The car came to a smooth halt outside Sharayu’s building. The streetlights cast a soft glow, making the moment feel almost surreal. The warmth of Satish’s hand still lingered on hers, and the silence between them was comfortable yet charged with unspoken words.
Sharayu hesitated, gripping the door handle. “I should go.”
Satish leaned against his seat, watching her intently. “Yo don’t want to.”
She sighed, turning to face him. “Of course, I don’t want to. But if I don’t go now, my Aai will suspect something.”
Satish smirked. “Maybe you should just tell her.”
Sharayu’s eyes widened. “Are you insane? Do you have any idea what she’ll do if she finds out I’ve been secretly dating my professor?”
She rolled her eyes. “She will kill me first and then bring me back to life just to kill me again.”
Satish chuckled, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her cheek. “You worry too much, sweetheart.”
She leaned into his touch for a second before snapping out of it. “You don’t know my mother.”
Satish smirked. “You didn’t know my family either, but they already love you.”
Sharayu groaned, resting her forehead against the dashboard. “I hate that you always have a counterpoint.”
Satish grinned. “You love me for it.”
She lifted her head and turned to glare at him. “That’s beside the point.”
He reached for her hand again, his thumb rubbing gentle circles against her palm. “I meant what I said, you know. One day, you’ll tell her, and everything will be fine.”
Sharayu scoffed. “Says the guy who didn’t even have the guts to tell his own family at first.”
Satish grinned. “Touché.”
She sighed, looking down at their joined hands. “I just… I want to tell her. But not now. Not yet.”
Satish nodded. “Whenever you’re ready. I’ll be with you.”
Sharayu looked up, her heart squeezing at the intensity in his gaze.
She leaned forward, pressing a quick, soft kiss on his cheek. “Thank you.”
Satish went completely still.
Sharayu blinked. “Satish?”
He turned to her, his eyes darkening slightly. “That’s it?”
Sharayu frowned. “What do you mean, that’s it?”
Satish smirked. “You kissed me and expect me to just let you go?”
Sharayu’s heart skipped a beat. “Satish…”
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. “You always start something you can’t handle, sweetheart.”
Sharayu’s breath hitched. “I—”
Before she could finish, her phone buzzed.
Aai Calling…
She panicked, practically throwing herself out of the car. “I HAVE TO GO!”
Satish burst out laughing as she ran toward the building, frantically answering the call.
“H-Hello, Aai! Yes, yes, I’m almost home! Okay, bye!”
Satish shook his head, watching her disappear inside.
Sharayu sat at the dining table, pushing her food around on her plate, lost in thought. The events of the past few days were swirling in her mind—Satish’s family accepting her so warmly, his teasing, his unshaken confidence that one day she would tell her mother.
But how was she supposed to do that? Her mother was a traditional woman, deeply rooted in her values. There was no way she’d accept the idea of Sharayu choosing her own partner—let alone a professor!
She took a deep breath.
Okay.
Baby steps.
Start a casual conversation.
“Aai?” she said hesitantly, glancing at her mother, who was busy chopping vegetables in the kitchen.
Her mother hummed in response, not looking up.
Sharayu gulped. Here goes nothing.
“So… um, do you ever think about my marriage?” she asked, forcing her voice to sound nonchalant.
Her mother stopped cutting. Shit. Too direct.
Her Aai turned, narrowing her eyes. “What nonsense are you talking about?”
Sharayu let out an awkward chuckle. “I mean, just generally! You know… people my age are getting engaged or—”
Her mother’s hand immediately went up, the universal Indian mother gesture for ‘Shut your mouth right now.’
“Don’t you even dare talk about marriage right now,” her Aai scolded. “You still have to complete your studies! What is this new drama?”
Sharayu gulped. Well, that backfired spectacularly.
“But, Aai—”
Her mother glared. “First studies, then marriage! And we will find the right groom for you at the right time.”
Sharayu nearly choked.
We will find the right groom?!
“Aai!” she whined. “Why you? I mean, what if I—”
Her mother shot her a sharp look. “What if you what?”
Sharayu froze.
She was two seconds away from accidentally confessing her relationship.
Abort mission! Abort mission!
She laughed nervously. “N-Nothing! I was just saying—why rush? Take your time finding a groom! Years, even. Decades! No need to hurry, really.”
Her mother eyed her suspiciously before huffing, “Good. Focus on your career first. No more of this marriage nonsense.”
Sharayu let out a silent breath of relief.
Crisis averted—for now.
But inside, she was screaming.
How was she supposed to tell her mother that she had already found her groom—and he was a whole eight years older, her professor, and from a different culture
Sharayu sat in her room, staring at her phone screen as if it held all the answers to her problems. She had barely survived that conversation with her mother. One wrong word and she would have exposed everything.
Her mother had made It crystal clear—
Studies first.
Marriage later.
And definitely not of her choice.
Her fingers hovered over her screen. Should she tell Satish?
Of course, she should.
He always said, “No matter what, we handle everything together.”
But… he was going to be so smug.
She groaned and hit the call button anyway.
It barely rang twice before he picked up.
“Finally! I was about to report you missing.” His deep voice sent warmth through her, but she wasn’t in the mood to indulge him.
“Not now, Satish,” she grumbled, flopping onto her bed.
“Uh-oh. My girlfriend is grumpy. What happened?”
Sharayu sighed. Here goes nothing.
“I tried talking to Aai about marriage today,” she admitted.
Silence. Then—
“Wait… WHAT?! Without telling me first?!” Satish’s voice was a mix of disbelief and excitement.
“It wasn’t a proposal, Satish!” she snapped. “I was just trying to see what she thinks about the topic!”
“And…?” he prompted, obviously dying to hear the details.
Sharayu groaned, covering her face with a pillow. “And I almost DIED.”
Satish laughed. Laughed.
“Wow. You’re making me even more curious now.”
“It’s not funny! She shut me down before I could even breathe properly! She said I need to finish my studies first, and then—THEN—they will find a groom for me!”
This time, there was no teasing in his voice. “Oh?”
She could practically hear his mood shift.
“So, they are planning to set you up?” he asked in an eerily calm voice.
Sharayu blinked. “I mean… yeah. That’s what parents do, Satish.”
“And they have no idea that you already have the most handsome, intelligent, and absolutely perfect man in your life?”
