Kriti's POV

Monday mornings and I - can never become friends.

And on top of that this new problem:

Three people have already given me the warning "A new professor has come. He is very strict."

I thought - it's okay, we'll see. Every professor takes a little attitude on the first day.

But when I reached the class 7 minutes late and opened the door...
Kabeer Rathore was standing in front of me.

Black shirt, intense eyes, and such an energy as if a person schedules breathing as a discipline.

All the students were completely silent.

I spoke in my usual style,

"Good morning, Sir. Sorry, I am a little late... traffic, life, you know."

He just kept looking at me - without moving a muscle.

"Your name?"

"Kriti Kapoor," I replied confidently, with a little smile.

He just said,

"Sit. And don't speak unless asked."

First day and first insult.

Wah Sir.

But I am Kriti Kapoor.

This Sir cannot break my confidence.

Game on.

Kabir's POV
*************

New college. New students.

But the rules are the same.

I am much more strict than I appear to be.

This was my first lecture. I knew everyone was watching me - judging me.

Fine. Let them in.

The lecture had just started when the door opened in full swing.

Entry was like that of a stage artist.

Kriti Kapoor.

Late. Overconfident. Smiling like it was a joke.

"Good morning, Sir. Sorry, I got a little late..."

I don't judge anyone by looks, but this girl broke the rules in the very first minute.

I don't like such people at all - who make fun of professionalism.

"Sit. And don't speak unless asked." i said her I was going to say more but then I thought it's first day so........

Silence returned to the class.

I don't care what this girl thinks.

I have come here to teach

And if she thinks that I am like other professors...

Then her misconception will go away soon.

Kriti's POV
************

Everyone was quiet in the classroom - and I did not like it at all.
This much silence would not have happened even in the exam hall.

Professor Rathore was writing on the board - in clean, sharp handwriting. As if every letter was disciplined.

I was bored, obviously.
So I quietly told Neha, who was sitting on the side,

> "I think they must have rules for their toothpaste too..."

Neha laughed quietly, but at that very moment...

> "Miss Kapoor,"

His voice echoed through the class - calm, but cold.

I didn't think he was listening.

But he didn't listen, he scanned.

> "If there's something more interesting than this chapter, perhaps you'd like to teach it instead?"

The whole class was staring at me.

I gave an awkward smile.

> "No sir, I'm just... absorbing knowledge... via osmosis."

A slight laughter broke out in the class, but he didn't react.

> "Absorb quietly. Or step out."

Ouch. Direct hit.

I thought he was new, he would be soft.

But he has undergone full military training!

I sat quietly. But only one line was running from inside:

> "This will be interesting

Kabir's POV
*************

I knew that on the very first day, some student would have to be shown boundaries.

And this girl - Kriti Kapoor - was totally expected.

Late entry, commentary, unnecessary confidence.

I could have ignored it if I wanted, but then she would have tested my authority.

And in my class, authority is not optional.

> "Absorb quietly. Or step out."

I don't waste energy on small things.

But the spark in her eyes was irritating -
as if there were suggestions for rules.

I continued the lecture without looking at her again.

But one thing was confirmed:

> She thinks she can outsmart the system.

Let's see how long she survives it.

Kriti POV
***********

I came out of the classroom, but my steps were slow.

What did I think and what happened.

Usually I exit after a lecture with a small victorious smile, as if I am the heroine of the stage.

But today... something was different.

He neither scolded me nor shouted at me.

He just said one line - but that line had such a weight as if the rules of the entire college had fallen on my spine.

> "Sit. And don't speak unless asked."

That's all he said. Without changing the tone. Without any emotion.

No one had ever cut me like this... coldly.

When I came out of the corridor, Rachna Neha and Priya were waiting near the gate.
Rachna asked as soon as she saw me from the distance,

> "Are you alive? Did Rathore sir write the report?"

I pulled my glasses from my eyes and put them on like a hairband and said,

> "No report. Just a silent death sentence."

Rachna laughed. Priya was curious.
And Neha was giggling

> "What did she say?" Priya ask

While walking towards the canteen, I spoke in a dramatic tone,

> "He just said to me from his eyes - 'You may leave.'

