The next day, I woke up before the first bell. Not because I was scared. Not because I was anxious. I was… eager.
Today wasn't just another Monday. It was the day.
The day we'd meet the school management. The day I'd pitch something I truly cared about. The day I'd speak not for marks or ranks, but for an idea I believed in.
I got ready quickly, tied my hair into a neat plait, and even picked my uniform kurti carefully. clean white without any stains or wrinkles. Good thing it's Monday, we need to wear blazers—something that says I mean business. After morning prayers and assembly, the day flew past in a blur. Periods slipped by one after another. I couldn't even remember what was taught in Science.
By lunch, both Nishanth and I had the same plan—eat fast and finish prepping.
We finished in record time and almost ran to the computer lab. Thankfully, the computer sir was already there.
When we showed him what we had, his reaction was priceless.
"You two actually completed all this over the weekend?" he asked, eyebrows raised.
"Actually, just half a day," Nishanth replied with a proud smirk.
I added, "Sir, I've drafted 20 articles. Nishanth has already edited the photos and arranged the layout samples."
Computer Sir shook his head with a slight smile, like he couldn't believe we were actually ninth graders.
"Sir," I asked, "do you have any recommendations for the meeting today? Anything we're missing?"
He thought for a second. "Honestly, no. You two have covered all the key points. Just present it confidently. That's all."
"Nishanth, how long do you think it'll take to make a simple PowerPoint?" I asked, turning to him.
"Ten minutes max," he said.
"Sir, can you bring your laptop to the meeting hall?" I requested.
"Yes, of course," Computer Sir nodded.
"We have ten more minutes left for lunch. Can we use your system for now?" I asked.
He moved aside and gestured to the computer. "Go ahead. I'll monitor from here."
I slid into the chair while Nishanth took the other side.
"Let's do this quickly," I said. "Slide one—difference between digital and print media. Why both matter."
"Got it," Nishanth said, typing away.
"Slide two—structure of the magazine. Monthly editions, themes, categories."
"On it."
"Slides three and four—attach images of this month's work. One for digital layouts, one for print article screenshots."
Nishanth clicked and dragged the images smoothly. "These pictures are going to make everyone believe this is already real."
"It is real," I said.
"Right, Boss," he grinned.
I turned to Computer Sir. "Sir, can you help us with one last slide?"
"Sure."
"Could you do a rough estimate of expenses? Like printing cost, any paper material, anything extra we might need."
He nodded, eyes lighting up a bit. "You're even adding a financial slide?"
I grinned. "We want to look like we've thought everything through."
Nishanth leaned back in the chair. "Honestly, Nila, you could start a company with this plan."
"We'll think about that tomorrow," I said, half-joking, but not really. "Today, let's just make sure we get the magazine approved."
They both smiled, but for a second, no one said anything.
It hit me then—this wasn't just a student idea anymore. This felt like something bigger. Something that, if handled right, could last long after I graduate.
Nishanth finished the last slide and added a title: "Student Voice: A Monthly School Magazine."
I nodded. "Perfect. Let's save it on a pen drive. Also email it to Sir just in case."
"Done," he said.
The bell rang. Lunch break was over. The nervous part of me began to stir, but I pushed it back down. This wasn't the time to doubt.
We walked out of the lab like secret agents who had just planted a code.
The stage was set. The slides were ready. The articles were drafted. The photos were edited.
Now, all that was left was to speak—and to be heard.
The last period of the day was handled by our class teacher. As soon as she entered the room, her eyes found mine. She called me aside with a raised eyebrow and a slight tilt of her head that told me she already knew something was up.
"Nila," she said quietly, "what are you planning?"
I blinked. "Ma'am, I don't understand what you mean."
She gave me a look that said don't try to play innocent. "The Principal and Vice Principal mentioned that you have a meeting with them this evening. They asked if I knew anything about it. I didn't. So now I'm asking you."
I smiled nervously. "Ma'am, I did speak to you earlier, remember? I asked whether students could organize something… a project?"
She nodded slowly. "Yes. I remember. So… did you actually go ahead and organize it?"
"It's still just an idea, ma'am," I said quickly. "Nothing has been approved yet. My plan was to finish some drafts and show them to you first, then request your help to arrange a meeting with the school management. But…"
"But?" she prompted.
I sighed. "The Principal saw me while I was collecting details for the articles and asked what I was working on. So I took the opportunity to request a meeting to explain it properly."
She studied me for a moment, her expression unreadable. "What exactly have you come up with?"
I hesitated, then asked, "Are you free after class today, ma'am? We have the meeting at the end of the day. If you could come with us, I'd rather explain everything there. That way you'll get the full picture."
She narrowed her eyes a little. "Still keeping secrets?"
I laughed nervously. "Just a surprise, ma'am. I promise, it's a good one."
She smiled faintly. "Alright then. I'll be there."
Once the final bell rang, everything moved quickly. Nishanth and I gathered our things, and I handed my bag to Harini.
"Can you take this to study class for me?" I asked her.
"Where are you going?" she asked curiously.
"I'll tell you later," I smiled.
Then Nishanth and I rushed to the computer lab where Computer Sir was already waiting, laptop bag slung over his shoulder, a knowing grin on his face.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Ready as we'll ever be," I said.
Together, the three of us walked toward the principal's office. Our class teacher was already waiting in the corridor, arms folded, watching us with a mix of curiosity and concern. I took a deep breath, my fingers tightening around the edge of my kurti.
I stepped forward and knocked.
"This is it," I whispered to myself.