Chapter 1:The Spark of Rivalry

Vidushi stared at the rows of chairs in the school auditorium, her fingers tapping nervously against her notebook. The debate competition was in full swing, but her mind was elsewhere. The annual school festival was just around the corner, and Vidushi had already been roped into organizing the dance event, the one thing she didn’t care about. Dancing wasn’t her thing—arguing, on the other hand, was.

As the moderator called for the next speaker, Vidushi shifted her gaze towards the stage. Standing there was Kunal—tall, confident, with that signature half-smile that made girls swoon and teachers question their judgment. He didn’t look at her, but she knew he was aware of her presence. Everyone was. She was, after all, the girl who never backed down from a fight, the one who could make a grown man sweat just with a single glare.

But Kunal? He was different. Cool, calculated, and with the kind of quiet confidence that made him seem untouchable. He was popular, sure, but not in the way Vidushi cared about. He was reserved, mysterious, and always surrounded by a crowd.

That didn't bother Vidushi—until now. She had no idea why her blood was boiling as she watched him adjust the mic, a smirk playing at the edge of his lips. But she wasn’t going to let that slide. Not in her world.

"Next, we have Kunal Sharma from the Student Council to speak about the upcoming festival," the moderator announced.

The room fell silent. Vidushi's breath caught in her throat for a second. This was the moment where her hatred for everything he stood for would come to life.

Kunal stepped up to the podium, his dark eyes sweeping over the crowd as if he already knew he had their attention. He didn't need to try hard—he never did. His presence was enough to make people listen. His voice was steady and clear, outlining plans for the festival with an air of someone who had everything figured out.

The topic: the importance of teamwork for the school festival.

Vidushi nearly rolled her eyes. Teamwork? She'd been planning events for years without anyone’s help, and now she was supposed to play nice with a guy like him? Not in a million years.

As he spoke, Vidushi's thoughts drifted. The words "school festival" kept echoing in her mind. She had no interest in working on some cheesy event with him, especially after what she’d seen him do to others. Kunal had a reputation for taking over projects, making sure everything ran according to his plan. He had the charm to make it look effortless, but Vidushi knew better.

"Once the committee is formed, we’ll need volunteers," Kunal continued, his eyes scanning the room. "I hope you all consider participating, as this is an event that will define our year."

And there it was. The proposal that made Vidushi’s stomach twist. Of course, she was expected to join in. She had been part of the planning committee since the beginning of high school, but this year, it felt like everyone was looking for an excuse to drag her into the mess of it all.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the debate. Vidushi stood up quickly, her chair scraping loudly across the floor. As the room began to clear out, she caught Kunal’s eye. His smirk was still in place, but now, there was a flicker of something else—something like recognition.

She didn’t flinch.

“I’m not doing it,” Vidushi muttered to herself as she made her way toward the door.

The thing was, she couldn’t afford to back down. Not now. Not with her reputation on the line.

As she stepped into the corridor, she heard a voice call out from behind her.

“Vidushi, wait up.”

She turned, meeting the piercing gaze of Kunal, who was now walking towards her with a casual confidence.

“I thought you’d never ask,” Vidushi snapped, the sarcasm thick in her voice. “What is it this time? Want me to help you run things?”

Kunal raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Don’t flatter yourself. I was just wondering if you'd want to be on the same team for the festival. I’ve been told you’re good at... causing chaos. Thought you might be interested in putting that to good use.”

Vidushi’s heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t show it. She’d spent years building up a reputation for being fiercely independent and fearless. She wasn’t about to let Kunal Sharma, with his cocky grin and popular-boy status, ruin that.

“Thanks, but no thanks,” she replied, turning on her heel. “You and I both know I don’t play by the rules.”

Kunal laughed, the sound deep and effortless. “Oh, I know. That’s what makes you interesting.”

Vidushi walked away, her pulse quickening. She couldn’t figure out why the mere thought of working with him stirred something deep inside her. Was it anger? Frustration? Or something else entirely?

But one thing was for sure. This wasn’t over.

Not by a long shot.

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