Sharayu woke up the next morning to a dull, persistent ache in her lower abdomen. It was the kind of pain that made it nearly impossible to sit up without wincing. As soon as she tried to move, a wave of discomfort hit her, and she collapsed back into bed, groaning quietly. Her period had arrived, and it felt as if the universe had decided to make her day even worse-with cramps that felt like someone was twisting her insides.
She lay there for a moment, eyes closed, wishing for some sort of magical pain relief. The thought of going to college, sitting through lectures, and pretending everything was fine felt completely unbearable.
"I'm not going today," she muttered to herself, feeling the weight of exhaustion and the physical discomfort pressing down on her. She made up her mind to skip the day, figuring she could catch up later.
Grabbing her phone to text Satish, she stopped midway, a slight hesitation creeping in. Should I tell him? she thought. It felt a bit too personal to share, and she didn't want to make it awkward. Instead, she sent a simple reply to his morning message:
"Good Morning! Hope you're doing well today."
Satish's message came a few seconds later. She could already hear his usual playful tone, and the thought made her smile despite the ache in her body.
The day went on as usual for Satish, until it was time for his lecture. As he walked into the class, he noticed immediately that Sharayu was absent.
She had never missed an important class. He looked around the classroom and felt a twinge of worry. Where is she? he thought, before glancing down at his phone and pulling up his text messages.
"Why aren't you in college today?" he texted her, his concern edging into his words. He knew something had to be wrong if she wasn't there.
Moments later, her reply came in, sounding a little strained:
"I'm not feeling well today. Just staying home to rest."
Satish immediately furrowed his brow. Not feeling well? She never skipped classes unless something was seriously wrong. He texted again, feeling a sudden protectiveness bubble up inside him.
"Should I come to take you to the doctor?"
He didn't want her to be alone if she was in pain. He stared at the phone, waiting for her response.
A few seconds passed. Then the phone buzzed again-but this time, it was a call from her. He picked up without a second thought.
"Hey," he greeted her gently, hearing the slight rasp in her voice.
"Hey." There was a slight pause, and he could tell she was trying to find the right words. "I'm just lying down. It's... nothing serious. Just not feeling too great."
Satish's heart tightened at the sound of her voice. He could almost picture her curled up in bed, looking vulnerable. "Are you sure? I can come over if you need me to." His offer was genuine; he hated the thought of her suffering alone.
There was another pause, then her voice came back, slightly nervous. "I mean... it's just... I got my period, and the cramps are awful."
Satish froze for a moment, his brain processing what she'd said. The next five seconds felt like an eternity. He hadn't expected that answer, but it was so real-so human. She was always so poised, so composed, and hearing her admit something so ordinary yet vulnerable made his chest ache with tenderness.
Meanwhile, Sharayu's mind went into overdrive. Oh no, I just told him. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson. She waited, anxiously biting her lip, wondering if he'd awkwardly end the call or make it weird. Great, I probably embarrassed him.
But instead, Satish's voice broke through the silence, low and warm. "Sharayu... do you realize what you just did? You trusted me with a part of you that most people hide. That isn't embarrassing-it's intimacy. It's you letting me see the real you. And to me... that's the most beautiful thing in the world."
Her lips parted slightly, eyes stinging with unexpected emotion. No one had ever called her honesty beautiful before. For a moment, she forgot about the dull ache in her stomach-because the ache in her heart, the one Satish stirred, was so much stronger. He doesn't see weakness... he sees her.
She tried to laugh it off, brushing it aside, her tone nervous. "It's just cramps. I didn't want to tell you... I didn't know how to."
Satish chuckled softly, his voice tender but firm. "You call yourself awkward, but to me, this is precious. You don't have to be perfect with me, you don't have to hide your discomfort. Even when you're in pain, even when you feel vulnerable-you're still the woman who makes my world feel whole."
Her breath caught in her throat. She pressed the phone tighter to her ear, as if closeness could bridge the distance. His words wrapped around her like a blanket, making her feel safe, seen. A tremor ran through her chest. How can one man undo all her walls with a single sentence?
A soft chuckle escaped her lips, though her cheeks burned. "You make me feel like I'm more than just the awkward girl who gets cramps every month."
There was a pause on the line, then Satish spoke with quiet conviction, every word measured, heartfelt. "You're not 'just' anything, Sharayu. You're the girl who makes my chest tighten with one laugh, the one who can disarm me with one look. If the world ever saw what I see when I look at you, they'd never call you awkward. They'd call you extraordinary."
Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes. She clutched her pillow, biting down a shaky laugh that was dangerously close to a sob. His voice, his sincerity-it was too much, too overwhelming. Extraordinary. He actually thinks she is extraordinary... For once, she didn't feel like the insecure girl she always believed she was. She felt like his.
The silence that followed was heavy, but not uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that made her heart race, filled with words unsaid and emotions too big to contain. She didn't want to break it-but he did, with that teasing warmth that always made her smile.
"So now it's settled," Satish murmured playfully. "Even your period cramps can't scare me away. In fact, if I could, I'd take the pain for you in a heartbeat. Till then... I'll just keep being your distraction, your warmth, and your reason to smile."
Her laugh came out watery, mingled with a sniffle. Her hand instinctively went to her stomach, as though his words alone had eased the cramps. She shook her head against the pillow, smiling through the tears. Distraction, warmth, reason to smile... Satish, you're already all of that and more.
For a moment, the world seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them-no awkwardness, no discomfort, just understanding and care.
Then, breaking the silence, Satish spoke again with that playful, teasing tone that always made her smile:
"But seriously, if you need someone to help with the cramps, I can totally play nurse. Just don't expect me to give you a shot or anything-my medical skills are limited to my charm and sweet talking."
Sharayu laughed at that, feeling the weight of the awkwardness lift.
"You're impossible," she said, her tone light but full of affection.
Satish smiled to himself, his heart warmed by the sound of her laughter. "You're stuck with me now, love. Whether you're cramping or not, I'm here for it."
She couldn't help but feel the sincerity in his words. He wasn't just saying these things to make her feel better-he meant it. And for that, her heart couldn't help but feel even more for him.
Sharayu curled up with a hot water bag pressed against her abdomen, eyes half-closed from the dull ache. The conversation with Satish had left her feeling somewhat better, but the pain was still there, gnawing at her insides.
She had just decided to take a nap when suddenly, her phone buzzed.
A text from Satish.
Satish: Check your doorstep, princess.
Curious, she pushed herself up, groaning at the movement, and walked to the door. Opening it, she found a neatly packed Blinkit bag waiting for her on the doorstep.
