The following morning, Karthik arrived at school earlier than usual. The corridors were quieter, filled only with the soft chatter of a few students and the occasional squeak of shoes against the polished floor.
He liked this—this moment before the day truly began, when everything felt calm.
But, of course, his peace was short-lived.
"Karthik!"
He sighed before even turning around. He already knew who it was.
Ananya stood at the entrance of the classroom, her hands on her hips, grinning. "Why are you here so early? Planning to avoid me?"
Karthik rolled his eyes. "I always come early."
Ananya smirked. "And yet, this is the first time I've seen you at this hour. Suspicious."
Before Karthik could reply, the door swung open again.
A tall, broad-shouldered boy with neatly combed hair entered, his confident stride commanding attention. His crisp white shirt was slightly unbuttoned at the collar, and his school bag hung casually off one shoulder.
The classroom atmosphere changed instantly. A few students straightened in their seats, and a group of boys exchanged knowing glances.
Karthik recognized him immediately—Vikram Rajan.
The school's golden boy.
Star of the football team. High grades. Charming. Popular.
And, more importantly, Ananya's childhood friend.
A Rivalry Begins
Vikram's sharp gaze landed on Ananya, and a wide grin spread across his face.
"Ananya! Still bothering people this early in the morning?" he teased.
Ananya rolled her eyes but smiled. "Oh please, I'm a delight to be around."
Vikram chuckled before turning his attention to Karthik. His expression shifted slightly, his smile still present but now laced with curiosity.
"And you must be Karthik."
Karthik hesitated before nodding. "Yeah."
Vikram studied him for a moment before smirking. "I've heard about you."
Karthik's grip on his notebook tightened. "From who?"
Vikram glanced at Ananya, who was suddenly very interested in adjusting her bag. "Oh, just a little birdie."
Ananya groaned. "Ugh, Vikram, stop acting like some villain. You're going to scare him off."
"Am I?" Vikram mused, his smirk widening. "I just wanted to meet the guy who's been taking up so much of your time lately."
Karthik stiffened. He didn't like the way Vikram said that—as if he was some new problem to be evaluated.
"I didn't realize my time was being monitored," Ananya shot back, crossing her arms.
Vikram chuckled. "Relax, I'm just messing around. But still… Karthik, huh?"
He extended a hand. "Let's get along, yeah?"
Karthik hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking it.
"Yeah. Sure."
But something about Vikram's gaze told him this wouldn't be the last time they'd clash.
A Tense Lunch Break
By lunchtime, the news had spread—Vikram was back after a month-long football camp, and his return had stirred up excitement.
Karthik sat with Ananya's group again, but the atmosphere was different today. Vikram had naturally taken the seat beside Ananya, effortlessly sliding into conversations and making jokes.
Karthik found himself speaking less. Watching more.
And then—
"So, Karthik," Vikram suddenly said, his tone casual but pointed. "How exactly did you and Ananya become friends?"
The table grew quiet. Even Ananya seemed caught off guard.
Karthik shifted uncomfortably. "We just… started talking."
Vikram raised an eyebrow. "Just like that?"
Ananya sighed. "Vikram, stop being weird. We sit near each other in class, we talk, we hang out. It's normal."
Vikram leaned back, clearly unconvinced but letting it go—for now.
But Karthik could feel it. The silent challenge. The unspoken tension.
Vikram was watching him.
And for the first time since meeting Ananya, Karthik felt like he had something to lose.
End of Chapter 10