Next Morning – Quiet Love

Morning light slowly filled the room.

Divya was still asleep, her tiny hand under her cheek.

Harsh sat beside her and watched her for a few seconds… just watching.

He gently touched her hair.

“Good morning, Divi…”

She moved a little.

“No… sleepy…”

He smiled softly. “Okay, sleepy baby. But Mumma is making breakfast.”

One eye opened.

“Mumma?”

“Yes. And she said only good babies get pancakes.”

Divya slowly turned toward him and stretched her arms.

“Dadda… hug.”

He didn’t speak. He just picked her up and held her close.

She rested her head on his shoulder.

After a few quiet seconds, she whispered,

“Dadda… you happy?”

He was surprised. “Why are you asking that?”

She lifted her head.

“You happy I come?”

His eyes softened immediately.

“Divya… the day you came was the happiest day of my life.”

She blinked slowly.

“I come small?”

“Yes. Very small. And very loud.”

She thought for a moment.

“You want baby boy?”

The question was simple. Not scared. Just innocent.

Harsh held her face gently.

“I wanted you. Bas.”

She looked at him carefully.

“Only me?”

“Only you.”

She smiled slowly.

“Okay.”

She hugged him again, tighter this time.

“Divi stay with DTara walked in quietly and saw them sitting like that.

She smiled.

“Subah subah serious baatein?”

Harsh looked at her. “Madam yahan life questions pooch rahi hain.”

Tara came and sat beside them.

Divya looked at her.

“Mumma… Dadda say I loud baby.”

Tara laughed softly.

“You were. Hospital mein sabko pata chal gaya tha ki Divya aa gayi.”

Divya smiled proudly.

“I strong baby.”

“Very strong,” Tara said, kissing her forehead.

Harsh looked at Tara and said softly,

“Can you believe she thought we wanted something else?”

Tara’s expression changed gently.

She touched Divya’s cheek.

“Hamari beti se better kuch ho hi nahi sakta.”

Divya didn’t understand every word.

But she understood the tone.

She placed one hand on Mumma’s face and one on Dadda’s.

“Divi family.”

Harsh smiled.

“Yes. You are our whole family.”

Tara leaned her head on Harsh’s shoulder.

For a moment, nobody spoke.

No jokes. No teasing.

Just quiet.

Just warmth.

And Divya, sitting between them .

The afternoon sun was soft when Tara and Divya reached Rey’s house. Divya walked in with quick, excited steps, her ponytail bouncing behind her. The moment she stepped inside and saw him standing near the sofa with his toy car, her whole face lit up.

“Reyyyy!” she shouted, stretching his name like it was the happiest word in the world.

Rey turned around so fast that he almost dropped his car. His eyes widened, and then he ran toward her with uneven, fast little steps.

“Diviii!”

They hugged with absolutely no balance. Rey leaned too much forward, Divya leaned too much backward, and both of them almost fell before catching each other again. They burst into giggles for no reason at all.

On the sofa, Rey’s grandmother smiled warmly.

Tara bent slightly and hugged her. “Hello, Babe. How are you?”

“I’m good, beta,” Babe said, watching the children. “These two already started their drama.”

Divya had already grabbed Rey’s wrist and pulled him to theThey sat cross-legged on the floor with a big box of blocks between them.

Divya picked up the biggest red block and placed it firmly on the ground.

“We are making a big house,” she announced confidently. “Very big. Bigger than your house.”

Rey blinked at her, slightly offended. “My house is already big.”

Divya tilted her head, put both hands on her hips, and narrowed her eyes like a tiny architect judging poor work.

“But this is princess house.”

Rey immediately softened.

“Oh.”

He started stacking blocks carefully, sticking his tongue out slightly in concentration. His eyebrows squeezed together as if he were solving a serious engineering problem.

Divya leaned closer, watching closely.

“No, straight. Straight. It’s falling. Hold it properly.”

Rey held his breath while adjusting it.

Behind them, Tara and Babe watched, trying not to laugh.

“She has taken full control,” Babe whispered.

Tara smiled. “At home also "

The peaceful living room that was five minutes ago full of sweet smiles and innocent conversation… was now officially a battlefield.

It started very innocently.

Rey was sitting on the carpet, legs stretched, pretending to look innocent. Divya was opposite him, holding two big soft blue foam blocks in her hands.

She narrowed her eyes dramatically.

“Rey… don’t even think about it.”

Rey smirked. Slow. Dangerous. Mischievous.

“Oh really? And what exactly will you do?”

Divya leaned forward slightly, hair falling on one side of her face, eyes sparkling with challenge.

“I will attack.”

Tara gasped loudly like a dramatic background character.

