Opening Scene:

Ananya’s POV:

Ananya watches from the back of the classroom, her heart pounding as Professor Arjun begins the lecture. He’s dressed sharply as always, his confident demeanor making her stomach flip. She’s been harbouring feelings for him for months, ever since that fateful moment in her second year when he stayed late after class to help her with an assignment.

> "I shouldn’t feel this way," she thinks, as her eyes trace the lines of his jaw while he writes on the board. She grips her pen tightly, trying to focus, but all she can think about is the way his voice makes her melt.

Introduction of Rival:

Meera’s entrance:

The class is disrupted by Meera, who walks in late as usual. Meera is everything Ananya is not—bold, flirty, and always seeking attention. To Ananya’s annoyance, Professor Arjun gives Meera a subtle smile as she takes her seat in the front row. Meera tosses her hair back and gives Ananya a smug glance, as if she knows about Ananya’s secret.

> "Why does he always notice her?" Ananya feels the familiar wave of jealousy building up as she watches them exchange a few words before the lecture resumes.

The Spark of Jealousy:

The Classroom Tension:

During the class, Professor Arjun asks a question, and to her dismay, Meera is the one who answers confidently. The professor compliments her, and Ananya feels a knot in her stomach. She knows she’s better academically, but somehow Meera always finds a way to grab his attention.

After class ends, Ananya lingers by the door, pretending to pack her bag slowly. Her heart sinks when she sees Professor Arjun and Meera chatting casually near his desk. Meera’s laugh is too loud, and Arjun seems too engaged for Ananya’s liking.

> "It’s nothing," she tells herself, but she can’t ignore the anger bubbling up inside.

A Moment Alone:

Ananya’s Impulsive Decision:

As Meera finally leaves, Ananya gathers her courage and walks up to the professor. She can’t stand the thought of leaving without saying something. Her hands tremble as she clutches her notebook.

> "Professor, can I ask you something?"

Arjun turns to her, his smile soft but unreadable. Ananya’s throat tightens, her planned question about an assignment forgotten. All she can think about is how close Meera had been just moments ago.

Without thinking, she steps closer, her voice lowering.

> "Why... why do you always notice her?"

The words slip out before she can stop herself. Arjun raises an eyebrow, surprised, and Ananya feels the heat rise to her cheeks. His teasing response catches her off guard.

> “Jealous, are you?”

Flustered, she turns to leave, but he calls her name softly, halting her. She looks back, and for a split second, she swears there’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes.

End of Chapter 1

Next Chapter Preview: Ananya tries to distance herself from Arjun after the embarrassing moment, but her feelings only grow stronger as Meera’s presence becomes more unbearable. The tension rises during a school event where Ananya’s jealousy gets the better of her.

Setting the Scene:

The annual Spring Fête is buzzing with excitement as students bustle around setting up booths and decorations. Ananya stands in the middle of the courtyard, her hands deftly tying colorful ribbons to the tables. The sweet scent of cotton candy fills the air, and laughter echoes all around, but her mind is elsewhere. She glances up occasionally, her heart sinking each time she catches a glimpse of Professor Arjun talking to Meera.

Tonight, the courtyard is alive with energy—bright lights, vibrant decorations, and the sound of live music—but Ananya feels like a spectator in her own life. She’s been looking forward to this event for weeks, hoping it would be a chance to connect with Arjun outside the constraints of the classroom. Instead, she’s reminded of the distance between them, exacerbated by Meera’s relentless pursuit of his attention.

Ananya’s Dilemma:

As she ties the final ribbon, her best friend Riya approaches, holding a plate piled high with snacks. “You’ve been awfully quiet. You okay?” Riya asks, eyeing Ananya with concern.

“Yeah, just... tired, I guess,” Ananya replies, forcing a smile. She knows she can’t share the real reason for her turmoil—not yet, at least.

“Don’t let Meera get to you. She’s all shown,” Riya reassures her, noticing Ananya’s distant gaze. But Ananya’s heart sinks even further as she watches Meera strut across the courtyard, her confidence radiating like a spotlight.

“I know, but…” Ananya trails off, her voice barely whispering. She can’t shake the feeling of inadequacy. Why can’t I be more like her? she wonders, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Jealousy Erupts:

As the night progresses, the atmosphere grows electric with laughter and cheers. Ananya moves to the side, hoping to distance herself from the scene unfolding before her. Suddenly, Meera takes center stage, announcing a dance performance she organized. Dressed in a stunning outfit, Meera twirls gracefully, captivating the audience, including Professor Arjun, who looks genuinely impressed.

Ananya’s stomach churns at the sight. Meera winks at Arjun, and Ananya’s heart sinks deeper. Why is she always the center of attention? The anger surges inside her, igniting a spark of jealousy that she can no longer contain.

Riya, sensing Ananya’s growing frustration, nudges her again. “C’mon, let’s get some air,” she suggests, guiding her away from the crowd.

As they find a quiet corner of the courtyard, Ananya can’t hold back. “I can’t stand it, Riya! Why does he have to pay so much attention to her? It’s infuriating!”

“Ananya, you need to let it go. You know how she is. You’re better than that,” Riya says, trying to reassure her friend.

“I don’t want to be jealous! I just wish he’d see me,” Ananya sighs, leaning against the wall. Why can’t he notice me the way he notices her?

A Private Confrontation:

Suddenly, she hears footsteps behind her. It’s Arjun, looking concerned, his brow furrowed. “Ananya, are you okay?” His voice is soft, cutting through her spiraling thoughts.

Feeling a rush of emotions—anger, frustration, and longing—Ananya decides she can’t hold back any longer. She must confront her feelings before they consume her. “Why do you like her so much?” she demands, her voice stronger than she feels.

Arjun’s eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?” he asks, his tone bewildered.

“You and Meera! You seem to enjoy her company. What about me?” Ananya feels her heart race, the vulnerability spilling out of her. She takes a step closer, her breath quickening.

The Impulsive Kiss:

Ananya’s heart races as she gazes into Arjun’s eyes, a mix of determination and fear swirling within her. In a moment of reckless courage, she leans in and kisses him, pressing her lips against his without thinking about the consequences.

The kiss is electric, filled with years of pent-up emotions. Ananya feels an intoxicating mix of fear and exhilaration as their lips meet. But just as she pulls back, she notices the look on Arjun’s face—a blend of shock and amusement.

“Baby, are you going to do the homework assigned today?” he teases lightly, but there’s a seriousness in his eyes that sends shivers down her spine.

Ananya’s heart races, and embarrassment floods her. She realizes the weight of her actions, her impulsive decision spiraling into a moment she can’t take back. “I—I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—” she stammers, her cheeks burning.

But before she can turn to leave, Arjun catches her wrist gently, stopping her in her tracks. “Wait, Ananya. Let’s talk about this.” His voice is steady, his grip firm but reassuring.

Ananya looks up at him, her heart pounding. This was a moment she had both dreamed of and dreaded. The boundaries between student and teacher, friend and crush, are blurring in ways she never expected.

End of Chapter 2

Next Chapter Preview: Ananya grapples with the aftermath of the kiss, feeling exhilarated yet terrified. As the Spring Fête continues, she must confront her feelings and the potential fallout from their moment together.