Author POV
The morning in Regal Town felt unusually alive that day. The sun was peeking through half-opened curtains, birds were noisy, and the faint honks from school buses echoed around the colony. It wasn't just another morning - it was the second day of the new academic year, which meant chaos, excitement, and last-minute rushing everywhere.
In the Malhotra house, the air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and determination.
Ishaan Malhotra, as usual, was already awake before the world even opened its eyes. Sweat glistened on his forehead as he finished his push-ups. His phone lay on the side table, buzzing softly with a notification.
He ignored it, stretched his arms, and walked to the balcony.
The colony was calm, the early rays painting everything gold. Ishaan loved this quiet - it was one of the few times he didn't have to hear gossip, questions, or attention. Peace before chaos, he always thought.
A few minutes later, the sunlight slipped right into Raghav's room through the window blinds and landed straight on his face.
"Ugh, yaar..." he groaned, turning away from the light. But it was too bright to ignore. He sat up, hair messy, eyes half-open.
"Bhai, tu subah-subah gym jaata hai kya? Thoda insaan ban ja," (Brother, do you go to the gym so early? Be human for once!) he muttered loudly, hoping Ishaan would hear from the next room.
From the balcony, Ishaan smirked without looking back. "Good morning to you too, sleeping beauty."
Raghav dragged himself out of bed, yawning. "Bhai, college ka pehla din hai, thoda excitement dikha na."
(It's our first day of college, at least show some excitement.)
"I don't do excitement," Ishaan replied in his calm, deep voice, pulling his T-shirt over his head.
"Of course," Raghav said, grinning. "Because you do attitude."
The banter continued as the brothers got ready. Their first day at St. Andrew College awaited - the same institution that connected the school and the college sections, meaning both Malhotra cousins would soon be in the same world as Ahanshi Batra and her gang... though none of them knew how dramatic that world would get.
Ahanshi's POV
Meanwhile, in another corner of Regal Town, chaos was the morning routine.
Ahanshi Batra was buried under her blanket, pretending not to hear her mom's voice from the kitchen.
"Ahanshi! Jaldi uth jao! School ke liye late ho jaogi!"
(Ahanshi! Wake up quickly! You'll be late for school!)
"Bas five minutes, maa..." she mumbled into the pillow.
Her elder sister, Prachi, entered the room holding Ahanshi's neatly ironed uniform. "Five minutes? Tu toh five saal so jaayegi agar maa na chillaye toh."
(Five minutes? You'd sleep for five years if mom didn't shout.)
Ahanshi peeked out from her blanket, hair messy like she'd wrestled a pillow. "Prachi di, aaj na school cancel karwa do please..."
(Prachi di, please cancel school today...)
Prachi smirked. "Tu Prime Minister hai kya jo school cancel karegi?"
(Are you the Prime Minister that you'll cancel school?)
"Di, seriously, I hate waking up early. Aur kal hi toh school start hua tha!"
(Di, seriously, I hate waking up early. And school just started yesterday!)
Before Prachi could reply, their mom's voice thundered again.
"Ahanshi! Tere lunch mein kaddu ki sabzi daal di hai!"
(Ahanshi! I packed pumpkin curry in your lunch!)
Ahanshi froze mid-yawn. "Kyaaa?! Maa please kaddu mat dena mujhe, please! I hate it!"
From the kitchen: "Healthy hai beta, kha lena." (It's healthy, dear, eat it.)
"Healthy mere mooh pe..." she muttered, throwing herself on the bed dramatically.
Prachi laughed. "Drama queen. Jaldi ready ho ja."
(Drama queen. Get ready fast.)
Reluctantly, Ahanshi got up, tied her hair messily, and wore her uniform. Just as she was about to complain again, the doorbell rang.
"Lagta hai Manya aa gayi," Prachi said.
Manya Kapoor, the ever-energetic best friend, entered the house carrying her bag, munching on a biscuit.