“OH MY GOD. Babe, stop them before World War Three starts.”

Grandmother adjusted her glasses calmly. “Let them. I want entertainment.”

And that was the official approval .

Rey suddenly grabbed one giant blue block and THREW it.

Not at Divya.

But above her.

It flew in slow motion like a dramatic movie scene.

Divya ducked, squealing, “REYYYY!”

The block hit the sofa and bounced back, landing on Sid who had just entered the room.

Sid stood frozen. Block on face. Silence.

Everyone stared.

Sid slowly removed the block.

“I come after half an hour and I get attacked? Very nice.”

Divya burst out laughing so hard she almost fell backward.

Rey pointed at Sid, laughing shamelessly. “Collateral damage, bro!”

Sid narrowed his eyes.

“Oh. So it’s like that?”

He bent down.

Picked up TWO blocks.

And without warning—

THREW BOTH.

One hit Rey’s shoulder.

The other hit Divya’s arm.

Divya stood up dramatically, hand on heart.

“Sid. I trusted you.”

Sid spread his arms. “Trust is temporary . War is permanent .

Now it became ridiculous.

Rey grabbed a pillow for protection like a shield.

Divya climbed on the sofa for height advantage.

Tara was screaming, laughing, running in circles.

“Babe save me! I am neutral country!”

Grandmother was sitting calmly, sipping water, giving commentary.

“Divya, aim properly. Rey, don’t hide like that. Sid, you are throwing like a child.”

Rey shouted dramatically, “Grandma! Support your own blood!”

She smiled sweetly. “I support chaos " Divya suddenly jumped from the sofa.

She attacked Rey with three blocks at once.

One hit his chest.

One hit his face lightly.

One missed and flew across the room.

Rey exaggerated the impact, falling backward dramatically.

“Aah! Betrayal! I raised you better than this!”

Divya stood over him victoriously.

“You deserve it, Rey.”

He grabbed her wrist gently and pulled her down on the carpet beside him.

Now both were laughing uncontrollably.

Sid tried to attack again but slipped slightly on a fallen block.

Tara clapped loudly.

“Best entertainment ever!”

Then suddenly…

Rey whispered.

“Truce?”

Divya narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“Why?”

He slowly lifted one hidden block from behind his back.

Divya gasped.

“YOU CHEATER!”

And she tackled him again.

Now both were rolling on the carpet laughing like absolute children.

Hair messy.

Faces red.

Eyes shining.

Sid threw one last dramatic block in the air like a victory sign.

Tara collapsed on the sofa laughing.

Grandmother shook her head with a soft smile.

“You all are impossible.”

But her eyes were glowing with happiness.

The living room looked like a blue storm had passed through it.

Blocks everywhere.

Pillows displaced.

Hair messy.

Faces glowing.

And in the middle of all the chaos, Rey and Divya were still arguing playfully.

“You started it.”

“No YOU started it.”

“Rey!”

“Divya!”

Sid clapped slowly.

“Next time I’m bringing helmet.”

Tara grinned. “Next time I’m bringing popcorn.”

Grandmother stood up.

“Next time… I am recording.”

Everyone froze.

Then burst out laughing again.

The Great Blue Block War did not end.

It EVOLVED.

Within five minutes, the living room no longer looked like a respectable family space. It looked like a kindergarten after children discovered caffeine.

Blue blocks were everywhere.

On the sofa.

Under the table.

One was somehow inside a flower pot.

Nobody knows how.

Rey stood in the middle of the room like a dramatic villain, hair messy, t-shirt slightly twisted, holding a giant blue block like it was Thor’s hammer.

“Listen carefully,” he announced, trying to sound powerful but slightly out of breath. “I am the ruler of this territory.”

Divya folded her arms slowly.

Raised one eyebrow.

“Oh please. You can’t even rule your own hair.”

Sid immediately choked laughing.

Tara gasped dramatically. “Emotional damage!”

Rey ran his hand through his hair defensively. “My hair is fine.”

Divya stepped closer, inspecting him like a scientist observing a failed experiment.

“Rey, it looks like you fought with electricity and lost.”

Sid clapped loudly. “Bro, even the blocks are embarrassed to hit you now.”

Rey pointed at them both. “You two are teaming up? That’s illegal.”

Divya smirked. “In war, everything is legal. Samjha, Mr. Drama King?”

Suddenly, Sid tried to sneak attack Divya from behind.

But he tripped over three blue blocks.

In slow motion.

Arms flailing.

Face shocked.

“WAIT WAIT WAIT—”

THUD.

He landed on the carpet.

Not hurt.

Just humiliated.

Divya looked down at him.

