Between the Classes(Two different worlds)

Chapter 20: Arrogance and Secrets

Campus Morning🌅

The alarm screamed. I hit it.
My eyes... swollen. My head... heavy.

"Vidhuuu!" Akshu yelled from the bathroom. "Late again! We'll miss first hour!"

"I'm coming!" I lied, while still searching for my dupatta like a madwoman.

By the time we reached class, my stomach was empty and my heart... heavier.

Then he walked in.
Professor Siddharth Rai.

Sharp voice. Cold eyes. "Good morning."
No softness. No pause. Nothing.

I gripped my pen. Ignore him, Vidhu. You hate him. You were right from the start.

But why... why does every word still feel like it's cutting me?

Class ended. He walked out without even glancing at me.
I told myself it didn't matter.
But my chest? It hurt like hell.

Whispers. Everywhere.

"Professor Rai threw her out yesterday."
"She cried. I saw her."
"She won't dare answer him again."

My nails dug into my palm as I walked faster, bag strap biting into my shoulder. The corridor felt heavier than usual.

Akshu slipped her hand into mine. "Ignore them, Vidhu. They don't know anything."

"I am ignoring," I muttered, though my ears burned.

At the end of the hall, I spotted Vishnu sir talking to some students. His eyes met mine for a second - soft, worried. Like he wanted to say something but couldn't.

And Shruthi madam... she strolled past, her bangles chiming. She gave me a smile that wasn't really a smile. "Cheer up, Vidhu. Professors can be strict sometimes."

Strict. That was her way of saying he'll never soften for you again.

I forced a nod and kept moving. My chest felt like stone.

⸻

🌑 Siddharth - Staff Room

The staff whispered too.

"Too harsh on the girl."
"She needed discipline."
"At least now no one can accuse him of being partial."

I kept my face neutral. Calm. Cold. The mask.

But inside? Every word slashed me. Because I knew she had cried. Because of me.

Good, I told myself. Let her hate me. At least she'll be safe.

But Amma's words from last night came back like a drumbeat: Don't lose Kanna. Make her fall for you with her whole heart.

I clenched my fist under the table. I had promised. I would be sincere. Even if it killed me.

I unlocked my phone, my thumb hovering. And then I typed.

Kuttan: How's my Kanna today?

⸻

📱 Vidhu & Kuttan's Banter

I was sitting on atudy hall when his text popped up.

Kuttan: How's my Kanna today?

My brows shot up. My Kanna? Excuse me?

Vidhu: Don't call me yours. I belong to no one.

Kuttan: Bold. I like that.

Vidhu: 🙄 Stop acting smart. My day was trash, thanks for asking.

Kuttan: Then let me fix it. Tell me what will make you smile right now.