The clouds roared, the wind blew sharp, and in seconds the sky opened, pouring rain over the school grounds. Students squealed and ran for cover, but OG4 stood there in the corridor — grinning, enjoying the madness.

Ridrakshika stretched out her hands, feeling the cold drops kiss her skin, tilting her head back as water traced her cheeks. A small laugh escaped her lips — carefree, raw, real.

Adyansh, leaning against the far wall, couldn’t tear his eyes away.

"What’s with this girl?" he muttered, jaw clenching. Why the hell does she always make the world blur when she smiles like that?

She spun, twirling slowly — the wet marble floor too slick under her careless feet.

Suddenly—

"Aahh—!" she gasped as her foot slipped out from under her, the ground rushing to meet her.

But she never touched the floor.

Strong arms grabbed her mid-air — pulling her firmly against a familiar chest. Her body slammed into Adyansh’s — breath knocked out — his grip locking tightly around her waist. Her palms pressed hard against his chest, clutching his soaked shirt as their faces hovered dangerously close.

Neither moved.

The rain hit them, soaking them completely, but neither blinked.

Their eyes locked — burning, questioning.

His heart pounded in his ears as her breathing hitched, warm and soft against his cheek.

"Careful, Thunder," he murmured darkly, voice husky and low, barely audible above the rain. "Do you enjoy falling… or is it just an excuse to fall for me?"

Her breath caught in her throat. She could barely think — his hand around her waist, firm and protective, his fingers resting too long against her curve, his gaze holding her captive.

"Let go…" she whispered, but it came out shakier than she intended.

He smirked, tilting his head closer, until his lips brushed the shell of her ear.

"Maybe I don't want to," he murmured, his breath hot against her rain-cold skin. "Tumhare drama dekhne ki aadat si ho gayi hai..."

Ridrakshika stiffened, her heart racing wildly — anger, confusion, something else altogether burning in her chest.

"Move..." she whispered again, her hands pushing against him — but weakly.

"Sure?" he teased darkly. "Tum dobara gir jaogi toh... mujhe hi bachane aana padega na?"

His fingers brushed a wet strand of her hair from her cheek, slow... lingering... too slow for comfort. Ridrakshika froze.

In the distant corridor, Esha and Sanskaar exchanged scandalised looks.

But neither Adyansh nor Ridrakshika cared.

Her eyes flashed angrily, her lips trembling. "Stop acting like this, Adyansh..." she whispered, almost pleading.

His smirk faltered — just for a second — something unreadable flickering in his gaze. But then—

"Thunder suits you," he said softly. "Always loud. Always unpredictable. Always... dangerous."

She gasped softly, feeling heat rise in her cheeks despite the icy rain.

And then — as if realising how close they were — she jerked away roughly.

"Stay away from me..." she muttered, flustered, avoiding his intense gaze as she hurried past him.

Adyansh stood there, watching her go, his heart beating far too fast.

And from the shadows, Rehan watched — eyes dark — clenching his fists.

This game... is far from over.

------

The rain had finally slowed into a soft drizzle. The corridor smelled of wet earth and whispers — like something secret was left behind.

Ridrakshika stood near the classroom door, trying hard to squeeze the water from her damp hair, her mind still spinning from what just happened. Why the hell does Adyansh affect me like this? Her heart hadn't stopped racing since he caught her.

Esha grinned, walking up behind her.

"Tum dono ke beech kya tha barish mein, haan?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Shut up, Esha!" Ridrakshika muttered, trying to control her burning cheeks. But before she could escape—

Rehan appeared.

Leaning casually against the opposite wall, arms folded, smirking.

"Ridrakshika..." he drawled slowly, dark eyes glinting, "you should be careful... kabhi kabhi kisi ke haathon sambhalne ki aadat lag jaati hai."

His meaning was clear. His voice low. Creepy.

Ridrakshika stiffened. Esha frowned.

But before she could reply—

"Rehan," Adyansh’s cold voice sliced the air.

He strode forward, towel in hand, still dripping from the rain — the casual arrogance replaced by quiet warning.

"Don’t stand so close," Adyansh muttered darkly, handing the towel to Ridrakshika without breaking eye contact with Rehan. "She doesn’t like pests buzzing around."