“Boys and balance… never friends.”

Tara burst out laughing so hard she fell onto the sofa.

“Sid, tumse toh mera phone bhi zyada stable hai!”

Rey collapsed on the armrest laughing. “Bro you fell like Windows 98 system crash.”

Sid sat up dramatically. “At least I fall with style.”

Divya blinked.

“Style? You looked like a confused penguin.”

Rey suddenly grabbed two blocks and charged like a warrior.

Divya screamed dramatically, “AREY SHANTI RAKHO!”

He threw one block.

Missed.

Hit the curtain.

Second block?

Hit Tara accidentally.

Silence.

Everyone froze.

Tara slowly turned her head toward Rey.

Very slowly.

Very dangerous.

“Rey.”

He swallowed.

“I can explain.”

“You just attacked a neutral country.”

Sid whispered loudly, “He has signed his own death certificate.”

Divya folded her arms and stepped aside like a judge. “Proceed. I support the punishment.”

Tara grabbed the biggest blue block available.

Her face changed.

“Ab dekh.”

She ran.

Rey screamed.

Actually screamed.

“Grandma! Save me!”

Grandmother didn’t even look up from where she was calmly observing.

“I warned you.”

Tara HIT him lightly but repeatedly.

Not painful.

Just dramatic.

Rey fell on the sofa dramatically.

“Violence! So much violence!”

Divya sat beside him.

“Oh now you’re sensitive?”

Then chaos level increased to nonsense.

Sid started stacking blocks like a fort.

Divya noticed.

“What are you doing?”

He stood proudly.

“Defense strategy.”

Rey blinked. “Bro this is not a video game.”

Divya walked over.

Kicked the bottom block gently.

The entire structure collapsed.

Sid stared at the fallen blocks like his dreams shattered.

“Why are boys so overconfident?” Divya said calmly.

Rey nodded seriously. “She’s right actually.”

Sid gasped. “You switched sides?”

Rey shrugged. “Survival instinct.”

Now Divya climbed onto the sofa for height advantage again.

Pointing at both boys dramatically.

“Listen, tum dono ka problem pata hai kya?”

Rey squinted. “What?”

“You both think you’re heroes. But you’re just background characters in my story.”

Sid clutched his chest. “Bro she just demoted us.”

Rey stood up again, determined.

“Okay fine. Final round.”

They all grabbed blocks at the same time.

Three.

Two.

One.

Absolute madness.

Blocks flying everywhere.

Rey accidentally hit himself while trying to throw one.

Divya laughed so hard she bent forward, holding her stomach.

Sid tried to dodge but ran straight into Rey.

They both fell.

Together.

Like synchronized disaster.

Divya stood above them, victorious.

Hands on hips.

Hair messy.

Eyes shining.

“Boys,” she said sweetly, “you need training.”

Rey looked up from the floor.

“Training?”

“Yes.”

“In what?”

“How to not embarrass yourselves.”

Tara collapsed laughing again.

Grandmother finally stood up, shaking her head but smiling.

“I have never seen two boys lose a war this beautifully.”

Sid sighed dramatically. “We were distracted.”

Rey nodded seriously. “Yes. Psychological warfare.”

Divya grinned.

“No. Just basic intelligence.”

Dead silence.

Then everyone burst out laughing again.

The room was destroyed.

Blocks everywhere.

Hair messy.

Faces red.

Egos slightly injured.

But laughter filling every corner.

Rey looked at Divya softly but still playful.

“Next time, I’m winning.”

She leaned closer slightly.

“Rey… you can try.”

Sid groaned from the floor.

“Please. Next time I’m bringing insurance.”

Tara raised her hand.

“And helmet.”

Grandmother added calmly.

“And maybe maturity.”

Everyone looked at each other.

Then burst out laughing again.

The Great Blue Block War had officially entered legend status.

And the boys?

Emotionally roasted.

Physically defeated.

Spiritually confused.

Divya?

Unstoppable.

After the Great Blue Block War officially destroyed the living room and everyone’s dignity, things slowly calmed down.

Blocks were collected (mostly by Sid because “you both are irresponsible citizens”), cushions were fixed, and everyone finally sat on the carpet in a circle.

Grandmother brought a big plate of snacks — tiny samosas, biscuits, and small bowls of chips.

The energy shifted.

Now it was soft giggles and quiet munching.

Divya sat cross-legged, holding a samosa with both hands because it was slightly too big for her little fingers. Her cheeks were still pink from laughing. Rey sat beside her, very close but pretending not to care. Sid sat opposite them, eating chips very seriously like it was an important task.

For a few seconds, there was peaceful silence.

Only crunching sounds.

