It was Aarohi's first day at her new school in Class 11A. Her friend Sukhi, already a student there, was beyond excited to welcome her. Sukhi's dad dropped them both at the school gate.
"Why are you so nervous? Relax, I'm with you! We're going to have so much fun. Now, smile!" Sukhi cheered.
Aarohi gave a soft smile. "I'm a little happy because you're here, but it's a new school… I'm bound to be nervous."
Just then, a sleek black car pulled up at the entrance. A boy stepped out, his calm yet striking presence quietly demanding attention. Aarohi's heart skipped a beat.
Oh my God, he's so handsome! she thought, immediately shaking her head. Focus, Aarohi! Focus!
At that moment, Nirvay's eyes briefly met Aarohi's. Something about that glance lingered longer than it should have.
Sukhi kept chatting non-stop, unaware of the silent ripple that just passed between them.
Suddenly, a girl called out, "Nirvay! Nirvay!"
It was Shreya—Nirvay's so-called girlfriend. Aarohi glanced at her, quietly admiring her beauty.
Wow, she's so pretty too. Is everyone here either handsome or beautiful?
Lost in her thoughts, Aarohi mentally reminded herself, I should really focus on studying. Maths and Physics are already ready to ruin my life.
"Aarohi, where are you lost? Why aren't you saying anything?" Sukhi asked, finally noticing her silence.
"Huh? I was listening," Aarohi said quickly.
"Today I'll introduce you to Ayush in person! I have a feeling he might confess soon," Sukhi grinned, her excitement sparkling.
"Wow, that's the confidence we need," Aarohi teased.
"You can always tell what's in a boy's heart, you know?" Sukhi declared proudly.
"Yeah, I have my own echocardiogram," Aarohi joked, making both of them laugh.
Laughing and chatting, they walked into their classroom, ready to begin this new chapter.
As soon as they entered, Sukhi pointed towards a boy. "That's Ayush. Isn't he handsome?"
Aarohi smiled. "Yeah, but I think you'll end up confessing first."
Just then, Nirvay walked in with Shreya and her sidekicks, Riya and Piya. Aarohi noticed him instantly.
"He's in this class too?" she whispered.
"That's Nirvay. Class topper and Ayush's best friend. He doesn't really talk much to others. And that's Shreya—his childhood friend and girlfriend," Sukhi explained.
"Nice," Aarohi said neutrally, though her thoughts betrayed her calm expression. Handsome, topper, beautiful girlfriend, probably rich too. God really gave him everything.
The first period began, and Aarohi introduced herself to the class.
During lunch break, Sukhi went off to talk to Ayush, leaving Aarohi alone. She went to the canteen to grab a quick snack.
As she walked back, she accidentally bumped into someone near the classroom gate.
"New girl, watch where you're going," Nirvay said, half amused.
"You can watch where you're going too," Aarohi replied instantly and walked off without a second glance.
Nirvay paused, surprised. That's strange. No one talks to me like that.
He was used to attention, used to being admired. But this girl… didn't seem to care.
Sitting in the canteen alone, Aarohi mumbled, "Sukhi ditched me to enjoy by herself. Fine, go and enjoy."
Back in class, Nirvay sat at the front, surrounded by Shreya, Riya, and Piya. As soon as Aarohi entered, their eyes accidentally met again. She quickly looked away and hurried to her seat.
Why does she make that face every time she sees me? As if I'm some ghost, Nirvay thought.
"I think she's crazy. Just ignore her," Shreya said casually.
"She doesn't even wear makeup. How weird," Riya sneered.
"Who's she friends with? Sukhi? Both are the same," Piya mocked, making faces.
The next class began, and the rest of the day passed without incident.
After school, Aarohi and Sukhi walked home together, chatting about their first day.
Meanwhile, near his car, Nirvay was talking to Shreya and her friends when Aarohi quietly passed by the school gate without even noticing him.
Their story had just begun.