CH-4 The Past

"Move. It's a booked seat."

The voice was low, rough, and annoyingly confident.
I looked up only to find a guy standing there - tall, messy hair, eyes half-lidded like sleep was still his best friend, and his entire posture screamed don't mess with me.

"Then go book it somewhere else," I said, matching his tone. I was already in a bad mood because of my lost hair tie, and this stranger wasn't helping.

He frowned, shoving one hand in his pocket. "Why would I? I'm already seated here."

I blinked at him. "You are standing."

He tilted his head lazily. "And you are sitting on my seat."

"Kya tumhe koi aur jagah nahi mili?" I muttered under my breath, loud enough for him to hear.

"Not when this one's mine."

Before I could give a fiery reply, our professor walked in.
Both of us were still standing, mid-argument.

"Why are you both standing? Sit down and open your books!"
The professor's voice cut through the tension.

I turned to say something, but he just walked past me and sat down right beside me as if this was the natural order of things.

Seriously?

I sat down reluctantly, glaring at him from the corner of my eye. He didn't even glance my way. Instead, he placed his hand under his chin and closed his eyes.

Is he... sleeping?
In the first five minutes?

Unbelievable.

I tried to focus on the lecture, but his light breathing and calm face were somehow infuriating. He looked completely at peace while I was fighting every urge not to throw my pen at him.

A few minutes later, he mumbled, "Move your book."

I looked at him, deadpanned. "Excuse me?"

"It's disturbing me. I'm trying to sleep."

For a second, I thought I misheard him. "You're unbelievable."

"Thanks," he murmured, still half asleep.

I clenched my jaw. "You seriously came here to sleep?"

"Depends. You seriously came here to talk?" he countered without opening his eyes.

Before I could retort, the professor's voice thundered from the front.
"You two! What's going on there?"

I froze. So did he .... though only slightly.

"Sir, nothing. I..." I started, but he cut me off.

"You're new, right? Stand up! Introduce yourself."

My heart sank. "Sir... Myself Shravani. I just joined yesterday. I missed my first half due to some family issues, so....."

"So you think joining late gives you permission to disturb the class?" he snapped.

"N-no sir, I...."

"And who's this next to you?" he barked, glaring at my still half-asleep seatmate.

"Rudra," he said, finally lifting his head. "Rudra Avasthi. Anything else, sir?"

The professor paused.
Then, shockingly, smiled.

"Of course, Rudra. Sit down."

What? That's it?

I stood there, stunned. The man literally slept through half the lecture, and I was the one getting roasted?

"Miss Shivani, I expect better discipline from new students." The professor continued, making me nod furiously before finally allowing me to sit.

Rudra smirked faintly, eyes still sleepy, and muttered, "Told you. You talk too much."

Oh, he was so dead.

As soon as the bell rang, I stood up to give him a piece of my mind,
but a familiar voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Shravani?"

I turned sharply.

"Aksh?" I blinked, stunned.
I saw him standing, how many months has it been since I saw him?
He looks a little tall? Or maybe just a side effect of not seeing my favourite neighbour for months.

I ran towards him and hugged him hard. There were still some people in class but did I care?
Of course not.

We were both about to fall because of the hard push I gave but we were saved somehow because of gravity I will give credit to.

"Shravuu!!!! I missed you."
"Akshi, I have never missed you more." I said.

"Where the fuck have you been? Do you know how worried we all were for you? Is this how you treat all of us? Not even bother to tell about your whereabouts?" He scolded me. For straight two minutes but for once I did not feel bothered to stop him.

I missed these idiots the most.

My eyes almost teared up listening to him. He was being kabir at this point.

As my tears fell, he stopped.

"Aw! Why is my shravu crying? Dude com mon you were the one who went without telling me now I don't even have the right to scold you?"

"Shut up! Idiot. I just missed you." I said wiping my tears.

"Haha. I can see that, come let's go somewhere I have a lot to ask." He said while I nodded.

I went back to my seat to grab my bag only to find that Rudra named guy to look at us keenly.

"It's wrong to eyedrop someone's conversation." I commented as I picked my bag.

"It's legal as long as I am not in private property." He replied smoothly as if he knew what was coming making me piss at him more.

I just turned and went with Aksh.
We both reached the terrace. Is it allowed to be here? I asked him..

"No, me, Veer, Kavish and Yuvi sneak sometimes here. Keep it a secret now."

I nodded. God knows how many more secrets I have to keep.

As we settled on the seat Aksh's question hung in the air.
"So tell me, what exactly happened that you couldn't even leave a single text before leaving?"

I stayed quiet. For a long time.
Too long.

His voice faded somewhere in the background as flashes from that day started replaying, sharp, uninvited, like a movie I never wanted to rewatch.

"The papers are being prepared."

"Don't worry about her, I'll handle her."

"She'll choose us."

Those words echoed louder and louder until they weren't just memories anymore . they were sounds scraping against my skull. My chest tightened; I could hear my own heartbeat thundering in my ears. My hands turned cold, fingers trembling as I clutched the side of my jeans, trying to ground myself.

The air suddenly felt too thick. Every breath stung like needles in my throat.
What was happening again? Why couldn't I breathe properly?

I pressed a palm to my chest, My vision blurred at the edges, the terrace around me spinning.

"Not again... not here..." I whispered under my breath.

"Hey, Shravu!"

Aksh's voice cut through the fog. He sounded distant at first, like he was calling from somewhere far away.

"Shravu, are you okay? I've been calling you for minutes now! Where were you zoned?

I blinked, forcing air into my lungs, rubbing my palms against my face until everything started coming back into focus , the terrace, the cold wind, and Aksh's worried expression.

"Nowhere," I managed, my voice hoarse.
Taking a deep breath, I forced a weak smile. "Just... got lost in a few thoughts."

He didn't buy it, but he didn't push either. He just sat quietly beside me, close enough that she didn't feel like she would shatter.

He didn't say anything ,just watched her for a second longer, eyes full of questions he didn't ask. The silence that followed wasn't awkward; it was grounding.
For the first time in minutes, she could breathe properly again.

She looked down, tracing the edge of her in bracelet, and finally spoke.

(VOTE! one of the secrets is about being revealed)

"My...my grandmother," she began quietly. "She fell while going to the gurudwara and fractured her hip. It all happened so fast .... she needed surgery immediately. Dad being the head of the family and hospital both had to be there, and Mom was already stuck with work. So, I told him I'd go with him. There wasn't anyone else."

Aksh's face softened instantly.

"I swear, not telling you guys wasn't my intention. I was literally about to text everyone,heck, the first person I texted was Arya, but before I could even finish typing, my phone slipped and broke. I don't even know what part of the message went through. And then... I think I left my phone on the flight itself. I didn't even realize until hours later when Dad asked me for his phone at the hospital."

