Pearl slid into her seat just as the bell rang, trying to ignore how warm her cheeks still were from that earlier hallway run-in with Vansh.
She didn't even have to look to know he was sitting a few rows behind her. She felt it. Like gravity. Like static in the air.
Mr. Aarav cleared his throat at the front of the classroom."Alright, everyone. New project. Two weeks. Pairs. You'll research a turning point in Indian economic history and present together."
Pearl immediately straightened in her seat.Please not someone useless. Please not—
"Pearl and…..... Vansh."
Of course.
She slowly turned around. He was already looking at her, that smug little half-smile tugging at his lips like he knew this was fate messing with her on purpose.
Pearl (under her breath):"You've got to be kidding me."
Vansh (walking up to her desk):"I think the universe ships us."
Pearl (dryly):"I think the universe has a twisted sense of humor."
They sat side by side as Mr. Aarav handed out the project sheet.
Vansh (glancing at her):"So, partner... do I get the Pearl who roasts me, or the one who flirts back at midnight?"
Pearl (not missing a beat):"Same one, actually. You just don't know how to handle her yet."wandering soul
His laugh was low and soft, like she'd genuinely caught him off guard.
The two of them started skimming through the assignment, but their minds weren't really on independence movements or reform bills. Every glance, every tiny movement felt louder than it should.
Then Vansh leaned a little closer.
Vansh:"You still think I'm hiding something, don't you?" drama queen
Pearl paused, eyes still on the paper."I know you are."
There was a beat of silence before he replied.
Vansh:"Maybe I am. But you're not exactly transparent either."
That hit a little too close. Pearl's fingers tightened slightly around her pen.
Pearl (quietly):"This is just a project. Don't make it more than it is."
Vansh (watching her):"Then why do you look at me like it is?"
Pearl didn't answer. Couldn't.
The bell rang, jolting her out of whatever that moment was.
They gathered their things in silence.
But just before she walked out, Vansh leaned in, voice low:
"Library. After school. If you're brave enough."
Pearl didn't look back.
But her heart was already racing.........