Chapter 1
Aarohi Sharma wasn't just the topper of Horizon College.
She was the girl who never accepted defeat.
Every assignment was completed days before the deadline. Every presentation was flawless. Every competition had her name somewhere near the top.
People admired her.
Some envied her.
She didn't care about either.
She cared about winning.
That Monday morning started like every other one.
Until the classroom door opened.
A tall boy stepped inside wearing the college uniform as if he had been attending the college for years. Calm eyes, an unreadable expression, and just enough confidence to make half the class whisper.
"Our new transfer student," the professor announced. "Everyone, this is Reyansh Malhotra."
The girls exchanged excited looks.
"He looks handsome."
"I heard he topped his previous college."
Aarohi rolled her eyes.
Great. Another overhyped genius.
"There is one empty seat," the professor said.
It was beside Aarohi.
Reyansh walked over.
"Mind if I sit here?"
"You don't have another option."
He smiled.
"I like honest people."
"I wasn't trying to impress you."
He laughed softly.
Interesting.
The first lecture ended with a surprise quiz.
When the results came out, the class gasped.
Aarohi – 20/20.
Reyansh – 20/20.
The professor smiled.
"It looks like we finally have healthy competition."
Aarohi wasn't smiling.
Neither was Reyansh.
Days turned into weeks.
Whenever Aarohi answered a difficult question...
Reyansh answered the next one.
Whenever Reyansh topped a test...
Aarohi scored the same marks.
The entire college started calling them...
The Rivals.
Neither of them liked the title.
Because neither wanted to share first place.
One afternoon, they were paired together for the annual business presentation.
"What?" Aarohi protested.
"There must be some mistake."
"No mistake," the professor replied.
"The best presentations come from people who challenge each other."
Reyansh looked at her.
"This will be fun."
"For you," Aarohi replied.
"It'll be a nightmare."
As they walked out of class...
"You know," Reyansh said, "you assume I'm your enemy."
"You are."
"I haven't done anything."
"You exist."
He stopped walking.
Then burst out laughing.
"I think that's the nicest insult anyone has ever given me."
Aarohi shook her head.
"Don't get used to talking to me."
"We're partners."
"Unfortunately."
"So... coffee after class? We should discuss the presentation."
"I'd rather fail."
"That's dramatic."
"I mean it."
"We'll see."
He walked away with a grin.
For the first time in years...
Aarohi met someone who wasn't intimidated by her.
And for the first time in years...
Reyansh met someone who wasn't impressed by him.
Neither realized that this rivalry was only the beginning.
Because sometimes...
The person who gets under your skin is the one who eventually finds a place in your heart.