She sighed. "Our family's small, Aksh. Me being there or not, it makes a difference. So, I decided to stay. I thought it'd all settle within a month, but dadi recovery was slow. She needed three to five months of bed rest and physiotherapy. And she kept insisting I stay with her, saying 'I only have one grandchild, I don't know how much longer I'll live.' I knew she was out of danger and nothing like that would happen but I couldn't say no."

Aksh's throat bobbed; his expression grew heavier.

"Later, when I thought I'd finally come back, I found out Dad was facing a crisis at the hospital...... some drug-dealing accusations. So I stayed longer until things were clear. Then finally... I came here."

There was a moment of silence. No one bothered to speak.

He exhaled, shaking his head. "Shravu... you went through all that, and didn't tell anyone? You seriously thought we wouldn't understand?"

She looked down.

"You idiot," he said softly. "We were all going crazy, trying to figure out what happened to you. Arya..." he hesitated, "he was... not himself. You could've just told me at least."

"I know," she murmured.

"Still," he sighed. "You did what you had to. Family comes first. I just wish you didn't have to handle it all alone."

There was a pause. Then, his tone gentled even more. "Have you told him?"

"Nope," she replied quietly. "And I'm not planning to either."

"Why?"

She inhaled deeply. "He's too angry to even listen. He'll think I'm making excuses. Or maybe... I don't even know." She forced a smile. "Forget it. Tell me, are you still angry with me?"

He chuckled softly. "Silly, I was never angry with you. I can't be. Especially knowing half the world already seems to be."

She smiled faintly. "Thank you... for understanding."

"Now, tell me," she nudged, "what exactly happened after I left?"

Aksh groaned dramatically. "Bas nuclear bomb nahi fata, baki sab ho gaya."

She laughed, shaking her head. "Is everyone angry... like Arya?"

He thought for a second. "Kabir is too calm about it. Which, honestly, is scarier because he's usually the first one to explode you know how he is when it comes to you. "Of course he will be calm." She muttered. "Did you say something?" Aksh questioned but she nodded in denial asking him to continue. "Shanaya was furious at first, but then decided there must've been a reason, so she's waiting to talk to you. Ivaan was... Ivaan...pretty chill."

"And Mahi?" she asked hesitantly.

"Oh, don't even start. Veer's angry, but Mahi? She's the angriest. Like, Angry Bird level angry. She literally cuts the call if your name comes up."

Shravani groaned. "Is she that angry?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't she be? You didn't tell your best friend about your crush. And to top it off, your so-called crush turned out to be her own brother! Do you think she'd be calm after finding out something was going on between you two for, what, almost three years?"

She winced. "I know... but I found out only much later, okay?"

"Well, I didn't know that," he teased, smirking.

She groaned. "Oh God, these Singhanias are seriously tough ones."

"Ugh! Forget it now. Come on, you must have your class," he said, getting up.

"Yeah, let's go."

"And Miss," he pointed a warning finger, "dare you not pick my call or disappear again."

She grinned, raising her pinky. "Nope. Never. I promise."

He smiled, locking his finger with hers. Then, unexpectedly, he pulled her into a hug a long, quiet one.

Aksh could feel it.

The maturity that had replaced her once carefree laughter, the weight she'd carried without saying a word, and the silent strength she had built all on her own.

.........................

CH-5 Bhabhi Ji!!

Sharing things with Aksh wasn't that bad. I thought it would be much harder but it wasn't than I had imagined.

Aksh has changed in a good way I must say. It's been almost a week since I came here and I am finally settling with the schedule. Not like I am waking up early but I somehow manage to reach class on time.

And Aksh he always meets me at least once a day. I really missed hanging out with everyone so chatting with him and catching up is the best time of the day. I even met the roommates who are handling this fire and water. (Arya and Aksh)

When I met them I was able to identify with all the descriptions I had got from Arya in a year about them. I even took photos of them with Arya so it wasn't like they were unknown to me but it shouldn't be the same way round right? I mean why would Arya or Aksh speak about me but apparently they too knew me just the way I knew.

<<Flashback

"Ah! Finally the classes are over." Aksh said as he came out of the class.

"You did not even wait for the professor to leave." I commented as I waited for him outside the class.

"He is chill about that unlike our school teachers. So no tension."

"True that"

"Come let's go!" He said pulling me somewhere. I was not yet familiar with the corridors yet and here he was busy dragging me.

"Oh miss how long you are not gonna take a step to melt your guy's heart?"

"Uh.." i don't know what to say it's been a few days since our first meeting and it's not like I have not approached him. I did but after a single eye contact of less than 10 seconds he moved to a different direction.

If I follow him he either puts his airpods on or starts talking to some professor. If that's not enough he will start talking to a random guy and he too would talk as if he knew him since ages ugh! Only I knew how much control I had kept on my anger and not to pull him in one of the classes locking him and lock him up until his so called ego is down to earth.

I came out of my bickering as Aksh stopped in front of the football area.

"What are we doing here?"
"Carrom khelne aaye hai." He said and I rolled my eyes on his sarcasm.
"Your man's inside, busy torturing his teammates with an extra lap.Must be on their way back."

"Ah! I see." We Waited for hardly 5 minutes as we saw everyone coming out.

Everyone greeted Aksh while knowing no one I just kept looking at my phone. I didn't want to look rude but it was just that they are Arya teammates so it should make more sense when he introduces himself just like Aksh did with his basketball team player.

"Ah!! Aksh finally you are here man this roomate of ours is a pure torture." A tall guy with curly hair came running towards us. He was almost the same height as Aksh.

"Now you should get used to it man!" Aksh said laughing.

"I should but now I am thinking of changing my sports only."

"Oh really! Then what are you gonna play if not football?"

"I will come to your team. Basketball team." He said proudly

"Wha jagah nhi hai faltu logo ki. We can't carry brainless people in our team." Another guy came out of nowhere. He was also a handsome one with a built body especially arms. He had his headphones loosely hung on his neck while his bag lazily hung around his shoulder.

He stood beside Aksh as he put his arm on his shoulder

"I have more brain than you."

"Ya that's why Veer asked you to run double the lap than others."

"How do you know?"

"I was the prime audience there. Of course I know."

"Alright stop it. Ye saari harqate ab ghar karna we gotta guest." Aksh said and looked at me.

"Here meet Shravani."

Before I could respond the one who came from practice asked shockingly, "YOU! You.. you are The Great Shravani?"

"Huh?"

"Oh tere ki! Bhabhi ji." Suddenly the one beside Aksh said and bent to touch my feet. "Peni pona" (it's a way of greeting) I quickly got aside without letting him touch.

"What are you doing?" I asked him

"Aashirwad mang rha tha mein toh." He replied innocently.

"Hein?"

"Forget him. Bhabhi I mean Shravani he is an idiot." The other one said.

"You are not less." I replied making both Aksh and the headphone guy laugh.

They both were busy laughing when suddenly the manly strict voice came to our ears, "What's going on here?"
We all looked at the direction the voice came from only to find Arya all in glory. His gym bag or football bag hung on his shoulder. The field lights glowed behind him, making his jawline look even sharper - I swear the man's auditioning for heartbreak."His hair wet all scattered messily making him look extra handsome.