Rehan chuckled, pushing off the wall. "Tsk. Possessive much, Adyansh? Jeet gaya toh ladki bhi apni samajh li?"

Adyansh smirked, stepping closer — eyes blazing. "Nahi, main tere jaisa nahi hoon and she’s not something to win."

Rehan’s jaw tightened — his smirk faltering for a moment.

Ridrakshika’s breath caught.

But then — before anyone could react — Rehan smirked wide again.

"Relax, yaar. Main toh bas baat kar raha tha... lekin tum dono ke expressions dekhke lag raha hai kahaani kuch aur hi hai..." he sneered, walking away slowly. "Let’s see how long this drama lasts..."

As his voice faded down the corridor, Ridrakshika finally let out a breath.

Adyansh glanced at her — their eyes meeting — an electric pause.

She raised a brow.

"Protective much?" she teased softly.

Adyansh chuckled, ruffling his wet hair.

"Bas... tumhare jaise thunders ko Rehan jaise dettol ke ad me aane vale germs se bachana padta hai..."

She rolled her eyes — but couldn’t hide her smile.

And from behind the classroom glass, Tanisha watched everything... jaw clenched... eyes burning.

“Ab dekhna… main kya karti hoon…” she whispered to herself.

--------

The classroom buzzed softly as the lunch break ended. Students lazily settled into their seats, flipping pages, stretching arms, and yawning dramatically. Amidst this casual chaos, Sanskaar sat unusually quiet, stealing quick glances at Esha from behind his notebook. His fingers nervously tapped the desk as he cleared his throat.

“Esha… coffee in the evening? Just you and me?” he asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.

Esha didn’t even look up. She smirked, twirling her pen between her fingers. “Evening? Hmm... I’ll think about it. My pillow has already booked me for a date tonight,” she replied playfully.

Sanskaar groaned, his head falling on the desk. “Esha, please! Don’t torture me like this. It’s just coffee, not a proposal.”

She finally glanced sideways, amused by his misery. “Fine… okay, coffee. But  both of us will be paying. No negotiations,” she said with a teasing smile.

Sanskaar’s face lit up instantly, a goofy grin spreading across his face. “Done! As long as you’re coming!”

But before he could enjoy this victory for even a moment, Adyansh’s voice echoed dramatically across the classroom. “Sanskaar Srivastava finally asking a girl out for coffee... wow, even these classroom walls must be blushing!”

From beside him, Ridrakshika gasped theatrically, turning towards Esha. “Oh my God, Esha... he’s serious! For the first time in history, Sanskaar found his voice for a girl!”

Esha rolled her eyes, hiding her smile behind her notebook. “Do you two have any other job? Or is ruining my life your full-time hobby?” she muttered.

Adyansh smirked wickedly. “We just got a new job… watching your live love story unfold! Totally entertaining!” he chuckled.

Ridrakshika clapped softly, pretending to wipe a fake tear. “Such a precious moment... Sanskaar and Esha going for coffee. What’s next? Matching outfits?” she teased.

Sanskaar groaned loudly, throwing his hands up. “Oh God, I just asked for coffee, not a wedding proposal! Why is this such a big deal?!”

Adyansh leaned back on his chair, grinning. “Why, bro? You’re breaking records today! First coffee date of your life. This calls for celebration!”

“Better focus on your own drama, Adyansh. Your life has enough twists without poking into mine,” Sanskaar shot back, half-smiling.

Adyansh smirked, glancing sideways at Ridrakshika. “I’m pretty satisfied with my life. Sitting beside Miss Thunder here makes everything super entertaining anyway.”

Ridrakshika squinted her eyes at him dangerously. “You. Are. Dead. After class. Get ready,” she whispered threateningly.

“First let’s enjoy Esha’s love story,” she added, giving Esha a mischievous smile. “I’m rooting for you, girl!”

Esha shook her head, face turning red. “Someone kill me already…”

Sanskaar sighed dramatically. “All I wanted was coffee… now my whole relationship is being arranged without my consent,” he muttered.

Their laughter echoed softly in the room—a rare light moment after all the recent chaos.

__________________________________Stay tuned for further updates 🎀

~shanshya🧿