The morning sunlight poured softly into the classroom, but Aarya noticed something different about Hiten today. He was a little fidgety, glancing around more than usual, sometimes smiling to himself as if he held a secret. Every time she caught his eye, he looked away quickly, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks. “What is he up to?” she thought, her curiosity piqued.

During the first lessons, Hiten helped her with a few tricky problems, but he seemed distracted, his eyes wandering as if he were planning something. Aarya found herself watching him more than focusing on the work. His small gestures—tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, softly brushing past her arm—felt charged with something unspoken. She wondered if it was her imagination, but the gentle warmth of his presence made her heart flutter.

Recess brought more playful moments. Hiten leaned slightly closer as they walked through the corridor, whispering jokes that made her laugh quietly. Yet, even in these lighthearted moments, she noticed the way he kept checking his phone or glancing toward the street outside. Something was different—something he wasn’t telling her. The mysterious aura around him made her both anxious and intrigued.

As the day went on, subtle hints kept appearing. Hiten excused himself for a while, leaving Aarya to wonder what he was doing. She spotted him later, peeking into a shop window, a small smile playing on his lips. Was it for her? Or just some random thought? She couldn’t tell, and the uncertainty made her heart beat faster.

Finally, as the school day ended, Hiten approached her with his usual calm smile, though there was a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. “Aarya, would you like to come with me for a little errand?” he asked casually. “I’m thinking of getting a gift for my elder sister. Her birthday is coming, and… her taste is somewhat like yours, so I wanted your opinion.”

Aarya blinked, slightly confused. She remembered his hints earlier—he had seemed like he was planning something for her. But she pushed the thought aside, assuming it was really for his sister. “Sure, I’ll help,” she replied, trying to sound casual.

They walked together to the little jewelry shop nearby, the soft chatter of the evening crowd around them. Inside, Hiten showed her a few pieces, asking for her opinion. She examined each one carefully, thinking it would make a perfect gift for his sister. Finally, she selected a delicate ring, her choice thoughtful and precise. Hiten’s eyes sparkled, though he didn’t say anything; a small, knowing smile tugged at his lips.

As they stepped out of the shop, Aarya still had no idea about the surprise waiting for her. She glanced at Hiten, puzzled by the mischievous glint in his eyes. “What is he hiding? I feel like he’s planning something… but for whom?” she wondered, the question lingering in her mind as the sun dipped lower in the sky.

Hiten walked beside her silently, holding the small box in his pocket, his heart racing with anticipation. “It’s almost time… she has no idea,” he thought, a soft, private smile curling on his face. The chapter ended with the gentle hum of the evening breeze and the unspoken tension between them, leaving everything suspended on the edge of revelation.