He stood up from his seat and started walking toward the door.
Shaurya looked at him suspiciously.
"Oye, kahan jaa raha hai?" he asked.
Anay turned back with a mischievous grin.
"I'll be back. Tu yahin baith," he said, winking at him before walking out of the classroom.
Shaurya narrowed his eyes.
"Ye pakka kuch na kuch kand karne wala hai..." he muttered, shaking his head as he watched Anay leave.
As soon as Anay stepped outside, he noticed Anaya walking toward the staff room. Curious, he quietly followed her, making sure she didn't notice his presence.
Inside the staff room...
"Anaya, beta," the teacher called warmly. "After few days, we'll have the Inter-House Speech Competition. This event is very important because several prestigious guests will be attending."
She continued seriously, "You're representing the Red House, and your main opponent will be a girl from the Yellow House. She's from the Arts section, and she is excellent in speech. I want you to prepare your very best because this competition means a lot to our house."
Anaya nodded respectfully.
"Yes, ma'am. I completely understand your concern. Don't worry, I'll prepare so well that only our house will win. I'll give my hundred percent."
The teacher smiled faintly.
"Good. And one more thing-the guests are extremely important for our school, so double-check everything before the competition."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Alright, you may leave now. I'll give you the Speech topics shortly. Read them carefully and let me know before the last period which topic you've selected."
"Sure, ma'am."
Outside the staff room, Anay had heard every single word.
A slow, dangerous smirk spread across his face.
"Oh... Ms. Rule book You dared to mess with Anay Ranawat?" he whispered to himself. "Now let's see how I ruin your precious Speech."
His eyes gleamed with mischief as a new plan formed in his mind.
•••
Meanwhile...
The college campus was buzzing with excitement. Students rushed through the corridors, searching for their classrooms, while others laughed loudly with their friends. Some looked nervous for the first day, whereas others were busy making new memories. The entire atmosphere was filled with cheerful chatter and endless hustle.
Among the crowd stood a girl wearing a pink crop top, white baggy jeans, and carrying a white handbag. Her silky hair flowed freely over her shoulders, making her look effortlessly beautiful.
It was none other than Kiara.
Standing near the entrance, she kept glancing at her watch impatiently. The moment she spotted a familiar boy walking toward her, her face lit up.
Without thinking twice, she ran toward him and wrapped him in a tight hug.
"Arre bas, bas! Itni bhi acting karne ki zarurat nahi hai. Hum sirf ek mahine baad hi toh mil rahe hain," the boy said with an irritated expression.
His words pricked her heart, but she hid her disappointment behind a smile.
"One month isn't a short time, Kartik. Do you even know how much I missed you?" she asked, pouting adorably.
"Haan, haan... dikh raha hai. Tabhi toh ek bhi proper call nahi kiya," he replied bitterly.
"I didn't call much because I thought you'd be busy enjoying your trip with your friends. And whenever I did call, you'd always say, 'I'll call you later,' but that 'later' never came."
"So now it's my fault again?" he snapped.
Kiara sighed softly.
"Please... we've met after such a long time. Can we not fight today?"
After a few seconds of silence, Kartik finally spoke.
"Fine. Now go to your class. We'll meet later."
He paused before adding in a commanding voice,
"And listen... don't talk to any boys. Especially those you don't know. Got it?"
Kiara gave a small nod.
"Okay... bye."
She waved at him before walking toward her classroom.
Kartik Khanna was currently in the second year of his B.A. He and Kiara had been in a relationship for the past six months. They had met at a party, and after months of conversations, they had started dating.
But lately, Kiara had begun to feel that their relationship was filled with arguments rather than love. Even then, she wasn't ready to give up. Somewhere deep inside, she still believed they could make things work.
As Kiara entered the classroom, she looked around for an empty seat.
Her eyes landed on a boy completely immersed in his books.
Smiling, she walked over and gently tapped his shoulder.
He turned around and froze in surprise.
"Kiara? Tum yahan?" he exclaimed.
She laughed.
"Looks like destiny wanted us in the same college."
"Come, sit here," he said, immediately making space beside him.
After a while, the professor entered, and the lecture began.
Everyone focused on their studies.
Almost everyone
Riyan couldn't.
For the first time in his life, books failed to hold his attention. Every few minutes, his eyes unknowingly drifted toward Kiara.
His heart was overflowing with happiness.
For three long years, he had silently loved her. Yet he had never gathered enough courage to confess his feelings.
Today felt like the happiest day of his life.
Little did he know...
Destiny had something entirely different planned for him.
•••
After a few lectures, Kiara stretched lazily.
"Riyan, chalo canteen chalte hain. I'm starving."
He chuckled.
"Tumse padhai ke alawa sab kuch karwa lo. Chalo."
Both of them walked toward the canteen and stood side by side, searching for an empty table.
Suddenly...
A strong hand wrapped around Kiara's waist and pulled her backward.
She gasped in shock.
Turning around, she saw Kartik standing there, glaring angrily at Riyan.
"Listen carefully," Kartik said coldly, pointing a finger at him. "She's my girlfriend. Stay away from her. This is your first and last warning."
Those three words...
She's My girlfriend.
They shattered Riyan's heart.
A few moments ago, he believed this was the best day of his life.
Now...
It suddenly felt like the worst.
Swallowing the lump in his throat, he forced himself to smile.
"Nahi bhai... you've misunderstood. We're just friends."
Kartik completely ignored him.
He grabbed Kiara's wrist tightly.
"Come. I need to talk to you."
Without waiting for her response, he dragged her out of the canteen.
Outside...
Kiara forcefully pulled her hand free.
Red finger marks had already appeared on her delicate wrist.
"Have you lost your mind?" she shouted. "What was that?"
"What was that?" Kartik snapped back. "I told you not to talk to any boys. Then what was all this?"
"He isn't just any boy. He's my old friend," she explained desperately.
"I don't care who he is," Kartik interrupted harshly. "I told you not to talk to any guy. That means no one."
With that, he let go of her arm and stormed away without even looking back.
Kiara stood there silently.
Tears filled her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away before anyone could notice.
Taking a deep breath, she silently walked back toward her classroom... carrying yet another crack in her already fragile heart.
**************************************************
So... how was today's chapter? 👀❤️
Did you enjoy it?
Who caught your attention the most?
✨ Anay
✨ Anaya
✨ Myra
✨ Shaurya
✨ Riyan
✨ Kiara
And what do you think Anay is planning to do with Anaya's Speech? 🤭
Don't forget to vote ⭐ and leave your thoughts in the comments. Your comments literally make my day! 🥹💕
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