The footsteps outside the classroom grew louder.

Tarini’s fingers tightened around her pen.

Raya was still looking at her suspiciously.

“Tu itni tense kyun hai?”

“Shhh.”

“Par hua kya?”

“Bas chup reh.”

Before Raya could ask anything else, the classroom door opened.

And Tarini’s heart stopped.

The same face.

The same person.

The same man she had just threatened downstairs.

Kayaansh Shekhawat walked into the classroom.

Tarini’s soul practically left her body.

No.

No no no no.

She immediately looked down at her desk.

Maybe if she didn’t look at him, he wouldn’t see her.

Maybe she could somehow become invisible.

Maybe the floor would just open up and swallow her.

Anything.

Kayaansh walked towards the teacher’s desk, placed a few books on it and casually looked around the classroom.

His eyes moved from one student to another.

And then they stopped.

On Tarini.

For a second.

He recognised her immediately.

Of course he did.

The girl from the corridor.

The one who had nearly declared war on him because she was late to class.

Tarini could feel his eyes on her.

She slowly lowered her head even more.

Please don’t recognise me.

Please don’t recognise me.

Please don’t recognise me.

Kayaansh noticed the way she was suddenly trying her best to disappear behind the person sitting in front of her.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Interesting.

But he said nothing.

He simply looked away and turned towards the class.

“Hello, kiddos.”

The room went quiet.

Kayaansh leaned casually against the edge of the desk.

“I’m Kayaansh Shekhawat. I’ll be your class teacher and your Chemistry teacher.”

He paused.

“And, unfortunately for some of you…”

A few students laughed.

“I’m also your Vice President of Academics.”

The laughter grew louder.

Kayaansh smiled.

“So yes, if you were planning on bunking classes, I would suggest finding a better plan.”

More laughter.

Tarini slowly looked up.

She couldn’t help it.

This was not how she had imagined a teacher would be.

He looked completely relaxed.

No unnecessary seriousness.

No intimidating lecture.

Just standing there like he had walked into the classroom to have a conversation with them.

Kayaansh picked up the marker.

“Now, before anyone starts judging me based on the word Chemistry…”

He wrote CHEMISTRY on the board.

“…let me make one thing clear.”

He turned around.

“Chemistry is not difficult.”

Someone from the middle row immediately said, “Sir, that’s what every Chemistry teacher says.”

The entire class laughed.

Kayaansh nodded thoughtfully.

“Fair point.”

He looked at the student.

“Okay. Chemistry is difficult.”

The class burst out laughing again.

“But only when you don’t understand what’s happening.”

He turned back towards the board.

“And my job is to make sure you understand what’s happening.”

Tarini found herself listening.

Despite herself.

Kayaansh started with the basics, explaining the topic in a way that didn’t feel like a lecture.

He didn’t simply read from the textbook.

He connected everything to everyday things.

He asked questions.

Waited for answers.

Made students think.

Whenever someone gave a completely wrong answer, he didn’t embarrass them.

Instead, he would smile and say, “Good attempt. Chemistry appreciates confidence. The answer, however, does not.”

The class laughed every single time.

Even Tarini had to hide a smile.

At one point, a student complained, “Sir, itna sab yaad kaise rakhenge?”

Kayaansh put the marker down.

“Easy.”

Everyone looked at him.

“Don’t try to memorise everything.”

He pointed towards the board.

“Understand it first. Once you understand something, your brain does half the work for you.”

He continued explaining, moving around the classroom as he spoke.

He was calm.

Confident.

And somehow, he made even the boring parts seem interesting.

Tarini quietly watched him from the last bench.

Then suddenly, Kayaansh looked towards her side.

Tarini immediately looked down.

Again.

Kayaansh noticed.

That same tiny smile appeared on his face.

But he said nothing.

He simply turned back towards the board.

“Alright, kiddos. Open your books.”

Everyone pulled out their books.

Tarini did the same.

She finally let out the breath she’d been holding.

Maybe he hadn’t said anything.

Maybe he was going to ignore what happened.

Maybe she was safe.

She glanced towards him again.

Kayaansh was busy explaining the topic.

Tarini slowly relaxed.

