The theory exams had finally ended, leaving behind a trail of exhausted minds and overworked pens. The oppressive tension that had hung in the hallways for weeks seemed to evaporate overnight. Where there had once been frantic whispers of last-minute revision, there was now laughter, relief, and the easy chatter of students reclaiming their youth after days of confinement with textbooks.
Vidyut leaned casually against the wall outside the exam hall, watching clusters of students celebrate their newfound freedom. He had done well in the papers—he was sure of it. Each answer replayed in his head with clarity, and for once, the weight of academic pressure seemed to lift off his shoulders. He could finally breathe.
And yet, beneath the calm surface, something gnawed at the back of his mind like a loose thread that refused to be ignored. That damned practical.
No matter how many times he replayed it, he couldn't make sense of it. Pipetting the wrong amount? Him? Vidyut Singhania, who could run through a lab practical half-asleep and still ace it? It didn't make sense. He had measured everything twice, checked each step with the kind of precision that was second nature to him. He wasn't careless. He wasn't reckless. He was a natural at this—everyone knew it. And still, he'd messed up. Or had he? The memory sat heavy in his chest, like a question he wasn't ready to answer.
Across campus, Suhani sat at a cafeteria table with Anaya, their fingers curled around cheap paper cups of steaming coffee. The post-exam fatigue clung to them both, a dull weight softened only by the comfort of sitting together.
"You know," Anaya began, her voice low, "to be very honest, I'd rather just stay home today. Curl up in my bed, sleep for twelve hours. I can't deal with going to the same hangout spots again. These exams have completely drained me."
Suhani gave a tired nod, her eyes mirroring the exhaustion. "I get you. I don't want to see another human face outside this cafeteria for the next week." Then, after a moment, she smirked slightly. "You know what? Why don't you come over to my place tonight? We can have a sleepover. Movies, skincare, gossip, pizza—the whole cliché. Mum and Dad are going out, so the house is ours."
Anaya's face lit up instantly. "That actually sounds perfect. I'm in. I'll come over around six."
---
Suhani's House – Later That Night
The living room floor was a mess of empty soda cans, half-eaten pizza slices, and pillows tossed around from their movie marathon. The room smelled faintly of cheese and laughter. Suhani and Anaya were sprawled on the bed now, cooling sheet masks clinging to their faces as they snapped silly selfies and giggled at the results.
Eventually, the laughter melted into silence, the kind of comfortable quiet only close friends shared.
Anaya spoke first, hesitating slightly. "You know…" Her eyes stayed fixed on the ceiling. "I've been wondering about something. Maybe I shouldn't ask, considering your… situation with Vidyut isn't exactly peaceful."
Suhani turned her head, curious. "Go on."
"You were both rushing at the end of the practical, right?" Anaya asked carefully. "But Vidyut's a natural at that stuff. How could he have messed up something so basic? It doesn't sound like him at all."
For a second, Suhani didn't answer. The question had been sitting in the back of her mind for days, one she had deliberately avoided. It was easier not to think about it, to shove the memory aside and move on. But now, hearing Anaya voice it, the unease she had been suppressing resurfaced.
"I… don't know," Suhani admitted softly. "He said he measured everything twice. And I believe him. I just… don't know what happened."
The words lingered in the air, the uncertainty between them like a ghost neither could name.
---
Fifteen Days Later – Results Day
The break between sessions passed in a blur, and soon the students were back in the classroom, buzzing with nervous anticipation. Today, the results would be announced.
Vidyut sat at his desk, his face calm but his jaw tense. Across the room, Suhani clutched her pen a little too tightly, forcing herself to breathe steadily.
Professor Dixit entered, his usual commanding presence instantly silencing the chatter. One by one, he distributed answer scripts and practical reports. The soft rustle of papers filled the room as students began comparing marks.
When the last sheet was handed out, Dixit cleared his throat, and the room stilled.
"You have all performed remarkably well," he said, his sharp gaze sweeping over them. "I expect this level of dedication to continue into your second year."
A collective breath of relief swept through the class. But everyone knew the real announcement was still coming.
"Before we proceed," Dixit continued, "a few updates. The college will be holding its annual fest before the next session begins. Those interested in participating should register with the respective club presidents."
The students exchanged excited whispers, but when Dixit paused, the energy shifted. His next words carried weight.
"And lastly, I would like to announce the top three students of the first year."
The air thickened instantly. Suhani's mouth went dry. Vidyut's fingers flexed slightly on the desk, the only sign of tension.
"At third position," Dixit said, "Ritika Khanna."
The class erupted into cheers as Ritika, beaming, walked up to accept her trophy.
Dixit waited for the noise to die down before continuing. "Now, the top two. It was… challenging for the faculty to decide. Both students performed exceptionally well throughout the year. Ultimately, we had to consider overall consistency."
Suhani could hear her own heartbeat.
"Suhani Malhotra," Dixit said, "you have topped the batch."
For a moment, Suhani couldn't move. The applause felt distant as she walked up to accept the trophy. Instinctively, she glanced at Vidyut. His face remained unreadable.
"And Vidyut," Dixit added, "consider this an equal win. You both displayed extraordinary teamwork in the last practical and have been awarded extra marks for it."
The words should have felt like triumph, but instead, they settled heavy in Suhani's chest. She smiled faintly as she returned to her seat, the trophy cold in her hands.
It didn't feel right. Not entirely.
Vidyut accepted his own trophy silently, his posture rigid. Suhani noticed the way his eyes didn't meet hers, the way his shoulders were held just a little too tight.
She should have been elated. She had worked hard for this. But winning against someone who deserved it just as much didn't feel like victory. It felt like standing on uneven ground, the joy weighed down by questions neither of them could answer.
---
The hallway was crowded as students poured out of the classroom, comparing marks and celebrating. Aditya's voice cut through the chatter, loud and mocking.
"Well, well, Vidyut! Couldn't even beat your girlfriend? Maybe you're too busy obsessing over her to focus on anything else!"
Vidyut froze mid-step. He had been suppressing his disappointment all morning, but the words hit something raw. His hands curled into fists.
"Aditya, shut up," Raghav warned sharply, stepping between them. His tone carried a quiet threat. "You don't want to push this."
But Aditya smirked, ignoring the warning. "What? I'm just saying the truth! Or maybe Suhani's carrying you in practicals now—"
It happened in less than two seconds. Vidyut was across the hallway, his hand fisted in Aditya's collar, his eyes burning with a quiet, dangerous rage. The chatter died instantly, the crowd parting in stunned silence.
"You stop right there, Mr. Singhania!"
Professor Jain's voice thundered from the staircase as he hurried down, grabbing Vidyut's arm and forcing the two apart.
Suhani, standing at a distance, felt her stomach drop.
"Ms. Malhotra. Mr. Singhania. Mr. Mehta," Jain's voice was sharp and cold. "Dean's office. Now."