Aadhya's POV
The next day started with me sitting in my seat, a total nervous wreck. I was checking my phone every second, staring at the time and hoping for another message from Rudr, but there was nothing.
Avi, sitting right beside me, noticed immediately.
"Why are you so nervous?" he asked. I tried to play it cool. "Nothing... umm... I'm just thinking about something," I replied vaguely. But of course, he wouldn't let it go. He grinned smugly and teased, "Hmm, maybe you're thinking about your type... or whom you'll kiss."
FUCKING SHIT
Dammit, I had completely forgotten about our deal. But the results weren't out yet, so I thought I could still back off.
"Avi, I know you're smart. I accept my defeat," I told him, hoping to end it there. But he just smirked. "No, no... you can't fool me." Ugh, he was impossible.
I looked over at DJ, who was fast asleep with his headphones on—I wish I could be that relaxed. Eventually, nature called, so I headed to the washroom. On my way back to the building, I ran into Dev, one of my classmates. He was scratching his back awkwardly. "Umm, Adi... can I ask you a favor?" I nodded. He, along with Veer and Kabir, are usually the quiet ones.
The Hell
"Can I borrow some money? It's urgent... about 4,000," he asked.
4,000? That's a lot, and even though I had it from my allowance, I worried about unexpected expenses.
Still, he looked desperate.
"I don't have it now... I'll bring it tomorrow or the day after," I promised.
He beamed and we walked back to class together.
As we entered, I saw Vivaan talking to Nikansh. Our eyes met for a split second before I looked away instantly. Suddenly, Neel shouted, "Guys, the results are out!"
Everyone sprinted to the main building. I elbowed and punched my way through the crowd to reach the bulletin board.
Aadhya Verma—91%.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
Then I looked for Avi.
Avi...avi...avi..
Aarav Goyal—100%. 🏆✨
My heart dropped.
"Fuck! What the hell?"
I rubbed my eyes, but it didn't change.
Avi appeared next to me, smug as ever. "Now you believe me?" I stammered "No... no," and pushed back through the crowd. How can this head score that much.
I needed to run home and avoid this deal at all costs.
I was walking fast, my heart racing, when I saw Saanvi near the lockers. I grabbed her arm, breathing heavily.
"Saanvi... Avi was your classmate before, right? Tell me, how were his grades back then?"
I asked, desperate to know if I stood any chance of winning this bet. Saanvi crossed her arms and thought for a second, her expression turning serious.
"I don't remember which university it was exactly, but maybe IIT Bombay or somewhere high-level. They actually sent him an application form to enroll because he met all their education standards," she said calmly.
My jaw nearly hit the floor.
"He's a genius, Adi. Many times he even surpassed the topper of Section A."
"Then why is he rotting in Section E with us?" I cried out, but Saanvi just shrugged.
I didn't stay to hear more; I sprinted back to the classroom, but it was too late.
Avi was already there, blocking the door with the smugest grin I'd ever seen.
"Our deallll... are you ready with your type?" he asked. I refused immediately, but he wasn't having it. "Avi... I'll whisper it to you, okay?" I pleaded, my face blushing like the midday sun.
"Hey Avi, are you bullying Adi?" Neel snapped, stepping toward us with a frown.
"Aadhya, is he bothering you?" Krish added, joining Neel's side to defend me.
I shook my head lightly, trying to keep the situation from exploding, but Avi wasn't going to let his victory slide. He grabbed my arm, not painfully but firmly, and pulled me right into the center of the classroom where everyone could see us.
"Aadhya has something to announce!" Avi declared to the room.
"Avi, stop! I'll just tell you personally!" I hissed, pulling at my arm, but he wouldn't budge.
"Stop, Avi! Don't push her if she doesn't want to," Krish said, but Avi just ignored him. He looked around at the stunned faces of our classmates and raised his voice.
