Chapter 5: Bearing with bullies I

Nitish's heart was heavy as he boarded the bus for his first day at the Oakland School. Tears welled up in his eyes as he glanced back at his parents, who stood at a distance, waving him off with bittersweet smiles. Leaving his family behind was the hardest thing he had ever done.

The bus ride was a new experience for Nitish. He had never traveled with other people before, let alone children his age. As he entered the bus, all eyes turned towards him. Their gazes filled with surprise and curiosity. Nitish's striking blue eyes and his tall, lean, and toned physique, despite being just ten years old, made him stand out in a crowd.

Taking a deep breath, Nitish found an empty seat beside a beautiful girl named Sahasra Advaitha. She was known for her elegance and charm, as well as being the daughter of the head of the school. Normally, no one dared to sit beside her due to the presence of Naveen, a boy from an influential family who had a crush on Sahasra. Naveen had a reputation for being aggressive and intimidating, often resorting to violence against those who showed interest in Sahasra.

Unaware of the unwritten rules, Nitish innocently took the seat beside Sahasra. The chatter among the students instantly faded, and a palpable tension filled the air. The atmosphere grew even more strained when Naveen boarded the bus at the next stop. Nitish, lost in his own world, paid no attention to the silent stares and the apprehension that hung in the air.

As Naveen approached him, Nitish finally glanced up, meeting the boy's intense gaze. Naveen's eyes bore into Nitish's, searching for any sign of weakness or submission. But Nitish, unfazed by the hostile atmosphere, maintained his composure. His innocence and lack of awareness shielded him from the unspoken rules that governed the dynamics of the school bus.

With a challenging look, Naveen spoke, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and warning. "Who do you think you are, sitting beside Sahasra?"

Nitish, unaware of the brewing tension and social norms, responded honestly. "I'm Nitish. It's nice to meet you."

The unexpected reply caught Naveen off guard. He was accustomed to fear and submission from his peers, but Nitish's genuine and open demeanor was a stark contrast. Confusion briefly flickered across Naveen's face before he regained his composure.

Sahasra, who had been observing the exchange in silence, couldn't help but be intrigued by Nitish's unassuming presence. His lack of awareness regarding the social dynamics made him different from everyone else she had encountered. She saw a glimmer of authenticity in him, a spark that ignited her curiosity.

As the bus continued its journey towards the Oakland School, Nitish and Sahasra engaged in conversation. Nitish shared stories of his life in the zoo, his love for animals, and his innocence that had shielded him from the complexities of the human world. Sahasra listened attentively, finding solace in Nitish's genuine nature.

Meanwhile, Naveen, though initially wary of Nitish's presence, couldn't help but be drawn to the boy's unyielding spirit. Nitish's indifference to social norms and his ability to see beyond appearances intrigued Naveen. He saw a reflection of his own desire to break free from the constraints of his family's expectations.

As the bus finally arrived at the Oakland School, Nitish's journey into a new world was just beginning. Little did he know that his encounter with Sahasra and Naveen would shape his path in ways he could never have imagined. Nitish's presence, his innocence, and his unique perspective on life would challenge the established norms and forge unlikely connections that would shape the lives of those around him.

Excited and unaware of the challenges that lay ahead, Nitish stepped off the bus and into a world filled with new experiences, friendships, and the discovery of his own place in a society he was only just beginning to understand.