Ugh! My poor heart. Can this man stop looking this good. Nazar laga dega koi.

His eyes locked at me as well. We were looking at each other until a cough broke our staring.
."single are here as well ." Aksh muttered.

He coughed and said, " what are you all doing here?"

"We came to pick you both."

"Why are you all that free to roam?"

"Now a person can't even walk around his own university. What a bipolar." I murmured to myself but unfortunately everyone heard.

The headphone guy laughed while Arya just look at me.
"I.. it was ..." Before I could complete or better say cover my sentence the head phone guy said, " now I know how you cooped up with him and his attitude all these years. Ah! You are more pretty and fire than I imagined. Myself Yuvi. Yuvi Ahluwalia. Though a pretty girl like you can call me anything you wish too." He said but earning a sharp gaze from Arya he quickly continued, "I .. I meant a pretty girl like you who is Arya's girl as well so I would prefer anything you call me little sis." He tried covering up
Only to get another firing gaze from my angry man but Aksh and his other friend were enjoying his misery. "Arre not Arya Girl but soon to be not yet to" before Arya threw him out I said chuckling ,"I get it. I get it. Mr. Hi and nice to meet you too Yuvi."
He stopped hearing me rubbing his neck awkwardly and he nodded.

"Hi I am " before he could continue I spoke "kavish? Right?"

"You know me?" He asked. While I just smiled remembering how Arya used to tell about all these and their messy habits which made him suffer sharing the same flat. He is too clean freak and here I used to wonder that this guy should never come near my wardrobe any time soon otherwise he will surely get an attack.

"Ya, you are the one simp for your girl right?" I said teasing him as I remembered how many struggles he and all these boys did to propose to his crush. Arya used to treat it as an unsuccessful mission which by luck got successful

"Hmm." He said and he blushed. Just with a little reminder of her made him blush. "Hayee rabba you are such a simp." I commented and his ears turned more pink.

"What do you know about me?" Yuvi asked as he first look at Arya and then at me. I guess he got a hint about how I know these things.

"Aap ke flirting ke charche delhi tak hai. Aur kya hi batau mein." I commented and he quickly turned towards Arya and said," kesi kesi baate bata rha hai tu gaddar. Ab aise rumours failayega toh kha se milegi meri biwi."

" Duh! Truth hurts." Arya commented making all of us laugh.

"The one for whom you unfollowed every girl on Instagram. What about her?" I asked as I remembered Arya telling how Yuvi unfollowed every girl on insta all because the girl he kept on flirting said that she ain't interested in a guy who is busy slipping into every other girl's DM.

"Woh bhav kha de rhi aaj kal." He said and as if some realisation hit he looked immediately at Arya and said ,"kamine saari ulti seedhi cheeze mili thi mere baare mein batane ke liye." He ran towards him but he already went ahead of us.

We all too followed them.

Flashback ends>>

I had a lot of fun with them.

About Me and Arya.

A progress I must say. At least we had few eye contacts though he still didn't talk to me but I am happy.

I quickly put the popcorn in the bowl
As I stir waiting for Maggie to boil quickly.

It's Friday, A junk food night so here I am cooking that needs the minimum amount of cooking skills while Riddhi is cooking pasta, Isha and Aarvi are settling the projector and all.

I found an amazing rule my dear roommates had made. Every Friday night we not only watch the series together but also share everything that happens to us this week as other days we are busy with assignments and classes so it's just a way to catch up with the Friday chatpati tea spill.

Oh did I tell you that the girl Kavish is simp over is none other than Isha. I was shocked as hell when I found out about this but then the struggles Arya told me made sense as Isha is a tough one.

And remember Yuvi unfollowing everyone because of that one girl. That girl is none other than Riddhi.

Oh god what a coincidence. I took a whole day to digest, man!

And that was before tonight's "spill the tea" session even began.
Because once I started talking... oh god, it was chaos.

As I told them everything , from how Arya and I met, to what happened before I left, and how we're now in the same university again , their faces went through every single emotion possible.

Aarvi had her jaw wide open, Riddhi looked like she was ready to take notes, and Isha.

she froze, holding the popcorn bowl mid-air like I'd just dropped the biggest plot twist of the decade.

"Wait wait wait....... Arya as in that Aryaveer Singhania?"

Yes

"Our senior.?

Ya

"The current football captain? " Aarvi asked, blinking rapidly.

"Yes, that Arya," I replied, deadpan.

"And you mean to say, you guys went to the library just you two?" Riddhi chimed in, eyes sparkling. It wasn't she imagined but I still replied.
"Mhmm."

"And he was your senior?"
"Yup."

"And you used to like him?"
"Still do," I said with a shrug.

"And now you're in the same college?"
"Luckily, yes."

They just stared at me for a solid five seconds before all three screamed together, "WHATTTTT!"

And that's when the chaos really began.

"He did what!" Aarvi shrieked.
"This Aryaveer,who doesn't even stay in the radar of girls, stayed on late-night calls with you and used to give our university gossips?!" Riddhi gasped dramatically, clutching her heart.
"Are you sure this is the same Aryaveer you're calling Arya?" Isha added, eyes wide as saucers.
"Oh god," Aarvi groaned, "he's so different when you describe him!"
And before I could even respond, Riddhi almost fell off the sofa, yelling, "What the holy moly. our university heartthrob is your best friend's brother?"

I blinked, trying not to laugh. "Yup."

The collective gasp that followed could've powered the entire hostel generator.

It felt less like a conversation and more like a full-blown press conference titled "Aryaveer and Shravani: The Hidden Saga."

They kept throwing questions at me, one after another ,and I answered every single one patiently until Riddhi suddenly remembered something.

"OH WAIT! Yuvi's match! He invited us all for tomorrow!"

And just like that, chaos switched topics instantly , from Arya to Yuvi, from late-night calls to match timings, and from drama to outfit plans.

I sighed in relief, thinking I'd survived the storm.
But of course, life had other plans.

"Oh, guys! One thing I forgot to tell you."

All three turned to me instantly, eyes wide.

Riddhi pointed her spoon like a weapon. "Na baba na! Aaj ke liye itne jhatke kaafi hain."
"Exactly," Aarvi said, pretending to fan herself. "We need at least 24 hours to recover."

I rolled my eyes, pretending to zip my lips. "Fine, your loss."

But before I could even move, Isha smacked my arm.
"Oye, we were kidding, silly! Now spill it!"

I rubbed my arm, muttering, "Yr, that Rudra Awasthi is such a jerk. Always gets on my nerves."

The room went dead silent.

Then, in perfect sync, all three of them screamed,
"WHATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!"

And just like that, ...I knew sleep had officially packed its bags tonight."

..........................

CH-6 Rudra-Arya

"Rudra Awasthi?" Riddhi repeated, her voice almost cracking.
I blinked, confused. "Ya, why? You guys know him?"