As if he was in troubled by my existence."

Rachna let out an exaggerated gasp.

> "Just? No scolding? No punishment?"

> "Just silence. But that silence was also like... a final warning."

We reached the canteen. The tables were full. Today everyone was talking about Rathore Rathore

Canteen Vibes - 1:15 PM
_________________________

Got a corner table. That was our gang's usual place.

Cold cola, hot samosa, and hot gossip - everything was ready.

Rachna said while scrolling Instagram on her phone,

> "Did you guys see? Girls from other departments are already fangirling over him. He is giving off a 'hot, mysterious, professor-type villain' vibe apparently."

I was a little annoyed.

> "Villain or vampire, it doesn't matter to me. If he targeted me again tomorrow..."

> "Then what will you do?" Priya teased.

> "Then I will be... punctual," I said, then took a pause.

"Just to shock."

Everyone on the table was a little shocked.

Me and punctual? That too for a professor?

Neha clapped slowly.

> "Waah Kriti. Today Rathore sir has really done something to you."

I just smiled.

But a thought had settled in the corner of my heart -
This game will not be normal. This is a fight of ego. His discipline versus my freedom.

And I am not one of those who lose.

After some time the classes got over and we all went back home

I Text Message That Evening to My friends

Kriti ➤ Neha: Priya: Rachna

> "I will sit on the first bench in Rathore's class tomorrow. And on time. Let's give Mr. Discipline a little... surprise 😉"

To be continued...
________________________________

Have you ever come late and the teacher stabbed you in the eyes? 😂
Comment on your story, and vote if you too cannot handle a strict professor like Kabir!

One rule. One rebel. One classroom.

This isn't a love story. Yet.

🔔 Hit ⭐ and vote - you won't want to miss what happens next.

Kriti's POV

There are very few things in life that cause a campus-wide collective confusion.

Today was one of those rare moments.

Because Kriti Kapoor — rebel, last-bench queen, walking sarcasm — walked into class on time.
No late in hand.  No dramatic entrance.
Just... me.  With a notebook.  On the first bench.  At 8:59 AM.

Rachna Neha anda Priya entered one minute later and stopped like someone hit pause on there life.

“Okay. What the hell. Are you okay? Is your Wi-Fi working? Did aliens invade your brain?” Rachna asked.

I just gave a mysterious smile.

“Late entry in Kabir Rathore's class? Not on my comeback arc.”

Priya came next and actually touched my forehead.

"No fever. Pulse okay. She's just... voluntarily behaving. Scary."

Before I could roast her, the door opened.

And he walked in.

Kabir Rathore.

Dark formal shirt.  Clean stubble.  And that same look — like he had already judged us and found us disappointing.

He walked past me without a glance.

As if I sitting on the first bench was a totally normal Tuesday.

Excuse me?  No reaction?  Not even a raised eyebrow?

I had mentally prepared a full Oscar-worthy confrontation scene, and he was just... ignoring it?

Fine.  Two can play this game.

He started teaching.  Complex topic.  I didn't blink once.  I scribbled notes like a model student.  Even nodded at the smart parts.

And then — just to be evil — he turned, looked directly at me, and asked:

“Miss Kapoor. What’s the refractive index of this material based on Snell’s Law?”

My soul almost tripped over its own shoelaces.

But I kept my face calm.

“1.52, sir.”

He nodded.  No praise.  No insult.  Just moved on.

"You came prepared. Let's see how long this lasts."  his eyes said:

And in my head I said:

"Forever. Just to annoy you."

Kabir's POV

She arrived on time.

Sat on the first bench.

Didn't interrupt once.
Didn't even roll her eyes.

It was suspicious.

The girl who tried to hijack my lecture yesterday was now sitting like she was preparing for a UPSC interview.

Everyone was whispering.  Some even stared at me like I was the villain in a rom-com.

But I ignored it.

I ignored her.

Because students like Kriti Kapoor feed off reactions.  They enjoy the pushback.  The challenge.

So, I gave her none.

But just for fun, I tossed her a question mid-lecture.  A hard one.

And she replied.  Correctly.

