I entered the college, my headphones plugged in, drowning out the world as I made my way to the botanical garden. The crisp morning air felt refreshing, but my mind was still weighed down by the past day's events.
As I reached the garden, I scanned the area, looking for Shristi. She was already seated on a bench, waving at me with a bright smile. I smiled back and walked over, settling beside her.
"Hello," I greeted.
Without a word, she handed me a sandwich.
"It's tasty," she said proudly.
I took a bite and hummed in appreciation. "You made this?"
She grinned, showing all her teeth. "Of course!"
"It's really tasty," I admitted, taking another bite.
She looked pleased, and for a few minutes, we just enjoyed the quiet morning.
Once I finished eating, she turned to me, her expression turning serious. "Are you okay?"
I nodded. "Yes, I'm okay."
"I was really worried about you," she confessed. "I hope all this nonsense didn't affect you too much."
I exhaled, my shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thanks for your concern... but yes, it did affect me. I skipped my classes yesterday, but I'm okay now."
Her brows furrowed. "Don't let your studies suffer because of all this, Aaina."
I smiled, remembering something similar Rishaan had said.
Shristi caught the change in my expression immediately. "Why are you smiling?"
I hesitated for a moment before replying, "Rishaan said the same thing."
At the mention of his name, her face darkened. She frowned, looking at me intently.
"Rishaan said what? And when did he meet you?"
Her sharp tone surprised me. I looked at her, confused. "You... didn't know?"
She shook her head, her expression unreadable. "No, I didn't. Why didn't you tell me before?"
I opened my mouth to answer, but she continued before I could. "I told that idiot to stay away from you, and still, he went after you."
I froze.
"You... what?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Shristi shut her eyes briefly, as if mentally preparing herself. "Did he say anything to you?"
I hesitated for a second before nodding. "He... he confessed."
Her eyes snapped open, sharp and focused. "And? What did you feel?"
I let out a small sigh. "Nothing."
I looked at her, my brows furrowing slightly. "You said you warned him to stay away... why did you do that?" My voice was calm, but there was an edge to it-curiosity, maybe even suspicion.
Shristi held my gaze for a moment before looking away. It took her a few minutes before she finally spoke.
"Aaina, you're my friend... in fact, I consider you my best friend." Her voice was softer now, yet firm. "I feel protective of you. I wouldn't want my friend to date someone like Rishaan."
I knew exactly what she was referring to. I knew the kind of reputation Rishaan had. But still, I asked, needing to hear her say it.
"What do you mean by 'someone like him'?"
She exhaled, as if choosing her words carefully, but there was no hesitation in what she said next.
"He's a playboy, Aaina. I think you know that. And as your best friend, I don't want you to fall for him."
"Then why are you friends with him, Shristi?" I asked, my gaze fixed on her.
She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Because he's not a bad person, Aaina."
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
"He's a very good friend," she continued. "I consider him my best friend for a reason. But... I also knew for a while that he was trying to impress you. I knew he was interested in you."
My breath hitched slightly, but I said nothing.
"That's why I warned him to stay away," she admitted, her voice carrying a hint of frustration. "But look at what happened. The rumors... I knew it would lead to this. And now, it's only gotten worse."
I stared at her, trying to process everything. She had known all along. She had seen this coming. And yet, here we were.
"I know he won't stop." her voice was quiet but certain.
Shristi looked at me, but I kept my gaze ahead. "Because he doesn't care about the rumors. He doesn't care what people say about him, the labels they put on him. None of it matters to him."
she sighed, shaking her head slightly. "I always wanted him to be in a good relationship-a serious one. But to him... this is all just a game. He doesn't take anything seriously."
I turned to her then, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Why?"
She stiffened. It was subtle, but I noticed.
"I can't say," she murmured. "I won't. It's personal."
Her voice held finality, a quiet warning not to push further.
I nodded, understanding that whatever it was, it ran deeper than I had thought.
"Let's change the topic. Enough of him," I said, exhaling.
Shristi burst into laughter, shaking her head. "You got tired of listening about him, didn't you?"
I nodded without hesitation. "Completely."
She chuckled. "Fine, fine. We'll talk about something else."
And just like that, the tension lifted. Shristi had this way of keeping conversations alive-there was never a dull moment with her. She had so many things to talk about, so many stories to tell, that sitting with her was never boring.
I smiled as she rambled on, letting myself get lost in her words, in the comfort of a conversation that had nothing to do with Rishaan.
