ANIMUS CHAPTER 5

The sun is soft, the streets are calm.

Ani and Sana are walking together, chatting normally.

Suddenly, they notice two boys ahead…

Yash and Sam.

Both are walking quietly.

Sana (whispering to Ani):

Wait… isn’t that Yash?

Ani:

Hmm? Oh… yeah.

Sana (smirking):

Interesting. Same route, huh?

Ani (rolling eyes):

Sana, don’t start.

Yash hears footsteps behind and turns slightly.

He slows down a little.

Sam notices and stays silent as usual.

Yash (politely):

Good morning.

Ani:

Morning.

Sana (cheerful):

Good morning, topper boys!

Sam (dry voice):

Good morning.

Yash (a bit awkward):

You’re… coming from this side too?

Ani:

Yeah. We always do.

Sana:

What about you two? Hostel guys usually come in groups.

Sam:

Mit and Jack left early.

Sana:

Ahh of course. Jack can’t be late anywhere.

Yash glances at Ani for a second.

Ani doesn’t notice much.

Yash:

So… how was yesterday after school?

Sana’s eyes widen immediately.

Sana (teasing):

Ohhh yesterday?

Ani was having her rainy moment—

Ani (quickly):

Sana!

Yash (slightly nervous):

It’s okay…

I just meant… you got home safely, right?

Ani (softly):

Yeah. I did. Thanks.

Sam looks between them.

Sam (calmly):

You two talk like you’ve known each other for years.

Ani:

We don’t.

Sana:

Not yet 😏

Ani:

Sana!

Yash tries not to smile.

Yash:

School feels… different this year.

Ani:

It does.

Sana:

Different because of new students, section drama, rumours…

And because Ani keeps collecting boys—

Ani:

STOP!

Sam (raising eyebrow):

Rumours?

Sana:

Long story. You’ll hear it soon.

They reach near the school gate.

The morning bell rings.

Yash (quietly, to Ani):

I’m glad we’re walking together today.

Ani (slight pause):

…Me too. I guess.

Sana looks at Sam with a proud face.

Sana (whispering):

Chapter 5 is starting well.

Sam:

You’re too involved.

Sana:

Someone has to be!

They all enter the school together.

All students are standing in lines. The prayer is going on. Ani is standing peacefully with her eyes closed, hands joined.

Sana (whispering, smiling):

Ani… look at you. So serious in prayer today!

Ani (still praying, quietly):

Shhh Sana… it’s assembly.

Behind Ani, Mit is standing in the same line, secretly looking at her.

Mit (soft voice):

Why does she always look… different in the morning?

On the other side, Yash (with spectacles) is also staring at Ani without realizing.

Yash (thinking, whispering to himself):

She looks… calm. Like she doesn’t care about anything.

Jack notices both boys staring.

Jack (grinning):

Ohooo… what is this?

Sana (confused):

What?

Jack (low voice, teasing):

Two boys… one girl… in the middle of prayer also.

Sana (tries not to laugh):

Jack! Stop it!

Jack leans toward Mit.

Jack:

Mit, are you praying… or admiring?

Mit (quickly):

Shut up, Jack!

Jack then looks at Yash.

Jack (smirking):

And you, new genius boy… you also forgot the prayer?

Yash (embarrassed):

W-What? No… I was just—

Jack:

Just staring at Ani?

Yash looks away immediately.

Yash (quietly):

Mind your own business.

Sana glances back and notices both Mit and Yash.

Sana (whispers to Ani):

Ani… do you know two people are looking at you like you’re the answer sheet?

Ani (opens one eye):

What nonsense…

Sana (giggles):

One is Mit… and the other is the new intelligent boy… Yash.

Ani (shrugs):

So? Let them look. I’m praying.

Mit hears Sana’s whisper and becomes nervous.

Mit (muttering):

Sana talks too much…

Yash hears his name and feels his heart beat faster.

Yash (thinking):

Why does it feel… strange when she ignores everything?

The prayer ends.

Principal (far away):

Now… everyone, disperse quietly to your classes.

Jack laughs softly.

Jack:

Chalo lovers, prayer over. Now continue your staring in class.

Mit:

JACK!

Sana (laughing):

You’re impossible!

Ani walks forward normally, not caring at all… while both Mit and Yash watch her go.

Because some teachers are absent, the school decides to combine two sections.

Students are shifting seats, murmuring loudly.