She rolled her eyes. “Satish—”
“I mean, it’s one thing that you are madly in love with me, but now you want to pretend I don’t exist? Wow. Betrayal.”
“Oh my god, shut up.”
“I won’t. Because this is serious, Sharayu. What if they actually start looking for someone for you? Do I need to kidnap you?”
Sharayu facepalmed. “Satish, that is not how relationships work.”
“Oh, but lying to your Aai is?”
She gasped. “I did not lie! I just… didn’t tell her yet!”
“Same thing. You know what, I should come over right now and—”
“Absolutely not!” she interrupted.
“Why? I want to see how she reacts when I call her ‘Aai’ and hold your hand in front of her.”
“SATISH!” she whisper-yelled, horrified.
“I can even take her blessings and tell her how beautiful her daughter is—although she already knows that, obviously—”
“I AM HANGING UP.”
“Don’t you dare—”
Beep.
She threw her phone on the bed and screamed into her pillow.
This man was going to give her a heart attack one day.
Sharayu sat up on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Her phone was buzzing. Again.
She didn’t even have to check. It was Satish.
The menace.
He had called five times since she hung up on him. And each time, she ignored it. But of course, he wasn’t someone who gave up.
Another message popped up:
If you ignore me again, I’ll send Vanya to your house to introduce me as your future husband.
She choked.
That idiot.
Before he actually did something stupid, she picked up his call. “What do you want?”
“Finally! You take longer to pick up calls than people take to get a PhD!” Satish dramatically sighed.
“If you’re going to talk nonsense, I’ll—”
“No, no, I’m serious. We need a plan, Sharayu.” His voice was softer now, but the teasing undertone was still there.
“A plan for what?”
“To make sure your mother doesn’t actually start looking for some random guy for you.”
Sharayu groaned. “Satish, Aai just said that because she thinks I have no one. She’s not seriously finding someone right now.”
“And what if she suddenly does?”
“Then I’ll handle it.”
“Really?” Satish asked. “And how exactly do you plan to ‘handle’ it? Smile at the guy and say ‘Sorry, my heart is already stolen by my professor’?”
She facepalmed. “Will you stop being so dramatic?”
“I’m just stating facts, love. Your Aai will drop a ‘Rishta’ at your feet any day now, and I refuse to sit and watch.”
“Satish—”
“Let’s just tell her.”
Silence.
WHAT?!
Sharayu nearly dropped her phone. “ARE YOU CRAZY?!”
“You already know the answer to that, love.”
“We can’t just TELL HER! She’ll get a heart attack!”
“Better now than later.”
“No! Not now! I need time!”
“Time for what? To let her search for a guy and then say ‘Oops, I actually have a boyfriend’?”
“SATISH!”
“Alright, alright.” He chuckled. “We’ll do it your way. But at least let me meet her properly, hmm? Casually. As a ‘friend’.”
Sharayu hesitated. “Aai will see right through you.”
“She can try.”
“This is NOT a joke!”
“Who’s joking? I’m very serious about marrying her daughter.”
Sharayu’s breath hitched.
Satish’s voice was softer now. “I mean it, Sharayu. I don’t care how long it takes, I’ll convince your Aai. I’ll do anything to be with you.”
Her heart melted.
She sighed, smiling slightly. “You’re impossible, you know that?”
“And you love me for it.”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“So… when do I come over?”
“Satish—NO.”
“Saturday sounds good. I’ll bring sweets. Should I say
“I AM HANGING UP.”
“You say that, but we both know you won’t.”
The day started like any other—until it didn’t.
Sharayu was sitting in class with Rutuja, Arohi, Vrushal, Gayatri, Hriday, and Kunal, waiting for their professor to arrive.
“Aaj madam late ho gayi,” Hriday yawned.
“Nahi re, aaj naye professor aa rahe hai,” Vrushal reminded him.
“Ohhh right! Madam is on her maternity leave.” Kunal nodded. “I heard she’s been replaced by some young female professor.”
That got Sharayu’s attention.
“Young?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
“Haan,” Arohi confirmed. “And guess who’s coming to introduce her?”
“Who?”
Before anyone could answer, the classroom door opened.
And in walked Satish.
Looking stupidly handsome in his usual crisp white shirt and grey pants.
Sharayu swallowed. He’s just here for work, stop staring.
But then—she walked in.
The new professor.
She was young—too young. Late twenties at most. Dressed in a professional yet stylish way, her smile was bright as she walked beside Satish.
Sharayu’s stomach twisted.
And then came the worst part.
Satish turned to the class, smiling.
“Good morning, everyone. Since your usual professor is on leave, you will have a replacement for the next few weeks. I’d like you to meet Professor Ishita Kapoor.”
The way he said her name. The way he looked at her while saying it.
Sharayu’s jaw clenched.
She hated this already.
Hated. It.
Professor Ishita smiled warmly. “Hello, everyone! I hope we get along well. I’ll try my best to make this time interesting for you all.”
“Oh, we’re sure you will, ma’am,” Hriday grinned.
Why was he grinning?!
And why—why the hell was this Ishita Kapoor standing so close to Satish?!
Satish, who was still smiling.
She hated that smile too.
Sharayu’s eye twitched.
She should be rational. She should act normal.
But no.
Rutuja nudged her. “Umm… why do you look like you’re about to murder someone?”
“Because I just might,” Sharayu muttered.
Satish must have sensed her glare because his gaze flickered to her. His lips twitched—he knew.
He knew she was jealous.
And that idiot had the audacity to smirk.
Oh, he was enjoying this.
Sharayu looked away, folding her arms, her mind racing.
She needed a plan.
A revenge plan.
The class ended.
Professor Ishita Kapoor was sweet, polite, and friendly.
And Sharayu hated it.
Because she was also pretty, well-spoken, and worst of all—too comfortable around Satish.
The way Ishita casually touched his arm when discussing something? Unacceptable.
The way she laughed a little too much at his words? Annoying.
And Satish?
That idiot was enjoying every bit of it.
Sharayu could feel her blood pressure rising.
As soon as the class was over, she grabbed her bag, stormed out, and went straight to the cafeteria. The gang followed, all of them highly entertained.
At the Cafeteria
“So… are we gonna talk about how our dear Sharayu looked ready to kill someone?” Arohi smirked.