For now.

—-

The entire class went by with Tarini trying her absolute best to hide behind the last bench.

Whenever Kayaansh walked towards their side of the classroom, she suddenly became extremely interested in her notebook.

Whenever he looked in her direction, she looked down.

And whenever he asked a question, Tarini prayed he wouldn’t ask her.

Raya, meanwhile, had started noticing her weird behaviour.

She leaned towards her.

“Tu theek hai?”

Tarini nodded without looking up.

“Haan.”

“Sure?”

“Haan.”

“Phir aise kyun baithi hai jaise police se chhup rahi hai?”

Tarini gave her a warning look.

“Raya. Chup.”

Raya raised her hands.

“Okay, okay.”

At the front, Kayaansh continued teaching as if nothing had happened.

He moved around the classroom, occasionally asking questions and throwing in random jokes that had the entire class laughing.

By the end of the period, even the students who had been half asleep at the beginning were actually paying attention.

Kayaansh looked at the clock.

“Alright, kiddos. I think that’s enough Chemistry for one morning.”

A few students immediately cheered.

“Sir, already?”

Kayaansh laughed.

“Wow. I’m impressed. Five minutes ago you all were begging me to stop teaching.”

The class laughed.

He put the marker down and closed his book.

“Whatever we did today, just go through it once at home. Don’t wait until the night before the exam and then suddenly decide Chemistry has personally betrayed you.”

A student from the front called out, “Sir, can we get less homework?”

Kayaansh looked at him.

“You can.”

The student smiled.

“Really?”

“No.”

The entire class burst out laughing.

Kayaansh picked up his books.

“See you in the next class.”

He was about to leave when he suddenly stopped.

His eyes travelled towards the last bench.

Straight towards Tarini.

She immediately stiffened.

Oh no.

Kayaansh raised his hand and pointed towards her.

“You girl.”

Tarini looked around.

Maybe he wasn’t talking to her.

He pointed again.

“Yes, you, Miss.”

Tarini’s eyes widened.

“Me?”

“Yes. You.”

The entire last bench suddenly felt like the most dangerous place on Earth.

Kayaansh smiled politely.

“Meet me after school in my office.”

And with that, he turned around and walked out of the classroom.

Tarini sat completely still.

She didn’t even blink.

Raya slowly turned towards her.

There was a huge grin on her face.

“Now what did you do on the first day of school?”

Tarini looked at her.

Raya leaned closer.

“Kaunsa naya kand kiya? Woh bhi mere bina, yaar!”

“Shut up!”

Raya started laughing.

“Tell me!”

“Nothing!”

“Tarini.”

“Nothing!”

“Then why did sir call you to his office?”

Tarini looked towards the door through which Kayaansh had just left.

She lowered her voice.

“I may have…”

Raya waited.

“…insulted him.”

Raya’s smile disappeared.

“Who?”

“Our Chemistry teacher.”

Raya stared at her.

“What?”

Tarini nodded slowly.

Raya blinked.

“What did you say?”

Tarini hesitated.

“Bas thoda sa.”

“Tarini.”

“Okay, fine!”

She leaned closer and whispered,

“Main campus ghoom rahi thi na. Bell baj gayi. Main bhaag rahi thi class ke liye.”

Raya nodded.

“Then?”

“Corner pe ek banda aa gaya. Main usse takra gayi aur gir gayi.”

“Okay…”

“I thought he was a student.”

Raya’s expression slowly changed.

“Oh no.”

Tarini nodded.

“I said…”

She paused.

“‘Oyeee, andha hai kyaaa? Teri wajah se gir gayi! Abhi toh class ke liye late ho rahi hoon. Tujhe toh baad mein niptaungi, mil bas tu!’”

There was silence.

Raya stared at her.

Then she covered her mouth.

“YOU DID NOT.”

“I DID.”

“And then?”

“Then some student came and said, ‘Good morning, sir.’”

Raya’s eyes widened.

Tarini nodded miserably.

“I looked at his ID.”

“Don’t tell me…”

“Chemistry.”

Raya slowly leaned back.

“Teacher?”

Tarini nodded.

“Teacher.”

“Tarini!”

