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[Scene: Saint Xavier’s High – Morning Assembly Hall]
(Rows of students whisper restlessly. The annual announcement of the new student council is about to begin. The air hums with excitement—everyone already has their guesses. Luna stands quietly in the middle row, her hands clutching her notebook, head lowered. Pulkit lounges in the back, surrounded by friends, smirking as if he already knows the outcome.)
friend 1
(whispering): “It’s obvious. Pulkit Malhotra will be Head Boy. Who else?”
friend 2
“Yeah, he owns this school. Even the teachers don’t dare scold him much.”
(Pulkit hears it, smirks wider, stretches casually. He's too used to attention)
Pulkit Malhotra
(low, to his friend): “Head Boy or not, I already run this place.”
(The hall erupts in a hush as the Principal steps on stage. Luna adjusts her glasses nervously, trying to stay invisible.)
Principal
(clears throat): “This year, after careful consideration, Saint Xavier’s is proud to announce our new Head Boy… Pulkit Malhotra.”
(The auditorium bursts into claps and whistles. Girls scream his name, boys cheer. Pulkit rises slowly, walking forward with lazy arrogance. Every step feels rehearsed, natural. He accepts the badge with a smirk.)
Pulkit Malhotra
(under his breath, near mic): “As expected.”
(Students laugh. Teachers exchange tired glances.)
Principal
(smiling faintly): “And our Head Girl will be… Luna Sharma.”
(The silence is sharp. No cheers, only stunned murmurs. A few students exchange surprised looks. Luna freezes, heart hammering in her chest. Did she hear that right?)
Luna Sharma
(To Herself, panicked): “M-me? They… chose me?”
friend
(whisper-shouting): “Luna! Get up, that’s you! Go!”
(Her legs feel heavy, but somehow she forces herself up. She walks stiffly to the stage, eyes on the floor, every whisper piercing her ears. Pulkit watches her intently, one eyebrow raised, lips twitching as if holding back laughter. He pins the badge onto his blazer casually while Luna struggles to hold the badge without trembling.)
[After assembly – corridor outside auditorium]
(Luna rushes away, hugging her notebook to her chest. Pulkit leans against the wall, waiting. When she passes, his voice stops her.)
Pulkit Malhotra
(lazy drawl): “So… Head Girl, huh? Didn’t see that twist coming.”
Luna Sharma
(tight voice, not looking at him): “It’s… based on discipline and grades. Nothing special.”
Pulkit Malhotra
(mock gasp): “Discipline. Perfect. You’ll keep the rules shining, I’ll keep breaking them. Balance, Sharma ji.”
Luna Sharma
(finally glares at him): “Or maybe you could actually do your work for once.”
Pulkit Malhotra
(steps closer, voice low, teasing): “Why would I, when watching you get annoyed is far more fun?”
(Her breath catches. She clutches her notebook tighter, then storms away. He smirks, eyes following her every step.)
The crown of responsibility weighed differently on them. For Luna, it was duty, rules, and silent fear of failing. For Pulkit, it was a game, a stage to tease, a chance to watch her struggle. He didn’t know why her irritation pulled him in, but he knew one thing—
This year wouldn’t be boring.
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