Ani, Sana, and Siya are sitting together on a bench.

Behind them…

Mit, Jack, Sam… and now Yash also sits in the same row.

Teacher (announcing):

Class, today Section A and Section B will be combined.

So please adjust properly.

No noise.

Sana turns to Ani immediately.

Sana (excited whisper):

Ani… do you understand what this means?

Ani:

What?

Sana:

Double drama.

Siya looks nervous because it’s crowded.

Siya (softly):

So many students…

Behind them, Jack is already enjoying.

Jack (grinning):

Wow, look at this.

Section combined…

So now Mit has extra chance to stare.

Mit (annoyed):

Jack, stop talking.

Yash sits quietly, adjusting his spectacles.

But his eyes automatically fall on Ani’s braid.

Sam (low voice):

Yash, you’re in the same row now.

Yash:

It wasn’t my decision.

Jack leans toward Yash with a mischievous smile.

Jack:

Sure sure.

Totally coincidence.

Sana hears Jack and turns back.

Sana (teasing):

Oh hello hostel boys!

So now you all decided to sit behind us?

Jack:

We didn’t decide.

Destiny did 😌

Ani (dry):

Destiny needs to sit somewhere else.

Mit tries not to smile.

Mit (quietly):

She’s funny when she’s irritated.

Ani hears his mumble.

Ani (turning slightly):

What?

Mit (quick):

Nothing.

Study.

Yash watches this small moment, feeling something strange.

Yash (thinking):

They talk so naturally…

Siya whispers to Sana.

Siya:

Why do I feel like… something is going on?

Sana (smirking):

Welcome to Class 9, Siya.

Jack suddenly taps Mit’s shoulder loudly.

Jack:

Mit, you should thank the school.

Now Ani is right in front of you.

Perfect view.

Mit (angry whisper):

Jack, shut up before I throw your bag out.

Ani shakes her head and opens her book.

Ani:

I seriously can’t believe this is my class.

Yash smiles slightly for the first time.

Yash (soft):

It’s… interesting.

Ani (without looking):

No. It’s chaotic.

Sana leans closer to Ani.

Sana:

Chaotic… but entertaining.

The teacher enters again, strict voice.

Teacher:

Enough talking. Open your English books.

Combined class doesn’t mean combined gossip.

Everyone quickly pretends to study…

But behind Ani…

Two pairs of eyes still remain on her.

Mit…

and Yash.

(Lunch break is almost over. Ani shakes her bottle and frowns.)

Ani: Ugh… my bottle is almost empty.

Sana: Again? Ani, do you drink water or just keep it for decoration?

Ani: Shut up, Sana. I’m actually thirsty today.

(Ani looks inside the bottle, only a little water remains.)

Ani: There’s like… two drops left.

Sana: Two drops? Wow. Enough for an ant.

Ani: Sana!

(Sana laughs, then looks behind at the boys sitting back—Mit and Yash.)

Sana: Ooo perfect. We have two free water servants sitting behind.

Ani: Sana! Don’t call them that!

Sana (loudly): Mit! Yash!

(Mit looks up immediately.)

Mit: What now?

(Yash also looks up, calm and quiet.)

Yash: Yes…?

Ani (awkward): Um… I… need water.

Sana: Her bottle is empty. Fill it.

Mit: Why should I?

Ani: Because… you have legs?

Mit: Wow. Great reason.

(Jack in the background whispers.)

Jack: Mit got roasted.

(Mit smirks and stands up.)

Mit: Fine. Give it.

(Ani hands her bottle. Mit takes it casually.)

Yash (also standing): I can fill it too.

Sana (grinning): Ohh look, competition.

Mit: It’s not competition.

Yash: I wasn’t competing… I just wanted to help.

(Ani looks between them, confused.)

Ani: Guys, it’s just water…

Sana: No Ani, it’s not water.

It’s attention.

Ani: Sana!

(Mit rolls his eyes.)

Mit: I’ll go.

(Yash softly speaks.)

Yash: I’ll come too.

(Both boys walk toward the water cooler together.)

Jack (laughing): Two heroes… one bottle.

Sana (to Ani): Congratulations Ani. You started a water war.

Ani: I just wanted to drink!

(Ani hides her face while Sana laughs loudly.)

The final bell rings.

Bell: Riiingggg!

Students start rushing out, laughing and talking.

Ani closes her book quickly.

Sana (stretching):

Ahhh finally! School is over.