Then Rey and Sid exchanged a look.

The kind of look 4-year-old boys think is very secretive but is actually very obvious.

Divya noticed.

She squinted her eyes slightly.

“What?”

Rey looked at Sid.

Sid nodded like a businessman approving a deal.

Rey cleared his throat dramatically.

“So… Divi…”

She blinked.

“Yes?”

Sid leaned forward a little, crumbs on his lips.

“We made one new friend.”

Divya paused mid-bite.

“New friend?”

Her voice wasn’t jealous. Just curious. Pure.

Rey nodded quickly.

“He’s very good. Very nice. He shares his crayons.”

That was a serious qualification at this age.

Divya’s eyes widened a little.

“He shares?”

Sid nodded proudly. “Yes. And he doesn’t cry if someone takes blue color.”

Divya looked impressed.

“Wow.”

There was a tiny pause.

Rey looked at her carefully, watching her face like he was checking if she would feel bad.

“But… we want you to meet him,” Rey added quickly.

Sid smiled. “Haan, you will like him. He is funny also.”

Divya thought for two full seconds — which is a long time in toddler thinking.

Then she nodded softly.

“Okay. I will meet him.”

Rey’s shoulders visibly relaxed.

Sid smiled wider.

There was something innocent in that moment — no insecurity, no ego. Just small children wanting their favorite person to like their new friend.

Two whole months had passed.

Sixty tiny sunsets.

Sixty mornings of random laughter.

Sixty days of talking about “first day of school” like it was some huge adventure waiting at the door.

In those two months, Rey and Sid had told Divya at least a hundred times about their “new friend who shares crayons.” Divya had imagined him differently every time — sometimes tall, sometimes funny looking, sometimes with very neat hair. Every few days she would randomly ask, “He is nice na?” And both boys would answer seriously, like they were giving an official statement, “Yes. Very nice.”

Now those two months were over.

Tomorrow was their first day of school.

And suddenly… it felt real.

That evening, the air felt softer. Even the sky looked calm, like it knew something important was happening.

Divya was sitting on the floor of her room, her tiny uniform kept neatly on the bed beside her. The blue fabric looked so small… yet so important. She kept touching it gently with her fingers, not saying anything.

Rey and Sid were at their homes doing the exact same thing — staring at their uniforms like it was superhero costume day.

Divya’s mother Tara sat beside her and softly brushed her hair back.

“You’re very quiet,” Tara said gently.

Divya looked up slowly.

“School will be big?”

Tara smiled warmly. “It will feel big at first. But then it will feel small.”

Divya thought about that.

Her little hands moved to her shoes. She tapped them lightly.

“Rey and Sid will be there.”

Tara nodded. “Yes.”

That was enough.

The alarm rang.

Harsh turned it off confidently.

“Easy. We are fully prepared.”

He was wrong.

Very wrong.

Divya was still wrapped inside her blanket like a tiny burrito. Only her hair was visible.

Harsh sat beside her and gently poked her cheek.

“Princess… wake up. Big day.”

No response.

He tried again.

“Divi… today is school.”

One eye opened.

Very slowly.

She stared at him.

“Today?”

“Yes.”

She blinked twice.

Then suddenly sat up straight.

“School?!”

Blanket fell.

Hair messy.

Face serious.

Harsh smiled softly.

“Yes. First day.”

She looked around like she expected school to appear inside her room.

“Now?”

“Yes, now.”

She immediately grabbed his arm.

“Dadda… you also coming?”

That question.

So small.

So heavy.

Harsh’s expression softened instantly. He brushed her hair back gently.

“I will come till the gate.”

She processed that.

“Gate means… outside?”

“Yes. Then you go inside with Rey and Sid.”

She thought for a moment.

Then nodded bravely.

“Okay.”

But her fingers didn’t leave his arm.

Ten minutes later, the house looked like a small tornado had passed through.

Uniform on bed.

Shoes under table.

One sock missing.

Water bottle cap lost.

Divya was standing in the middle of the room wearing half her uniform — shirt on, but no skirt yet.

“Dadda, where my sock?”

Harsh was under the bed.

“I saw it here!”

From under the bed came his voice:

“Why is there a spoon under here?”

Divya looked confused.

“Not spoon. Sock.”

“Yes I know. But why spoon?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Tara entered the room and froze at the scene.

Harsh crawling.

Divya half dressed.

Uniform everywhere.

Tara crossed her arms.

“Wow. First day and already disaster management.”

Harsh came out holding one sock like he had found treasure.

“FOUND IT.”

Tara raised one eyebrow.

“And the other one?”

Silence.

Divya looked at her feet.

One sock on.

One foot naked.

