The Annual Day Function had finally arrived, and the entire college campus had been transformed into a grand spectacle.
The main hall was decorated with golden fairy lights, delicate floral arrangements, and an enormous stage where all the performances, speeches, and prize distributions would take place. Students bustled around, excitement buzzing in the air as everyone admired one another. And why wouldn't they?Tonight, everyone had outdone themselves.
The boys looked sharp in their suits, some opting for classic black tuxedos, while others experimented with bold colors and modern fits. The girls, however, were the real showstoppers-draped in shimmering gowns, intricate lehengas, and elegant sarees, making the entire event feel like a red-carpet affair.
Among them, Sharayu and her group were an absolute sight to behold. Dressed in a breathtaking deep wine-colored gown, Sharayu looked like she had stepped out of a dream. The gown was a perfect blend of elegance and drama-a fitted bodice adorned with delicate silver embroidery that shimmered under the lights, cascading into a flowing floor-length skirt made of soft layers of tulle that swayed gracefully with every step she took.
Her off-shoulder neckline framed her collarbones and shoulders beautifully, and the sheer fabric above the bust had tiny embroidered stars, giving an illusion of a night sky. A thin diamond belt cinched at her waist, highlighting her curves subtly yet elegantly.Her long hair was styled in soft curls, cascading down one shoulder, pinned on one side with a delicate silver hairpiece that matched her statement earrings. A subtle smoky eye, winged eyeliner, and a deep red lip completed her look, making her appear nothing short of a goddess.And as she walked into the college gates, all eyes naturally turned towards her.
Including the one pair of eyes that mattered the most. Satish had arrived at the function in his immaculate navy-blue three-piece suit, looking every bit the refined and dangerously handsome professor who made half the college swoon. His blazer, tailored to absolute perfection, hugged his broad shoulders and tapered down flawlessly to his waist. Beneath it, he wore a crisp white dress shirt, paired with a slim navy-blue tie that added just the right touch of sophistication. His waistcoat, buttoned neatly, enhanced the sharpness of his frame, while his fitted dress pants completed the powerful, effortless look.
To top it all off, he had chosen to wear a classic silver watch, and his hair-oh, his hair-was styled in a way that was both messy and perfectly put together.The man was a walking distraction.
But right now?
Right now, Satish Singh Rajvanshi was a man completely frozen in place.
Because the moment his eyes landed on Sharayu, his mind blacked out.
What. The. Hell.
She looked-ethereal.
Breathtaking.
Deadly.
Satish, who was known for his calm and composed demeanor, found himself gripping his glass of water like it was his last hope for survival.
His jaw clenched.
His heart did something weird in his chest.
And then-
Kunal, standing beside him, leaned in way too casually.
"Control, Sir. Your feelings are showing."
Satish whipped his head around. "Shut up."
Vrushal grinned. "Oh, come on. We all saw it."
Kunal smirked. "Man literally forgot how to blink."
Arohi giggled. "And breathe. I think we should check his pulse."
Rutuja sighed dramatically. "Poor Aman. Imagine competing with this reaction."
Satish's eye twitched. "Do you all have a death wish?"
Vrushal patted his shoulder. "Oh, no, Sir. We're just enjoying the show."
Meanwhile, Sharayu-completely oblivious to the chaos she had just caused-walked towards them, adjusting her gown slightly.
Satish swallowed.
How was she even real?
And then-she looked at him.
Their eyes met.
And boom.
She froze.
Because oh, dear lord.
Satish Singh Rajvanshi in a navy-blue three-piece suit was a national crisis.
Her mind short-circuited.
How was he even real?
And why was he looking at her like that?She felt her pulse skyrocket as his eyes darkened slightly, scanning her from head to toe in that slow, deliberate way that made her knees weaker than they had ever been.
And then-
He smirked.
That damn smirk.Arohi nudged her. "Oh-ho. You're in trouble."
Sharayu snapped out of it. "W-What?"
Gayatri whispered, grinning like an idiot. "He's looking at you like he wants to devour you."
Sharayu panicked. "Shut up!"
Kunal, ever the troublemaker, raised his eyebrows. "So, Sir, what do you think about Sharayu's dress?"
Satish, still looking straight into Sharayu's eyes, tilted his head slightly.
"I think," he said in a voice low and smooth, "she's wearing it just to test my patience."Sharayu choked.
Her friends lost their minds.Kunal clutched his chest. "OH MY GOD, THIS IS BETTER THAN A MOVIE."
Vrushal whistled. "Sir, your control is commendable."
Satish smirked. "Who said I'm controlling myself?"
And with that, he took a slow, deliberate step forward.
Sharayu took a step back.
Her heart was about to explode.
And her friends?
They were having the time of their lives. Before Sharayu could even open her mouth, before she could fire back some snarky comment or even catch her breath-
A voice boomed across the hall.
"PROFESSOR SATISH! We need you for the arrangements!"The spell broke.
Satish's jaw ticked as he turned his head towards the professors waving at him from across the room, looking absolutely clueless about the intense, life-altering moment they had just interrupted.
Sharayu exhaled.
She had barely survived.
But before he left, Satish did something very illegal.
He looked at her.
One last time.
A slow, lingering gaze, filled with way too much intensity, as if memorizing every damn detail.
And then-he smirked.
A smug, knowing smirk, like he knew exactly what he was doing to her.
Sharayu's brain shut down.
And just like that, he turned and walked away, his three-piece suit flexing its power, leaving her standing there like an absolute wreck. And, of course, her devilish friends did not let it go unnoticed.
Rutuja was the first to react.
She grabbed Sharayu's hand, shaking it dramatically. "Ma'am! Ma'am! Are you still breathing?!"
Arohi fake-sobbed. "She's gone, guys. It was nice knowing her."
Vrushal clutched his chest. "I swear, I saw sparks flying. It was dangerous to stand near you two!"
Kunal nodded wisely. "Sir was looking at her like he was about to walk on stage and announce, 'She's mine, everyone can go home now.'"
Gayatri snickered. "Honestly? I wouldn't even be mad."
Sharayu groaned. "YOU ALL NEED TO SHUT UP."
Vrushal patted her back. "Nah, girl, we live for this drama."
Sharayu buried her face in her hands.
Why did she have such horrible, nosy friends?
Across the hall, Satish sat with the other professors, trying very hard to focus.
But he could not.
Because the image of Sharayu, standing in that devastatingly gorgeous gown, was burned into his brain."Professor Satish?"
Satish blinked. "Hmm?"
Professor Sharma frowned. "I asked if you could coordinate the seating arrangements for the chief guests."
Satish nodded. "Of course. Yes. That."
Professor Sharma raised an eyebrow. "You sure? You look a bit... distracted."
Satish cleared his throat. "Not at all."
Not at all, my foot.
Because the moment he glanced back across the hall, there she was-laughing, surrounded by her friends, looking like absolute trouble.
The hall buzzed with anticipation. Students, professors, and esteemed guests had taken their seats, and the stage was set-literally.
The Annual Day Function was officially about to begin. At the front row sat the professors, looking regal in their best formal attire. Among them, Satish Singh Rajvanshi sat with an air of calm authority, his face unreadable, though his eyes kept straying to a certain someone. Meanwhile, Sharayu, seated with her friends a few rows behind, was actively pretending she didn't feel his gaze.
Arohi, however, wasn't about to let that go unnoticed.
She nudged Sharayu."He's looking."
"I KNOW," Sharayu hissed, glaring at her.
"Looking like he's about to commit a crime," Kunal whispered dramatically.
Hriday smirked. "Poor Aman. Imagine he had to survive a whole dance rehearsal with this man watching."
Sharayu ignored them.
Before they could continue their torture, the host walked up to the stage, tapping the mic."Ladies and gentlemen," the host's voice boomed across the hall, "we welcome you all to this prestigious evening-our college's Annual Day Function!"
A loud round of applause filled the room. The host continued, "Tonight, we celebrate not just achievements, but the dedication, passion, and perseverance of our students and faculty. We have with us our esteemed professors, our honorable Chief Guest, and of course, all of you-our stars of the evening!"
Another wave of applause.
The next segment? Felicitation of professors and students. The host announced, "We would now like to honor the pillars of our college-our esteemed Heads of Departments, without whom this institution would not be what it is today. We request them to come up on stage and receive their felicitation."
One by one, the heads of departments were called on stage.
Dr. Rajeev Mehta - Head of the Mathematics Department
A strict-looking man in his late fifties, Dr. Rajeev Mehta walked up with a no-nonsense expression, barely cracking a smile. Known for his terrifyingly difficult tests and love for calculus, students often debated whether he was a mathematician or a torturer.
Sharayu whispered, "I bet he even calculates the calories in his food before eating."
Arohi giggled. "He probably solves equations in his sleep."
Dr. Anjali Kapoor - Head of the Literature Department
Dressed in an elegant saree, Dr. Anjali Kapoor was the exact opposite of Dr. Mehta. Warm, motherly, and full of literary wisdom, she often quoted Shakespeare in casual conversations and had a soft spot for romantic poetry.