"Good morning Mrs. Batra! Aloo paratha bana hai kya?"
(Good morning Mrs. Batra! Did you make aloo paratha?)
Mrs. Batra smiled. "Nahi beta, kaddu ki sabzi."
(No dear, pumpkin curry.)
Manya's eyes sparkled. "Perfect! Mujhe kaddu bohot pasand hai!"
(Perfect! I love pumpkin!)
Ahanshi groaned dramatically. "Of course! You love everything I hate."
Manya grinned. "Opposites attract, baby."
They laughed, though Ahanshi's face still showed visible disappointment. She stuffed her bag with half energy, muttering under her breath about kaddu sabzi being a crime.
Just then, Aman, their classmate and partner-in-chaos, appeared outside with his heavy bag.
"Chalo chalo! Bus miss ho jayegi!" (Come on! We'll miss the bus!)
Manya looked at him and then at Ahanshi. "Race lagate hain?" (Let's race?)
Aman smirked. "Winner gets a burger from loser at canteen."
Ahanshi immediately perked up. "Deal! But Aman, tu toh pehle se loser hai." (Deal! But Aman, you're already a loser.)
They all burst out laughing and dashed out of the house.
The streets of Regal Town came alive with their laughter. Manya took the lead, running like a sprinter. Ahanshi followed close behind, her bag bouncing. Aman tried his best but his heavy backpack betrayed him - he was far behind, panting.
"Arre slow down yaar! Mujhe marna hai kya?" (Slow down, guys! Are you trying to kill me?) he shouted.
Ahanshi laughed between breaths. "Bas thoda aur! I want my free burger!"
Manya was already far ahead, turning around to tease. "Losers! Catch me if you can!"
But fate - and speed - had other plans.
Down the road, Ishaan was on his Bullet, heading toward college. The morning breeze ruffled his hair; he was lost in his own thoughts about the day ahead. That's when he noticed a bunch of maniacs running on the road.
What on earth...? he thought, slowing slightly.
Manya ran past first. Ishaan blinked in confusion. "Yeh ladki daud kyu rahi hai?" (Why is this girl running?)
Before he could process, Ahanshi suddenly came right in front of his bike from the side street. His reflexes kicked in - he slammed the brakes hard, tires screeching.
Ahanshi stumbled, losing balance, and fell on the road with a startled yelp.
Her heart pounded - she closed her eyes, expecting pain. But when she opened them, she found a tall, broad-shouldered boy looking down at her with irritation written all over his face.
It was Ishaan.
Ahanshi's POV
"Are you blind?! Nazar nahi aati kya?" (Are you blind?! Can't you see?) she shouted, brushing the dust off her skirt.
Ishaan's brows lifted lazily. "Main kya karu tumhari height hi itni chhoti hai. Dikhi hi nahi." (What can I do? You're so short, I didn't even see you.)
Her mouth fell open. "Excuse me?! How dare you-"
But Ishaan just started his bike again, cutting her off mid-sentence.
"Next time, road cross karne se pehle dekh lena. Warna koi aur bullet leke aajayega."
(Next time, look before crossing. Or someone else might hit you with their Bullet.)
He sped off, leaving her fuming in the middle of the road.
"Ugh! Attitude bhi dekha tumhara! Mujhe toh lagta hai yeh college wale sab arrogant hote hain!"
(Ugh! Look at your attitude! I think all these college boys are arrogant!)
She kicked a small stone on the road and stomped away.
Author POV
Ahanshi stomped her way toward the bus stand, still muttering under her breath. Her mood was officially ruined.
"Pehle kaddu ka tiffin, upar se yeh bike wala bandar..." (First the pumpkin tiffin, and now this bike monkey...)
From afar, she saw Manya and Aman already waiting near the bus stop. Manya stood proudly, arms crossed, a wide grin on her face.
"Told you, I'll win!" she said, flicking an imaginary speck of dust from her sleeve. "Where were you, Miss Slow Motion?"