Know him? The three of them exchanged looks so dramatic that I almost thought they'd rehearsed it.

"Shravs..." Isha said slowly, like she was about to deliver national news. "You mean the Rudra Awasthi ..
oh-captain, Mr. Golden Boy of the football team, that Rudra?"

"Uh... I guess?"

Aarvi threw her hands in the air. "He's not some random jerk, Shravani! He's the Rudra, as in Aryaveer Singhania's biggest rival since forever!"

I frowned. "Rival? Wait, what? I thought they were teammates?"

"They were," Riddhi said, sitting cross-legged like she was about to narrate a full-blown Bollywood saga. "Back in first year, Rudra was captain. He earned it fair and square. Crazy talented, passionate, total perfectionist.... he wanted to go pro."

I nodded, listening.

"And then?"

"And then Aryaveer joined," Isha continued dramatically. "They made a killer team together. Won matches back-to-back, everyone thought they'd go down as the best duo in university history. Until..." she trailed off, leaning closer.

"Until Rudra's accident," Aarvi finished in a whisper. "He was in a bike crash...... fractures, stitches, everything. Doctors told him bed rest for three months minimum."

My eyes widened. "Oh god."

"Yep. But the college had a huge inter-university match coming up, massive stakes. Rudra was out, and Aryaveer was chosen as acting captain. And honestly, he killed it. Won that match and the next two tournaments after that."

Riddhi sighed. "When Rudra came back, he found out Aryaveer was still captain. And let's just say, hell broke loose."

I could almost picture it- Aryaveer's calm, stoic face against Rudra's fiery one. Both too proud to step down.

"They had this massive argument , like, everyone heard it. Rudra accused Aryaveer of stealing his position unfairly, Aryaveer refused to back off because he'd earned it through the wins. I find it fair as well as all the teammates were literally against him and he had to endure all without choice in top of the match too. He deserved it. Anyways guess what they did to 'settle' it?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me."

"1v1," Aarvi confirmed. "They literally had a one-on-one match. full stadium watching. Rudra was still recovering, and Aryaveer... well, Aryaveer's Aryaveer. He won. And after that, they've hated each other to the core."

The room went quiet.

I sat there, processing.
No wonder Rudra was so... prickly. And Arya, well, that explained the silent tension whenever his name came up.

"Oh," I muttered, "so basically I just called Aryaveer Singhania's worst enemy a jerk."

Riddhi snorted. "Welcome to the club, sweetheart."

Aarvi leaned forward dramatically, eyes gleaming. "Shravs, you have no idea how iconic this is. You're literally stuck between two rivals. One used to rule the field, the other still does."

"Yup," Isha added with a mischievous grin, "and both happen to have this... hero complex. You know, the type that acts all calm and in control until something or someone..." she pointed directly at me "ticks them off."

"Oh please," I rolled my eyes, pulling the blanket over my head. "You guys are overthinking. It's not like I'm in the middle of a sports rivalry soap opera."

"Not yet," Aarvi teased, poking my leg. "But imagine if both saw you together. Rudra glaring, Aryaveer's jaw clenching, total testosterone overload!"

"Ugh stop!" I groaned, muffled under the blanket. "You all are insane."

"Maybe," Riddhi said, yawning as she stretched. "But don't pretend you're not secretly enjoying all this drama."

I peeked out from under the blanket. "Enjoying? You think watching two grown men act like territorial lions is fun?"

Aarvi giggled. "Kinda, yeah. Especially when you're the reason for half of it."

"I'm not!" I said indignantly, though the warmth creeping up my neck betrayed me.

"Sure you're not," Isha mumbled sleepily, already curling into her pillow. "But just saying... Aryaveer and Rudra are in the same frame? I'd buy front-row tickets for that chaos."

"Goodnight, maniacs," I muttered, turning my back to them.

Their laughter slowly faded into soft snores and quiet breathing.

I stared at the ceiling, the echo of their words still swirling in my head.
Arya and Rudra.

Two names I never thought I'd hear in the same sentence again.

...............

Dear Diary,
1:00 am

I never thought living with strangers could turn out to be this fun. But somehow, these weirdos have started feeling like family. a loud, teasing, never-let-you-sleep kind of family.
Every Friday, our "spill the tea" session ends up becoming a roast-fest, and guess who's the main target? Me.
From my "secret crush" to every time I accidentally blush when Arya's name comes up - these people miss nothing.

And honestly? I kind of love it.
The laughter, the chaos, the way we all talk over each other.... it fills the quiet spaces that used to echo with homesickness.

Arya, though... still hasn't talked to me.
Not even a single message. Not a call.
Sometimes I wonder if he's still angry... or just doesn't care anymore. But whatever it is, I've stopped expecting. Maybe that's what growing up feels like, learning to stay calm when someone's silence could once wreck you. I haven't given up. Not now not ever.

Oh, and about Mr. Rudra Awasthi. yes, the same one who manages to annoy me daily with his sarcastic one-liners after hearing what happened between him and Arya, I don't think he's entirely wrong.
I mean, he worked his way up fair and square, became captain through pure effort, and then an accident snatched it all away. Anyone would feel hurt seeing someone else take their place even if that someone is as capable as Arya.

Sure, Arya led the team to victories too, but Rudra had a disadvantage from the start....... no practice, no chance to prove himself again.
So honestly, I don't think there's a "winner" between them. Just two people caught in bad timing and bruised egos.
And since I wasn't there to see it all, I'm no one to judge who was right or wrong.

Sometimes I wonder if they'll ever let it go the grudge, the rivalry, the silent blame.
Maybe not. Maybe some things just stay unfinished.

Anyway, it's late. The others are planning a midnight Maggie party, and I've been told that if I don't join, my "roommate rights" will be suspended. (Yes, they've made rules now.)

So I should go before they actually eat my share.

Till next time,
- Shravani

"Shravani, stay away from him," Aarvi had warned over breakfast.
"Who?"
"Rudra Awasthi," Riddhi replied, eyes wide. "He's... umm, how do I put it.......volatile."
Isha nodded, stabbing her toast dramatically. "Basically, our university's very own walking anger issue. The number of fights he's gotten into? Enough to form a cricket team."

Shravani laughed then. "You guys make him sound like some mafia leader."
"Maybe not mafia," Aarvi said, "but definitely the type who'll break a jaw if you breathe wrong."

That conversation replays in her mind now, because apparently, destiny enjoys irony.

She turns the corner near the practice ground, clutching her notebook, and there he is .......... Rudra Awasthi himself.

Sweat glistens on his neck, his shirt sticks slightly to his skin, and his hair is a disheveled mess. He's tossing a football from one hand to another, lost in thought.

When his gaze lifts and locks with hers, she freezes for a second. There's something sharp about him not angry, but intense. The kind of presence that makes silence heavier.

He raises an eyebrow. "You're staring, Ms. Gill."

