The campus buzzed with excitement banners were being pinned, students ran across the courtyard with rehearsal props, and teachers were finalizing last-minute preparations. The air was electric, charged with the kind of thrill that came only with big occasions.

It was the annual school event.

And this year… the Chief Minister himself was invited as the Chief Guest.

Saanvi Rao, the youngest and most beloved teacher of the school, was too busy organizing student performances to be swayed by the glamour. She knew the CM was coming. She knew security would be tight, that the media would swarm the entrance. But none of it mattered her focus was solely on the kids. And maybe… on making sure her class didn't mess up the finale dance.

Meanwhile, outside the school gates...

Devraj Rathore stepped out of the black bulletproof SUV. Cameras flashed. Applause broke out. Security surrounded him. The school principal himself rushed to greet him with folded hands, but Devraj's eyes weren't on anyone.

They were scanning the crowd. Searching.

His expression was unreadable, bored almost, as if nothing around him was worth his attention.

Until... she walked across the stage.

Wearing a simple saree with her hair tied loosely, Saanvi moved gracefully, giving instructions to a student group, unaware of the storm her presence just stirred.

His eyes darkened.

“Tumhe kaha tha… phir se saamne mat aana.”

His inner voice growled.

“Par ab tumhe mera hona padega chaiye tum achha lage yaa naa lage"

The speeches started. Awards were being handed out. Devraj sat on the dais, detached, uninterested until they announced her name.

“Best Educator of the Year Ms. Saanvi Rao.”

She stepped forward, surprised, her students cheering behind her.

Devraj stood up to present the award. As their hands brushed for a moment a small jolt. She looked at him… politely. Formally. Just another dignitary.

But to him, it was nothing short of fate playing her second move.

"Saanvi Rao..." he whispered later, in the privacy of his black SUV, staring at her picture on the screen Aryan handed him.

"Har ek jankari chahiye mujhe. Pura past. Kis se milti hai, kya sochti hai, kis se darti hai. Har baat."

His voice was calm. Too calm.

Aryan blinked. "Sir, koi khaas wajah?"

Devraj didn't reply. He was too busy zooming into her smile.

“Itna saaf chehra... itna seedha dil. Tumhe pata bhi nahi Saanvi... ab tumhare aas paas jo hawa chalegi, woh sirf meri hogi.”

He didn’t sleep that night.

Instead, he stared at her photo.

And somewhere between midnight and madness, he whispered…

“Tumhe toh pata bhi nahi… tumhari muskaan ne kis shaitaan ke dil mein mohabbat jaga di hai.”

Miss saanvi rao.

To be continue ✨

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