While the night before was all glitter and rebellion for the Vipers, filled with drag races and rooftop vows to protect their elite circle, miles away, someone else was dreaming of stepping into their world—but on her own terms.
Aisha Verma stood in front of her half-packed suitcase, checklist in hand. Her room was a storm of clothes, books, and post-its scribbled with goals like "Top of the class," "No distractions," and a bold, underlined "DO NOT FALL IN LOVE."
"I'm finally doing this," she whispered, a grin tugging at her lips as she zipped the bag. "Prestige, here I come."
Next Morning
The sky was a perfect shade of ambition—bright, blue, and breezy. Aisha stepped out of the cab, adjusting the collar of her oversized t-shirt. Paired with fitted black pants and spotless white sneakers, she gave off serious boyish charm. Her backpack slung lazily on one shoulder, her short messy hair tousled by the wind.
She tilted her head up and looked at the grand gates of Prestige University.
"Ahhh," she breathed out, "I'm so proud of myself. Finally reached my dream college with nothing but my hard work."
She took her first steps onto campus, eyes wide with a mix of excitement and purpose. Just then, she noticed a girl standing a few feet away, equally awestruck. Dressed in a soft peach kurti and jeans, she looked sweet and calm—like the exact opposite of Aisha's vibe.
"Heyy hi!" Aisha chirped, walking over with a bright smile. "I'm Aisha! Here for Business and Technology!"
The girl turned and smiled back, her eyes warm. "Hey Aisha! I'm Raha. First year, Science student!"
Aisha's face lit up. "Yay! Let's be friends then. Do you know your way around here?"
Raha laughed lightly and nodded. "I've been Googling everything since last night. Come, I'll show you around."
As the two made their way through the iconic Prestige lawns, a sudden shift in energy caught their attention. The rumble of engines echoed off the brick walls. One by one, five luxury sports cars roared in and slid into perfect alignment in the center of campus. A Ferrari, a McLaren, a Ducati, a BMW M8, and a sleek black Mercedes.
Every student stopped. Heads turned. Phones came out.
The doors flung open and out stepped five of the most stylish, confident students Prestige had ever seen.
"The Vipers," someone whispered beside Aisha.
Aisha turned to a random student. "Hey, um... who exactly are they?"
The student looked at her like she'd just asked who the Prime Minister was. "You seriously don't know them?"
She shook her head.
He leaned in like revealing a secret. "That's Ishaan—the owner's son, heartthrob of Prestige. The girl in beige is Ria, his childhood best friend. The guy with spiked hair and McLaren keys is Niall, her twin. The one in the lab coat vibe? That's Bunny—science genius, heir to a pharma empire. And the girl on the Ducati? Naina. She's rich, bold, and scary smart."
Just as Bunny stepped out of his car, his eyes brushed across the lawn—landing on Raha. Their eyes locked for just a second, but that second was enough for Raha to feel her heartbeat stumble. She quickly looked away, cheeks flushed.
A moment later, Ishaan's voice rang through the air.
"Scholarship students, front and center!"
A few nervous teens shuffled forward. Aisha raised an eyebrow and walked confidently to the front.
"I'm Aisha Verma," she announced, voice clear. "Business and Technology."
Ishaan smirked, arms crossed. "Nice shirt. Were the girl clothes too expensive on a scholarship?"
Aisha's jaw tightened. "Or maybe your sense of fashion is outdated. Comfort is a luxury too, you know."
The crowd oohed quietly.
Ishaan looked amused. "Feisty."
"I'm not here to entertain you," she said bluntly.
Ria watched from the side, impressed. There was something raw and real about this girl. She stepped forward with a smile.
"I'm Ria," she said warmly. "Ignore these idiots. You're kind of badass."
Aisha blinked. "Thanks. I like your energy."
Ria smiled wider. "I like yours too."
Next, Raha stepped forward, still a bit shy.
"I'm Raha. First year, Science."
Bunny raised his eyebrows, clearly surprised. "You took Science?"
"Yeah," she said, unsure if it was the right thing to say.
He simply nodded, but his eyes lingered on her, curious.
Other students followed—Anish, Sid, and Varun introduced themselves.
But before they could finish, Bunny cut in sharply, "We've heard enough."
The crowd grew tense.
Sid frowned. "Excuse me?"
"I just think we need quality, not quantity," Bunny said, voice smooth but cold.
Anish stepped closer to Raha. "Don't listen to them. You seem like someone who knows what she's doing. And you're cute too."
Raha shifted uncomfortably. "Thanks, I guess…"
Sid meanwhile tried to flirt with Aisha. "So, uh… wanna explore the library together?"
"I'd rather read a textbook than talk to you," Aisha replied dryly.
Both Ishaan and Bunny, watching from a distance, exchanged glances. Their jaws clenched at the sight of the guys hovering too close to the girls. Neither admitted it aloud, but something didn't sit right.
From across the courtyard, Ashish leaned against a pillar, watching it all unfold. But his eyes weren't on the drama—they were on Ria. He noticed how she stood with poise but kept fidgeting with her fingers. He saw the mask of perfection… and the exhaustion behind it.
"She's not what she seems," he whispered to himself, intrigued.
Ria glanced toward Bunny, then Ishaan, confused by their strange behavior. For once, they weren't teasing or mocking. They looked… off.
She sighed, her gaze drifting unknowingly to Ashish, who didn't look away.
The Vipers huddled together as the rest of the students dispersed.
Ishaan muttered, "That Aisha girl… she's gonna be trouble."
Naina scoffed, "She's got attitude."
Ria smiled. "She's got guts. I like her."
Niall frowned. "Still think we should've pushed harder to block scholarship entries."
Bunny said nothing. He was still watching Raha as she walked away, brushing her hair behind her ear.
And just like that, the first clash had happened.
The Vipers weren't ready for change.
But change had just walked through the gates—in sneakers and confidence.