Hriday sighed dramatically, "I swear, she gives off 'favourite teacher' energy."
Kunal smirked. "I once tried to convince her that my assignment was 'left unfinished due to an emotional breakdown caused by poetic inspiration.' She gave me extra time."
Professor Vikram Sethi - Head of the Physics Department
A young, energetic professor, Vikram Sethi was beloved by the students. Always cracking science-related jokes and trying to make physics fun, he had a reputation for turning the toughest topics into memes.
Gayatri whispered, "Bet he's going to reference Newton's Laws in his thank-you speech."
Vrushal snorted. "Last time, he made an entire joke about gravity and the falling grades of students."
Dr. Priya Malhotra - Head of the Psychology Department
Dr. Priya Malhotra was mysterious-always observing, always analyzing. She had an uncanny ability to read people, which made her both fascinating and terrifying.
Sharayu whispered, "I feel like she knows all our secrets."
Hriday shuddered. "She once told me I looked 'stressed about an unresolved emotional conflict.' I was like, ma'am, that's just my default state."
And finally... Professor Satish Singh Rajvanshi - Head of the Accounts and Finance Department
The moment his name was announced, the room buzzed slightly.
Because everyone knew who he was.
He stood up, adjusting his blazer with effortless confidence, walking towards the stage with a posture so powerful that he looked like he was about to take over the whole damn world.
Sharayu hated that she couldn't look away. And then-he glanced at her.
A quick, knowing glance, but enough to make her stomach do things it absolutely should not be doing.
Arohi noticed. "OH MY GOD."
Kunal grinned. "Dude, did you see that? He literally just-"
"SHUT UP."
On stage, Satish received his felicitation, gave a brief, professional nod, The audience clapped louder.
Satish bowed politely, but when he reached the mic... his eyes, almost instinctively, searched the crowd. And they found her.
He cleared his throat, voice smooth yet heavy with emotion.
"I've always believed success comes from hard work, patience, and discipline. But... sometimes, destiny sends you a little more than you deserve. A blessing. A guiding light."
The crowd went silent, listening. He paused, his gaze lingering on Sharayu so intensely that she shifted in her seat, her cheeks heating.
"For me, that blessing has been... my lady luck. The one who makes even my ordinary days feel extraordinary. She's the reason I smile more, the reason I dream bigger, and the reason I stand here today with so much pride."
Gasps rippled in the hall. Everyone thought he was being poetic, maybe talking generally. But Sharayu's friends-Rutuja, Arohi, Vrushal, Kunal-all turned to look at her at once.
Sharayu wanted to sink in her chair, her hands clutched her dupatta, face crimson.
Satish's voice deepened, softer now, almost like a confession hidden in plain sight:
"They say behind every man's success, there is a strong support, someone who inspires silently. I just want to thank... her-my constant reminder that even the toughest days end with hope. She may not know it, but she has been my strength, my peace, and my luck."
He smiled faintly, eyes still locked on Sharayu. For that brief second, it felt like only the two of them existed in the hall and with that he walked back like he hadn't just made Sharayu forget how to function.
Next, the top-performing students from each department were called.
And, of course, Sharayu's name was on the list.Arohi shoved her forward. "Go, go! Let's see if you can walk as gracefully as Sir."
Sharayu glared. "I hate you all."She walked up the stage, accepted her certificate, and stood beside the other achievers.
The problem?
She was now standing just a few feet away from Satish.
And she could feel him looking.Not in a way anyone else would notice-he was too good at hiding it-but she knew.
The tiny flicker in his gaze.
The way his fingers subtly flexed at his sides.
And when she turned just slightly, their eyes met for a split second.It was enough.
Her breath caught.
And then, like nothing had happened, they both looked away. But her heart?
It had just signed a resignation letter.When she finally returned to her seat, her friends were waiting like hungry hyenas.
Gayatri smirked. "You survived."
Kunal sighed. "Tragic. We were hoping for a dramatic fall so Satish Sir could heroically catch you."
Vrushal grinned. "Missed opportunity."
Arohi leaned closer. "So, how did it feel standing next to him on stage?"
Sharayu groaned, covering her face. "I hate ALL of you."
Hriday grinned. "We're just getting started."
As the evening progressed, the host's voice echoed through the grand auditorium.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, we have an electrifying group dance performance by some of our most talented students!
Please give a huge round of applause for-Aman and his group!
Sharayu barely had a moment to breathe before she and her friends were summoned backstage. Backstage was a warzone.
Dancers rushed around, fixing costumes, last-minute touch-ups happening in every corner, and the sound of the stage crew yelling instructions added to the chaotic symphony of the moment.
Sharayu's group-Rutuja, Arohi, Hriday, Kunal, Vrushal, and Gayatri-huddled together, adjusting their outfits and psyching themselves up.
Hriday stretched his arms. "Okay, okay, deep breaths. No one panic-"
Kunal immediately panicked. "Bro, I forgot the next step."
Arohi smacked his arm. "You say this every single time. AND YET, somehow, you survive."
Gayatri laughed. "Kunal's strategy is 'If you forget, just move confidently and hope no one notices.'"
Vrushal groaned. "That might work in a club, not in front of the entire college."
Sharayu, adjusting her gown, tried to focus, but her mind kept drifting.
Because she knew who was in the audience.
Satish.
And the moment she thought about that, her stomach did an Olympic-level gymnastics routine.
She shook her head. Focus.Arohi nudged her. "Okay, ma'am, what's with the zoned-out expression? Thinking about someone?"
Sharayu glared. "Shut up."
Kunal grinned. "Don't worry, if you mess up a step, I'm sure Sir will be watching very attentively."
Vrushal smirked. "Maybe he'll personally come up and save the dance."
Hriday gasped dramatically. "Imagine if he joins in? Iconic."
Sharayu facepalmed. "I hate all of you."Just then, a crew member rushed toward them.
"You guys are up in five! Positions, quickly!"As they lined up near the curtains, the adrenaline kicked in.
The music was ready.
The lights were set.
Arohi whispered, "Okay, last-minute motivation: We either nail this performance and walk out like legends... or we trip, fall, and get immortalized as memes."
Hriday muttered, "I choose legend."
Kunal exhaled. "Here goes nothing."
And as the curtains began to rise, Sharayu took a deep breath.
It was showtime.
The stage was bathed in soft golden light, casting an ethereal glow over Sharayu and her group. They were dressed in intricately designed traditional outfits-flowing fabrics, elegant embroidery, and shimmering jewelry that caught the light with every movement. Sharayu stood at the center, her gown a masterpiece of ivory and gold, adorned with delicate embellishments that sparkled under the stage lights. Her expressions were soft yet powerful, eyes carrying the depth of the song's emotions. As the first notes of "Ghar More Pardesiya" played, she stepped forward with elegant footwork, her arms moving like poetry in motion, capturing the essence of the song's storytelling. The moment she raised her hands, wrists gracefully bending in a traditional mudra, the audience fell silent.
The performance had begun.As the rhythm picked up, the rest of the group-Arohi, Rutuja, Hriday, Kunal, Vrushal, and Gayatri-entered, synchronizing their steps with perfect harmony.
Arohi and Rutuja's ghungroo-clad feet tapped rhythmically, mirroring the beats, their lehengas twirling in unison
Gayatri and Hriday added dynamic yet smooth movements, blending classical elegance with contemporary finesse.
Vrushal and Kunal executed graceful spins, their postures precise, their expressions radiant.
The choreography was a blend of Kathak-inspired spins, hand gestures, and expressions that told a story. Every step, every turn was calculated yet fluid-like waves flowing in perfect rhythm.As the music softened, the spotlight fell solely on Sharayu.
Her body swayed effortlessly to the melody, her hands tracing delicate patterns in the air. Her footwork-intricate and swift-captivated the audience, showcasing years of practice and raw passion. She moved with unwavering confidence, channeling the emotions of the song into her expressions.There was something about the way she danced-graceful yet commanding, soft yet intense.
And somewhere in the audience, Satish couldn't take his eyes off her. As the tempo rose, the entire group rejoined in perfect synchronization, executing flawless pirouettes, dramatic arm movements, and energy-packed leaps.The final spin had them all coming together in a breathtaking pose, their arms raised toward the heavens, the last note fading into the silence.And for a brief moment-there was stillness.
Then, the auditorium erupted into thunderous applause.The audience was spellbound.
The dean stood up to clap.
The professors nodded in admiration.
The students cheered, some even whistled.Backstage, dancers and crew members exchanged excited glances-they knew they had just witnessed something unforgettable.And among them, one particular professor in a navy-blue suit sat frozen in his seat.
Satish exhaled sharply, fingers resting against his lips, his gaze locked onto Sharayu, who was still catching her breath on stage.
She looked divine.
And something deep inside him stirred.
