Next day, the classroom atmosphere felt slightly different.
As soon as the lecture began, Shrawani listened carefully. Unlike others, she wasn’t busy whispering or scrolling through her phone. She was actually understanding every concept. After a few minutes, she slowly raised her hand.
“Sir, I have a doubt.”
The entire class turned to look at her. Even Riya raised her eyebrows. Usually, no one dared to interrupt during Professor’s lecture.
“Yes?” Sir said calmly.
“Sir, if this theory focuses on moral intention, then how does it justify actions that unintentionally harm someone?” she asked confidently.
There was complete silence.
It wasn’t a silly question. It was thoughtful.
For a second, even Sir looked surprised — not because he didn’t know the answer, but because he didn’t expect such depth from a first-year student. A slight spark appeared in his eyes.
“That’s a very good question,” he replied, adjusting his glasses. “Most students just memorize definitions. But you are thinking.”
Shrawani gave a small smile and nodded.
As Sir explained the answer in detail, he kept glancing at her — not in a strange way, but with academic interest. He was impressed. Her confidence, clarity, and calm tone stood out.
After the lecture ended, a few students started whispering.
“New girl is smart.”
“She talks so confidently.”
“No wonder Sir allowed her inside yesterday.”
Riya heard everything. Her jaw tightened slightly.
Outside the class, Mahima excitedly said, “Yaar Shrawani, that was amazing! Even I didn’t understand that topic properly.”
Shrawani laughed softly. “I was just curious. That’s all.”
Riya joined them with a fake smile. “Haan haan, curiosity… or maybe you just wanted extra attention?”
Shrawani looked at her — not offended, not angry.
“I don’t need attention. I just like clarity,” she replied calmly.
Mahima sensed the tension and quickly changed the topic. But inside Riya, something was burning.
For the first time, someone else was being noticed more than her.
Meanwhile, inside the staff room, Sir was still thinking about the question Shrawani had asked. He replayed the moment in his mind — her confident voice, the way she maintained eye contact, the maturity in her words.
“She’s different,” he murmured to himself.
He had taught hundreds of students. Many were intelligent. Many were beautiful. But this combination of intelligence, calmness, and simplicity — that was rare.
Back in the corridor, a few boys were also talking.
“Bro, new admission is not just pretty, she’s sharp too.”
And among them stood Rahul.
Until now, Rahul hadn’t paid much attention. He was used to girls being impressed by him. But today, something shifted.
He didn’t notice Shrawani because of her looks.
He noticed her because she wasn’t trying to impress anyone.
And that intrigued him.
Riya observed Rahul looking toward Shrawani for a second longer than usual.
Her jealousy quietly turned into insecurity.
Mahima, on the other hand, was genuinely happy. She had already started liking Shrawani’s simple nature. They walked toward the canteen together, talking about subjects, hobbies, and future plans.
“Why didn’t you react when Riya taunted you?” Mahima asked softly.
Shrawani shrugged. “If someone is insecure, reacting only feeds it. Silence is stronger.”
Mahima smiled. “You’re very sorted.”
But neither of them noticed that from a distance, three different people were watching Shrawani for three different reasons —
One with curiosity.
One with admiration.
And one with growing jealousy.
And this was just the beginning.
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