The morning sunlight slipped through the curtains as Vaani stretched and sat up in bed, her ankle still a bit sore. She winced slightly, brushing her hair back as she glanced at her diary on the desk. Her eyes landed on the folded note tucked inside and the now-empty KitKat wrapper beside it.
She smiled faintly. "KitKat toh KitKat hota hai... itna control karne ke baad toh bas, ab toh zaroori tha."
(KitKat is KitKat... after controlling myself for so long, this was necessary.)
She got dressed slowly, was careful with her steps, and left for class. On the way, she met Tara outside her house.
"Tu thik hai? Tu thoda ajeeb chal rahi hai." Tara asked, slightly frowning as they walked side by side.
("Are you okay? You're walking kind of weird.")
"Ekansh ne kal... matlab... woh sorry bola." Vaani mumbled, eyes fixed on the path ahead.
("Ekansh... I mean... he said sorry yesterday.")
Tara stopped in her tracks for a second. "Wait, what?"
"Chhod, baad mein batati hoon." Vaani replied quickly, not wanting to dive into that moment just yet. "Abhi class mai chlte hai."
("Forget it, I'll tell you later. Let's go inside the class.")
They reached the corridor, only to be greeted by the school mic crackling to life.
"All students are requested to gather in the assembly ground immediately. There will be an important announcement."
The hallway filled with murmurs and half-hearted groans as students began making their way out. Vaani and Tara exchanged a quick look.
"Lagta hai kuch special hone waala hai." Vaani whispered.
("Looks like something special is about to happen.")
Tara adjusted her bag and limped slightly as they joined the flow of students heading toward the assembly.
The crowd of students filled the assembly ground like a slow-moving tide. A faint breeze rustled through the trees lining the boundary as students adjusted their uniforms, whispered to friends, or simply yawned at the early hour. Vaani and Tara stood somewhere in the middle, shoulder to shoulder, the sun just warm enough to feel annoying.
"Why do I feel like this is going to be something super dramatic?" Vaani muttered under her breath, shifting her weight onto her good leg.
Tara gave her a look. "You're the one with drama energy, not me."
Before Vaani could respond with a smart remark, the mic crackled again.
A tall, slightly graying man stepped forward onto the platform Principal Sir, wearing his usual grey blazer and serious expression. The murmurs died down at once.
He cleared his throat and leaned into the mic.
"Good morning, students."
"Good morning, sir." the crowd responded in scattered tones.
"Before we proceed to the main announcement," he continued, "let us begin with our daily prayer. Please stand in attention."
A long, collective groan echoed silently through body language-but the students straightened up.
Vaani sighed, muttering, "Bach gaye, kuch der ke liye toh suspense bacha."
("Saved-for a while, at least, the suspense is still alive.")
Tara smiled slightly, pressing her hands together as the prayer began.
As the final words of the morning prayer faded into the cool breeze, Principal Sir stepped forward once again, clearing his throat meaningfully. The silence among students sharpened, attention now fully fixed on the mic.
"Students," he began, adjusting his glasses, "we were originally going to announce our new head boy and head girl tomorrow. However, there are some preparations that must begin immediately. So, we've decided to move it to today."
A wave of murmurs and shifting feet ran through the crowd.
"We received votes from students, reviewed academic and co-curricular records, and considered recommendations from all your class teachers. After tallying everything, we have reached a decision."
Vaani leaned slightly toward Tara and whispered, "Mujhe lagta hai tu hi banegi."
("I feel like it's going to be you.")
Tara gave her a startled side-glance. "Pagal hai kya?"
("Are you crazy?")
Principal Sir raised a hand, still speaking.
"So let us begin. The new head girl of this session is..."
A pause. Every eye locked on the stage.
"...Tara Sharma from Class 12th A."
A loud round of applause broke out across the ground, a few cheers rising. Vaani clapped extra loud, grinning wide. Tara blinked, stunned for a second before slowly stepping forward, trying to remain composed even as her heart thudded in disbelief.
"And for the head boy..." Principal Sir continued, "it is Ahaan Malhotra from Class 12th A as well."
There was a second wave of claps, mixed with loud whoops and scattered teasing whistles-especially from Ahaan's side of the crowd. He ran a hand through his hair, smirking, and strolled toward the stage with that unmistakable mix of confidence and mischief.