She blinks, quickly composing herself. "I........wasn't."

"Right," he says, smirking faintly. "You were analyzing my aura, then?"

That tone casual but teasing throws her off guard. "You're very sure of yourself."

"And you're very jumpy."

"Maybe because people told me you're someone to stay away from."

He tilts his head, eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh really?"

"Yeah," she says, her voice quieter now but steady. "So maybe... stay away from me."

Rudra chuckles.... low, dark, almost like it hums through the air. "That's cute."
He steps a little closer, a hint of danger curling through his smile. "But don't you think it's a little late for that, Ms. Gill?"

Her breath falters. "What do you mean?"

"I mean..." his voice drops, rough and teasing, "...if you were really scared, you wouldn't still be standing here."

She blinks, caught off guard. "You're strange."

"Strange?" he repeats, laughing softly.

"Yeah. Strange... and dangerous."

That earns a smirk, slow, crooked, and far too confident.
"That's the first time I've been called dangerous like a compliment." His tone darkens, gaze steady on her. "But here's the thing...... I don't take orders. So maybe... it's you who should learn to stay away."

Her pulse skips; the words settle heavily in the air. And before she can respond, he brushes past her, muttering just loud enough for her to hear-
"Careful, Ms. Gill. Curiosity kills quicker than danger."

.........................

CH-7 Hate Me Harder

The canteen is loud, crowded, and annoyingly alive, except for one spot on the far lawn where Rudra Awasthi has practically declared himself off-limits.

Hoodie up.
Headphones on.
Eyes shut.
Arms folded behind his head as he lies on the grass like the world doesn't exist.

Everyone gives him a wide berth.

Everyone... except Shravani.

She marches straight toward him and slips right into his personal space, blocking the sun over his face.

Rudra still doesn't open his eyes, but his jaw ticks like he already knows who it is.

"Ain't you afraid of me anymore?" he asks lazily. "Ya phir ab main dangerous nahi lag raha?"

She bites her inner lip. "Aisa nahi hai... matlab, you are dangerous. But I have this gut feeling you're not gonna hurt me. So why bother being scared?"

A low dangerous chuckle vibrates in his chest.
He finally opens his eyes, sharp and unreadable.

"And why exactly do you think so, Ms. Gill?"

She shrugs. "Because that's my gut feeling. And if you ever wanted to harm me, you would've done it long back. Considering... my connections, no?"

Only his eyes flinch a tiny, almost invisible shock.

"What do you want?" he asks, sitting up slightly, shoulders tense.

"Me? Nothing."
Her smile says something.

He exhales sharply and lies back down.
"Ms. Gill, you're wasting your time with whatever motive you came with. And if you don't leave, don't blame me later."

"Ugh! How mean, Mr. Awasthi." She plops down right beside him. "Come on, can't I just sit with my friend?"

He opens one eye. "FRIEND? Yours? Never."

"Aisi kya burai hai tum mein?" she demands dramatically. "I can accept you as my friend. I don't have any problems."

He scoffs. Loudly.

Then sits up, glaring.
"Can you leave? Or speak the reason for your presence?"

She folds her arms.
"Yaar, jab tum juniors ki class mein meri seat par so jate ho roz, tab main tumhe kuch nahi kehti. Aur kya main itni buri hoon ki main kaam ke liye tumhare paas aaungi?"

He groans.
"Thik hai, ab bhag jao yaha se. Mujhe irritate mat karo."

"Haw! Tum mujhe aise bhaga nahi sakte, Mr. Awasthi. We both paid equal fees. Meri jahan marzi hogi main waha baithungi."

"Thik hai, MERI MAA." He stands up. "Main hi ja raha hoon."

He almost walks away when she quickly grabs his biceps.

"Nahin nahin nahin! Yaar, kahan ja rahe ho? Meri toh sun lo!"

He narrows his eyes. "Main kyu sunu? Meri bandi lagti ho tum?"

She gasps dramatically. "Accha matlab ab apni bandi ke ilawa kisi ki sunoge bhi nahi? Such a pookie!"

"GIRLFRIEND, paglu!" she said as he glared at her.

"Oh good," she says sweetly. "Tell me who she is. I'll tell her myself."

He stares at her in horror. "Kya bakwaas kar rahi ho? I don't have any girlfriend!"

"Of course," she rolls her eyes. "Toh ab main aatma ko bolu ki woh tumhe transfer kare meri baat? Telepathy?"

He throws his hands up. "Directly bol do na!"

She leans closer, whispering like it's confidential.
"Arre, par tumne hi toh kaha tha, tum meri kyu sunoge? Main tumhari girlfriend nahi hoon."

He sighs the loudest sigh of 2025 and sits back down.
"Maaf karo mere maa. Ab batao, kya chahiye tumhe?"

She finally says it.
"Arya. I mean... Aryaveer."

Rudra stares at her.

Then,
He checks his right pocket.
Left pocket.
Back pocket.

"What are you doing?" she asks, baffled.

"Pocket mein dhoond raha hoon," he mutters dryly. "Tumhara ARYAVEER."

She smacks her forehead. "Pagal ho kya? Woh 6 foot 3 inch ka banda tumhari pocket mein kahan se aa jayega?"

He gives her a straight face.

"Exactly. Toh phir tum mujhse Aryaveer ko kyun maang rahi ho? Jaise mere paas pada ho?"

Shravani throws her hands up.
"Arey matlab... it's like you should know about him, right? I just came to you so that you... you know... tell me things about his college life. Aryaveer ki life. Everything I missed."

Rudra's eyebrow shoots up.

"Oh?" His voice is flat, cold, too perceptive. "How can you say you missed it? You are the one he was texting almost... every... single..."
He pauses, searching for the right word.
"...match-later. Consistently."

She stiffens, caught off-guard.
"No... I mean....."

He cuts in, eyes narrowing.
"Don't act like you were in the dark. The man practically glued himself to his phone for you."

Something in her face falters.

"But we had..." she swallows, voice lowering, "we had... some situation. Because of which... apparently I don't know anything about him."

The air shifts.

Rudra studies her in a way that's too sharp, too observant for someone who pretends not to care. He tilts his head slightly, the teasing from earlier fading.

"So he didn't tell you anything." he says quietly. Not a question a conclusion.

She looks away.

"That's why I'm asking you," she whispers. "I want to know what happened here. What he was like. What I missed. Because he doesn't tell me. Not anymore."

Rudra breathes out a long, humourless laugh.

"Typical Aryaveer," he mutters. "Burns the whole world down and then walks off like it never happened."

She frowns. "That's not fair. Batao na."

Rudra's eyes flick up to hers and this time, they're unreadable.

"Don't expect me to give you a history tour of his life."

Shravani's lips part in confusion.
"Why not?"

He smirks, the danger back, the teasing edge curling in his voice.

"Because Ms. Gill... you're asking the wrong person."