“I KNOW!”

Raya burst out laughing.

Tarini covered her face with both hands.

“Hasna band kar!”

“Sorry, sorry!”

“You’re not sorry!”

“I’m really not.”

Tarini groaned.

“Ab kya karungi main?”

Raya was still laughing.

“Pehle din hi principal ke VP ko dhamka diya.”

“Don’t say it like that!”

“Phir kaise bolun?”

Tarini dropped her hands.

“Maybe he won’t do anything.”

Raya looked at her.

“He literally asked you to meet him in his office.”

“Exactly why I’m scared.”

“Good luck.”

“Raya!”

“What? Main toh tere saath nahi aaungi. Tune kand kiya hai, tu hi bhugtegi.”

Tarini glared at her.

“Best friend naam ki bhi koi cheez hoti hai.”

“Obviously. Isliye toh main tujhe moral support de rahi hoon.”

“Tu meri beizzati kar rahi hai.”

“Same thing.”

Tarini sighed and dropped her forehead onto the desk.

“First day hi barbaad.”

Raya patted her shoulder.

“Don’t worry.”

Tarini looked up hopefully.

Raya smiled.

“Kal tak poore school ko pata chal jayega.”

“RAYAAAA!”

The two started laughing.

The next bell rang before Tarini could throw her pen at her.

The rest of the day continued with Biology and Physics classes.

By then, Tarini had almost managed to forget about the meeting waiting for her after school.

Almost.

Because every now and then, her eyes would drift towards the clock.

And every time they did, the same thought came back.

Why did I have to open my mouth?

—-

The Physics class was finally over.

And honestly?

Tarini and Raya looked traumatised.

Tarini dropped her pen on the desk and leaned back.

“Bhai, mujhe lag raha hai 11th mein admission lena meri life ki sabse badi galti thi.”

Raya nodded seriously.

“Same. Physics wale sir ne toh meri rooh tak hila di.”

Tarini looked at her.

“Ek period mein itna sab kaise padha diya?”

“Pata nahi. Mujhe toh pehle five minutes mein hi laga tha main ghar chali jaaun.”

Tarini sighed.

“Chemistry, Physics… bas Biology hi bacha hai.”

Raya looked at her.

“Usme bhi practicals honge.”

Tarini’s face fell.

“Please mujhe dara mat.”

Before they could continue their suffering session, the lunch bell rang.

Raya immediately stood up.

“Chal.”

“Kahan?”

“Canteen. Checkout karte hain.”

Tarini looked at her suspiciously.

“Nahi.”

“Why?”

“Fir kuch kand kar diya toh?”

Raya stared at her for a second.

“Tu canteen jaake kya kand karegi?”

“Pata nahi. Mere saath automatically ho jaata hai.”

Raya rolled her eyes.

“Bas kar. Chal.”

“Nahi.”

“Chal.”

“Raya, nahi.”

“Tarini.”

“Nahi!”

Raya grabbed her hand.

“Chal na!”

“Arey ruk! Main nahi aa rahi!”

“Tu aa rahi hai.”

“Raya!”

But it was already too late.

Raya practically dragged her out of the classroom.

“Tu meri best friend hai ya meri dushman?”

“Best friend.”

“Phir meri baat kyun nahi sunti?”

“Because you’re boring.”

Tarini gasped.

“Excuse me?”

“Canteen.”

“Fine!”

The two finally reached the canteen.

They ordered their food and, after collecting everything, decided to sit outside in the ground.

Tarini took a sip of her Diet Coke and looked around.

“Do hoga dekha jayega.”

Raya looked at her.

Tarini shrugged.

“Waise bhi main Tarini Singh hoon. Darti kisi ke baap se nahi, sirf apne baap ke alawa.”

Raya burst out laughing.

“Wah. Kya confidence hai.”

“Obviously.”

They continued walking around the ground, casually drinking their Diet Coke and talking about random things.

Tarini was finally starting to relax.

Until Raya suddenly stopped.

“Tarini.”

“Hm?”

“Udhar dekh.”

Tarini followed her gaze.

Near the other side of the ground stood Kayaansh.

And he wasn’t alone.

A group of students had surrounded him.