"Okay, now it's time for my class," I said, glancing at my watch.
Shristi nodded. "Alright, go. Don't be late."
I stood up, stretching slightly. "See you later?"
She grinned. "Of course. Now go before your professor kicks you out for being late."
I chuckled, shaking my head as I grabbed my bag and walked away, feeling lighter than before.
As I walked through the corridor, lost in my own thoughts, a senior suddenly stopped in front of me.
"You're Aaina Mishra, right?" she asked, her sharp eyes scanning me.
I froze for a second before nodding. A sinking feeling settled in my chest. Great. Looks like I really have become the hot topic of discussion in this college.
But then, she said something unexpected.
"You participated in the cultural fest... in dance, right?"
Oh. So this wasn't about that. I let out a silent breath of relief.
"Yes," I nodded, relaxing slightly.
"It's tomorrow."
"What?!" My eyes widened in shock.
"Yeah, the event got rescheduled," she explained casually, as if dropping this bomb on me was no big deal. "The dance competition was supposed to be the last event, but now they've pushed it up. The painting competition will be the final one instead. Your name is on that list too, by the way."
I stared at her, my brain struggling to keep up. Two competitions? Back-to-back?
I swallowed. "Wait... so both events are tomorrow?"
She nodded. "Yep. Be on time. It's happening in the engineering faculty."
I barely managed to mumble a "Got it," before she walked away, leaving me standing there, still trying to process everything.
"I didn't even choose a song yet... how am I supposed to perform?" Panic surged through me as the reality of the situation sank in.
Aaina Mishra, get ready to come last in the competition, my inner voice taunted cruelly.
"Oh God... why, Allah? How could I forget something this important?" I muttered under my breath, rubbing my temples.
There was no time to sit and dwell on my mistake. I still have time. I need to focus. First, pick a song. Then, practice like my life depends on it.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed my worries aside and headed to class, determined to come up with a plan.
Just as I settled into my seat, a sudden tap on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts. I turned to see Priyanka eyeing me curiously.
"Where are you lost?" she asked, tilting her head.
"In dance," I sighed dramatically.
"Hein?" She blinked in confusion.
"The competition is tomorrow, and I haven't even selected a song yet," I admitted, feeling the weight of my poor time management.
Her eyes widened. "Wait... you're participating in dance? What style?"
I smirked, crossing my arms. "That's for you to find out tomorrow."
She gasped playfully. "Ohh, keeping secrets now, are we?" Then, after a beat, she leaned in eagerly. "By the way, can I come watch you perform?"
I chuckled. "You're more than welcome... if you're okay with skipping classes."
Her face lit up with excitement. "Oh, I'll definitely skip! It's going to be so much fun-I can't wait!"
Her enthusiasm was contagious, and for the first time since I got the news, I felt a little lighter.
But before we could continue, the professor entered the room, and the classroom instantly quieted. I sighed, straightening in my seat.
Alright, focus on the lecture first. The real challenge begins after this.
After three long classes, we finally had a free period. I stretched my arms, trying to shake off the exhaustion, when Priyanka turned to me.
"Have you completed the research?" she asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, I sent it in the group."
"Oh, okay. I haven't done mine yet," she admitted with a sheepish smile.
I chuckled at her honesty. "Vaise, what about those two? Have they completed theirs?" I asked, glancing toward our other group members.
She shrugged. "I don't know. Let's call them and check."
Pulling out her phone, she dialed their numbers. A moment later, she frowned. "Same problem. They're struggling to find the information too."
I sighed, crossing my arms as I looked at them. "Great... so basically, they're in the same boat as you."
They nodded, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Alright, let's figure this out together," I said, pulling my notebook closer. "We still have time, but we need to get this done properly."
"Akash, you're coming with me to the library. Bring your card-you'll issue the book we need. While we're there, you can also look for topics related to our research," I instructed.
He nodded without hesitation.
"Priyanka, you'll check the book in my locker, okay?"
She nodded. "Got it."
"Shivam, you start making the presentation. And keep an eye on what Priyanka finds in the book. Once Akash issues the necessary books, we'll have more material to work with," I added, making sure everyone had their tasks.
They all nodded in agreement.
"Alright, let's get this done efficiently."
Akash and I made our way to the library, quickly finding the books we needed. I issued one under my ID, and he did the same with his. As we walked back toward class, he suddenly let out a sigh.