She brought the bag inside, sat on the bed, untied the top, and peered inside.
And that's when she froze.
Inside were a bar of Dark Chocolate pack, a warm chocolate pastry, a big pack of her favorite chips, bottles of flavored milk, and even a heating patch for cramps.
Her breath hitched.
Her fingers immediately reached for her phone, her heart thudding against her ribs.
She opened her messages and, sure enough, there was a text from Satish.
Her lips parted in shock. Her heart did a complete somersault.
Was this real? Did he seriously just-
Satish: Did you really think I'd let you suffer alone?
Her hands shook slightly as she typed back.
Sharayu: Sir... you... you sent this?!
Satish: Nope. The Period Fairy sent it. She told me she has a special connection with your boyfriend, and he's an expert at taking care of you.
Her face burned.
Boyfriend.
He just casually dropped that word like it was nothing.
She clutched her phone, pressing it to her chest for a second, as if she could stop her heart from racing.
She literally gasped.
Sharayu: Oh, you-!
Before she could even finish typing her fake angry response, another text came through.
Satish: Now, eat the chocolate. Or else, I'll personally come over and feed it to you myself.
Her breath hitched.
Would he really-?
Of course, he would.
She grabbed the Dark Chocolate Bar, unwrapped it, broke off a piece, and popped it into her mouth. The bitter taste melted on her tongue, and for a moment, she actually felt her cramps ease a little.
She sighed, shaking her head, but a soft smile crept onto her lips.
This man...
This impossible, charming, annoyingly thoughtful man was going to be the death of her.
But damn, she loved it.
Settled back in bed, still holding her phone, a notification popped up in the group chat.
Rutuja: Where are you, madam? College felt like a haunted house without you today. 👀
Vrushal: Yeah, and Satish Sir's eyes were searching for someone. We wonder who that could be... 😏
Arohi: Why do I feel like someone has a juicy reason for skipping college?
Kunal: Plot twist: She ran away to elope with Satish Sir. 🤯
Sharayu's eyes widened.
What the hell?
She quickly typed a response.
Sharayu: Excuse me?! I'm literally dying of cramps here! 😤
The moment she hit send, her phone exploded with messages.
Rutuja: Ohhh... 😏
Satish: What's going on in that pretty little head of yours? You've been typing and deleting messages for the past 2 minutes.
She gasped.
How the hell did he always know?!
She quickly replied.
Sharayu: My friends are idiots. That's what's going on.
Satish: That's old news, princess. Now tell me, have you eaten everything I sent?
Sharayu: Yes, dad. 🙄
Satish: Dad? Interesting. So, should I start calling you 'beta' now?
Her eyes widened.
Sharayu: DON'T YOU DARE. 😡
Satish: Then don't call me 'dad.' It's either 'Daddy' or 'baby,' your choice. 😉
Sharayu literally choked.
This man.
This shameless, irritating, too-flirty-for-his-own-good man.
Sharayu: Satish Singh Rajvanshi, I HATE YOU. 😡
Satish: Liar. You love me. Now go rest, my beautiful, angry little princess.
Her face turned red.
She stared at the screen, heart pounding, fingers hovering over the keyboard.
For a second, she thought about sending something equally flirty back. But then she realized-
No way in hell could she beat him at his own game.
So she just switched her phone to silent, tossed it aside, and pulled her blanket over her head.
Satish Singh Rajvanshi was going to drive her insane.
***
Sharayu was curled up in bed, wrapped in her warmest blanket like a burrito of pain and suffering, when her phone buzzed.
Satish: Come downstairs. Near the café.
She blinked.
She read the message twice.
And then again.
Wait. WHAT?!
She sat up so fast her cramps screamed in protest.
This man-
Before she could even process what was happening, another message popped up.
Satish: Don't overthink, princess. Just get down here.
Sharayu stared at her phone.
Was she dreaming? Was she hallucinating from the pain?
There was no way Satish Singh Rajvanshi had just casually decided to drop by when she was in her most unattractive, period-suffering state.
She quickly typed back.
Sharayu: ARE YOU SERIOUS?! I'm in my pajamas!
Satish: So? You think I'll judge my future wife in pajamas?
Her eyes widened.
FUTURE WHAT-
Her fingers shook as she typed.
Sharayu: SHUT UP. I'M NOT COMING DOWN.
Satish: Either you come down, or I come up. Your choice, sweetheart.
She gasped.
OH, THIS MAN HAD LOST HIS MIND.
She threw off her blanket, scrambled to the mirror, and-
Oh. Oh.
Her hair was a mess. She looked like she had just fought a demon in her sleep and lost.
But there was no time.
Because Satish was a man of his word, and if she didn't get down there fast, he would actually come up.
And God forbid her mother opened the door.
With no choice left, she quickly brushed her hair, put on a hoodie over her pajamas, slipped on her sandals, and rushed downstairs.
At the Café
She spotted him immediately.
Leaning casually against his car, dressed in a black shirt with sleeves rolled up, arms crossed-looking like he had walked straight out of a Bollywood movie.
And the worst part?
He was smirking.
Like he knew she had just rushed out in a panic.
Like he enjoyed this.
She stomped over, glaring.
"Have you lost your mind?!" she hissed. "You seriously came unannounced?!"
Satish raised an eyebrow. "Should I have sent an invitation?"
She groaned.
"You're impossible."
"And you're adorable." He grinned, grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer. "Now, let me look at you properly."
She froze as he tilted his head, eyes scanning her face.
"Hmmm," he hummed. "Messy hair. Tired eyes. Still the most beautiful girl I've ever seen."
Sharayu's breath hitched.
Her brain short-circuited.
"S-Shut up."
But Satish just chuckled, reaching into a small paper bag on his car's seat.
"I brought you something."
She frowned. "What-"
He pulled out a hot chocolate.
Her favorite.
She stared.
And then he pulled out a box of fries.
Her weakness.
Sharayu's soul left her body.
She snatched the fries from his hand so fast that he laughed.
"I knew it," he smirked. "Food is the way to your heart."
She chewed furiously. "Don't get cocky."
Satish leaned against the car, watching her with way too much amusement.
"So, you're feeling better?"
She paused.
...She was.
The pain hadn't vanished, but the warmth of the hot chocolate, the crisp fries, and the man in front of her looking like she was his entire world made her forget about it.
"Yeah," she mumbled. "A little."
"Good." He reached forward, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Next time, tell me when you're in pain. Don't keep it to yourself."
Her stomach flipped.
This man.
Why was he so perfect?
"I hate you," she muttered, looking away.
Satish grinned. "Love you too, princess."
