for me. But not for Dhruvansh, and I was shocked when he introduced himself with a short, to the point, not like what I expected.
The rest of the class was a blur of information about courses and filling out forms. I stole a glance at him every now and then, hoping to catch his eye, but he was deep in his own world, scribbling something in his notebook. I wondered what he was thinking about, and which subjects he was going to select.
After class, as everyone was busy filling in their course selections, I made up my mind. I would talk to him—apologize for everything that happened. Maybe that would help them move past it.
But when the class ended and I finally turned to face him, Dhruvansh was already gone. I watched him leave the classroom, heading off somewhere on his own. I bit my lip, feeling frustrated. It felt like no matter what I did, he was always one step ahead, always slipping through my fingers.
I decided not to follow him. Instead, I finished my course selections and tried to keep my mind on what I was here to do—study, learn, and get better at everything. I couldn't force Dhruvansh to talk to me, not if he wasn't ready.
The rest of my day passed in a similar way. I attended the introductory sessions, taking notes and trying to keep my mind focused on my studies. But I couldn't help thinking about Dhruvansh. I wondered where he had gone after class. What was he doing? Was he okay?
By the time the academy day ended, I felt exhausted. As I walked out toward the car, I saw Dhruvansh wasn't there yet, and Uncle and Aunty are waiting for there. I said good afternoon to them, and they ask how was my first day at academy to which I said it was fine and then they ask where Dhruvansh is, as he isn't here yet and I reply that he just went somewhere after introduction. Then they gesture for me to sit in the car and after some time Dhruvansh comes, and he too greets Uncle and Aunty.
Then Karna Uncle starts the car and drive towards home, Devi Aunty ask Dhruvansh about his first day at academy and why was he late and where he went as I mentioned that he went somewhere after the introduction in the class.
"How was your day?" she asked softly, hoping this time he'd respond.
"It was fine, and I just went to the library to read as there wasn't much need to stay in the class as mentioned by the professor." Dhruvansh replied.
I sighed inwardly.
When we finally arrived home, I went straight to my room, my heart heavy. I slumped onto my bed, burying my face in my pillow. It wasn't supposed to be like this. I had imagined my academy days to be exciting and full of possibilities, with me acing the whole course, learning, and growing. But now? I was alone, sad and guilty just because I did some stupid thing due to me being arrogant.
Mom and Dad noticed my mood immediately. My mom knocked gently on my door before entering. "Diya, how was your day?" she asked, her voice soft and caring.
I sat up, trying to put on a brave face, but it crumbled under mom's gaze. "It was... okay," I mumbled, not wanting to admit how bad it really felt.
Dad joined us, sitting down beside me and mom. "It'll take time, sweetheart," he said, reading my expression. "Dhruvansh's been through a lot, and he's probably still processing everything. Don't take it to heart if he's not talking to you much right now."
I nodded, though the reassurance didn't fully ease the sadness I felt. "I just want to make things right with him... I want to apologize properly for the party," I confessed.
Hearing this mom put an arm around me and said, "You will, Diya. But remember, he needs time. The best thing you can do is to be patient. Keep focusing on your studies and being there for him when he's ready."
I knew they were right, but it didn't make it any easier. Still, I had to try. Tomorrow would be a new day, and maybe—just maybe—I'd get a little closer to fixing things with Dhruvansh.
For now, all I could do was wait.
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