Principal Sir chuckled lightly into the mic.
"It's rare that both our head boy and head girl are from the same class. I suppose that says something about 12th A this year." He turned toward Tara and Ahaan now standing beside him. "I hope you both lead with responsibility, and most importantly, with teamwork. Being a leader is not about telling others what to do-it's about bringing them together. You've been chosen because we believe you're capable of that."
The students clapped again.
"Now," he continued, turning another page from his notes, "one more important announcement."
Everyone fell quiet again.
"On the upcoming Saturday, we will be hosting the farewell for our outgoing 12th standard students. As you all know, their board examinations are next month, and this will be our final celebration with them as part of our school."
A few students gave sentimental "awws," while some of the seniors grinned awkwardly, clearly not ready to say goodbye just yet.
"This farewell will be conducted from 4 PM to 8 PM. All teachers, staff, and faculty will arrive by 6 PM. But the arrangements and the event itself will be entirely managed by the rest of you."
Gasps, laughter, and light tension broke out in the crowd.
"And the in-charge of the entire event," Principal Sir added with a firm smile, "will be none other than our newly appointed head boy and head girl -Tara Sharma and Ahaan Malhotra."
Tara nearly choked. Vaani elbowed her lightly with a grin.
"They will divide responsibilities, form teams, and coordinate with teachers. Everything from decoration, stage setup, music, performances, seating arrangements, refreshments-you name it-will be under their leadership."
Principal Sir's tone grew more serious now.
"Let me be clear: the farewell is a matter of pride for the school. There will be discipline, organization, and unity. Guards will be present, teachers will be monitoring, and no kind of misbehavior will be tolerated."
He closed his file slowly, his gaze sweeping across the students.
"Treat this event not just as a party, but as a gift of memory to those who are leaving. It will be your responsibility to make it special."
The mic went silent for a second, and then he stepped away.
As the assembly dispersed, students buzzed with conversations and excitement. Tara walked back toward the class, still slightly dazed. The moment she stepped into the corridor, her friends rushed in around her.
Vaani threw her arms around her. "TARAAAA! Head girl ban gayi tuuu!"
("Taraaa! You became a head girl!")
Nirma grinned. "Yeh toh ab permission letter bhi khud pe sign karegi!"
("She'll start signing her own permission letters now!")
Kriti laughed. "Bas ab school pe rule karegi madam."
("Now madam will rule over the school.")
Rudra gave her a dramatic bow. "All hail Queen Tara of 12th A."
Yuvaan nudged Ahaan, who had just joined from the other side. "Oye, head boy sahab! Zindagi badal gayi ab toh?"
("Hey head boy sir! Life's changed now, huh?")
Ahaan smirked, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulders. "Bas ab crown milna baaki hai."
("Only the crown is left now.")
They all burst into laughter.
Tara and Ahaan glanced at each other at the same time.
Tara muttered under her breath, "Yeh toh ab aur zyada akkad dikhayega."
("Now he'll act even more arrogant.")
Ahaan murmured deadpan, "Lagta hai yeh school chalaane lagi hai."
("Looks like she's planning to run the school now.")
Rolling her eyes, Tara turned to the rest.
"Chalo, let's go to class before the lecture starts."
Once inside, the teacher greeted everyone, then smiled at the new leaders.
"Congratulations, Tara and Ahaan. I hope you both will handle the farewell with full responsibility."
They both nodded somewhat civilly.
"And start the preparations from today itself. After school, you may begin dividing work. The event is big, and we don't want any last-minute chaos."
The rest of the lecture went smoothly. Tara kept jotting down mental notes; Ahaan kept doodling circles on the edge of his notebook but with sharp attention underneath.
As the final bell rang and bags were zipped shut, Ahaan approached Tara just as she stepped out the door.
"Chal, ab list banana shuru karte hain." he said, adjusting his bag strap.
("Come on, let's start making the list now.")
Tara raised an eyebrow. "Tu apni bana, main apni bana leti hoon."
("You make your own, I'll make mine.")
He frowned. "Uske liye bhi kaam divide karna hoga. Mujhe koi shock nahi hai tere saath kaam karne ka."
("Even for that, we'll need to divide tasks. I have no desire to work with you.")
