Abhi wasn't used to being challenged. People admired him, envied him, and sometimes even resented him-but they never questioned him. Yet, here she was, standing before him with a knowing smirk, as if she had already figured him out.
"Interesting," he mused, crossing his arms. "And what makes you think you know me so well?"
She shrugged, her posture relaxed. "I don't. But I've seen enough people like you."
"People like me?" he echoed, raising an eyebrow. "And what kind of people am I?"
She tilted her head slightly, studying him with a faintly amused expression. "The ones who always win."
Abhi chuckled, the sound low and rich. "And you don't like winners?"
"Oh, I love winners," she said smoothly. "But I prefer the ones who fight for what they have. Not the ones born with it."
Her words were a sharp jab, but instead of feeling insulted, Abhi was intrigued. Most people tiptoed around his wealth, either awed by it or eager to benefit from it. She, however, seemed indifferent. Or at least, she wanted him to believe that.
"So, you think I've never had to fight for anything?" he asked, stepping closer, curiosity sparking in his dark eyes.
She met his gaze unflinchingly. "Have you?"
A pause. A flicker of something in his expression-gone as quickly as it appeared. Then he smirked, a practiced mask slipping into place. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
She chuckled, shaking her head. "Not really."
Abhi raised an eyebrow. "No? Then why are we still talking?"
She exhaled a small laugh. "Good question. Maybe because you started it?"
He leaned against the pillar beside her, watching her with growing amusement. "Alright, let's play a game."
She looked at him warily. "A game?"
"Yes." His lips curled into a smirk. "You claim you're not interested in me like the others. That I don't impress you. Let's test that."
She crossed her arms. "And how do you plan on doing that?"
Abhi leaned in slightly, his voice dropping just enough to make it feel like a challenge. "Let's see how long you can keep pretending I don't affect you."
For a brief moment, something flickered in her eyes-amusement, maybe even excitement. Then she grinned. "Alright, Rathod. Let's play."
And just like that, the game began.
---
The next few days were... interesting. Wherever Abhi went, she wasn't far behind. Not because she was chasing him-no, she made it clear she wasn't like the other girls-but because their paths kept crossing.
In the library, he found her engrossed in a book, completely ignoring the murmured conversations about him nearby. At the café, she sat at a table with her friends, occasionally flicking a glance in his direction but making no move to approach. And in class, she seemed utterly indifferent to his presence.
He should've found it boring. Instead, he was intrigued.
One afternoon, as he leaned against his car in the parking lot, he caught sight of her walking past, her phone in one hand, a notebook in the other. Without thinking, he called out, "Hey, too busy to acknowledge me now?"
She stopped mid-step, glanced at him, and smirked. "Oh, I saw you. Just didn't think you needed more attention than you already get."
Abhi chuckled. "You assume a lot about me."
She tilted her head. "Do I?"
He pushed off his car and stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You're playing hard to get."
She laughed. "You think too highly of yourself, Rathod."
"Do I?" he echoed her words teasingly.
She narrowed her eyes but didn't deny it. Instead, she said, "You know, for someone who's so used to people fawning over him, you seem oddly concerned about my opinion."
He grinned. "Maybe I just enjoy the challenge."
She exhaled a small laugh, shaking her head. "Well, keep playing, golden boy. Let's see who wins."
And with that, she walked away, leaving Abhi staring after her with an amused glint in his eyes.
The game had officially begun.
...to be continued....
And the sparks begin to fly!
Abhi's finally met someone who won't fall at his feet—and honestly? That just might make her more dangerous than anyone else he's faced.
What did you think of their banter?
Is she just playing with him… or will he be the one who falls first?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! I read every single one.
—With love,
Your author
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