Day Of Diya -3

The Story Of Mine -3

Shadows of School Life

The day started with a heavy cloud hanging over our school, an ominous sign of what was to come. Siva, was called to the principal’s office. When he returned, his face was streaked with tears. My heart sank as I rushed to his side. “What happened?” I asked, dread pooling in my stomach.

“They said I can’t come to school anymore,” he managed to say, his voice trembling. The principal had summoned his mother to deliver the news: Siva had violated school rules and was being expelled. His mother stood beside him, a look of disbelief etched on her face. “Why are you crying, Siva?” she asked gently, brushing a tear from his cheek. “They’re the ones who told you not to come. They’ll call you back.” But Siva knew better; the reality of his situation crushed his spirit.

That same day, my own life spiraled out of control. The principal called my father, delivering the same devastating message: “Your daughter can’t come to school anymore.” My heart raced as I heard my father’s incredulous response. The fallout created chaos at home, a fissure in our family dynamics. I felt lost, unable to cope with the sudden shift in my life. Seeking solace, I went to my grandmother’s house, hoping to escape the turmoil.

At my grandmother’s, Siva and I made a pact. We vowed to study hard and prove that our love for learning wouldn’t wane due to this setback. We spent our suspension period—fifteen days—immersed in our books, fueled by determination. My cousin, also in my class, rallied behind us, offering unwavering support. However, my five friends began whispering about rebellion, suggesting we plan our escape from the school entirely. Their words unsettled me.

“I can’t believe they’re saying this,” I thought, feeling a heavy loneliness settle in my heart. My world felt dim, except for the flicker of light that was my boyfriend. He became my refuge, offering an escape from the bleakness around me. In his presence, I found fleeting happiness.

After our exams, I was ecstatic to discover that my efforts paid off. I scored 532 marks, securing the first position in the school, while Siva followed closely behind with 514 marks, claiming second place. The school that had expelled us called us back for an awards ceremony, a bittersweet moment filled with pride and relief. It felt like a victory snatched from the jaws of defeat.

As the months rolled on, we focused on preparing for the NEET examination. November 19th marked our first anniversary, and I planned to celebrate with my boyfriend. However, my family surprised me with a sudden trip, turning my excitement into tears. “He’s been waiting for this!” I thought, desperation rising. I rushed to see him, but our reunion quickly soured.

“I waited for six hours,” he said, his frustration palpable. “Do you even know what that feels like?”

His anger pierced me, and I tried to explain my situation, but the words stumbled out in a jumble. Our anniversary night descended into arguments and misunderstandings. “You don’t understand what hardship is,” I snapped, feeling the weight of my past pushing down on me.

“You think you know hardship?” he shot back. I hesitated, grappling with the words that spilled from my heart. “You have no idea what my life has been like,” I confessed. “It’s been hard…”

I thought back to my childhood. In sixth grade, I had a puppy love that disappeared before I even understood it. The gossip that followed was brutal; classmates whispered and pointed fingers, leaving me isolated and alone. My best friend at the time grew distant, and suddenly, I was invisible to everyone. I felt the sting of betrayal deeply, drowning in loneliness.

In eighth grade, another boy expressed interest in me, but I had no feelings for him. When my friends insisted I accept him, I pushed away. Then came February 28th, a day that marked my first period, a milestone that kept me home for a week. Upon my return, I faced silence from my peers, except for that boy who had been kind to me. Yet even his friendship felt tainted by rumors that spread like wildfire.

As I moved into ninth grade, I found myself consumed by my thoughts and feelings. I stopped talking to that boy, sensing his disappointment. My eyesight began to fail, and a trip to the hospital resulted in a pair of glasses that cost my family dearly. But during a playful moment, my friends broke them. I stared at the shattered lenses, tears pooling in my eyes, but I couldn’t cry. The bullying and isolation wore on me, deepening my depression.

By the time I reached tenth grade, things seemed to settle a bit. I spoke normally with my classmates, but the mental pressures remained, weighing heavily on my spirit. I often felt unlucky in everything I did.

Amid all this, I wondered how Siva was coping. What was he thinking? Would we continue to fight against the circumstances that tried to keep us down, or would the challenges pull us apart? My heart ached with uncertainty, and I knew our story was far from over.

To be continued...