Between the Classes(Two different worlds)

Chapter 2 - Silent Fumes

The Principal entered with the Chairman, senior professors trailing behind. And then... him.

Siddharth walked in, shoulders straight, every step deliberate. His gaze scanned the room like light sweeping across a map.

The Principal's voice boomed. "Students, please welcome Mr. Siddharth Rai, Head of the Physics Department."

👏👏👏 Applause. Whispered giggles. A few gasps.

Siddharth inclined his head politely. "Good morning."

And then his eyes locked onto hers.

Vidhu's throat went dry. She forced herself to look away, but her heart betrayed her-racing so loudly she swore Nikki could hear it.

Siddharth, inside, felt the flicker again.
"Why her? Why do my eyes keep finding her? Control, Siddharth. You are HOD now. Discipline first."

He turned, chalk against board. His voice was low, steady. "Turn to the first chapter. Thermodynamics. Let's begin."

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The class passed in a blur of equations, scribbled notes, and stolen glances.

By the time the bell rang, everyone was buzzing. Saturday meant only one official session remained-a "welcome hour" for the new HOD. After that, freedom.

Nikki grinned. "Basketball practice for me."
Akshu twirled. "Dance rehearsal."
Vidhu sighed. "Library."

"Of course," Nikki teased. "Where else would our darling bookworm go?" 📚

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The library was quiet, almost too quiet. Most students had chosen café trips or sports.

Vidhu slipped into the far corner, the Kannada novels shelf-her secret place. She searched for the book she had left halfway. Her fingers stretched, tiptoeing to reach the top rack.

"Just a little more..." she muttered.

Suddenly, another hand reached above hers. Strong. Steady. The book slid out effortlessly.

Her hand brushed his. ⚡ A spark.

She froze, breath hitching.

Slowly, she turned.

Siddharth stood there, holding the book.

Her heart stopped. "S-sir..."

His voice was low, unreadable. "You shouldn't strain yourself like that."

Her lips parted, but no sound came.

For a moment, silence filled the space, broken only by the thud of her heartbeat.

"Her eyes again. Those blue storms. Every time I look into them, I lose myself. This isn't right. And yet..."

He handed her the book, their fingers brushing again.

Vidhu pulled it close to her chest, trying to steady her breath. She sat at the nearby table, pretending to read. Pages blurred.

Siddharth walked around, then sat directly across from her.

Her head jerked up. "Sir?"

He leaned slightly forward. "What's your name?"

Her voice trembled. "V-Vidhanya. Vidhanya Simha."

His lips curved, almost teasing. "Why so nervous? I won't eat you. If you need help with your subjects, come to me. I'll help you."

Her hands grew clammy. "O-okay, sir. Thank you. May I... go now?"

"Why so much hurry?" His gaze deepened. "Tell me, why do you get nervous whenever you see me? Did you do something behind my back?"

Her chest tightened. Her hands shook.

Then his hand covered hers, warm and firm. She gasped, eyes wide.

For Siddharth, the world narrowed to that single touch.
"This girl... what have you done to me?"

Vidhu's heart somersaulted. She jerked back, pulling her hand away. "I need to go."

She ran, books clutched to her chest, breathless.

Siddharth sat there, staring after her. A smile crept unbidden to his lips. He caught it, forced it away. His jaw tightened.

But inside, he knew. Something had already begun.

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📌 Author's Note

Second day, and storms are already brewing 🌌.
Vidhu laughs through her tears 💧, while Siddharth smiles for reasons he can't explain. Fate doesn't rush-it whispers.

💬 Tell me, loves: Do you think Siddharth already likes Vidhu, or is it just curiosity? 👀 Drop your thoughts in the comments 💕

The library spark ⚡ The first touch. The first stolen moment. And the first sign that Siddharth can't control what's happening inside him.

💬 Readers, tell me-
Do you think Vidhu is already feeling something too, or is it only Siddharth for now? 👀

⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻ ⸻⸻ ✨ End of Chapter 2 ✨ ⸻⸻