Chapter 2: New Faces, New Realities

TO READ CHAPTER I : CLICK HERE

“Nithesh, Nithesh… Wake up fast! It’s your first day of high school. Don’t be late like usual!” Mom shouted from the kitchen.

“I heard the new principal is very strict. You won’t be getting any special favours because of your so-called social status,” she added.

“What the hell? Can’t I even get some sleep? Please, don’t rush me, Mom. I’ll be on time,” I grumbled from under the blanket.

“Hurry up! The car is already waiting!” she replied, with that finality only moms can pull off.

I was born into a well-to-do family. . I've never really had to wait or want for anything. If I wished for it, I got it. Simple.

I gulped down my breakfast in a rush, grabbed my lunchbox, and slid into the backseat of our car.

My school? Revive International School. A place that screams luxury – top-notch infrastructure, digital classrooms, imported grass on the football field. Basically, more facilities than most Tier 1 colleges.

Still, I’ve always hated the first day of school. It’s the same every year: a bunch of dignitaries standing on the stage, giving us their “pearls of wisdom.” They say it's motivation – I say it's mental agony.

(Our car stopped at a red signal.)

I noticed a group of kids, around my age, in shabby, torn clothes knocking on the window.

“Uncle, why are they knocking on the door?” I asked the driver.

“They’re asking for alms, beta,” he replied softly.

“Don’t they go to school?”

“No, beta. They don’t.”

“Well, they’re lucky. No early mornings, no boring speeches. Blessed souls. At least they don’t have to sacrifice their sleep,” I muttered.

The driver gave me a strange smile. I didn’t understand it back then. But I would… eventually.

We finally reached school. I grabbed my bag and made my way to the Swami Vivekananda Block – specifically, the Central Auditorium, where the induction programme was being held.

As expected, all the VIPs had gathered on stage, taking turns to bore us to death with their “guidance.” I’d already planned to get a good nap in.

Suddenly, the mic crackled.

“My dear lovely students,” the new principal said, her voice ringing clear, “I have a surprise for you!”

Surprise? My ears perked up. Who doesn’t like surprises?

She continued, “As you all know, Revive International has always catered to the elite. But from this year onwards, we are extending our doors to economically challenged students – based solely on merit.”

A wave of applause erupted. I clapped too. Honestly, I didn’t know why, but you know how it is – sometimes we just do what the crowd does.

Still, something about it struck a chord in me.

I was curious. Who were these students? What were their stories?

More stories to hear… I whispered to myself, already imagining dramatic tales of struggle and triumph.

Zzz…

I dozed off again.

“Nithesh… Nithesh!”

To be continued...

Meet you in the next series ❤️