A year later, Aarav's father lost his job.
The cheerful boy who once laughed at everything suddenly became quiet.
His family struggled to pay school fees.
One afternoon, Aarav told Kabir that he might have to leave school.
Kabir was shocked.
"What? You can't leave."
"I don't have a choice," Aarav replied.
The next day, Kabir secretly spoke with teachers and students. He organized a fundraiser without telling Aarav.
For two weeks, the school community raised money through events and donations.
When the principal called Aarav into the office, he expected bad news.
Instead, he learned that his fees had been covered for the entire year.
Aarav later discovered who was behind it.
"You did all this?" he asked.
Kabir smiled.
"Friends don't let friends fight battles alone."
For the first time in months, Aarav cried—not from sadness, but from gratitude.