𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝

Ridha Sharma had always blended into the background. With her shy demeanor and a preference for books over social gatherings, she wasn't the type to catch attention. But for the past year, her heart had harbored a secret: she had a hopeless crush on Vayank Chatterjee, the star of the school.

Vayank wasn't just a 12th-grader; he was the 12th-grader. Captain of the basketball team, head of the student council, and effortlessly charismatic, he seemed larger than life. Ridha watched him from afar, her world lighting up whenever she caught a glimpse of his lopsided grin or heard his infectious laughter echo through the school corridors.

For Ridha, mornings were the best part of the day. Vayank always passed her classroom on his way to the basketball court, his bag slung over one shoulder, earphones tucked in. She'd pretend to read, but her eyes would secretly trace his movements.

But Vayank? He didn't even know she existed.