Delhi was louder than Artemis Academy.
Faster. Sharper. Colder.
The National Leadership Conclave wasn't about marks.
It was about presence.
Confidence.
Influence.
Apurva stood among students from top academies across the country. Everyone polished. Everyone ambitious.
For the first time… she wasn't the strongest in the room.
And strangely?
She liked that.
Orientation Hall
The mentor spoke clearly:
"Leadership is not about winning arguments. It's about controlling perception."
That line stayed with her.
Control perception.
Rithvik's face flashed in her mind.
She pushed it away.
Focus.
First Challenge
Teams were randomly assigned.
Apurva was chosen as temporary lead for a crisis-management simulation.
Her team hesitated.
One boy whispered, "Are you sure she can handle this?"
She heard it.
She didn't react emotionally.
She responded strategically.
"Give me 20 minutes. If my plan fails, you can take over."
Calm.
Controlled.
Sharp.
The plan worked.
By the end of the session, the same boy said,
"Good call."
Not praise.
Respect.
Different.
Better.
That Night – Hostel Room
She sat by the window.
City lights flickering below.
For the first time in weeks…
Her chest didn't feel heavy.
Growth didn't feel like running anymore.
It felt like becoming.
But one thought slipped in.
Would he have approved?
She frowned.
Why did that matter?
She shook her head.
No.
This wasn't about him.
Meanwhile – Artemis Academy
Rithvik sat in debate practice.
Opposite seat empty.
No sharp replies.
No calm sarcasm.
No silent challenge.
He won the session easily.
Too easily.
And it felt hollow.
Later that evening, he opened his phone.
Scrolled through the academy's official page.
A photo from Delhi had been posted.
There she was.
Standing in front. Confident. Focused.
Different.
His jaw tightened slightly.
Not jealousy.
Recognition.
She wasn't running.
She was evolving.
And for the first time…
He wondered if he had underestimated her.