“More like kill someone specifically,” Hriday chuckled.
“Oh come on, guys,” Sharayu snapped, stirring her cold coffee aggressively. “I wasn’t jealous!”
The table erupted in laughter.
“Babe, you were burning holes into Professor Kapoor’s face,” Rutuja said.
“Yeah, even I felt bad for her,” Kunal joked.
“She was just doing her job!” Vrushal grinned.
Sharayu groaned. “Shut up, all of you.”
“So, what’s your plan?” Arohi leaned in.
“Plan?” Sharayu blinked.
“Revenge, obviously!”
Sharayu narrowed her eyes. “I don’t have one… yet.”
“Well, you better come up with something soon,” Rutuja grinned. “Because Satish sir looked way too smug seeing you jealous.”
Sharayu gritted her teeth. Smug. That idiot.
As if on cue—her phone buzzed.
Satish: You look cute when you’re jealous.
She nearly choked on her coffee.
The gang peeked at her screen.
“OH-HO!” Rutuja whistled. “He’s already teasing you!”
Sharayu huffed and typed back furiously.
Sharayu: I am NOT jealous. Stop smiling like an idiot.
Within seconds, he replied.
Satish: I’m not smiling. I’m smirking.
Oh. That was it.
He wanted to play?
Fine. Game on.
“Guys,” Sharayu leaned forward, a wicked smile forming. “I have a plan.”
The gang cheered.
Sharayu’s mind worked fast.
If Satish wanted to play dirty, she’d show him exactly how the game was played.
Her plan? Make him jealous.
And the perfect way to do that?
Was Professor Hrishikesh
Hrishikesh sir was young, fit, and charming. Plus, he had a reputation for flirting harmlessly with students in a way that always left the girls giggling.
Sharayu wasn’t interested in him—obviously. But Satish didn’t need to know that.
At lunchtime, Satish walked into the cafeteria, already too smug for her liking.
He expected her to still be sulking.
But instead, he saw something very different.
Sharayu was standing near Hrishikesh, smiling.
Laughing.
Twirling her hair as if she was enjoying the conversation.
Hrishikesh , being Hrishikesh , was leaning in slightly, giving her all his attention.
And Satish?
He stopped in his tracks.
His jaw ticked.
His eyes darkened.
He hated it.
“What is she doing?” he muttered under his breath.
Sharayu Plays Her Move
She could feel his gaze.
And oh, how satisfying it was.
Just for fun, she touched Hrishikesh ’s arm while laughing at something he said.
That was it.
That was the moment Satish snapped.
Before she could react, a hand gripped her wrist.
She gasped, looking up.
Satish was right there, towering over her. His eyes? Deadly serious.
“We need to talk.” His voice was low, commanding.
Before she could protest, he dragged her out of the cafeteria, ignoring her protests.
The gang was watching with popcorn.
“Oooh, someone’s in trouble!” Hriday grinned.
“He’s gonna eat her alive,” Rutuja smirked.
“He already does—just in a different way,” Arohi winked.
The group howled with laughter.
Satish pushed her into an empty classroom and locked the door.
Sharayu’s heart raced.
She had planned to make him jealous—but she hadn’t expected this.
He stepped closer. Too close.
“What was that?” His voice was controlled. Too controlled.
“What was what?” she blinked innocently.
“You know what I’m talking about, Sharayu.”
“Oh, you mean my conversation with Hrishikesh sir?” She tilted her head, smirking.
Wrong move.
Because in a second, she was trapped between his arms.
“You think that’s funny?” He leaned in. “Flirting with him? Letting him touch you?”
Sharayu gulped. This was dangerous territory.
“Why do you care?” she whispered, challenging him.
“Because you’re mine.”
His words sent a shiver down her spine.
She didn’t reply.
Couldn’t.
Because his intense gaze was making her lose focus
The air in the classroom was thick with tension.
Sharayu could feel the heat radiating from Satish’s body as he leaned in, his dark eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch.
“You think it’s funny?” His voice was low, dangerously smooth.
“Flirting with another man in front of me?”
Sharayu refused to back down. She met his gaze, her chin lifting slightly.
“Everything I do is always wrong, isn’t it?” Her voice was sharp, but her pulse was racing.
“But when you let that Ishita touch you, that was okay?”
Satish’s eyes flashed.
“Sharayu—”
“When I laughed at Hrishikesh sir’s joke, that was unacceptable, but when she was giggling at something you said, that was fine?” She challenged him, stepping closer, the heat between them almost unbearable.
Satish’s jaw clenched, his hands pressing against the desk behind her, trapping her completely.
“That’s different,” he muttered.
“How?” she shot back.
His silence was deafening.
His breathing was heavy, his eyes roaming her face, her lips.
Sharayu knew what he wanted.
What she wanted.
But she wasn’t going to make it easy for him.
“Say it,” she whispered, her voice daring him to admit it.
Satish’s fingers brushed against her bare wrist, a touch so light yet so electric that she shivered.
“Because you’re mine and I don’t share what’s mine.”
His voice was raw, possessive.
Sharayu’s heart slammed against her ribs.
But she still wouldn’t give in.
“Oh?” she whispered, leaning in slightly, her lips just a breath away from his.
“Then prove it.”
For a second, neither of them moved.
Then, he did.
His hands gripped her waist, pulling her flush against him. His breath was warm against her lips, his grip firm but desperate.
“Do you really want me to?” his voice was husky, sending a dangerous thrill down her spine.
Sharayu felt like she was standing at the edge of a cliff.
Sharayu’s breath came unevenly as she felt the heat of Satish’s body so close, too close. The scent of his cologne mixed with the faintest hint of sandalwood and something uniquely him made her feel light-headed.
“Do you really want me to prove it?” His voice was husky, edged with a challenge that sent shivers down her spine.
Her eyes flickered to his lips for the briefest second, but he caught it.
Of course, he did.
The corner of his mouth curled up into a sinful smirk.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Sharayu,” he murmured, his fingers barely grazing the fabric of her kurti at her waist, a touch so light that it felt like fire.
She swallowed, her throat suddenly too dry.
“And you’re the one who always plays unfair,” she shot back, though her voice betrayed her.
She hated how he affected her.