Tara shot back, "Good. Mujhe bhi koi shauk nahi hai tere nakhre jhelne ka."
("Same. I have no interest in tolerating your tantrums.")
Kriti groaned, clutching her forehead. "Ugh, inko kisne leadership di? Farewell pe yeh log aag na laga dein."
("Who gave these two leadership? Hope they don't set fire to the farewell.")
Vaani stepped in with her classic no-nonsense glare. "Enough! Dono thik se kaam karo. School ko jalana mat."
("Enough! Both of you work properly. Don't burn the school down.")
Grumbling but relenting, Tara and Ahaan exchanged looks and finally sat down with a notebook and pen.
Together, they began listing:
Decoration team
Invitation and anchoring
Performance team (music, dance, skits)
Refreshments
Stage & tech (sound/lights)
Clean-up and logistics
Their grudging teamwork drew curious eyes but slowly evolved into something focused.
After a couple of hours, with rough drafts, team names, and to-do lists completed, the group finally dispersed.
And so the next four days passed in a blur of:
Practice sessions echoing through empty corridors
Chart papers, fabric rolls, and glitter scattered in corners
Ahaan shouting through a mic that wasn't connected yet
Tara making lists, ticking names, and occasionally yelling at Yuvraaj for misplacing things
Teachers dropping in and offering suggestions (and sometimes tea)
Despite their bickering, Tara and Ahaan managed to keep everything moving.
And then...
The fifth day arrived.
The day before the farewell.
The corridors were almost empty that afternoon, the usual school chaos replaced with a focused hush. Tara walked beside Ahaan, both clutching the final checklist in their hands as they inspected the last-minute setups.
Balloons had been hung. The stage was finally set. Lights, props, mic checks all done. The performance list was posted outside the music room, and refreshments were being arranged in the canteen. Almost everything was in place.
Tara crossed her arms, squinting at the floral arch at the entrance. "Thoda aur left... bas... perfect."
("A little more to the left... there... perfect.")
Ahaan nodded. "Lag toh sab sahi raha hai."
("Looks like everything's on point.")
He glanced toward the hallway. "Vaani ko bhi bula lete hain? Usne hi toh theme decide kiya tha."
("Shall we call Vaani too? She's the one who designed the theme after all.")
Tara nodded
Meanwhile, in class...
Vaani sat in class, trying hard to focus on the lecture, but her mind kept drifting to the note, to the farewell, to... him. She blinked rapidly, forcing her attention back to the board when suddenly a voice came from the door.
"Can I come in, ma'am?" Ahaan's familiar tone broke the silence.
The teacher paused and turned. "Yes, what happened now?"
"Uh... actually, ma'am, we need some help for the farewell prep. So... can I?"
"Okay. Which student?" she asked, already half-suspecting.
"Vaani," he said, casually.
The teacher raised a brow. "Vaani? Seriously?"
Tara gave a polite smile. "Ma'am, themes were designed by her. We just need her approval before finalizing everything."
Before the teacher could say more, Vaani had already gotten up and stood by her desk, bag in hand. "Can I go, ma'am?"
The teacher narrowed her eyes, but after a second of thought, she sighed. "Okay, fine. Vaani, you can go."
As soon as they stepped out, Vaani crossed her arms. "Kya kaam karna hai mujhe?"
("What work do I have to do?")
"Kuch nahi." Ahaan said coolly.
("Nothing.")
Vaani blinked. "Phir bulaya kyun?"
("Then why'd you call me?")
Ahaan shrugged with a smile. "Main aur Tara waha the... socha tu kya kar rahi hogi, isliye bula liya."
("Tara and I were there... thought about what you might be doing, so we called you.")
Vaani didn't say anything
just walked over and gave him a tight hug. "Yeh hui na vaani ki dost wali baat."
She grinned and gave him a hi-five.
("Now that's how a friend shows up.")
Tara narrowed her eyes. "Teacher se baat maine ki thi, okay?"
("I talked to the teacher, okay?")
Ahaan rolled his eyes. "Idea mera tha."
("It was my idea.")
Tara stepped forward with a mock sass. "Main na aapse itni impress ho gayi hoon."
("Wow, I'm so impressed by you.")
