The college atmosphere had transformed completely. After the business presentation, Aarav had become the most talked-about name in class. Everyone praised him—whether it was his dressing sense, his communication skills, or his sharp intellect. Girls began hovering around him, while the boys… well, they either burned with envy or quietly drew inspiration from him.
Yet Aarav remained calm and grounded. Neither the praise inflated his ego nor the jealousy fazed him. He was still the same Aarav—humble, composed, and focused on his work.
Bhavya, Meera, and Megha now attended lectures regularly. Sitting beside Aarav during every class, sharing notes, and laughing over small jokes had become their routine. Their eyes held something special for him, though none dared to articulate their feelings yet.
One day, HOD Sanjana Mishra announced a new project: *"Innovation in Rural Business."* The best presentation would earn a spot in a statewide competition.
"This time, I will assign the teams to ensure everyone gets a fair experience," she declared.
The room collectively held its breath. When the names were called out…
"Team One: Aarav Singh, Bhavya Sharma, Meera Gupta, Megha Mishra."
A stunned silence fell over the class. The boys, who had hoped to avoid being overshadowed by Aarav again, simmered with resentment. The girls… some smiled knowingly, while others stifled silent frustration.
Aarav offered a faint smile but avoided eye contact. Priya, placed in another group this time, watched him with unreadable emotions. The Aarav she once believed lacked "everything" was now commanding attention—a shift that unsettled her, though she masked it well.
---
Project meetings began soon after. Teams gathered at a café near campus, and Aarav's group settled in. Upon arriving, Aarav noticed Meera first, radiant in a deep blue kurta. Bhavya stood regal in a cream saree, while Megha's simplicity shone in an off-white chiffon saree.
Aarav greeted them with his usual calm. "Let's get started," he said.
Bhavya tilted her head. "Aarav, how do you stay so composed? Everyone's either jealous or in awe, yet you never seem bothered."
He chuckled. "Because I know my goals. What others think is *their* business, not mine."
Meera smiled, impressed. "That's a killer answer."
The girls found themselves drawn to him even more—not just as a friend, but as someone they wanted to learn from, understand… and perhaps, secretly, cherish.
Hours slipped by as they brainstormed. Outside, dusk settled, while inside the café, their team began weaving something new—a tapestry of emotions, understanding, and perhaps… some unspoken yearnings.
(To be continued…)