CHAPTER 4
The next day began like any other—except it wasn't just any other day.
Ananya Iyer had aced her history test. I knew it the moment she walked into the student council room, her head held high, a victorious gleam in her eyes, and a smugness that was just begging to be knocked down a peg.
"Good morning, Dhruv," she said sweetly, setting her bag down.
Oh, she was definitely enjoying this.
"Morning, Anu," I replied lazily, stretching in my seat. "Judging by that irritating grin, I take it the test went well?"
She slid her test paper onto the table, tapping a perfectly manicured nail against the bold '98' written in red ink. "Turns out your ridiculous analogies actually worked."
I scoffed. "Of course, they worked. I'm a genius."
"More like a self-absorbed nuisance." She rolled her eyes, but there was a small smile tugging at her lips.
Siya, who had been observing from the side, leaned in. "This is the first time I've seen you two not at each other's throats. Should I be worried?"
Ananya shot me a look, and I smirked. "Don't get used to it, Siya."
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Later that evening, the smell of freshly made sambhar and crispy dosas filled the air as I stepped into my dad's restaurant, Iyer's Mess. It was a small, humble place, but it held years of memories—of my father's laughter, of me sitting by the counter doing my homework, of my mother's voice lingering in the corners of my mind.
I walked straight to the kitchen, where Appa was expertly flipping dosas on the tawa.
"Ah, there's my little doctor," he said with a warm smile.
"Appa, I'm not little," I groaned, rolling up my sleeves. "And I'm not a doctor yet."
He chuckled. "Not yet, but soon. Now, if you're here, that means you're helping. Take the orders."
I grabbed a notepad and moved to the front, greeting familiar customers, jotting down their orders, and occasionally stopping to chat. It was comforting—this routine, this place.
And then, just as I was bringing out a plate of piping hot vadais, the door chimed, and in walked the last person I expected to see.
Dhruv Malhotra.
He looked around, intrigued, before spotting me. His lips curled into that signature smirk of his. "Well, well, well. Iyer's Mess, huh? Didn't think you had a secret double life, Ananya."
I groaned. "What are you doing here?"
"Came for the food," he said, plopping down at an empty table. "I've heard this place has the best South Indian food in town."
"Obviously," I muttered, rolling my eyes. "What do you want?"
He leaned back. "Surprise me."
I pursed my lips, deciding on something that would teach him a lesson. I walked back into the kitchen and told Appa, "One plate of the spiciest Podi Dosa for table five."
Appa gave me a knowing look but complied. Minutes later, I returned with the dosa, setting it down in front of him with a sweet smile. "Enjoy."
He took one bite and instantly coughed, reaching for water. "What the hell, Anu?"
I grinned. "Oops. Must've been a little too much podi."
He glared at me between gulps of water but eventually chuckled. "Alright, I'll admit. This is really good."
Appa came over, wiping his hands on a cloth. "So, you're the famous Dhruv?"
Dhruv straightened up, suddenly looking way too formal. "Uh, yes, sir."
"Ananya talks about you a lot."
I nearly choked on air. "Appa!"
He merely chuckled, patting my head. "Stay for some filter coffee, beta. You need something to calm the spice."
And just like that, Dhruv had won my father over. Great.
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Dhruv's POV
I didn't expect to run into Ananya at her dad's restaurant, but it was honestly a pleasant surprise.
Watching her work—efficient, quick, kind with the customers—was oddly endearing. I'd always known her as the competitive, studious girl, but here, she was something else entirely. More relaxed, more at ease.
And her dad? Absolute legend. He had this warmth about him that reminded me of my own mom.
As I sipped the filter coffee (which was hands down the best thing I'd ever tasted), I said, "So, your dad runs this place, and you help out?"
Ananya nodded. "Every now and then. I like being here."
I smiled. "I can see why. The food's incredible."
She looked surprised for a moment before covering it up with a smirk. "Of course it is. It's my dad's cooking."
I chuckled. "You should've warned me about the dosa, though. I think I lost my taste buds."
She shrugged. "You'll live."
I watched as she turned to talk to an elderly customer, her voice soft, respectful. She really was something else.
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Ananya's POV
The evening had taken an unexpected turn, but somehow, I didn't mind.
After closing up, I walked Dhruv to the door. "Alright, you survived Iyer's Mess. Now leave before I make you wash dishes."
He laughed, running a hand through his hair. "I'd make an excellent dishwasher, just saying."
I rolled my eyes. "Goodnight, Dhruv."
He gave me a lazy salute. "Goodnight, Anu."
As he walked away, I found myself smiling.
This rivalry was getting way too complicated.
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Always Anu
Teen FictionAnanya Iyer and Dhruv Malhotra have been rivals since the day they set foot in high school. Both top students, both relentless competitors, both determined to win the title of school captain. To everyone else, they are polar opposites-she's the quie...