Vaani sighed dramatically. "Chup ho jao yaar, dono. Farewell pe hi fight kar lo."
("Dry up, both of you. Just fight on the farewell stage itself.")
They all laughed.
Ahaan looked around one last time and then said, "Ek kaam reh gaya hai... chalo woh bhi kar lete hain."
("One last thing's left... let's get that done too.")
They all gathered around, working together. The air buzzed with quiet chatter, the sound of scissor snips, paper rustling, and tape tearing. Suddenly, Vaani looked up. "Yaar... paani chahiye."
("Guys... I need water.")
Tara searched her bag. "Yeh toh khaali ho gaya."
("This one's empty now.")
"Chalo water cooler ke paas chalte hain. Waise bhi kaam almost ho gaya hai," Ahaan suggested.
("Let's go to the water cooler. Anyway, the work's almost done.")
They walked toward the water cooler outside the hall. The corridor echoed with the faint noise of other preparations. When they reached, only two glasses were there.
"Yeh maine pehle dekha tha!" Ahaan said quickly.
("I saw this one first!")
"Toh liya toh nahi na? Baat khatam." Tara snapped.
("But you didn't take it, right? Case closed.")
"Dekh masti mat kar-" Ahaan began.
("Look, don't start-")
"Tu bhi!" Tara said sharply.
("You too!")
"Lo, ho gaya mera. Pee kar." Vaani offered the glass.
("Here, I'm done. You drink.")
"Nahi, ab loongi toh yahi wala." Tara declared.
("No, now I'll take this exact one.")
"Main bhi piunga toh issi glass se." Ahaan added stubbornly.
("Even I'll drink from this same glass.")
"Tara please yaar, chhod de." Vaani sighed.
("Tara please, just let it go.")
"Tu iski side lena band kar samjhi?" Tara narrowed her eyes.
("Stop taking his side, got it?")
"Kyu? Tujhe jalan ho rahi hai?" Ahaan smirked.
("Why? Are you feeling jealous?")
"Ahaan, chup! Kya bacho ki tarah behave kar raha hai?" Vaani scolded, her tone both amused and annoyed.
("Ahaan, shut up! Why are you behaving like a child?")
"Tara, yeh le shanti se paani pi."
("Tara, here drink peacefully.")
Seeing Vaani take charge, Ahaan backed off, letting Tara drink.
Trying to lighten the mood, Vaani teased, "Achha hua tum log saath mein dinner nahi karte. Warna bolte yeh roti maine dekhi thi, nahi maine dekha tha, toh main khaunga!"
("Good thing you two don't have dinner together. Or else you'd say - 'I saw that chapati first, no I did, so I'll eat it!'")
They laughed. Tara was drinking water when suddenly Ahaan's random thought made him smile.
"Kya hua? Has kyun raha hai?" Vaani asked.
("What happened? Why are you smiling?")
"Vaani... agar tu meri bhabhi hoti toh..." he trailed off and looked at her.
("Vaani... if you were my sister-in-law then...")
Tara instantly choked, water spraying from her mouth right onto Ahaan's face.
Vaani froze, her expression murderous. She shot a look at Tara. Her eyes screamed: Did you tell him?
Tara coughed, wiping her mouth. "Main is kutte ko apne jute ka number na doon... apne beech ki baat toh kya hi bataungi."
("I wouldn't even give this dog my shoe size... why would I tell him our secret?")
Ahaan's eyes narrowed. "Kaunsi baat?"
("What secret?")
Before anyone could answer, a new voice echoed from the corridor.
"Oooh... toh yaha ho raha hai decoration?"
They turned to see Jaya walking toward them, arms crossed and a mocking smile on her face.
("Oooh... so this is where the decoration is happening?")
"Toh yaha decoration karne aayi ho tum, Vaani?" she said sweetly.
("So this is where you came to decorate, Vaani?")
Vaani crossed her arms. "Mujhe nahi pata tha ki tu meri itni badi fan hai... ki mera peecha kar rahi hai."
("I didn't know you were such a big fan of mine... that you were following me.")
Jaya stepped closer. "Zyada oversmart banne ki koshish mat kar, tu?"
("Don't try to act too smart, okay?")
"Over toh tu karti hai... aur smart main pehle se hoon." Vaani shot back without blinking.