But before he could process it, Kunal's loud "WE NAILED IT!" echoed backstage, and the entire group burst into excitement.
The performance was over.
The moment they exited the stage after their flawless group performance, Sharayu and her friends barely had time to breathe before they were dragged into the next whirlwind of chaos.Because up next? The couple dance.And if the group performance had been a battle of synchronization and energy, the couple dance was going to be a war of emotions and closeness.
Sharayu wiped the sweat off her forehead, trying to steady her racing heartbeat."That was insane,"
Hriday panted, gulping down a bottle of water. "We actually pulled it off."
Gayatri grinned. "Of course we did. We're icons."
Kunal dramatically flopped onto a chair. "Let me just stay here forever. I was not built for this much dancing in one night."
Arohi rolled her eyes. "Get up, idiot. We have one more dance left."At those words, Sharayu's stomach did a full gymnastics routine.
Because she knew exactly what was coming.
The Couple Dance.And the person she was dancing with?
Aman.
Not that Aman was a problem-he was a nice guy, a great dancer, and completely professional.
The problem was that someone else in the audience would be watching her very closely.
Someone currently sitting in a navy-blue suit, probably clenching his jaw in frustration.And just as her brain started spiraling into a crisis, Arohi smirked at her."So, excited for your dance with Aman?"
Rutuja joined in. "Oh yes. Holding hands, twirling around, all those romantic steps."
Vrushal sighed dramatically. "The close proximity. The deep eye contact."
Hriday wiggled his eyebrows. "Oh, I bet someone is dying inside right now."
Sharayu groaned. "You all are the worst."
Kunal patted her shoulder. "No, Satish Sir is the worst. For agreeing to this whole function and then getting jealous like an idiot."
Gayatri nodded. "It's honestly hilarious. I saw him watching our last performance like he was on the verge of a spiritual crisis."
Arohi laughed. "Imagine what'll happen when he sees you in the couple dance."Sharayu did not want to imagine that.
Because she already knew what would happen.
Satish would watch.
Satish would simmer in his possessiveness.
Satish would probably lose his mind.
And then?
He would make her pay for it later.
Before Sharayu could process her thoughts, a crew member shouted, "Couple dancers, get ready! You're up in fifteen minutes!"
Which meant-costume change time.
Sharayu's next outfit was a flowy, midnight-blue gown with silver embroidery. The fabric was light, making every movement elegant and effortless. The off-shoulder design revealed her collarbones, while the fitted waistline accentuated her graceful posture.As she stepped in front of the mirror, fixing her hair, she caught herself pausing.
Because she knew exactly whose eyes would be following her every move.And just like clockwork-
A message popped up on her phone.
Satish: I swear to God, Sweetheart, if he touches you any more than necessary, I'm throwing him off the stage.Sharayu choked on air.
This man was unbelievable.But she had no time to deal with her over-possessive, insanely jealous, yet ridiculously hot boyfriend.
Because her name was being called.
The couple dance was about to begin.
Was just getting started.As the auditorium lights dimmed once again, the anticipation in the air was electric. The audience was already buzzing from the previous performances, but this? The Couple Dance? This was one of the most awaited acts of the night.And for good reason. Because five couples were about to take the stage.And among them?
Sharayu and Aman.
Soft, golden lights cascaded down like stars, illuminating the dancers who stood poised, ready to weave magic with their movements.
The five couples were dressed in coordinated shades of deep blues, blacks, and shimmering silver.
Arohi & Vrushal - A pair known for their dramatic flair, bringing intensity with every step.
Gayatri & Kunal - Playful, energetic, exuding a chemistry that was both charming and effortless.
Hriday & Rutuja - The perfect balance of grace and fluidity, telling a story with their seamless movements.Another talented pair - Who blended classical and contemporary like a dream.And then...
At the center of it all-Sharayu and Aman-
The first notes of "Raanjhanaa Hua Main Tera" floated through the hall. Pairs moved gracefully across the stage, steps soft and fluid. Sharayu and Aman matched perfectly - his hand guiding her through a spin, her dupatta fanning out like a painting. The dance wasn't just choreography; it felt like a story of first love unfolding in front of everyone. Satish, sitting in the front row with the faculty, found himself leaning forward without realizing it.
Then, without warning, the beat shifted into "Sunn Saathiya." The couples grew more synchronized, movements closer, chemistry deeper. Aman lifted Sharayu lightly, her laugh barely audible but enough to reach Satish's ears. For a moment, he forgot he was "Professor Rajvanshi" and not just a man watching his girl shine under the spotlight.
The atmosphere flipped when "Dilliwali Girlfriend" kicked in. The crowd erupted with claps and whistles as the pairs switched partners in a playful sequence. Sharayu found herself dancing with someone else, grinning at the sudden change, while Aman spun another girl. The teasing, cheeky energy had the entire auditorium tapping their feet. Satish's jaw, though, tightened just a little at the sight of another boy holding Sharayu's hand - even if it was just for a few counts. When she returned to Aman, there was a new spark in her steps, more confident, more mischievous.
The medley's mood shifted again as "Tum Hi Ho Bandhu" filled the hall. The whole stage came alive - vibrant, festive, full of group formations and claps in rhythm. Sharayu and Aman moved in sync with the others, laughter and playful expressions lighting up their faces. Parents in the crowd swayed along; students cheered for their classmates.
And then... the lights softened, and the first strains of "Raabta" echoed like a heartbeat. The energy melted into something intense, magnetic. Couples drew closer, steps slower yet sharper. Sharayu and Aman moved as though caught in their own world - his hand steady on her waist, her eyes lowered shyly, until she tilted her head just right for the finishing pose. The stage froze in that breathtaking moment, and the hall erupted into thunderous applause.
Sharayu barely had time to catch her breath before she felt the vibration of her phone.
Satish: Meet me. NOW.Her stomach dropped.
She knew exactly what this was about.
The dance.
The closeness.
The way Aman's hands had been exactly where Satish didn't want them to be.
Rutuja, who had been fixing her own dress nearby, glanced at Sharayu's screen and whistled.
"Oof, someone's in trouble."
Arohi grinned, catching on immediately. "Damn, if looks could kill, Aman would have been ashes by now. Sir looked possessed out there."
Vrushal added dramatically, "May his soul rest in peace."Sharayu shot them all a glare before grabbing the hem of her gown and marching away.
"Shut up."
She had a professor to deal with.
She found him near one of the dimly lit corridors leading to the staff lounge. Away from prying eyes.
Satish was already there, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking like a man barely holding himself together.
His navy-blue suit, crisp and tailored, looked sinfully good on him. But his face?
Pure jealousy and possessiveness.The second his dark, intense gaze landed on her, she felt it.
A slow burn spreading from the base of her neck, traveling down her spine.
And the fact that she was now dressed in that wine-red off-shoulder gown-the one that hugged her curves, accentuated her collarbones, and made her look like something straight out of a dream-was not helping.She barely had time to open her mouth before-
"That dance."
His voice was low. Rough. Like he was forcing himself to stay calm.Sharayu blinked, feigning innocence.
"What about it?"
Satish let out a harsh breath, pushing off the wall.
"You know exactly what about."He took a slow, deliberate step toward her.
Sharayu instinctively took one back.
Another step.
Another.
Until her back hit the cold brick wall.
She sucked in a breath.
Oh.
Satish placed one hand on the wall beside her head, the other lifting to trace his knuckles down her exposed shoulder.
"Do you know how hard it was to sit there," he murmured, his voice like molten heat, "watching another man put his hands on you like that?"Sharayu swallowed.
Her mind had completely shut down. His fingers trailed slowly, torturously, from her shoulder, up to her jawline-tilting her face up to meet his gaze.
"I swear, Sharayu," he whispered, his breath warm against her lips, "it took everything in me not to walk up on that stage and pull you away from him."Her heart was pounding.
Her fingers Itched to grab onto something-his tie, his collar, him.
But she forced herself to smirk."Satish," she murmured, tilting her head slightly, "are you... jealous?"His lips twitched.
"Jealous?" he repeated, voice deceptively calm.
Then-Before she could even blink, she felt it.
The warm, wet drag of his tongue-starting from her jaw, sliding down to her collarbone, lingering just a little too long.
Her entire body froze.
Her fingers curled into fists.
Her breathing hitched.Then-his lips moved to her ear, his voice a delicious whisper.
"Jealous doesn't even begin to cover it." Sharayu completely blanked out.
The world ceased to exist.
All she could feel was him.
His breath.
His touch.
The smirk she could practically hear in his voice.Satish pulled back, taking in her dazed expression with a satisfied smirk.
Then, just to be cruel, he brushed his thumb over her lower lip.
"Now," he murmured, stepping back. "Go back to your event before I change my mind."Sharayu stared at him.
Her legs refused to work.
Her brain refused to function.
And worst of all?
That damn man knew it.
This was so.
Unfair
She sucked in a shaky breath, glaring at him.
