Ananya has always been the calm, quiet topper of her class at Sunshine Academy, a prestigious co-ed school, where she's studied since kindergarten. Being the daughter of the school's senior mathematics teacher meant she was always under scrutiny-esp...
The school day was in full swing, and the hallways of Sunshine Academy were buzzing with the usual pre-lunch chatter. Ananya, absorbed in her notes, was making her way to her locker when she heard a familiar, playful voice behind her.
“Hey, Ananya! Trying to solve the mysteries of the universe again?”
She turned to find Aarav leaning against the row of lockers, a mischievous grin on his face. His tall, slightly plump frame was unmistakable as he loomed over her, looking relaxed despite the busy atmosphere.
“Only the mysteries of Chemistry,” Ananya replied, adjusting her glasses that had slipped down her nose. She pushed a strand of her beautiful hair behind her ear, trying to maintain her composure. “Not everyone finds joy in teasing people during their study time.”
Aarav chuckled, walking beside her as she opened her locker. “Come on, Ananya. You know I can’t resist. It’s too much fun. Besides, you’re always so serious. Someone’s got to lighten the mood.”
Ananya rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Well, I’d appreciate it if that someone could find another target for a change. I have enough to deal with without your constant interruptions.”
“Interruptions? I prefer to think of them as... necessary distractions,” Aarav said with a wink. “Keeps you from getting too lost in your books.”
“Or keeps me from getting any work done,” she shot back. “Have you ever thought of doing something useful, like—oh, I don’t know—studying for once?”
Aarav feigned shock. “Me? Study?"
Their playful banter was interrupted by the arrival of their friends, who had gathered nearby for a quick chat before lunch. The group, which included Simran, Arohi, Kabir, Ishaan, and the rest of Aarav’s friends, was always a lively bunch. They greeted each other with a mix of laughter and casual teasing, adding to the din of the hallway.
“Alright, alright,” Ishaan said, rolling his eyes at the ongoing back-and-forth between Aarav and Ananya. “Can we all just agree that Aarav is an expert at annoying people and move on?”
Aarav grinned at the compliment but directed his attention back to Ananya. “See? Even my friends recognize my charm. You should take notes.”
Ananya shook her head, trying to suppress a laugh. “I’ll take notes on how to avoid your antics instead.”
As the bell rang, signaling the end of the break, the group headed to their next class. Ananya found herself walking alongside Arohi, with Aarav trailing behind. Despite the playful quarreling, there was a certain comfort in their interactions—a rhythm that had been established over years of shared classrooms and mutual teasing.
During their History class, Aarav managed to slip into the seat next to Ananya, much to her dismay. The teacher had just begun discussing the upcoming project when Aarav leaned over, whispering loudly enough for Ananya to hear.
“Do you think you’ll actually read the entire chapter before the due date, or is that too ambitious?”
Ananya shot him a glare but kept her voice low. “Maybe if you spent less time distracting me, I could actually get it done.”
“Ah, but what’s life without a little distraction?” Aarav replied with a smirk. “Besides, it’s more fun this way.”
As the class went on, Aarav continued to sneak glances at Ananya, occasionally throwing in a comment or a question that made her roll her eyes or smile despite herself. The distance between them was maintained—there were no warm greetings or heartfelt conversations, just the familiar back-and-forth of their playful rivalry.
After class, as they gathered their things and prepared to head to lunch, Aarav stopped Ananya at the door.
“Hey, are you still planning to spend the entire lunch period in the library?” he asked, an eyebrow raised.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but yes,” Ananya replied. “I have a lot of work to do.”
Aarav sighed dramatically. “You’re a hard one to crack, you know that? Fine, but don’t blame me if you miss out on the fun.”
Ananya gave him a sideways glance. “I’m sure you’ll make up for it with your usual wit.”
“Damn right I will,” Aarav said with a grin. “See you around, Ananya.”
As he walked off to join his friends, Ananya shook her head with a smile, feeling the familiar mix of annoyance and affection she always experienced around him. Despite the teasing and playful banter, there was an underlying connection between them—one that was still evolving and yet to be fully explored.
With a final glance at Aarav’s retreating figure, Ananya headed to the library, ready to immerse herself in her work once again. But as she settled into her usual spot, she couldn’t help but think that perhaps, amidst all the playful quarreling and distractions, there was something more to their relationship that she might be starting to see.
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