("You're the one who overdoes it... and I've always been smart.")
Ahaan stepped between them slightly. "Yaha kya karne aayi hai?"
("Why are you here?")
Jaya glared at him. "Tum hamesha iska liye bolna bandh karoge?"
("Will you ever stop defending her?")
Tara moved beside Vaani. "Aur tum hamesha iska khilaaf bolna bandh karogi."
("And will you ever stop speaking against her?")
Vaani let out a long sigh. She reached for Tara and Ahaan's hands and started walking away. "Chhodo guys... chalo yahan se. Kahi bhi peace nahi milta."
("Forget it, guys... let's just go. There's no peace anywhere here.")
They walked off, leaving Jaya fuming behind.
Evening Before the Farewell - School Auditorium
The empty auditorium buzzed with quiet anticipation. The faint scent of paint and paper lingered in the air. Streamers hung from the ceiling, the stage curtains swayed with the breeze from the pedestal fans, and the tables near the stage were covered with half-cut thermocol, scattered glue sticks, fairy lights, and marker pens.
Tara stood on the stage, arms crossed, eyeing the backdrop. "The banner's crooked by like... two centimeters. Ye rudra se kabhi seedha kaam nahi hota."
("The banner's crooked by like... two centimeters. Ayaan can never do anything straight.")
"I'm right here, okay!" rudra groaned from below the ladder.
Ahaan entered, tossing his bag to the side. "Yeh sab perfect hai. Terr jaise perfectionist logon ki wajah se artist anxiety hoti hai."
("All this is perfect. It's perfectionists like you who give artists anxiety.")
"Tere jaise lazy logon ki wajah se kaam pura nahi hota," Tara muttered.
("And lazy people like you are the reason work never gets done.")
"Bas karo dono." Vaani walked in with a large box in her arms, her cheeks a little red from the wind outside. "Lights le aayi main."
("Enough, you two. I brought the lights.")
Some minutes Passed...
Everyone was working Kriti and Nirma were arranging the photo booth props, Rudra and Yuvaan were rehearsing their skit lines, and Tara was checking off the final to-do list with a pencil between her teeth.
Vaani stood near the mirror wall, taping fairy lights gently, humming under her breath.
Ahaan leaned against a table, watching her with a soft smile. He wasn't sure why, but moments like these the quiet ones, the unspoken ones felt heavier than the loudest laughs.
"Tum log yeh backdrop ke saamne khade ho kar photo zaroor lena." Tara called out, walking in between them.
("You guys better take a photo in front of this backdrop.")
"Ek photo sabka hoga. Tu bhi usme hogi," she said softly.
("We'll have one photo of all of us. You'll be in it too.")
Tara's expression faltered just for a second before she nodded.
Only the three of them were left now.
They stood at the center of the hall, surrounded by soft golden lights, music playing faintly from Vaani's phone. The final touch a table centerpiece of roses and bookmarks was placed. Everything was done.
Silence filled the room, but it wasn't awkward. It was comforting.
Ahaan looked around and whispered, "Itna acha lag raha hai sab. Socha nahi tha ki hum itna acha karenge."
("Everything looks so nice. Didn't think we'd pull it off this well.")
"Same." Tara said quietly, surprising even herself.
"I think... I'm actually excited for tomorrow." Vaani said, holding one of the handmade memory cards they'd made for the juniors.
Ahaan turned to her, smiling. "Btw... kal tujhe stage pe bulana hai. Tara aur main decide kar chuke."
("By the way... you're coming on stage tomorrow. Tara and I have already decided.")
"Wait, what?" Vaani blinked.
"You're announcing the closing note." Tara added. "Apne style mein."
("In your own style.")
Vaani looked at both of them, stunned. "Mujhe kuch bataya bhi nahi tum log!"
("You two didn't even tell me anything!")
"It was Ahaan's idea." Tara said with a playful eye-roll.
"Execution maine kiya." Ahaan grinned.
("I executed it.")
Vaani burst out laughing. "Bas karo dono. Mujhe rulaoge kya kal stage pe?"
("Stop it, you two. Are you going to make me cry on stage tomorrow?")
She looked around at all they'd done the laughter, the memories, the fights, the effort.
