The Right Kind of Wrong

19. Rajat Helps with IAS Prep

The early morning sun filtered through the curtains of Savi's small apartment, casting a warm glow over the cluttered table strewn with books, notes, and highlighters. Savi sipped her steaming cup of chai, staring at the piles of materials she needed to tackle for her IAS preparation. The daunting task ahead loomed over her, but her resolve was strong.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message, breaking her focus. It was from Rajat.

Rajat: Ready for a study session?

Savi couldn't help but smile. She quickly replied, feeling a flutter of excitement.

Savi: Absolutely! I'll be ready in 20 minutes.

As she tidied up her study space, she reflected on how much had changed since their rain-soaked encounter at the café. Rajat had offered to help her with her IAS preparation after witnessing her passion during their debate. She was nervous but equally thrilled at the prospect of spending more time with him.

Twenty minutes later, there was a knock at her door. Savi opened it to find Rajat standing there, a backpack slung over one shoulder, his hair still slightly damp from the shower. He wore a casual white T-shirt and jeans that hugged him in all the right places.

"Hey!" Savi greeted, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hey," he replied, stepping inside. "Ready to tackle some serious studying?"

"Definitely! Let me just grab my things," she said, rushing to collect her notes. As she did, she caught Rajat looking around her modest living space, taking in the scattered books and the motivational posters she had hung on the walls.

"Nice place," he commented, making her heart flutter again. "Feels like you've put a lot of yourself into it."

Savi chuckled, a bit self-conscious. "Thanks! It's not much, but it's home. I like to keep reminders of what I'm fighting for."

"Right. Your IAS dream," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You're really serious about this."

"More than anything," she replied, her voice firm. "I can't let my past dictate my future."

"Then let's get to work," he said, plopping down on the floor in front of her makeshift study area. "What's first on the agenda?"

They settled into a routine, surrounded by textbooks and notes. Savi had never been one to ask for help, but with Rajat by her side, it felt different. He seemed genuinely invested in her success.

"Alright, let's start with current affairs," Rajat said, flipping through a thick notebook filled with scribbled headlines. "What have you been following?"

Savi paused, her heart racing as she grabbed her own notes. "I've been trying to keep up with the economic reforms, especially the new policies introduced this year."

Rajat raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Nice choice. That's going to be important for the interview section. Give me a quick summary of what you've got."

As she spoke, Savi felt a surge of confidence. Rajat listened intently, nodding and occasionally throwing in questions that challenged her to think deeper. Their discussions flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and friendly banter.

"Wow, you actually know your stuff!" Rajat said, leaning back against the wall, his arms crossed, admiration evident in his expression.

"Thanks! But I'm just trying to keep up," she said, a shy smile creeping onto her face.

"Don't sell yourself short," he replied, his voice sincere. "You've got the passion and the knowledge. That's half the battle."

They continued to work through various topics, and Savi was amazed at how much easier it was to concentrate with Rajat around. His presence motivated her, and the playful dynamic they had developed made the hours fly by.