"I'm feeling a little hungry. Let's grab something to eat," he suggested, rubbing his stomach.
I hesitated, glancing at the time.
"Please, Aaina," he pressed, his tone almost pleading. "After this, we won't have another free period, and I'm starving."
I sighed, giving in. "Fine, let's go."
The canteen was bustling with students, the air thick with the tempting aroma of food. We stepped inside, and Akash turned to me.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"A sandwich and cold coffee," I replied casually.
He nodded and placed the order-for himself, he got a burger, a sandwich, a chocolate shake, and one cold coffee. As we stood by the counter, I noticed him reaching for his wallet. Without thinking, I tapped his shoulder.
"I'll pay for mine."
He looked at me briefly, then gave a small nod. "Okay."
Once the order was ready, I grabbed my food. "I'll eat in class," I told him.
"Alright," he agreed, picking up his tray and following me out.
But just as I stepped outside the canteen, my path was suddenly blocked.
Rishaan.
He stood there, his usual confident smirk playing on his lips. His eyes locked onto mine for a brief second, his expression warm-almost teasing.
But then his gaze flickered behind me.
To Akash.
And in an instant, his smile faded. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by something unreadable. His entire demeanor shifted, and for the first time, I saw something new in Rishaan-something sharp, something unsettled.
Before I could react, Akash shifted awkwardly beside me.
"I think I should..." he muttered, glancing between Rishaan and me. Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heels and walked away.
I snapped out of my thoughts. "Akash, wait!" I called after him, hastily adjusting the cold coffee in my grip as I took a step forward.
But just as I was about to leave, a voice stopped me in my tracks.
"Aaina, wait!"
Rishaan.
I ignored him and kept walking, my pace quickening. But then-
A firm grip wrapped around my wrist, stopping me mid-step.
Before I could even process it, he turned me around, his touch lingering, his eyes searching mine.
As he spun me around, my grip on the cold coffee faltered, and some of it spilled onto my hand. The sudden chill sent a shiver up my arm.
"Shit," Rishaan muttered, his gaze instantly dropping to the mess.
Before I could react, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. Without hesitation, he gently took my hand and started wiping off the spilled coffee, his fingers brushing against my skin.
I looked at him-really looked at him. His brows were slightly furrowed, his touch careful yet firm. For a moment, I forgot where I was, lost in the way his expression softened, as if he actually cared.
"Sorry," he murmured, snapping me out of my daze.
I blinked, realizing I had been staring. Quickly pulling my hand back, I shook my head. "It's fine," I mumbled, my heart beating faster than I'd like to admit.
"It's just cold coffee," I said, my voice low, refusing to meet his eyes.
"I know," he murmured, but his tone held something deeper-something I couldn't quite place.
Silence settled between us, thick and heavy, before he broke it. "Who is he?"
I frowned, taken aback by his question. "My classmate," I replied, my voice measured.
He nodded, but I could see it in his eyes-he wasn't satisfied. "Why was he with you?"
I let out a frustrated sigh, finally meeting his gaze. "None of your business."
He took a step closer.
This time, I didn't step back.
His eyes darkened, the intensity in them making my breath hitch for a second. "It is my business," he said, his voice low but firm. "I want to know why he was with you in the canteen."
I crossed my arms, refusing to let him intimidate me. "why are you here?"
A flicker of something-amusement? frustration?-passed through his expression. "You already know that." His voice was softer this time, but the weight of his words made my heart race.
I turned around, refusing to answer. I didn't owe him an explanation.
But before I could take another step, he moved forward, blocking my path.
I glanced around-students were passing by, their eyes flickering toward us, their whispers swirling in the air like a storm waiting to break. I clenched my fists. Instead of the rumors dying down, this was only adding fuel to the fire.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself, then met his gaze. He was already looking at me, his expression unreadable, as if waiting-no, expecting me to say something.
I exhaled sharply. "Listen, Rishaan. Where I go, when I go, and with whom I go is none of your concern." My voice was calm but firm.
His eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. "It is my concern. You are my-"
He stopped abruptly.
I frowned. "Your what?"
Silence.
For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes-something raw, something hesitant. But before I could decipher it, he looked away.
I didn't wait for him to finish. Whatever he was trying to say didn't matter. Without another word, I turned on my heels and walked away, leaving him standing there as I made my way back to class, my mind buzzing with unanswered questions.
.....~✿✿✿~.....
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