How one look from him, one simple, deliberate touch, could make her forget everything.
Satish tilted his head, his nose brushing against her temple as he whispered,
“You were jealous, weren’t you?”
Sharayu froze.
His breath was hot against her skin, his lips hovering dangerously close to the shell of her ear.
“Jealous?” she scoffed, but it sounded weak, unconvincing.
Satish hummed, a deep, knowing sound.
“You were burning inside when Ishita touched me, weren’t you?”
Sharayu’s nails dug into her palms.
He was enjoying this.
The way she reacted, the way her body betrayed her even when she refused to speak.
His fingers ghosted over her wrist, barely touching her pulse, but he felt it.
“You’re mine.” His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper.
“Say it, Sharayu.”
Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it.
But she wouldn’t give in so easily.
“What if I don’t?” she challenged, her voice barely above a whisper.
Satish’s smirk grew, dark and all-consuming.
“Then I’ll have to make you.”
Before she could process his words, he moved.
His grip tightened, pulling her flush against him, her hands instinctively landing on his broad chest.
His lips were so close now, too close, his breath mingling with hers.
“Tell me, Sharayu.”
His fingers traced lazy patterns at the small of her back, making her shiver.
“Say it.”
Sharayu bit her lip.
Her fingers curled into his shirt.
The heat between them was suffocating.
Sharayu felt like the air had been sucked out of the room.
The way Satish looked at her—like she was the only thing that existed in his world—made her heart stutter in her chest. It was intoxicating. It was dangerous.
She wasn’t sure if it was his hand pressed firmly against her lower back, his fingers tracing slow, tormenting patterns, or the way his breath tickled her lips—but she was burning.
“Tell me, Sharayu,” he whispered again, his voice low, dangerous.
She could feel the heat of him against her, every inch of space between them vanishing.
“Say what?” she managed to breathe out, but her voice was barely above a whisper.
Satish tilted his head slightly, his nose brushing against hers, teasing. His lips hovered just a breath away from hers.
“That you’re mine,” he murmured. “That it drives you insane to see me with someone else.”
Sharayu’s breath hitched.
Her fingers, which had been curled into fists, now clutched at his shirt, as if anchoring herself.
“And I don’t want to!” she tried to challenge him, but it came out so weak.
Satish smirked.
That damn smirk.
“Then I’ll just have to remind you,” he murmured, his thumb brushing against her jaw.
Her skin erupted in goosebumps.
“I—” she started, but his other hand gripped her waist tighter, pulling her flush against him.
She gasped.
“You were jealous, weren’t you?” His voice was silk and fire, both deadly and seductive.
“Satish—”
“You didn’t like her laughing at my jokes.” His lips ghosted over her cheek, moving dangerously slow toward her ear.
“You didn’t like that she touched my arm.”
His voice was a whisper of sin.
Sharayu shivered.
“You hated it, didn’t you?”
She clenched her jaw, refusing to answer.
His fingers skated up her spine, sending a sharp wave of heat coursing through her.
“Say it, Sharayu,” he commanded.
Say it.
She wanted to.
She wanted to tell him that it had killed her inside when she saw that woman too close to him.
That she wanted to rip her hand away from him.
That she wanted to tell everyone in that room that he was hers.
And yet—
She stayed silent.
Satish sighed dramatically, shaking his head, and suddenly—
His grip tightened, and he spun her around, pressing her against the wall.
She gasped, looking up at him in shock, but he just caged her in, his palms flat on the wall on either side of her head.
His body was so close that she could feel every breath he took, every muscle tense with restraint.
“Do you know how hard it is for me to control myself around you?” His voice was rough now, filled with something raw.
“You look at me with those eyes, and you expect me to behave?”
Sharayu swallowed, her fingers trembling at her sides.
“This isn’t fair,” she whispered.
His dark eyes flickered with something dangerous.
“What isn’t fair?”
She exhaled sharply.
“That you do this to me.”
A slow smirk spread across his lips.
“Then say it.”
She clenched her fists, her heart pounding violently.
She knew she had lost.
She always did when it came to him.
Her lips barely parted, but that was enough for him to know.
“Good girl,” he murmured, and before she could process anything—
His lips brushed against her forehead, soft, lingering.
A promise.
A claim.
Sharayu felt her heart hammering against her ribs as Satish’s breath ghosted over her skin, his closeness too intoxicating, too overwhelming.
She had never seen him like this before—so raw, so unapologetically possessive.
“You didn’t answer me, Sharayu.” His voice was low, dripping with something dark and dangerous.
Her fingers trembled as she clenched them at her sides, her back still pressed against the wall, completely trapped between him and her own racing pulse.
“What do you want me to say?” she whispered, trying to sound defiant, but it came out so breathless.
Satish let out a soft chuckle, but there was no humor in it. His hands slid down the wall, only to rest firmly on her waist.
“That you hated seeing me with her,” he murmured, his thumbs brushing slow, deliberate circles on her waist, igniting a fire that spread through her veins.
Sharayu sucked in a breath, her body betraying her despite her mind screaming at her to push him away.
“Satish, stop it,” she whispered.
But he didn’t.
Instead, he leaned in, so dangerously close, his lips nearly brushing her earlobe.
“Did it make you burn inside, sweetheart?”
Her knees went weak.
She squeezed her eyes shut. This wasn’t fair.
“Was it unbearable to watch her touch me?” His voice was nothing but velvet sin, and the way he dragged each word sent shivers down her spine.
“Satish—”
He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, and the fire in his eyes nearly made her lose control.
“You get to me, Sharayu,” he admitted, his voice dropping lower. “More than anyone ever has.”
Her breath hitched.
“And you think I didn’t feel the same?” she finally broke, her voice laced with frustration.
His fingers tightened on her waist at her confession.
“Then say it.”
She glared at him. “You already know it.”
His smirk returned—that infuriating, devastating smirk.
“I want to hear you say it.”
Sharayu’s jaw clenched.
He was always like this. Pushing. Challenging. Consuming.
Her hands shot up, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt, pulling him even closer without thinking.
“You drive me insane,” she whispered, eyes blazing.
“I hate it when you let someone else get close to you.”
His breath hitched.
“I hate it when they touch you, when they laugh with you, when they—” She gritted her teeth, her fingers tightening.
“When they act like they have a chance with you.”
