POV: The Next Day ~
Sanvi (inner monologue):
Okay yes, I know I'm going to the institute to study-books, notes, lectures, the whole nerd buffet-but WHY does today feel... different? Like, I'm actually excited?? Not the "Mom forced me out of bed with a chancla" kind of feeling, but a genuine, heart-fluttering, movie-background-music kind of vibe.
And let's be honest, it's all because of Ahaan. That boy is exactly what I imagined-calm, polite, lowkey hero-type. Basically, the kind of guy who opens his mouth and birds start singing.
Anyway, today I'm not even waiting for the lecture to end. I'm waiting for after class when we're supposed to go hang out. Gasp.
---
Scene: Institute
Sanvi enters and transforms into a calm, composed statue of patience (on the outside, at least). Inside? Chaos. Full Bollywood background score. Fireworks. Butterflies in formation.
And she waits.
Every time the classroom door opens-even if it's the janitor-Sanvi's eyes shoot up like "Is it him?!"
Spoiler alert: It's not. Until...
ENTER: Ahaan.
Cue slow motion. Wind machine. Sunglasses. Cool boy strut.
He walks in and-OH MY GOD-looks straight at her.
Sanvi, in her head: Don't smile. Be cool. Don't look desperate.
Sanvi's face: Soft smile activated. Blushing level: Peppa Pig.
And today? Oh ho ho-Ahaan decides to sit closer. Not right next to her, but like, two rows away. And trust me, in love-maths, that's the same as sitting on her soul.
Her heartbeat goes into full DJ remix mode, but she pretends she's chill.
She even drops her pen just to act natural. (And yes, she missed catching it. Twice.)
Sanvi (thinking):
Why does this lecture feel like someone pressed the slow motion button? One hour is passing like two.
I swear, even my great-grandkids will be born by the time this class ends.
---
Bell rings (Finally!)
Break time = survival mode.
Sanvi exhales like she just ran a marathon, slumps on the bench, and buries her face like "Bye, world."
Ahaan sees this and starts laughing quietly to himself.
Ahaan (in his head):
Aww, someone's already exhausted. Cute.
He gets up and walks out.
---
Sanvi (thinking):
WHY is this break only ten minutes? And why does everyone chew their food like cows on vacation?
Also, why don't I eat anything? Oh right-because drama queens survive on air and anxiety.
Suddenly-THUD.
Something lands on her bench.
She jumps like someone just dropped a mini bomb.
She looks up and sees... a can of chilled cold coffee.
Yes, THE chilled cold coffee. Served with mystery, attitude, and a side of suspense.
She picks it up, confused. Looking around like, "Is this a prank? Is this poisoned?"
Then her eyes land on Ahaan, who's standing at a distance-smirking like he's the male lead of a Netflix series-and he WINKS.
Oh yes. A full wink. Not blink. Wink.
The message? Clear.
This is for you, queen. Enjoy your royal beverage.
---
Sanvi (inner monologue):
Okay wow, am I the main character or what?
But wait-am I supposed to just drink this? Like... am I a beggar??
I mean, I know it's just cold coffee but WHAT IF people think I'm desperate?
BUT ALSO... what if the taste disappears if I don't drink it soon???
Existential crisis intensifies.
Meanwhile, the entire class is watching this moment like it's a live Bigg Boss episode.
Why? Because Ahaan-the same Ahaan who doesn't even make eye contact with girls-is now giving drinks like he's running a love café?
This is the same boy who scolded a girl once just for saying "hi." She nearly cried and make a stinking face
So yeah. People are SHOOKETH.
---
Sanvi, with the courage of a thousand warriors, gets up and returns the cold coffee can to Ahaan.
Yep. Marches straight up to him. Drops the can. And walks away like she just dropped the mic.
And BOOM-the classroom ERUPTS.
Girls, boys, fans of drama-everyone's giggling, whispering, losing their minds.
Sanvi (thinking):
OMG. Did I just make the biggest mistake of my life?
He's probably FURIOUS.
He might never talk to me again.
