Opening Scene:

Ananya’s POV:

Ananya watches from the back of the classroom, her heart pounding as Professor Arjun begins the lecture. He’s dressed sharply as always, his confident demeanor making her stomach flip. She’s been harbouring feelings for him for months, ever since that fateful moment in her second year when he stayed late after class to help her with an assignment.

"I shouldn’t feel this way," she thinks, as her eyes trace the lines of his jaw while he writes on the board. She grips her pen tightly, trying to focus, but all she can think about is the way his voice makes her melt.

Meera’s entrance:

The class is disrupted by Meera, who walks in late as usual. Meera is everything Ananya is not—bold, flirty, and always seeking attention. To Ananya’s annoyance, Professor Arjun gives Meera a subtle smile as she takes her seat in the front row. Meera tosses her hair back and gives Ananya a smug glance, as if she knows about Ananya’s secret.

"Why does he always notice her?" Ananya feels the familiar wave of jealousy building up as she watches them exchange a few words before the lecture resumes.

The Classroom Tension:

During the class, Professor Arjun asks a question, and to her dismay, Meera is the one who answers confidently. The professor compliments her, and Ananya feels a knot in her stomach. She knows she’s better academically, but somehow Meera always finds a way to grab his attention.

After class ends, Ananya lingers by the door, pretending to pack her bag slowly. Her heart sinks when she sees Professor Arjun and Meera chatting casually near his desk. Meera’s laugh is too loud, and Arjun seems too engaged for Ananya’s liking.

"It’s nothing," she tells herself, but she can’t ignore the anger bubbling up inside.

Ananya’s Impulsive Decision:

As Meera finally leaves, Ananya gathers her courage and walks up to the professor. She can’t stand the thought of leaving without saying something. Her hands tremble as she clutches her notebook.

"Professor, can I ask you something?"

Arjun turns to her, his smile soft but unreadable. Ananya’s throat tightens, her planned question about an assignment forgotten. All she can think about is how close Meera had been just moments ago.

Without thinking, she steps closer, her voice lowering.

"Why... why do you always notice her?"

The words slip out before she can stop herself. Arjun raises an eyebrow, surprised, and Ananya feels the heat rise to her cheeks. His teasing response catches her off guard.

“Jealous, are you?”

Flustered, she turns to leave, but he calls her name softly, halting her. She looks back, and for a split second, she swears there’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

End of Chapter 1

Next Chapter Preview: Ananya tries to distance herself from Arjun after the embarrassing moment, but her feelings only grow stronger as Meera’s presence becomes more unbearable. The tension rises during a school event where Ananya’s jealousy gets the better of her.

The annual Spring Fête is buzzing with excitement as students bustle around setting up booths and decorations. Ananya stands in the middle of the courtyard, her hands deftly tying colorful ribbons to the tables. The sweet scent of cotton candy fills the air, and laughter echoes all around, but her mind is elsewhere. She glances up occasionally, her heart sinking each time she catches a glimpse of Professor Arjun talking to Meera.

Tonight, the courtyard is alive with energy—bright lights, vibrant decorations, and the sound of live music—but Ananya feels like a spectator in her own life. She’s been looking forward to this event for weeks, hoping it would be a chance to connect with Arjun outside the constraints of the classroom. Instead, she’s reminded of the distance between them, exacerbated by Meera’s relentless pursuit of his attention.

As she ties the final ribbon, her best friend Riya approaches, holding a plate piled high with snacks. “You’ve been awfully quiet. You okay?” Riya asks, eyeing Ananya with concern.

“Yeah, just... tired, I guess,” Ananya replies, forcing a smile. She knows she can’t share the real reason for her turmoil—not yet, at least.

“Don’t let Meera get to you. She’s all shown,” Riya reassures her, noticing Ananya’s distant gaze. But Ananya’s heart sinks even further as she watches Meera strut across the courtyard, her confidence radiating like a spotlight.

“I know, but…” Ananya trails off, her voice barely whispering. She can’t shake the feeling of inadequacy. Why can’t I be more like her? she wonders, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

As the night progresses, the atmosphere grows electric with laughter and cheers. Ananya moves to the side, hoping to distance herself from the scene unfolding before her. Suddenly, Meera takes center stage, announcing a dance performance she organized. Dressed in a stunning outfit, Meera twirls gracefully, captivating the audience, including Professor Arjun, who looks genuinely impressed.

Ananya’s stomach churns at the sight. Meera winks at Arjun, and Ananya’s heart sinks deeper. Why is she always the center of attention? The anger surges inside her, igniting a spark of jealousy that she can no longer contain.

Riya, sensing Ananya’s growing frustration, nudges her again. “C’mon, let’s get some air,” she suggests, guiding her away from the crowd.

As they find a quiet corner of the courtyard, Ananya can’t hold back. “I can’t stand it, Riya! Why does he have to pay so much attention to her? It’s infuriating!”

“Ananya, you need to let it go. You know how she is. You’re better than that,” Riya says, trying to reassure her friend.

“I don’t want to be jealous! I just wish he’d see me,” Ananya sighs, leaning against the wall. Why can’t he notice me the way he notices her?

Suddenly, she hears footsteps behind her. It’s Arjun, looking concerned, his brow furrowed. “Ananya, are you okay?” His voice is soft, cutting through her spiraling thoughts.

Feeling a rush of emotions—anger, frustration, and longing—Ananya decides she can’t hold back any longer. She must confront her feelings before they consume her. “Why do you like her so much?” she demands, her voice stronger than she feels.

