Ruhi had always been good at keeping up appearances, but cracks were beginning to show. She could feel it-the shift in Abhi's behavior, the way his attention wasn't solely hers anymore. And she hated it.
-
The next morning, Ruhi arrived at college earlier than usual, waiting for Abhi near the parking lot. When his car pulled up, she plastered on her sweetest smile. But before she could approach him, she noticed Ishika stepping out of her own car just a few feet away.
Ruhi narrowed her eyes as Ishika casually greeted Abhi, her posture effortlessly confident. And worse? Abhi actually smiled back.
Her nails dug into her palms.
-
During their lecture, Ruhi sat beside Abhi, determined to keep his focus on her. She leaned closer than necessary, whispering things to make him laugh, brushing her fingers against his arm every chance she got.
But something was different.
He responded, yes, but there was a slight hesitation. A shift. As if part of him was somewhere else.
Or with someone else.
The thought made Ruhi's stomach churn.
-
At lunch, Ruhi made her move.
She clung to Abhi's arm as they entered the cafeteria, making sure everyone saw them together. But her true intention wasn't just to show off their relationship-it was to gauge Abhi's reaction when Ishika entered the room.
And he didn't disappoint.
His eyes flickered toward Ishika the moment she stepped in, even if it was just for a second. But that second was enough for Ruhi.
She tightened her grip on Abhi's arm. "Let's go outside. It's too crowded here."
Abhi didn't argue, but she saw the way his gaze lingered just a little longer on Ishika before he let Ruhi pull him away.
-
Later that evening, Ruhi paced in her room, her frustration mounting.
No. This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
She had worked too hard to secure Abhi. He was hers. She wouldn't let Ishika-or anyone-take him away.
Grabbing her phone, she texted Dinner tonight? Just us?
Three dots appeared. Then disappeared. Then appeared again.
Finally, his response came: I'll let you know. I have some work.
Ruhi stared at the screen, her hands trembling with barely concealed rage.
For the first time, she felt like she was truly losing control.
And she would do anything to take it back.
........to be continued......