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Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: When Secrets Stay Hidden in Hearts

The soft morning sunlight filtered through the curtains and gently touched Aarav's face, waking him up. Today was special—it was Business Presentation Day. He got up, freshened up, and dressed in a crisp white shirt, black trousers, and a light blue tie. After neatly setting his hair, he looked at himself in the mirror and smiled slightly, "Today, people will notice you, Aarav."

The college campus had taken on a festive vibe. Everyone was dressed in formals—girls in elegant sarees, boys in tailored suits. There was nervous energy in the air, mixed with excitement.

As Aarav entered the classroom, heads turned. Some guys looked up, others looked away, but one thing was clear—his confidence and charm were hard to ignore. Meanwhile, Bhavya, Meera, and Megha walked in—each looking stunning in their sarees. Their group had become the center of attention.

Bhavya wore a deep red silk saree, Meera was draped in rich navy blue, and Megha chose a soft blush pink. Their smiles, grace, and presence lit up the room. As they reached Aarav, each greeted him with a soft smile.

"Ready, Aarav?" Megha asked.

"Always," Aarav replied with a calm ease.

On the other side of the room, Priya was getting ready with her group. She looked ethereal in a pale yellow saree, subtle yet striking. Beside her stood Kanika, dressed in a regal green Kanjeevaram saree, exuding elegance.

The atmosphere in the class was buzzing. All eyes seemed to be on Aarav and his group. Other boys looked on, some with admiration, others with quiet envy—three gorgeous girls, and only one guy: Aarav. And Aarav? He stood there, glowing with quiet confidence.

Priya, peeking from behind Kanika, whispered, "Look at Aarav... he looks really smart today. And those girls around him…"

Kanika gave her a teasing smile, "He does look good. But you sound a little… bothered?"

Priya laughed it off, trying to change the topic. "No, no, not at all. Just saying. What are you thinking?"

Kanika turned her gaze elsewhere, but her cheeks had a faint blush. She hadn't told Priya yet—but deep down, she too had started liking Aarav. And let's face it, hiding matters of the heart is never easy.

The presentations began. Priya's group went first. She spoke confidently, delivered her points well, and Kanika also did a commendable job. Their group received plenty of praise from the class.

Then it was Aarav's group's turn. Bhavya gave the introduction, Meera explained the topic, Megha handled the financials, and Aarav concluded with future growth strategies. Their coordination, clarity, and composure stunned everyone.

The class HOD, Ms. Sanjana Mishra, clapped and said, "Very impressive. This is what a team should look like!"

Aarav nodded humbly and thanked her. The three girls beamed with pride, while Priya stayed a bit quiet—smiling, but not from the heart. That slight sting of jealousy was still visible on her face, no matter how hard she tried to hide it.

Kanika noticed everything and couldn't help but think—maybe Aarav really is special. But now, both she and Priya had growing feelings for him… so what happens next?

The classroom echoed with applause, but beneath all the noise, something else stirred—hidden glances, quiet confessions, unspoken desires. One presentation had ignited a storm of emotions in many hearts…

(Continued..)

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