Sharayu stuffed another fry into her mouth, chewing furiously to distract herself from the way Satish was looking at her. Like she was the only person in the world. Like he could stand there all night and just watch her exist.
This man was dangerous.
Her cramps had lessened, but a sharp pang made her wince, and she instinctively pressed a hand to her lower stomach.
Of course, Satish noticed.
Without a word, he placed the hot chocolate on the car hood and gently pulled her closer. Before she could protest, his strong arms wrapped around her, locking her against his warmth.
Her first instinct was to stiffen.
Public displays of affection? What if someone saw?!
But then he started rubbing slow, soothing circles against her lower back.
Oh. Oh.
The tension in her muscles melted. The pain dulled.
She sighed, letting her forehead drop against his chest.
"There we go," he murmured, his chin resting lightly on her head. "Better?"
Sharayu nodded, too comfortable to move. "Mhm."
Satish chuckled. "See? I know what my Sharayu needs."
"Cocky."
"Accurate."
She groaned but didn't move away. His warmth, his scent-fresh soap, a hint of coffee, and something distinctly him-wrapped around her like a cocoon. It was unfair how safe she felt in his arms.
After a moment, he spoke again.
"You really weren't going to tell me you were in pain?"
She bit her lip. "...It's not a big deal, It comes every month."
Satish pulled back just enough to tilt her chin up, making her look at him. His dark eyes were soft but serious.
"It is a big deal," he said. "If it hurts, if you're uncomfortable, if you need something-you tell me, okay?"
Her heart stuttered.
This man.
Who had given him the right to be so... him?
Sharayu swallowed, feeling something dangerously close to tears rise in her throat.
"...Okay," she whispered.
Satish's expression softened even more, and he pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
"Good girl."
Oh, she was going to die right here and now.
She smacked his chest lightly. "Stop being perfect. It's annoying."
He grinned. "Too bad. You're stuck with me."
She rolled her eyes but didn't pull away. Not yet.
Because for the first time all day, the pain didn't feel unbearable.
Because wrapped in his arms, she felt like everything was exactly as it should be.
Sharayu was just starting to relax, her head resting against Satish's chest, when-
HONK!
She yelped.
Satish sighed. "Oh, for-"
Before either of them could react, a very familiar, very loud voice rang out.
"OYYEEE!"
Sharayu froze.
No. No, no, no. This wasn't happening.
She turned her head ever so slightly-
-and there, standing outside the café, were Rutuja, Arohi, Vrushal, Gayatri, and Kunal.
All staring.
All looking like they had just found the ultimate blackmail material.
Sharayu immediately tried to wriggle out of Satish's arms, but he only tightened his grip, smirking.
"Oh no, princess. You're not escaping this."
"Satish," she whisper-hissed, panicking, "let me go right now or I swear-"
"You swear what?" he murmured, looking way too entertained. "You'll fight me? In your weak, cramp-ridden state?"
Oh, she wanted to punch him.
But before she could react, Rutuja sprinted forward like she was charging into battle.
"SHARAYU AND SIR! PUBLICLY CUDDLING! I KNEW IT!"
"Shut up," Sharayu hissed, face on fire.
Gayatri nudged Arohi. "I told you he'd be the 'comforting boyfriend' type."
Arohi grinned. "You did. I owe you fifty bucks."
Kunal crossed his arms. "You guys seriously thought we wouldn't catch you?"
Vrushal, meanwhile, just stood there, eyes wide. "Bro, this is some Bollywood-level romance right here."
Sharayu groaned, covering her face.
This was a nightmare.
Satish, on the other hand? Oh, he was absolutely thriving.
"See, princess?" He smirked, looking at their friends. "I told you we should've just made it public sooner."
She turned to glare at him. "You. Are. Evil."
He chuckled, squeezing her waist before finally letting her go.
Rutuja raised an eyebrow. "So... What's the occasion? Why the extra lovey-dovey-ness today?"
Sharayu rolled her eyes. "It's nothing. I was just in pain-"
Satish cut in smoothly. "She has cramps."
Silence.
And then-
"BHAHAHAHAHA!"
Rutuja doubled over. "WAIT. YOU- YOU CAME HERE TO- TO GIVE HER A HUG BECAUSE OF CRAMPS?"
Arohi wiped a fake tear. "He's setting new boyfriend standards, guys. We are ruined."
Kunal patted Satish's shoulder, mock serious. "Sir, I salute you."
Vrushal shook his head. "No wonder she's dating him. I'd fall in love too if someone showed up with food and a pain-relief hug."
Sharayu wanted to die.
Satish, meanwhile, looked proud of himself.
"It's called being a good boyfriend," he said smoothly, wrapping an arm around Sharayu's shoulders. "Not my fault you all have low standards."
Rutuja gasped dramatically. "EXCUSE ME?! Who said our standards are low?!"
Gayatri crossed her arms. "I'm dating a perfectly good man, thank you very much."
Satish smirked. "Did he drive across the city with hot chocolate and fries when you had cramps?"
Gayatri paused. "Well... no-"
"Exactly."
Arohi groaned. "Ugh, I hate that he's winning this argument."
Kunal whistled. "Bro, the bar has been raised to heaven."
Sharayu, completely done with all of them, sighed.
"Okay, enough!" she snapped. "Stop making a big deal out of it!"
Kunal raised an eyebrow. "Big deal? Sharayu, we just witnessed a cinematic romance moment. This is historic."
Rutuja grinned. "I mean, come on. The broody, mysterious professor showing up like a knight in shining armor? Bringing food? Holding you in public like you're his entire world?"
Sharayu glared at her. "Shut. Up."
Vrushal chuckled. "Too late. We're never letting this go."
Satish, still completely unbothered, just tightened his arm around her. "Good. Let them remember."
She turned to him, shocked. "YOU'RE ENCOURAGING THEM?!"
He smirked. "Why not? I like watching you blush."
Her mouth fell open. "Sir-"
He just laughed.
Meanwhile, their friends erupted into chaos.
After what felt like an eternity of teasing, dramatic gasps, and over-the-top romantic commentary from her absolutely ridiculous friends, Sharayu finally managed to shoo them away.
"Okay, okay, you've had your fun. Now leave before I actually lose my mind," she snapped, hands on her hips.
Rutuja smirked. "Oh, we'll leave, but this moment? Immortalized in our memories forever."
"Engraved in history," Arohi added with a dramatic sigh.
Vrushal gave Satish a thumbs-up. "Respect, sir. Total hero material."
Satish, the menace that he was, smirked proudly. "Glad you finally recognize it."