Shravani huffs dramatically.
"Help me naaa, yaar! He is literally hell-bent on ignoring me. At least tell me what his routine looked like or something. Anything, yrrr."

Rudra doesn't even blink.

"We're not friends, Shravani." His voice is dry as sand. "That you come to me for updates on his life. Ask his friends."

She groans loudly.
"I can't! They're too loyal. Woh kuch nahi batayenge. Upar se usse bta denge mein unke paas gyi thi. And YOU..." she pokes his arm, "you're the best one to help me."

His jaw clenches. "How exactly?"

She grins, leaning closer.
"Because you're enemies as far as I heard. And apparently..."
She taps his shoulder lightly,
"...we should keep our friends close but enemies closer, you know?"

She winks.

Rudra looks like he wants to bang his head on the grass.

"Oh god," he mutters. "Why am I talking to you."

She shrugs innocently. "Because you're nice from inside."

He gives her a full deadpan stare.
"No."

"Okay fine," she says quickly, waving a hand. "Listen, I want to talk to him. Aur aise nahi that he runs away or ignores me or finds some professor or a stranger to talk to just to avoid me. Like he has been doing since I arrived. Please. Any way out?"

Silence.

Rudra's eyes drift away, his headphones still hanging around his neck.
For once, the teasing fades.
He lies back down on the grass, staring at the sky as if she's the most exhausting puzzle he's ever encountered.

Shravani sits beside him, hugging her knees and staring at him with the most dramatic hopeful eyes.

Seconds pass.

A minute.

Another.

Finally
he exhales sharply and mutters under his breath,

"Yeh ladki mujhe paagal kar degi..."

He closes his eyes, reminding himself firmly to stay away from her.

But then

"Fine," he says quietly. "What do you want me to do?"

........................

Rudra and Shravani walk side by side, her steps light and his absolutely done with his life.

They reach the long corridor leading to the football team's changing room. Loud voices, laughter, the thud of lockers like everything spills out from inside.

Just as they're about to pass by, the coach appears from the opposite direction.

She freezes.

Rudra stiffens.

Shravani immediately hides behind his broad back, clutching his jacket like a terrified squirrel.

Rudra sighs. "Ab kya hua?"

She whispers urgently, "Woh rude uncle... he's literally staring at you. Tad raha hai full-on. Pasand krta hai kya?"

Rudra looks over his shoulder.
"That's the coach, genius."

"Oh." She peeks from behind him. "Still. Rude."

The coach approaches, eyes wide.
"Rudra? You finally showed up on the field after months?"

Shravani pokes his back lightly with see, I told you he's rude notice.

Rudra ignores her completely.

The coach's gaze then shifts to her. "And she is...?"

Shravani straightens, plastering on her best smile.
"I'm his...."
Rudra shoots her a warning glance.
"friend," she lies sweetly according to him..

"Friend," the coach repeats, clearly unconvinced. He starts speaking to Rudra about practice, team, and some upcoming matches he wants him to join.

Rudra nods lazily once, then subtly jerks his chin towards the changing room door... Go.

Shravani gets the message.

She spins and runs toward the room before the coach can interrogate her further.

The moment I stepped inside the changing room... I regretted every life decision that led me here.

Half the boys were laughing loudly, half were half-dressed, some shirtless, some pulling on T-shirts.

My brain?
Froze. Fully. System error. 404.

And then...

My eyes locked with his.

Aryaveer.

Standing near his locker, jaw sharp, eyes dark, towel around his neck.

The second he saw me,
his expression snapped.
The laughter around him dimmed like someone hit mute.

"H....Hi?" I squeaked.

His gaze hardened instantly.
Fierce. Disbelieving.
Like I'd walked into a zone I had no right to enter.

My face turned tomato-red.

I spun around so fast I almost tripped, slapped my palms over my eyes, and practically screamed

"I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!"

Silence.

Then his voice,  low, commanding, terrifying enough to freeze the entire room:

"LEAVE. NOW."

I swear, the air shifted.

I fumbled for the doorknob, still squeezing my eyes shut, but before I could pull it

Thud.
Thud.
Thud.

Footsteps. Multiple.

I blinked, confused, finally lowering my hands.

All the boys. ALL OF THEM. were lined up near the door, fully clothed, ready to leave.

One after another, they walked out quietly, not even daring to breathe too loud. Not even dare to move their head up from the ground or to even spare a glance at me(the uninvited intruder).

I stood there, stunned.

It felt like I had accidentally walked into a lion's den...

Because Aryaveer Singhania had spoken.

I slowly lowered my hands and turned  when the shuffle of footsteps fades. The entire room turns silent. Too silent. I blinked once, then twice.

Only one person remains.

Aryaveer.

He stands there, jaw ticking, eyes burning with something too sharp to be labelled just anger. The door behind her is closed, my back almost brushing it.

He takes one slow step toward me.

"What," Aryaveer asks, voice low, "are you doing here?"

I opened my mouth, but nothing comes out.

His brows lift dangerously. He takes another step, closing the space so quickly I instinctively retreat until my spine hits the door. His arms rise, palms pressing against the door on either side of my head.

I got caged.

"I...I had work...." I manages to whisper.

"Work?" he repeats, scoffing under his breath. "You call this work? Walking into a boys' changing room?" His voice has that sharp edge, the one that slices straight through her courage.

"Aryaveer, I didn't know. I didn't think..."

"That's right." His face is so close I can feel his words ghost against her skin. "You didn't think."

His eyes flick to my trembling hands, then back to her.

"Why would you come here?" he demands. "Why couldn't you just stay away?"

She winces. "I needed to talk to you."

"There are a thousand places in this college to talk to," he snaps, leaning in just a fraction more. "But no, you had to walk into this room, at this time, with those idiots around."

"I didn't know they'd be changing!" I whispers, cheeks flaming.

"Oh, so you thought you'd just casually stroll into the boys' locker room?" he throws back.

"Aryaveer, stop twisting it! I came because.... because you keep ignoring me and I......I didn't have any other option!"

He freezes.

His breath hitches.

Something unreadable flashes in his eyes. hurt? irritation? worry?

He masks it instantly.

"You should've stayed away." His voice softens, but the softness is somehow worse. "I told you that. So many times."

I shakes her head, whispering, "But I don't want to stay away."

My breath stumbles in my chest as the silence stretches between us like a wire pulled too tight. He still hasn't moved. Still hasn't looked away. Still stands there. towering, furious, and way too close.

Why does he have this effect on me?

"Why aren't you talking to me?"
The words spill out before I can stop them, soft, shaky, embarrassingly vulnerable. "I'm... really sorry for that day. Don't you think it's enough? Enough of ignoring me?"

Aryaveer's jaw tightens,.so hard I can almost hear his teeth grind. His hand presses against the door beside my head, caging me in, making me feel small and exposed and stupidly aware of every breath he takes.

"I don't want to talk to you," he says at last.

The way he says it flat, final, almost cruel that stings worse than I expected.

"Why?"
It comes out a whisper, but it's all I can manage.

