Chapter 105

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As soon as Sumedh stepped out of the room, Siddharth's gaze darted to Ruhi. She quickly averted her face, letting out a soft, irritated "Huh." Flustered, he clutched his ears and started doing sit-ups on the spot, muttering, "Sorry, Ruhi, please, sorry!" His words tumbled out in a rush, almost desperate.

The entire classroom was now fixated on him. A ripple of giggles and whispers spread across the desks, some students nudging each other, amused by his antics. Siddharth, completely oblivious, continued his silly display, cheeks flushed with embarrassment—or maybe excitement—while his eyes occasionally flickered toward Ruhi, silently pleading for acknowledgment.

Ruhi's brow furrowed, confusion knitting her features as she looked around at the snickering classmates. Her gaze landed on Siddharth, and realization dawned, widening her eyes. She didn't hesitate—her hand shot out and gripped his arm, stopping his frantic movements. Her eyes were wide with a mix of exasperation and urgency.

"Stop making a scene in the class," she hissed, her voice barely above a whisper, yet sharp enough to carry a sting.

Siddharth froze mid-sit-up, looking at her with pleading eyes, as if trying to read the answer in her expression. "Maaf kar diya?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, a hopeful lilt in his voice. His grip on his ears loosened only a fraction, as if her denial would immediately trigger a continuation of his embarrassing routine.

"No." Her voice snapped, sharp but tinged with the kind of irritation only someone close could muster—a girlfriend's anger, all heat and exasperation.

"Okay." He shrugged casually, as if he could ignore her words, and resumed his sit-ups with exaggerated determination.

Ruhi's patience snapped. She yanked his arm again, her grip firm, eyes blazing. "I said stop it! Don't embarrass me. Warna chali jayungi main yaha se. Ek to khud dusri ladkiyo ko dekh kar smile pass karte ho... aur phir mujhe hi puri class ke samne embarrass karte ho. Chup chap khade raho ya baitho... jo karna ho karo... bas mere se baat mat karo."

Her words hit him like a cold wave. His chest tightened, a pang of hurt twisting inside him when she said not to talk to her. His lips trembled slightly. "Itni si baat par ab breakup kar logi kya? I'm sorry na... please... promise... zindagi mein kabhi kisi ladki ki taraf dekhunga bhi nahi." His tone was heavy, almost pleading, eyes glistening as if he could vanish into nothingness if she refused to forgive him.

Ruhi exhaled sharply, a mix of frustration and reluctance, and slung her bag over her shoulder, preparing to storm off. Her heart beat fast, a swirl of anger and something softer she wasn't ready to admit.

Before she could step away, Siddharth grabbed her arm, his hold gentle but insistent. His gaze met hers, wide and earnest, vulnerability seeping through every line of his face. "Acha, sorry, sorry... kuch nahi bolunga ab," he whispered, the desperation in his voice making it impossible for her to stay mad.

She sat down after a small hum of exasperation. Siddharth exhaled a long, relieved sigh and sank into his seat, letting his shoulders relax for the first time in what felt like forever.

Five minutes later, Abhishek strode into the classroom, his presence commanding immediate attention. The moment he appeared, everyone rose instinctively to greet him. He returned their salutations with a warm smile and a dismissive wave. "Sit down everyone... except boys."

The smiles on the boys' faces vanished like ice melting in fire. Their eyes darted around nervously, exchanging silent, worried glances as they remained standing, caught between confusion and apprehension.

Abhishek crossed his arms, his expression shifting from calm to mildly stern as he scanned the room. "So, what's the story?" he asked, voice smooth but carrying a subtle edge. "Hmm? Batao."

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