Abhi had played many games before, but none quite like this. Usually, it took him no more than a few days-sometimes just a few hours-to have a girl completely mesmerized by him. He was the golden boy, after all. It was a simple equation: charm plus status equaled admiration.
But she was different.
She didn't try to impress him. She didn't bat her lashes or seek his attention. In fact, she barely acknowledged it. And that-more than anything-was what kept him intrigued.
It wasn't long before their little game became the talk of the college. People noticed the way Abhi's gaze lingered on her, the way their banter seemed to have an underlying challenge. His usual admirers grew restless, whispering among themselves. Who was she? Why was he so interested in her?
One afternoon, as he sat with his group in the campus café, he saw her walk in. She didn't look around, didn't search for him. She simply ordered her coffee and took a seat by the window, opening a book as if the world around her didn't exist.
Arjun, one of Abhi's closest friends, leaned back in his chair, smirking. "So, what's the deal with her?"
Abhi didn't take his eyes off her. "Who?"
Arjun scoffed. "Oh, come on. The one you keep staring at like she's a puzzle you can't solve."
A couple of the other guys chuckled. Even the girls at the table exchanged knowing glances.
Abhi smirked, finally looking away. "She's... interesting."
Arjun raised a brow. "Interesting, huh? That's a first. Usually, you call them 'fun' or 'a good time.'"
"She's not like the others."
Arjun chuckled. "That's what they all say before they fall."
Abhi rolled his eyes but said nothing. Instead, he stood, picking up his coffee, and casually made his way toward her table.
She didn't look up as he sat down across from her. Instead, she turned a page, pretending he wasn't there.
Abhi leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Ignoring me now?"
She finally glanced up, amusement flickering in her eyes. "I thought I wasn't supposed to be affected by you. Acknowledging you too much might ruin my game."
He smirked. "So, you admit it's a game?"
She set her book down, tilting her head slightly. "Isn't everything?"
Abhi chuckled. "Fair enough." He took a sip of his coffee before saying, "You know, you're becoming quite the mystery on campus. People are starting to ask questions."
She raised a brow. "Questions?"
He nodded. "Like what you're really after. What you want from me."
She laughed softly. "And what do you think I want?"
He studied her for a moment before answering, "That's what I'm trying to figure out."
She smiled, leaning back in her chair. "Good luck with that, golden boy."
And with that, she picked up her book again, effectively dismissing him.
Abhi Rathod never got dismissed.
And that only made him more determined to win this game-whatever it was.
...to be continued...
And the mystery deepens.
Abhi's used to being the player. But this time? He might just be getting played.
She's not falling for the charm—and worse, she's making him chase.
But here's the real question: Is she really uninterested… or just pretending not to be?
Things are heating up, and we're just getting started.
Let me know what you think she's up to in the comments!
Don't forget to add to your library, vote, and hit that star if you're enjoying the mind games.
—Your author,
with love and a side of sass