"Aadhya and I made a deal... if I score 100/100, she'll admit her type among us and then... kiss him!"The entire room went dead silent. My breath hitched in my throat as I felt the weight of everyone's gaze. I didn't dare look up, but I knew exactly where Nikansh and Vivaan were standing there with stunned faces.
I wanted to melt into the floor and disappear forever. As soon as Avi finished his announcement, the silence didn't last—it exploded. Instead of the tension I expected, the room turned into a full-blown auction where the item being bid on was my supposed "type."
"That's it Aadhya, no big deal... I know I'm your type... go on, kiss me," Neel said, stepping forward with a ridiculous grin and showing off his cheek.
I felt a wave of "ew" wash over me. Before I could even protest, Krish cut him off, looking incredibly confident.
" Aadhya I love my Jiya alot, but if I'm your type it's okay you can kiss me!" Samar said showing his cheek.
"She doesn't like you... she likes me ofc. That's why you helped me in the restaurant, right?" Uh, no, Krish. Just no.
Then Bhavik decided to grace us with his ego. "Shut up, shut up... I know girls go crazy over me... I know Aadhya must like me too but she is a little shy to admit, right Adi? But don't worry, you can kiss me," he said, turning his face to show off his cheek. I was literally vibrating with embarrassment. Even the quiet ones started joining in! Veer stepped in, looking far too calm.
"No, no... Aadhya likes someone who doesn't bother her, like me..."
"Aadhya Gracy is jealous type so just admit it's me don't kiss me!" Devit said. Really like you're even my type.
The audacity.
"No, of course not! She gives me food always, so obviously I'm her favorite," Mahi said, smiling like a kid with a prize.
Kabir actually pointed to himself with a hopeful look. "Aadhya, isn't it me...?"
Dev, whom I had just promised money to, insisted, "You all shut up... I know Aadhya likes me, I'm her type!" Maddy gave a funny, mischievous smile.
"I know I'm Aadhya's type, let her just admit it."The absolute worst was Romy. He raised his hand like he was in a press conference.
"I know Aadhya baby, I'm your type," he said, pouting his lips and then flexing his cheek muscles. "Come on, kiss me." I felt like I was going to throw up from laughing and crying at the same time. Even Avi, the mastermind of this mess, joined in! "No, no... I'm her type because I'm her fav," he announced.
"Shut up! Let Aadhya decide!"The roar came from Vivaan. The room went dead quiet instantly. I didn't think he would join the madness, but he was standing there, his face tight with an expression i can't decipher. Nikansh didn't miss a beat, stepping up beside him.
"Yes, let Aadhya decide," he added, his voice low and intense.Now, instead of a joke, everyone was staring at me again, waiting for the final verdict while the other guys started whispering and arguing in the background about who had the best cheekbones.
"Okay, okay! I'll tell you!" I snapped, my voice cutting through the ridiculous bickering. The room went silent instantly. It was surreal; Nikansh was leaning against the wall, biting his lip and looking away like a moody lead in a drama, while Vivaan sat there looking like a professional model posing for a luxury brand. I had to think fast—I wasn't about to actually admit my type and start a war between them. My eyes scanned the room and landed on Dheeraj (DJ), who was still half-asleep and completely oblivious to the circus around him. Perfect.
I walked slowly to the front, the tension so thick I could almost taste it. Everyone straightened up, holding their breath for my "announcement."
I leaned in, nudged DJ, and he blinked at me sleepily.
"Huh?? Aadhya?" he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.
Without giving myself time to overthink, I leaned in, kissed him on the cheek, and jumped back.
He was completely stunned, touching his face with a confused look.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"I'll tell you later!" I whispered urgently. The reaction was delayed for about three seconds until someone screamed, "DHEERAJ!" Suddenly, the entire male population of Section E erupted. "Shit," DJ muttered, his eyes widening as he realized he was about to be tackled.
I watched as the room emptied in a flash. Even Vivaan and Nikansh were part of the blur, running out after the crowd with expressions I couldn't quite catch in the madness.