Satish’s gaze darkened, and his grip on her waist turned into a vice.
“They don’t.” His voice was pure possession.
Sharayu’s chest rose and fell rapidly.
The room was suddenly too small, too suffocating.
“Then prove it,” she challenged, her lips so close to his.
Satish’s restraint snapped.
In the blink of an eye, he had spun her around, her back now against his chest, his arms caging her in.
She gasped, but before she could even think, his lips were at her ear again.
“Oh, sweetheart,” he whispered, his voice dripping with heat.
“I already have.”
Sharayu’s breath hitched as Satish’s lips lingered just near her ear, his words searing through her skin like wildfire.
She should push him away. She should.
But she didn’t.
Instead, her hands gripped the front of his shirt, not knowing whether she wanted to pull him closer or shove him away.
“Satish…” she warned, her voice nothing but a whisper.
He hummed in response, his lips grazing her jaw ever so lightly.
“I hate this,” she murmured, her frustration mixing with the heat between them.
Satish chuckled, a low, sinful sound that made her stomach tighten.
“Do you?” His hands rested firmly on her waist, his grip unyielding.
She turned her face away, trying to break the spell he was weaving around her. But it was impossible.
“You’re impossible,” she bit out.
“And yet, you’re still here,” he countered, his fingers tracing slow, maddening patterns on her waist.
Sharayu clenched her jaw.
“Because you won’t let me leave.”
Satish smirked, his grip tightening for a fraction of a second.
“You don’t want to leave.”
She sucked in a sharp breath.
“I do,” she argued, but even to her own ears, it sounded weak.
Satish leaned in, so close that his lips nearly brushed her cheek.
“Then go.” His voice was dark, challenging.
Her pulse thundered.
She knew what he was doing—taunting her, pushing her, testing her.
Her fists tightened around his shirt, but she didn’t move.
Satish’s smirk deepened.
“That’s what I thought,” he murmured.
Heat flared in her chest—a mix of irritation and something much, much deeper.
“You’re insufferable,” she hissed.
“And you’re breathtaking,” he countered, his voice laced with something so raw, so intense that it stole the breath from her lungs.
She gasped, her nails digging into the fabric of his shirt.
His gaze flickered down to her lips.
Sharayu knew she should step back. Knew she should break this moment before it consumed them both.
But she didn’t.
She couldn’t.
Satish’s fingers brushed over her bare wrist, tracing up to her forearm—slow, deliberate, intoxicating.
Satish exhaled sharply.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them was thick, suffocating.
Then—his grip on her waist tightened, and his forehead rested against hers.
“They can’t have me, Sharayu,” he murmured, his breath fanning across her lips.
“Because I’m already yours.”
The air between them was thick, charged with something unspoken yet undeniable.
Satish’s grip on her waist tightened slightly, as if afraid she would slip away. Sharayu, however, made no move to leave. She simply stared at him—her gaze a mix of frustration, longing, and something deeper. Something neither of them had the courage to name yet.
“Say it again,” he murmured, his forehead still pressed against hers.
Sharayu swallowed hard, her fingers trembling as they clutched his shirt.
“I hate it,” she whispered.
Satish smirked, but there was something different in his eyes now—something softer.
“Good,” he said. “Because I hate it too.”
Her breath hitched. “What?”
“I hate it when someone else gets your attention, when someone else makes you smile. I hate it when I’m not the only one on your mind.”
Sharayu felt her heart lurch violently in her chest.
He was so close. Too close.
Her lips parted, but before she could say anything, Satish closed the distance.
It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t desperate.
It was slow, deliberate—a kiss that spoke of unspoken promises and hidden confessions.
His lips brushed against hers gently at first, testing, waiting.
And then, she kissed him back.
Her hands, which had been gripping his shirt, slid up to his shoulders. Satish deepened the kiss, his arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her flush against him.
A quiet sigh escaped her, and he swallowed it hungrily.
It felt too right.
Too perfect.
Like they belonged in this moment, just the two of them, with the world forgotten.
But then—
RING. RING. RING.
Sharayu jerked back, startled, her breathing ragged.
Satish groaned, his forehead dropping against her shoulder.
“You have got to be kidding me,” he muttered.
Sharayu, still dazed, looked around before finally processing that her phone was ringing.
With shaky hands, she pulled it out and saw Rutuja’s name flashing on the screen.
“Crap,” she whispered.
Satish arched an eyebrow. “Who is it?”
“Rutuja. They’re waiting for me.”
Satish exhaled through his nose, clearly not happy about the interruption.
“Answer it,” he said, stepping back, but his hands stayed on her waist.
Sharayu quickly picked up the call.
Rutuja: “Sharayu, are you coming or should we leave without you?”
Sharayu cleared her throat, her voice still breathless.
“I—I’m coming. Five minutes.”
“Five minutes? You said that ten minutes ago!”
Satish smirked, clearly listening to the conversation.
“Just—wait a little more, okay?”
“Fine, but hurry up!”
Sharayu ended the call and sighed.
Satish, still standing too close, tilted his head. “You have to go.”
Sharayu nodded reluctantly.
He studied her for a moment, then, with a teasing smirk, said, “One more before you leave?”
Sharayu’s eyes widened. “Satish!”
He shrugged. “What? It’s only fair.”
She bit her lip, looking toward the door, then back at him.
Satish gave her that look.
That devastating look.
And before she could even think, she leaned in, pressing a quick, soft kiss to his lips.
She pulled back immediately, cheeks burning.
“Happy?” she muttered.
Satish grinned. “For now.”
Sharayu turned to leave, but Satish, being the shameless man he was, grabbed her wrist at the last moment, pulling her back—not roughly, but just enough to make her stumble against his chest.
“You’re really going?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.
Sharayu glared at him, but her racing heart betrayed her.
“Yes, Satish. Unlike you, I actually have people waiting for me,” she shot back.
Satish chuckled, his hand still wrapped around her wrist. “They can wait a little longer, can’t they?”
“No!” she hissed. “Your family already knows about us, but mine doesn’t! And if I get home late, Aai will—”
“Lecture you for an hour? Ground you? Or worse—ask you why you smell like me?” he teased, leaning closer until she could feel his breath against her temple.
Sharayu gasped, her cheeks flaring crimson. “Satish!”
