By the afternoon, the whole campus had transformed into a glowing paradise. Strings of fairy lights hung between trees, marigold garlands swayed across the arches, and diyas lined the pathways, ready to flicker alive by sunset. The festival wasn't just tradition here—it was pride, celebration, and togetherness.
And for the students, it was also a day to shine. ✨
The rules were clear—traditional attire only. Girls in vibrant sarees and salwars walked gracefully across the courtyard, while boys in crisp kurtas and dhotis tried to look more confident than they felt. The campus sparkled, not just with lights, but with colors, laughter, and secret glances.
But nothing—nothing—could outshine her.
Vidhu stepped out of the hostel gate, adjusting the pleats of her peacock blue silk saree. The delicate golden border shimmered under the afternoon sun, each fold hugging her frame in elegance. Her hair, usually loose and playful, was braided neatly, adorned with tiny jasmine flowers that left behind a sweet, lingering fragrance. A small bindi centered perfectly on her forehead, her soft blue eyes lined with kajal, glowing brighter than ever.
For a moment, the entire corridor seemed to pause. Students turned, whispers began, some with admiration, some with envy.
Akshu ran to her and gasped dramatically.
"Vidhuuu! You're looking like a goddess today! Seriously, all the boys will go mad."
Vidhu blushed, rolling her eyes. "Shut up, Akshu. You look gorgeous too."
Nikki appeared behind them, dressed in a cream kurta, grinning wide. "Excuse me, Akshu. Correction. It's not all the boys. Only me. I'm already mad for her."
Vidhu smacked his arm, but her lips curved into a shy smile.
Yet somewhere in the crowd, someone else had stopped breathing.
Siddharth Rai.
He had been near the entrance, speaking with the principal about the stage schedule, when his eyes caught her. His words died mid-sentence. His gaze followed the way the saree framed her waist, the way her braid brushed against her shoulder, the way her laughter lit up the entire courtyard.
He swallowed hard, forcing himself to look away, but his heart betrayed him.
She's... breathtaking.
Shruthi, standing not too far, noticed him. The way his eyes softened only when they landed on Vidhu. Her polite smile faltered for a second, before she quickly masked it with a cheerful expression.
As Vidhu walked towards the stage area with Akshu and Nikki, Siddharth found himself adjusting his collar, trying to compose his expression before anyone noticed. But inside, he knew the truth he had been trying to hide—
She's not just another student. She's the one who's making me lose control.
The sun dipped slowly behind the tall green hills, and by evening, the campus bloomed with light. Diyas flickered along the stone pathways, fairy lights draped over the hostel balconies twinkled like stars, and the main stage glowed with a soft golden hue. The air was thick with the fragrance of marigolds, incense, and the faint sweetness of payasam being served at the food stalls.
Students bustled everywhere—checking the sound system, adjusting stage decorations, practicing their final steps. It was chaos, but a beautiful kind of chaos.
Vidhu stood with Akshu near the side curtains of the stage, tying the last knot of a marigold garland. Her bangles chimed softly as she stretched upward, the pleats of her saree swaying with the evening breeze.
"Vidhu," Akshu whispered, leaning closer. "I swear, Siddharth sir hasn't looked away from you even once since the moment you walked out in that saree."
Vidhu's heart skipped. She pretended to focus on the knot. "Don't talk nonsense. He's a faculty. He's supposed to supervise."
YOU ARE READING
Between the Classes(Two different worlds)
RomanceShe was supposed to be just another student. He was supposed to be just another professor. Vidhu never believed in early mornings, strict rules, or the idea of love waiting inside a classroom. But when Siddharth Rai walked into her college as the ne...