Sharayu shot him a betrayed look.
Kunal, ever the opportunist, grinned. "You know, Sharayu, if Satish Sir ever refuses to bring you fries and hot chocolate again, don't worry. We'll remind him of his duty."
"Oh, I'll personally send daily reminders," Vrushal chimed in.
"Oh my God," Sharayu groaned, massaging her temples. "I swear, if you all don't leave in the next five seconds-"
"Alright, alright, we're going!" Rutuja laughed, waving dramatically. "Enjoy your cozy night, lovebirds."
A chorus of "Bye lovebirds!" followed as the group walked away, still giggling and whispering among themselves.
Sharayu waited until they were out of sight before she whirled on Satish.
"YOU!"
Satish, completely unaffected, took a leisurely sip of her hot chocolate. "Me?"
She gaped. "YOU LET THEM TEASE US! You-you even encouraged them!"
He smirked. "So?"
"So?! SO?!" She threw her hands in the air. "You're supposed to protect my dignity, not sit there and smirk while they drag me through the mud!"
Satish tilted his head, pretending to think. "Hmm. But watching you blush and stutter is so much fun."
She gasped. "SATISH SINGH RAJVANSHI!"
He chuckled, grabbing her wrist and pulling her right back into his arms before she could escape.
Her breath hitched.
"Relax, princess." His voice was softer now, teasing but gentle. "Let them tease. It's not like they're wrong."
She froze. "...What?"
Satish gave her that slow, devastating smile. The one that made her heart forget its usual rhythm.
"They called you my entire world," he murmured. "And they were right."
Sharayu short-circuited.
Her brain went error 404.
"Y-YOU CAN'T JUST SAY THINGS LIKE THAT-"
"Why not?" He tilted her chin up. "You are my world, Sharayu."
She pushed him away, face on fire.
"STOP. TALKING. RIGHT NOW."
Satish laughed, completely unbothered by her weak attempt to escape. "Why? Can't handle the truth?"
She grabbed her fries and dramatically shoved one into her mouth, purely to avoid answering.
Satish watched her with open amusement. "You're so cute when you're flustered."
"EAT. YOUR. OWN. FRIES."
But he just leaned in, stole one from her box, and popped it into his mouth with a smirk.
"Satish!" she shrieked. "YOU-"
"What's yours is mine, princess."
She whacked his arm with the fry box. "UNBELIEVABLE."
And he?
He just laughed, completely in love with the furious, blushing girl in front of him.
After what felt like hours of endless teasing, stolen fries, and Satish absolutely wrecking her sanity, he finally stretched, glanced at his watch, and said, "Alright, princess. I should go before your mother starts questioning your whereabouts."
Sharayu, still glaring at him for stealing her fries, crossed her arms. "Yes. Leave. Before I decide to throw this entire box at your head."
Satish chuckled. "Violent. But adorable."
She groaned. "Go away!"
He smirked, stepped closer, and, before she could react, pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
"Sweet dreams, princess."
And with that, he walked away.
Just like that.
As if he didn't just ruin her entire nervous system.
Sharayu stood there, stunned, heart racing at unholy speeds.
What-
What was she supposed to do with that?!
The nerve of this man. The absolute audacity.
She let out a slow, shaky breath, pressing a hand to her forehead.
"Satish Singh Rajvanshi," she muttered. "I swear to God, you will be the death of me."
With her soul completely destroyed, she turned on her heel and stomped back home, ready to bury herself in her blankets and pretend none of this ever happened.
***
Two days Later.
Sharayu dragged herself to college, still recovering from the emotional damage caused by last night's group chat disaster.
Her friends, obviously, were waiting to ruin her peace the moment she stepped onto campus.
Rutuja smirked. "Slept well, princess?"
Sharayu shot her a death glare. "If you value your life, don't call me that."
Arohi grinned. "Aww, come on! After last night, we should start addressing you as Mrs. Rajvanshi."
Gayatri gasped. "You're right! Should we print wedding invitations?"
Vrushal dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "We must respect the great love story of our time."
Sharayu, done with life, groaned. "ALL of you need therapy."
"And you need to accept that you're in a very public, very dramatic romance," Arohi wiggled her eyebrows.
Before Sharayu could murder them all, the bell rang, signaling that they had to get to the auditorium for Annual Day rehearsals.
Sharayu sighed. Thank God. A distraction.
Or so she thought.
The entire college was buzzing with energy. The Annual Day Function was a huge event, and students were scrambling to get their performances perfect.
Sharayu and her friends had signed up for two performances:
1. A group dance (because obviously, they wanted to have fun together)
2. A couple dance (which Sharayu had been emotionally blackmailed into joining)
She still wasn't sure how she had ended up agreeing to the couple dance, but here she was, standing on stage, paired with Aman, one of the most enthusiastic dancers in their class.
Now, Aman was a great dancer. Nice, friendly, good at keeping things professional.
But-
There was one problem.
Sharayu had never danced this close to anyone.
So, when Aman placed his hands on her waist for the routine, Sharayu tensed.
This is fine. This is completely fine. It's just a dance. Be normal.
To her credit, she managed to keep her composure. She focused on the routine, following Aman's lead, ignoring how weird it felt to be this close to someone.
And honestly?
She was doing great.
Until-
The doors of the auditorium swung open.
Satish strode in.
And the first thing he saw?
Sharayu. In Aman's arms. His hands on her waist. Their faces way too close.
For a second, the entire universe stopped existing for Satish.
His jaw clenched.
His fingers curled into fists.
His eyes darkened dangerously.
Meanwhile, Sharayu-completely unaware-continued dancing, following Aman's lead.
Hriday, who had noticed the storm brewing on Satish's face, immediately turned to Rutuja.
"Uh-oh."
Rutuja, confused, followed his gaze-
And GASPED.
"Oh. My. God."
Arohi froze mid-step. "We are about to witness a murder."
Vrushal grabbed Kunal's arm. "Bro. Bro. Look at Satish Sir's face."
Kunal, after one glance, whistled. "Damn. Aman's life expectancy just dropped."
Gayatri hid behind Arohi. "Should we... stop this?"
Kunal smirked. "No. Let's see how this plays out."
Meanwhile, Satish was still standing there, his rage barely contained.
Why the hell was she letting another man hold her like that?
Why did she look so focused-so comfortable-in someone else's arms?
His entire soul screamed at him to march over there, rip Aman away from her, and remind Sharayu exactly who she belonged to.
But he didn't.
Because he knew Sharayu.
And Sharayu hated jealousy.
So, instead, he smirked-but it wasn't his usual teasing smirk.
