They barely made it out of the backstage shadows before the wave of reality hit them like a lightning bolt.
Jaanvi and Aditya stared at each other, wide-eyed and breathless.
"Okay. That definitely happened," Jaanvi whispered.
"That was not a joke," Aditya said, voice shaking.
They both took an awkward step back, then another, practically tripping over each other as they scrambled for distance.
"I hate you!" Jaanvi shouted—more like a nervous reflex than real anger.
"I hate you more!" Aditya shot back, voice cracking slightly.
They turned and bolted in opposite directions, faces blazing red, hearts pounding like drum solos.
Later that evening: Aditya's phone buzzed.
Two texts from Coach Carter.
First message:
"Thought you might want a reminder..."
[Attached video: The kiss recording — complete with dramatic background noise and Coach's muttered commentary.]
Second message:
"Also — heads up. Ben Calloway's been suspended. Multiple stalking accusations. You're not the only one. Stay alert."
Aditya's eyes widened as he read the texts again.
Ben Calloway? The guy who'd been "helpful" with research? The one who'd sent those creepy messages?
He immediately messaged Jaanvi:
Aditya: "You need to see this. Ben's been suspended for stalking. You're not alone."
Jaanvi's reply was almost instant, her fingers trembling as she typed:
Jaanvi: "WHAT??? I thought it was just me. I'm so shocked."
Meanwhile, somewhere else...
Aditya's older sister, Maya, quietly peeked over his shoulder, her phone camera discreetly recording the screen.
Spy mode: activated.
"Typical," she muttered with a smirk. "Drama, stalking, and kiss videos. Just another day in the life of my little brother."
One hour later: The Debate Team Group Chat (official)
A message from Coach Carter popped up, bold and impossible to ignore.
"Attention: Our school debate team will be attending a week-long competition five hours away. Pack accordingly. This is your chance to prove yourself. Get ready!"
The group chat exploded with emojis and excited reactions.
But the only people in this chat were Jaanvi Vaidya, Aditya Singh, and three other members—not their usual friend group.
Jaanvi: "Wait, what?! A week away? No way."
Aditya: "Five hours? We need to prepare like never before."
Other member: "Is this for real?!"
Coach Carter: "Dead serious. Expect intense competition and lots of pressure. This is where legends are made."
Back in the friend group chat (unofficial)
Meanwhile, Saachi, Siya, Ron, Kiara, Aryan, Meera, and Rey were oblivious to the official announcement.
"Guys, we should totally plan a mini sleepover before the trip," Saachi said.
"Before what trip?" Ron asked, confused.
"Shh, don't tell them yet," Meera whispered dramatically.
Aditya and Jaanvi's secret intensifies
They exchanged a look.
Both weighed down by the kiss video, the stalking revelations, and now this massive upcoming competition.
It wasn't just about debates anymore.
It was about surviving everything — together.
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