"This isn't over."Satish chuckled, straightening his tie.
"Not even close, princess."And with that, he turned and walked away.
Leaving Sharayu standing there-
Flustered. Breathless.
And in very, very big trouble.

The Annual Function had finally come to an end.
The last of the awards had been distributed, the lights had dimmed, and the final applause had faded into the winter night.
Students and faculty alike were buzzing with excitement, exchanging farewell hugs, taking final pictures, and planning post-event celebrations.Sharayu, however?
She was exhausted.
Her feet ached from dancing, her hair had somehow developed a life of its own, and she was desperate to just crawl into bed and pass out.She was walking out of the college gates with her friends when her phone vibrated.
Satish: Wait right there. I'm dropping you home.
Her heart skipped a beat.
She blinked at the message, reading it twice to make sure she wasn't hallucinating from exhaustion.Before she could even respond, another text popped up.
Satish: No arguments. Just wait.
Rutuja, who had been glancing over Sharayu's shoulder, whistled.
"Oh ho! Someone's got a private chauffeur tonight."
Kunal smirked. "Or should I say... a possessive, jealous, dangerously handsome chauffeur?"
Sharayu groaned."Will you all shut up and go home?" she muttered, shoving her phone into her clutch.
Arohi wiggled her eyebrows. "Tell us, though. How does it feel to have a personal professor-slash-bodyguard-slash-boyfriend?"
Kunal added dramatically, "The man won't even let her freeze, let alone let another guy near her."
Vrushal laughed. "Speaking of freezing, it's December, and our dear friend is out here in an off-shoulder gown. Freezing to death for fashion."
Gayatri sighed, fake wiping a tear. "Beauty comes at a price."
"Goodbye," Sharayu deadpanned, turning on her heel before they could tease her more.But her cheeks were already heating up.
Because she knew they were right.
And she was about to witness that possessiveness firsthand.The second she stepped outside the gates, she spotted him.
Satish was leaning against his car, hands in his pockets, looking like he had stepped straight out of a damn romance novel.
His navy-blue three-piece suit was still crisp, still perfect, but the way his tie was now loosened and the top buttons of his shirt undone made him look...
Dangerous. Unapologetically confident.And then his eyes landed on her.
And he froze.For the second time that evening, Satish Singh Rajvanshi forgot how to breathe.
Because Sharayu, in the glow of the streetlights, in that deep wine-red gown, her bare shoulders catching the moonlight, looking every bit like the woman who had unknowingly ruined him-
Was lethal.His jaw tightened.
He had spent the entire night controlling himself.
Watching her.
Letting her perform.
Keeping his distance.
But now?She was his.
And she was shivering.Sharayu rubbed her arms subtly, cursing herself for not bringing a shawl.
Before she could say anything, Satish shrugged off his blazer in one swift motion.
And before she could even react, he was already stepping forward, wrapping it around her shoulders.The warmth of his body still lingered on the fabric.
The scent of his cologne-intoxicating, masculine, undeniably him-wrapped around her like a second skin.Her breath hitched.
She blinked up at him. "Satish, I-"
"Wear it," he said, low, firm.His hands rested on her shoulders, adjusting the blazer properly, making sure she was covered.
And then, just to be cruel, he leaned down-his lips brushing dangerously close to her ear.
"You're mine to keep warm, princess."Sharayu forgot how to breathe.
She stood there, blinking, malfunctioning, unable to process the sheer audacity of this man.Meanwhile, Satish?
He was smirking.
Oh, he knew exactly what he was doing.
And he was enjoying it.
A lot.Sharayu swallowed, trying to regain control of her sanity.
"I-I can walk home, you know."
Satish chuckled, opening the passenger door for her.
"Not happening."
Her stubbornness flared.
"I'm perfectly capable of-"
"Sharayu."
His tone was dangerously soft.She snapped her mouth shut.
He leaned in just a little closer, tilting his head.
"Get in the car," he murmured, his fingers lightly brushing against the side of her waist. "Or do I need to carry you in?"Her stomach flipped.
Sharayu squeaked, immediately stepping into the car before she could embarrass herself further.
Satish, chuckling darkly, shut the door behind her and walked around to the driver's side.As the car engine roared to life, Sharayu wrapped his blazer tighter around herself, biting her lip.
Her heart was pounding.
The engine purred to life, the soft hum filling the silence between them as Satish pulled onto the road.
Sharayu sat there, still wrapped in his blazer, her fingers curled into the warm fabric as she stared out the window-trying to act normal.
Trying not to acknowledge the way her skin still burned where his hands had touched her.
Trying not to replay his words in her head like some lovesick fool."You're mine to keep warm, princess."
Damn him.
The man had an arsenal of lethal words and he knew exactly how to use them.
Meanwhile, Satish was... silent.
But not the kind of silence that meant he was focused on driving.
No, no.
This was the kind of silence that smirked without even needing to look at her.
The kind that made her hyper-aware of his presence.
His sleeves were rolled up just enough to expose his forearms, his fingers flexing lazily on the steering wheel, his gaze flickering toward her every now and then-like he was waiting.And then, out of nowhere-
"I'm still thinking about it."Sharayu blinked, turning to him.
"...Thinking about what?"
Satish exhaled dramatically, like he was oh-so-exhausted.
"Seeing you dance with someone else."
Her heart stuttered.
He was still stuck on that?"Satish..." she sighed, shaking her head. "It was just a performance-"
"Didn't like it."Her lips parted.
"But-"
"Didn't. Like. It."
He said it so plainly, so firmly, like it was the most obvious fact in the universe.Sharayu groaned, sinking into her seat.
"You're unbelievable."Satish chuckled.
"And yet, here you are-wearing my blazer, in my car, letting me drop you home."
Sharayu clenched her jaw.
"Trust me, it's not like I had a choice."Satish clicked his tongue, tilting his head slightly.
"No, princess. You did. And you chose me."Sharayu froze.
This man.
This infuriating, confident, arrogant man.She turned to glare at him, but he was already looking at her-properly this time.
Not just flickering glances.
Not just teasing smirks.
But full-on, deep, heated eye contact.
The kind that sent a wave of warmth flooding through her veins.
The kind that made her forget how to form words.
The kind that-Wait.
WHY WAS HE SLOWING THE CAR DOWN?!Sharayu panicked.
"Why are you-"
Satish pulled over to the side of the empty road, putting the car in park.
And then, with absolutely zero hesitation, he turned in his seat, resting one arm on the headrest, completely facing her.Sharayu's heart jumped into her throat.
"W-What are you doing?" she stammered, suddenly very aware of how small the space between them had become.Satish exhaled dramatically.
"I need to get something off my chest."Sharayu swallowed.
"...What?"His eyes dropped to her bare shoulders, the sharp lines of her collarbone peeking out from the gown.
She could see it.
The way his jaw clenched.
The way his fingers twitched on the gearshift, like he was holding himself back.
The way his tongue ran over his bottom lip before he finally spoke-his voice dangerously low."I really, really want to kiss you right now."Sharayu's breath hitched.
Her fingers curled tighter into his blazer, her throat suddenly too dry to function.
She stared at him, half-shocked, half-paralyzed, fully incapable of handling this man.Satish, of course, was having the time of his life.
Because he wasn't just saying it.
No, no.
He was leaning in, ever so slightly.
Letting her feel his breath ghost against her cheek.
Letting her heart race at an alarming speed.
Letting her drown in the intensity of his gaze before he finally-finally-Pulled back with a satisfied smirk.Sharayu blinked rapidly, trying to process.
He didn't even...
HE DIDN'T EVEN KISS HER.
He just-just-said it.
Teased her.
Made her lose her sanity.
And then had the audacity to look amused about it.
Her jaw dropped.Satish chuckled.
"See? You're flustered."Sharayu snapped out of it, her face heating up.
"You-"
"You're blushing," he continued, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel.
"I am not-"
"You're thinking about it now, aren't you?"Sharayu felt like throwing something.
Preferably him.
Off a cliff.
Into the ocean.
With sharks."You're insufferable," she muttered, crossing her arms.
Satish just smirked, starting the car again.
"Maybe. But you still like me."Sharayu gritted her teeth.
This man.
This MAN.
She was going to murder himThe car was moving, but Sharayu's brain wasn't.
How could it?
Satish had just dropped a bomb on her, made her feel things she had no business feeling in the middle of an empty road, and then...
Nothing.No kiss. No touch. Just a smirk and an attitude that screamed 'I know exactly what I'm doing to you.'
She hated him.
Hated how he always had the upper hand.
Hated how his voice, his words, his stupid cologne-all of it-wrapped around her like an invisible rope, tightening with every passing second.And worst of all...
She hated how much she wanted to turn toward him, grab his stupid tie, and kiss that smirk right off his lips.Control yourself, woman.
She took a deep breath, trying to focus on literally anything but him.
The trees.
The cold air.
