Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Ananya was the one who walked in. She enters the classroom warily with her head lowered, only to find that the entire class is already packed and that nearly all of the seats have been taken. With one exception. There was a seat next to the Fab 5's seat. Ananya has no choice but to go and sit there.

What a lucky break for the Fab Five, this was awful. Karthik remained motionless, taking in the shock. Karan sat stunned, but he was also inspired by her drive and bravery.

Alya was simmering with rage, and she couldn't help but push her nails into the palms of her hands to try and suppress her anger. Yash and Maira, on the other hand, look at each other blankly, unable to communicate.

Since no one wants the Volcano to erupt again, the stress is palpable. Naina and Ishaani enter the classroom slowly, adding to the tension. Their movements were sluggish and hesitant. Naina's hunched shoulders and the fact that she looks down to escape her classmates' gazes on her puffy eyes that the Fab 5 sees first.

They slowly approach Ananya's table, their heads dangling, gazing off into the distance, perplexing Ananya as they approach the bench.

This shocked Ananya, and she shouted in alarm, "What?"

Naina and Ishaani said, "I thought about it a lot and what you said was accurate. Thanks a lot!" Indifferently, Nandini said, "hmm".

As if to prove their sincerity, Naina and Ishaani apologised once more for their actions. To which Ananya replied curtly with a "fine".

As if to prove their sincerity, Naina and Ishaani apologised once more for their actions. To which Ananya replied curtly with a "fine". Thank you for your forgiveness. I'm truly sorry." Eventually, Ananya conceded. Even after she apologised, Naina and Ishaani were still standing there, not knowing what to do next. They stared at the floor for a minute.

Ananya groaned while rolling her eyes, "Now what? W hat are planning to or going to do? Stand like a statue? Be my guest."

Getting Ananya to respond made Naina and Ishaani made feel better and joyously remarked, "You've forgiven us, right? Can I sit here with you"

"You do not need to confirm. You guys want to sit, sit." She mumbled back.

"Okay, we will sit." They said and sat down. A non-committal "yes" from Nandini answers their statment. So she adjusts her position to accommodate Naina and Ishaani. Everyone in the class is staring at this exchange, unable to say anything.

The lecturer enters the room to halt this train of bewilderment from continuing. As a result of his appearance, all of the students get up at once. Looking a little annoyed, he just nods to the class. In order to evaluate Ananya's attitude towards him, the instructor keeps staring at her. As a result, the kids take note of the dialogue and begin imagining what might have happened.

The instructor notices it all and is irritated by the class behavior. "Quiet" he says firmly with annoyance laced in his stance.

With the professor's rage and the bizarre exchanges the class had noticed, the pin-drop science just keeps on going. "Good morning class. It's time to get back to studies, everyone," says the lecturer as he arches his back and takes a long breath. I'm your new Economics professor is Aarnav Oberio."

Immediately the students started whispering, hearing the new professor's name.

“Oberio? Did he just say that?”

“Aarnav Oberio? As in the famous business tycoon?”

“Wow he’s hot”

“Does he take special classes or tuition? I would definitely take that up”

As soon as his new students arrive, the professor begins the lecture without a second's hesitation and ignoring all the whispers. Just as the professor starts teaching, back at the back bench Naina and Ishaani turns towards Ananya and says, “Hi.”

“Hey.” Ananya pipes in, delighted with the distraction.

"So, I'm Naina and Ishaani Ahuja, and I'm from Patna," they say.

While reaching out to the other girl she says, "Ananya."

Ishaani ask Ananya, "Are you always like this?"

"Excuse me," she said, confused. As a result of this, Naina replies "It's just that, I simply wanted to know whether you were upset." Naina and Ishaani provided clarification. Ananya shook her head and said, "Not anymore."

"Are you by any chance, interested in becoming friends?" They asked Ananya. Smiling slightly Ananya shakes Naina’s hand and replies, “Friends.”

"There is a gorgeous smile on your face, girl." Ananya's features caught Naina's attention.

She responds, "I'm sure it's appreciated," as she smiles sheepishly.

"Wow! This lecturer is really good!" Ishaani commented and then they all resumed their studies after their little chat is over. "Until now, the subject has always been so dull, but now that he has made it more interesting, it nearly makes me feel like I could study it extensively this year." Naina comments.

Nandani responds with an angry grimace, implying that she should not be able to see him in any way because he is my. Naina responds, "Before you assume anything, I'm single, so you're mistaken."

“I'm not engaged, but he's not my type.” Ishaani also clarifies.

Ananya only says "hmms," but when she hears "have someone," she raises her eyebrows. Naina and Ishaani simply disregard it.

“Why are you staring at me this way, do you two have something going on?” Naina and Ishaani asked her, causing her to get perplexed by the sudden remark.

Ananya was caught off guard by Naina and Ishaani's response, and stammeringly responded, "No, No, I mean, you've got it wrong.." It's just that I have a lot of respect for my teacher.”

Not wanting to get involved, Naina and Ishaani respond, "Oh Okay, I get it."