Hmm.  She had studied.  Actually studied.

I should've felt satisfied.

_________________________________

Next Day

Kabir's POV

Sunday.

The only day I don't carry chalk in my pocket or disappointment in my tone.

At college, I am Kabir Rathore — feared, respected, and emotionally unavailable.

At home... I'm just Kabbu Bhaiya.

And currently, I'm being attacked.

> “Bhaiya, accept it. You peaked in 12th standard.”
“You iron your socks. That's not discipline. That's a cry for help."
“One day, I'll walk into your class and shout 'KABBU'. Watch your legacy crumble.”

All this from my younger brother, Arjun, a walking meme with a Wi-Fi addiction.

I was trying to enjoy chai with a physics journal.

But Arjun had other plans.

> “Maa! Kabir bhaiya is ignoring me like his students!”

My mother walked in with that perfect combination of love and emotional blackmail.

> “Kabir, talk to your brother. And stop scaring students. Neighbor's daughter also says that 'Rathore sir is giving you a beating with your eyes.'"

I sigh.

> “Maybe they should stop misbehaving then.”

> “Oh ho, Professor Doom speaking again.”  Arjun flopped on the sofa.  “Do you even smile in class? Or is that banned in your curriculum?”

I looked up.

> “Smiling is optional. Submissions are not.”

Arjun fell dramatically backwards.

> “Bhaiya, if you weren’t so scary, you’d be single-handedly carrying the entire ‘Hot Professor’ fantasy on Instagram reels.”

I stood up with my cup.

> “If you don’t stop talking, I’ll assign you a viva on nuclear decay.”

He ran.

Balance restored.

Meanwhile... Kriti's POV

I woke up at 10 AM to the sweet sound of—

> “Kriti, you are getting late for class, and breakfast should also be like 5-star. Bahar is getting married, I am not taking it for you!”

That's my mom.
Ex-army-level discipline in a 5-foot Christian woman.

I dragged myself to the dining table in my oversized hoodie.

Papa was already reading the newspaper like he's running for Prime Minister.

My brother, Kunal — 16, chaotic, and proud — was trying to record a reel with my cereal bowl.

> “Bro, cereal POV hits harder when you add depressing music.”

I swatted his phone away.

> “Go do your homework before I lock your Instagram.”

Mom slid a paratha on my plate with force.

> “Eat this. And stop fighting with teachers.”

I blinked.

> “What? I didn't fight.”

> “Principal aunty said ‘Kriti Kapoor has dropped out of Rathore Sir’s class.’ What drama is going on in the college?”

Papa lowered his newspaper.

> “Rathore? He is a good teacher. Students like you will be put on the line.”

> "Wow. Betrayed by my own DNA."

Mom raised her eyebrow.

> “You just graduate. After that you may go to  NASA.”

Kunal added:

> “Or marry Rathore. Plot twist.”

I threw my spoon at him.

To be continued...
________________________________

One rule. One rebel. One classroom.

This isn't a love story. Yet.

🔔 Hit ⭐ and vote - you won't want to miss what happens next.

Kriti's POV

Monday.

Back to campus.

I walked into class at 8:57 AM.
Early.  Again.
Because petty revenge is my love language.

The moment I entered, Rachna Priya and Neha gave me a standing ovation.

> “Queen of Consistency.”
“Miss Kapoor, now starring in: Switched at Birth.”

I ignored them, sat in the same seat — first bench, dead center — and opened my notebook like it was a religious text.

And then…he entered.
Kabir Rathore.  In his usual villain-glare.

Today he was in a black Shirt
Great.  Now he looked like an academic assassin.

He glanced at me.  Briefly.
Still no reaction.

Fine.  I could play the long game.

Class started.

He wrote an equation on the board.  Complex.  Evil.  Probably designed in hell.

> "Miss Kapoor. Derive this."

Oh?  We're doing this again?

I stood up.  Walked to the board.  Solved it.
Didn't break eye contact once.

Turned around.  Dropped the chalk like a mic.

> “Done, sir.”

He raised an eyebrow.
Finally.  A reaction.

> “Correct. Sit.”

I smiled sweetly.

