Chapter 5

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:44:44 +0000

The scene in Class 11th classroom after the morning assembly was as usual. Niyati and Trishna were chatting about something while Vani was focused on her books preparing herself for the day ahead. Aashi looked at her Chemistry book with a bored look on her face. Suddenly her eyes twinkled as she remembered something."Pata hai Kal hamare ghar Agastya aaye the."Said Aashi with excitement glancing at the girls. Vani who was focused on her books suddenly closed them with a thud and diverted her whole attention on Aashi."Par Agastya bhaiya tere ghar kaise aaye the?" Asked Trishna curiously."Car se" replied Aashi and bursted out laughing but then she looked at three blank faces staring her."Hasna tha kya?"asked Trishna in a mocking tone"Nahi tere career ki baat nahi ho rahi" replied Aashi sassily."Aree tum dono band Karo na yaar aur Aashi tu kya bol rahi thi  vo continue kar nahi to Ma'am aa jaayegi" Vani said irritated by their constant bickering.Aashi and Niyati narrated the whole story to them while they listened attentively."Tera to accha hai fir ab family ban jaaoge to milna to hota hi rahega" said Vani.Vedant and Vihaan were coming to their usual seat beside Aashi and Niyati when they heard Agastya's name and Vedant stopped Vihaan."Haan ho sakta Hai ki in sab ke beech mai tera aur Agastya bhaiya ka bhi set ho jaaye."Said Niyati teasing Aashi.Vedant and Vihaan looked at each other surprised by the shocking revelation.Vedant finally interrupted their conversation "Hawww, tu mere bhai pe dore daal rahi hai"spoke Vedant in a accusing tone to Aashi taking his seat beside her while she look shocked seeing him and Vihaan behind her."Y-Ye kya bol raha hai dimag kharab ho gaya hai kya tera" spoke Aashi stammering." Hamne sab sun liya. Tere hamare bhole bhaale bhaiya ko leke aise khayal hai , not acceptable."Spoke Vihaan trying to sound serious. "Ayee aise khayal kya hota hai? My feelings are pure OK?"Said Aashi clearly offended."Matlab feelings to hai"asked Vedant in a teasing tone while Aashi clicked her tongue as she realised she had been caught."So you really like Bhaiya?"Asked Vedant.Aashi nodded shyly this time."Par unhe batana mat"warned Aashi ."Aur Agar Bata diya to"asked Vedant clearly enjoying.Aashi took her Chemistry book which was lying on the table and hit him on his arms with it."Ouch. Ab to pakka bataunga" threatened Vedant rubbing his arm.While Aashi started hitting him continously while he tried to dodge it laughing."Vedant ke baache ter-"Aashi stopped mid sentence while her hand paused as she looked at Agastya who was standing at the door looking at them wide eyed.She quickly put the book down straightened her hair an tried to focus on her book. Vedant smirked seeing Agastya and whispered to Aashi"Ab bolu bhaiya ko".While Aashi pleaded through her eyes.Agastya finally reeling from the shock came in front of the class"The audition for interschool dance music and drama competitions is going to take place on 23rd that is after 2 weeks in school auditorium. Anybody who is interested can give their name to respective class teacher.Thank you."Aashi kept looking at him the whole time. Her eyes never leaving him. While Vedant nudged her and she glared at him before resuming her staring game.After he was done he left the class.Vedant took out his physics notebook and passed it to Aashi" Physics ka kaam kar dena pura" Aashi looked at him wide eyed."Mujhse khud ka kaam nahi hota to tera kaise karungi. Mujh se nahi hone wala.""Thik hai mai bhaiya ko bata-" Before he could complete his sentence Aashi took notebook from his hands and glared at him while he grinned.-------------------------------------------------------------Trishna sat cross-legged on her bed, the soft yellow glow of the bedside lamp casting gentle shadows on her room’s pastel walls. Her phone rested on her lap, fingers trembling as she unlocked it. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, an erratic rhythm she could almost hear in the stillness of the night.With a hesitant swipe, she opened the folder titled him. It was a collection of stolen moments—snapshots of a feeling she had never confessed. The first image was from the annual function last year, capturing Shrey mid-laugh as he chatted with Agastya, his smile so effortlessly charming it made her heart race even now.The next photo was taken at a nearby café, a candid shot she had clicked without him noticing. He had looked so relaxed, lost in thought as he sipped his coffee—unaware of the girl whose world revolved around him.And then, there was the most recent one—taken just days ago at the Malhotra residence while she was there for the group school project. It was unplanned, a moment she had captured in a heartbeat, but it was the one she treasured most. Each picture told a story—one-sided, unspoken, and painfully beautiful.As she swiped through the pictures a soft smile made its way on her face as she admired his features which were striking and a perfect blend of charm and undeniable allure. His chocolate brown eyes were deep and held a warmth that made her feel like home.His nose had a slight curve that gave character to his face , and his lips were mostly curved into a bright smile that could make anyone's day. She could remember how they move when he speak, a hint of dimple appearing whenever he smirked. His hairs are a mess of black wavy locks, which enhances his carefree nature that he carries effortlessly.His face glowed like a bright moon, radiant yet captivating, drawing her attention even from a distance.Then, the realization washed over her as she accepted that no matter how hard she tried to push him from her thoughts, he would always linger—an unshakable presence etched into every corner of her mind.He had carved a place in her heart, a space so deeply rooted that it felt impossible for him to ever leave.She understood now—this was far more than a passing crush or fleeting attraction. She had fallen for him completely, in every way imaginable. The feeling she had been brushing aside was, unmistakably, love. She was undeniably in love with Shrey.