Chapter 3:

The Study Challenge

Later That Day

Anika and Shivay sit at the study table, the tension in the air palpable as Anika pretends to focus on the math problems. Shivay watches her with a skeptical expression, waiting for her to make her move.

Anika (looking at the paper dramatically): "Yaar, yeh to mushkil hai!"

Shivay tilts his head, annoyed.

Shivay: "Tum toh shuru se keh rahi ho yeh mushkil hai! Tumhe samajhna hoga, yeh problems solve karna life ka part hai."

Anika dramatically flips the page, pretending to be deep in thought.

Anika: "Matlab, tumhare hisaab se agar main solve kar doon toh meri zindagi ka raasta asaan ho jayega?"

Shivay (not getting the sarcasm): "Bilkul, tumhara mindset change hoga."

Anika rolls her eyes, but then her gaze softens a little. She realizes Shivay might actually be trying to help.

Anika (quietly): "Thanks, though… I know I might come off as a joke, but... I do want to improve."

Shivay looks up, surprised by her sincerity. He doesn't respond right away, so Anika, feeling awkward, quickly tries to cover up her rare moment of vulnerability.

Anika (laughing nervously): "Chalo, tumne bola tha na, maths se shuru karte hain?"

Shivay watches her, impressed with her determination, and nods.

Shivay: "Okay. Let’s break it down together. I’ll guide you through this one."

He begins explaining the equation step by step, his tone patient yet authoritative. Anika listens intently, even though she struggles with the concepts. Shivay’s explanations are clear, and she finds herself gradually understanding the logic behind it.

Anika: "Wait, wait... samajh gaya! Tumne yeh kaise samjha diya? Yeh toh magical tha!"

Shivay smirks, clearly pleased with himself.

Shivay: "It’s not magic. Just logic and practice."

Anika smiles, her eyes bright with newfound confidence.

Anika: "You know, I didn’t expect this from you. Tumne sach mein help kiya."

Shivay doesn’t know how to respond to the compliment. Instead, he coughs awkwardly.

Shivay (changing the subject): "Chalo, next problem pe chalte hain."

As they move on to the next exercise, Shivay notices that Anika is more focused than he anticipated. The hour passes quickly, with Anika solving most of the problems on her own, with just a little help from Shivay.

Shivay (impressed): "Good. That’s the spirit."

Anika beams, feeling proud of herself.

Anika: "Yeh sab tumhari wajah se ho raha hai. Agar tum nahi hote na, toh main toh kab ki soch samajh ke padhayi kar rahi hoti."

Shivay is taken aback by her words. A rare moment of connection flickers between them, but neither of them acknowledges it directly. Instead, they continue working, the unspoken tension shifting ever so slightly into something more comfortable.

Later That Evening

The study session wraps up, and Anika feels accomplished. She smiles to herself, feeling more confident than before. But there's one thing left to do—punishment day.

Anika (thinking to herself): "Well, I guess it’s time to pay the price for not knowing math."

She walks into the living room, where Shivay is reading something on his phone, looking calm and collected as usual.

Anika (teasing): "So, Mr. Nerd, how's my punishment going to look?"

Shivay looks up, an unreadable expression on his face.

Shivay: "Oh, don’t worry. I have some plans for you."

Anika raises an eyebrow.

Anika (curious): "Plans? Kaisi plans?"

Shivay (mischievously): "First, you’re going to help me with my study notes for tomorrow’s test."

Anika’s eyes widen.

Anika: "Wait, WHAT?! Tum ne toh kuch aur socha tha, na?"

Shivay (smiling): "Well, you didn’t think I’d let you off easy, did you?"

Anika glares playfully at him.

Anika: "You’re horrible, you know that?"

Shivay (shrugging): "I’m just being a good teacher."

Anika crosses her arms, pouting.

Anika: "You know what? Tum toh bilkul free ke teacher ho! I'll show you who's boss!"

Shivay chuckles at her antics. There’s something about her that’s starting to grow on him—her unpredictability, her boldness, and how easily she challenges him.

Shivay (smiling to himself): "Let’s see who’s boss tomorrow, Anika."

The challenge between them is far from over, but as they settle into their roles as reluctant study partners, something else begins to bloom—a deeper connection neither of them was prepared for.

To Be Continued…

How’s this for their growing chemistry?