And quietly, with a soft voice, she said, "Mujhe lagta hai... iss school ke saare yaadon mein yeh din sabse pyara hoga."
("I think... out of all my school memories, this day will be the most special.")
As soon as I reached home, I threw my bag on the sofa and let out a dramatic sigh like a tired soap opera heroine. The smell of Mumma's tadka filled the air cumin, garlic, ghee all my senses instantly awake.
"Tara, freshen up! Dinner is ready!" Mumma shouted from the kitchen.
"Coming!" I replied and rushed to wash my face.
At the table, the usual comfort waited soft rotis, masoor dal, baingan sabzi (even though I secretly hated brinjal), and the ever-faithful mango pickle.
Papa looked at me over his glasses as he reached for a spoon of rice. "Toh, preparation ho gayi madam?"
(So, madam, are the preparations done?)
I nodded while chewing. "Hmm... sab ho gaya. Almost perfect."
(Yes... everything's done. Almost perfect.)
Mumma smiled proudly. "Good. You all have worked hard."
Then Papa gave me that classic teasing smile. "Toh kal kya pehn rahi ho farewell mein?"
(So what are you wearing to the farewell tomorrow?)
I beamed. "Mumma ki navy blue silk saree." (Mumma's navy blue silk saree.)
Mumma almost dropped her spoon. "Woh?! Arey usme toh-"
(That one?! Oh, in that-)
Papa jumped in, eyes twinkling. "Exactly! Bas! I think the time has come..."
"Siddharth!" Mumma warned, already blushing.
"Baby, apni beti ko na bataun toh kis ko bataun?"
(Baby, if I can't tell my daughter, then who else?)
I leaned in, fully invested. "Batao na, Papa!" (Tell me, Papa!)
He grinned wide. "Beta, college farewell ka din tha. Tumhari Mumma sabki fashion queen. Green silk saree, fresh gajra, matching bangles... I was blushing just looking at her." (It was your Mumma's college farewell. She was the fashion queen. Green silk saree, jasmine in her hair, matching bangles...)
Mumma groaned. "Siddharth, please-"
He continued, ignoring her. "She came to meet me in the corridor. Thoda windy tha. She leaned forward to say something, and... safety pin khul gayi."
(It was a bit windy. She leaned forward to talk, and... the safety pin came undone.)
My jaw dropped. "Kya?! Then?!"
(What?! Then?!)
"She froze, and mujhe samajh hi nahi aaya kya karu. Finally, I said softly, 'Yukti, don't move.' And then... I helped her pin it back properly."
(She froze, and I didn't know what to do. Finally, I said, "Yukti, don't move" and helped her fix the saree.)
Mumma's hands were covering her face. "Ugh, bas karo Siddharth. Khilli udwa di meri!"
(Ugh, stop it Siddharth. You've made fun of me enough!)
I was laughing uncontrollably. "Achha! So that's why Mumma doesn't wear sarees much! Got it now!"
(Oh! So that's the reason Mumma doesn't wear sarees often!)
"Bas ho gaya meri beizzati?" Mumma looked at both of us. "Tum dono baap-beti toh Sath team ban jaate ho."
(Are you done embarrassing me now? You two - father and daughter always gang up on me)
I got up and hugged her from the side. "Mujhe toh dono se pyaar hai... Mumma bhi meri bestie, aur Papa bhi meri drama partner."
(I love you both... Mumma is my bestie, and Papa is my drama partner.)
Papa ruffled my hair. "Hum bhi, baccha."
(Us too, kiddo.)
After finishing dinner with a full stomach and fuller heart, I hugged them good night and walked to my room.
My fairy lights glowed warmly by the window. I carefully took out everything I planned to wear tomorrow Mumma's navy blue silk saree, the old blouse she'd saved, matching bangles, her golden jhumkis, black bindi, and my silver heels.
As I laid them out on my bed, I smiled. There was something sacred about the ritual like stepping into a memory.
I touched the saree softly and whispered to myself,
"Bas kal safety pin secure rahe... warna Papa ki tarah scene recreate karne wala bhi nahi hai."
([Just hope the safety pin stays in place tomorrow... because unlike Papa, no one's going to be there to recreate that scene.])
With a small chuckle and a warm feeling in my chest, I turned off the lights and curled into bed.
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