Say you love me! ✨️

Chapter 28: A New Perspective

The days following Ananya’s conversation with Arohi and Simran were filled with quiet reflection. She had finally admitted to herself that her feelings for Aarav were changing, but she still wasn’t ready to confront him—or even herself—about what that truly meant. She knew things couldn’t stay the same forever, but for now, she was content to take things one step at a time.

At school, nothing seemed to have changed between her and Aarav. Their playful banter continued as usual, with him teasing her about small things and Ananya firing back with her quick-witted responses. To anyone else, it would seem like they were still just childhood frenemies, locked in a game of cat and mouse. But deep down, Ananya knew something was different, at least for her.

One day, during lunch break, Ananya found herself sitting at her usual table with Arohi and Simran. The cafeteria was bustling with students, and the atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and chatter. Aarav and his group were sitting a few tables away, and Ananya caught glimpses of him laughing with Ishaan and Kabir.

“You’ve been quiet again today,” Arohi observed, nudging Ananya’s arm. “Everything okay?”

Ananya smiled softly. “Yeah, just thinking. Trying to stay focused on studies.”

Simran raised an eyebrow. “You’re always focused. But if it’s about Aarav, you don’t have to act like it’s not on your mind.”

Ananya sighed, leaning back in her chair. “It’s not just that. I mean, yes, I’ve been thinking about him, but I’m trying to keep my priorities straight. I can’t afford to lose focus on my studies.”

Arohi nodded thoughtfully. “You’ve always been good at that. But sometimes it’s okay to let your emotions in a little, you know? You don’t have to fight it all the time.”

Ananya knew Arohi was right. She had been battling her own emotions for so long that it had become second nature to push them aside, especially when it came to Aarav. But now, after everything that had happened recently—the chocolate, the playful teasing, and her growing awareness of her feelings—she was finding it harder to ignore the truth.

Before she could respond, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Hey, topper, daydreaming again?”

Ananya looked up to see Aarav standing by their table, a playful grin on his face. Her heart did a little flip, but she quickly composed herself, not wanting to give anything away.

“I’m not daydreaming,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “I’m just thinking about how to ace the next exam. Maybe you should try it sometime.”

Aarav chuckled, leaning against the table. “Oh, I’m sure you’ve got that covered. But hey, don’t forget to have a little fun too, Miss Perfect.”

Ananya raised an eyebrow, trying to hide her smile. “I’ll leave the ‘fun’ to you and your gang. I’m more focused on the important stuff.”

“Sure you are,” Aarav teased, but before Ananya could reply, he turned to his group and waved them over. “Anyway, see you in class.”

As Aarav walked away, Simran nudged Ananya playfully. “You were saying something about priorities?”

Ananya shot her a look but couldn’t suppress the smile that tugged at her lips. She hated how easily Aarav could get under her skin, but at the same time, there was something endearing about it. He never failed to make her smile, even when she didn’t want to admit it.

After lunch, the day passed in a blur of classes and homework. As Ananya sat in the last period of the day, her mind kept drifting to Aarav’s earlier comment. Have a little fun too, he had said. It sounded so simple when he said it, but for Ananya, balancing her feelings for him with her academic goals felt like anything but simple.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and Ananya gathered her things. As she walked down the corridor, she spotted Aarav and his friends near the school gate, laughing and joking around like they always did. She paused for a moment, watching them from a distance, her heart conflicted.

Aarav’s carefree nature had always been a stark contrast to her own serious, focused demeanor. But maybe Arohi was right. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to let her emotions in a little, to stop fighting the inevitable. Still, she wasn’t ready to confront Aarav about how she felt—not yet. For now, she would continue to enjoy their banter, their playful exchanges, and hope that she could keep things under control.

As she turned to leave, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Startled, she turned to find Simran smiling at her.

“You coming?” Simran asked, gesturing toward the exit.

Ananya nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, let’s go.”

But as they walked out of the school together, Ananya couldn’t shake the feeling that things were changing—slowly, quietly, but undeniably. And while she wasn’t sure where it would lead, she knew one thing for certain: Aarav was no longer just her playful enemy. He was becoming something more, something she wasn’t quite ready to name yet.