Scene 1: The Corridor Encounter
Payal walked down the corridor, her notebook clutched to her chest like a shield. Her eyes were on the floor. Her heart was beating fast. Why? Because she knew.
He was around.
"PAYAL!"
His voice echoed down the hallway.
She jumped—nearly dropping her notebook.
Dev jogged up beside her, grinning like he'd just scored a goal.
"Relax, shy girl. I just said your name, not a marriage proposal."
She didn't answer.
He leaned in, walking beside her slowly.
"You know, when you ignore me like this, it only makes me like you more. It's unfair… you don't even blink when I smile, but inside, I know your heart skips beats."
Her steps quickened.
"Hey!" Dev laughed. "You walk away like I'm some villain in a crime show. I swear, I'm not that bad. I didn't even flirt with anyone else this week. That's huge for me."
She stopped. Looked at him sharply.
"Is that supposed to make me… impressed?"
He clutched his chest dramatically.
"She speaks! And burns. Wow. Say more angry things. I like it."
She shook her head and walked off faster.
He called after her, "Don't worry, Miss Shy—I'm not chasing. Just… walking exactly where you are."
Scene 2: In the Canteen – With Friends
Dev sat with his gang at their usual table. Everyone was loud, laughing.
One of the boys leaned in, "Bro, are you seriously into that quiet girl? Like seriously-seriously?"
Dev just smiled lazily. "You've seen her eyes? That girl's hiding a hundred poems and a thousand secrets. I like girls who don't talk. Makes me curious."
A girl at the table asked, "Why not someone like me then?"
He chuckled, "Because you already talk too much."
They laughed.
But Dev's eyes were on Payal again—far away, sitting alone with her tiffin, nibbling on paratha quietly like the world didn't exist.
Scene 3: The Staircase Flirt
She was on the stairs reading notes. Quiet moment.
And then… a shadow.
Dev appeared. Sat on the step right below her.
"I'm not stalking you, okay?" he said. "These stairs are public."
She moved her bag closer.
He peeked into her notebook. "Physics? Want me to teach you?"
"No," she said quickly.
He gasped. "Wow. The word 'no' sounds hot in your voice."
She rolled her eyes.
"I can't help it," he added. "The way you ignore me? Makes me fall harder. Like I'm a Bollywood hero and you're the angry quiet girl who'll secretly cry when I get hurt."
She finally smiled. Very, very slightly.
Dev stared.
"Oh God. She smiled. I can die peacefully now."
She turned away, hiding her face.
He whispered, "Smile again, and I'll leave you alone for an entire day."
Her smile faded instantly.
"…Never mind. Can't let you go yet."
Scene 4: Payal's Thoughts (Monologue)
"He doesn't stop. He's everywhere.
And the worst part?
My heart doesn't want him to stop."