บท 17: getting (Q)ed
VOL. 3 – EXAM TIME!
Getting (Q)ed
"And with that, the tests will start next month. Study as much as you can!"
The teacher's voice echoed through the classroom, leaving every student either motivated or overwhelmed. The school was officially closed for Class 10th to 12th during the exam preparation period, giving students an entire month to study at home.
Shyam packed his bag, adjusted his shoes, and prepared to leave when, as expected, Raitha came running up to him.
"Hey, Shyam. Would you like to have a study session tonight? I promise we'll study hard this time."
Her voice carried a mix of determination and desperation. Her sparkling eyes and tightly clasped hands seemed to plead for his help.
Shyam couldn't bring himself to say no.
"Fine. Let's do it," he replied with a small smile. They agreed to meet at Raitha's house at 8:30 PM.
Raitha wasn't a secret to Shyam's dad anymore, but his mom was still in the dark. When Shyam asked for permission to go out that night, his dad agreed instantly, his approval swifter than the blink of an eye. But Shyam's mom was less convinced. After some coaxing, she eventually relented.
---
8:30 PM
Shyam entered Raitha's shop quietly, his footsteps softer than a pin drop. Her father was asleep at the counter, a book titled The Thunder resting on his chest. Shyam paused for a moment, unfamiliar with the title, before proceeding carefully.
Reaching Raitha's room, Shyam finally let out a small sigh of relief—only to freeze when the door behind him creaked open.
Panic gripped him. What if it's her dad? Did I make too much noise?
He turned around slowly, dread filling his eyes, but it wasn't her father. It was Raitha, stepping out of the bathroom.
Her freshly showered appearance caught him off guard. Her skin glowed under the soft room light, her eyes shone like polished gold, and her silky hair moved gently, as if by its own will. She wore a casual half T-shirt, modest yet comfortable, a safe choice after the near-disaster of her last outfit.
Raitha blinked in surprise upon seeing Shyam already inside. "What are you doing in my room before I even got here?" she asked, tilting her head.
"I—I didn't want to wake up your dad," Shyam stammered.
She gave him a light, playful slap on the arm before muttering, "Next time, just knock." She quickly got dressed in something more comfortable and joined him for their study session.
---
For hours, the two studied together, exchanging notes, solving problems, and revising chapters. Midnight approached, and unlike the previous night, the session passed without incident.
"Well, tonight went smoothly. Better than yesterday, huh?" Shyam chuckled, flashing a boyish grin.
Raitha smiled back. "See? I told you we'd study hard."
---
12:00 AM
Shyam returned home, exhausted yet satisfied. The house was silent except for the soft hum of the television, where his dad was still awake, engrossed in a show.
The moment Shyam stepped inside, he collapsed onto the sofa and drifted into sleep instantly. His dad glanced over, shook his head with a smile, and let him rest.
---
GETTING PREPARED.
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