Dil ki Awaaz

CHAPTER -01

                           A Storm is Brewing

Mumbai University was an oasis of excitement on an ordinary Monday morning. The bustling corridors were packed with students, all chattering excitedly about the upcoming semester. Clubs were preparing for events, and study groups were already forming in anticipation of the coming academic grind. Among the sea of faces, however, two stood out like fire and water.

Amar Desai and Prem Kapoor.

Their rivalry was legendary across the campus, a tale told in hushed tones and witnessed by the unfortunate few who had been present for one of their many fiery clashes. Amar and Prem were the classic opposites in every way.

Amar Desai walked into the campus, tall, intimidating, and with an aura that commanded attention. His sharp jawline, brooding eyes, and perpetually furrowed brow gave him the appearance of someone you didn’t want to mess with. His leather jacket clung tightly to his muscled frame, and his stride was deliberate, as though every step had a purpose. Amar’s academic brilliance was as feared as his temper, and his reputation for being strict, uncompromising, and perfectionist made him both admired and disliked in equal measure.

Prem Kapoor, on the other hand, was the campus darling. With his warm brown eyes, messy hair, and charming smile, he was the very definition of effortless cool. He wore his charisma like a second skin, a natural charmer who made friends as easily as he breathed. His style was casual yet chic—a mix of colorful hoodies and ripped jeans. Everyone loved Prem for his friendliness, his wit, and his ability to bring laughter into even the most stressful of situations. Unlike Amar, who seemed allergic to people, Prem thrived on attention, relishing every moment he spent in the limelight.

But if there was one thing that made Prem truly stand out, it was his ability to get under Amar’s skin.

Their rivalry had started back in their first year, when both had applied for the coveted position of class representative. Amar, with his rigid focus and seriousness, had prepared meticulously for the role, seeing it as a stepping stone to the student council presidency. But Prem, who hadn’t taken it seriously at all, had somehow managed to win by a landslide, thanks to his popularity and charm.

The sting of that defeat still burned for Amar, and over the years, their rivalry had only deepened. From academic contests to sports, to extracurricular events—everywhere Amar went, Prem seemed to follow, always standing in the way, always ready with a smirk or a teasing comment.

And now, in their third year, it seemed that the universe wasn’t done with them yet.

As Amar walked toward the main building, his thoughts were already consumed by the upcoming inter-college debate competition. He was the captain of the debate team, and this year, he was determined to bring the trophy home. His reputation, as much as his pride, was at stake.

But before he could enter the building, a voice cut through his focus—a voice he recognized all too well.

“Amar!”

He turned sharply, his jaw tightening. Prem Kapoor stood just a few feet away, leaning casually against one of the campus benches. His hair was tousled in that deliberately messy way, and he wore his usual carefree grin. The sunlight caught the edge of his eyes, making them twinkle as he looked at Amar with that maddeningly playful expression.

“What do you want, Kapoor?” Amar snapped, not in the mood for another one of Prem’s games.

Prem pushed himself off the bench and strolled over with his hands in his pockets. “Relax, Desai. I’m just here to invite you to the cultural fest meeting. You know, the one I’m organizing this year.”