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Part - 11✨

Aashish POV

The next morning I woke up earlier than usual.
Why? I had no clue-maybe because I wanted to be the first one to say good morning before that Prem guy could even text her.

I grabbed my phone, typed quickly:

> "Morning, Miss Designer. Ready to conquer NIFT again?"

A few seconds later a reply popped up.

> "Good morning! Haha, trying to motivate me again?"

> "Always. Your personal cheerleader."

I grinned, satisfied, and tossed the phone aside.

Downstairs, Mom was already busy in the kitchen. "Breakfast or dance first?" she asked.

"Breakfast! I need energy to deal with college people," I said.

She raised an eyebrow. "College people? Or one particular person whose name starts with 'P'?"

I almost dropped the spoon. "Maa!"

She laughed. "I'm your mom. I can see it on your face, beta."

I groaned. "You all need new hobbies."

Just then Pooja came in, hair still damp, wearing a mint-green kurti. She looked like she walked straight out of a fresh breeze.
"Morning!" she chirped.

"Morning," I said, trying not to stare too long.

Uncle appeared behind his newspaper. "Aashish, drop her on time today. Yesterday she reached right before class."

I saluted jokingly. "Sir yes sir."

Pooja laughed. "Don't tease uncle."

"You always take his side!"

"Because he's right."

Aunty interrupted with a tray of idlis. "Stop fighting and eat before the food runs away."

We sat together; the table turned into another Tom and Jerry episode. I tried snatching an extra idli, she slapped my hand away, and Uncle murmured, "Peace was never an option in this house."

---

On the Way

In the car, Pooja scrolled through her phone. "Oh! Prem sent me notes from yesterday's class," she said casually.

I clenched the steering wheel. "Ah, so now he's your study partner too?"

She giggled. "Maybe. He's good at design theory."

"Hmm." I looked at her sideways. "Should I start sending you dance notes then? Step 1-don't talk to guys who send you notes."

She burst into laughter. "You're ridiculous!"

"And charming," I added.

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine, charming and ridiculous."

"I'll take that."

When we reached the gate, she waved. "Bye! Don't forget my Dairy Milk!"

"Already in the glove box," I said, and she beamed before running inside.

---

Pooja POV

Classes were getting busier. Prem had saved a seat for me again.

"Morning, superstar," he greeted.

I laughed. "Why superstar?"

"Your sketches! Everyone was talking about them yesterday. Even the professor praised you."