The Right Kind of Wrong

21. College Trip Sparks Connection

The sun peeked through the morning clouds, casting a warm glow over the campus as students bustled around, excitement bubbling in the air. Savi stood by the bus, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety about the college trip to the nature retreat. She wrapped her arms around herself, glancing at the lively groups of students, their laughter infectious.

"I can't believe you almost didn't come!" chirped Shivani, her friend, nudging Savi playfully.

"I know, I know," Savi replied, her voice tinged with reluctance. "But I really need to study for my IAS exam. This trip feels like a distraction."

Shivani rolled her eyes, her smile unwavering. "A little fun won't hurt you, Savi. Trust me, you need to unwind. Plus, it'll help you recharge for your studies."

With a reluctant sigh, Savi boarded the bus, her heart racing. She spotted Rajat laughing with his friends at the back. Their interactions had evolved; the animosity had faded into playful banter, but there was still a lingering tension between them. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that this trip could be an opportunity to learn more about him.

Once they arrived at the retreat, Savi's breath caught in her throat. The vast expanse of greenery stretched out before her, vibrant trees and colorful flowers painting a picturesque landscape. The sound of laughter echoed as groups of students gathered, ready to embark on their adventure.

"Welcome, everyone!" their instructor announced, clapping his hands to gather attention. "We have a full day ahead with hiking, team-building exercises, and of course, some fun evening activities!"

Savi's heart raced at the mention of hiking. She had always loved nature, but the thought of traversing the trails with Rajat on her team made her stomach churn. Just as she feared, they were assigned to the same group.

"Great, just what I needed," she muttered under her breath, earning a chuckle from Shivani.

"Looks like you two are stuck together. Try to keep the banter civil," Shivani teased, winking at Savi as they headed to the starting point of the hike.

As they began their trek, Rajat immediately fell into his familiar role of the playful antagonist. "So, ready to lose?" he smirked, glancing at Savi as he adjusted his backpack.

"Not a chance, Katkat Thakkar. Just try to keep up," Savi shot back, determination sparking in her eyes.

The hike unfolded with a mix of friendly competition and laughter. Rajat's teasing only fueled Savi's competitive spirit, and they found themselves leading the group, each pushing the other to keep pace. The trail twisted and turned, revealing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

"Why do you always have to take everything so seriously?" Rajat quipped, panting slightly as they paused to catch their breath.

"I'm not taking anything seriously," Savi retorted, her tone playful. "I just believe in giving it my all. Maybe you should try it sometime."

Rajat raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. "I give it my all when it counts," he replied, his voice low, as they resumed their hike.

Suddenly, dark clouds rolled in, and a torrential downpour caught everyone off guard. "Quick! Under the tree!" someone shouted, and the group scrambled for cover beneath a large oak.

Savi found herself standing next to Rajat, the rain pouring down around them. As they huddled together under the tree, she could feel the heat radiating from his body, and an unexpected warmth washed over her. She stole a glance at him, noting the way the raindrops clung to his hair and how the corners of his mouth turned up in a faint smile.

"You look ridiculous," she remarked, attempting to keep the mood light.

"Thanks for the compliment," he replied dryly, but the smirk on his face suggested he didn't mind her teasing.

The rain continued to pour, creating a rhythmic symphony against the leaves. It was the perfect backdrop for a moment of vulnerability. Savi felt a shift in the air around them, the playful tension replaced by something softer.

"Are you okay?" Rajat asked suddenly, his expression earnest. "You seem... different today."

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied quickly, surprised by the concern in his voice. "Just a lot on my mind, I guess. IAS prep and everything."

Rajat nodded, his gaze searching hers. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

Savi looked away, feeling her defenses soften. "I have to be. It's important to me. I want to make a difference. I lost my parents, and I can't let that be for nothing."

Rajat's expression shifted, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "I get it," he said quietly. "I've lost people too. Makes you appreciate life in a different way."

As the rain began to ease, they resumed their hike, but the air felt different between them—lighter, charged with a newfound connection. The group eventually reached a clearing where they could take a break, and Savi found herself stealing glances at Rajat.

Later that evening, they gathered around a campfire, the warm glow contrasting with the cool night air. The flickering flames danced, casting playful shadows on the faces of the students. Stories were exchanged, laughter filling the night, and Savi felt a sense of belonging.

"Okay, who wants to share a scary story?" someone called out, and the group erupted into playful chatter.

"I'll start," Rajat volunteered, leaning forward. "Once upon a time, there was a girl who thought she could beat me in a hike..."

"Very scary!" Savi interjected, rolling her eyes. The playful banter continued until Rajat told a surprisingly spine-chilling tale that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

As the night wore on, they transitioned to stargazing. Laying on the grass, Savi found herself next to Rajat. The night sky was a tapestry of stars, and she couldn't help but be mesmerized.

"Look at that one!" Rajat pointed, excitement in his voice. "That's Orion's Belt. And over there, the Big Dipper."

Savi turned her head, eyes widening at the beauty above them. "It's beautiful," she murmured, and for a moment, the world outside faded away.

"Yeah, it reminds me of endless possibilities," Rajat said softly, his gaze still fixed on the stars.

Savi felt a flutter in her chest at his words, the meaning behind them resonating deeply. They lay in comfortable silence, both lost in thought.

As they eventually settled back into their sleeping bags, Savi couldn't shake the feelings that had surfaced throughout the day. The trip had shifted her perspective; she no longer saw Rajat as just a rival but as a potential ally and confidant. The connection they had forged hinted at something deeper.

Drifting off to sleep, Savi allowed herself to smile, thoughts of Rajat warming her heart. Perhaps this trip had been precisely what she needed—not just a break but a chance to see him—and herself—in a new light.

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The 21st Chapter guys!!

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