The streetlights passing by.But then-
"I hope you're comfortable in my blazer, princess."Oh, for the love of-Sharayu's head snapped toward him, glaring.
"Could you stop?" she huffed.
Satish raised a brow.
"Stop what?"
"This-" She waved her hands vaguely. "This whole I-know-you're-suffering-but-I'm-enjoying-it act."Satish smirked, resting one hand on the gearshift.
"Oh, but I am enjoying it."Sharayu's entire soul sighed in frustration.
"Of course, you are."The man had zero shame.
He wasn't even pretending to be apologetic.In fact-
He was still watching her.
And not in a casual, 'Oh, I'm just glancing at my passenger' way.
No.This was full-fledged study mode.
His dark eyes scanning every detail.
The way her hands clutched at his blazer.
The way her lips pressed together, fighting back whatever she wanted to say.
The way her chest rose and fell a little too quickly, thanks to his relentless teasing.And then-
"I like seeing you in my clothes."BAM. Sharayu choked.
Her heart slammed into her ribs.
Her brain completely short-circuited.
She turned to him, eyes wide.
"Excuse me?!"Satish didn't even blink.
"You heard me."Sharayu gaped.
"Y-You can't just say things like that!" she sputtered.
Satish clicked his tongue.
"But it's true."He took a turn, his fingers flexing against the wheel, before adding in a tone way too casual for her sanity-
"I'd prefer if you were only wearing my shirt, but-"
ERROR 404: SANITY NOT FOUND.
Sharayu slapped his arm.
"STOP IT."Satish laughed, low and deep, like she had just made his night.
This man was evil.
He thrived on her reactions.
Fed off them like they were his favorite dessert.
And she was helpless.She could only sit there, burning up, while he drove like he hadn't just obliterated every functioning part of her brain.The car slowed as they approached her neighborhood, the familiar buildings coming into view.A part of her was relieved.
.The moment Satish pulled into the street, he glanced at her, one last teasing glint in his eyes.
"Still flustered, princess?"
Sharayu scoffed.
"Not in the slightest."Satish hummed, tapping his fingers on the wheel.
And then, as if he wasn't about to drop her off at her house, as if he wasn't about to leave her a mess for the rest of the night-
He leaned In.
Slow.
Deliberate.
A predator cornering his prey.Sharayu stopped breathing.
Her hands gripped the blazer tighter, her entire body frozen in anticipation.But instead of doing what she expected-what she wanted-
Satish went for her ear.
His lips brushed against the shell of it, his breath warm as he whispered-
"You should give this blazer back, you know. Or should I come inside and take it myself?"Sharayu sat still for a second, her fingers tightening around the blazer.
Satish was still smirking.
Still so damn smug.His fingers tapped lazily against the wheel, his body completely at ease-as if he hadn't just left her an absolute mess.Oh, he thought he had won.
He thought he had full control.We'll see about that.A slow, dangerous idea curled in her mind, wrapping around her like a sinful temptation.
Her lips twitched.
It was time to turn the tables.
And wreck him.With deliberate slowness, she turned to him, eyes dark with mischief.
"Actually..." she murmured, her voice just a little too sweet.
Satish's smirk didn't waver, but his brows lifted slightly in interest."Oh?"
Sharayu shifted-and then, without warning, she moved.
One smooth motion, and she was crawling onto his lap.Satish froze.
His hands, which had been resting lazily on his thighs, immediately clenched.
His breath hitched-barely noticeable, but she caught it.
And oh, how satisfying it was.She settled comfortably against him, adjusting slightly before tilting her head.
"Is this position right?" she asked, feigning innocence.
Satish's jaw ticked.
"Sharayu," he warned, his voice lower, rougher.Oh, she was getting to him.
This was fun.She let her fingers wander, trailing up his chest, feeling the warmth beneath his shirt.
"Hmm," she hummed, pretending to consider something.
Then, very lightly, she rolled her hips-just enough.Satish cursed.
His grip on the wheel tightened, knuckles turning white.
His head fell back slightly, eyes snapping shut for the briefest second before he forced them open again, now burning into her.
Good.
Suffer.
Sharayu smiled.
But she wasn't done.
Not yet.Slowly, she reached for his tie, wrapping her fingers around it, and gave a gentle tug.
Pulling him closer.
Forcing him to meet her gaze, his breath fanning against her lips."You teased me a lot tonight," she murmured, her voice low, taunting.
Satish swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing.
She smirked.
Oh, he was feeling it now."You think I forgot?" she continued, tilting her head. "That you whispered in my ear like a sinner begging for a confession?"
Satish exhaled sharply.
"Sharayu-"She cut him off, pressing a finger against his lips.
"Sshh," she whispered, leaning in. "I'm not done."Then, slowly, cruelly, she dragged her lips from his jaw... down his throat... across his collarbone... and just behind his ear.
Just like he had done to her.
Satish shuddered.
His fingers dug into her waist, hard.
His breath was uneven.And when she finally whispered-soft, teasing, deadly-
"What's wrong, Sir? Can't handle your own game?"
He snapped.
Before she could blink, Satish's hands gripped her waist tighter, turning the game entirely.
She barely had time to register the shift in power before he crashed his lips onto hers.And God-It was nothing like before.
It was slow.
Torturous.
Possessive.His lips moved against hers with agonizing patience, dragging out every second like he wanted her to feel everything.
Like he wanted to punish her for tempting him.Sharayu's hands-which had started with control-now clutched at his shirt, desperate.
Because he wasn't rushing.
He was drawing it out.
Kissing her so deeply, so deliberately, that it was making her fall apart at the seams.One hand curled into her hair, tilting her head exactly how he wanted.
The other...
Oh.
The other was trailing down, grazing her back, settling at her waist like he owned her.Sharayu's lungs burned, her skin tingled, and the worst part?
She never wanted it to stop.But then-
He did.
Slowly, he pulled away, his lips lingering.
His eyes-dark, heavy, completely wrecked-burned into hers.
And then, in a voice so rough it nearly undid her all over again-
"Get out of the car. Now."Sharayu blinked, still lightheaded, dazed.
And then-then.
She felt it.Oh.
Oh.
Oh, she won.A slow, victorious smile curled on her lips.
She leaned in-just an inch, just enough to whisper against his lips-
"I win."And then, before he could react, she climbed off his lap, opened the door, and got out.
Leaving behind one very wrecked, very frustrated Satish Singh Rajvanshi.The moment the car door shut, Satish exhaled sharply, his jaw clenched so tight it ached.
His hands gripped the steering wheel like it was the only thing keeping him sane.Because damn her.
Damn her smug little smirk.
Damn her innocent act that turned into the most dangerous, sinful seduction.
Damn her soft lips, her teasing whispers, the way she rolled her hips just enough-Fuck.
Satish tilted his head back against the headrest, eyes squeezed shut, his breathing uneven.
And the worst part?
He was still hard as a rock.
Sharayu had completely, mercilessly wrecked him.
And then had the audacity to walk away like she didn't just destroy his self-control.He slammed a hand over his face, groaning.
This woman is going to kill me.Satish practically stalked into his apartment, immediately tossing his blazer onto the couch.
His entire body was on fire.
His tie? Loosened and discarded in frustration.
His shirt? Unbuttoned halfway, because he felt suffocated.
He was burning.And the worst part?
Every damn part of him still remembered how she felt.
How soft her lips were.
How intoxicating her scent was.
How she sighed against his mouth, giving in before she even realized it.His jaw ticked.
His fingers ran through his hair, yanking at the roots.
He needed relief.
But not the kind his traitorous brain was suggesting.
No.
He needed to cool the hell down.So without hesitation, he stormed into the bathroom, turned the shower handle to its coldest setting, and stepped under the freezing spray.
The shock of the water hit him instantly, sending a shiver down his spine.
And yet...
The burn she left behind?
It refused to fade.Satish let out a long breath, standing under the icy downpour, willing himself to calm down.
This is all your fault, princess.
And the worst part?
She knew exactly what she was doing.
Satish finally stepped out of the shower, his skin goosebumped from the cold, but his mind-still burning.
He let out a long, frustrated sigh, running a towel through his damp hair.
The clock read 2:03 AM.
Damn her.Even after a shower, her presence lingered in his mind.
How she smirked.
How she tugged at his tie like she owned him.
How she whispered-Sir, can't handle your own game?Satish groaned, dropping onto his bed.
She was going to be the death of him.
And the worst part?
He liked it.
But he wasn't going to let her get away with it.
Not this time.
Grabbing his phone, he typed quickly.
Satish: Enjoyed your little game tonight, princess?
Read at 2:04 AM.He smirked.
Good.
She was awake.
A second later, her reply came.Sharayu: Oh? Did I break the great Satish Singh Rajvanshi?
Satish let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.
This woman.
Satish: You'll pay for it, sweetheart. Mark my words.
Sharayu: Ooooh, I'm shaking. What will you do, sir? Give me extra assignments?Satish exhaled sharply.