“What? It’s a valid concern,” he said with a smirk, but finally loosened his grip so she could step back.
She let out a breath, trying to steady her heartbeat, before pointing a finger at him.
“You—stay here. And behave.”
Satish gave her an innocent look, which only made her more suspicious.
“I always behave.”
“Liar.”
“Fine. I behave most of the time.”
“Liar again!”
Before Satish could argue, another call from Rutuja flashed on her screen.
“Okay, I’m really leaving now!” she huffed, stuffing her phone in her bag and hurrying toward the door.
Satish watched her go, arms crossed over his chest, a smirk still tugging at his lips.
But just as she reached the door, she hesitated.
Something about leaving him like this felt… unfinished.
So, without thinking, without planning, without overanalyzing—she turned back, rushed to him, and pecked his cheek.
Satish froze.
The smirk on his face? Completely wiped off.
The unbothered, teasing man just stood there, speechless.
Sharayu, red-faced and breathless, took a step back.
“That was for being insufferable. Now, behave, Professor Rajvanshi.”
And with that, she ran out before he could pull her back again.
Satish, still rooted to the spot, blinked.
Then, slowly, a slow, stupidly soft smile spread across his face.
“She’s going to be the death of me,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
After leaving Satish, Sharayu found her friends waiting for her near the college parking lot, arms crossed and expressions smug.
Rutuja raised an eyebrow. “Enjoyed your little private lecture, Miss Favorite Student?”
Arohi smirked. “More like ‘extra-curricular activities,’ huh?”
Vrushal wiggled his eyebrows. “We should start taking private lessons from Professor Rajvanshi too. Seems very… engaging.”
Sharayu, already flustered from what had just happened, turned a deep shade of red. “Shut up, all of you!”
Gayatri giggled. “We would, but you just walked out of his office looking like a tomato, so…”
Rutuja pretended to check her watch. “How long were you in there? Twenty minutes? Hmm, interesting.”
Kunal crossed his arms dramatically. “And here we were, struggling with real problems like… I don’t know, our ASSIGNMENTS that are due in two days?!”
Sharayu’s eyes widened. Assignments?
She had completely forgotten about them.
“Oh crap!” she yelped, looking at them in horror.
Rutuja sighed, shaking her head. “See? This is what happens when you date the professor. You start acting like an old married couple and forget actual college responsibilities.”
“I did not forget! I just… temporarily misplaced the thought,” Sharayu defended, though she was internally screaming.
Arohi snorted. “Misplaced? Girl, we haven’t even STARTED it.”
Vrushal groaned. “I swear, if I fail this course, I’m blaming Satish.”
Kunal smirked. “Oh? Calling him ‘Satish’ now, huh? What if your future brother-in-law hears?”
Vrushal laughed. “Future brother-in-law? Bro, at this point, they’re practically engaged. You saw the way he looks at her.”
Sharayu wanted to disappear into the ground.
“Focus, people!” she shouted, rubbing her temples. “We need to finish those assignments. No more distractions!”
“Says the biggest distraction in the room,” Gayatri muttered, earning a glare from Sharayu.
Rutuja sighed. “Okay, okay. Let’s go to my house. We’ll pull an all-nighter if we have to.”
Vrushal groaned. “This is why I hate college.”
Hriday grinned. “But love the drama.”
As they all piled into Rutuja’s car, Sharayu checked her phone.
A new message from Satish.
Satish: Reached home safely? Or got kidnapped by your gang?
Sharayu bit her lip, smiling.
Sharayu: I wish I was kidnapped. They just reminded me about our assignments. I’m doomed.
A reply came instantly.
Satish: Well, sweetheart, I expect the best from my brightest student. No excuses.
Sharayu groaned.
“What happened now?” Rutuja asked.
“My biggest problem just became my professor problem,” Sharayu muttered.
Vrushal patted her back. “Good luck, future Mrs. Rajvanshi. You’re gonna need it.”
At Rutuja’s house, the group settled into the living room, dumping their bags and notebooks all over the place. The air was filled with the sound of shuffling papers, frustrated sighs, and the occasional groan of despair.
Arohi stretched dramatically. “Alright, let’s get this over with before we all fail and Satish sir gives us those disappointed looks.”
Hriday snorted. “Correction—before he gives everyone EXCEPT Sharayu those disappointed looks.”
Vrushal smirked. “Yeah, because let’s be honest, he probably won’t even deduct marks if his ‘favorite student’ forgets to submit.”
Sharayu, who was already mentally exhausted from the day’s events, shot them a glare. “Oh, shut up! If anything, he’ll expect more from me! You think he’ll go easy on me? You have no idea how much pressure I’m under.”
Rutuja raised an eyebrow. “Pressure? Of what? His expectations or his lips?”
The room went silent for a second before bursting into loud laughter.
Sharayu grabbed a pillow and smacked Rutuja with it. “You are the worst!”
Arohi wiped a fake tear. “No, but seriously, tell us—how was your little ‘meeting’ with him today?”
Sharayu threw her hands in the air. “We are here for ASSIGNMENTS, not my love life!”
Gayatri sighed dramatically. “But your love life is so much more interesting.”
Kunal grinned mischievously. “Hey, what if Satish sir checks our assignments himself? What if he calls you to his cabin again? Will you even focus on the feedback, or will you just—”
SMACK!
A notebook flew across the room, hitting Hriday squarely on the head.
“Work. On. The. Assignment!” Sharayu said, trying to suppress her own embarrassment.
After another ten minutes of endless teasing, the group finally settled down and got to work.
Vrushal sighed dramatically. “I hate this. I was not made for academic pressure.”
Kunal chuckled. “You were barely made for any kind of pressure.”
Hriday groaned. “If I fail this, I’m changing my name and moving to the Himalayas.”
Arohi rolled her eyes. “Stop being dramatic. Just write.”
Sharayu tried to focus, but her phone vibrated next to her.
Satish: I hope you’re actually working on your assignment and not gossiping about me.
Sharayu: We are very serious students, thank you very much.
Satish: Oh really? Then why is Hriday posting memes about ‘Academic Depression’ on his story?
Sharayu stared at Hriday, who was indeed giggling at his phone.
“Hriday, you idiot!” she groaned, snatching his phone.
Hriday looked offended. “What? The world needs to know our pain!”
