Waiting for the Sun ☀️

Chapter 3 - Clash

Akshara didn't flinch under Abhimanyu's glare. Her heart raced from the sprint, but she stood her ground, chin held high. She could feel the weight of his arrogance pressing down on her, yet something inside her refused to let him have the satisfaction of seeing her intimidated.

"I'm someone who has better things to do than play around with spoiled rich kids who think they own the world," she shot back, her voice laced with a cool defiance.

Abhimanyu's eyebrow twitched, and a slight smirk twisted his lips, but his eyes remained cold. "Careful, new girl," he said, his tone dripping with warning. "You don't know who you're dealing with."

"Oh, I think I do," she replied sharply. "Another entitled brat with nothing better to do than throw around his parent's money."

A hushed murmur rippled through the crowd that had begun gathering around them. Elite High students were drawn to the spectacle unfolding in front of them—no one, not even the teachers, dared to challenge Abhimanyu. Yet here was this unknown girl, unafraid, staring him down as if he was just another face in the crowd.

Abhimanyu stepped even closer, his gaze a fiery mix of anger and amusement. "You're bold. I'll give you that," he said quietly, leaning in just enough for her to hear. "But boldness can be dangerous when you don't know your place."

Akshara's jaw clenched, and she crossed her arms defiantly. "And where exactly is my place, according to you?"

"Anywhere that's out of my way," he retorted, his voice turning steely. "People like you come and go here. Try to make waves, and you'll find yourself back."

Akshara scoffed. "I'm not here to make waves. I'm here to get an education. But if you can't handle me standing up to you, maybe you're not as powerful as you think."

Abhimanyu's smile faded, his face darkening as he absorbed her words. For a moment, the two stood there, locked in an intense silence, both unwilling to back down.

The tension shattered as a shrill bell rang, signaling the start of first period. The students scattered reluctantly, whispering amongst themselves as they headed to class. Abhimanyu straightened, his smirk returning. "We'll see how long you last," he muttered before turning on his heel and striding toward the main building.

Akshara watched him go, her heart still racing, but she took a steadying breath and lifted her chin, ready to face whatever the day held.

_

Inside Elite High's grand, arched hallways, Akshara slipped into her classroom, finding a seat in the middle row. She could feel curious eyes on her from every angle, but she ignored them, focusing on the teacher who was writing formulas on the board.

Just as she began to settle into the rhythm of the lesson, a crumpled note landed on her desk. She unfolded it, scanning the hastily written message:

"Nice move out there. But watch yourself. People who challenge Abhimanyu don't usually last long at this school."

She looked up to see a girl a few rows over giving her a tentative smile. The girl had wide, curious eyes and wore her uniform with an unassuming neatness that contrasted sharply with the extravagance around her. She mouthed, "I'm Mishti."

Akshara gave a small nod in acknowledgment, but she wasn't intimidated. She'd faced her share of tough situations before, and if Abhimanyu thought he could scare her into silence, he was in for a surprise.

_

Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, Abhimanyu sat surrounded by his usual entourage. His mood was still sour from the morning's encounter. He was used to being respected—feared, even—and the fact that this new girl hadn't bowed down grated on him. Abir nudged his shoulder, interrupting his thoughts.

"Still thinking about her, huh?" Abir said, amused.

Abhimanyu shot him a warning glare, but Abir only chuckled. "You have to admit, she's got guts. Maybe she's not as easy to intimidate as the others."

"Trust me, she'll learn," Abhimanyu muttered, his eyes hardening. "She's just...new. Doesn't know the rules yet."

Across the room, Akshara entered the cafeteria, tray in hand. As she made her way through the crowded tables, whispers followed her, but she ignored them, her gaze steady as she looked for a quiet corner.

Abir watched her with quiet curiosity, but Abhimanyu's eyes narrowed, tracking her movements. He noticed that she didn't look once in his direction, didn't seem fazed by the wary glances people threw her way. There was a strength in her, something different from the other students, something that tugged at his attention in spite of himself.

_

Later that afternoon, Akshara found herself wandering the school grounds, trying to get her bearings. She eventually made her way to the rooftop, a quiet haven away from the hustle of the school below. Leaning on the railing, she breathed in the fresh air, savoring the solitude.

"Looks like you're avoiding everyone already," a voice said behind her.

She turned to find Karan, his expression friendly, though guarded. Akshara shrugged. "Just needed a break. This place is...a lot."

Karan nodded. "Yeah, it's different. Everyone's trying to fit into a mold. Except for Abhimanyu. He's more like the one holding the mold together." He smiled slightly, but there was something sad behind his eyes.

Akshara looked at him, considering her words carefully. "You've been friends with him a long time ?"

Karan nodded, leaning against the railing beside her. "Since we were kids. It wasn't always like this, you know. But when you grow up the way he did—when everyone's always trying to impress you, afraid to stand up to you—you start to feel like you can do anything you want."

"Even if it's wrong?"

Karan's gaze shifted, a flicker of unease passing over his face. "Sometimes it's hard to tell what's wrong when everyone else is telling you you're right."

The two fell into a comfortable silence, gazing over the school grounds.

"Just be careful," Karan said softly, almost to himself. "Not everyone at this school is as friendly as they seem."

Akshara watched him, sensing the weight of his words, but she merely nodded. She was used to navigating unfamiliar waters, and if this school had its own unspoken rules, she'd learn them in her own way, on her own terms.

As she turned to leave, Karan called after her. "By the way, welcome to Elite High," he said with a wry smile.

She smirked back at him, her eyes glinting with quiet determination.

"Thanks," she replied. 

To be continued ...

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