She whispered dramatically, “It ran away.”

Harsh gasped. “Traitor sock.”

Tara laughed.

“You two are impossible.”

Finally, Divya was fully dressed.

Hair neatly tied.

Shoes on (after searching for five minutes).

Bag on shoulders — slightly too big for her.

She stood near the mirror.

Very small.

Very neat.

Very ready.

Harsh knelt down in front of her.

He adjusted her collar slowly.

His movements weren’t chaotic anymore.

They were gentle.

“Listen,” he said softly.

She looked at him.

“If you feel confused… ask teacher.”

She nodded.

“If someone takes your crayon… what will you do?”

She replied confidently, “Take back.”

He smiled.

“Good.”

Then she suddenly asked quietly,

“Dadda… you will miss me?”

That hit differently.

He paused for a second.

Then smiled.

“Yes.”

She smiled back.

“I will also miss you.”

He opened his arms slightly.

She stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

Her small hands wrapping around his neck.

His big hands resting protectively on her back.

For a moment, everything was still.

No chaos.

No running.

Just father and daughter.

Tara leaned on the door, watching them.

“Harsh.”

He looked up.

“Don’t cry more than her.”

He gasped dramatically. “Excuse me?”

Tara smirked.

“Last night you checked her bag three times.”

“That’s called responsibility.”

“That’s called panic.”

Divya looked between them.

“Dadda scared?”

Harsh immediately stood up straight.

“No! I am brave.”

Tara laughed.

“Yes, yes. Very brave. He was Googling ‘how to survive first day of school emotionally.’”

Harsh protested, “That was research!”

Divya giggled.

“Dadda funny.”

He leaned down and whispered to her,

“Your mumma is trouble.”

Tara replied sweetly, “And you married that trouble.”

Divya clapped happily.

“You both fight so cute.”

They both looked at her.

Then at each other.

And smiled.

The school gate looked bigger than usual that morning, almost like it had grown overnight just to test tiny brave hearts. Children were walking in—some excited, some crying, some clinging tightly to their parents. Divya slowed down without even realizing it. Her fingers tightened around Harsh’s hand, her small steps becoming softer and quieter. She wasn’t crying, but her eyes were thinking. Harsh felt the change immediately.

He knelt down in front of her, gently brushing a strand of hair away from her forehead. “Divi,” he said calmly. She looked at him. “If you don’t feel like going to school… you come running to me.” She blinked slowly. He continued, his voice steady and warm, “We will not send you inside. Not until you are ready.” Her lips parted slightly. “Really?” He nodded. “Yes.

You don’t have to be brave all the time.” Tara stood beside them, smiling softly. “We are right here.” Divya leaned forward and hugged her dadda tightly, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck as if she wanted to carry that safety inside with her. He held her gently and whispered, “You are my strong girl.” She whispered back, “I know.”

Behind them, Rey and Sid were waiting, trying very hard to look grown up. Sid called out, “Divi, come fast before teacher takes best seats!” Rey added seriously, “Window seat important.” Divya gave one last look at Harsh. “Gate only, okay?” He smiled. “Gate only.” She took a few small steps, then suddenly ran back for one more quick hug before turning and walking inside between Rey and Sid.

Their little hands brushed and then held each other without making it obvious. “You okay?” Rey asked softly. “My dadda is outside,” she replied. Sid nodded. “Good. Backup ready.”

They sat down on their tiny chairs, uniforms neat, feet barely touching the floor, eyes wide with curiosity. Outside the gate, Harsh finally exhaled.

Tara slipped her hand into his. “She didn’t even cry,” he said quietly. Tara smiled. “She didn’t need to.” And as the classroom door closed gently, it wasn’t fear that followed Divya inside—it was the comfort of knowing that if she ever wasn’t ready, someone would always be waiting at the gate.

Inside the classroom, the world felt smaller than the gate outside — tiny chairs, tiny tables, colorful charts on the walls, sunlight slipping in through the window like it had also come to watch the first day. Divya was super excited now. The nervousness had melted into curiosity. She kept turning her head left and right, whispering, “Look, crayons!” and “Rey, see that big teddy!” Her ponytails bounced every time she moved. Rey and Sid, on the other hand, were surprisingly calm. They weren’t less happy — they were just happier watching her be happy. Rey leaned back slightly in his chair, smiling at her excitement like it was his personal achievement. Sid whispered, “She forgot she was scared.” Rey replied softly, “Good.”

Then the door opened.

A boy walked in confidently, adjusting his backpack, eyes scanning the room. Rey’s face lit up immediately. “Aditya!” he exclaimed, standing up slightly. Sid’s eyes widened, a huge grin spreading across his face. “You came!”

