A year passed.
Silently.
For Naira Rathore—
nothing changed.
She was still the same.
Focused. Disciplined. Unbothered.
After that one day…
she never noticed him again.
Not even once.
But for Kartik Malhotra—
Everything was different.
He noticed her.
Every single day.
From the backbench…
From across the corridor…
From quiet moments she never realized—
He watched.
He never spoke.
But he never stopped noticing.
School Campus – New Session (Class 8)
The campus was filled with excitement.
Students laughed, played, and reunited with friends after the break.
Inside the classroom, voices blended into cheerful chaos.
At Kartik's Side
He had built his own world.
Shivansh.
Abhir.
Virat.
Kabir.
Abhimanyu.
And him.
Six boys.
Laughter. Chaos. Carefree energy.
A world completely different from hers.
At Naira's Side
Ishita had become a part of her group.
Talking. Laughing. Sharing notes.
But Naira—
Remained the same.
Distant. Composed. Focused.
Then—She Entered
Naira walked into the classroom.
Calm. Confident. Effortless.
But this time—
She wasn't alone.
A boy walked beside her.
Unknown. Unfamiliar.
He moved ahead and sat on the first bench—
right in front of Kartik's group.
Naira noticed immediately.
Her expression changed slightly.
She leaned closer and whispered—
"Don't talk to them."
The boy raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"They're not serious about studies," she replied quietly.
The boy smiled.
"Okay… Naru."
Naira frowned.
"Don't call me that here."
But it was too late.
Kartik had heard it.
Naru.
His eyes shifted toward her instantly.
That name—
Felt too close.
Too personal.
His jaw tightened slightly.
"Who is he?" Virat whispered.
Kartik didn't reply.
His gaze remained fixed on them.
At That Moment—
"Attention everyone!"
A student rushed inside.
"The toppers list is out!"
Excitement spread across the classroom.
Whispers grew louder.
A few minutes later—
The teacher entered.
"Settle down, everyone."
The class fell silent.
"Before we begin… I will announce the toppers."
A pause.
"Naira Rathore has secured the first position in the school."
Applause filled the room.
Naira stood up calmly.
As always.
Perfect.
"And this year…"
The teacher paused again.
Something felt different.
"The second position…"
She smiled slightly.
"Is from this very class."
The room erupted.
"What? Who, ma'am?"
She looked at the list.
"Not she… he."
Another pause.
"Kartik Malhotra."
Silence.
"He has secured 99.9%."
For a moment—
Everything stopped.
Naira's eyes lifted.
And for the first time in a long time—
She looked at him properly.
Kartik stood up.
Calm. Unbothered.
Their eyes met.
After a whole year.
But this time—
Something had changed.
Because the boy she once ignored…
Was no longer just a backbencher.
"Clap for both of them," the teacher said.
The classroom filled with applause again.
"Today will be an introduction class. Regular classes begin tomorrow."
Naira's cousin smiled.
"Congratulations, Naru. I'm so happy."
Naira replied softly,
"Thank you… and don't call me that."
But once again—
Kartik had heard it.
Naru.
And this time…
He didn't look away.
🖤 To be continued…
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