~ALMOST LOVED~

NEXT MORNING

Meher: "Aanya! Wake up! It’s 8:15 — you’re late for college!"

Aanya groaned under the covers.

Aanya: "What?! 8:15?!"

Aarohi (from the mirror, applying lipstick): "Yes, and you still haven’t even brushed, lazy queen."

Aanya (jumping out of bed): "Oh shit. I’m dead."

She scrambled around, pulling on a baggy graphic t-shirt and faded jeans.

Her hair was a beautiful mess, and yet,

she somehow looked effortlessly gorgeous.

Grabbing her bag and stuffing a notebook in one hand and a hair tie in her mouth, she ran out like a tornado.
Outside, she waited for an auto, eyes scanning the empty road. No ride. No luck.

Just her luck.

And then — a roar of an engine.

A black bike zoomed past her at lightning speed, almost brushing her side.

Aanya (shouting): "ARE YOU BLIND, YOU IDIOT?!"

The biker came to a stylish, screeching halt.

He turned, removing his helmet with a dramatic flick — and there he was.
Veer.
Sharp jawline, smirk included.

Veer (mocking): "Are you? Miss ‘Stand-In-The-Middle-Of-The-Road’? You were blocking my way."

Aanya (furious): "Oo hello, Mister Road Rash! Ever heard of brakes?"

Veer (smirking back): "Oh hello, Miss Loudspeaker. Ever heard of common sense?"

They both stood there, glaring. Sparks flying.

Neither moved. Neither blinked.
Aanya was already annoyed.

My day is ruined said furiously while entering in college.

The canteen was buzzing, the line was long, and her stomach growled like it had beef with her.

She finally stepped out of the line, plate in hand, scanning for a table.
And that’s when she saw him — Mr. Ego-on-Wheels — swaggering into the canteen like it was a ramp walk.
Veer.

Hair messed perfectly, sleeves rolled up, confidence dripping like cologne.
Aanya rolled her eyes. “Not again.”

As Veer strolled past her table without even noticing her, she smirked.

Then did what no sane person would do.
She stuck her leg out.
THUD.

The next moment, Veer was face-first on the floor, his tray flying and his juice painting the air like modern art.
Gasps.
Laughter.

Aanya tried not to burst out laughing as she bit her lip. Innocently sipping her drink, as if she had nothing to do with it.

Veer (from the floor): "What the—?!"

He looked up. Their eyes met. She raised an eyebrow, cool as ice.

Aanya (mock concern): "Oops. Didn’t see you coming. Were you... crawling?"

Veer (fuming): "You tripped me!"

Aanya: "Prove it."
Veer (standing up, wiping juice off his shirt): "You're insane."

Aanya (smiling sweetly): "Thank you. I take that as a compliment."

The crowd around them tried to stifle their laughter. Someone even whispered,

“Damn, she’s savage.”

Veer stared at her, jaw clenched, shirt stained, ego bruised.

Veer: "We’re not done, Miss Menace."