________________________________

Kabir's POV

I made a mistake.

I gave her attention.
And now she's thriving on it like a sunflower in academic sunlight.

Two days of punctuality.
Two days of correct answers.
Two days of Kriti Kapoor behaving like she's preparing for a TED Talk on discipline.

The rest of the class is clearly waiting for either a proposal or an explosion.

Honestly, I was too.

Midway through the lecture, I asked her to derive an equation.
She walked to the board like it was a runway.
Solved it.  Confident.  Calm.  A little too pleased with herself.

She was testing me.
But I had exams to prep.  Syllabus to finish.  Careers to build.
Not time to lose brain cells over a dramatic teenager with great handwriting.

So I said: “Correct. Sit.”

And kept going.

But my brain — the traitor — kept replaying her mic-drop chalk moment.

This girl.

___________________________

That Evening — Kriti's POV

I was in the canteen, sipping the worst coffee known to mankind, when my phone buzzed.

Unknown Number.

> "Meet me in the Physics Lab. 10 minutes."
—K.R.

WHAT?

Did Kabir Rathore just text me?

I showed the screen to my friends.

> “Am I dreaming or is this the start of a Bollywood plotline?”

Rachna peeked over.

> “What if he’s calling you to file a complaint?”

> “Then he should know I come with counter-charges and receipts.”

But curiosity is stronger than fear.

Ten minutes later, I pushed open the lab door.

He was standing by the window, arms crossed, like a villain who reads poetry.

> “You're late,” he said.

I checked the clock.

> “It's 6:01.”

> “One minute late is still late.” he said

I rolled my eyes.

> “Okay, Professor Timetable. Why am I here?”

He turned to face me.  Calm.  Calculated.

> “Why the sudden transformation?” he asked me

Oh.  So this was that conversation.

I smiled.

> “Maybe I enjoy confusing you.”

He didn't smile.  But something in his eyes flickered.

> “Consistency isn’t for confusing. It’s for achieving.” he said directly looking into my eyes with little attitude

> “Or for revenge.” i said

He blinked.

> “Revenge?”

I leaned against the table.

> “You embarrassed me in class. Twice. So now I’m giving you a semester of perfect behavior. Let’s see who breaks first.”

He actually — actually — smiled.

Just a little.

> “You think you can outlast me, Miss Kapoor?”

I folded my arms.

> "I don't think. I know."

A pause.

Then he said softly:

> “We'll see.”

__________________________

Kabir's POV

I called her to the lab to understand her motive.

I got something else instead.

Sass.  Honesty.  And a challenge.

She wasn't pretending.  She wasn't trying to impress.

She was playing.

And I should've been annoyed.

But I wasn't.

Because now, I was playing too.

To Be Continued…

Kriti's POV

Friday. 10:32 AM.
Department corridor.

I was just minding my business. Literally walking toward the notice board when-

There he was.

Aman Arora.

Tall, annoyingly well-dressed, and still carrying that same confident smirk like nothing ever happened.

> "Kriti. Hey."
- Aman said.

I blinked. Once. Twice.

> "You look... the same. Still impossible to ignore."
- Aman said again, smiling like this was a movie reunion.

> "And you still look like a red flag in human form."
- I replied.

He laughed. Like we were friends. Like he didn't once humiliate me in front of his entire friend group for "being too intense."

> "Come on, I'm here for my research internship. Let's not make this weird."
- Aman said.

> "It's not weird. It's tragic. But sure, welcome back."
- I said, walking past him.

And then-of course-Kabir Rathore walked around the corner.

Because the universe has a terrible sense of timing.

He glanced between us.
Aman smiled - fake and shiny.

> "Mr. Rathore, right? I've heard a lot about you."
- Aman said.

> "I hope it wasn't from unreliable sources."
- Kabir said, eyes briefly flicking to me.

I suddenly found the floor very interesting.

> "Don't worry. Just here to learn. And reconnect with... old classmates."
- Aman said, clearly implying me.

> "Keep it academic, Mr. Arora. That's the only thing we entertain here."
- Kabir said flatly.

Oof.

He shut it down. No change in tone. No reaction.

Aman gave a tight smile.

