Say you love me! ✨️

Chapter 11: Unexpected Returns

The winter break had flown by, and Sunshine Academy was once again buzzing with the energy of students returning from their vacations. The hallways were filled with excited chatter about holiday experiences, new adventures, and the occasional dread of getting back into the academic grind. Ananya walked into the school, her steps light, feeling rejuvenated after spending the break indulging in her writing.

Despite the fun and creative outlet that writing provided, Ananya had maintained her discipline. Every morning, after a bit of writing, she would spend a couple of hours revisiting her studies, ensuring that she stayed on top of her game. The result was a perfect blend of relaxation and productivity, and Ananya was confident that she hadn’t lost any of her academic edge.

As she entered her classroom, she was greeted by Arohi and Simran, who were eagerly catching up after their respective breaks. Arohi had stayed in town like Ananya, while Simran had gone on a short trip with her family.

"How was your break, Ananya?" Arohi asked with a warm smile.

"It was great! I managed to write a lot, and I feel ready for anything now," Ananya replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

"That's awesome! I can't wait to read what you've written," Simran said, grinning. "I just had a lazy holiday—lots of eating and sleeping. I’m not ready to dive back into school mode yet!"

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Aarav and his friends. The group walked in together, their lively banter filling the room. Aarav looked particularly tan, a sign of his time spent in the sunny deserts and beaches of Dubai.

“Looks like someone had a blast,” Ananya heard Simran whisper as they noticed Aarav’s sun-kissed skin. Ananya couldn’t help but glance at him, curiosity piqued by his return.

Aarav’s friends immediately surrounded him, bombarding him with questions about his trip. He regaled them with tales of the grand malls, the desert safaris, and the breathtaking view from the top of the Burj Khalifa. Ananya listened from a distance, trying not to seem too interested, though her thoughts occasionally drifted to the casual conversations they had shared before the break.

After a while, Aarav began distributing the souvenirs he had brought back. Each friend received something special, chosen specifically for them—a keychain, a piece of jewelry, or a small trinket. Ananya noticed that he didn’t approach her, which wasn’t surprising, considering they weren’t particularly close. Yet, she felt a strange pang of disappointment, which she quickly dismissed. It was silly to expect anything, especially when they had always kept a distance.

As the day went on, Ananya tried to focus on her classes, though the buzz of post-holiday excitement made it challenging. During a break between periods, she found herself in the courtyard, enjoying a moment of peace under her favorite oak tree.

She was soon joined by Aarav’s group, who had taken to the courtyard to relax after a heavy math class. Their conversation was as lively as ever, full of laughter and teasing. Ananya tried to tune it out, but she couldn’t help overhearing bits and pieces.

At one point, Ishaan, ever the joker, brought up the topic of winter treats. “Man, I missed out on the good stuff this winter! No one brought me chocolates,” he lamented dramatically, causing the group to laugh.

“Yeah, chocolates are the best during winter,” Priya added. “They just make everything better.”

This casual mention brought back a memory from before the break, and without really thinking, Ananya found herself speaking up, her voice carrying over to the group. “I agree. There’s nothing like chocolates in winter.”

The group turned to look at her, surprised by her sudden contribution. Aarav’s eyes briefly met hers, and for a moment, she wondered if he remembered their earlier conversation. But just as quickly, he looked away, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips.

“You and your chocolates, Ananya,” Ishaan teased, trying to keep the mood light.

She chuckled, shrugging. “What can I say? I have a sweet tooth.”

The conversation soon shifted to other topics, and Ananya went back to her book, though she couldn’t help but notice the subtle changes in her own thoughts. Aarav had always been just a teasing presence in her life, someone who both annoyed and amused her in equal measure. But now, there was a new layer to those feelings—a faint, fluttering awareness that hadn’t been there before.

Despite these new emotions, Ananya remained steadfast in her focus. She wasn’t about to let her feelings for Aarav—confusing and unexpected as they were—distract her from her goals. Her academic future was still her top priority, and nothing, not even the complicated tangle of emotions, was going to derail her.

And so, as the school day drew to a close, Ananya gathered her things, mentally preparing herself for the return to her routine. There was comfort in the familiar rhythm of her life—study, write, and occasionally banter with Aarav. She didn’t know where her feelings would lead her, but for now, she was content to let things unfold slowly, at their own pace.

Aarav, for his part, seemed just as he always had—charming, playful, and full of life. He continued to be surrounded by his friends, the center of their group, and though he hadn’t approached her first or acknowledged her feelings, there was something about his quiet presence that stayed with Ananya, long after the school bell rang.