Rutuja peeked over. “Wait—who are you texting? Don’t tell me—”
Sharayu immediately locked her phone.
Arohi smirked. “Oh, it’s Satish sir, isn’t it?”
Gayatri gasped dramatically. “Aww, look at her, texting her boyfriend like a high school romance.”
Vrushal sighed dreamily. “One day, I hope to have what you guys have.”
Kunal chuckled. “Same. But first, let’s focus on surviving this damn assignment.”
Hours Later…
By the time midnight hit, they were barely halfway through.
Hriday groaned. “I give up. Take my marks. Take my dignity. I don’t care anymore.”
Rutuja smirked. “You never had dignity.”
Gayatri yawned. “Can we just submit whatever we have? Maybe Satish sir will be in a good mood and let us off easy.”
Sharayu raised an eyebrow. “You think he’ll go easy on you because you look like helpless puppies?”
Arohi grinned. “No, but you can ask him to be lenient. You know, with your… influence.”
Sharayu grabbed another pillow and threw it at her.
“You guys are the worst!”
The next morning, everyone was running on barely any sleep. Eyes puffy, minds foggy, and bodies dragging, they somehow managed to print their assignments before making their way to college.
Hriday yawned so loudly that half the canteen turned to look at him. “If I die today, bury me with my failed assignment.”
Vrushal stretched. “Bro, don’t worry. We all failed together.”
Arohi rolled her eyes. “Can we focus? We need to submit the assignments before Satish sir decides to hunt us down.”
Sharayu, who had stayed up late perfecting hers, silently prayed that today would be smooth. She had had enough drama for the week.
As they reached the department, Satish was already standing near the staff room, checking some papers.
He looked up, immediately locking eyes with Sharayu. There was a brief flicker of something playful in his gaze before he straightened up.
“Good morning, students,” he greeted, tone professional but sharp enough to remind them that he was still their professor.
Gayatri mumbled, “Yeah, very ‘good’ morning… if you ignore the fact that we all look like zombies.”
Satish raised an eyebrow. “You all did complete your assignments, right?”
Hriday, Kunal, and Vrushal looked at each other. No one spoke.
Satish narrowed his eyes. “That’s not a reassuring silence.”
Arohi stepped in quickly, shoving the papers toward him. “Here. All done. Please don’t ask us how, but we did it.”
Satish took the pile and skimmed through the top sheets. “Hmm. At least you tried.” Then, his eyes landed on Sharayu’s neatly bound assignment. He glanced at her, smirking.
“I’m assuming this one is perfect?” he teased, flipping through the pages.
Sharayu crossed her arms. “I actually worked hard on it. Unlike these idiots who spent half the night complaining instead of writing.”
Hriday gasped. “Traitor! I thought we were in this together!”
Satish chuckled and closed the files. “Well, I’ll go through these later. Hopefully, I won’t be too disappointed.”
As he turned to leave, he subtly brushed his fingers against Sharayu’s hand, a gesture so small that no one else noticed—but she definitely felt it.
Her cheeks heated Instantly.
The second Satish walked away, her friends attacked.
Arohi gasped. “Did you see that?! Did you see how he looked at her?”
Rutuja smirked. “Madam is getting special attention.”
Kunal dramatically held his chest. “So much romance first thing in the morning—I can’t handle it.”
Sharayu groaned. “You all are INSANE. He was just checking my assignment!”
Gayatri wiggled her eyebrows. “Oh, is that what we’re calling ‘intense eye contact’ these days?”
Vrushal laughed. “I swear, he almost smiled while looking at your assignment. Meanwhile, he looked at mine like it was a crime scene report.”
Kunal added, “Sharayu, please, use your influence to make him grade us better. I’ll pay you in samosas.”
Sharayu face-palmed. “I hate you all.”
But deep inside, she couldn’t help but smile.
With their assignments finally out of their hands, the gang breathed a collective sigh of relief as they flopped onto the benches outside the department.
“That was torture,” Kunal muttered, stretching his arms.
“I feel like I aged ten years,” Vrushal groaned.
Rutuja laughed. “Well, at least we survived. Now we just have to wait for the results… and pray that Satish sir doesn’t fail us out of spite.”
Sharayu, who had been silently sipping her coffee, nearly choked at Rutuja’s words.
Arohi, ever the observer, smirked as she caught Sharayu’s reaction. “Ohh, I don’t think Sharayu has anything to worry about. After all, our dear professor personally checked her assignment.”
Vrushal leaned forward dramatically. “Tell us, madam, do we also have to—how should I put this—romance the professor for good grades?”
The entire group burst into laughter as Sharayu smacked Hriday’s arm. “You all need professional help.”
Gayatri wiggled her eyebrows. “And you need to confess when exactly you two are planning to make it official in front of the world.”
That shut Sharayu up instantly.
Meanwhile, Satish Was Having a Different Problem…
Back in the staffroom, Satish was reviewing the assignments with an unreadable expression. But in reality, his mind was still stuck on the brief touch of Sharayu’s hand earlier.
What is she doing to me?
He knew he had to remain professional, but every single interaction with her chipped away at his resolve. The way she looked at him, the way she blushed under his gaze—it was like she had no Idea how much power she held over him.
Satish sat at his desk, flipping through the last few assignments. His students had done well overall, but his brows furrowed slightly when he reached Sharayu’s paper.
It wasn’t bad—far from it. But he knew her potential.
Sharayu was one of the brightest students in the department, someone who put genuine effort into her work. But this? This wasn’t her best.
He sighed, closing the file. He understood that balancing college and a relationship was a challenge, but he also knew Sharayu was capable of much more.
He glanced up at the class. Everyone was waiting for their results.
Clearing his throat, he began. “The overall performance on the assignment was good. Some of you exceeded expectations, while others need to put in more effort.”
His gaze briefly flickered to Sharayu.
He continued, distributing the papers. “I have marked comments wherever necessary. I expect all of you to go through them and work on improving your approach to research and presentation.”
Finally, he walked over to Sharayu’s desk, placing her paper in front of her. Their eyes met for a brief moment.
“You need to see me after class,” he said simply before moving on.
Sharayu’s stomach dropped.
The others might not have caught anything unusual in his tone, but she knew him too well.
She was in trouble.