I gave myself a mental high-five.

_________________________

Kabir's POV

Aman Arora.

Another overconfident, overpolished voice with no silence in his vocabulary.

I've dealt with enough like him.

But the way Kriti stood there - quiet, rigid, unreadable - was new.

No spark. No sarcasm. No war.

That was... unsettling.

Later in class, she didn't even try to answer a question I knew she could solve.

I didn't call on her.
Not because I was being kind.
Because I didn't want to see her lose.

And she would've - not academically, but emotionally.

____________________

That Evening - Kriti's POV

Canteen. Worst coffee in hand. Again.

> "So let me guess - he smiled like nothing happened?"
- Rachna said.

> "And called you 'Kriti, still impossible to ignore?'"
- Neha added dramatically.

> "Exactly that. God, am I that predictable?"
- I said.

> "No. He is. You're just his favorite unfinished ego trip."
- Priya replied.

I stared at my coffee.

> "Do you think Kabir Sir sensed anything?"
- I asked.

Neha raised an eyebrow.

> "He shut Aman down in one line, without blinking. That man sensed everything."
- Neha said.

> "And he still didn't ask me anything."
- I muttered.

> "Because he's not here to hold hands. He's here to hold standards."
- Rachna said.

Ouch. True. But ouch.

__________________________

Saturday - Late Evening

Kriti's POV

The sun had softened, streetlights were flickering on, and my coffee was finally doing its job.
I was laughing. Actually laughing.

> "Let's get ice cream," Neha said.

> "Kriti's treat, since she didn't cry today."
- Rachna teased.

> "You all suck," I replied. "But fine, I'm buying."

We crossed the street towards the corner stall-
And then I saw him.

Amman.

Leaning against his stupid bike, sunglasses on his collar like a Bollywood extra.

> "Wow, this place just keeps getting better," he said.
Aman said.

I froze.

> "What the hell are you doing here?" I asked.
Kriti asked, irritation clearly visible.

> "Spotted you across the street. Thought I'd say hi. Chill."
- Aman said, casually.

> "I don't do 'hi' with ghosts."
Kriti replied coldly.

My friends all stood behind me like my emotional security guards.

> "Didn't expect to see you laughing," Aman added. "That used to be rare, remember?"
- Aman said, twisting the knife.

I clenched my jaw.

> "Yeah, well. People grow. Some evolve. Some repeat internships like bad habits."
Kriti said.

He didn't like that. Good.

,

Kabir's POV

I was across the street with Arjun - he'd dragged me to this bookstore because apparently I needed to "relax."

I'd barely stepped out when I noticed her.
Kriti. In a green kurti, messy ponytail, laughing like the week hadn't happened.

Until he showed up.

Amman.

Leaning in too close. Talking too much. Acting like he still belonged in her story.

She stood stiff. Mask on. Smile gone.

And I-
I didn't move.

______________________

Arjun's POV

I saw Kabir freeze mid-step.

Saw his jaw tightened.
Eyes locked on a girl across the road.

No surprise. I'd seen her name enough times in his staff files - and his silences.

> "Who's the guy?" I asked casually.
Arjun asked.

> "Aman.Ex."
- Kabir said flatly.

> "Ah. Explains the volcano building behind your eyeballs."
- Arjun said, raising an eyebrow.

Kabir did not reply.

Just kept watching.

__________________________

Kriti's POV

> "You'll regret how you pushed me out, you know," Aman muttered, stepping closer.
- Aman said in a low tone.

> "I already regret dating you. Can't fit another regret in."
-Kriti fired quietly.

> "Still full of attitude."
Aman sneered.

> "Still full of yourself."
Kriti shot back.

> "Let's go," I told the girls.
Kriti said.

I walked away. Didn't look back.

But I felt it-that heaviness behind me.
And something else.

Someone else.

_______________________

Kabir's POV

She walked off like nothing touched her.
But I'd seen it.

The way her fingers trembled for a second before she slipped them into her pocket.

> "You okay?" Arjun asked, not looking at me.
Arjun asked softly.

> "It's none of my business." I replied.
Kabir said.

> "No, but you've made it your observation."
Arjun said.

