The next morning came with a drizzle. The sound of raindrops tapping against the window made the air smell of wet earth and fresh beginnings.
But for Meera Sharma, this day didn't feel fresh at all—it felt complicated.
She walked into class, hoping to avoid a certain someone. Yet, when she entered, the universe had other plans.
There he was—Aarav Mehta—sitting casually on the same bench as yesterday, scrolling through his phone like he owned the world.Meera (to herself): Please, not again.
She turned to look for another seat.
Just then, the professor entered.
"Good morning, everyone.
Today, we'll be forming pairs for the semester project," he announced.
A murmur of excitement spread across the room. Meera bit her lip, silently praying to be paired with anyone but Aarav.
The professor started reading names.
"Team one: Priya and Rahul."
"Team two: Sneha and Rohan."
Then—
"Team three… Meera Sharma and Aarav Mehta."
The words hit her like thunder.Meera (whispering): "You've got to be kidding me."
Aarav looked up, amused. "Seems like fate really likes you."
She glared at him. "Or maybe it just wants to torture me."
He chuckled softly, that half-smile dancing on his lips. "Relax, Miss Sharma. I don't bite… much."
The professor continued explaining the project, but Meera could barely focus. Every time she looked up, she found Aarav watching her—calm, unreadable, but with an intensity that made her chest tighten.
After class, they met in the library to plan their topic.
Meera came prepared, with a notebook full of ideas. Aarav arrived late, coffee in hand.
Meera: "You're fifteen minutes late."
Aarav: "I prefer the term 'fashionably late.'"
Meera: "I prefer 'irresponsible.'"
He smirked, sitting across from her. "You really enjoy arguing with me, don't you?"
She crossed her arms. "Only because you make it so easy."
For the next hour, they tried to work—but every discussion turned into a small debate. Meera was fiery, passionate, and organized. Aarav was calm, sarcasticStill, beneath the clash, there was something else—a strange rhythm, an invisible pull neither of them could explain.
As they finally packed up, Meera caught him staring.
Meera: "What?"
Aarav (softly): "You're different. Not everyone dares to argue with me."
She hesitated, unsure what to say.
"Maybe you've never met the right competition," she replied with a tiny smile.
For the first time, Aarav didn't have a comeback. He just smiled faintly, his eyes softer than usual.
When Meera left, he whispered to himself,
"Strange girl… why can't I stop thinking about you?"