Abhi wasn't used to being ignored. And yet, every time he interacted with her, she somehow managed to keep him at arm's length. It was frustrating. It was fascinating. And more than anything, it was making him want to chase her even more.
The next day, their paths crossed again-this time in the library. He found her at the farthest table, nose buried in a book, her expression calm and unreadable. Without hesitation, he slid into the seat across from her.
"You do realize this is getting repetitive, right?" she said, not looking up.
Abhi smirked. "And yet, here we are again."
She finally raised her eyes, meeting his with a knowing look. "Maybe you should find a new hobby."
He leaned forward slightly. "Maybe you should admit you're enjoying this just as much as I am."
She didn't respond immediately. Instead, she studied him for a long moment before saying, "You're used to getting what you want, aren't you?"
He chuckled. "And you're used to pretending you don't care."
For the first time, she looked slightly caught off guard. It was subtle-the smallest hesitation in her gaze-but Abhi caught it. He leaned back, satisfied.
Before she could reply, a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Abhi! There you are."
He turned to see a group of girls approaching-his usual admirers. They barely spared Ruhi a glance as they surrounded him, giggling and chatting away. One of them, a girl named Tanya, placed a hand on his arm. "We're all heading to the new lounge tonight. You coming?"
Abhi felt Ruhi watching, though her expression remained unreadable. He turned to her instead of answering Tanya. "What about you? Feel like joining us?"
She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I don't really do parties."
Tanya scoffed. "Of course, she doesn't."
Ruhi's fingers tightened slightly around her book, but she masked it well. "Some people have better things to do."
Tanya smirked. "Like what? Pretending not to care about Abhi?"
Ruhi's jaw tensed for a fraction of a second, but she gave a small, casual shrug. "I don't have to pretend."
Abhi watched her closely, intrigued by the slight shift in her demeanor. Was that jealousy he saw? The way her eyes flickered toward Tanya's hand on his arm, the way she sat just a little straighter, as if forcing herself to appear unaffected.
He decided to push her just a little more. "You sure you don't want to come? I'd like it if you did."
Ruhi's eyes met his, and for the briefest moment, something flickered in them-something sharp, something possessive. But then, just as quickly, she masked it with an easy smile. "I'm sure you'll have plenty of company without me."
With that, she stood, gathering her books, her posture as composed as ever. But Abhi didn't miss the way she turned just before leaving, stealing one last glance at Tanya's hand on his arm before walking away.
He smirked to himself.
So, she did care.
And that made the game even more interesting.
"The show must go on. And it did."
....to be continued...
Ruhi says she doesn't care… but her eyes say otherwise.
Abhi might've finally found someone who won't fall at his feet—but that doesn't mean she's not watching.
And now, the game has a new layer: Jealousy.
What do you think—was that a crack in her armor? Or is Ruhi just playing smarter than the rest?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to add to library, vote, and tap that star to keep this golden game going!
—Your author,
fueling drama and sipping chai