No.
It was dangerous.
And then, in a voice loud enough to echo through the auditorium-
"Sharayu."
The entire room froze.
Sharayu stumbled mid-step.
Because she knew that voice.
Slowly-dread filling her veins-she turned around.
And there he was.
Satish Singh Rajvanshi.
Standing at the entrance. Arms crossed. Looking like he was about to set the entire stage on fire.
Aman, oblivious to the nuclear bomb about to drop, smiled at Satish. "Oh, sir! You came to watch our rehearsals?"
Satish didn't even look at him.
His eyes?
Locked onto Sharayu.
Sharayu gulped.
Oh.
She was so dead.
Sharayu could feel his gaze burning into her, even as she tried to focus on the routine. Satish Singh Rajvanshi was not a man who handled things lightly-especially not jealousy.
But he didn't say anything.
He just walked to the side of the auditorium, settled into a chair, arms still crossed, and watched.
And that was somehow worse.
Because now, Sharayu had to dance knowing that her secret boyfriend-her ridiculously possessive, very dramatic secret boyfriend-was watching her dance with another guy.
Rutuja whispered from the sidelines, "Sharayu, I think he's going to kill Aman."
Hriday smirked. "Or himself. This is painful to watch."
Arohi held up her phone. "Should I record this? For, you know... future blackmail purposes?"
Kunal snickered. "Oh, definitely."
Meanwhile, Sharayu's soul was leaving her body.
Aman, completely unaware of the nuclear-level tension, continued leading the dance. "Relax, Sharayu! You're doing great."
Yeah, sure, she thought. Except my boyfriend looks like he wants to rip you away from me and throw you into another dimension.
But she had to focus. The group had worked hard on this performance, and she couldn't afford to mess it up just because Satish was acting like an overdramatic, brooding hero from a Bollywood revenge saga.
So, she pushed her anxiety aside and followed Aman's lead.
And then-
Then came the romantic step.
Aman was supposed to dip her back, one arm around her waist, while she rested a hand on his shoulder.
And the moment Aman's arm secured her waist, tilting her back into the dip-
Satish. Stood. Up.
Without a word.
Without a single expression on his face.
He just turned around and marched out of the auditorium.
Fuming.
Raging.
Like he was about to go set something on fire.
And just like that, Sharayu's brain short-circuited.
Because she knew exactly what had just happened.
This wasn't just jealousy.
Oh no.
Satish Singh Rajvanshi was pissed.
For a few moments, she just stood there, still in Aman's hold, trying to process her imminent death.
Then-
"Uh, Sharayu?" Aman frowned. "You okay?"
"I-"
"No, she's not," Rutuja answered for her.
"She has an emergency," Arohi added.
"A Satish-shaped emergency," Kunal snickered.
"Excuse me," Sharayu blurted out, pulling away from Aman so fast she nearly tripped over her own feet.
And before anyone could stop her-
She ran.
Sharayu practically sprinted through the hallways, ignoring the weird looks from students.
She didn't care.
Because she knew Satish.
And if she didn't fix this right now, he was probably going to explode.
When she reached his cabin, she didn't even bother knocking.
She just pushed the door open and stormed inside.
***
Sharayu stood inside Satish's cabin, her breath uneven from her sprint across the college.
Satish, on the other hand, stood stiffly by his desk, his hands gripping the wooden surface so tightly that his knuckles had turned white. He wasn't looking at her. He wasn't even acknowledging her presence.
And that was what made her heart race.
Because if Satish was silent, it meant the storm inside him was only growing stronger.
She sighed, stepping forward cautiously. "Satish-"
"Did you enjoy it?"
His voice was low, rough, and it sent a strange shiver down her spine.
She frowned. "What?"
Finally, finally, he looked at her.
And his eyes-
Dark. Intense. Almost... dangerous.
Sharayu swallowed. "Satish, don't start-"
"Answer me." His voice was sharp, controlled. But there was an underlying rage simmering beneath his calm façade.
She exhaled harshly. "It was a dance, Satish. That's it."
He let out a humorless chuckle, shaking his head.
"That's it?" His jaw clenched. "You think I can just sit there and watch another man put his hands on you?"
Sharayu groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "We've talked about this, Satish. You cannot get jealous over-"
"I'm not jealous," he cut her off, stepping closer.
She arched an eyebrow. "Oh, really? So, you just stormed out for fun?"
Satish's gaze flickered. He was losing this argument, and he knew it.
But instead of backing down, he took another step forward, and suddenly, Sharayu was trapped between his desk and his overpowering presence.
Her pulse jumped.
He leaned in slightly, his voice lower now. "I know what jealousy feels like, Sharayu. This... this was something else."
She narrowed her eyes. "What was it, then?"
His hand twitched-like he wanted to reach for her but was forcing himself to stay still.
"It was rage," he admitted. "It was... this unbearable feeling of seeing you with someone else. Knowing someone else could touch you. Could hold you. Could-"
He stopped abruptly, inhaling sharply, as if the very thought made his blood boil.
Sharayu stared at him, her heart pounding.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The air between them was thick with tension, with unspoken words, with the weight of emotions neither of them fully understood.
Then-
Sharayu exhaled softly, reaching forward and grabbing his face, forcing him to look at her.
"Listen to me, you overdramatic, possessive idiot," she muttered.
Satish blinked, caught off guard.
She held his gaze, her thumbs gently stroking his cheek. "I didn't feel anything, okay? It was just a stupid dance. I was awkward the whole time. And if you had stayed five seconds longer, you would've seen me completely mess up the next step because I was so uncomfortable."
Satish's grip on the desk loosened slightly.
She softened her voice, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead. "I don't like being that close to anyone else. I don't want to be that close to anyone else."
His breathing slowed, his body finally relaxing under her touch.
"...Good," he muttered after a beat.
She rolled her eyes. "You're exhausting."
Satish smirked, his hands finally finding their way to her waist, pulling her closer.
"And yet," he murmured, tilting his head, "the moment I left, you ran straight to me."
Sharayu scowled. "Because I knew you'd be acting like a jealous, brooding Bollywood hero and I had to stop you before you started plotting Aman's murder."
Satish chuckled, his grip tightening as he leaned in, his lips brushing dangerously close to her ear.
"I wasn't plotting his murder," he whispered. "I was just thinking about ways to remind you... exactly who you belong to."
Sharayu's breath hitched.
Her fingers curled into his shirt. "Satish-"
Before she could say another word, he tilted her chin up and kissed her forehead, slow and deliberate, his lips lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
Her entire body melted.