Mostly girls, with a few boys mixed in.

Someone was asking him something.

Another girl was laughing.

One of the girls said something that made the group burst out laughing.

Kayaansh simply shook his head, smiling.

“Bas bas. Aap logon ka homework khatam hua nahi aur flirting shuru ho gayi?”

The students laughed.

“Sir, aap itne cool ho hi kyun?”

Kayaansh raised an eyebrow.

“Main cool nahi hoon. Aap logon ke standards low hain.”

Everyone laughed again.

Another student said, “Sir, aapki class favourite hai.”

“Obviously.”

He said it so casually that everyone started laughing.

“Confidence dekho sir ka!”

Kayaansh smiled.

“Confidence nahi hai. Experience hai.”

Tarini watched from a distance.

She couldn’t help but notice how easily he handled everyone.

He wasn’t trying too hard to be everyone’s favourite.

He just naturally was.

He joked around with the students, but still somehow maintained that teacher boundary.

Raya nudged Tarini.

“Ye wahi hai na?”

Tarini immediately looked away.

“Shhh.”

“Arre, dekh toh.”

“Nahi dekh rahi.”

“Tu literally dekh rahi thi.”

“Main bas… surroundings dekh rahi thi.”

Raya laughed.

“Haan haan. Surroundings.”

Tarini took another sip of her Diet Coke.

“Chup kar.”

Before Raya could tease her again, the lunch bell rang.

The ground instantly started clearing as students began heading back towards their classrooms.

Raya grabbed her bag.

“Chal, warna next class ke liye phir late ho jayenge.”

Tarini nodded.

They made their way back inside.

Their last class of the day was Biology Lab.

And somehow, after everything that had happened that morning, Tarini had a feeling the day wasn’t quite done with her yet.

—-

The Biology Lab finally ended.

And with that, the first day of school was officially over.

Students started leaving one by one, rushing towards the gates, buses and waiting cars.

Tarini packed her things slowly while Raya stood beside her.

Raya looked at her.

“All the best.”

Tarini stopped packing.

“Yrrr… ab fat rahi hai meri.”

Raya laughed.

“Ab yaad aa raha hai?”

“Obviously! Subah jo bol diya woh yaad aa raha hai.”

“Bas jaa aur sorry bol dena.”

“Tu mere saath chal.”

“Gate tak.”

“Please.”

“Fine.”

The two walked towards Kayaansh’s office together.

As they reached the corridor, Raya stopped.

“Main yehi tak saath de sakti hoon.”

Tarini looked towards the office.

Then at Raya.

Then back at the office.

“Yrrr… bhaag jaun kya?”

Raya immediately shook her head.

“Chal, andar jaa ab.”

Tarini made a face.

Raya grinned.

“Waise bhi sir bahut handsome hai.”

Tarini looked at her.

“Hai toh pura maal hai.”

Both burst out laughing.

“Pagal!” Raya whispered.

Before Tarini could say anything else, Raya gave her a little push.

“Jaa!”

Tarini stumbled through the doorway.

She quickly caught herself.

Kayaansh looked up from the papers on his desk.

There was a brief silence.

“Sorry.”

Kayaansh raised an eyebrow.

“Knock before entering and ask for permission, right?”

Tarini immediately looked down.

Then he added calmly,

“But wait. Aap thodi karengi. Aap toh teachers ko threat karti hain, right?”

Tarini’s face fell.

Bas. Shuru.

She stood there quietly.

Kayaansh tried not to smile.

“Miss, your name?”

“Tarini Singh.”

He nodded.

“Tarini Singh.”

He leaned back in his chair.

“You remember me?”

Tarini blinked.

“Sir, unfortunately.”

He let out a small laugh.

“Unfortunately?”

Tarini immediately realised what she’d said.

“I mean… not unfortunately. I mean, obviously I remember you.”

“Hmm.”

He leaned back in his chair.

“Interesting first day, Miss Singh.”

Tarini said nothing.

“Usually students take a few weeks to create an impression.”

He paused.

“You managed it in a few minutes.”

Tarini pressed her lips together, trying not to react.

“Sorry, sir.”

“Good.”

He picked up a paper from his desk.

