Tara burst into Naina's cozy living room, her radiant smile illuminating the space. "Naina, guess who's newly single?" she asked, barely containing her excitement. Her bright eyes sparkled with juicy gossip.
Naina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Who?"
"Simran!" Tara exclaimed, flopping onto the couch. "Her boyfriend dumped her. Can you believe it?" They giggled, knowing Simran's notorious attitude had earned her few friends.
"Karma's a boomerang," Naina chuckled, shaking her head.
Tara nodded vigorously. "Right? She thought herself superior. Now, she's the laughingstock."
They spent the next hour dissecting Simran's doomed relationship, analyzing every detail.
As their gossip session wound down, Naina's anxiety resurfaced. "Tara, what if I don't score well in the boards?" she asked, biting her lip. The 12th standard exams weighed heavily on her mind.
Tara's expression softened. "You'll ace it, Naina! We had been studying together and I have seen your hardwork and your continuous efforts. I know you will definitely get the result of your hard work. Don't worry and believe in yourself and your hard work.
Thank you! Yarr . Without you I would have gone mad till now. Says Naina being grateful for getting a bestie like Tara.
You don't have to thank me and what's the point of having a best friend if they can't make you feel happy when you are sad.
But let's not think about these things now. Let's talk about something more interesting... like guys!" Tara's eyes sparkled mischievously.
Tara began recounting stories of her crushes, trying to distract Naina from her worries.
"Yaar, Naina why you never really show your interest in these talks. Don't tell me you like girls ." Tara said getting serious.
"Seriously , Tara , what are you saying" Naina laughed loudly.
"Yeah, you never talked about any guy and never even talked to any guy in our class that's why I thought maybe you don't like men." Tara said.
"It's not like that, yaar, I just don't want to get distracted from my studies and moreover I am scared about this relationship and stuff. You already know know how my dad was and why my mom gave him divorce. That's why these things make me scared." Said Naina getting sad.
Tara noticed Naina's discomfort. " Okay, leave this things . I know it's hard for you but not all men are the same , maybe in future something good will happen who knows.
"I...I don't know, maybe" Naina stuttered.
Tara's expression turned sympathetic. "I get it. But sometimes, thinking about the future – like college life and love – can be exciting! It's okay to dream."
They sat down for lunch, just the two of them. Tara continued her lively chatter, trying to lighten Naina's mood. "Imagine us in college, attending parties, fashion shows, and falling in love! We'll rock that campus!" Naina smiled weakly, still anxious.
As they finished eating, Tara grasped Naina's hand. "Hey, relax! Results will be fine. You're brilliant. Focus on the positives." Naina nodded, slightly reassured.
As evening fell, Tara bid farewell. "Stay positive, Naina! You got this!" She hugged Naina tightly before leaving.
Again there was a knock on the door, when Naina opened the door, it was her mom.
"How was your day beta, did you and Tara had fun ". asked my mom settling on the chair.
Yeah, Ma . We had so much fun and talked for hours . Said Naina.
"Great, but why does your face look dull?do you want to eat something?. Tell me I will make it for. " Asked Mom
"No , Ma , I am still full and maybe tired that's why my face is looking dull. So I am just gonna sleep." Said Naina yawning.
" Okay beta, go and sleep. And don't take any tension about your results. I have seen your hard work and I know you get good marks. I am always with you no matter what the result will be."
"Thanks Mumma, but how did you know I was tensed about the result." asked Naina.
"I am your mom and I know everything about my child. So go and sleep. Says mom while hugging me."
Naina settled into bed, her thoughts swirling. College life, romance, and exams weighed heavily on her mind. She smiled faintly, grateful for Tara's friendship and her mom's unwavering support. Tomorrow held promise – new beginnings, fresh opportunities.