ANIMUS CHAPTER 3

The school corridor was full of noise.

Students were laughing, talking, rushing to class.

Ani and Sana were walking side by side.

Sana (laughing):

Can you believe it? Class 9 already feels different.

Ani:

It feels the same… just louder.

Siya walked quietly with them, holding her books tightly.

Sana:

Siya, you’re always so serious.

Siya (softly):

I’m just… not used to so many people.

Ani smiled.

Ani:

You’ll get used to us.

On the other side of the corridor, Riya and Navya were watching.

Riya (mocking):

Look at Ani… new friends already.

Navya:

And Sana never leaves her side.

Riya smirked.

Riya:

She thinks she’s special.

Navya leaned closer.

Navya:

Didn’t she help that new boy yesterday?

Riya rolled her eyes.

Riya:

Yash? Yeah… Miss Perfect.

Just then, footsteps echoed.

Mit, Jack, Yash, and Sam entered the corridor together.

Jack was talking loudly as always.

Jack:

Hostel life is torture. The food should be illegal.

Mit (coldly):

Stop complaining.

Yash adjusted his spectacles, quiet.

Sam stayed silent, watching everyone with mysterious eyes.

Jack suddenly noticed Sana.

Jack (grinning):

Good morning, Sana!

Sana:

Good morning, idiot.

Jack (dramatic):

Idiot? I’m hurt.

Ani laughed a little.

Yash’s eyes lifted… and stopped on Ani.

For a second, he forgot everything else.

Mit noticed.

His expression tightened.

Sana leaned toward Ani, whispering with a teasing smile.

Sana:

Someone is staring again.

Ani rolled her eyes.

Ani:

Stop imagining things.

Siya blinked.

Siya:

What’s happening?

Sana:

School drama.

Jack stepped closer.

Jack:

Ani, did you miss us hostelers?

Ani:

Not really.

Jack laughed.

Yash smiled quietly.

Sam suddenly spoke in a low voice.

Sam:

Corridors are loud… but feelings are louder.

Everyone looked at him.

Jack:

Bro, why do you talk like a movie villain?

Sam didn’t answer.

The bell rang sharply.

Students began rushing.

Sana:

Come on Ani! We’ll be late!

Ani turned to go.

Yash watched her walk away.

Mit watched Yash.

And Sam watched all of them.

Class 9 had just begun…

And already, something was changing.

The classroom is noisy. Ani and Sana sit together. Mit and Jack are behind them. The teacher enters.)

Teacher: Good morning, class.

All Students: Good morning, ma’am!

Teacher: Settle down, everyone. I have an important announcement.

(The class becomes quiet.)

Teacher: Due to timetable and seating adjustments, some students’ sections are being changed starting today.

Sana (whispering): Section change? Who?

Ani: Let’s listen.

Teacher: Yash, Sam, Asu, and Sejal…

(Yash looks up. Sam remains calm and unreadable.)

Teacher: …you all will be shifted to Section B from now onwards.

Asu: Section B?! Ma’am, why us?

Sejal: But all our friends are here!

Teacher: This is decided by the administration. You must cooperate.

Yash (quietly): Section B…

Sam (low voice): New place, new people.

Mit (whispering to Jack): So he’s leaving our section.

Jack: Hmm… interesting. The “topper guy” won’t be here anymore.

Sana (a little disappointed): Oh… Ani, he’s going to another section.

Ani (shrugging): Okay. Doesn’t matter.

Teacher: You four should report to your new classroom immediately after this period.

Yash: Yes, ma’am.

Teacher: Alright. Now open your books.

(The class continues, but the atmosphere feels different.)

(School corridor, just after the teacher’s announcement. Ani, Sana, and Siya are walking together.)

Sana (excited):

Oh my god… did you hear that properly?!

Ani:

Yes… Asu and Sejal are finally going to Section B.

Sana (clapping):

YESSS! Thank you, universe!

Siya (confused):

Are they… that bad?

Sana:

Bad? Siya, they are literally gossip machines.

Ani (calm smile):

At least our class will be more peaceful now.

Sana:

No more fake laughing, no more drama every second!

Siya (softly):

That sounds… nice.