When he pulled back, his gaze was still intense, but this time, there was something else in it. Something softer.
"You're mine, Sharayu," he murmured.
Sharayu's heart flipped.
"...I hate you," she whispered, because that was the only way she could respond without completely losing her mind.
Satish just grinned, brushing his thumb across her cheek.
"Love you too, princess."
***
The air in Satish's cabin felt thicker now-charged with something dangerous, something raw.
Sharayu could feel the heat of his gaze on her skin, could hear the steady thrum of his breathing, could sense the way his entire focus was on her and only her.
She had started this-grabbing his face, forcing him to listen.
But now...
Now she wasn't sure who was in control anymore.
Satish's hands were still on her waist, warm and unyielding, holding her in place as if daring her to pull away. His fingers pressed into the fabric of her t-shirt, gentle but firm, his thumbs slowly, almost absentmindedly, tracing circles against her sides.
And then-
Then he tilted his head, his lips barely an inch away from hers.
"You ran straight to me," he murmured, his voice low, teasing, sending a shiver down her spine.
Sharayu tried to scoff, tried to roll her eyes, tried to act like his presence wasn't unraveling her completely.
But when she opened her mouth to speak-
Satish leaned in.
And instead of kissing her, he dragged his nose along her jawline.
Sharayu's breath hitched.
Oh.
OH.
She went rigid, her fingers clutching at the fabric of his shirt as her mind completely blanked out.
Because Satish-this menace of a man-was taking his time, teasing, exploring.
His warm breath fanned against her skin as his lips grazed the sharp edge of her jaw, slow and deliberate, his touch barely there, yet scorching.
"Satish-" she started, but her voice betrayed her, coming out as nothing more than a breathy whisper.
He smirked, his fingers tightening on her waist.
"God!!! Sweetheart, my name from your mouth sounds so freaking addictive," he hummed, his lips now trailing downward, brushing the sensitive spot right below her ear.
Sharayu's eyes fluttered shut.
Her knees threatened to give way.
She could feel every single movement-the way his lips curved against her skin, the way his breath sent goosebumps racing down her arms, the way his fingers gripped her just a little tighter, holding her steady as if he knew she was about to lose herself completely.
And then-
Oh, god-
Then, he dipped lower, his lips skimming the length of her neck, moving at an infuriatingly slow pace until he reached the curve of her collarbone.
Sharayu's heart slammed against her ribs.
This wasn't fair.
This was so not fair.
He wasn't even kissing her, and yet she could feel every nerve in her body reacting-her pulse quickening, her breath turning shallow, her fingers tightening in his shirt as if that was the only thing keeping her grounded.
"S-Satish," she whispered again, but it came out weak, as if she wasn't even sure what she was asking for.
His lips curved.
And then, just to drive her insane, he tilted his head and let the very tip of his tongue graze just below her ear.
Sharayu shattered.
Her body jerked, her hands flying up to grip his shoulders, nails digging in just slightly as she gasped.
And Satish-
Oh, this ruthless, infuriating man-
He chuckled.
Low, deep, and entirely too satisfied with himself.
"You always act so tough," he murmured, his lips brushing against her skin as he spoke. "But the moment I touch you... you fall apart."
Sharayu's eyes snapped open.
Oh.
OH.
Two could play this game.
Her grip tightened on his shoulders, and before he could anticipate it, she pulled back slightly, just enough to look him in the eyes.
And then-
With her heart pounding, she leaned in, lips hovering near his ear, and whispered,
"I hate you."
Satish froze.
For the first time, his control slipped-just for a fraction of a second, just enough for Sharayu to see the way his pupils darkened, the way his fingers dug into her waist as if trying to regain control.
She smirked, feeling a spark of satisfaction-
But before she could celebrate her tiny victory-
Satish let out a deep breath, his grip tightening.
"Do you?" he murmured, his voice softer now, lower, rougher.
And then-
In one swift move, he spun her around, trapping her against the edge of his desk, his arms caging her in on either side.
Sharayu gasped, her head snapping up to meet his gaze-
And that's when she realized-
She had pushed too far.
Because now, Satish wasn't smirking anymore.
His expression was serious, his breathing just as uneven as hers, his eyes burning with something she wasn't sure she was ready for.
His hand lifted, fingers brushing along the side of her face before trailing dangerously slow down her arm, all the way to her wrist.
Sharayu swallowed.
Her heart was pounding.
Too fast. Too loud.
"You say you hate me," he murmured, his fingers brushing against hers, making her breath catch.
"But every time I touch you..." He tilted his head, gaze locked onto hers. "You shatter."
Sharayu's throat went dry.
She couldn't breathe.
Couldn't move.
And Satish-knowing exactly what he was doing to her-leaned in one last time, his lips barely an inch from hers.
"I love you, princess," he whispered against her lips, the warmth of his breath melting every last ounce of resistance she had.
And just like that-
Sharayu knew.
She was gone.
Sharayu was dizzy-completely and utterly dizzy.
Her entire body was on edge, her skin tingling with the phantom touch of Satish's lips, his breath, his voice-all of it circling around her like a storm, refusing to let her think straight.
And he knew.
Oh, he knew.
Because Satish Singh Rajvanshi was still so close, still hovering just inches away, his fingers barely brushing against hers, his gaze locked onto her like a predator watching its prey struggle to breathe.
Her pulse was a chaotic mess, hammering against her ribs as if it wanted to break free from her chest.
He had just whispered those three words.
He had just looked at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.
And now, she couldn't think.
Couldn't move.
Couldn't even breathe properly.
Sharayu's hands twitched against the desk, fingers gripping the wooden edge in a desperate attempt to regain some kind of control over her spiraling emotions.
But Satish wasn't helping.
Not when he was still watching her, eyes dark, unreadable.
Not when he was still tracing small, torturous circles on her wrist with his thumb.
Not when his lips were still dangerously close to hers, as if daring her to do something-anything.
Sharayu swallowed hard, forcing herself to snap out of it.
This was not happening.
She was not going to let him win.
Not when he was being a smug, teasing idiot, knowing exactly how much he affected her.
With every ounce of strength she had left, she lifted her chin, glaring at him with as much defiance as she could muster.
"You're a menace," she whispered.
Satish chuckled, low and deep, the sound sending another shiver racing down her spine.
"I prefer to think of myself as persistent," he murmured, his fingers trailing up her arm again, slower this time, more deliberate.
Sharayu bit her lip, her heart doing a violent somersault.
"You can't just-" She inhaled sharply as his fingers reached her shoulder, his touch burning through the fabric of her kurti. "You can't just... do this and expect me to-"
"To what?" His voice dropped an octave, his head tilting slightly.
