Fated To Love You

Chapter 99

Sumedh stood in the HOD's office with his head lowered, his fingers nervously fidgeting behind his back. His heart pounded as the HOD's voice echoed through the room.

"What is this, Sumedh?!" the HOD thundered, slamming his hand on the desk. "Why didn't you submit the question paper yet? And your half syllabus is still incomplete? Your register isn't even updated!" His sharp gaze burned into Sumedh.

Sumedh swallowed hard, his throat dry. "S-sorry, sir," he mumbled, knowing that an apology wouldn't be enough.

The HOD scoffed, his frustration only growing. "Sorry?! What will I do with your sorry? What should I answer to the Director, huh?" His voice was laced with exasperation as he leaned forward. "Apne class ke students ko punish kar kar ke... lagta hai tumne bhi bina punishment ke kaam karna chhod diya hai!" He shot Sumedh a knowing glare.

Sumedh's jaw clenched, and he quickly shook his head. "Aisa nahi hai, sir..." He tried to explain, but his voice lacked conviction.

"Enough!" the HOD cut him off, not in the mood for explanations. He exhaled sharply and straightened up. "I'm giving you time till tomorrow. Finish all your pending work—question paper and register—everything! Or else..." His words trailed off, but the warning was clear.

Sumedh's shoulders tensed. He felt like the ground beneath him had vanished. His mind raced with the workload he had to complete overnight.

"Ji, sir," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The HOD didn't say anything more, just gestured toward the door, signaling Sumedh to leave. Taking a deep breath, Sumedh turned on his heels and walked out of the office, his mind clouded with tension.

As Sumedh stepped out of the HOD's office, he exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair. His heart was still racing. "Bas ek din ka time diya hai... itna saara pending kaam, kaise hoga?" he muttered to himself, frustration creeping into his voice.

He checked his watch—his class was about to start. Pushing aside his worries for now, he took a deep breath and walked toward the classroom.

Inside, the classroom buzzed with soft murmurs, pens tapping, pages flipping. Most students were half-listening, half-chatting—but when Sumedh entered, the atmosphere instantly shifted. A sudden silence swept across the room. His expression was serious, brows slightly furrowed, a heaviness in his eyes—clearly reflecting the scolding he just faced in the HOD's office.

Without a word wasted, he turned to the board and began teaching, his voice calm but slightly colder than usual.

Himani, sitting in her usual spot, was trying to stay attentive. But the moment her eyes met his face—his sharp jawline, the crease of worry on his forehead, the way he hold marker in his fingers—last night's kiss flashed through her mind like a warm movie scene.

A soft blush spread across her cheeks. She bit her lip, trying to shake it off, but her eyes kept going back to him. He looked so intense... so unaware of the storm he was causing inside her. And then, unconsciously, a tiny giggle escaped her lips—quiet, but loud enough in the silent classroom.

Sumedh paused, marker in mid-air. He turned sharply and scanned the class.

His eyes landed on her.

In a stern, slightly annoyed voice, he asked,
"Himani... any issue?"

But Himani didn't respond. She was still lost—eyes on him, cheeks crimson, lips parted in a soft smile. Completely zoned out.

Seeing no reaction, he walked up and snapped his fingers gently in front of her face,
"Himani."