(They all laugh a little.)

Then Sana suddenly stops smiling.

Sana (sighing):

But…

Ani:

What?

Sana:

Yash and Sam also got shifted.

Siya:

Oh… the new intelligent boy?

Sana:

Yeah. I kind of feel weird.

Ani (shrugging):

It’s fine. He’ll manage.

Sana (teasing):

Really? You don’t care at all?

Ani:

Why should I?

(Siya looks between them silently.)

(Inside Section A classroom. Students are sitting and waiting. The atmosphere is noisy.)

Jack (stretching):

Brooo, where is the English teacher?

Mit:

She’s late again.

Sana (looking at the clock):

It’s already been fifteen minutes!

Ani:

Maybe she won’t come.

Siya (quietly):

Is that possible?

Suddenly, the class monitor stands up.

Monitor:

Everyone listen! I just got a message from the office.

Students:

What? What happened?

Monitor:

English ma’am is absent today.

Class (together):

Ohhh!

Jack (dramatic):

Freedom!!

Mit (serious):

Not freedom. We still have a period.

The classroom door opens and another teacher enters.

Teacher:

Good morning, students.

All:

Good morning, ma’am.

Teacher:

Since your English teacher is absent, you will go to the library for silent reading.

Sana (whispering to Ani):

Library period… not bad.

Ani:

At least it’s peaceful.

Teacher:

Walk in a line. No talking loudly.

Jack (muttering):

No talking? That’s impossible for Sana.

Sana (glaring):

Excuse me?!

Jack (laughing):

Just kidding!

Siya smiles softly.

Siya:

I like libraries… they’re quiet.

Ani:

Same.

(The students start walking through the corridor toward the library.)

In the Library

(Bookshelves everywhere. The room so is calm.)

Sana (excited whisper):

Wow, this place smells like old stories.

Ani:

You’re so weird.

Sana:

I mean it in a good way!

Siya (looking around):

This is… comforting.

Jack grabs a random book.

Jack:

“Advanced Grammar”… nope. Too dangerous.

Mit picks a novel silently.

Mit:

Just read something useful.

Sana:

Ani, let’s sit near the window.

Ani:

Okay.

(They sit down. For a moment, everything feels calm…)

Sana (softly):

Days like this feel nice.

Ani:

Yeah… no drama. Just quiet.

Siya nods.

Siya:

Maybe Section A isn’t so bad.

(The library becomes their peaceful space…)

(The library is quiet. Soft sunlight comes through the windows. Students are reading silently.)

Ani was standing near the shelves, looking at the books.

She sighed.

Ani (muttering):

Why are all the good books either too boring… or too difficult?

Nearby, Mit was also scanning the shelves with a serious face.

Mit:

You don’t like any of them?

Ani glanced at him.

Ani:

Not really. Everything here is either grammar or history.

Mit smirked slightly.

Mit:

Maybe you just don’t know how to choose.

Ani rolled her eyes.

Ani:

Oh please, Mr. Perfect Reader.

Mit picked up a book and looked at the title.

Mit:

This one is good.

Ani leaned forward.

Ani:

That’s on the top shelf.

Mit looked up.

Mit:

You want it?

Ani nodded.

Ani:

Yes… but I can’t reach.

There was a small wooden library step-stair near the shelf.

Ani climbed carefully.

Mit watched silently.

Mit:

Be careful.

Ani:

I am careful.

Ani reached for the book, stretching on her toes.

Her fingers touched the cover.

Ani (smiling):

Got it—

Suddenly…

Her foot slipped slightly on the step.

Ani:

Ah—!

The book almost fell from her hands.

Before she could scream, Mit moved quickly.

He stepped forward and caught her—

one arm around her waist, the other supporting her shoulder.

Ani froze.

Mit froze too.

For a moment…

everything was silent.

Ani’s heartbeat was loud in her ears.

She was in Mit’s arms.

Mit’s eyes were locked on hers.

Mit (low voice):

I told you… be careful.

Ani blinked, still shocked.

Ani (softly):

I… I was careful.

Mit’s grip tightened for a second, making sure she wouldn’t fall.

Mit:

You’re not hurt, right?

Ani swallowed.

