Monday morning felt just like any other day...

But for Kaavya, something was different.

At Kaavya's house

She was getting ready for school when her mother asked,

"Beta, why did you choose Commerce? Doesn't your school have Arts? You always liked Arts... You could've done your graduation in English Literature after 12th."

Kaavya paused for a moment, then smiled softly.

"Mumma... our school doesn't have Arts. And who said I can't pursue English Literature after taking Commerce?"

She looked into her mother's eyes, a quiet determination shining through.

"I can do it... and I will. I love poetry... I love writing... and one day, I want to write my own book. Good stories... stories that people can feel."

Her mother smiled, but before she could say anything more-

"Mumma, I'm getting late! We'll talk after I come back..."

She rushed out... but her dreams stayed behind in that room.

Meanwhile, at Ananya's house

Ananya was getting ready too... but her mind wasn't calm.

"Is Kaavya really okay...?"

Her mother interrupted her thoughts.

"Beta, what about your future plans?"

Ananya replied thoughtfully,

"Mumma... after school, I'll do a Bachelor's in Arts... like Kaavya. And then I'll prepare for UPSC."

Her voice was steady... but her mind was somewhere else.

"Okay Mumma, I'll talk later... I'm getting late."

At school

As soon as Ananya saw Kaavya, she walked up to her.

"Aaj theek hai na tu?"

Kaavya forced a smile.

"Haan yaar... I'm all good. Mujhe kya hoga?"

But Ananya knew her too well.

That smile... wasn't real.

Behind it-

There was a storm. 🌧️

In Class 12

Armaan and Aarav were sitting together when Aaryan walked in.

"Aaj Kaavya ka mood theek lag raha hai... I just saw her talking to Ananya. She said she's all good."

Then, under his breath-

"But something is not right..."

He frowned slightly.

"Nitya just joined... then suddenly what happened? Why does Kaavya have a problem with her?"

A pause.

"I'll have to keep an eye on her... What is she hiding?"

"Aaryan... kahaan kho gaya?" Aarav teased.

"Koi hai kya?" he smirked.

Aaryan snapped back,

"Tu thoda kam socha kar... and focus on your studies. It's your 12th this year. Preboards are in November... and don't forget-Cluster Zone Sports League is day after tomorrow."

Armaan added casually,

"Haan... bas do din baaki hain."

At lunch break...

Kaavya and Ananya sat together.

Ananya asked Aarav,

"Aaj Meher kyun nahi aayi?"

Aarav shrugged,

"Bas... uska mann nahi tha."

Then he looked at Kaavya carefully.

"Waise... tujhe kya hua hai?"

Before Kaavya could respond-

"Aaryan keh raha tha tu theek nahi hai..."

Kaavya froze.

The food in her mouth felt stuck.

Her eyes immediately shifted to Ananya-

"Did you tell him anything?"

Ananya shook her head slightly.

"No."

Aarav frowned, sensing something.

"Mujhe koi batayega... kya chal raha hai?"

Kaavya quickly looked down.

"Kuch nahi bhaiya... bas thodi tabiyat theek nahi hai."

Just then-

Aaryan and Armaan joined them.

Aaryan's gaze directly went to Kaavya.

"Kaisi ho?"

Something inside her snapped.

"Sabko mere baare mein itni concern kyun ho rahi hai aaj?"

Her tone wasn't loud...

But it wasn't normal either.

"Pehle Aarav bhai... ab aap..."

Aaryan softened his voice,

"Nahi... aisa nahi hai-"

But Kaavya cut him off.

"Aaryan bhai... aaj Nitya nahi aayi na... isliye aap mujhe pooch rahe ho?"

Silence.

Complete silence.

Even the background noise of the cafeteria faded.

The moment she realized what she said-

Her eyes widened.

"I mean... aaj Nitya nahi aayi... toh... bas... aapko meri yaad aa gayi..."

Her voice trembled.

She looked down immediately.

Her fingers tightened around her lunch box.

Ananya noticed-

Her hands were slightly shaking.

Aaryan stared at her.

Not angry.

Not confused.

Just... observing.

"Kaavya..."

His voice was softer now.

"Tum sach nahi bol rahi ho."

That line hit her.

Hard.

Her eyes filled-

but she blinked quickly.

"No... I'm fine."

A pause.

A long... heavy pause.

Aaryan leaned slightly forward.

"Fine log aise react nahi karte."

Silence again.

Ananya looked between them, nervous.

Aarav and Armaan exchanged glances.

Something serious was definitely going on.

Kaavya suddenly stood up.

"I'm done... mujhe class jana hai."

She turned quickly-

But before leaving-

For a split second-

Her eyes met Aaryan's.

And in that moment...

He saw it.

Pain. 💔

Not anger.

Not attitude.

Pain.

That's all for today's chapter.....

I hope you will like the chapter and don't forget to votes and comment 🥹 🎀!!!

Thankyou ❤️

Your author

@anshiwrites_29

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