I didn't respond.

Because he wasn't wrong.

__________________

Saturday Night - Kabir's POV

11:52 PM.
Silence. Room. Fan. Overthinking.

My book was open. But unread.
Because all I could see was her.

Not just Kriti Kapoor.
But Kriti Kapoor - standing in front of Aman. Looking smaller than usual.

And me.
Watching. Doing nothing.

Why the hell did it bother me?

I've seen hundreds of students. Bright, rebellious, confident.
But none of them made me pause like she did.

None of them made me wonder-
"Why does this feel personal?"

I leaned back in my chair.

And then-my door burst open.

> "SURPRISEEEEEE! LONDON RETURNS, LADIES AND LOSERS!"
- Kartik yelled, arms wide, grinning like a maniac.

I nearly fell out of my chair.

> "Karthik?! What the-"
- I said, stunned.

> "WHAT THE HELL, YOU EMOTIONALLY MALFUNCTIONING CALCULATOR, HUG ME."
Karthik shouted.

He tackled me into a bear hug like I owed him rent.

> "You said you'd come next month."
I said.

> "Yeah, but where's the fun in not barging into your house uninvited and giving you a heart attack?"
Kartik replied, grinning.

He finally flopped onto my bed, threw off his jacket, and stretched like a lazy lion.

> "So. Updates. Who's making your life hell now? Another batch of overconfident kids?"
Karthik asked.

I didn't respond.

He tilted his head.

Paused.

Then he narrowed his eyes.

> "Wait. That face. That tight jaw. Those avoidant eyes.
Oh no. No no no. Don't tell me...it's a girl?"
Karthik smiled.

> "Karthik, don't start."
- I muttered.

> "Too late. Spill it. Who is she? Name, batch, blood group. Fast."
- Kartik teased, leaning forward dramatically.

I sigh.

> "A student. It's not what you think."
I said.

> "It never is. Until it is."
- Kartik replied, with a wink.

He got up and fake-paced like a detective.

> "Symptoms: Overthinking, staring into the void, sulking alone at night, and-wait-
jealousy? Was that jealousy I sensed?"
- Kartik said, gasping dramatically.

> "I wasn't jealous."
I said quickly. Too quickly.

> "Name. Now. Come on. I won't tell the dean."
Karthik grinned.

> "Kriti Kapoor."
- I finally said, rubbing my forehead.

Kartik froze. blinked.

Then-

> "OHHHHH. The name itself sounds like chaos. I love her already."
- Kartik said, flopping back on the bed.

> "She's arrogant. Smart. Reckless. And right now... Aman, her ex, is hovering around her again."
- I admitted.

> "Ah. The villain re-enters. Classic."
Karthik replied.

He looked at me - really looked.

> "And this bothers you. Like, actually bothers you."
Karthik said.

> "I don't know why."
I said quietly.

Kartik smiled.

> "Welcome to the club, bhai. Where logic dies and feelings throw a party."
Karthik smiled.

> "You need help."
- I muttered.

> "And you need therapy. Or a date. Or both."
- Kartik said, stealing my pillow.

> "You haven't changed."
I said.

> "Nope. Just got hotter. And more dangerous."
Karthik winked.

We both laughed.

But in the quiet that followed-
I knew something had shifted.

And for the first time in years... I didn't mind it.

To Be Continued...

Monday Evening

Kabir's POV
__________________________

6:42 PM. Gym.
Weight rack. Dumbbells. Sweat.
And still-her.

I tried to shake her off.
Count reps. Focus on form. Breathe in, out.
But every lift came with the memory of her voice.
The way she fired back at Aman. The way her fingers trembled when she walked away like nothing touched her.

What is wrong with me?

I increased the weight. Again.
Trying to exhaust the thoughts out of my body.

But Kriti Kapoor wasn't leaving.

"Dude, are you trying to break your spine or your denial?"
A voice came from behind.

Karthik. Holding a protein shake. Judging me like it was his birthright.

"You've been stuck on bicep curls for twenty minutes. You okay or should I call your therapist?"
he asked, smiling.

I exhaled, dropping the dumbbells.

"I'm fine."
I lied.