Ani:

Thank God. Today was too long.

Behind them, Mit, Jack, Sam, and Yash are packing their bags.

Jack (dramatic):

Another successful day of surviving teachers.

Sam:

You mean another day of disturbing everyone.

Jack:

Same thing.

Mit looks toward Ani for a second.

Ani doesn’t notice.

Yash notices.

Yash (quietly):

Let’s go.

Everyone walks out together near the school gate.

Sana (excited):

Okay boys, hostel life time now!

Jack:

Yes madam. Hostel \= freedom.

Ani:

Hostel \= noise.

Mit:

Hostel \= Jack shouting all night.

Jack:

Excuse me, I provide entertainment.

Sana giggles.

Sana:

Ani and I will go home peacefully in the bus.

Jack:

Peacefully? With Sana? Impossible.

Ani:

True.

Yash adjusts his spectacles, walking beside Sam.

Sam (smirking):

You were quiet today.

Yash:

Just tired.

Jack (teasing loudly):

Tired? Or thinking about someone in front?

Ani hears and turns back.

Ani:

Jack, can you stop being weird?

Jack:

I’m not weird. I’m observant.

Sana:

Very observant… too much.

Mit gives Jack a warning look.

Mit:

Enough, Jack.

Jack (hands up):

Okay okay, boss.

They reach the point where paths separate.

Bus stop on one side, hostel road on the other.

Sana:

Bye hostelers!

Jack:

Bye home girls!

Sam:

See you tomorrow.

Yash looks at Ani for a second.

Yash (soft):

Take care… Ani.

Ani (slight pause):

You too.

Mit watches this quietly.

Mit:

Come on, Jack.

Jack (whispering):

Oho Mit… jealousy?

Mit:

Shut up.

Ani and Sana walk toward the bus, laughing.

The boys walk toward the hostel, teasing continues.

And Yash… keeps thinking.

Night time in the hostel room.

The lights are dim.

Jack is lying on his bed scrolling.

Sam is half-asleep.

Mit is sitting quietly, tying his shoelaces for tomorrow.

Yash is walking back and forth near the window, restless.

Jack (raising eyebrow):

Bro… why are you moving like a ghost?

Sam (lazy voice):

He’s been like this since evening.

Mit (without looking):

Maybe he drank too much tea.

Yash suddenly stops.

His voice becomes serious.

Yash:

Guys…

I need to say something.

Jack immediately sits up.

Jack:

OHHH. Announcement time!

Sam opens one eye.

Mit finally looks up.

Sam:

What happened?

Yash takes a deep breath.

Yash (quiet but clear):

I… like Ani.

Complete silence.

Even the fan sound feels loud.

Jack:

…

Sam:

…

Mit:

…

Then suddenly—

Jack (shouting):

I KNEW ITTTTT!

Sam groans.

Sam:

Jack, calm down.

Mit stays silent, his expression unreadable.

Jack (grinning):

Our genius topper boy has fallen!

Welcome to the club, Yash!

Yash (annoyed):

It’s not funny.

Sam (serious):

So… you’re sure?

Yash (nods):

Yes.

At first I thought it was nothing.

But… she’s always in my mind.

The way she helped me in class…

The way she laughed…

Even when she ignores everything…

Mit clenches his jaw slightly.

Jack notices.

Jack (slow smile):

Mit?

You okay?

Mit (coldly):

Why are you asking me?

Yash looks at Mit carefully.

Yash:

Mit…

Do you also—

Mit (cutting him off):

No.

Quick answer. Too quick.

Sam looks between them.

Sam:

This is going to get complicated.

Jack (dramatic):

Complicated? Bro this is going to be a full movie!

Two hostel boys…

One Ani…

And Sana as the director.

Yash (soft, honest):

I’m not trying to fight anyone.

I just…

I wanted to say it out loud.

Because I can’t pretend anymore.

Mit stands up suddenly.

Mit:

I’m going to sleep.

Jack:

Mit? It’s only 10!

Mit:

Goodnight.

Mit walks away, clearly disturbed.

Yash watches him leave.

Yash (whisper):

So he does care…

Jack puts an arm around Yash.

Jack:

Welcome to hostel heartbreak, my friend.

Sam sighs.

Sam:

Tomorrow will be interesting.

Yash looks out the window at the dark sky.

Yash (to himself):

Ani… I don’t know what will happen…

But I like you.

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