Divya turned, curious. Then she froze. Her smile disappeared slowly, eyes widening. Her tiny fists clenched by her sides. The boy stopped in his tracks, eyebrows raised.

“You?” Divya whispered, her voice small but sharp.

“You,” he replied evenly, crossing his arms.

Rey looked confused. “You both know each other?”

Divya stepped closer, leaning forward slightly. Chin up, hands on her hips. “He pushed me in the park.”

Aditya’s jaw tightened, and he straightened up. “You took my ball!”

“I did not!” she shot back, stamping one tiny foot.

“You did!” he countered, stepping forward just a little, their faces only inches apart.

Sid whispered to Rey, wide-eyed, “This is war.”

Divya pointed a finger at him, cheeks puffed slightly. “You are heartless!”

He tilted his head, a sly smile appearing. “You are talking machine.”

Divya gasped, her eyes nearly popping. “What?!” Her tiny hands flailed slightly, ponytails bouncing with anger.

He smirked. “Too much smile, too much noise. Always giggling.”

Divya crossed her arms tightly, scowling. “Chamkadar!”

Aditya didn’t flinch. He leaned slightly forward. “Chipkali.”

Rey covered his mouth to hide a laugh, while Sid whispered, “They are perfect enemies.”

Divya’s little face turned red. She stomped one foot softly on the floor. “You never say sorry!”

He raised one eyebrow. “You also never say sorry.”

“You started!”

“You started!”

They stood still for a moment, glaring at each other. Tiny bodies, little feet, stiff hands, cheeks puffed, eyebrows furrowed — their small size couldn’t hide the intensity.

Divya muttered , “Tum bilkul achhe nahi ho.”

He replied calmly , “I don’t like you either.”

Their eyes met again. Not friendly. Not playful. Pure stubbornness and unfinished business from the park. Rey and Sid leaned back, whispering to each other, “This is going to be epic.”

And that was the first official showdown of Divya Malhan and Aditya Malhotra — tiny rivals, big attitudes, and enough stubborn energy to fill the whole classroom.

The classroom was slowly filling up. More tiny children were coming in, some running, some holding parents’ hands, some sitting quietly and staring at the colorful walls.

Divya was standing with Rey and Sid, still recovering from the park incident showdown with Aditya. She had her arms crossed, eyes sharp, but curious.

Then a chubby little girl approached Divya nervously. Her cheeks were pink, her tiny hands fiddling with her hair.

“Hi… uh… can I be your friend?” she asked softly.

Divya tilted her head, studying her carefully. She noticed the little girl seemed kind, maybe a bit shy. A small smile appeared. “Okay.” She nodded.

The two girls now stood together. Trisha whispered, “I’m Trisha.”

Divya smiled a little. “Divya.”

Rey and Sid glanced at each other, grinning softly. Aditya just crossed his arms, silent, eyes sharp, observing.

The three boys—Hridansh, Vihan, and Darsh—were standing a little distance away, whispering loudly to each other, plotting some mischief.

“Let’s run,” Hridansh whispered dramatically.

“Race to the class!” Vihan added.

Darsh bounced on his toes. “Winner gets first choice of chair!”

Before anyone could stop them, the three of them bolted. Tiny legs moving fast, backpacks flopping. But Hridansh stopped suddenly in the middle of the class.

Vihan and Darsh didn’t notice. Crash! Both tumbled forward, tumbling onto the floor. Boom! All three landed right at Divya and Trisha’s feet.

Divya’s eyes went wide. Trisha gasped, tiny hands on her mouth.

“Are you okay?” Divya asked carefully, bending down and helping Hridansh to stand.

“Thanks,” he panted, wiping dirt from his tiny knees.

Trisha helped Vihan and Darsh up. “Careful next time!” she scolded gently, though her cheeks were already pink from laughing.

The three boys straightened, shook their tiny fists at each other as if blaming themselves. Then… they all looked at Divya and Trisha.

And they smiled. Awfully wide. Teeth showing. Eyes mischievous.

“Hi! I’m Hridansh,” said the tallest one, tiny backpack tilted sideways.

“I’m Vihan!” said the one with messy hair, bouncing on his heels.

“And Darsh!” said the smallest, jumping slightly in excitement.

Divya raised one eyebrow. “Hmm…”

Trisha giggled nervously.

Hridansh wiggled his eyebrows. “We are chaos team!”

Darsh jumped and added, “Yep. We make noise. Big noise!”

Vihan waved his hands around. “And sometimes fall!”

Divya and Trisha couldn’t help giggling now.

Meanwhile, Rey whispered to Sid, “They are… extra.”

