Chapter 1

Subhi

Mornings are beautiful, and today was no different. As I walked toward the window, I noticed how the sunlight made the floor shine, the birds chirped joyfully, and even the empty ground outside seemed beautiful in the morning glow.

After freshening up, I got ready for school and went to the dining room, where my father and younger brother were already seated.

"Good morning, everyone," I greeted.

They responded with the same, and we all started eating. Once done, I said goodbye to Mumma and Papa before heading out with Bhai. He was in class 9, so he went up to the 2nd floor, while I climbed to the 3rd floor for my class.

Just as I was about to enter, I suddenly crashed into a solid wall of muscle—or at least, that's what it felt like. When I looked up, I saw who it was.

Abhimanyu.

The senior every girl buzzed around like bees to honey.

I never understood what was so special about him. Arrogant. Egoistic. Always picking fights. I had seen enough to know I didn’t like this guy. But for some reason, girls seemed obsessed with him.

I shook off my irritation and headed to class. Exams were more important than some self-absorbed senior.

But then, a horrible realization struck me.

"Oh no… is he in my examination hall?!"

The last thing I needed was to deal with his arrogance and the unnecessary attention he'd get from his admirers. I groaned internally and hurried to my seat, hoping I wouldn’t have to deal with him.

My assigned seat was at the back, next to the window. The chair beside mine was empty, except for a bag resting on it. Someone had already claimed the spot but was probably outside.

I ignored it and focused on my notes. I needed to revise, not waste time thinking about Abhimanyu.

A few minutes later, the bell rang, signaling the start of the exam. Students hurried inside, and just as I glanced toward the door, my worst nightmare unfolded before me.

Abhimanyu walked in.

The moment he stepped inside, I heard the girls whispering excitedly. I rolled my eyes, already irritated.

"Please, God, don’t let him sit near me," I muttered under my breath.

But just then, I felt someone drop into the seat beside me.

I turned my head slowly, praying I was wrong.

But there he was.

Mr. Abhimanyu.

The one person I hated the most.

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