He leans in so close I forget how to inhale. His warmth wraps around me like a warning, like danger, like... him.

"Because," he murmurs, voice dropping to a dark whisper, "I hate you."

For a heartbeat, everything inside me cracks.

But I force my chin up, force a tiny broken smile to hold the pieces in place.

"Great then," I whisper back, matching his intensity even though my knees feel like jelly. "Hate me harder...... at least it means I still own a place in your heart."

He stills.

Like I've hit something deep,
too deep.

His eyes flare, pupils darkening. I can feel his breath falter, feel the shift in him like a storm rolling in. The anger doesn't vanish, it changes. Becomes something sharper. Something that makes my pulse jump to my throat.

Hate me harder.

My own words echo back at me, reckless and stupid and painfully true.

For a terrifying second, he looks like he might actually break, break distance, break control, break whatever wall he's been slamming between us these days.

He drags his gaze away just slightly, swallowing hard.

"Don't," he mutters, voice rough, raw, almost cracked. "Don't say things like that."

My heart lurches.

"Why?" I ask quietly. "It's not like you care, right?"

His head snaps back toward me, eyes burning straight into mine.

"You have no idea what I care about."

I swear the world tilts.

He's still inches away. Still pinning me between him and the door. Still furious at me, at himself, at whatever this thing between us is.

And I'm still here.
Still trembling.
Still hurting.
Still unable to step away.

Because even if he hates me...
He feels something.

And that's the part that terrifies both of us.

.........................

CH-8 Predictable To Me

"Ya, and how did you say she entered?" Yuvi asked.

"All in glory opening the door, and then, like a rabbit, she jumped there shouting, making us scared," Kavish said, laughing.

While everyone joined him, Shravani sulked at the unfolding scene.

She pouted angrily and said, "Guys, stop it. It's been more than a week since that incident happened. Get over it."

"Common Shravs, it's not daily we get to hear that someone entered the boys' changing room just because someone was ignoring her," Aarvi said teasingly, sitting beside Kavish, and everyone laughed again.

"Shut up."

"Yr. Naraz na ho. We are just teasing you. Aur wese bhi kis mahan ne kha tha boys changing room mein Bina knock kre enter karo. wha jana hi kyu tha wese? khi aur jagah nhi mili?" Aksh said tried to console her, which he failed miserably, laughing.

"Thik hai na. Insaan se ho jaati hai glti. Bhul gyi knock Krna. Itta kya kh rhe ho. Arya ke saamne toh kisi ki bolti nhi khulti."

"There is an enormous difference between you both. Tumhe smgh aa rha hai hum mazak kr rhe hai. Usse mazak smgh bhi aayega phir bhi humein dhamka dega." Kavish said while the boys nodded as if it was something too obvious.

"It's not like that. He teases a lot and even does pranks." Shravani said, remembering all those times he used to tease her for being lazy and the time they spent together.

"We haven't seen anything like that. We have been with him for 1 and 1/2 year now."

"I don't know, but he is not at all like you guys define him. He is really sweet."

"Oh daymn! SWEET and ARYAVEER in one sentence can never happen, miss." Yuvi said, challenging her.

"It is true. Why would I lie?"

"The day he smiles, laughs like a normal human and talks calmly with everyone. I will touch your feet in front of the whole university." Yuvi challenged.

"Oh bhai! Jyada ho rha hai ab. This is Shravani we are talking about. She can make him do that. High possibilities hai." Aksh said, trying to save him.

"Agar woh insaano ki tarah bhi behave krne lga na. It will be only for her. Not for us or anyone in the uni. And that's what I am talking about."

"And what if that day comes?" Shravani spoke, liking the challenge.

"I will accept that not only can he change around you, but he can also change for you and do as I say. Okay bhabhi ji?" Yash said teasingly.

"Woh sab theek hai. Ye bhabhi kya hai. Bola tha na don't say it." She said, irritatingly, while he laughed.

"Yr phir toh you need to meet our teammates who have declared you bhabhi ji and Aryaveer has asked." He paused.

"And? What did Arya say?" She asked.

"Nothing." He coughed as the most dangerous glare came into contact with him without his wanting.

"What did I say?" Aryaveer asked, making her jump and look behind her, only to find him standing with his phone and a few papers in his hand.

She turned back to the group and asked Kavish, "What did he say?"

"He? Why would he say anything?" He stammers, then focuses on his food.

"But you just now said that he said something." She asked, confused, while both Aksh and Yuvi enjoyed the boy's misery, knowing very well what would happen if he leaked their conversation.

"I never said that. Kaan baj rhe hai tumhare." He said.

"But mene akeli ne thodi suna. Riddhi, Isha guys, you even heard him saying Arya's name?" Shravani asked only for both of them to look at each other, and then for everyone to look awkward.

Both Yuvi and Aksh shook their head, asking them to refuse, which they did.

"What the hell?" Shravani was astonished at seeing how they refused to hear his name.

"Bro Veer, why are you still standing? Come sit." Aksh asked, trying to reduce the sudden tension raised in the group.

Arya sat down and ate the food on Aksh's plate.

"What took you so long? Where were you now?" Aksh asked Arya.

"Bhai, what are you even asking. Don't you know Prime Minister ke baad janab sabse jyada busy hai. Oh sorry shyd unse bhi jyada. Kyu? Shi kh rhi hu na" Shravani commented while rolling her eyes.

"Ho gya?" Aryaveer asked.

"Abhi mene kuch shuru hi kha kiya hai kuch." Shravani replied, winking while the guys hooted.

"Kya shuru Krna hai?" Aarvi asked, who was busy reading for the test.

"Aap ko kuch nhi karna hai. Unhe krne dijiye." Aksh replied hurriedly as if something was about to happen for real.

"Aksh." Aryaveer called

"Kya? Yr ab mein toh tumhari side le rha tha."

"Alright enough." Aryaveer said, while all the laughing and hooting stopped.

"Ok so tell us where you were busy?" Kavish asked this time.

"Professor called." He replied.

"I knew it. Unhone bulaya hoga aur ye bina kuch kahe chala gya hoga." Shravani muttered.

"I didn't go by choice, an IT competition which is held in Jaipur every year. I was asked to choose and lead the team this year."

"Oh. Ya I remember we won last year too." Aksh said, remembering that time.

"What is this competition?"

"Ya what is it?" Riddhi nd Shravani asked in union.

"This is a competition held every year where different universities come nd participate. The IT competition. Many rounds are held. Rapid fire, programming and all. We won last year." Isha told, clarifying everything.

"That's so interesting." Riddhi told.

"Why don't you participate? You both are from IT field only." Aksh asked while everyone nodded.

"Ah! I wish I could do. But I have already put my name down to organise the fest, which is two weeks from now. I can't." Riddhi said.

"Yr com mon let's go there. I have never gone to Jaipur nor seen these big university competition." Shravani asked.

"I am really sorry."