Arjun’s eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?” he asks, his tone bewildered.

“You and Meera! You seem to enjoy her company. What about me?” Ananya feels her heart race, the vulnerability spilling out of her. She takes a step closer, her breath quickening.

The kiss is electric, filled with years of pent-up emotions. Ananya feels an intoxicating mix of fear and exhilaration as their lips meet. But just as she pulls back, she notices the look on Arjun’s face—a blend of shock and amusement.

“Baby, are you going to do the homework assigned today?” he teases lightly, but there’s a seriousness in his eyes that sends shivers down her spine.

Ananya’s heart races, and embarrassment floods her. She realizes the weight of her actions, her impulsive decision spiraling into a moment she can’t take back. “I—I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—” she stammers, her cheeks burning.

But before she can turn to leave, Arjun catches her wrist gently, stopping her in her tracks. “Wait, Ananya. Let’s talk about this.” His voice is steady, his grip firm but reassuring.

Ananya looks up at him, her heart pounding. This was a moment she had both dreamed of and dreaded. The boundaries between student and teacher, friend and crush, are blurring in ways she never expected.

The atmosphere of the Spring Fête buzzes with excitement, but for Ananya, the vibrant colors and laughter feel muted. She wanders through the booths, her mind replaying the unexpected kiss. The warmth of his lips lingers in her memory, both thrilling and terrifying. What have I done? she thinks, her heart racing as she recalls the moment.

As she makes her way past the food stalls, her friends Riya and Aisha join her, their laughter infectious, but Ananya struggles to match their enthusiasm. “Ananya! You’re missing all the fun! Come on!” Riya exclaims, tugging at her arm.

“Yeah, you’re acting like you saw a ghost! What’s up?” Aisha adds, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Ananya forces a smile, trying to shake off the embarrassment. “I’m fine! Just... thinking about the performances,” she replies, avoiding the truth.

The night continues, filled with music and festivities, but every so often, Ananya catches a glimpse of Arjun, who is mingling with students. Each sighting sends a wave of anxiety through her. What would he think of her? Would he brush off the kiss as a silly mistake?

Suddenly, she spots Meera, who is laughing a bit too loudly, her eyes darting toward Arjun. What does she have that I don’t? Ananya wonders, a mix of jealousy and self-doubt bubbling inside her.

“Hey, Ananya! Want to try out that new dance game?” Riya asks, pulling her attention back to the present. Ananya knows she should join in, but her thoughts keep drifting back to Arjun.

As the night wears on, Ananya decides to step away from the crowd for a moment of solitude. She wanders to a quieter area of the courtyard, where string lights twinkle above her.

Lost in thought, she doesn’t notice Arjun approaching until he’s right in front of her. “Hey, Ananya,” he says softly, his voice warm.

Ananya’s heart skips a beat. “Hi, Professor,” she replies, trying to keep her tone steady.

“Are you enjoying the Fête?” he asks, leaning casually against the wall beside her.

“It’s great! Just... taking a break from all the noise,” she responds, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arjun studies her for a moment, his expression shifting to one of concern. “You seem a bit off. Is everything okay?”

Ananya’s heart races. Should she confess her feelings? Or would that ruin everything? “I’m just... worried about the performance,” she lies, attempting to divert the conversation.

“Don’t be. You’re talented, Ananya. I’ve seen you work hard, and it’s going to be great,” he reassures her.

Feeling emboldened, she glances at him, her breath catching. “And what if I mess up?”

He chuckles softly. “That’s part of the experience. We all make mistakes. What matters is how you handle them.”

Ananya feels a warmth spread through her, his words wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. “Thank you,” she murmurs, feeling a connection sparking between them once more.

But the moment is interrupted as Meera approaches, her smile dazzling as ever. “There you are, Professor! I was looking for you,” she coos, her eyes flickering between Arjun and Ananya.

Ananya feels her stomach twist with jealousy. Why can’t she just leave us alone?

Arjun shifts his attention to Meera, and Ananya’s heart sinks. “What’s up?” he asks, his tone light.

“I just wanted to show you our dance routine. I think you’ll love it!” Meera beams, looping her arm through his. Ananya watches, her heart aching as they walk away together, leaving her feeling even more isolated.

In that moment of abandonment, Ananya realizes she can’t stay silent any longer. She must confront her feelings, even if it terrifies her.

Gathering her courage, she decides to approach Arjun later, hoping to find a moment alone. As the festivities wind down, she notices a quieter space near the stage where they can talk privately.

When she finally finds him, he’s standing off to the side, engrossed in conversation with other teachers. Summoning every ounce of bravery, she steps forward, interrupting. “Professor, can we talk?”

Arjun looks at her, surprise flashing in his eyes. “Of course, Ananya. What’s on your mind?”

Taking a deep breath, Ananya glances around to ensure they won’t be overheard. “I need to apologize for earlier. I didn’t mean to... I just—” she starts, her voice shaky.

He raises a hand gently. “Ananya, it’s okay. I didn’t mind. In fact, I—”

But before he can finish, Meera reappears, her tone bright and demanding. “Professor! You have to see this! The students are waiting for your input!”

Ananya’s heart sinks as she realizes she’s losing her chance.

“Excuse me, Ananya. We’ll continue this later?” Arjun says, his eyes reflecting both understanding and regret.

“Yeah, sure,” she replies, her heart heavy as he walks away, leaving her with a swirling mix of frustration and longing.