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The Auditorium
The air crackled with nervous energy. Kiara stood poised at the podium, bathed in the spotlight. Opposite her, Rohan, her opponent from St. Anne's, oozed confidence. They were neck-and-neck in the final round of the Inter-School Debate Competition.
The topic: "Social Media: A Boon or Bane?"
"And finally," Rohan concluded, a smug smile playing on his lips, "social media fosters a sense of community and belonging."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the audience. Kiara, however, remained calm.
Kiara: (Voice clear and steady) Rohan makes a good point. Social media can connect people with similar interests. But, it can also create echo chambers, where people only hear ideas they already agree with.
Rohan scoffed, but Kiara pressed on.
Kiara: Let's not forget the pressure to present a perfect online self. This can make people feel anxious and insecure, especially young people. Social media can be a tool for connection, but it can also be a place for negativity. We need to be responsible users.
A hush fell over the auditorium. Kiara held their gaze, then delivered her closing statement.
Kiara: In conclusion, social media is a double-edged sword. It has both good and bad sides. It's up to us to use it wisely.
Thunderous applause erupted from the back of the hall. Kiara, surprised, searched for the source. She spotted a lone figure silhouetted against the doorway, but the cheers quickly drowned it out.
St. Joseph's Cricket Ground
On the other side of the school, a different kind of tension gripped the cricket field. The final ball of the Inter-School Cricket Match hung in the air. St. Joseph's needed 3 runs to win, and Ayush, their star batsman, was facing the last over.
His grip tightened on the bat. The world narrowed to the bowler's hand, the ball a blur as it left his arm. Ayush swung the impact a satisfying crack. He sprinted down the pitch, his heart pounding.
Coach Raj: (Voice hoarse with excitement) Run! Run like the wind, Ayush!
The crowd roared as Ayush reached the crease. One run, two runs... the third run was a gamble. Ayush gritted his teeth and pushed, his foot barely scraping the line as the bails clattered. He had done it.
A collective gasp escaped the St. Anne's supporters. Cheers erupted from the St. Joseph's stands, a wave of green and gold engulfing the field. Ayush was hoisted onto his teammates' shoulders, a hero in their midst. He searched the crowd, a strange feeling tugging at him from across the field. But the moment passed as his team engulfed him in a celebratory mob.
Later that day; St. Joseph's Principal Room
Kiara stood backstage, a gold medal dangling from her neck. A wide grin spread across her face. She had won the Best Debater award!
Ms. Kapoor: (Kiara's teacher, beaming with pride) You were fantastic, Kiara! You presented your arguments so clearly and confidently.
Kiara beamed. Just then, a group of boisterous boys from the cricket team burst into the room, Ayush among them.
Ayush: (Holding a trophy) We did it, Ms Kapoor! Back-to-back victories for St. Joseph's!
Ms Kapoor clapped her hands.
Ms. Kapoor: That's amazing, boys! You deserve all the praise.
As the team celebrated, Kiara's eyes met Ayush's for a fleeting moment. A spark of recognition flickered, but before she could acknowledge it, he was swept away by the cheering crowd.
A strange feeling settled over Kiara. Perhaps, despite never having met, their victories echoed across the school grounds and had somehow connected them. The day might be over, but the memory of their triumphs lingered, a promise of something more waiting to unfold.
That's all for this chapter! Hope you loved it and will continue reading "Beyond the Spotlight." We all have insecurities, but that doesn't stop us from achieving great things. What do you think will happen next between Kiara and Ayush? Let me know in the comments below! You can also find more about the book soon on my social media.
Thanks for reading! <3
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