At six years old, Mirshad was ready to leave behind the cozy world of nursery and take his first steps into school. But in his mind, he had never really thought that nursery would end—he had believed, in his own innocent way, that he might just stay there forever. It wasn't until his parents began talking about school that the reality set in. He had to move on.
The first day arrived sooner than he expected. His father was away, working in another city, so it was his mother who took him to school. As they walked through the large gates, Mirshad felt his nerves tighten. The school seemed enormous compared to the small nursery he had grown so comfortable in. His mother reassured him, holding his hand as they made their way to the classroom, but the uncertainty of this new chapter loomed over him.
Just as his worry began to grow, he caught sight of someone familiar. There, among the sea of new faces, was Arun—his best friend from nursery. In an instant, his anxiety melted away, replaced by the joy of seeing his friend. He rushed over, smiling wide, ready to ask about Sitara, Arun's sister, who had been like a second best friend.
But the smile faded from Arun's face. "Sitara isn't here," he said softly. "She moved to another city with my mom. My parents… they're not together anymore."
The weight of Arun's words hit Mirshad harder than he had expected. The trio, which had been a cornerstone of his nursery life, was no more. Sitara, who had been by his side for so long, was now gone, and the thought of it left an emptiness. Still, he was glad that Arun was with him. It gave him the strength to face the day ahead.
As the school day began, the teacher led them into their new classroom. Mirshad stuck close to Arun, but soon they found themselves in the company of three other boys—Thakyudheen, Safwan, and Hashim. The five boys quickly formed a bond, as though they had known each other all their lives. Their connection grew stronger each day, and before long, they became inseparable.
School days were filled with laughter, mischief, and endless adventures. During breaks, they would run around the playground, inventing games, and sharing stories. Mirshad especially enjoyed visiting Thakyudheen's and Safwan's homes after school. Their families welcomed him warmly, and in no time, he became a regular guest, enjoying the company of their parents, siblings, and even their neighbors.
Of course, no school life was complete without a little rivalry. Mirshad and his friends formed a gang, as did other groups of boys in the school. These weren't serious feuds, but they often led to playful battles on the playground—whether it was competing over games or who could run the fastest. The conflicts were short-lived, forgotten as quickly as they began, but they added a layer of excitement to their days.
Looking back, those school days became some of the most precious memories for Mirshad. They weren't just about learning in the classroom; they were about growing up with friends who made each day feel like an adventure. The bond they shared made school a place of comfort, not just obligation. And even though they were just kids, each moment shaped who they were becoming, leaving a lasting imprint on their hearts.
School life for Mirshad was much more than the lessons he learned from books. It was a journey of friendships, shared laughter, and growing up together. And as much as Mirshad had once dreaded leaving nursery, he now couldn't imagine life without school and the friends who made it so special.