Chapter one.

Beginning

She woke up feeling reluctant about going to school. Her mind drifted to memories of freshman year, which sucked for a number of reasons.

She had prayed to Lord Ganesha Chaturthi for her request for the beginning of the school year. Which was to be invited to a party with alcohol and hard drug and have the opportunity to turn it down. "No, cocaine for me, thanks. I'm good"

And lastly, most importantly. She would really like a boyfriend but not some nerd from one of AP classes. Like a guy from a sport team.

Her parents had kept the tradition despite moving to America and having stayed for over a decade.

She was the opposite of Mr and Mrs. Leo and Anaya Kapoor. They were completely vegetarian while Lydia eats meat.

Mrs. Anaya Kapoor walked into her daughter's room.

“I don't have much time Lydia, you should be set for school by now”. She said,

“I am almost ready mom”. Lydia voiced out.

"I have just fifteen minutes to spare”. Her mom murmured before storming out of the room.

She took a quick shower and dressed up. She wore a short pastel-blue skater dress with white sneakers and a small black backpack. Her hair was done in a pony tail with ribbons, giving her a simple but fresh look for the first day of sophomore year.

She could hear her parents arguing in their room, though the voices were faint.

“You can’t keep rejecting offers; take what you get until a better one comes.” Mrs. Anaya exclaimed

“Those jobs are below my qualification”. He replied.

“It's been six months already, are you even thinking of how I pay the bills”. She remarked.

“Everything will be fine once I get this job, I am hopeful this time”. He replied.

“That's what you say every freaking time”. She said her footsteps echoed as she opened the door and stepped out.

Lydia wasn’t surprised by the usual nagging this morning. It was becoming normal since her dad lost his job at the bank.

With his multiple failed interviews, Mr. Leo Kapoor has not given up yet on his job search. This morning, he was in a hurry for another job interview.

He has also been forced to park his car for repairs because he couldn't afford to fix it yet, so Lydia was stuck with her mom.

He stepped out, arranging his CV properly when she met him.

“Good morning Dad”. She greeted him.

“Good morning Angel, your mom is already pissed off. You should be out already”. He said.

“I am almost done”. Lydia said as she picked up her books and stuck them in her bag.

She hurried down the door. But turned her back to whisper. “Good luck Dad”.

Mr. Leo Kapoor smiled deeply, pleased. “Thank you Angel”.

Lydia paused when she saw her mom’s car waiting in the driveway.

“This is the last time I will have to stress the need for you waking up early. The next time you will have to find your way to school alone”. She said sharply as her daughter got in. With a sigh, she started the engine and drove away.

When the car stopped, Lydia stepped out.

“Don’t forget to text me when school’s over,” her mom said, Lydia nodded quietly before shutting the door.

A sense of relief washed over her. Her academics weren't so terrible, but with sophomore year, Lydia wanted to be known for more than being the “nerd girl”.

It could be anything she doesn't mind as long as it made her sophomore year at Sherman Oaks Centre for Enriched Studies memorable.

The school was a two-story building with cream-colored walls and large windows. A neat courtyard sat in front, and the main gate opened onto the street.

As she walked through the hallway, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned to see Eleanor. “Welcome back, Lydia! I can’t believe this is our last first day of sophomore year. I feel like crying!” Eleanor said and winked playfully.

Lydia, with her arms wide spread, hugged Eleanor tightly. “This reminds me of a problem I want to talk to you about. we are not cool”. She voiced out concern evident in her voice.

“Who says we are not cool?”. Eleanor remarked, looking at Lydia with concern.

“It's high time we have a better high school life experience, don't you think?”. Lydia continued.

“I think we are totally cool, I love having you as my best friend”.

“And I don't want to be with anyone else other than you”.She added.

“Everyone will surely accept us once we are cool. All we need is a plan”. She said with enthusiasm about the new idea popping up in her head.

“If you insist then, what do you think we need to do to change things”. Eleanor asked.

Lydia smiled widely. Eleanor was beginning to buy the idea.

“The first thing is to rebrand ourselves by becoming a glamorous woman of colour, where we can allow ourselves to experience a sexy high school life, by changing our personalities, thereby opening ourselves to a world filled with possibilities”. She remarked, taking notes of what she said.

“Let's move to step two: getting a boyfriend”. She said firmly.

“Are you out of your mind”. Eleanor's eyes widened in total shock.

“No, I'm pretty serious Eleanor, this would be our stepping stone into becoming one of the most cool kids on campus”. She said,

A loud bell rang,signalling the start of the school day.

“I really don't understand you anymore”.Eleanor muttered as they walked to class, ready to start the day’s lecture.

After the morninv assembly, Mr. Liam, the science teacher, entered the classroom. “Welcome back! I hope you had a great freshman year and are ready for new challenges this year.”

“I will be pairing you up so there would be a science project that would be submitted by the end of next week”. He announced.

“Here are your groups for the science project. Please connect with your teammates and start planning. Let me know if you have questions!” . Mr. Liam spoke before storming out.

Lydia moved closer to Eleanor. “I can't believe my eyes, I will be working on a science project with Michael”.

“Good for you girl”. Eleanor remarked.

Michael has been Lydia's crush since freshman year. The star rugby player. Her heart skipped a bit.

His chiselled jaw, high cheekbones, and expressive eyes that drew her in.

His straight nose, full lips, and thick hair completed a striking, symmetrical face that radiated charm. Only that he never looked at Lydia.

“He is so perfect, isn't he?”.

“Yes, he is for you, Lydia. I just hope he notices you this time”.

“Thank you, Lord Ganesha, for easing my step on this journey”.

This was her chance to make a good impression on him.

“I think I should talk to him first”. She said, walking towards his direction.

Michael was with his group of friends. The star rugby players of Sherman Oaks high school.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude, I am Lydia Kapoor”. She said, extending her hand for a handshake.

“Oh my God, the freak you mean”. Jude remarked.

Jude has been Michael 's best friend since freshman year. Lydia ignored his nasty remark, hoping Michael acknowledged her.

“What do you want?”. Michael replied.

Her stomach fluttered with joy hearing his masculine voice.

“Well, we were assigned to the same group by Mr. Liam, the Science teacher and I guess I wanted to be acquitted with my group member”. She murmured.

“We are busy”. He said.

Lydia laughed hysterically. “I see, later then”.

She walked away feeling creepy and shy. Her finger trembled as she fidgeted with her bag strap.