As the sound of their shouting faded down the hallway, I stood alone in the empty classroom, my heart finally slowing down. But then, my phone buzzed in my hand. My breath caught as I read the screen:
📩
"This is Rudr..at the mall. See you soon."
The playful mood of the classroom prank vanished instantly. The thrill of finally getting answers from Rudr surged through me, replacing the embarrassment. I didn't care about the bet or the boys anymore—I had to get to Crown Mall...
Break time.
And instead of eating like a normal person, I'm at the back of the class… cooking.
With Krish.
I'm so nervous about ...today finally I'm meeting Rudr...
Apparently, Mr. Calm and Composed Chef is trying a new dish.
"Aadhya need help," he said.
I should've known I was about to become free labour.
He was busy kneading dough like some professional—flour everywhere, full focus. Meanwhile, I was on curry duty. Stirring. Just stirring.
"Wow," I muttered, "such an important role. Stirring. My parents would be so proud."
Krish didn't even look up.
"If you stop stirring, it'll burn."
"Okay wow, suddenly my job has value."
I kept mixing, occasionally peeking into the pan like I understood what was happening. After a while, I got bored.
"Krish," I called, "is this ready or should I keep stirring till retirement?"
He glanced at it. "Taste it."
I blinked. "You trust me with that decision? Brave."
"Just taste," he said calmly.
Fine. I took a spoon and tasted it.
…
I stood there.
"Yeah I have no idea," I said honestly. "It tastes like... Dal... Very dal-like..yeah."
Krish laughed out. " Because it's dal idiot."
He was about to check himself but then paused—his hands completely covered in flour.
He looked at me.
I looked at him.
Oh.
"Ohhh," I nodded slowly. "So now I'm also your official feeder?"
No reaction. Of course.
I rolled my eyes and held the spoon near him. "Open your mouth, Chef. Royal service."
He leaned slightly and tasted it, thinking for a second.
"It's good," he said.
"Let it cook for a few more minutes."
Normal. Calm. No drama.
I swear lf it's not good I'll shove it down his gut pipe.
Meanwhile, in the background—
Whispers.
Suspicious whispers.
Before I could turn—
Avi appeared in front of me out of nowhere.
Jump scare. Again. His superpowers are unlocking.
"What's going on here?" he asked, eyes narrowing at me feeding.
Krish.
Oh.
Is this something to get this Dramatic about.
"It's called cooking," I said sarcastically. "You should try it sometime."
He ignored that, looking between us. "Why are you feeding him?"
I blinked. "Because his hands are covered in flour? Use brain once in a while?"
Avi crossed his arms. "Still. Suspicious."
"Oh please," I scoffed. "I'm not eloping with him, relax."
"I want to taste," he said immediately.
"No."
"Why?"
"Because it's not ready."
"I don't care."
"Avi—"
"One bite."
"You're so annoying," I muttered.
This little punk wouldn't listen.
He's been sullen like that since I kissed Dj.
What the hell.
He just stood there. Staring. Like a stubborn child.
I sighed dramatically. "Fine. If you die, not my problem."
I scooped a little and fed him.
He chewed.
Paused.
And then—
"THIS IS AMAZING!!" he shouted, running across the class like he just won the lottery.
Great.
Now everyone knew.
"What?? Give me also!"
"Adi, idhar!"
"Krish bhai, chef!"
Suddenly the whole class rushed in like it was free food distribution.
"STOP!" I shouted.
"It's not even done!"
Ignored. Obviously.
Krish just stood there, calm, watching the chaos like this happens daily.
I turned to him.
"Next time, we cook in secret. Underground operation."
He nodded slightly. "That would be better."
I glared at Avi, who was still hyping it up like a food influencer.
"Congratulations," I said. "You've ruined everything."
He grinned. "Worth it."
Idiot.
And just like that…
A full line formed.
I slapped my forehead. "Wow. Free food and suddenly everyone remembers me."
