Love arrives unannounced, sometimes in the middle of chaos. For Aviraj, it came in the form of Isha—a girl who carried herself like she belonged to a different world.
She was brilliant, disciplined, graceful, and everything Aviraj wasn't. She danced beautifully during annual functions, always topped exams, and spoke with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what she wanted in life.
Aviraj didn't know the exact moment he fell for her. Maybe it was the way she tied her hair before class, maybe the way she spoke to teachers with respect, or maybe simply because she was the only one he believed was truly out of his reach.
He told only one person—his classmate, who he thought could keep a secret.
He was wrong.
The next day, whispers spread like wildfire. And then Isha herself walked into his classroom, her expression unreadable.
"Aviraj, come out. We need to talk."
He tried to act normal, his heart pounding as he followed her. They stood behind the staircase, where sunlight barely touched the floor.
"You think you like me?" she asked directly.
He swallowed. "Yes. I do."
She sighed, not with anger, but disappointment.
"I can't accept your proposal. I can't be with someone who isn't serious about his future." She paused and added, "Get good marks. Then we'll see."
Those words struck deeper than she knew.