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Sanaya sat in the back of the classroom, her gaze fixed on Tushar, who sat at the front, laughing with his friends. The room was filled with the usual chatter, the hum of teenage voices, but Sanaya was focused entirely on him. Every word, every gesture, was part of the plan. Her mind worked like clockwork, calculating the next move, testing the waters. It was time to take the next step.

The teacher droned on, her voice fading into the background as Sanaya's mind formulated the perfect strategy. She had been biding her time, learning everything she could about Tushar. His likes, his dislikes, his routines. She knew he was on the cricket team, a favorite among the teachers, and that his family had a well-regarded reputation in the community. He was used to being the center of attention, and that would be his downfall.

Sanaya didn't need to be the center. She didn't even need to be noticed at first. She just needed him to need her. And today, she would make him see that.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, she stood up slowly and walked toward Tushar's desk. His friends had already left, but he was gathering his things, unaware of her approach. Sanaya smiled to herself, her plan falling into place.

"Tushar," she said, her voice soft but purposeful.

Tushar looked up, momentarily startled, but quickly masked it with a smirk. "Hey, Sanaya. What's up?"

She leaned against the desk, casually folding her arms. "I was just wondering if you could help me with something. I've been struggling with some of the assignments in our business studies class, and I know you're pretty good at it. Thought maybe you could give me some pointers."

Tushar raised an eyebrow, a little surprised by her request. It was rare that Sanaya would ask for help, especially in a subject she was usually confident in. Most students, especially those like her, didn't ask for help. They didn't need to. But there was something about her tone-something calculated-that made him hesitate just for a moment.

"You want me to help you?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Sanaya nodded, her eyes sincere. "I know you've got a lot of things going on with cricket and everything, but I'd really appreciate it. I'm kind of stuck on this one chapter." She dropped her voice to a whisper, leaning in slightly. "I'm sure you could explain it way better than the teacher."

Tushar considered it for a moment. He wasn't used to being asked for help in such a direct way. But there was something about her that intrigued him. She wasn't like the other girls who fawned over him or tried to get his attention. Sanaya was different. She was calm, collected, and seemed to have this quiet power that drew him in.

"Sure, I can help you out," he said, finally giving in. "Let's meet up after school in the library. We can go over the chapter then."

Sanaya's smile grew, but she kept her expression composed. "Thanks, Tushar. You don't know how much I appreciate it."

Tushar nodded, clearly not sensing any hidden agenda behind her request. "No problem."

As she walked away from the classroom, her thoughts raced with anticipation. This was only the beginning. Getting Tushar's attention had been easy. The next step was to ensure that he became reliant on her, to make sure that he began to think of her as someone indispensable. She needed to create a bond, a connection-a sense that he could trust her. But it had to feel natural, not forced. Too much too soon would make him suspicious.

As she walked toward the library after school, she found herself momentarily distracted by the sight of Maya waiting outside. Maya's gaze followed her as Sanaya approached, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Sanaya," Maya called out, her voice laced with concern. "Can we talk?"

Sanaya stopped, momentarily annoyed at the interruption. "What's up?" she asked, trying to keep her tone light.

"I don't know," Maya said, her voice dropping slightly. "You've been acting... strange. I mean, asking Tushar for help? You never do that. And you've been hanging around him more lately. What's going on?"

Sanaya's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her face neutral. Maya was getting too observant for her liking. If she wasn't careful, Maya would start putting the pieces together, and that would ruin everything.

"I'm just trying to do better in business studies, Maya. It's nothing. Just need a little help with a chapter, that's all." She gave a dismissive shrug, as if the conversation were unimportant.

Maya didn't seem convinced, but she didn't press further. "I guess so. Just... be careful, okay? I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about all of this."

Sanaya's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly fixed it. "Don't worry about it, Maya. I've got everything under control. I'm fine, really."

With that, she turned and walked toward the library, leaving Maya behind with a feeling of unease.

Inside, the library was quiet, the soft rustling of pages and the low hum of students at work filling the space. Sanaya found Tushar already seated at a table, his books spread out in front of him. He looked up as she approached, offering her a smile.

"So, ready to get started?" he asked, his tone casual but friendly.

Sanaya sat down across from him, her eyes meeting his. "Definitely."

For the next hour, Sanaya listened intently as Tushar explained the business concepts she already understood. It wasn't about the lesson-it was about creating a connection, making him feel needed, making him feel important. As the session went on, she dropped little hints about herself-about how tough things had been at home lately, about the stress she was under with her other subjects. She wasn't lying, but she wasn't telling the whole truth either.

By the end of the study session, Tushar seemed more relaxed around her, more willing to engage. He offered to help her again next week, and they made plans to meet up regularly.

As Sanaya walked out of the library, she couldn't suppress the small smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. The first move had worked. Tushar had bitten the bait.

But the real game had only just begun.

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