Inko lagta hai yaha prashad bat raha hai.
Samar, Neel, and Bhavik were already fighting like it was a ticket queue.
"I came first!" Samar argued.
"No, I was standing here before you!" Neel snapped.
"Ask Aadhya," Bhavik said, pointing at me like I was some judge.
"Why am I the Supreme Court here?" I muttered.
From the back, Kabir and Devit stood with folded hands, dramatically signaling me.
"Please…"
I narrowed my eyes. "You both look like you're begging for prasad."
On the other side, Mahi and Dheeraj were bickering.
They were practically shoving him like an outcast since they came back i should apologise to him soon. Poor Dheeraj.
"I'm first," Mahi said.
"No, I am," Dheeraj replied.
" No you aren't allowed near her, " said someone.
Meanwhile—
At the door—
Vivaan and Nikansh were just standing there.
Watching. Silent.
Like they came to observe a zoo.
"STOP!" I finally shouted.
Miracle. Silence.
"LINE. Proper line. This is not abattlefield," I ordered.
Surprisingly… they listened.
I looked at them, impressed. "Wow. You all can behave like humans."
Mahi was first.
I was about to hand him the spoon but he just opened his mouth.
I blinked. "…Seriously?"
"Service," he said simply.
I rolled my eyes and fed him anyway.
He chewed… and his expression instantly changed.
"Damn… this is actually really good," he said.
Behind him, everyone started reacting.
"Arrey wah!"
"My turn!"
"Move!"
One by one, they came—
And one by one…
I fed them.
Like some unpaid food distributor.
"Good!"
"Nice!"
"Chef Aadhya!"
"Wah," I muttered. "Respect only comes with food. Noted."
Krish stood beside me, calm as ever, just watching.
Then came Veer.
He opened his mouth wide. Like a babybird.
I stared. "You have hands, right?"
"Luxury service chal raha hai," he grinned.
I sighed and fed him.
"It's good, Adi.. bro. You're becoming a chef."
"Bro?" I narrowed my eyes. "At least upgrade me to something respectable." I have become a bro instead of sis. These guys really don't see me as women. Well not bad.
He laughed and left.
And I thought—
Finally done.
Peace.
But then—
Silence.
Weird silence.
I looked up.
Everyone was… staring.
Why? Did I accidentally poison them??
Then I saw it—
Nikansh and Vivaan were standing in the line.
…Since when??
Instantly—
The teasing started.
"Ohooo…" Samar dragged the sound.
"Special line opened," Neel added.
"VIP tasting," Bhavik grinned.
"Aadhyaaa, careful," Mahi smirked. "These two don't come for free samples."
"SHUT UP," I snapped, already feeling annoyed.
Nikansh stepped forward first.
I raised the spoon slowly.
He leaned and tasted it, calm as ever.
"It's good," he said with a small smile.
"Of course it is," I muttered. "I made it."
"Half," Krish corrected from behind.
"Traitor," I whispered.
Teri bhais ki aankh...
Then—
Vivaan stepped forward.
And suddenly—
Silence again.
Even the idiots stopped talking.
His eyes… were different.
Not angry. Not normal. Just… something I couldn't read.
Why is he looking like that??
I raised the spoon.
He didn't move.
Just kept staring.
"Oh my god, eat it or I'll charge you," I snapped lightly. My face is already burning with embarrassment.
A few snickers behind.
But he didn't react.
Instead—
He stepped closer.
Held my wrist.
And without breaking eye contact—
Tasted it.
The class went—
"OHHHHHHHHH!"
"BASSS!" I snapped loudly. "Shut up or no one eats next time!"
"Too late, we already ate," Samar whispered.
"Die," I replied instantly.
I looked back at Vivaan.
He had already stepped away.
Like nothing happened.
Excuse me???
I stood there, spoon in hand, completely confused.
Why are these people acting like this??
And why—
Was that… weird?..