"Bro, you've said 'I'm fine' so many times, it's become your new personality trait."
Karthik replied.

I sat down on the bench. Towel over my shoulders.
He sat next to me.

For a few seconds, we both said nothing.
Then-

"She's in your head, isn't she?"
Karthik asked quietly.

I didn't answer.

"It's Kriti, right?"
he added.

I closed my eyes.
Nodded once.

"I can't get her out of my mind."
I finally said.

"So don't. What's the problem?"
Karthik asked.

I laughed-short, dry.

"The problem is, she's my student."
I said. "And I'm her professor. There are lines. I'm not supposed to even notice her."

"Yeah, well... welcome to the real world, Professor Morals."
Karthik said.

I ran a hand through my hair.

"You don't get it, Karthik. I've never felt like this. Ever. Not in college. Not in Delhi. Not in London.
I've been with people. But not once...not once did I think-this could be love."
I said, voice low.

Kartik stilled.

"And now? With her?"
he asked.

I looked away.

"I don't even know what this is. Attraction? Obsession? Guilt?
All I know is...when she's around, everything else fades. And when she's not, I wait for her to be."
I said.

Karthik was quiet for a moment.

Then he said-

"That sounds a hell of a lot like the beginning of love to me."

I shook my head.

"It can't be. I don't do love. I do logic. I do control.
And this? This feels like I'm standing in a storm with no damn umbrella."

"Maybe it's time to get wet, bhai."
Karthik replied, dead serious.

I blinked.

"Okay, that came out way more romantic than I intended."
he added quickly.

I laughed despite myself.

But inside?

I wasn't laughing.

Because deep down-I knew this wasn't going away.

And that scared the hell out of me.

____________

One Week Earlier - Staff Room

Kabir's POV

"There's a department trip being organized for the research students."
- Professor Sinha, cheerfully, waving a file in my face.

"Not interested."
I said without even looking up.

"Come on, Kabir. It's a field trip to Hillview Research Centre. Academic exposure, fresh air, mentally unstable children-just your type."
- Professor Sinha, teasing.

"I don't do buses, small talk, or emotional babysitting."
I replied flatly.

"So you're skipping?"
- Professor Sinha, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm sure you can manage."
I said, flipping the page of my journal.

But even as I said it...
a small part of me wanted to go.

_______________

Same Day In Class- Kabir's Class

Kabir's POV

"As you may have heard, there's an optional academic excursion scheduled for next week to Hillview."
I said, scanning the class.

"Those interested, raise your hands."

Almost every hand went up.

Including her.

Kriti Kapoor.
Fourth row. Gray kurta. Slightly messy bun.
Hand confidently up, expression unreadable.

Of course she's going.

"Noted."
I said. In my mind.

But something shifted.

In my mind, a small voice whispered:

If she's going... I should keep an eye on things.

No one needed to know that part.

Later - Department Office

"You changed your mind?"
- Professor Sinha, surprised as I signed the attendance sheet.

> "We can't send students without proper supervision,"
I said, keeping my tone cold.

> "Right.
Professor Sinha, smiling.

I smile back

But I knew why I was going.
And it had nothing to do with supervision.

_______________

Meanwhile - Kriti's POV

At home

And on conference call with my friends

"Did you hear? Kabir Sir is coming on the trip too."
- Neha, scrolling her phone.

What? Seriously? He was totally against it!"
- Rachna, wide-eyed.

Plot twist, he's coming. And guess what? Aman's coming too. Registered this morning."
- Priya, sipping tea.

My stomach dropped for half a second at Aman's name.
But then settled at the next thought:

Kabir Sir is coming.

I didn't know what that meant.
But I suddenly started packing my bag mentally.

_________________

Meanwhile - Aman's POV

"Trip means open ground, open minds, and... unfinished business."
I muttered, zipping up my bag.

Because if she was going...
So was I.

________________

Trip to Hillview Research Centre

Kriti's POV

6:15 AM - College Parking Lot

The morning breeze was a little cold, a little soft.

I was standing in the parking lot wrapped in a hoodie, with my bag on my back, and a travel pillow in my hand. I felt this trip would be just an academic one - no drama, no distractions.