Aman laughed, pointing at Ahanshi's red face. "Lagta hai kisi ne race nahi, kisi ne usko road pe hi gira diya." (Looks like someone didn't lose the race - someone made her lose it on the road.)
"Very funny," Ahanshi snapped, adjusting her skirt. "Tum dono na, ek din pitoge mujhse."
Manya raised a brow, "Ohh madam, gussa kyun ho rahi ho? Kya kisi ne line mein lagake lecture de diya kya?" (Oh madam, why so angry? Did someone lecture you on the road?)
Ahanshi sighed dramatically. "Don't even ask. Ek ladka... uss stupid Bullet wale ne mujhe almost maar hi diya!"
"WHAT?!" Manya said, suddenly serious. "Tu theek hai na?"
"I'm fine," Ahanshi replied, her tone sharp. "Bas uski shakal yaad rakh lo tum dono. Agar college mein dikha na... toh main usse..."
Aman interrupted, teasingly, "Shaadi kar legi?" (Will you marry him?)
Ahanshi glared. "Kahi ka nahi chhodungi!" (I won't spare him!)
The three of them laughed, though Ahanshi's irritation was far from over. Just as they started giggling again, the school bus honked loudly and stopped in front of them.
Manya jumped in excitement. "Bus aa gayi! Let's go!"
But before they could climb, Aman, as usual, rushed inside first and grabbed his favorite window seat.
"First come, first serve, ladies!" he said, flashing a victorious grin.
Manya rolled her eyes. "Selfish creature."
"Boys are born selfish," Ahanshi muttered as they climbed into the bus - only to find all the seats already occupied.
"Great!" Ahanshi said sarcastically. "Hum dono statue banke khade rahenge puri ride." (We'll just stand like statues for the whole ride.)
Manya giggled. "At least we'll burn some calories."
"Calories meri marzi se burn hoti hain, torture se nahi!" (I burn calories by choice, not torture!)
The bus started moving with its usual squeaks and groans. Students chattered, laughed, and sang songs at the back. Some were busy gossiping, some scrolling on their phones, while the driver yelled at random kids to sit properly.
Manya and Ahanshi stood holding the overhead rail. The wind brushed their hair as the bus rattled through the streets.
Manya leaned closer. "So, tell me... how exactly did this accident happen?"
Ahanshi rolled her eyes. "Mat poochh. I was just running and that arrogant idiot came out of nowhere on his Bullet. Instead of saying sorry, he told me I was too short to see!"
Manya couldn't help it - she burst out laughing. "WHAT?! He said that?"
"Ha! Imagine, main already gir gayi thi aur upar se insult bhi kar gaya!" (Yes! I already fell down and he added insult to injury!)
Manya laughed so hard she almost lost her balance. "Maybe he's blind or just overconfident. You know these college boys na, full of fake swag."
Ahanshi frowned, crossing her arms. "Swag nahi, bakwaas attitude hai." (Not swag, just stupid attitude.)
Meanwhile, Aman from his seat looked back, teasing. "Kya ho raha hai madam logon ka gossip club mein?"
"Tu chup kar," Manya said. "Tere liye burger cancel."
"Arre what? Mujhe toh laga main second aaya tha, consolation burger toh banta hai!" (I thought I came second, I deserve at least a consolation burger!)
Ahanshi shook her head, but a smile finally appeared on her lips. For a moment, the morning drama faded as laughter filled the bus.
Author POV
By the time the bus reached St. Andrew School, the campus was alive with noise. Students were rushing through the gates, seniors showing off their cool walks, teachers guiding the newcomers.
Manya and Ahanshi stepped out together, adjusting their bags. The first thing Ahanshi noticed?
A shiny black Bullet bike parked right near the entrance.
Her jaw clenched. "Yeh wahi bike hai!" (It's the same bike!)
Manya followed her gaze and widened her eyes. "No way! The same guy?"
