Desk Mate

Chapter 3 : Accidentally Desk Mate

The next morning, Mr Shankarprasad Haldar, Soura’s grandfather, went to meet the principal. After discussing yesterday’s incident, the headmistress, Kabita Sanyal, spoke with a calm authority tinged with concern.

“Souradeep is an obedient student. He studies well, respects everyone around him… these qualities have made him very dear to us in such a short time. That’s why yesterday’s behavior… we really didn’t expect it from him. That’s why we called you, Mr Haldar.”

Mr Haldar nodded, listening intently.

“The boy is calm by nature. If no one provoked him, he wouldn’t have done such a thing. But still, this behavior cannot be excused. And as I was a teacher in this school myself, no special privilege should be given to my grandson. Whatever punishment he deserves, he must face it.”

“For the first time, a complaint has been filed against him. So we’re giving him a chance… but next time, any such incident will lead to suspension. The other two students involved are being let off this time.”

Soura felt a mixture of relief and guilt. He knew he’d crossed a line, but the gravity of the situation sank in deeply.

When Soura entered the classroom, it felt almost surreal. Soumally glanced at him, smirking subtly, clearly intending to provoke. Varun was absent today, and that tiny absence already made Soura feel a little lighter.

Soura walked straight to his desk without replying to Soumally, mentally preparing himself. He told himself: Even if Varun were here, I wouldn’t react. I will stay calm. No matter what. Today, he had to focus on surviving the day peacefully.

The first class of the day was with Sushobhon Sir. As soon as he entered, he started calling the roll.

“Roll number 1.”

“Present, Sir.”

“Roll number 2…2?”

“Sir, Varun is absent today.”

A seat on the first bench remained empty, standing out awkwardly.

“Roll number 3, whose turn?”

“Sir… me,” said Soumally.

“Ah, Soumally. Okay, stay seated.”

“Roll number 4, come up. From today, you’ll sit here. Why are you lingering? Moon , come up.”

“But sir… I—” she murmured softly, hoping her protest wouldn’t be heard by others.

“Be steady, Moon. No slowness allowed. Up you go.”

Moon, hesitant and unwilling, walked toward Soura’s desk. Yesterday’s encounter made her reluctant to face him, but here she was. She sat as far away as she could on the bench, eyes avoiding his. Soura, of course, kept his gaze fixed on his books, indifferent to the subtle tension building beside him.

Moon stole a glance at Soura once and quickly looked away. Four back-to-back classes later, the bell rang, and the students poured out into the courtyard, buzzing with excitement. Moon immediately sought her friend Moli.

“What did you bring for lunch today, Moli?”

“Chowmein! And you?”

“Puri and Potato Curry "

“Uff, perfect! Let me open mine too…”

Moli stuffed a whole luchi in her mouth and whispered: “So… how’s it sitting next to your crush?”

Moon rolled her eyes. “Ugh… crush? It’s nothing like that. He’s just… Soura. Don’t overthink it.”

Moli giggled. “Hmm… our little Moon is blushing under the sun already, I can tell!

“Stop! I don’t want to think about anything like that until the exams are over. Seriously, no funny thoughts,” Moon said, shoving Moli lightly.

After lunch, Moon’s thoughts wandered back to Soura. She knew something important , he hadn’t realized yet that she had delivered the physics graphs to him through Chayan. But her small gesture had been noticed, and Soura was about to find out.

Moon’s phone buzzed. It was Soura calling. Her heart skipped a beat.

“Hello?” she said softly.

“Moon… I...” he started, a low edge of frustration in his voice. “Did you think I wouldn’t notice? You sent the graphs… through Chayan, didn’t you? You thought I wouldn’t recognize it?”

Moon paused, pretending to be surprised. “Soura… you figured it out?”

“Yes! Why would you do this? I told you I didn’t even like you! So why… why go through all this trouble?” he shouted, the words trembling on the edge of anger.

Moon’s lips curved into a small, secretive smile. “That’s why I maintain my safe distance… Don’t worry. This is the last time I disturb you.” Her tone was soft, calm, yet somehow defiant.

Soura’s chest heaved. He didn’t expect that answer. He blinked, almost incredulous, but then a smile broke through his frustration. He managed to say, a bit rough around the edges: “Hmph… fine. I suppose… this is good for you.”

Moon laughed quietly, a soft melody that lingered in his mind long after the call ended.

Back in class, the afternoon lessons dragged on. Moon found herself stealing occasional glances at Soura, though she would immediately look away. He was oblivious, engrossed in his work, yet there was an intensity in his eyes that made her heart skip.

During physics, as Sushobhon Sir explained graphs, Moon could feel the pull of curiosity and admiration toward Soura. Yesterday, he had been fierce, rough, and yet, in some unspoken way… fiercely protective of himself and his pride. That made him intriguing, dangerous even.

As the school day ended, Moon packed her books slowly, almost reluctantly. She knew the hallway interactions were inevitable, but she hoped she could keep her composure. Soura walked a few steps ahead, shoulders squared, his expression unreadable.

Moon whispered under her breath, “Tomorrow… maybe he’ll notice me differently.” She didn’t fully realize it yet, but Soura had already begun noticing her and that small spark had just been lit.

By the time Moon returned home, she felt a mixture of exhilaration and anxiety. She had provoked Soura without intending to, yet a part of her was thrilled at his unexpected acknowledgment. Sitting on her balcony under the open evening sky, she let the soft notes of a flute drift through the air her personal meditation after a chaotic day.

Soura, at that very moment, was replaying every detail of yesterday and today in his mind. The graphs, the phone call, the unintentional sparks from Moon’s presence… it all mingled in a whirlwind of frustration and fascination.

He couldn’t deny it anymore. The girl annoyed him, irritated him, and yet, there was something about her audacity that intrigued him. Something that made him want to… know her better.

And Moon, blissfully unaware, whispered into the night, “Goodnight… and yes, see you tomorrow at school.”