Sid nodded, hiding a smile. “Totally.”

Aditya was still standing a few steps behind, arms crossed, expression serious as ever. Not a single smile. Eyes scanning everyone.

Divya turned to him. “You not smile?”

Aditya shrugged. “I don’t do chaos.”

Hridansh bounced toward him. “You boring! Smile, bro!”

Vihan poked him lightly. “Yeah! Smile or we prank!”

Darsh jumped up. “We dare you to laugh!”

Aditya’s lips twitched slightly, but nothing more. He just crossed his arms again.

Divya whispered to Trisha, “He… scary.”

Trisha giggled. “Yeah… but maybe… fun scary?”

Hridansh, Vihan, and Darsh immediately started miming funny falls, arms flailing, making noises like “Woooosh! Bam! Ouch!”

Divya’s eyes widened, then she started laughing so hard her ponytails bounced. Trisha joined, covering her mouth with her small hands.

Rey and Sid were trying hard not to laugh, but their shoulders were shaking.

Even Divya, in between laughs, pointed at Aditya. “You missing all fun, chamkadar!”

Aditya glanced at her, deadpan. “I don’t need fun.”

Hridansh gasped, hands on cheeks. “How can anyone survive without fun?”

Vihan jumped and yelled, “We should teach him chaos!”

Darsh ran around the desks, zigzagging, shouting, “Chaos! Chaos!”

Divya and Trisha were giggling uncontrollably. Rey and Sid were quietly amused.

Aditya sighed, arms crossed, still serious, but his eyes flickered with something—maybe curiosity.

The tiny classroom was now full of laughter, shouting, and flailing arms. Chairs wobbled. Backpacks slid. Crayons fell. Everyone was talking at once.

Divya raised her tiny hand, pointing at the chaos. “Stop! Or I will call heartless on you all!”

Hridansh, Vihan, and Darsh froze for half a second, then all three grinned cheekily.

Trisha whispered to Divya, “This… is gonna be fun.”

Divya nodded, ponytails bouncing. “Very fun.”

And Aditya? He just leaned against the wall, arms crossed, expression unchanged, silently watching the chaos unfold like the only calm judge of this mini storm.

The classroom buzzed with excitement as the teacher entered.

“Good morning, children!” she said with a warm smile.

Immediately, the students started singing a long, cheerful “Gooood mooooorning” song. Their little voices mixed with laughter, some loud, some soft, some squeaky. Divya was sitting in the middle, bouncing slightly on her tiny chair, Trisha on one side, Hridansh on the other. Her hands were folded neatly on the desk, but she kept peeking at the boys, trying not to giggle at their funny faces.

Sidd sat in the middle of his row, with Aditya to one side, Rey to the other. Rey was trying hard to sing properly, lips moving carefully. Aditya, as usual, stood out—he wasn’t singing much, arms folded, but a small twitch at the corner of his lips betrayed his amusement.

Vihan and Darsh were sitting with a quiet girl, Richa, who had slightly brown skin and a calm face. She barely spoke but observed everything, eyes wide, taking in the chaos of her new classmates. Vihan and Darsh tried to make her laugh, wiggling their eyebrows, but she just tilted her head, expression unbothered.

After the song ended, the teacher clapped her hands. “Very good! Now, let’s start learning about A, B, C.”

The children leaned forward eagerly. Divya’s eyes sparkled as she traced the letters with her finger in the notebook. Trisha copied quietly beside her, Hridansh occasionally looking around to see if anyone was making funny faces. Rey and Sidd were focused, while Aditya was silently observing, occasionally correcting Rey when he wrote a letter crookedly.

By the time lunch arrived, the room was alive with chatter.

The eight of them gathered together near the lunch area, their tiny legs moving quickly, backpacks bouncing. Divya held Trisha’s hand, Hridansh bounced beside her, and the three boys from earlier—Rey, Sidd, and Darsh—were talking about whose sandwich looked yummiest.

Then Divya noticed the quiet girl from earlier, Richa, sitting slightly apart. Her eyes were curious, glancing at the ground but watching the chaos of the eight friends.

“Hi! I’m Divya,” she said softly, walking up to her.

Richa blinked and smiled a tiny, shy smile. “I… I’m Richa.”

Trisha leaned forward, “I’m Trisha!”

Hridansh puffed up his chest, “Hridansh. Nice to meet you!”

Darsh added quickly, “Darsh!”

Vihan waved energetically, “I’m Vihan!”

Rey and Sidd just nodded politely, while Aditya didn’t speak but gave a small head tilt in greeting, eyes scanning her carefully.

Divya whispered to Trisha, “She’s cute.”