"Exactly." Ahanshi crossed her arms. "Isse main toh main ag laga dungi!" (I'll set his bike on fire!)
Manya burst out laughing. "Calm down, Sholay ki Basanti. Don't lose your temper on day two."
Ahanshi huffed. "Mujhe bas mil jaaye, fir dekhna main kya karti hoon." (Just let me find him, then you'll see what I do.)
They walked into the ground, joining the line for morning assembly. The air was filled with chatter, a few yawns, and the school band rehearsing badly in the background.
After the prayer, the Principal walked onto the stage with his microphone. His voice boomed over the ground.
"Good morning students!"
"Good morning, sir!" the crowd echoed in unison.
The Principal smiled warmly. "Today, I have a small announcement to make. Every year, St. Andrew selects a Head Boy for the new session - someone who represents discipline, confidence, and leadership."
Everyone started whispering. The teachers stood straight, watching the stage.
Manya leaned toward Ahanshi. "I bet it's that Rahul guy. He's been acting like he owns the place."
Ahanshi nodded. "Yeah, definitely Rahul. Uske alawa kaun ho sakta hai?" (Who else could it be?)
The Principal continued, "This year, our Head Boy for the first-year session is..."
A pause.
The crowd leaned in.
"...Ishaan Malhotra."
The moment the name echoed, the crowd erupted with cheers and gasps. Some students clapped, some looked shocked - and all the girls suddenly straightened their posture.
Ahanshi's mouth fell open. "Kya?!! Yeh wahi..."
Manya's grin was wicked. "Oh ho... toh yeh wahi Bullet boy hai?" (Oh ho... so he's the same Bullet boy?)
On the stage, Ishaan walked forward, calm and confident. The sunlight hit his face, highlighting his sharp jawline and effortless presence. His crisp white shirt sleeves were folded neatly, and his gaze was steady - not arrogant, just sure.
He accepted the Head Boy badge from the Principal with a polite nod.
Principal continued, "Ishaan's father, Mr. Raj Malhotra, was a trustee of this school. Though he is no longer with us, his values live through Ishaan - a bright, loyal, and responsible student."
For a brief second, Ishaan's eyes softened at the mention of his father. Then he composed himself, bowed slightly, and walked down from the stage.
Girls around whispered.
"He's so handsome!"
"Did you see his eyes?"
"I wish he was my lab partner..."
Manya snorted. "Dekha? Girls are already drooling."
Ahanshi folded her arms. "Attitude + fame = disaster."
Aman, who stood behind them, chuckled. "How can someone become head boy on the first day of college?"
Manya replied, "Bhai, isne pakka koi jadu kiya hai sab pe." (He must have done some magic on everyone.)
Ahanshi smirked. "Ya phir connections."
Author POV
After the assembly, Ishaan walked back to class with Raghav, who was grinning ear to ear.
"Bhai, tu toh celebrity ban gaya!" (Bro, you've become a celebrity now!)
Ishaan rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "Celebrity nahi, Head Boy. Don't mix the two."
"Same thing, bro," Raghav said, patting his shoulder. "Girls were literally falling in line for your autograph."
A group of junior girls approached just then, giggling.
"Sir, can we get your signature on our diaries?"
Raghav smirked. "See? Told you."
Ishaan gave a small nod, signed quickly, and walked ahead - not out of pride, but to escape the attention. He hated it when people made him feel like a poster boy.
As he entered the corridor, though, he caught sight of Ahanshi standing by the notice board with Manya and Aman. Their laughter was light but familiar - the same girl he'd almost run over that morning.
For a second, he stopped. Recognition flickered in his eyes.
Manya noticed and nudged Ahanshi. "Look who's here."
Ahanshi turned - and their eyes met.
For a few seconds, time paused. The noisy corridor blurred out. Only those two - glaring at each other with equal stubbornness - remained in focus.
Then Ahanshi looked away first, whispering under her breath,
"Head boy my foot."
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