The chemistry classroom buzzed with energy as students settled into their seats. Riya sat near the middle, casually twirling her pen, her mind still processing last night's unbelievable revelations. But she had little time to dwell on them because the moment he walked in, the air shifted.
The new visiting professor.
The man who had ruined her first day as it turned out, was the son of the college dean and her father's old friend.
A silent yet intense stare was exchanged.
'Not again?!'
Vivan Oberoi, the so-called 'talented professor', was now her chemistry instructor!
Riya took a deep breath.
'Control, Riya. You're an army officer's daughter. Panic is not allowed!'
But inside? She was on the verge of a volcanic eruption!
Vivan, as usual, showed no reaction, simply settling his files and then coldly addressing the class.
His sharp gaze swept across the class as he placed his notes on the table. The crisp white shirt, the rolled-up sleeves, the way his fingers tapped lightly on the desk-everything about him screamed control. Silent. Cold. Untouchable.
"I expect complete silence during my lectures. If you have any doubts, ask at the end."
Riya scoffed internally.
"Wow, this guy is in full military mode!"
"So class, today we begin one of the most fascinating topics-thermodynamics! Thermodynamics and Its Laws." His voice was low, commanding, and effortlessly smooth.
Riya leaned back, arms crossed. This is going to be interesting.
Vivan started writing equations on the board, his precise movements reflecting the sharp intellect behind them. He turned, scanning the class.
"Can anyone tell me what the second law of thermodynamics states?"
Silence.
Riya smirked. Too easy. She raised her hand lazily.
"It states that entropy always increases in an isolated system," she answered confidently.
Vivan gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "And?"
Riya blinked. "And... that's the main idea."
Vivan's eyes darkened slightly. "That's half the answer. The law also states that no real process is completely efficient-energy is always lost in some form. Next time, Miss Mathur, give me a complete answer."
A low chuckle spread through the class. Riya narrowed her eyes. Oh, he wants to play?
She leaned forward, her voice dripping with mock curiosity. "So, Professor, if nothing is completely efficient, does that include teaching methods too?"
A few students gasped.
Vivan's jaw tensed. He took a step closer, placing both hands on the desk in front of her. His voice dropped just a notch.
"That depends on whether the students are capable of grasping the full concept... or if they only settle for half-baked answers."
The class erupted into laughter.
Riya clenched her jaw. This man...
Vivan straightened, his face completely calm. "Let's move on. If you're done settling, Miss Mathur, let's talk about entropy change in reversible and irreversible processes."
Riya exhaled slowly, forcing herself to focus. This is war now.
And from the way his gaze flickered toward her as he spoke, she knew he felt it too.
---
Riya walked into the chemistry class fully prepared for battle. If Vivan Oberoi thought he could shut her up with his cold stares and sharp words, he was gravely mistaken.
The moment she stepped inside, her best friend, Ishaan, smirked. "You and the professor... solid match !" he teased, nudging her. Riya rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Ishaan."
Before Ishaan could respond, the door clicked open.
Silence.
Vivan entered, his presence commanding as usual, but today... something was different.
There was a challenge in his eyes.
He was expecting her to fight back.
Fine. Let's play.
"Today's topic: Reaction Rates and Catalysts," he announced, setting his notes down. "But before that, let's test how well you understood yesterday's lesson."
A groan spread across the class.
Vivan ignored it. His gaze shifted, scanning faces before settling directly on Riya. "Miss Mathur, tell me-what happens to entropy when an irreversible reaction occurs?"
Riya smirked. "It increases, obviously."
Vivan tilted his head. "Obviously? Are you sure?"
Riya frowned slightly. "Yes, Professor. It's a fundamental principle."
Vivan took a slow step toward her desk. "Then explain why, in some cases, entropy appears to decrease."
The class leaned in.
Riya opened her mouth-then shut it. Wait. What?
"Take your time," Vivan said smoothly, his hands in his pockets, watching her.
A beat of silence.
She thought hard. Then-click.
"Oh," she said, realization dawning. "That's only in localized systems. If you look at the whole universe, entropy still increases."
Vivan's lips curled slightly. "Good. This time, you got the full answer."
Laughter and whistles erupted in the class. Someone from the back shouted, "Professor versus Riya: Round 2, and she fights back!"
Vivan ignored the commotion, but Riya caught the tiny flicker of amusement in his eyes before he turned away.
Oh, it's on now, Professor Oberoi.
---
Later in the Lecture
As Vivan explained catalysts, the class remained engaged-mostly because they were waiting for another Riya-Vivan showdown.
"So, catalysts speed up reactions without being consumed," Vivan stated, writing on the board. Then, almost casually, he added, "For instance, some people naturally speed up reactions-whether they intend to or not."
His tone was neutral. But his eyes? They flickered toward Riya for exactly one second before shifting away.
The class went wild.
"OH DAMN!"
"Was that shade?"
"Riya, he just called you a human catalyst!"
Riya blinked. Did he just...
Before she could respond, Vivan turned back. "Settle down."
But his voice lacked its usual sharpness. If anything... he looked like he was enjoying this.
This man is dangerous.
After Class - The Aftermath
As soon as Vivan left, the class erupted.
Ishaan threw an arm around Riya. "I can feel the chemistry between you and professor Oberoi."
"Shut up, Ishaan!" Riya groaned.
"But admit it, he notices you."
She faltered for a split second.
He did, didn't he?
But why did that thought make her stomach feel... weird?
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