Ansh's POV

I was coming back from the library and walking through the corridor when suddenly a sight in front of me made my eyes burn. I don't know why, but I was feeling something strange... something like jealousy. I had never felt it before.

Naksh was holding that sleeping beauty by her waist.

The moment I saw that, my blood started boiling. I didn't understand why it affected me so much. Without wasting a second, I turned back and went straight to the football ground — the only place that gives me peace and handles my anger.

I started running. Faster. Harder. With all my strength.

I kept running until everything went blank... and I knocked out.

---

Nirmika's POV

I was about to bump into someone when Naksh , one of our seniors and a good friend, suddenly pulled me by my waist to save me. I am thankful that he saved me at the right time. Otherwise, I would have definitely fallen.

But still... he could have pulled me from my hand too. Ther ewas no need to hold my waist. I don't feel comfortable when someone touches me like that, except a few close people.

Anyway, I just thanked him and went back to my class.

When I entered, all the boys and girls were standing near the window like some movie was going on outside. I ignored them and went straight to my bench. I started solving my maths questions because I don't get enough time at home, so I use school hours too.

Still, I was curious about what was happening outside. I was about to stand and go to the window when the teacher entered the class. Everyone rushed back to their seats.

Suhana came and whispered, "Do you know what happened?"
But before she could continue, the teacher noticed the noise and scolded the class.

---

After School

Suhana and I were walking toward the exit gate. She finally told me what happened near the window.

She said, "The guy who was constantly gazing at you."

I acted unaware and asked, "Who?"

She smirked and said, "Beta, teri rag-rag se wakif hoon main. Woh Ansh bhaiya tujhe hii dekh rhe thejaise koi apsara ho. Aur agar yaad nahi aaya toh match ke time tu  jisse dekh rahi thi."

"By the way," she added dramatically, "his name is Ansh Singh Rathore."

A shiver ran down my spine when I heard his name.

I asked her to continue.

She said, "Ansh bhai again ran on the ground and knocked himself out."

"Again?" I asked, shocked. "What do you mean again? Is he psycho or something?"

She rolled her eyes and said, "No, he has anger issues. And he doesn't have parents. He lives with his grandparents."

As she kept talking about him, I found myself getting more and more interested.

Why?

I don't know.

---

Ansh's POV

When I opened my eyes, I was in a familiar place — School Hospital.

varun was sitting beside me, half asleep. As soon as i moved he awake, he helped me sit up.

He didn't ask much about my running because he knows about my anger. But still, while we were walking toward my car, he asked, "What was the reason this time?"

I made an excuse. "My chacha called me."

That's enough to trigger my anger.

Then he suddenly asked, "Why were you staring at that girl?"

I replied casually, "I feel like I have seen her somewhere before."

He didn't look convinced.

Then he said, "By the way, her name is Nirmika Gupta."

Goosebumps spread across my skin.

He continued, "She doesn't talk much with anyone, but her nature is very good. She has very few friends."

A small smile appeared on my lips without my permission.

I asked, "What's her connection with Naksh?"

Varun shrugged. "I don't know. Naksh always does unexpected things."

Then out of blue he smirked, "Tu kya... pasand aa gayi kya Nirmika?"

I immediately  choked on air and replied, "Mujhe kyun pasand aayegi? I am not interested. I just asked."

He laughed but changed the topic.

But after reaching home, I kept thinking about Naksh and Nirmika the whole day.

At night, when I was about to sleep, Varun texted me to come with him on his date.

I replied, "No."

Then he sent another message: "Nirmika is also coming with Suhana."

I typed back, "Soch kar bataunga."

His reply came instantly: "Haan haan... ladki ka chakkar, Babu Bhaiya?"

I wink at him.

But I didn't want to miss this chance.

---

Nirmika's POV

At night, I was about to start my studies when Suhana texted me, asking me to come with her on her ice-cream date.

I thought, does this girl even have sense? Why is she making me a kabab mein haddi?

Then she texted again, "You owe me. I came with you to Naksh for notes."

I had no answer. I just replied, "Hmm."

Then she said, "Ansh bhaiya is also coming with Varun."

I froze.

These people seriously have no sense.

Again, I replied, "Hmm."

She replied, "Aisi bhes ki tarah hmmm hmmm kya kr rhi hai "

I gave her deadpanned look and went back to studying. Tomorrow was Tuesday — holiday because of Ambedkar Jayanti.

But I couldn't focus properly. Thoughts of Ansh and amarya kept disturbing me. Suhana had told me that their families are friends. Her father and his chacha are close.

I shook my head and forced myself to study.

Dreams first.

Always.

---

Next Day – Ice Cream Parlour

Ansh and Varun reached early. They ordered water and waited.

After some time, Suhana and I entered the parlour. Suddenly, rose petals showered on us.

We were shocked.

We looked at Varun. He just shrugged.

We sat down. The waiter served soft drinks and snacks.

We said together, "Sorry, we didn't order this."

The waiter replied, "Ma'am, there is an offer going on. Snacks and drinks with extra charges."

Suhana quickly said, "Free ka hai toh chahiye!"

I facepalmed.

After placing our ice-cream order, I felt awkward because Ansh was continuously staring at me.

To escape, I said I was going to the washroom.

But before I could enter, someone suddenly pulled me to the side corner.

It was him.

Ansh.

The place was quiet. We were standing very close. For a few seconds, I couldn't even process what was happening.

Our eyes locked.

"Wh... what are you doing?" I stammered.

He leaned slightly closer and said in a deep, calm voice, "Why do you always lower your eyes?"

His breath brushed against my neck. I felt nervous.

"What were you trying to see?" he whispered teasingly.

"Nothing," I replied, trying to create distance.

But every time I stepped back, he stepped forward... until my back touched the wall.

He asked "so you and naksh are in a relationship"

I replied "no"
  While maintaining some distance
He said "But yesterday i saw you with him"

I said  "yeah he is a good friend of mine"

He reply "good friends doesn't touch waist"

I said " o so  you talking about that , btw why are you asking"

He was speechless that time somehow replied
"Aisi hii bas general knowledge"

"General knowledge mere baare mai " I said
He reply while hesitating  " hn.. hnnn honi ch.. chaiye akir head boy hu"

"Haa honi chahiye khi exam mai Naa ajaye"  I said he said "haa haa" in flow after realizing said. " Kya matlab tum mujhe tana maar rhi ho"
She reply "kya matlab tum samajh ke bhi accept nhi kar rhe" he faceplamed himself.he said " btw I am ANSH ,ANSH SINGH RATHORE " drag hand toward her foe handshake she reply "  I know suhana told me earlier and I am "NIRMIKA GUPTA". then we exchanged our insta id

Just then, we heard footsteps approaching.

He got slightly distracted, and I quickly escaped.

When I returned to the table, I could feel my smile stuck on my face.

Why was I smiling?

He came behind me, smirking.

I wanted to wipe that smirk off his face.

Next time... I will show him who I am.

Suhana and Varun asked together knowing look, "Bohot der laga di dono ne."

I just ignored them and sat down.

But my heart was still beating fast.

Very fast. ----------------------------------------------------------

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