Trisha giggled softly. “Yeah… calm but cute.”

After the introductions, the nine of them ran together to the playground. The sun was warm, the grass soft under their tiny shoes. Divya ran ahead a little, Hridansh close behind, Trisha holding her hand tightly. The boys were already planning a mini race, Vihan flapping his arms dramatically.

Darsh nudged Richa gently, “Run fast!”

She smiled softly and ran a few steps, then slowed, letting them pass. Divya turned back, laughing, “Come on, Richa! Don’t be slow!”

Aditya stayed at the edge, hands in pockets, watching everyone run with a calm, almost amused expression.

And for the first time, all nine of them—Divya, Rey, Sidd, Aditya, Trisha, Hridansh, Vihan, Darsh, and now Richa—were together, ready for a chaotic, funny, and unforgettable first playground adventure.

The playground was alive again. Tiny feet ran across the grass, sunlight bouncing off the swings, slides, and the colorful ground markings. Today was games period, and Divya bounced excitedly on her little shoes, ponytails flying.

“Tum sab boht ache ho… except one!” she said, glaring playfully at Aditya. Her little arms crossed, cheeks puffed, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Aditya raised an eyebrow, arms folded, lips tight, unmoved. He didn’t smile. “Excuse me?” His calm, almost deadpan tone made everyone stop and look at him.

Hridansh jumped in immediately, hands on hips. “Ab se hum sab friends!” His chest puffed up proudly. He ran a small circle around Divya and Darsh, spinning like a tiny tornado.

“Best friends!” Divya shouted loudly, cutting him off, hands flailing dramatically. “Bestest friends!” Her voice carried across the playground, tiny but commanding.

Darsh bounced on his heels next to them, arms waving, “Yeah! Chaos forever!”

Vihan stayed slightly behind, hands fiddling with his shirt, a nervous little smile on his face. Richa stood quietly near him, head tilted, watching the chaos unfold with a soft, shy smile.

Trisha held Divya’s hand, trying to calm her slightly. “Chill, Divya… they are nice.”

Divya giggled and let go of Trisha’s hand for a second to point at Aditya. “But not you, you… heartless!”

Aditya just stared, arms crossed. No reaction. Calm as ever.

Rey and Sid sat on the small bench nearby, watching quietly. Rey whispered to Sid, “She’s unstoppable.” Sid nodded. Aditya didn’t move, observing silently.

Hridansh threw his arms wide. “We are going to play tag first! Everyone! Run!”

Darsh dashed forward, “Tag! Tag!” bouncing around, laughing loudly.

Divya ran after them, yelling, “I will catch you all! No escaping!” Her tiny feet kicking up dust, ponytails swinging wildly.

Vihan shuffled a few steps forward, holding back, while Richa followed slowly, still smiling shyly.

Trisha ran between Divya and Richa, laughing. “Careful! Don’t fall!”

The serious trio—Rey, Sid, and Aditya—just stood a little back, calmly scanning the playground, making sure no one tripped too badly, their expressions quiet but attentive.

Divya suddenly spun in a circle, pointing at Hridansh and Darsh. “You both are chaos kings!”

Hridansh puffed up proudly. “Yes! Chaos forever!”

Darsh jumped and shouted, “We fall! We run! We laugh! Repeat!”

Divya squealed, hopping twice in excitement. “Yessss! Just like me!”

Vihan whispered to Richa, “They are… very loud.”

Richa smiled softly, “But funny.”

Aditya finally moved a tiny step, crossing his arms and glancing at Divya. “You are loud too.”

Divya stopped mid-run and looked at him. “I am not loud!” Her cheeks puffed, hands on hips.

Aditya tilted his head slightly. “Very loud.”

Rey and Sid stifled a laugh.

Hridansh yelled, “Tag! Tag! Run!” And chaos erupted again.

Divya ran in zigzags, Darsh chasing Hridansh, Vihan and Richa trying to keep up but a little nervous, Trisha laughing and trying to keep everyone together, while Rey, Sid, and Aditya just calmly watched the mayhem unfold.

And in the middle of all this chaos, Divya’s tiny voice rang out again, “I am fastest! Nobody beats me!”

Darsh laughed, Hridansh shouted, Vihan hesitated, Richa smiled, Trisha giggled, Rey sighed quietly, Sid shook his head slightly, and Aditya… stayed calm, arms folded, eyes scanning, secretly amused.

Thank u for reading.... kindly comment

Do you like the chapters ??

I am posting regular fir bhi koi reach nhi de rha

Now my chapters are really long i know the childhood sequence thoda sa khich rhi hu but ye imp tha ye janne ke liye ki ye sb friends kaise bne