> "Since when have you become punctual?"

- Neha, she pokes me in the elbow as soon as she arrives.

> "I am always punctual,"

I replied dryly, adjusting my ponytail.

> "Haan haan, especially when exes and emotionally unavailable professors are on the same trip."

- Rachna, teasing as always.

I rolled my eyes.

Then my eyes turned towards him - faculty zone mein.

Kabir Sir.

Grey hoodie. Slim-fit jeans. Black sports watch. Simple bag. Dark sunglasses.

The special thing was - he was not looking like a teacher-type for the first time.

> "My dear... professor or K-drama lead?"

- Priya, dramatically clutching her chest.

He was going through a checklist, standing against a bus.

Bus 2.

My name was also there in that.

Coincidence?

-----------

6:40 AM - Bus Allocation

> "Group A and B - will board in Bus 2. Roll call is going on."

- Professor Sinha, holding the clipboard, started to shout.

Students were hustling, some were taking selfies, some were planning a seat-jump.

> "Kriti Kapoor."

- Kabir Sir, calling out without looking up.

> "Here,"

I replied.

He looked up then.

Just a second.

But in that one second, there was something different in his eyes. Soft? Curious? I couldn't tell.

> "Window seat suits you. Less chaos."

- Kabir Sir, muttered under his breath.

I blinked.

> "Did he just assign a seat based on vibes?"

- Neha, coming up behind me.

> "I didn't even get called. This is VIP treatment."

- Rachna, mock jealously.

----------

7:00 AM - Bus 2

The bus was about to leave.

I was sitting on the window seat in the second row. Neha was next to me.

There were faculty seats in front - Kabir Sir was on the front-right, next to the window. He didn't have sunglasses on his eyes anymore.

He was looking at a paper. Or was he acting to look.

> "He is looking at you,"

- Neha, whispering.

> "He is looking at everyone,"

I lied.

A voice came from the back of the bus-

> "Hey! Make me sit here, friend. The view in the front is good."
- Aman.

Of course.

Bus 2.

Same bus.

He came, went in the back row, but his eyes... fell straight on my seat. And stopped.

I said nothing.

Just kept looking out of the window.

-----------

7:15 AM - Bus Starts Moving

The bus engine gurgled, and slowly left the campus boundary.

> "If anyone feels nauseous, tell me early. I'm not stopping every fifteen minutes,"

- Kabir Sir, announcing dryly.

After that, without any context-

> "Kriti, you keep that peppermint oil you used in the library? Keep it close."

- Kabir Sir, calmly.

My eyes looked at him.

Neha saw me.

> "Okay WHAT was that?"

- Neha, whispering frantically.

> "He remembers your peppermint oil, bro."

- Priya, from behind.

> "Is there anything between you two? Like secret forehead language?"

- Rachna, trying to hide her grin.

I said nothing.

Just clutched my bag tighter.

------------

8:10 AM - Highway Stop

The bus stops at a petrol station.

Everyone is going down to get tea.

I also got down, took the bottle.

Then he approached.

Aman.

> "Recognize me?"

- Aman, smiling in his signature "I'm the moment" style.

> "Unfortunately."

I replied.

> "You have changed."

- Aman, stepping a bit too close.

> "You have not changed. That's the problem."

I said firmly.

He tried to laugh, but my tone cancelled his charm.

Then...

Kabir Sir.

Right behind Aman. Hands in pockets. Calm, cold stare.

> "Mr. Arora, personal conversations can wait. Get back to your seat."

- Kabir Sir, voice steel.

Aman didn't respond. Just gave an awkward nod and left.

Kabir Sir didn't say anything to me.

Just looked into my eyes for a second. That's it.

Whatever you want to say-
Are you okay?

But no words. Only silence.

--------------

9:25 AM - Arrival at Hillview

The buses went inside the green gates one by one.

Open meadows, stone pathway, and a hill-side building that looked more like a retreat than a research centre.

All the students went into "selfie mode".

I quietly got down.

They also got down. The faculty was in the group.

But they had only one eye - on Aman.

And the other - on me.

_____________

To be continued...