This girl wanted to test him.
Satish: You're lucky Christmas holidays start tomorrow. I would've made you regret teasing me like that.
A moment passed.
Then-
Sharayu: Would you, though? Because from what I remember... you were the one left frustrated.
Satish sat up, his eyes darkening.
Oh, she thought she had won?
Cute.
Satish: Let's see who wins by the end of the holidays.Sharayu: Challenge accepted, sir.Satish smirked.
This was going to be fun.The next morning, Sharayu woke up to her phone buzzing.
Still half-asleep, she groggily grabbed it from under her pillow.Satish: Morning, princess. Slept well? Or were you thinking about last night?Her eyes snapped open.
This man.
She clenched her jaw, already feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.
There was no way she'd let him win this teasing game.So, stretching lazily, she smirked and typed back.
Sharayu: Oh, I slept beautifully. You, on the other hand, must've had a rough night after that cold shower, hmm?It took exactly thirty seconds before her phone buzzed again.
Satish: You really want to play this game, sweetheart?
Sharayu: Oh, but I already am, sir.
Sharayu sat up in bed, biting her lip.
She needed a way to get back at him.
Something to completely wreck his self-control.
Her mind raced.
And then-
She got an idea.
A dangerous, reckless idea.
Grinning, she got out of bed, grabbed her phone, and opened the camera.
She took a mirror selfie, her hair slightly messy from sleep, her oversized sweater hanging off one shoulder-just enough to tease but not enough to be obvious.
Sharayu: Missing me already, sir?And then-she sent it.Satish had just stepped out of his room, his usual calm and composed self, when his phone vibrated.
Casually, he unlocked it-
And froze.
His breath hitched.
What. The. Hell.l
Sharayu-this little menace-had just sent him a picture that was pure torture.
Messy hair.
Soft lips.
An oversized sweater teasing her bare shoulder.
His grip tightened on his phone.Damn her.
His jaw clenched as he quickly shut the screen off.
No.
He would not react.
He was not going to let her win.Taking a deep breath, he ran a hand through his hair, forcing himself to focus.
And then, with a smirk, he typed back-
Satish: Cute. But careful, princess. You're playing with fire.
Sharayu grinned as she saw his reply.
Oh, she knew she was playing with fire.
Satish walked into the dining hall, dressed in a crisp black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his hair still slightly damp from his shower.
He had barely pulled out a chair when his mother, Ridhima, fixed him with a sharp look.
"Satish, before you even think about eating, explain this-where exactly have you been disappearing off to these past few days?"
Satish, already reaching for the toast, paused mid-air.
Oh, hell no.
Here we go.He casually took a bite, chewing slowly, buying himself time to think.
But his grandmother, Vasundhara Rajvanshi, wasn't having it."Hmph! Look at him, chewing like some maharaja while his mother is talking."
She shook her head.
"Ridhima, beta, this is why I keep telling you-these boys need to be married early, or they turn into shameless brats."
Satish nearly choked.
His father, Rajveer Rajvanshi, smirked behind his newspaper, clearly enjoying the drama.
His younger brother, Daksh, leaned forward with an amused grin.
"Oho, Bhai, looks like today's breakfast comes with a side of interrogation."
His younger sister, Vanya, giggled, grabbing a paratha. "It was bound to happen. Bhai is 29 and still unmarried. Mom has been waiting to attack."
Satish shot her a glare. "Vanya, stay out of this."
Ridhima sighed dramatically, placing her hand on her forehead.
"See, Rajveer? This is what happens when you give sons too much freedom. He's almost thirty! Do you know what people are saying?"
Rajveer, clearly entertained, turned the page of his newspaper. "Let me guess... 'Your son will become an old man at this rate'?"
Vasundhara huffed. "Exactly!"
Daksh snickered. "Bhai, you should get married just so Dadi stops scolding us during breakfast."
Satish rubbed his temples, exhaling sharply.
"Mom, Dadi, I am NOT becoming an 'old man.' I am perfectly fine the way I am."
"No, you are NOT!" Ridhima snapped.
"All your cousins are married! Even your childhood friend Aditya got married last year. And you? You come home late every night, you avoid family discussions, and-"
She suddenly narrowed her eyes.
"Wait. Why are you coming home late these days?"The entire table went silent.
Satish froze.
Oh, for God's sake.
Vanya and Daksh shared a look.
Rajveer put his newspaper down, finally interested.
Vasundhara leaned forward. "Haan, tell us, beta. What has been keeping you out so late?"
Satish took a deep breath.
He needed a distraction.
And fast.But before he could say anything, Ridhima pulled out her phone.
"Enough. I am not waiting anymore. Look at these girls I shortlisted for you."
Satish's eyes widened in horror. "Mom, NO-"
But she had already turned her screen toward him.
"This is Ananya. She's a doctor, very sweet, very cultured. And this is Tanvi-she's an architect, comes from a lovely family-"
Satish shoved a hand through his hair, groaning. "Mom, I am not looking at any pictures."
"Why not?" Ridhima demanded. "Is there someone else?"
Satish immediately looked away.
Which was the worst thing he could have done.
Because Vasundhara narrowed her eyes.
Daksh's jaw dropped. "WAIT."
Vanya gasped. "Bhai, do you have a girlfriend?!"
Satish stiffened. "No."
Rajveer, watching quietly, smirked. "That was too quick of a response."
Ridhima's eyes sparkled with suspicion. "Ohhhh, so there IS someone!"
Satish groaned. "I didn't say that!"
Vanya grinned. "But you didn't deny it either."
Daksh leaned forward eagerly. "Bhai, who is she?! Tell us!"
Vasundhara sighed dramatically. "Haye, and here I was thinking my grandson would have an arranged marriage like a good boy. But no, he has a secret love story!"
Ridhima clutched her chest. "Satish, at least tell us who she is. Does she-"
Satish stood up abruptly.
"Enough. I am NOT discussing this."
He grabbed his phone and stormed off.
Ridhima gasped loudly. "SATISH. NO."
Vasundhara nearly dropped her spoon.
Rajveer, meanwhile, looked like he was having the time of his life.
"Well, well, well," he mused. "Now, this just got interesting."
Satish gritted his teeth.
"I AM GOING TO WORK."
And with that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
But as he walked toward his car, his phone buzzed.
Sharayu: Good morning, sir. Hope you're not missing me too much already.
Satish glared at the screen.
If only she knew what kind of hell he just went through.
Escaping the Rajvanshi Interrogation - Or Not
Satish stormed toward his car, still fuming.
This morning had been a disaster.
His entire family was now convinced he had a secret relationship-
Which was not technically wrong.
But still!
He had barely unlocked his car when his phone buzzed again.
He sighed. It was his mother.
Of course.
He rejected the call.
The phone rang again.
Rejected.
Again.
Satish groaned, finally answering. "Maa, I am busy."
"Busy?! Where are you going? Christmas holidays have started!" Ridhima sounded scandalized. "The entire family is at home, and you're running off like some criminal!"
Before he could respond, another voice took over.
"BETA, ARE YOU RUNNING AWAY BECAUSE OF THE WEDDING DISCUSSION?!"
Satish nearly dropped his phone.
Why was Dadi on speakerphone?
Daksh's mischievous voice came next. "Bhai, blink twice if you're being held hostage by love."
"Shut up, Daksh!"
Vanya giggled. "Or is Bhai going on a SECRET DATE?"
Ridhima gasped. "OH MY GOD. Are you meeting HER?!"
Satish gritted his teeth. "I AM GOING TO WORK."
Rajveer's amused voice came next. "Satish, it's Christmas break. What work?"
DAMN IT.
Satish clenched his jaw. "Not all of us sit at home and gossip all day."
Vanya gasped. "HE DIDN'T DENY IT! HE'S TOTALLY MEETING SOMEONE!"
Daksh howled. "Bhai, should we book the wedding venue?"
"Goodbye." Satish hung up immediately.But before he could relax-
BUZZ.
A new text.
Mom: Beta, at least tell us if we should expect a bahu soon.
Satish groaned, banging his head against the steering wheel.
He needed to get out of here.
And fast.
So, without another word, he drove off.
Where?
Straight to the only person responsible for all this madness.
Sharayu.
Satish was still fuming when he reached a quiet spot near Sharayu's house. He parked his car, leaned back in his seat, and exhaled sharply.
The Rajvanshi interrogation squad had gotten out of control.
They were convinced-CONVINCED-he was dating someone.
Which, technically, they weren't wrong.
But they didn't need to know that.
Not yet.
So, who better to rant to than the very person responsible for this madness?
He grabbed his phone and dialed Sharayu.
After three rings, she picked up. "Hello?"
The moment he heard her voice, his frustration exploded.
"YOU WON'T BELIEVE THE MORNING I HAD."
Sharayu blinked. "Uh... good morning to you too?"
"NO. NO GOOD MORNING. ONLY CHAOS."
