Hey Dreamers,
Welcome to chapter 1 of Hidden Affection. Let the journey begin.
Happy Reading!
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Chapter 1
“There is nothing like love in this world."
Wait, what did he just say?
Did he really say that? Has he gone mad?
He believes love doesn’t exist?
Let me tell you one thing — only because of love this world exists. Without it, there’s nothing.
From every emotion we experience, love is supreme.
Sure, love isn’t always easy. But just because someone faced a bitter experience, doesn’t mean love itself is the problem. Because, The truth is — only love has the power to heal... to make us truly feel alive.
But well… What can we do?
That’s his belief.
He doesn't believe in love. And no one really knows why. Maybe something happened. Something so deep… that it shattered him beyond repair. To the point where even the idea of love feels like a lie to him.
Now you're probably wondering — Who is this person we're talking about?
Let me introduce you to Athrav Desai.
A man with a face that looks like it walked straight out of a romance novel.
A professor by profession — but honestly, if not this, he could have easily been a superstar. A hero. A heartthrob. And no, I’m not exaggerating.
Fair complexion, intense deep-brown eyes, a jawline that could cut glass, and that perfectly trimmed beard that adds just the right amount of mystery. Oh, and did I mention his height? 6’3.
Yes. You read that right. Six feet three inches of sheer distraction.
He walks into a room and silence follows — not out of fear, but out of admiration. And maybe... a little bit of jealousy.
Because let’s be honest — if you're one of the boys in his class, it’s hard not to feel overshadowed.
And if you're one of the girls? Well, welcome to the fan club. Because half the college is already madly crushing on him. Crazy, right?
But no matter how much the world adores him — Athrav Desai doesn’t believe in love.
At least... not yet.
So now I think I’ve told you enough about him for you to already fall for him – haven’t you? I don’t know about you all, but let me confess something... I may have developed a tiny little crush on him already. Really, just a tiny one. Okay, maybe a little more than that – don’t judge!
Let’s not talk about him too much now. If I start again, I won’t be able to stop myself. So let’s focus on the story, shall we?
Mumbai — the city of dreams, the city where he lives.
Athrav Desai.
A respected professor. Disciplined. Sharp. Always wearing that serious expression like it’s part of his uniform. It’s rare to see him smile – some say he’s forgotten how to. And don’t even get me started on his temper. His anger could freeze the air in the room, and people have learned to stay far, far away from it. But even with all that, one thing is certain – Athrav is a brilliant professor. The kind that commands not just fear... but respect.
Oh! Did I mention he comes from a business background too?
Yes, there’s a well-established family empire waiting for him. And for two years, he had to press pause on his teaching career to handle a major project – because when his father asked, he didn’t refuse. But now... he’s back. Back in the college, back in front of students who have only heard stories about him in the last two years.
It’s just another day in college for Athrav Desai. Or at least, it seems like it.
But today, something feels... off.
His face is darker than usual, his walk a little sharper, and anyone who crosses his path can feel the storm brewing. Nobody dares to ask what’s wrong — they value their lives too much.
And now, it's time for his first class with the third-year students.
The same students who’ve heard legends about him. Some are excited, others are terrified. They’ve been waiting to see what the hype is all about — but also quietly praying they don’t become the reason for his next outburst.
All the hustle and bustle in the classroom came to an abrupt halt when they heard those heavy, deliberate footsteps approaching. Without anyone saying a word, everyone knew who it was.
And here he comes — Athrav Desai.
He walks in with full authority, owning every inch of space with that calm, commanding presence. The aura around him says it all — whatever stories students had heard over the past two years, they weren’t exaggerated. If anything, they’d heard only half the truth.
His personality? Magnetic.
As he steps into the class, every single girl’s jaw practically drops. Yep, confirmed — crushes are already forming, and fast. Some look like they might faint. And the boys? They're staring at him like why is this guy a professor? He could literally walk into a modeling agency and break the internet.
Some are in awe. Some are straight-up jealous. But one thing is crystal clear — Athrav Desai is not just a professor. He’s a whole experience.
Then, in that deep, rich voice of his, he says, “Good morning, class.”
And just like that, the dreamy daze shatters. Everyone snaps to attention, quickly echoing, “Good morning, sir,” in a tone of half-respect, half-nervous energy.
Athrav gives a small nod. “Before we begin, let me introduce myself. Athrav Desai — your new professor for Business Studies.”
Just as Athrav was about to continue, a knock echoed from the door.
He paused. Closed his eyes.
Ah, not this.
If there’s one thing Athrav Desai despises — it’s being interrupted. Especially mid-sentence. And especially today, when his mood was already skating on thin ice. That single knock felt like a personal attack on his patience.
Every student saw the brief flicker of frustration on his face as he shut his eyes, jaw tightening ever so slightly. And that was enough for the entire class to stiffen. Something was off today, and now this?
All eyes darted to the door.
A girl.
She wasn’t paying attention yet, casually fixing her dupatta and flipping her hair, unaware of the storm waiting for her inside. But her classmates? They already knew. They felt it. Something big was about to go down — and she was right at the center of it.
And then it happened.
Athrav turned toward the door — and their eyes met.
Both froze.
“You?!” she gasped.
“You?!” he echoed, eyes narrowing
The word echoed at the same time from both of them, sharp and startled.
The entire class looked like they were watching the first scene of a daily soap. Eyes wide. Mouths open. Not a single breath dared to move.
No greeting. No permission to enter and look on Athrav’s face? She had definitely messed with him before.
Oh God… what has this girl done?
You think that was dramatic? Just wait till she opens her mouth.
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Thank you for reading.
Your presence here means the world to me.
Until next chapter, stay safe and keep dreaming.
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