“I... I love him,” she whispered to herself, the words slipping out like a confession. In that moment, she felt a rush of something both breathtakingly beautiful and unbearably painful.A sad smile curved her lips as she realized she had fallen for someone who barely knew she existed, let alone harbored any feelings for her.But still she cannot deny her feelings, not anymore.Even though it was painful, it was still beautiful it will always be even if he never reciprocate her feelings.And yet, she could no longer deny the truth—her feelings were undeniable, etched deep into her heart. It was a bittersweet agony, a beautiful kind of pain that she knew would linger, even if he never looked her way or felt the same. Loving him was both her greatest joy and deepest sorrow—an ache she would carry willingly, no matter how unrequited it remained.-------------------------------------------------------------The school ground buzzed with the restless energy of students gathering for the morning assembly. The faint chill of the early morning lingered, but the sun’s soft rays were beginning to warm the air.The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as students gathered, excitement buzzing through the crowd. Today was the much-awaited day—the announcement of the new Head Boy and Head Girl.Among the eager faces stood Aashi, her hands clasped tightly as she whispered a quick, heartfelt prayer, silently pleading for Agastya’s victory. Her eyes sparkled with hope, the nervous energy in her chest growing stronger with every passing second.The principal stepped forward, microphone in hand, her gaze sweeping over the sea of eager faces. A gentle yet commanding presence, she offered a warm smile before speaking. “Good morning, students. As you all know, today marks an important moment—the announcement of the Head Boy and Head Girl for this session,” she began, her voice steady and clear as it echoed across the assembly ground. Her eyes flicked over the rows of students, lingering briefly on a few expectant faces, the weight of anticipation hanging thick in the air."So the head boy is Agastya Malhotra and the head girl is Kashvi Oberoi"announced principal. Students clapped and cheered while Kashvi and Agastya made their way on the stage. Aashi was one of the loudest as she cheered for Agastya wholeheartedly. While on the other hand Shrey clapped excitedly as both his best friends were bow the part of student council“The Head Boy for this session is Agastya Malhotra, and the Head Girl is Kashvi Oberoi,” the principal announced, her voice ringing through the assembly ground. A surge of applause and cheers erupted, echoing across the crowd as Kashvi and Agastya made their way to the stage, confidence etched on their faces.Aashi was among the loudest, her enthusiastic cheers blending seamlessly with the excitment alluring around her. Her eyes shone with pride, a beaming smile stretching across her face as she watched Agastya accept his badge. On the other hand, Shrey clapped with equal enthusiasm, a wide grin on his face as he cheered for his two best friends who were now part of the student council. The air buzzed with energy, the start of a new chapter marked by applause and admiration.As the assembly concluded, students made their way to their respective classes."Acha hai, ab main bhi school mein akad mein rahunga. After all, dono Head Boy aur Head Girl hamare hi bande hain," Shrey exclaimed confidently, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.Kashvi and Agastya exchanged amused glances, shaking their heads at Shrey’s antics. As Kashvi’s gaze drifted toward the classroom entrance, she spotted Aashi standing in the corridor, chatting with her friends. Yet, it was clear her attention was elsewhere—her eyes lingered on Agastya, unguarded and full of admiration.Kashvi smirked and nudged Agastya playfully. "Looks like you’ve got yourself a new admirer," she teased, a sly grin dancing on her lips.Shrey, who had been rummaging through his bag in a desperate search for his physics notebook, paused mid-search and glanced up, curiosity piqued. Agastya, however, merely arched a brow in confusion, clearly oblivious to the subtle glances Aashi had been throwing his way."Kabse tujhe hi dekh rahi hai," Kashvi remarked, a teasing glint in her eyes as she subtly pointed towards Aashi.Sure enough, Aashi’s gaze was fixed on them—more precisely, on Agastya. But the moment she realized they had caught her staring, her eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, feigning interest in her friends' conversation. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks, betraying her attempts to appear nonchalant."Kuch bhi. Yaha dekh rahi hai to iska matlab ye to nahi na ki she likes mai. Is class mai aur bhi kitne log hai aur ho sakta hai aise hi normally dekh rahi ho"dismissed Agastya."Kuch bhi, Kashvi. Yahan dekh rahi hai toh iska matlab ye toh nahi ki she likes me," Agastya dismissed casually, rolling his eyes. "Is class mein aur bhi kitne log hain, aur ho sakta hai bas aise hi normally dekh rahi ho." He shrugged, brushing off the idea as if it were absurd, though a hint of uncertainty flickered in his eyes.Before they could discuss it further, the teacher strode into the classroom, demanding immediate silence.Shrey groaned under his breath, running a frustrated hand through his hair."Arey, aaj pehli baar kaam complete tha aur notebook hi ghar pe bhool gaya. Ab sir sochenge ki kaam hi nahi kiya," he muttered, exasperation clear in his voice. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on him, and Kashvi stifled a laugh while Agastya shot him a sympathetic glance.