She Has Gone Through It All [MATURE, 18+]

Chapter 1: The Shuffling

Grade 5 had just finished for Aaradhya. She had gotten her results today in a online portal - mostly because the Covid pandemic had just ended. She had been sitting in front of a screen for two years - two whole years - starting from grade 4. And now - now she's excited, because she's going back to school - not the online back to school kind, but an actual building-school. 

Aaradhya couldn't wait to go back and chit-chat with all her friends. She was also excited as it had been a long time since she had gone to school. This year's gonna be the best, she thought, not knowing that it might be one of the most emotional years of her school life.

Aaradhya also used to go for classical dance classes but after the pandemic broke out, she discontinued thereafter. Now, she goes to a music class that is just around the corner of her street and she played keyboard. She was basically like an all-rounder. That evening, Aaradhya returned back home from her keyboard lessons.

"I'm back!" she beamed, excited, as the class sections and class teachers for grade 6 was going to be announced that evening. Her mother greeted her at the doorway. Her father, who's office was far away, stayed at his parents', that is, Aaradhya's grandparents' house and he visited every Saturdays and Sundays. 

"Which class am I in?" asked Aaradhya, eyes glistening with immense excitement.

"You're in section A!" replied her mother. Aaradhya yelped as she started jumping up and down. "Oh, what about Sidharth? And Yashashwi? And also Ansh?" asked Aaradhya, expectantly. Her mother's face immediately went down.

"They're in section B," she whispered quietly. 

That's when Aaradhya's smile faded. "Section B?" she asked, her voice wavering. "Th-There has got to be some mistake!" "I'm afraid there's not, sweetie," replied her mother, voice soothing. "B-But we're best friends!" she cried and looked at her class list.

"I don't know anyone from section A much other than Maheshwari and Preeti! And they're not even close to me!" argued Aaradhya, now breaking down into sobs.

Her mother swooped down to a level equal to that of Aaradhya's height and placed both her arms on her either shoulders. "Aaradhya, you're a brave girl," she consoled her. "Friends are a part and parcel of our life. Don't worry, they'll still talk to you during breaks." "B-But what if they don't?" questioned Aaradhya. "What if... what if they forget about me?" 

Aaradhya's mother couldn't dispute that. "They-They will, dear," she replied. "Wait, I'll just ask Nandita (her mother's childhood friend who is also a senior secondary teacher in Aaradhya's school) for your class teacher, named Jeevitha's number," replied her mother. "And she's a new teacher at this school too."

"O-Okay," replied Aaradhya, wiping her tears, a spark of hope now ignited in her.

As Aaradhya sat on the floor in the hall, she could hear the voice of her mother talking to Nandita on the phone. After a few minutes, the call was done and in walked her mother. "I got her number," she replied, dialling it up. 

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" asked Aaradhya, squeezing her eyes to wipe off the salty tears. The call was luckily answered and her mother immediately started talking to the new teacher. Three minutes passed by before her mom came back to her, the call still ongoing. "I'll just give the phone to Aaradhya," she replied. "Please talk to her." 

She gave the phone to Aaradhya who mouthed a 'What'. She placed the phone on her ears. "H-Hello?" "Hi, Aaradhya," came a voice - gentle, soothing, non-rushing. "I heard you don't want to be my student?" 

"I-It's just that... my best friends," replied Aaradhya. "As your mom said, friends are a part and parcel of life," explained ma'am. "Also, I got a lot of pictures of yours in various online events conducted by the school and that's why I chose you to be in my class. I would love to have a all-rounder in my class as I saw your marks as well. And anyways, you can talk to your friends during the lunch breaks." 

Aaradhya thought about it for a moment. 

"F-Fine," she finally agreed. "Great!" exclaimed ma'am. "Can't wait for tomorrow! I promise you'll enjoy this academic year." "I-I trust you," whispered Aaradhya. She could hear her new class teacher laughing on the other side. "You should," she replied. "Right, get ready for tomorrow!" 

The phone was promptly given to Aaradhya's mother. "Yes, ma'am. Oh, I don't know how she listened to you in one call! Thank you so much, nonetheless!" 

Aaradhya heaved a huge sigh as she began her preparations for a whole new academic year - not realizing it was going to be one of the most vibrant, tiring, emotional but also a happy year she has ever faced - till now.