Say you love me! ✨️

Chapter 16: The Play Begins

The day of the play arrived, and Sunshine Academy was buzzing with excitement. The auditorium was decorated with twinkling lights, and the stage was set for the grand performance. Students, teachers, and parents filled the seats, eager to witness the culmination of weeks of hard work.

Backstage, the cast was preparing for their roles, and the air was thick with anticipation. Aarav was in his element, his usual playful demeanor replaced with a rare focus as he rehearsed his lines one last time. Riya was equally absorbed, her natural grace and confidence making her the perfect Juliet. Together, they seemed like the ideal pair, ready to take on the roles that had been entrusted to them.

Ananya, meanwhile, was seated in the audience with Arohi and Simran, her heart pounding in her chest. She tried to keep her emotions in check, but the sight of Aarav and Riya together, dressed in their costumes and preparing to take the stage, sent a wave of unease through her.

"Are you okay?" Arohi whispered, noticing the tension in Ananya's expression.

Ananya forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little nervous, I guess."

Simran gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "It’s going to be great. Aarav and Riya have worked really hard for this."

Ananya nodded again, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't shake the jealousy that had been growing inside her, no matter how much she tried to push it down. The thought of Aarav and Riya performing together, with everyone watching and admiring them, made her feel as though something was slipping away from her—something she hadn’t fully acknowledged until now.

As the lights dimmed and the curtain rose, a hush fell over the audience. The play began, and from the first moment, it was clear that Aarav and Riya had a natural chemistry on stage. Their performances were captivating, and the audience was quickly drawn into the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Ananya watched intently, her heart racing as Aarav delivered his lines with confidence and emotion. Riya’s portrayal of Juliet was equally compelling, and together, they brought the tragic love story to life in a way that was both beautiful and heartbreaking.

But for Ananya, the experience was bittersweet. Every time Aarav and Riya shared a moment on stage, every time they looked into each other’s eyes or exchanged a line filled with emotion, Ananya felt a pang of jealousy that she couldn’t ignore.

As the play continued, the tension within Ananya grew. She found herself fixating on every interaction between Aarav and Riya, analyzing their body language, their expressions, searching for something—anything—that would reveal what their relationship was like offstage.

Finally, the play reached its climax. The tragic ending of Romeo and Juliet played out on stage, leaving the audience in stunned silence. As the curtain fell, the auditorium erupted in applause, the sound echoing through the room as the cast took their bows.

Aarav and Riya stood side by side, their hands clasped as they bowed to the audience. The applause grew louder, and Ananya could see the pride and joy on both their faces. It was clear that they had given everything to their performances, and the audience was responding with overwhelming approval.

As the cast made their way offstage, Aarav’s friends rushed to congratulate him. They were beaming with excitement, their voices filled with praise and admiration.

"That was amazing, Aarav!" Kabir said, clapping him on the back. "You and Riya were incredible together!"

"Seriously, man," Ishaan added, "you two totally stole the show. Everyone's talking about how great you were."

Aarav grinned, clearly pleased with their reactions. "Thanks, guys. It was a lot of fun."

Ananya watched from a distance, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She wanted to be happy for Aarav, to share in the excitement of his success, but the jealousy she felt was too strong to ignore.

As the crowd began to disperse, Ananya caught sight of Riya approaching Aarav, a bright smile on her face.

"Hey, Aarav," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "You were fantastic out there. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-star."

Aarav smiled back at her. "You were amazing too, Riya. Thanks for making it so easy to play the part."

Their exchange was friendly, but to Ananya, it felt like something more. She couldn’t help but wonder if there was a deeper connection between them, something that went beyond the confines of the play.

Unable to bear it any longer, Ananya turned to Arohi and Simran. "I think I’m going to head home," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I’m not feeling too well."

Arohi and Simran looked at her with concern. "Do you want us to come with you?" Simran asked.

Ananya shook her head. "No, it’s okay. I just need some time to clear my head."

They nodded, understanding that Ananya needed some space. As she left the auditorium and stepped out into the cool night air, Ananya felt a mixture of relief and sadness. The play was over, but the emotions it had stirred within her were far from resolved.

Walking home, Ananya couldn’t stop thinking about Aarav and Riya. The jealousy she felt was like a weight on her chest, pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe. She knew she couldn’t go on like this, letting her emotions control her.

As she reached her house, Ananya made a decision. She would focus on what she could control—her studies, her writing, her friendships. She wouldn’t let her feelings for Aarav consume her or distract her from what was important.

But even as she resolved to move forward, a part of her couldn’t help but wonder what the future held. Would she ever be able to overcome her jealousy? Would her feelings for Aarav continue to grow, or would they fade away with time?

For now, all Ananya could do was take things one day at a time and hope that, in the end, she would find the clarity and peace she so desperately sought.