Someone shoot me now. I know what you’re thinking. I didn’t plan this. Come on, I’m Mishti Ahuja, who would keep her birthday a secret because she doesn’t want attention. How can you think I would plan my own suspension from school?
Class is as silent as a grave. Only the fan is making a creaking noise. My hands are cold, and I’m weak in my knees. The precise moment Vikram’s confused stare turns into an admiring smile is when I let my breath out.
“Mishti, is this your book report?” Mrs. Khanna strolls over to me.
Oops! I forgot she’s there. Her face is stern. It’s hard to say what she’s thinking. Warmth creeps into my cheeks. I look down and shake my head.
“Good. Because this would need a lot of editing, and Vikram Sethi isn’t a character in the book.”
The class laughs.
She comes clo
