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Kiara's POV – "I Just Want Marks, Not Men."
Exams are approaching.
Which means:
Less chaos. More fake seriousness. And suddenly everyone remembers they have goals.
Our section? Still dramatic. But now it's competitive dramatic.
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The Rank War Begins
Dhruv was leaning back in his chair, calm as always. Siddharth was pretending to study. Sasha had highlighters in five colors like she's about to perform surgery.
And me? I had snacks. Because if I'm going to stress, I'm not doing it hungry.
"Top three this time," Siddharth declared dramatically.
Dhruv raised an eyebrow. "You?"
"Yes."
"With what preparation?"
"Confidence."
Dhruv deadpanned, "Confidence doesn't solve calculus."
I snorted.
Sasha looked at me. "You're laughing now. Wait till results."
"Why? You planning to cry?"
She smirked. "Don't get too comfortable with rank one."
I leaned back. "I'm not comfortable. I'm hungry."
Siddharth added, "If Kiara loses rank, she'll fight the examiner."
"I will. Respectfully. But yes."
Dhruv looked at me seriously. "You know Arjun's improving, right?"
I paused for half a second. "Good for him."
Sasha glanced at me carefully. Why is everyone looking at me like I'm the main villain in some academic anime?
I just want marks. Not a crown. Not a boyfriend. Not emotional drama. Just numbers on paper.
Is that too much to fucking ask?
________________________________________
Arjun's POV – "She's The Only Thing That Makes Sense."
Exams are coming. Everyone's stressed.
But for me? It's different.
Because she's stressed. And I can see it.
She doesn't show it loudly. She jokes. She eats. She pretends she's chill. But when she thinks no one's looking? She bites her pen cap. Taps her foot. Rewrites answers twice. She wants this badly. And I love that about her.
God, I love everything about her.
The way she fights. The way she studies. The way she doesn't chase attention but still owns the room.
I used to think my crushes were intense.
Sasha? That was admiration.
Tanya? That was lockdown boredom.
But Kiara? She feels like gravity. Like I'm constantly being pulled toward her and I don't even want to escape.
It's just been a month and a half since school started and I met her. But she's already this important to me.
Is this healthy?
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Kiara's POV – Rank Banter
A week before exams, we had a surprise test. Results were announced.
1st – Kiara
2nd – Dhruv
3rd – Sasha
4th – Siddharth
Siddharth dramatically slammed his notebook. "This is rigged."
Dhruv smirked. "Study."
Sasha looked at me. "Enjoy it while it lasts."
I grinned. "I always do."
But inside? Competition is kind of fun. Not toxic. Just sharp. Like healthy spice in biryani.
Without it, life is bland. With it, someone cries.
Perfect Balance.
________________________________________
The Confession Night
Two days before exams start.
I was revising chemistry. Brain fried. Hair messy. Life questionable.
My phone buzzed.
Arjun.
I almost ignored it. But I didn't.
Arjun: "Can we talk?"
Oh shit. Why does "can we talk" sound like emotional bomb loading?
I replied: "About?"
"I want to ask you something"
This sentence! I think every girl knows what's going to come after this. They can just sense it. Feel it. I did too.
I asked "What?"
Three dots. Stopped. Started again.
My heart was doing unnecessary cardio.
Arjun: "I like you."
I knew it.
…
Okay.
Clearly Not Expected. Literally everyone in the class was buzzing about Arjun and Tanya last week. Or was it last month? Doesn't matter. But, in my mind it was always Tarjun. More like Tarzan.
I laughed at my own thoughts.
What the hell Kiara? Focus. You've to reply.
But what? I am way confused to think clearly. This was so random. Hamla achanak hua tha (The attack was sudden in hindi).
He continued. "I've liked you since online classes. Since your voice. Since you answered that history question confidently when everyone else was silent."
Wait what? He remembered that? Even I don't remember it myself.
Wait that's not the point. He's liked me since that long? I haven't even noticed. Stupid. So stupid Kiara.
Another message "I tried not to. I really did. But it just keeps getting worse. I admire you. I respect you. I think about you more than I should."
My brain: Focus on chemistry. Focus on equations.
My heart: Bro what the fuck is even happening.
"I don't want to distract you before exams. I just didn't want to lie anymore. I want you to be my girlfriend."
There it was. Clear. Simple.
My stomach started doing back-flips. Stomach are you not fed enough? Stop the drama. Damn it.
Why now? Why before exams?
I stared at the screen for five full minutes. I don't hate the idea. I don't love the timing.
I typed. Deleted. Typed. Deleted.
Finally — "I… didn't expect this right now."
Truth.
"You're important to me."
Also truth.
"But exams matter a lot to me."
Very big truth.
"Can we talk about this after exams?"
What if he gets upset? What if he thinks I'm rejecting him? Wait my intention is rejecting him right? Either now or either later. The answer my mind gave was clear. I don't like relationships. So complicated for my heart. But I guess my heart has a mind of its own. And before I knew it I had already sent the reply.
I waited.
Phone buzzed.
Arjun: "Of course."
Immediate reply.
"Your exams are more important."
My chest softened.
"I'll wait."
God. Why is he like this. So sweet it's illegal.
I replied, "Thank you for understanding."
He sent one last message: "I'm not going anywhere."
I put my phone down. Stared at my wall.
Why does this feel huge? Why does it also feel terrifying? I lay down and covered my face with a pillow. This is not what I signed up for before exams.
Universe, you have shit timing.
Absolute shit timing.
But also…
He didn't pressure me. Didn't guilt me.
Just waited.
And that?
That stays in the mind.
Damn it.
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Arjun's POV – After Sending That Text
When she said she needed time, I didn't feel rejected.
I felt proud.
Because that's her. Focused. Honest. Strong.
She didn't say no. She didn't say yes. She chose her goals first.
And that's exactly why I love her.
I'll wait. For her answer. For her time. For her to choose me when she's ready.
Because she's not someone you rush. She's someone you earn.
And I'm willing to do that. No matter how long it takes.