"What about you, aksh?" Shravani asked.

"Yuvi and I are busy practising for the upcoming basketball match. Being the captain can't leave in the middle." Aksh clarified while Shravani nodded.

"But you give the name. Aryaveer has to go anyway since he is leading it."

"But mughe akele nhi jana." Shravani said, munching her food.

"Aksh just said Aryaveer is going," Aarvi told her while Aryaveer just ate the food silently focusing on the conversation.

"Usse akele jana hi khte hai. Mere side mein beth kr janab baat nhi kr skte hai toh trip mein jaha sab isko hi manage Krna hoga wha he will forget my entire existence. Naah! I am not going at all. Forget it."

"You are overthinking. And Aryaveer, you take care of my sister. She should not feel lonely." Aksh said seriously.

"Forget it. There will be many more people who would want to participate; I even missed an entire semester earlier. Lemme catch up on that." Shravani said.

"Prepare for the competition. If qualified, pack up." Aryaveer, who had been silent till now, spoke, leaving no room for argument, and left.

"Oh hello ye kya tha?" Shravani asked as she turned to see Aryaveer exit the cafeteria.

"That's called Aryaveer being Aryaveer." Aksh, Yuvi and Kavish said together while the girls laughed at them.

"Oh so now he will say, and I need to go? Wow. Mein nhi ja rhi tell him. That's final." Shravani said, getting up and left the cafeteria as well.

"They are just so hot-headed. How did they handle each other earlier?" Aarvi asked.

"I know right. They are literally so different from the stories I have heard of them." Riddhi said

"They are just being pains in the ass and nothing else. Ek ki ego bhot badi hai ek ko smghane aur smaghne mein maut aati hai." Aksh said so done with them.

"This is how people in love and hate with the same person act." Isha commented.

I punched the bag a few more times, completely done with the day.

Shravani always knows how to sit in my head 24×7 without even trying.

The day she walked into the changing room... I was fucking shocked to see her there.

I hated it.
The way those idiots looked at her the second she stepped inside........
like they had any damn right to.

She's always been like that. Walking into a room without realising that every pair of eyes tracks her.
But these people aren't like the ones back home.
Everyone doesn't have good intentions.
Most don't.

And I wasn't in the mood to tolerate even one wrong stare.

So when someone asked, "Bhai... who exactly is she?"
I didn't think twice before answering.

"She is Shravani Gill," I said, voice cold enough to freeze the entire circle.
"And you better give her the same respect you give me."

Silence.
Wide eyes.

Still... someone had the nerves to ask, "Aur... matlab? Who is she to you?"

I clenched my jaw.
Looked straight at him.

"Someone," I stepped closer, "if you tried to look at more than a few seconds... you'll be the reason for your own hospital admission. Am I clear?"

Dead. Silence.
Good.

I didn't wait for anything else.

I slammed my fists into the punching bag again. I already knew the next problem.

She was going to say no.
Of course she'd say no.

Shravani Gill. Stubborn as hell since the day I met her.
If I tell her to do something, she'll do the opposite.
If I tell her to finish an assignment, she'll sulk for an hour before doing half.
If I give a direct order, she'll pretend she didn't even hear me.

And now?
I told her to join the competition.

Obviously, she refused.

One more punch- hard enough to burn my knuckles.

She hasn't changed at all.

And yet... everything has changed.

She's in my space again.
Laughing with everyone in the cafeteria like she belongs there.
Teasing. Fighting.
And I... let her.

I shouldn't.

But when it comes to her career, there's no room for ego.

But what actually pissed me off wasn't her saying no.

It was the way she said it.

"Uske saath jana matlab akele jana."

As if my presence meant nothing.
As if I'd ever let her be alone.
As if I wasn't even... there.

As if the problem was me.

And I didn't mean to be that rude to her.
I didn't.

But the words came out harshly.

She's good. She just doesn't know it yet.
Winning this competition could build her confidence.
Raise her position.
Shut up those professors who still think she's irresponsible because she joined the semester late.

They've been pressuring her, judging her... thinking I don't notice.

Just because I don't say anything doesn't mean I stopped paying attention.

I see everything.

And I know exactly what she needs- even if she won't admit it.

I grabbed a towel, breath sharp, knowing damn well she wasn't going to show up now.
And to prove myself right, Aksh's message popped up.

"Bro, a little blunder.
Your girl has clearly refused to come."

I scoff,

"Of course, she refused. Shravani Gill has always been predictable... but only to me"

I stormed into the terrace without knocking towards Rudra, because manners were officially dead tonight.

He was lying on the sofa, half-buried under his jacket, scrolling his phone with the enthusiasm of a 90-year-old man.
Did he look up when I barged in?

No.

Did he care?

Also no.

"Rudra," I snapped.

A lazy hum. "Hmm?"

"That's it? Hmm? I'm having a crisis here."

He finally glanced at me. Barely. "You always have a crisis. Sit."

I threw myself on the chair. "Everyone teased me again about the changing room thing today. AGAIN. It's been days. Days, Rudra. I'm going to lose my mind."

He yawned.

I glared.

"And THEN," I continued dramatically, "I  practically called Arya useless because I said going with him is like going alone, which I didn't mean like that. But he took it like that. And he hates me. And everyone thinks I'm his..."

"Haan haan," Rudra cut in, eyes still half shut. "Tragedy. Betrayal. Heartbreak. Continue."

I threw a pillow at his face.

He didn't even flinch.

"I don't know why I come to you," I muttered.

"Because I'm the only sane person here," he replied, adjusting his blanket. "Also because I don't overreact to every breath Aryaveer takes."

"I do NOT overreact...."

"You do. You absolutely do."

I opened my mouth to argue... then shut it.
Fine. Maybe a little.

"He just..." I sighed. "He gets under my skin. And now there's this stupid IT competition. Everyone wants me to apply. Aksh. Aarvi. Even Kavish. And you know him. He'll reject me just to prove a point."

Rudra slowly sat up, which for him was equivalent to a grand emotional gesture.

"Shravani," he said calmly, "did you refuse because he might reject you? Or because you don't think you're good enough?"

I stayed silent.

Exactly.

He sighed, rubbing his eyes. "It's completely fine to love someone. To want to do things with him. For him. That's normal. But..."

He paused, looking directly at me.

"You should always give your career a little more priority than your love... until you know how to balance both."

My throat tightened.

"If he's the one," Rudra continued, "he'll stand next to you after everything. But time doesn't wait for anyone. Opportunities don't wait either."

I nodded slowly.

He immediately collapsed back into his jacket.

"And now," he mumbled, "please go. I'm trying to sleep and your dramatic monologue is ruining my peace."

I scoffed. "You're the worst."

"Thank you," he said, already half asleep. "Close the door on your way out, problem-child."

I rolled my eyes- but I was smiling.

Because he was right.

And because, although everyone else saw chaos...

...I felt a tiny spark of clarity.

Tomorrow, I knew exactly what I had to do.

.........................