Ani:

No…

Their faces were close.

Too close.

Ani quickly stepped back, holding the book tightly.

Ani (nervous):

I’m fine. Thanks.

Mit looked away, clearing his throat.

Mit:

Next time… just ask.

Ani tried to act normal.

Ani:

I didn’t know you were so fast.

Mit gave a small smile.

Mit:

Only when it matters.

Ani’s cheeks warmed.

She turned quickly.

Ani:

I’m going to… read now.

Mit watched her walk away, silent.

The library was quiet again…

But something between them had changed.

(Ani walks back to her seat holding the book tightly. Her face is slightly red. Siya looks up.)

Siya:

Did you find a book?

Ani (quickly):

Yes. This one.

Siya nods, but before Ani can sit…

Sana appears out of nowhere like a detective.

Sana (grinning):

OHHHHH.

Ani freezes.

Ani:

What?

Sana leans closer, eyes sparkling.

Sana:

Nothinggg… just… I saw something interesting near the bookshelf.

Ani’s cheeks turn pink.

Ani:

You saw nothing.

Sana:

I saw EVERYTHING.

Ani glares.

Ani:

Sana!

Sana covers her mouth dramatically.

Sana:

Mit catching you like a movie hero…

“Ani, be careful…”

(She mimics Mit’s deep voice.)

Ani almost throws the book at her.

Ani:

Stop it right now!

Siya looks confused.

Siya:

What happened?

Sana whispers loudly:

Sana:

Romance happened.

Ani snaps:

Ani:

It was an accident!

Jack Joins the Teasing

Jack suddenly walks past with a book in hand.

Jack:

Accident? What accident?

Sana points excitedly.

Sana:

Mit saved Ani from falling!

Jack’s eyes widen like he just heard the biggest news.

Jack:

WHAT?!

He turns toward Mit, who is sitting quietly pretending to read.

Jack (loud whisper):

MIT?!

Mit doesn’t look up.

Mit:

Be quiet.

Jack smirks.

Jack:

So our Mit has become a romantic hero now?

Mit finally looks up sharply.

Mit:

I just stopped her from falling.

Jack puts a hand on his chest.

Jack:

Bro, you held her in your arms.

That is NOT “just stopping.”

Ani groans.

Ani:

Jack, please.

Sana starts giggling uncontrollably.

Sana:

Ani was literally like—

(She acts out falling dramatically.)

Sana:

“Aaaahhh!”

And Mit was like—

(She acts heroic.)

Sana (deep voice):

“I’ve got you.”

Ani hides her face.

Ani:

I hate you both.

Mit Finally Breaks

Mit closes his book.

Mit (serious but embarrassed):

Enough. It wasn’t a big deal.

Jack raises his eyebrows.

Jack:

Not a big deal?

Sana leans toward Ani.

Sana:

Ani, should I plan the wedding or what?

Ani (shouting softly):

SANA!!

Siya, still innocent, asks quietly:

Siya:

Are you two… friends?

Jack answers immediately.

Jack:

Not friends.

Sana smiles.

Sana:

Not enemies.

Ani throws her book open.

Ani:

I’m going to read. All of you shut up.

Mit looks away, hiding a small smile.

Jack whispers to Sana:

Jack:

Something definitely happened.

Sana whispers back:

Sana:

Oh, this is just the beginning.

Ani hears them and groans again.

(School is over. The hostel boys return to their room.)

Jack throws his bag on the bed dramatically.

Sam sits quietly near the window.

Yash adjusts his spectacles, calm as always.

Mit is unpacking silently, serious.

Jack suddenly bursts out laughing.

Jack:

BROOOO. Today was legendary.

Mit doesn’t look up.

Mit:

Don’t start.

Yash looks curious.

Yash:

What happened?

Jack gasps like he’s about to reveal the biggest secret.

Jack:

Mit… became a HERO today.

Sam’s eyes shift slightly.

Sam:

Hero?

Yash blinks.

Yash:

Hero for what?

Jack sits on Mit’s bed, grinning.

Jack:

Library scene, guys.

Mit’s jaw tightens.

Mit:

Jack, stop.

Jack ignores him.

