The school auditorium was packed—students, teachers, and parents buzzing with excitement for the cultural fest's final ceremony. It was the day they would announce the winners of the essay competition. But for Karthik, it was more than that.
He sat in the third row, fingers clasped tightly, trying not to look over at Ananya every five seconds. But of course, he failed.
She looked stunning. Not because of the bright yellow kurti she wore or the intricate jhumkas that framed her smile. It was the calm confidence in her face, the way she waved and beamed at every student who greeted her. She radiated light—and this time, Karthik didn't feel like hiding from it. He just wanted to bask in it.
Ananya noticed him watching and gave him a tiny wave. He blinked, then grinned like an idiot.
"Alright, alright!" the emcee announced. "Before we wrap up the event, it's time to reveal the results of the essay contest!"
The hall quieted instantly.
"We had over 150 entries this year," she continued. "And the topic—The Light That Found Me—brought out some of the most touching pieces we've ever read. But one entry stood out—not just for its writing, but for its honesty, its depth, and how it moved every judge to tears."
Karthik's pulse hammered.
"And the winner is… Karthik Iyer of Class 11-B!"
He froze.
For a second, he didn't move. He just stared blankly as the auditorium erupted into applause. Ananya clapped louder than anyone, standing halfway up in her seat and mouthing, "Go!"
Somehow, legs trembling, Karthik made his way to the stage. The mic was passed to him. He stared at the crowd.
It felt too big. Too much.
But then, he saw her—Ananya, nodding. Telling him without words: You can do this.
He took a breath. And read.
---
When he finished, the auditorium was silent. Then slowly, applause rose again—genuine, heartfelt. His English teacher wiped her eyes. The principal clapped with both hands. But none of it mattered more than the soft look on Ananya's face.
Pride. Affection. Something more.
As he stepped off stage, she was there waiting.
"You read it," she whispered.
"I told you I would."
They stood close, the sounds of celebration fading around them.
"I'm proud of you," she said.
"I'm proud of me too," Karthik replied honestly—for the first time in his life.
Then, shyly, he reached out.
She took his hand.
The spotlight faded, the curtains closed, but they remained—together. No longer just boy and girl. No longer shadow and light.
But something new.
A dance between both.
---
End of Chapter 120 | End of Arc 4: Through Shadows and Light