Aadhya's pov
"Hahah—Vivaan really did that!" Avi was laughing like this was the highlight of his life. Absolute menace.
"But seriously… where did you get that kit?" Dj asked, looking at me curiously.
For a second, my eyes shifted to Devit. He didn't notice.
"Nothing," I answered quickly.
"Just don't go around picking up trash, Adi," Samar said, casually placing his arm around my shoulder.
"Maybe it's yours," Avi shot back instantly.
I turned to glare at him. "Seriously?"
Then I smirked. "If I hadn't picked your love letter that day… you wouldn't be this happy now."
That hit.
Samar immediately straightened. "I wouldn't do that to Jiya," he said defensively, shooting Avi a look before walking off to his seat.
Serves him right.
We sat down, and from the backbench chaos started.
"Hey Vivaan, what happened to your eye?"
"Did you get into a fight?"
"Who dared to hit you?"
I laughed internally.
Go on… tell them. Say I gave you that black eye.
Before anything could continue, Neel barged into the class.
"Guysss! Time for assembly!"
Groans everywhere.
"Already?"
"Let's go or we'll get blamed again!"
Everyone started rushing out.
I stayed seated.
Should I go with them?
…Maybe not.
I pulled out my phone, scrolling aimlessly. I'll just ask Avi and Dj later.
Soon, the classroom went completely empty.
I hummed randomly, some tune I didn't even recognize.
Peace. Finally.
But—
Suddenly, footsteps.
I looked up.
A few of them came back—panting.
"What the hell?"
Avi, especially, looked like he ran a marathon.
"Hey! Aren't you coming?" he shouted. "We'll be late, come on!"
He grabbed my hand, pulling me up.
"Huh? Can I come?" I asked, unsure.
They all stared at me.
Like I just asked the dumbest question on earth.
And then—
Nikansh casually placed his arm around my shoulder.
"Come on. You're one of us. Of course you should be with us."
For a second… I just looked at him.
Then I smiled.
Really smiled.
"Yes," I said, nodding quickly.
I almost jumped in excitement.
They laughed at my reaction, and we all hurried out together.
The others were waiting outside, already annoyed.
"Finally," someone muttered.
And just like that—we all moved toward the assembly ground.
Everyone lined up according to sections.
Only the presidents stood a little ahead.
Hmm.
"Good morning, students," the teacher announced.
"Good morning, ma'am," we all replied in sync.
"Let's begin our 12th class assembly, starting with Section A," Mrs. Sharma announced.
Of course. Section A first. Drama begins.
"Section A representative—Riya Merchant."
She stepped forward like she owned the entire school. Chin up, confidence on peak, attitude on full display.
"Student report: zero suspension, zero violation. Classroom report: new projector needed. Suggestions: new classroom and AC for Section A."
Wow.
Buzzing queen bee in her natural habitat.
Then Section B. Two suspensions, zero violations. Boring.
Then Section C.
Of course—Saanvi. My baby.
…scratch that—Avi's baby.
"Section C representative—Saanvi Dhara."
"One suspension, one violation. Classroom report: ceiling fan needs to be replaced. Suggestions: none."
Simple. Clean. Queen behavior.
Then Section D. Two suspensions, two violations.
Wow. Competition is tough.
And finally—
"Section E representative—Vivaan Oberoi Windsor."
He stepped forward casually, like none of this mattered.
"Four suspensions, three violations. Classroom report: none. Suggestions: none."
…
WHAT THE HELL.
I slowly nudged him.
He glanced at me, bored.
"Why didn't you mention the trash in front of our building?" I whispered.
"You want to know?" he asked.
I nodded.
And then—
He raised his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Oberoi?" Mr. Trivedi said.
Vivaan looked at me…
And motioned me to speak.
Excuse me?!
But fine. I stepped forward a little.
"Classroom report: trash… in front—"
"Miss Aadhya," Mrs. Sharma cut me off immediately, "the trash is where it belongs."
…
Silence for one second—
And then laughter.
Other sections burst out laughing.
I slowly turned and glared at that idiot beside me.
I swear I will punch you again.
"Okay, we'll now discuss the festival," Mrs. Sharma continued, trying to regain control.
Instant cheers everywhere.
Mr. Trivedi started assigning roles.
"Section A?"
"Program organizers," Riya replied proudly.
Of course.
"Section B?"
"Sports fest."
"Section C?"
"Photo booths."
"Section D?"
"Security."
"And Section E?"
All eyes turned to us.
Vivaan looked back at us.
We were all staring at him.
Say something useful for once.
Then—
"Night security and trash collection."
…
We cheered.
Other sections? Laughing again.
Expected.
He turned back to us, slightly annoyed. "Happy now?"
We just smiled.
Yes. Very.
"Okay, quiet everyone," Mrs. Sharma said. "This time, the pageant will be only for women. In Serious Terms only Sarees are allowed. No other forms of dressing is allowed."
The entire ground erupted.
Everyone already whispering—Riya will win, obviously.
Then she added, "Judges will be from different branches, so it will be fair. No partiality. Every section must participate."
My smile dropped.
Every section?
Oh no.
I felt the anxiety creeping in.
Right beside me, Nikansh leaned slightly.
"Don't worry. We're not participating," he said casually.
I blinked. "Why?"
"Because the school board doesn't even consider us. They think we can't win," he replied.
Oh.
…Oh.
Thank God.
I am NOT made for pageants. No thank you.
Just when I relaxed—
"Ma'am, I have a suggestion."
Oh no.
I don't like that tone.
"Please… no…" I muttered under my breath.
"Yes, Miss Merchant?"
Riya stepped forward, smiling sweetly. Too sweet. Suspiciously sweet.
"Every section should participate, right? Then Section E should too."
And she looked straight at me.
Damn it.
"Miss Merchant, Section E—" Mrs. Sharma started.
"I know, ma'am," Riya cut in smoothly, "but I think it's time for them to prove themselves."
Her grin widened.
At me.
Oh.
She's not suggesting.
She's targeting.
Around me, murmurs started.
"What is Riya thinking?"
"She's trying to humiliate us."
"We won't win anyway…"
And honestly?
They're not wrong.
But still—
Why does it feel like…
I'm about to be dragged into something I really, really don't want to be part of?