Ashes Of Desire

❀ Beneath the Fireworks ❀

Quote for the chapter:

"

Fireworks can light up the night, but it's the people beside us who light up our lives."

Authors POV

Flashback

The college auditorium was bustling with activity as preparations for the annual function were in full swing. Banners were being hung, tables were being set, and students hurried around, trying to ensure everything was perfect for the evening's event.

Among the busy crowd was Reva Malhotra, who was diligently working on the decorations, her clumsy nature making the task more challenging than it needed to be.

Reva fumbled with a roll of streamers, trying to reach up and hang them on the wall. Just as she managed to get a good grip, the tape gave way, and the streamers came cascading down, tangling around her in a colorful mess. She sighed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she tried to untangle herself.

Atharva Raisinghania, who was also part of the organizing committee, couldn't help but chuckle from across the room. He had been observing Reva's antics for a while now, amused by her persistence despite her clumsiness.

As the evening drew closer and most of the committee members began to leave, Atharva found himself gravitating towards where Reva was struggling.

"Need some help there, Malhotra?" Atharva called out, walking over with a smirk on his face.

Reva looked up, her face framed by the tangle of streamers, and shot him a glare. "I'm fine, Raisinghania. Just... handling a minor setback."

"Minor setback, huh?" Atharva said, gently pulling the streamers off her. "Have you always been this clumsy?"

Reva huffed, crossing her arms once she was free. "Yes, just like you were born as a narcissist."

Atharva laughed, the sound rich and warm. "Narcissist? Really? I prefer to think of myself as confident."

Reva rolled her eyes. "Confident, right. Says the guy who passes and the think millions of heads turn to see his handsome face."

Atharva feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "Hey, looking good is a part of my charm, and it's not my fault they like what they see, also Malhotra you think I'm handsome" he said smirking. "But seriously, do you need help with those streamers or are you planning to redecorate yourself again?"

Reva couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "Alright, Mr. Confident, you can help. Just don't mess it up."

"Me? Mess up? Never," Atharva said with a grin, grabbing the streamers and deftly attaching them to the wall.

As they worked side by side, the conversation flowed naturally, filled with teasing and playful banter. Reva found herself enjoying Atharva's company more than she had expected. Despite their rivalry, there was an undeniable chemistry between them.

Atharva looked at her, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "You know, you're not half bad, Malhotra."

"And you're not as insufferable as I thought, Raisinghania," Reva replied with a playful wink.