She bit back a laugh. "What happened? Did your students finally stage a rebellion?"
"I WISH." He groaned. "My family is after my life. They think I have a secret relationship."
Silence.
Then-
"...I mean... they're not wrong."
Satish glared at the phone. "SHARAYU. THAT'S NOT THE POINT."
She giggled. "Okay, okay. What did they say?"
"Maa literally pulled out a catalogue of prospective brides.
DADI ASKED IF I WAS RUNNING AWAY.
Daksh is planning a wedding.
And Vanya is just fanning the flames for fun!"
Sharayu wheezed. "I LOVE YOUR FAMILY."
"I DO NOT."
She was outright laughing now."Oh my God, I need to meet them. I want to see your face when they interrogate you."
Satish groaned. "IF YOU MEET THEM, YOU'RE NEVER ESCAPING. THEY WILL ADOPT YOU IMMEDIATELY."
She gasped dramatically. "So you're saying your family would approve of me?"
He paused.
...Damn it. He walked right into that one.
Before he could respond, she teased, "So, should I start practicing calling your mom 'Maa'?"
Satish choked on air. "STOP."
Sharayu was dying of laughter. "Oh, this is the best day ever."
He groaned. "I hate you."
"Love you too, Professor."
Satish sighed, shaking his head.
This woman was going to be the death of him.
Satish rested his head against the car seat, listening to Sharayu's laughter. This woman-she had no idea how much chaos she had brought into his life.
And yet, here he was, unable to stay mad at her.
But he wasn't letting her off that easy."You think this is funny?" he muttered darkly.
Sharayu, still giggling, replied, "Oh, absolutely. I mean, imagine-Satish Singh Rajvanshi, the terrifying professor, being bullied by his own family."
Satish smirked. "You know what? You're enjoying this a little too much."
"I really am," she admitted without shame.He shook his head. "Fine. You want to laugh at my misery? Then get ready, Miss Sharayu. Because I am going to make you suffer."
Her laughter halted. "Wait. What?"
Satish leaned back, voice dropping into a dangerously smooth tone.
"Since my family wants to see me married so badly... maybe I should introduce them to you."
Silence.
Then-
"WHAT?!"
He grinned. "What happened? You were laughing so much just now."
"Satish, NO."
"Satish, YES."
"You wouldn't dare!"
He chuckled. "Oh, sweetheart, you underestimate me."
Sharayu gasped. "OH MY GOD, THEY'LL KILL ME."
"They'll ADORE you."
"THEY'LL INTERROGATE ME!"
"Exactly. I'll sit back and watch."
"YOU'RE EVIL!"
"And you love it."
Sharayu groaned dramatically. "Fine! If you do that, I'll just tell them about how their respectable professor-son once pinned me against his car and-"
"SHARAYU."
"-whispered all sorts of sinful things-"
"SHUT UP."
"-and lost his mind because of a kiss-"
Satish swore under his breath. "You're playing dirty."
"I LEARNED FROM THE BEST."
Silence.
Then Satish exhaled a deep breath.
"Truce?"
"Truce."
For now.
But he knew one thing for sure-
This war between them?
It was far from over.Satish exhaled slowly, gripping the steering wheel as Sharayu's smug laughter rang in his ears. This woman. She was going to be the death of him.
"Alright, fine," he muttered, rubbing his temple.
"Truce. But only because I don't want to traumatize my grandmother with your sinful stories."
Sharayu giggled. "Oh, how thoughtful of you. Always the responsible grandson."
He smirked. "Of course. The golden child of the Rajvanshi family, after all."
"Pfft-says the man who just threatened to introduce his secret girlfriend to his entire family out of spite."
"Not a threat, princess. A promise."
She gasped. "YOU WOULDN'T."
"Try me."
"Satish!"
"Sharayu."
A pause.
Then-
"Fine," she huffed. "You win. No more teasing about your family harassing you."
Satish grinned. "Good girl."
"Ugh, I take it back. I HATE YOU."
"Love you too, princess."
She groaned. "Anyway, what are you doing now? Since you so graciously escaped your family's matchmaking mission."
Satish leaned back, loosening his tie. "I was about to get coffee. Want to join?"
She hesitated for a second before responding, "Hmmm... tempting. But will it just be coffee?"
Satish smirked at her flirty tone. "What do you want it to be?"
"I don't know... Maybe a date. Maybe you begging me to forgive you for plotting to introduce me to your entire family."
"I don't beg, princess."
"No? You seemed pretty desperate last night in the car-"
Satish groaned. "I swear to God, Sharayu-"
"Oops, gotta go! Byeee!"
And then, she hung up.
Satish stared at his phone, jaw clenched, eyes narrowing.
Oh, she was going to pay for that.
And she had no idea what was coming.
***
Two days into the holidays, and Satish felt like he was losing his mind.
It was ridiculous, really. A man like him-who thrived in solitude, who valued his space-was now restless, irritated, and completely out of sorts.
And the reason?
Sharayu.
He missed her.
Way too much.
The phone calls, the teasing messages, even the occasional late-night video calls-they weren't enough. None of it compared to having her right there. To feeling the warmth of her body against his, the way she fit so perfectly in his arms, the scent of her hair when she leaned into him...
Damn it.
He ran a frustrated hand through his hair, staring at his phone, waiting for her to text first. But of course, the devil in disguise was probably enjoying torturing him. Not even a single "I miss you, Satish" message.
She was evil. And he loved her for it.
"Satish."
His mother's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Hmm?" He looked up from his untouched cup of black coffee, only to find his entire family staring at him.
His grandmother, Vasundhara, had her usual regal air, but there was an amused twinkle in her sharp eyes.
His father, Rajveer, observed him with raised eyebrows. His mother, Ridhima, looked ready to interrogate him. His younger siblings, Daksh and Vanya, were smirking like they knew something.
Oh no."Why do you look like someone stole your entire existence?" Daksh asked, popping a grape into his mouth.
"Did someone reject your research paper?" Vanya teased.
"Or is there some other... problem?" Ridhima asked, eyes narrowing in suspicion.
Satish scoffed. "I'm perfectly fine."
"No, you're not." Rajveer, his father, said, shaking his head. "You've been staring at your phone like it owes you money."
Vasundhara smirked, sipping her tea. "Must be a woman."
Satish choked on his coffee. "What?!"
"A woman." His grandmother repeated as if it were obvious. "You're behaving like a man who's missing someone."
"I-That's-" Satish struggled, completely caught off guard."Beta, is there something we should know?" Ridhima asked sweetly. "A certain... special someone?"
Daksh leaned forward. "Maybe the reason why you're staying out so late these days?"
Satish sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You all are being ridiculous."
"Are we?" Vasundhara asked knowingly.
"Yes."
"Hmm." She studied him for a moment before speaking again. "Then why haven't you scolded Daksh for eating grapes before breakfast? You never let anything slide."
Satish cursed internally.
They had a point.But there was no way in hell he was admitting that he was, in fact, miserably lovesick over a certain mischievous college student.
"I've just been busy," he muttered. "That's all."
"Busy missing someone?" Daksh grinned.
"Daksh."
"Busy thinking about her? Wondering what she's doing?"
"Daksh."
"Maybe replaying moments in your head? Like how she-"
"Daksh, shut up."
Vanya giggled. "This is so much fun. I've never seen Bhai like this."
"You all need a new hobby," Satish muttered, standing up.
"Or maybe you need to just admit you're in love," his mother said with a smug smile.
Satish froze for a fraction of a second before schooling his expression.
"I'm going for a drive," he announced.
"Translation: He's going to call her," Daksh whispered to Vanya.
Satish threw a napkin at them and walked out.
But damn it.
They were right.
Satish stormed out of the dining hall, grumbling under his breath.
His own family had ganged up on him. Unbelievable.
As he slid into his car and shut the door, he let out a long sigh, gripping the steering wheel.
He was doomed. Completely, utterly, and stupidly whipped.
And Sharayu? Oh, she was having the time of her life ignoring him.
He checked his phone. Still no message.
"Unbelievable," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he called her.
One ring.
Two rings.
Three-
"Hello, Professor."Satish closed his eyes for a second. The way she said that, all teasing and soft, sent a shiver down his spine.
"Took you long enough," he said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Oh? Were you waiting for me?"
"Obviously," he admitted shamelessly.
Sharayu giggled. "Aww, poor baby. Missing me?"
Satish exhaled sharply. "Sharayu, don't test me right now."
"Why? What will you do? Come here and kiss me senseless?"
"Tempting."
She laughed. "Relax, Professor. It's only been two days."
"Exactly. Two whole days. And I'm losing my damn mind."
Sharayu hummed in amusement. "So dramatic."
"You have no idea," Satish muttered.
Then, suddenly, a knock on his car window.
Satish nearly jumped out of his skin.
His mother.
Standing there, arms crossed, smirking like she had just caught him red-handed.
Shit.Sharayu, on the other end of the call, must have heard his sharp intake of breath. "What happened?"