Sharayu's breathing hitched.
His thumb brushed against her collarbone.
Her brain shut down.
Oh, this man.
This man was going to be the death of her.
"You're impossible," she finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Satish smirked.
And then-
Just to torture her further-
He leaned in again, dragging his nose along the same path as before, from her jaw down to her neck.
Sharayu's entire body tensed.
Her hands shot up, gripping his shirt tightly, because if she didn't hold onto something, she was going to collapse.
Satish's breath fanned against her skin, and she could feel him smiling.
He was enjoying this.
The power he had over her.
The way she melted the moment he touched her.
The way she completely lost her ability to function whenever he got too close.
It was infuriating.
And yet-
Yet she couldn't stop him.
Didn't want to stop him.
Not when his lips were skimming the hollow of her throat, his fingers pressing just a little more firmly against her waist, his presence completely consuming her.
Sharayu's eyes fluttered shut.
Her heart slammed against her ribs.
She needed to stop this.
She needed to-
A sharp knock on the door shattered the moment.
Sharayu jerked back as if she had been caught committing a crime, her breath still uneven, her pulse still out of control.
Satish let out a slow, frustrated exhale, his grip on her waist loosening as he turned toward the door, his jaw visibly clenching.
Sharayu's brain struggled to restart.
Oh, god.
She had completely forgotten where they were.
They were at college.
In his cabin.
Anyone could have walked in.
Anyone could have-
Her stomach dropped.
Oh, hell.
The knock came again, louder this time.
"Sir?" A voice called from the other side.
Sharayu froze.
It was Aman.
Satish's entire demeanor shifted.
His expression turned blank, his posture stiffening as he took a step back from Sharayu, putting much-needed space between them.
Sharayu, still struggling to breathe properly, quickly turned around, pretending to fix her hair, trying to calm the fire still raging inside her.
"I'll handle it," Satish murmured, his voice still thick with unspoken frustration.
Sharayu nodded, still unable to meet his gaze.
Satish walked to the door, his movements sharp, his irritation palpable.
When he opened it, Aman stood there, looking slightly nervous.
"S-Sir," Aman started, shifting awkwardly. "Sorry to disturb, but... we're restarting rehearsals, and we need Sharayu."
Satish's jaw ticked.
His grip on the door tightened.
For a second-just a second-Sharayu thought he was going to say no.
Thought he was going to refuse, make up an excuse, do anything to keep her here just a little longer.
But then-
Then, he exhaled sharply, his expression smoothing over into something neutral.
He turned back toward her.
"Go," he said, his voice unreadable.
Sharayu swallowed.
Her legs still felt weak, her body still tingling from everything that had just happened.
But she nodded.
And as she walked past him, stepping out of his cabin, she felt his gaze burning into her back.
She didn't dare look back.
Because if she did-
She wasn't sure if she'd be able to walk away.
Sharayu had barely taken two steps when Satish's voice stopped her cold.
"Sharayu."
There was something different in his tone.
Something undeniable.
Something that made her pulse stutter.
She turned back, only to see his intense gaze locked onto her-a gaze that held too much emotion, too much fire.
Aman shifted awkwardly beside her, sensing something in the air.
"I'll-I'll wait outside," he muttered, quickly excusing himself.
The moment Aman walked out, the door clicked shut.
And in the next second-
Sharayu was trapped.
Satish had moved.
Fast.
One moment, he was near the door.
The next-
He was standing right in front of her, so close that the space between them barely existed.
Sharayu froze.
Her heartbeat was wild, erratic, completely out of control.
She looked up at him-
And immediately wished she hadn't.
Because his eyes...
They were dark.
Burning.
Filled with a storm of emotions she couldn't name.
"I hate this," he murmured.
Sharayu's breath hitched.
"What?"
Satish exhaled, his jaw ticking as he stared at her, as if he was struggling to find the right words.
Then-
His fingers lifted, brushing along the side of her face, gentle yet possessive.
"I hate watching you with someone else," he admitted, his voice low and rough, as if it physically pained him to say it out loud. "I hate that I have to sit there and act like it doesn't bother me."
Sharayu's heart flipped.
She knew this was coming.
She had felt it in the way he had stormed out of the rehearsal.
Felt it in the way his fingers had dug into her waist earlier, in the way his temper had simmered beneath the surface.
She swallowed.
"It's just a dance, Satish."
He let out a sharp, frustrated exhale.
"I know," he muttered, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "And I also know that I don't have to be this possessive."
Sharayu opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, his other hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling her closer.
"But that doesn't mean I like it," he whispered against her skin.
Her entire body shivered.
Oh.
Oh, this was dangerous.
Because his voice had dipped into that low, intoxicating timbre, the one that made her stomach feel like it was doing somersaults.
Satish sighed, closing his eyes briefly before reopening them, his resolve hardening.
"I'll control it," he murmured. "For the sake of this stupid dance, I'll let go of my jealousy."
Sharayu blinked, surprised at his confession.
"But the moment it's over-"
He tugged her closer, his hand sliding to the nape of her neck, sending a shockwave down her spine.
"The moment it's over, princess..." His lips hovered dangerously close, his breath warm against her mouth. "You're mine again."
Sharayu's lungs forgot how to work.
Her entire world blurred.
Her thoughts?
Gone.
Because before she could even react-
Satish closed the distance.
And kissed her.
But this wasn't like before.
This wasn't a soft, hesitant kiss.
This was raw.
This was possessive.
This was him claiming every single thought she had left.
His lips moved against hers in a way that made her knees weak, made her grip onto his shoulders for dear life, made her entire body melt against him.
Her mind screamed at her to breathe-
But how could she, when he was stealing every ounce of air she had left?
Satish's fingers tightened in her hair, tilting her head just right, deepening the kiss, swallowing her gasp as if he couldn't bear to let her go.
Sharayu was losing herself completely.
She wasn't even sure when her hands had slid up his chest, fisting his shirt, pulling him closer.
Everything around her disappeared.
The world, the college, the rehearsals-none of it existed.
Only him.
Only this moment.
Only the way his lips moved against hers, slow yet intense, teasing yet desperate-as if he was trying to memorize the taste of her.
And just when she thought she would collapse from the sheer intensity of it all-
Satish pulled away.
Barely.
Just enough to let her catch her breath.
Just enough to let his forehead rest against hers.
Sharayu was still reeling, still gripping his shirt, her eyes dazed, her lips swollen from the force of his kiss.
Satish smirked, his thumb brushing against her lower lip.
"Go," he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction.
