The Competition Begins

(Setting: The school auditorium, bustling with excitement as students gather for the project presentation competition. The stage is set with a large screen and a podium, and the air buzzes with anticipation. Isha and Kabir stand backstage, reviewing their materials one last time.)

Isha (fidgeting with her cue cards):

"Are you sure about this order? I still think starting with the case study might be more impactful."

Kabir (calmly adjusting the slides on a laptop):

"The introduction sets the tone. Trust me, it works better this way."

Isha (rolling her eyes):

"Fine. You’re the ‘genius’ after all."

(The announcer calls for the first group, and Isha peeks out from behind the curtain to see Kai and Karan heading to the stage. Her jaw tightens as she recognizes some of Kabir’s strategies in their presentation.)

Isha (whispering):

"Look at that! They’re using your notes! They didn’t even bother to tweak much."

Kabir (without looking up):

"I expected that. Let them try. They won’t execute it better than us."

Isha (grumbling):

"Easy for you to say. I’m the one who had to bleed for this."

(Kai and Karan finish their presentation, receiving polite applause. They return backstage, exchanging smug glances with Isha and Kabir.)

Kai(mocking):

"Good luck following that. You’ll need it."

(Kabir doesn’t respond, but Isha steps forward, her voice dripping with confidence.)

Isha:

"Thanks for warming up the audience for us."

(Kai looks taken aback as Isha walks away, her head held high. Kabir smirks faintly before turning to follow her.)

(The spotlight shifts to Isha and Kabir as they take the stage. Isha starts with an engaging introduction, her tone confident and lively, immediately capturing the audience’s attention.)

Isha:

"Good afternoon, everyone! Today, we’re not just presenting a project—we’re showcasing a solution. A solution to a problem we all face but rarely address."

(Kabir takes over seamlessly, his tone calm and authoritative.)

Kabir:

"Our project tackles the issue of resource sustainability in schools. Using real-world data and innovative strategies, we’ve developed a model that can be implemented in institutions like ours."

(The presentation flows smoothly. Kabir’s technical precision and Isha’s relatable storytelling create a perfect balance. As they reach the climax of their presentation, they unveil a practical demonstration, which leaves the audience visibly impressed.)

(When they finish, the audience erupts in applause. Even the judges look impressed as they jot down notes.)

(Backstage, Kai and Karan watch with a mix of disbelief and frustration.)

Karan (gritting her teeth):

"They outdid us. How is that even possible?"

Kai(clenching his fists):

"Because they had more than just the notes. They had teamwork."

(Meanwhile, Isha and Kabir return backstage, exchanging a brief look of satisfaction. For the first time, there’s a sense of mutual respect between them.)

Isha (grinning):

"Not bad, partner. You didn’t completely ruin it."

Kabir (deadpan):

"Coming from you, I’ll take that as a compliment."

(They both smirk, but the moment is interrupted as the announcer steps back on stage.)

Announcer:

"And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The winners of this year’s project presentation competition..."

(The lights dim, and the suspense builds as the announcer scans the results.)

Announcer:

"First place goes to... Isha Mehra and Kabir Malhotra!"

(The crowd erupts in applause as Isha and Kabir step forward to accept their trophy. Isha is beaming, while Kabir offers a small but genuine smile.)

Isha (whispering to Kabir):