RIVALS AND ROMANCE

clash of colours

                 "Art is a battlefield, and you, Dhruv, are my fiercest opponent." - Ira

                                                                        authors Pov 

The morning sun filtered through the large windows of her room, casting a golden hue on the easels and canvases scattered around. The faint scent of turpentine and oil paint lingered in the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

"Good morning, Mrs. Kapoor," Ira echoed, her tone softening slightly.  she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards his mother. Working as a cook for the Kapoor family had been a blessing, helping her pay for college.

"Good morning, Ira " Mrs. Kapoor, greeted back setting her papers down she had her break fast joined by her eldest son Dhruv 

Dhruv and Ira were the best students in their college. Their rivalry had been the talk of the campus since their first year. Both were exceptionally talented, but where Dhruv's art was precise and controlled, Ira's was raw and expressive. Their professors often compared their work, pushing them to outdo each other with every assignment.

Mrs. Kapoor finished her breakfast along with Dhruv and continued her work Dhruv later joined Ira in the art studio in their house { Mrs. Kapoor was kind enough to provide Ira shelter and access to the art studio as well as all the things necessary }

Ira stood by her easel, brush in hand, glaring at the canvas in front of her. Her jaw clenched as she tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept drifting to the source of her frustration: Dhruv. Across the room, Dhruv was meticulously working on his own piece, his brow furrowed in concentration. His calm demeanor only fuelled Ira's irritation.

"Morning, Ira," Dhruv greeted without looking up from his canvas, his voice annoyingly smooth.

"Don't talk to me," she snapped, her eyes narrowing. "I need to focus."

Dhruv chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Always so hostile. You know, your art might improve if you weren't so tense all the time."

"Maybe my art would improve if I didn't have to deal with you every day," Ira retorted. She turned back to her canvas, trying to ignore the way her heart raced with a mix of anger and something she couldn't quite identify.

The studio door creaked open, and Dhruv's mother, Mrs. Kapoor, walked in carrying a tray of snack 

Mrs. Kapoor set the tray down on a nearby table and approached Ira. "Ira, dear, I made your favorite today. I hope it helps you with your painting."

Ira smiled, her tension easing a bit. "Thank you, Mrs. Kapoor. You're always so thoughtful."

Dhruv watched the interaction, a curious glint in his eyes. "You know, Ira, maybe you should give my mom some credit for your artistic progress. After all, good food fuels creativity."

Ira rolled her eyes. "As if I'd ever credit you for anything good in my life, Dhruv."

Mrs. Kapoor laughed softly. "Now, now, you two. Can't you ever get along?"

both of them exchange glares 
 
Mrs. Kapoor leaves them, and they continue to work on their piece in silence 

hello butterflies its my first time writing a story so plz excuse me if its not top notch but trust me the plot is something you wanna know;)

- sanjana 
love you