Ishq ka rishta

Chapter 9

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Enjoy reading.,

The classroom buzzed faintly with the lethargy that a Chemistry lecture naturally induced. Students sat in silence, some doodling in their notebooks, others pretending to pay attention while their minds wandered elsewhere. The monotony was broken when the teacher glanced at the clock and spoke up with a sudden announcement.

"So students, there's a piece of news," the teacher began, adjusting his glasses. His tone carried an unusual energy that caught everyone’s attention. Heads lifted, and even the backbenchers who had been slouched perked up slightly.

"This is the first time something like this is happening in our school," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "Personally, I think it’s a fantastic idea. From now on, we’re introducing a Buddy System. No more toppers or weak students, just buddies helping each other grow. Every week, each pair of buddies will submit a report detailing what they’ve learned from their partner. And remember—this experience must be genuine."

A wave of mixed reactions rippled through the room. Some students exchanged curious glances, while others groaned softly under their breath.

"Ye buddy program kam, balidaan program zyada lag raha hai," Aayansh muttered under his breath, leaning toward Aarish, who smirked but kept his eyes on the teacher.

The teacher, oblivious to the murmurs, clapped his hands lightly. "All the best, everyone! I hope this turns out to be a meaningful experience for you all." He grabbed his books and left the classroom just as the bell rang.

The hallway buzzed with activity as students crowded around the notice board, craning their necks to find their names on the newly posted Buddy List. Chatter and laughter echoed, creating a chaotic symphony of excitement and curiosity. Prachi stood amidst the throng, her sharp eyes scanning the list with an air of indifference—until she saw her name. Her gaze trailed to the name beside it: Aayansh.

Her lips, which had briefly curved into a faint smile of hope, straightened into a thin line. Annoyance flickered across her face as she muttered under her breath, "How will I get rid of him? Of all people, why him? God, why am I stuck like this?" She let out an exasperated sigh and turned away from the board, her expression clouded with disdain.

As she walked briskly through the corridor, her pace quickened at the sight of none other than Aayansh, casually leaning against the wall nearby, his arms crossed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face like he was thoroughly enjoying the situation.

“Prachi!” he called out, jogging after her. “Hey, listen! Suno toh!”

Prachi’s steps faltered as he caught up, now walking beside her, still grinning. He leaned slightly closer, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “Tumhari kismat toh sach mein kharaab nikli.”

Prachi shot him a glare that could rival daggers. Her voice was sharp, irritation lacing every word. “Pata hai, jab se tum mile ho na, tab se sab gadbad ho raha hai!”

Aayansh raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. “Oh, really?” he replied, his tone as smug as ever.

She let out a frustrated huff, her hands flailing slightly as she emphasized her point. “Kuch bhi ho jaye, main tumhari buddy nahi banungi!”

He smirked, his voice turning colder, though the teasing glint in his eyes remained. “Main konsa tumhare peeche marr raha hoon?”

Prachi stomped ahead, her mind racing with ideas to escape this disastrous pairing. “Koi toh rasta hoga isse bachne ka!” she muttered, almost to herself, her frustration evident in her furrowed brows and clenched fists.