Say you love me! ✨️

Chapter 1: The Beginning of Change

Sunshine Academy had always been Ananya Gupta's second home. From the age of five, the vast campus with its sprawling lawns and majestic buildings had seen her grow from a shy little girl to the confident, top-performing student she was now. Walking through the familiar corridors, she felt a sense of comfort, though it was often tinged with the weight of expectation that came with being the daughter of the senior Mathematics teacher, Mihir Gupta.

Today was the first day of their senior year, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Ananya, as usual, was early. She liked the quiet before the chaos, the moment when she could gather her thoughts before the day started. She headed straight to her favorite spot-the corner window seat in the classroom that overlooked the school's sprawling garden.

But her peaceful morning was short-lived.

"Good morning, topper! Ready to make the rest of us look bad again this year?"

Ananya didn't have to turn around to recognize the voice. Aarav Mehra-her perennial rival, the boy who had made it his mission to annoy her since junior grade-was standing behind her, his trademark smirk in place.

"Morning, Aarav," she replied coolly, not letting him see how much he got under her skin. She had long ago learned that reacting to his teasing only fueled his antics.

Aarav, with his tousled hair and easygoing charm, was everything Ananya wasn't-impulsive, carefree, and undeniably popular. He excelled in sports, had a natural way with people, and was surprisingly good in academics too, though he never quite matched Ananya's consistent top marks. Their relationship had always been a mix of competition and thinly veiled banter, with neither willing to admit that, despite everything, there was a mutual respect between them.

"You know, you could try being just a little less perfect this year. Give the rest of us a chance," he continued, leaning against her desk with a grin.

Ananya rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "And you could try focusing on something other than sports for a change. Who knows, you might actually beat me in something for once."

He laughed, the sound filling the room and drawing the attention of a few classmates who had just walked in. "Challenge accepted, Gupta. Let's see how this year goes."

Before she could retort, Simran Kaur and Arohi Sharma entered the classroom, waving at Ananya as they approached. "Hey, Ananya! Aarav," Simran greeted them, exchanging a knowing look with Arohi. They had been witnesses to the never-ending back-and-forth between Ananya and Aarav for years and often wondered if there was something more beneath the surface.

"Saved by the bell," Ananya muttered as her friends arrived. Aarav winked at her before moving to join his own group, who were already lounging by the back seats, exchanging stories of their summer adventures.

As the classroom filled up, Ananya's thoughts drifted to the months ahead. Senior year was supposed to be the most crucial year of their school life, and she had every intention of staying focused. But there was something about Aarav's teasing, his playful challenge, that made her wonder if this year might just be different.

Little did she know, the year would bring changes she could never have anticipated-changes that would challenge her in ways she hadn't imagined, and that would force her to confront feelings she had long tried to ignore.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the day. As the teacher walked in, Ananya glanced over at Aarav, who caught her eye and gave her a quick, almost imperceptible nod. She didn't quite understand it, but somehow, it felt like the beginning of something new.

And for the first time, Ananya found herself wondering what it would be like to truly get to know the boy behind the teasing.