Eight friends. One play. Countless confessions.
What begins as a college dramatics competition becomes something larger—a story of love, rivalry, friendship, and the courage to speak truths that were once hidden in silence.

Meher & Nihal – The Quiet Flame
Their love is steady, patient, and unassuming. Nihal anchors the group with quiet care, while Meher brings vulnerability to life.
“I never needed fireworks. I needed someone who stayed.”
“You never asked for perfection. You just held my hand when I was falling apart.”

Aryan & Isha – The Spark and the Storm
Chaos meets control. Their banter hides tenderness, their rhythm is playful yet profound.
“You were chaos. I was control. But somewhere in the mess, we found rhythm.”
“You’re impossible.” 
“And yet, here you are.”

Riya & Mudit – The Long Road
They fight, they tease, they stumble—but always return to each other. Their love is messy, argumentative, and real.
“We’ve made sarcastic comments that could qualify as emotional warfare… but I kept coming back to you.”
“I love you. Not the filtered version. The full, chaotic, brilliant you.”
“You idiot. You think I’ve been rolling my eyes at you for fun?”

Vedant & Arohi – The Soul Mirror
Once rivals, now companions. Their bond is built on silence, recognition, and courage.
“I used to think silence was armor. But then someone looked at me like silence wasn’t emptiness. Like it waa language.”
“I didn’t fall for your name. Or your charm. I fell for the boy who looked lost and still tried to lead.”
“You’re no longer my competition. You’re my companion. My co-writer. My favorite plot twist.”

This isn’t just a story of couples—it’s about friendship, community, and the legacy they build together. From rooftop confessions to open mic nights, from stage monologues to courtyard celebrations, the group learns that love is not a performance but a choice.

“Love isn’t a performance. It’s the moment the mask falls. And someone chooses to stay.”

The syllabus was posted at 8:00 a.m. sharp.


Five subjects. Two weeks. No extensions. No excuses.


I stared at the notice board like it had insulted me personally.


The words blurred slightly—not from panic, but from pressure.


Standing a few feet away, arms folded, gaze steady.


Just absorbed the information like it was already his.


I walked past him, spine straight, heart pounding—not from fear, but from purpose.


This time, I wasn't just aiming to pass.


I needed to know that the girl who watched him smile once and never forgot could also dismantle his calm, one mark at a time.


Every page annotated like it held the key to something more than grades.


And yet, every time I closed my eyes, I saw him.


And I hated how much I wanted that smile again.


Proof that I could make him look at me and see more than competition.


Later that day, I saw him again—outside the library.


He was leaning against the railing, talking to Aryan and Mudit.


I walked past, clutching my notes like armor.


And my heart—traitorous, unprepared—quickened.


Because I didn't want to feel anything.


I wanted to walk into that exam hall and leave no doubt.


Chapter 36 - Chapter 36: The Decision to win