Jack:

Ani was climbing up the stairs to get a book…

Yash’s expression changes slightly.

Yash:

Ani?

Jack nods excitedly.

Jack:

Yes, Ani.

Sam stays silent, listening.

Jack:

And then… her leg slipped—

Yash leans forward unconsciously.

Jack:

She was about to fall…

And guess who caught her?

Mit mutters:

Mit:

It was nothing.

Jack points dramatically.

Jack:

MIT. CAUGHT. HER.

Sam speaks softly.

Sam:

In his arms?

Jack snaps his fingers.

Jack:

EXACTLY.

Yash freezes for a second.

Yash:

…In his arms?

Jack laughs.

Jack:

Full movie style.

Ani in the air…

Mit holding her like—

(Jack acts it out.)

Jack (deep voice):

“I’ve got you.”

Mit throws a pillow at him.

Mit:

Shut up!

Jack catches it, still laughing.

Jack:

Bro, Sana saw it too!

She almost screamed, “ROMANCE!”

Sam tilts his head.

Sam:

Interesting.

Yash looks away, quiet.

Yash:

So… Ani was okay?

Mit answers quickly, serious.

Mit:

She wasn’t hurt.

Jack smirks.

Jack:

Of course Mit knows every detail.

Mit glares.

Mit:

Because I was there.

Jack leans closer, teasing.

Jack:

Or because you care?

Mit’s face hardens.

Mit:

Don’t make stories.

Sam finally speaks again, voice low.

Sam:

Stories make themselves.

Jack points at Sam.

Jack:

See? Even Sam agrees this is drama.

Yash stays silent, gripping his pen.

Jack notices.

Jack:

Yash, why so quiet?

Yash forces a small smile.

Yash:

Nothing. Just… unexpected.

Jack grins mischievously.

Jack:

Unexpected? Or painful?

Mit’s eyes sharpen.

Mit:

Jack.

Jack raises hands.

Jack:

Okay okay, I’m just saying…

Class 9 is getting interesting.

Sam murmurs:

Sam:

It has only begun.

Yash looks down, whispering to himself:

Yash:

Yeah… only begun.

Mit turns away, annoyed.

Jack laughs again.

Jack:

Hostel life + love life \= entertainment!

Mit throws another pillow.

Mit:

Go sleep, idiot.

Jack laughs loudly.

Jack:

Good night, hero Mit!

(Yash stays quiet… but his thoughts are louder than the room.)

(The hostel room is dark again.)

Jack is asleep, still smiling in his dreams.

Sam lies quietly, eyes half-open.

Mit has turned his back, pretending not to care.

But Yash…

Yash sits at his desk.

A small lamp glows.

He opens his diary slowly.

His hand hesitates…

Then he begins writing.

📖 Yash’s Diary

Yash (writing):

"Day 3…"

"Today I learned something."

"People can smile and laugh… while your heart feels heavy."

(He pauses.)

"Jack told me what happened in the library."

"Ani slipped…"

"And Mit caught her."

(His pen presses harder.)

"Why did that bother me?"

"It shouldn’t."

"Mit is her classmate."

"He was just helping."

"So why…"

(He stops.)

"Why do I keep imagining it?"

(He leans back, staring at the ceiling.)

Yash (whispering):

It was nothing… right?

(He writes again.)

"Ani helped me yesterday."

"She didn’t even look at me like I was special."

"She was just… kind."

"And that kindness is dangerous."

(His eyes soften.)

"Because I’m starting to care."

(A silence fills the room.)

"Mit doesn’t talk much…"

"But he was there."

"He held her before I ever could."

(His jaw tightens.)

"I don’t want to compete."

"I don’t want to feel this."

"But I can’t stop."

(He flips the page slowly.)

Yash (writing):

"Ani…"

"Do you even notice me?"

"Or am I just another student… in another section?"

(He hears Jack snore loudly and almost laughs.)

But the smile fades.

Yash closes the diary softly.

He turns off the lamp.

Lies down.

But his eyes remain open.

Yash (thinking):

Mit may be close to her…

But my feelings…

are growing quietly.

And quiet things…

can become storms.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. PLEASE SUPPORT ME I AM NEW BEGGINER.

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