Sharayu's brain malfunctioned.
"What?"
Satish chuckled, tilting his head.
"You should join the rehearsals again, princess."
Her face burned.
Oh.
OH.
He had just kissed her senseless and now he was sending her back to Aman like nothing had happened?
She wanted to smack him.
She wanted to scream.
She wanted to pull him back in and kiss him again just to see if he'd break this time.
But instead-
She glared.
And stomped out of the room.
The moment she stepped into the hallway, she leaned against the wall, pressing a hand to her racing heart.
Her lips still tingled.
Her mind was still spinning.
And as she finally walked toward rehearsals, one thought echoed in her head.
She was never going to survive this man.
Sharayu stormed back toward the rehearsal hall, cheeks still burning, her lips still tingling, and her mind?
Completely ruined.
She could still feel him.
The way he kissed her.
The way he held her.
The way he whispered against her lips like he owned every thought in her head.
And then-the audacity.
To pull away like it was nothing.
To tell her to go back to rehearsals like he hadn't just wrecked her soul in his office.
Her hands clenched into fists.
This man.
This infuriating, smug, perfect idiot.
She wanted to throw something at his head.
She wanted to kiss him again.
She needed help.
As she reached the rehearsal hall, Aman waved her over. "Hey! What took you so long?"
Sharayu blinked.
Right.
She was supposed to be normal right now.
Like she hadn't just been cornered, kissed, and completely obliterated.
"Oh, uh-Sir had some work," she muttered, hoping her face didn't give her away.
Aman nodded. "Alright, let's start from where we left off."
Sharayu tried to focus.
Tried to remember the steps, the music, the routine.
But her mind was still back in Satish's cabin.
Still back in the moment where he had whispered, The moment this dance is over, you're mine again.
And unfortunately-
Her body chose violence.
Because instead of stepping forward gracefully, she stepped on Aman's foot.
Hard.
Aman yelped.
The music stopped.
Everyone turned to look.
Sharayu's soul left her body.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" she squeaked, stepping back.
Aman hopped on one foot, shaking his head. "It's okay! Just-maybe a little lighter next time?"
She wanted to disappear.
And then-it got worse.
Because just as she was trying to compose herself-
A low chuckle echoed from the back of the room.
A chuckle she knew too well.
A chuckle that made her entire body freeze.
No.
No, no, no, no-
She turned slowly.
And there he was.
Satish Singh Rajvanshi, leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, looking like he was having the time of his life.
His eyes locked onto hers, and the moment their gazes met-
He smirked.
Sharayu wanted to murder him.
This man had the audacity to sit there and enjoy her suffering?
After destroying her mind just ten minutes ago?
Her blood boiled.
She squared her shoulders, turned back to Aman, and forced herself to focus.
"Let's do it again," she said through gritted teeth.
Satish's chuckle deepened.
Oh, he was so enjoying this.
She refused to look at him.
She refused to give him the satisfaction.
But oh, she was going to make him pay.
Because the moment this dance was over?
Satish Singh Rajvanshi was in trouble.
The moment rehearsals ended, Sharayu stormed out of the hall.
She needed air.
She needed space.
She needed to get away before she did something drastic-like throw her shoe at Satish's head.
But of course, her lovely friends wouldn't let that happen.
Because the second she stepped out, they pounced.
"OH. MY. GOD." Arohi screeched. "What was THAT?!"
Before Sharayu could respond, Rutuja grabbed her shoulders, shaking her dramatically.
"Ma'am, what happened inside the cabin? Spill the tea, now."
Vrushal crossed his arms. "Let's analyze the situation, shall we? You went to Sir's cabin looking normal."
Arohi nodded. "And you came back looking like you forgot how to walk."
Kunal grinned. "AND stepped on Aman's foot, which-by the way-was HILARIOUS."
Sharayu groaned, hiding her face. "I hate you all."
Kunal smirked. "Oh, but we love you. Especially when you're making our very own Professor Rajvanshi lose his mind."
Sharayu's stomach flipped.
She peeked over her hands. "W-What do you mean?"
Vrushal raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come ON. You didn't see his face when you danced with Aman?"
Kunal laughed. "That man was sitting there, fuming. If looks could kill, Aman would have been six feet under."
Arohi giggled. "AND THEN, the way he smirked when you messed up? That was pure evil."
Sharayu whined. "I KNEW IT! HE WAS LAUGHING AT ME!"
Rutuja patted her head. "Yes, yes, my dear. He enjoyed your suffering very much."
Gayatri grinned. "And that's why we, your best friends, have a duty to tease him mercilessly."
Sharayu's eyes widened. "Guys, NO."
Kunal smirked. "Oh, yes."
Before she could stop them, her friends had already turned.
And there, standing near his car, leaning against the hood like he owned the entire universe-
Was Satish Singh Rajvanshi.
Still smirking.
Still looking way too satisfied.
Vrushal called out way too loudly. "SIR! Did you enjoy the show?"
Sharayu choked.
Satish, the absolute menace, didn't even flinch.
Instead, he tilted his head, expression infuriatingly smug. "Very much."
Kunal clapped. "I mean, Sir, watching your girlfriend dance with another man? Must have been hard."
Sharayu gasped. "Kunal!"
Arohi added, "But don't worry, Sir. It was just acting. Aman doesn't even hold a candle to you."
Rutuja grinned. "But ohhh, the waist holding. The close proximity. The chemistry!"
Gayatri fake-sighed. "Poor Aman, though. He had no idea he was risking his life."
Sharayu wanted the ground to swallow her whole.
But Satish?
He was completely unbothered.
He took a slow step forward, hands in his pockets, eyes locked onto hers.
And then, in a voice far too smooth, he said-
"You're right."
Everyone blinked.
Even Sharayu froze.
Satish's lips curled. "Aman doesn't hold a candle to me."
A collective "OH MY GOD" erupted from her friends.
Vrushal fell to his knees, laughing.
Kunal clapped like a proud father.
Vrushal whistled. "Confidence level: Rajvanshi."
Sharayu glared. "YOU'RE NOT HELPING."
Satish only grinned.
Then, slowly, he walked past her, leaned down, and whispered just for her to hear-
"Better get used to it, princess."
Sharayu's brain short-circuited.
Before she could process, Satish straightened, gave a lazy nod to her friends, and walked away.
Leaving her standing there, completely and utterly wrecked.
Arohi fanned herself. "Whew. I have chills."
Rutuja patted Sharayu's back. "Rest in peace, girl. You're done for."
And Sharayu?
She just groaned.
Because they weren't wrong.
Write a comment ...