Sidharth-Natalia-Nikhil-Team

After coming home, Natalia slipped back into her usual routine. She opened her books, but her mind wasn’t fully on them. The memory of the day kept replaying.

I can’t believe it… Sir actually paired me with Sidharth. I never thought I’d get a study companion like this.

She shook her head, still a little stunned. It wasn’t by her choice, nor his; Sir had made the decision for them. Yet deep down, a flicker of curiosity stirred. Maybe this won’t be so bad.

She had just begun her revision when her phone buzzed.

WhatsApp Notification.

It was from him.

Sidharth: Hello, Sidharth this side.

Natalia: Hi Sidharth.

Sidharth: Did you reach home?

Natalia: Yes. And you?

Sidharth: Yes, I reached too.

Natalia: Okay.

Sidharth: Shall we start studying then?

Natalia: Yes. Which topic should we do today?

Sidharth: You decide. Honestly, I don’t know much about Physics yet.

Natalia: Alright, let’s start from the first unit.

Sidharth: Okay.

Natalia: I’ll send you my notes for the first unit. Revise them and we’ll go from there.

Sidharth: Okay. Actually, I wanted to ask you something.

Natalia: Go ahead.

Sidharth: Sorry… because of me your time is being wasted.

Natalia: It’s fine. I don’t mind.

Sidharth: Physics Sir is my uncle. That’s why he told you to help me.

Natalia: Ohhh…

Sidharth: Please don’t tell anyone. Promise?

Natalia: Okay, promise. Besides, I needed a study companion too. I’m happy we’re doing group study.

Sidharth: Oh, that’s good.

Natalia: Now let’s focus on the studies.

Sidharth: Okay.

Natalia smiled faintly. His words felt shy but genuine, almost as if he wasn’t used to opening up to people. He seems serious… maybe even more unsure than me.

The two of them studied over WhatsApp until 9 p.m. Time slipped by quickly, filled with questions, explanations, notes, and clarifications. It was the first time Natalia had studied with someone like this, and surprisingly, she didn’t feel drained.

After a brief goodnight, Natalia had dinner and continued her revision alone until midnight. She finally drifted off to sleep, her notebook still open beside her pillow.

The Next Day



Back at school, Natalia spotted Sidharth across the courtyard. But strangely, neither of them spoke. They acted as though they didn’t even know each other. Natalia lowered her eyes. Why is it so awkward?

Sidharth, hoodie pulled over his head, kept his distance. He pretended to be busy with his notebook, though his mind wasn’t really on the page.

The first lecture began. Natalia took her usual spot at the first table, arranging her books neatly. Sidharth quietly sat at the parallel first table.

Sir began asking questions, and Natalia answered confidently, her focus sharp and unwavering. Sidharth tried to concentrate, but his eyes kept drifting toward her. How can she study like this? he wondered. She’s so confident… and I…

When Sir asked him a question, Sidharth froze. “I… I don’t know.”

Without hesitation, Natalia gave the correct answer. Sir nodded approvingly, and Sidharth’s jaw tightened. She’s on a whole different level.

The lecture ended, and the class spilled out in groups, laughter echoing down the corridor.

Physics Lecture

The atmosphere shifted as they entered the Physics room. Again, Sidharth chose a seat parallel to Natalia.

Physics Sir glanced at the two and gave a knowing smile. “So… what will we study today?”

Natalia replied politely, and the lecture began. Sir explained the Laws of Motion, weaving in real-life examples. Natalia followed attentively, jotting down every point. Sidharth tried harder this time, but his eyes often wandered back to her calm expressions, the way she seemed so focused, so steady.

When the bell rang, most students rushed out. But Sir’s voice cut through the noise.

“Natalia, Sidharth, Nikhil—stay back.”

The classroom emptied. Footsteps faded in the corridor until only the three of them remained. Sir closed the door, the air suddenly heavier with silence.

“I’ve selected you three for an inter-school competition,” Sir announced.

All three of them froze, exchanging shocked glances.

“This competition will be held in our district,” Sir explained. “It’s a live test with cameras on. The questions will be from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. You will work as a team.”

Nikhil frowned. “But sir… what exactly happens in this competition?”

“You’ll see,” Sir replied, calm but firm. “For now, know this—you are my choice. And I expect you to prepare well.”

Sidharth’s hand lifted slightly. His voice was hesitant. “Sir… I don’t know Mathematics.”

“That subject will be shared between Nikhil and Natalia,” Sir said matter-of-factly. “You will handle the basics of Physics and Chemistry.”

Nikhil muttered, “But sir, I don’t want to participate…”

Sir’s gaze sharpened. “Nikhil, you’ve already earned a free internship because of your talent. Don’t tell me no. You’re capable of this—better than you think.”

There was silence. Finally, Nikhil sighed. “Alright sir… I’ll try my best.”

Sir’s expression softened. “Good. The competition is two weeks from now. Use your free periods to study together. If you need any help, come to me.”

Natalia straightened, determination in her voice. “Sir, we’ll try our best to win.”

Sir’s eyes crinkled with pride. “That’s exactly what I hoped you’d say. I believe in all of you. Remember, the worst that can happen is failure. But even then—you’ll learn. That matters more.”

The three nodded together. “Yes, Sir.”

“Good,” Sir said, dismissing them with a wave. “Now go to your classes.”

As they stepped into the corridor, the school’s usual chatter surrounded them again. But for Natalia, Sidharth, and Nikhil, something had changed. They weren’t just classmates anymore.

They were a team—whether they were ready for it or not.

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