What if he throws can at me after class? What if he files a complaint??
WHAT IF I GET EXPELLED???
( BITCHHHH STOPP OVERRR THINKING !!!!! )
---
After class ~
Ahaan storms toward her. Like, actual storm vibes.
He SLAMS the cold coffee back onto her bench.
Sanvi flinches like she just got caught cheating in an exam.
Ahaan (angrily):
It was JUST a drink, okay?! I wasn't trying to impress you! It wasn't a love proposal!
I gave it as a FRIEND. But you girls-you always have to be all cool and fancy in front of others, right?
Sanvi (shaken, but brave):
It's not what you think. I didn't mean to disrespect you.
I just couldn't take something you paid for. I'm really sorry if I hurt you.
Half the class is still sitting there like it's a full-blown soap opera.
Popcorn, anyone?
Suddenly, Ahaan's friend yells from the back:
Friend:
"Bro, let it go. Girls always act pricey. You'll find someone better. Look, she's already looking like she saw a ghost."
Cue 100% embarrassment.
Sanvi's face? Redder than tomato chutney.
Teacher: "PAGE 103. QUESTION 5. Read it. Solve it. LIVE it."
Sanvi is still in la-la land.
Ma'am:
"You there! Wooden statue! Yes, you! Page 103?"
Sanvi (startled):
"Ahaan!-I mean-OH! Sorry, ma'am! Which page? Which question??"
The entire class bursts into laughter like someone hit the laugh track button.
Sanvi just wants the floor to open and swallow her alive.
Teacher gives her the question again (with laser eyes), and thankfully, Sanvi nails the answer. Ma'am's anger fades. Class finally shuts up.
Somewhere in the back, someone-maybe even Ahaan-was lowkey proud of her.
---
Bell rings. REAL dismissal this time.
Sanvi: walking embarrassment.
Ahaan walks over to her bench, stares at her like he's waiting for her to say something.
Sanvi (gathering all her courage):
"Look, I'm really sorry about earlier. But it's not how you think, okay?"
Ahaan (grinning):
"Why would I think anything? You're the one overthinking."
Sanvi: RED ALERT. She's blushing like a pot of boiling soup.
Ahaan:
"Honestly, I liked that you didn't accept it. Shows you're not into free treats.
And don't worry, the coffee didn't go to waste. I drank it myself."
Sanvi:
"Oh thank God. And I wasn't thinking about the coffee, okay? It was... something else."
Ahaan (teasing):
"Something else, huh? What scene were you daydreaming that even the entire class shouting couldn't snap you out of it?"
Sanvi:
"I don't have time for this. I have somewhere to go."
Ahaan:
"Ohhh ho ho! Someone's suddenly too busy. And here I was, thinking we'd go eat ice cream today.
But no worries, madam. You go do your 'big work'. I'll just go hang with my sad little gang."
Sanvi (quickly):
"No, wait! I was just kidding! I have time. And I'll treat you to ice cream today."
Both of them share a smile-and go for ice cream together like two cartoon characters in a slice-of-life anime.
---
At the ice cream shop ~
Ahaan:
"Didn't know you were into black currant. What a weird name for a flavor, honestly."
Sanvi:
"Well, maybe you'd know if you asked instead of always eating boring chocolate.
Try something new for once!"
Ahaan:
"I'm a loyal man, okay? Once I like something, I stick with it.
Even if there are better options."
Sanvi (laughing):
"Okay, calm down, Mr. Loyalty. We're talking about ice cream, not marriage."
Then she adds playfully:
"You really love chocolate that much?"
Ahaan (evil smirk):
"Yeah, I love chocolate-in food... and in wearing it ."
Sanvi nearly chokes on her ice cream.
She gives him a bombastic side-eye followed by a criminal offensive look.
But Ahaan? Cracking up, totally enjoying her reaction.
He finally says:
"And here I was thinking you're all innocent and sweet. Turns out, you've got sass!"
Sanvi: still fuming but laughing inside
And then they both burst out laughing like idiots-because honestly, what even was this day?
*****************