Satish cleared his throat. "Nothing."
His mother knocked again. "Beta, open the door."
Satish gave her a look. A very clear 'go away' look.
His mother did not care.
"Beta," she repeated sweetly. "I know you're talking to someone special. Why don't you introduce us?"
Satish wanted to die.
"Who is that?" Sharayu whispered, clearly entertained.
"The woman who gave birth to me, unfortunately," he muttered.
"Oh. Your mom?" Sharayu burst out laughing. "Oh my God, Satish. You got caught."
"Sharayu, shut up."
His mother tapped the window again. "Beta, we have a wedding to attend in the evening. I hope your mysterious phone call won't keep you from coming."
Satish exhaled sharply. "I'll be inside in five minutes."
His mother smirked. "Take your time. Say bye properly."
And then-she walked away.
Leaving Satish in absolute misery.On the other end, Sharayu was cackling.
"You're enjoying this way too much," he grumbled.
"Oh, definitely."
Satish closed his eyes, trying to control himself. "I swear, princess, the next time I see you-"
"You'll do what?"
Satish smirked. "You'll find out soon enough."
Sharayu giggled. "Can't wait."
And with that, she hung up.Satish leaned back, rubbing his face.
This woman was going to drive him insane.
And he was going to let her.
***
Satish should have seen it coming.
The moment they stepped into the grand wedding venue-draped in golden lights, with music blasting and relatives swarming like bees around the buffet-he felt it.
That sense of impending doom.And then he spotted her.
His Bua.
Standing at the entrance like a predator waiting for its prey.
And Satish? Oh, he was the unfortunate prey.
"Satish beta!" His Bua, Anupama Singh Rajvanshi, exclaimed, eyes gleaming with mischief.
Satish tried to turn. Tried to escape.
Too late.
She had already grabbed his arm."Bua," he greeted, forcing a smile. "You look... energetic."
His father, Rajveer Singh Rajvanshi, chuckled from the side. "She's always energetic when it comes to matchmaking."
Satish's entire body stiffened.
Oh no.
Not today.
Not when he was already secretly taken."Come, come, beta," Bua said, practically dragging him inside. "I have someone I want you to meet."Here we go.
Satish threw a helpless look at his brother, Daksh, who smirked and waved.
His sister, Vanya, just snickered.
His mother, Ridhima, gave him a thumbs-up.
Traitors.
And then-she appeared.
The girl in question.
Draped in a pink lehenga, with long, flowing hair and a smile that screamed 'I'm here to get married today', she beamed up at him.
"Hi, Satish ji!" she said, a little too eagerly.
Satish blinked. "Uh... hi?""Beta, this is Trisha." His Bua nudged him. "She's perfect for you, isn't she?"
Trisha giggled and, out of nowhere, grabbed his arm.
Satish stiffened.
What. The. Hell.
"Oh my God," Trisha gushed, batting her eyelashes. "Your biceps are amazing."
Satish almost choked on air.
From the side, Daksh burst out laughing.
Vanya quickly pulled out her phone-probably to record this disaster.
And Bua? Oh, she looked smug as ever.
"Thank you?" Satish said, awkwardly trying to pull his arm back.
Trisha did not let go.
Instead, she clutched it tighter.
"So, Satish ji, tell me," she said sweetly.
"Do you like pink? Because if we get married, I'm thinking of having a pink-themed wedding."
Excuse me, what?!Satish's soul left his body.
His Bua beamed. "Oh, isn't she lovely?"
Satish gave her a deadpan look. "Bua, I just met her thirty seconds ago."
"So? Thirty seconds is enough to know when something is right!"
Satish wanted to crawl into the nearest flower arrangement and disappear.
Meanwhile, Trisha was still talking. Still clinging.
"Oh, and I love cooking! My specialty is aloo paratha."
Satish blinked. "That's... great?"
"Oh, and I already told my parents that I'll only marry a professor," she said dreamily. "And look! Here you are."
Satish stared at her.
What in the Bollywood nonsense was happening right now?
From the corner of his eye, he saw his mother holding back a laugh.
His father smirked.
His siblings were already recording the entire thing.
And his Bua? Oh, she was clearly enjoying his suffering.
Satish sighed deeply.
This wedding was going to be the death of him.
Satish needed a plan.
Because Trisha was not letting go.
Literally.
Her grip on his arm was so tight that he was beginning to wonder if she had trained in wrestling.
And the worst part?
His entire family was ENJOYING THIS.
Daksh and Vanya were openly recording.
His mother, Ridhima, was sipping her juice with a suspicious smile.
His father, Rajveer, was acting as if this was the most amusing thing he'd seen in years.
And his Bua? Oh, Bua was glowing with victory.
Satish needed a way out.
Fast.
So, he did what any sane man in his position would do.
He panicked.
And in his panic, he said the first thing that popped into his head."Trisha... do you like dogs?"
Trisha blinked. "Uh... what?"
Satish forced a serious expression. "Because I have five."
His family choked.
Daksh snorted so loudly that someone turned to look.
Vanya almost dropped her phone laughing.
But Trisha? Trisha gasped in horror.
"Five?!" she squeaked. "But I don't like dogs!"
Satish put on his best disappointed face.
"That's... unfortunate," he said solemnly. "My dogs are my life."
Trisha looked at him like he had just told her he was a criminal.
"B-but... five?! They must be so... messy! And loud!"
Satish nodded gravely. "They sleep on my bed, too."Trisha paled.
"I-I'm allergic!" she stammered.
Satish put a hand over his heart. "Oh no. That means we can never be together."
His mother almost spat out her drink.
His father coughed to hide a laugh.
And Bua?
Bua narrowed her eyes.
Trisha sniffled dramatically.
"I... I think I need some air!" she cried, finally letting go of his arm and rushing away.Satish exhaled in relief.
Mission: Escape the Clingy Bride-To-Be? Successful.
Or so he thought.
Because the moment he turned around-
His Bua smacked his arm."Dogs?! Really?!" she huffed. "You don't even HAVE dogs!"
Satish grinned shamelessly. "Maybe I should get some now."
Daksh was wheezing. "Bhai, you are a genius."
Vanya, still laughing, patted his back. "You just broke that poor girl's heart with imaginary dogs."
His mother, shaking her head, sighed dramatically. "You should've just told her the truth, beta."
Satish froze.
His father raised an eyebrow. "Yes. The truth. You know... about your secret girlfriend?"
Satish almost had a heart attack.
His mother smirked. "You've been acting suspicious lately. Coming home late. Smiling at your phone. Who is she?"
His Bua gasped. "WHAT?! HE ALREADY HAS A GIRL?!"
Satish wanted to disappear.
His family was too sharp for their own good.
And now?
Now he had to make sure none of them found out about Sharayu.
Because if they did...
Oh, he was never going to hear the end of it.
Satish should have known.
Should have seen it coming.
The moment his mother smirked and his father raised an eyebrow, he knew.
His family was about to turn into detectives.
And their prime suspect?
Him.
He casually picked up his drink, trying to act normal. "I don't know what you're talking about."
His mother, Ridhima Rajvanshi, rolled her eyes. "Beta, please. You're my son. I know when you're hiding something."
Satish stared.
This was an ambush.
Bua smacked his shoulder. "So? Tell us! Who is she? When do we meet her? Do you love her? Is she beautiful? Will I finally get to dance at your wedding?"
Satish almost choked. "Bua! What wedding?!"
Bua huffed. "Of course, wedding! You're twenty-nine, Satish! If you don't tell us now, I'll find another girl for you and-"
Satish held up a hand. "Okay. First of all, calm down. Second-"
His mother gasped. "So there IS someone!"
Shit.
Satish cursed under his breath.
He had walked right into that.Vanya squealed. "Oh my God! Our boring professor bhai is in LOVE!"
Daksh laughed. "This is better than any Netflix show!"
His father leaned forward, amused. "So? Who is she?"
Satish tried to think. Fast.
Lie? No, they'd catch him.
Tell the truth? Hell no.
Change the subject? Yes.So, he sighed dramatically and said, "Bua, I think you should focus on Daksh now. He's at the perfect age to get married."
Daksh froze.
"Wait, WHAT-"
Bua immediately turned to him. "Ohhh! That's true! Daksh beta, do you have a girlfriend? Are you hiding something too?!"
Daksh panicked. "I- NO! I mean- WAIT-"
Satish leaned back smugly as his Bua switched targets.
His father shook his head, laughing. His mother gave him a "you got lucky this time" look.
Vanya whispered, "Smart move. But you won't escape for long."
Satish sighed.
He had escaped this round.
But for how long?
Because knowing his family...
This was just the beginning.
***
Satish leaned against his car, smirking as he called her.
"Pack your bags, princess," he said smoothly. "We're leaving for two days."
There was a pause. "Wait, what?"
Satish chuckled.
She was going to love this. "You and me. A short trip. No distractions. Just us."
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