“Now tell me. Why were you running through the corridor like the school was about to close forever?”

“I was late.”

“I noticed.”

“The campus is really big.”

“So you started running.”

“Yes.”

“And then you ran straight into me.”

Tarini slowly nodded.

“Yes, sir.”

Kayaansh waited for a second.

“And then?”

Tarini knew exactly what he was asking.

She looked away.

“Then I… said something.”

“Something?”

Tarini stayed quiet.

He raised an eyebrow.

“Something along the lines of ‘andha hai kya’?”

Tarini covered her face for a second.

“Sir…”

Kayaansh laughed.

“Relax. I’m not offended.”

Tarini looked at him.

“Really?”

“Really.”

He smiled.

Kayaansh’s expression softened a little.

“Look, Tarini. I’m not calling you here to scare you.”

Tarini finally looked up.

“I just want you to understand something.”

He kept his voice calm.

Kayaansh’s tone became a little more serious.

“Tarini,  I don’t want you getting into trouble.”

She nodded.

“It’s your first day. New school, new teachers, new environment. I know it can take some time to adjust.”

Tarini listened quietly.

“But you need to be careful. Getting into trouble might seem funny right now, but there are rules here for a reason.”

He paused.

“And don’t be afraid to be yourself. You seem like a confident girl.”

Tarini looked at him.

“I like that.”

He continued, “But confidence is good when you know where to use it. Don’t let your temper make decisions for you.”

Tarini nodded slowly.

“Yes, sir.”

“And I like your personality.”

Tarini blinked.

“You seem confident. You speak your mind. That’s not a bad thing.”

He gave her a small smile.

“Just learn when to use it.”

Tarini nodded.

“Yes, sir.”

“And maybe…”

He raised an eyebrow.

“And one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Before threatening anyone next time, maybe check whether they’re a student or a teacher.”

Tarini’s eyes widened.

“Sir!”

Kayaansh laughed.

“I told you I’m not offended.”

Tarini shook her head, smiling despite herself.

“Sorry, sir. It won’t happen again.”

“Good.”

He put the pen down.

“That’s all. You can go.”

Tarini stood up.

“Thank you, sir.”

She turned towards the door.

“Tarini?”

She looked back.

“Welcome to Ravenswood.”

A small smile appeared on her face.

“Thank you.”

She walked out of the office and quietly closed the door behind her.

The moment she stepped outside, she found Raya waiting.

Raya immediately looked at her.

“So?”

Tarini exhaled dramatically.

“Not bad.”

“Bas?”

Tarini started walking beside her.

“He’s actually nice.”

Raya grinned.

“I told you.”

Tarini shook her head.

“First day pe hi mujhe laga tha Chemistry boring hogi.”

She glanced back at the office door.

“But sir is actually cool.”

Raya smiled.

“Handsome bhi.”

Tarini rolled her eyes.

“Shut up.”

But as they walked towards the school gate, Tarini couldn’t help thinking about the day.

The first day had been chaotic.

She had almost gotten herself into trouble.

She had threatened a teacher.

She had survived Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

And somehow, despite everything…

She already had a feeling she was going to remember this school for a very long time.

—-

To be continue…

I hope you guys liked the chapterrr!! Although ngl, mujhe thoda darr lag raha hai ki kahin boring toh nahi laga? 😭

Tarini toh bach gayi bhaiii 😭 Bechari pehle hi din apne itne hot teacher ko Hitler samajh Rahi thi, aur pata chala banda itna cool aur hot-handsome hai mein hoti toh Darne ki Jagha line marti yrrr!! 😭😭

Waise ek secret bataun? Mere chemistry teacher bhi kaafi hot aur handsome hain… bas itna hi bolungi 👀😂

Agar chapter acha laga ho toh VOTEEEE kar denaaaaa!! It takes literally two seconds but makes me sooo happy 🥹

And PLEASEEE comments mein batao what you guys thought about the chapter!! Tarini ka first day kaisa laga? Kayaansh ke first impression ke baare mein kya thoughts hain? I wanna know EVERYTHINGGG 😭

Love you my Izzys, ab comments ki baarish chahiye!!! 💗