Unrequited Beginnings

As days turned into months, the 9th grade year came to an end, and now I found myself stepping into the final year of school, the 10th grade. It was an important year, not just because of the upcoming board exams, but also because it marked the completion of my journey through school and going to junior college or high school for 11th and 12th grades. It was my last year in school with Riya and Jen.

The serious hold of the pandemic had begun to lessen, allowing Riya, Jen, and me to finally meet each other in person again. Today, we gathered at Riya's home for a group study session. It was a relief to be together physically after months of virtual classes and online interactions.

Riya's comfy study room was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of our lively chatter. Books and notes were spread across the table, interspersed with occasional snacks that Riya's mom had prepared for us.

"Alright, let me explain you both about Organic Chemistry," Riya said, flipping our textbook with determination. "We've got to cover IUPAC nomenclature, formation of alkane by alkene and alkyne, aromatic compounds, etc. properly."

Jen, always the enthusiastic one, chimed in, "I can't believe we're already in 10th grade. It feels like just yesterday we were struggling through physics experiments in 8th."

I shook, feeling a sense of memories mixed with anticipation for the challenges ahead. "Yeah, time really flies. But hey, we've got this. Now we are back together for one last year."

Our study session went smoothly, with each of us giving ideas and explanations to confirm we understood every detail. Riya with her detailed and simple notes, helped us through complex chemical equations and IUPAC names, while Jen kept us boosted with her humour, positivity and gossip.

During a break, as we sipped on our cold coffee and enjoyed some snacks like cookies, the conversation eventually drifted to lighter topics like school and boys.

Jen said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, Rohan Sharma is the Sports Captain this year. What do you think about it, Maya?"

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Jen. Again with the Rohan topic? Are you and Riya both obsessed with him?"

Riya giggled, joining in. "We're just curious, Maya. He's Mr. Popular, after all."

Jen laughed, shaking her head. "It's not like that. Just curious. But hey, is everything alright between you and Rohan? I heard a rumor that you both are together in school."

I recoiled slightly, my face furrowing up in mock disgust. "Eww, I would never do that! Plus, I only talk to him on Instagram rarely. But you know what, I also heard some rumors about you and Parth."

Jen's eyes widened, a blush spreading onto her cheeks. "What? That's just a rumour! Parth and I are just friends."

Riya smirked. "Sure, just friends. And Maya and Rohan just talk on Instagram, right?"

I groaned, throwing a cushion at Riya and Jen. "Enough with the teasing, guys! Can we get back to studying now?"

Jen chuckled, dodging the cushion. "Alright, alright. But seriously, Maya, you sure there's nothing going on with you and Rohan?"

I sighed, shaking my head. "I'm sure. It's just random Instagram chats, nothing more."

Riya's brow raised. "Okay, we believe you. But if anything changes, you have to tell us first."

I smiled, bobbing. "Deal. Now, back to Organic Chemistry!"

As we dived into the complexities of Organic Chemistry, Jen couldn't resist adding her trademark humour or so-called humour.