After class, Sharayu hesitated outside Satish’s cabin.
She hated this. She hated knowing she had disappointed him.
Taking a deep breath, she knocked and entered.
Satish was seated at his desk, looking through some papers. Without looking up, he gestured to the chair opposite him.
“Sit.”
She obeyed quietly, feeling like a student about to be scolded by a strict professor—which, technically, she was.
Finally, he set the papers aside and looked at her. His gaze was calm but firm.
“Do you know why you’re here?”
Sharayu bit her lip. “Because of my assignment?”
“Yes.”
She shifted uncomfortably. “It wasn’t that bad, was it?”
Satish sighed. “No, it wasn’t. But it wasn’t you.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
He leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. “I’ve read your work before, Sharayu. I know what you’re capable of. This wasn’t even close to your best.”
She lowered her gaze. “I was busy—”
“I know.” His tone softened, but it still held authority. “I understand that balancing college, personal life, and relationships isn’t easy. But you need to manage your priorities.”
Sharayu’s lips parted in protest, but Satish held up a hand.
“I’m not saying you shouldn’t enjoy your time with your friends, or even with me,” he said, a small smirk playing at his lips before his expression turned serious again. “But academics have to come first. You’re too brilliant to let distractions get in the way.”
Sharayu swallowed, feeling guilty.
“I—I’ll do better next time,” she promised.
Satish studied her for a moment before nodding. “Good. Because I won’t accept anything less than your best.”
A soft silence settled between them.
Then, he smirked. “And for the record… I’d be very disappointed if you ended up being an average student just because of me.”
Sharayu scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Oh, please. You’re not that distracting.”
Satish chuckled. “Really? Should I remind you of the time you lost track of time completely because of me?”
She gasped. “That was one time!”
He smirked, leaning back. “Still counts.”
Sharayu sighed dramatically. “Fine. I’ll prove to you that I can balance both.”
Satish smiled. “That’s what I like to hear.”
As she stood up to leave, he added, “And Sharayu?”
She turned back.
He cupped her face gently, his voice low and steady. “Next time, if you need help or are struggling with deadlines, talk to me. You don’t have to handle everything alone.”
Before she could respond, he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead — a quiet promise of presence and care.
Something warm spread in her chest.
She nodded, smiling softly. “Okay.”
Sharayu walked out of Satish’s cabin, feeling a mix of emotions—guilt, determination, and something else she couldn’t quite place. Disappointing Satish was the last thing she ever wanted to do. She knew he wasn’t just scolding her; he genuinely wanted her to succeed.
But still… it stung.
As she stepped back into the hallway, her friends were already waiting for her.
“So, what did he say?”
Rutuja was the first to ask, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Arohi smirked. “Did he lecture you? Or was it the special kind of one-on-one?”
Sharayu glared at them. “Oh, shut up! He just said my assignment wasn’t good enough.”
Hriday whistled. “Oof, that must’ve hurt.”
Vrushal nodded. “Yeah, considering Satish Sir thinks you’re the smartest in class.”
Sharayu sighed. “I know… and I hate that he was right. I really should have done better.”
Gayatri nudged her. “Well, at least he cares enough to push you.”
Kunal grinned. “Or maybe he just wants an excuse to spend more time with you.”
Everyone burst out laughing, except Sharayu, who just groaned.
“This is serious, guys!”
Rutuja smirked. “Oh, we know. But come on, let’s be real. If it were anyone else, he would’ve just given a bad grade and moved on. But with you? He calls you to his cabin for a private ‘lecture.’”
Sharayu’s face heated up. “It wasn’t like that! He was genuinely concerned about my studies!”
Hriday grinned. “Right. Concerned. Totally not an excuse to have you all to himself.”
Sharayu covered her face. “I hate you all.”
Arohi laughed. “We love you too, Miss Girlfriend
For the next few days, Sharayu was more focused than ever.
She put in extra effort in her studies, determined to prove to herself—and to Satish—that she could balance everything.
Satish noticed the change immediately.
During class, he caught her stealing glances at him. But this time, they weren’t just dreamy, love-struck looks.
They were challenging.
Almost as if she was saying, I’ll show you what I’m capable of.
Satish smirked. That’s my girl.
He didn’t say anything, but deep down, he was proud of her.
A few days later, after a particularly difficult lecture, Sharayu was packing her books when she received a text.
Satish: Meet me in the parking lot in 10 minutes.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Quickly saying goodbye to her friends, she made her way outside, where she found Satish leaning against his car, arms crossed, looking at her with a small smile.
“Come on,” he said, opening the door for her. “Let’s go.”
Sharayu frowned. “Where?”
Satish smirked. “You’ll see.”
Fifteen minutes later, they were at a small café—one she had once mentioned loving.
She blinked in surprise. “You remembered?”
Satish chuckled. “Of course, I did. You mentioned it once when we were talking about childhood favorites.”
Sharayu felt a warmth spread through her chest.
They sat down, and soon their orders arrived.
As she took a sip of her coffee, Satish leaned forward, his voice teasing.
“So, am I still a ‘distraction’?”
Sharayu rolled her eyes. “Yes. But you’re also my motivation.”
Satish raised an eyebrow. “Oh? That’s new.”
She smiled. “You push me to be better, and I love that about you.”
Satish’s smirk softened into something more tender.
“I just want you to have everything you deserve, Sharayu.”
Her heart pounded. God, she loved this man.
The atmosphere in the college had started shifting subtly, and Sharayu was the first to notice.
Ishita, the new professor, had become unnecessarily friendly with Satish.
At first, Sharayu brushed it off. She wasn’t the jealous, insecure type. Satish had already reassured her multiple times—there was no one else, only her.
But as days passed, Ishita’s behavior became harder to ignore.
It started with small things.
Ishita lingered around Satish more than needed.
During department meetings, she always found a reason to sit next to him. And not just sit—lean in unnecessarily, whisper comments in his ear, laugh at things that weren’t even funny.
When Sharayu passed by his cabin one afternoon, she saw Ishita standing way too close.
“Satish, do you always wear such formal shirts? You should try something more casual sometimes. Maybe I could help you pick something out,” Ishita said, twirling a pen in her fingers.
Sharayu narrowed her eyes. Help him pick clothes?
Satish barely looked up from his laptop. “I’m fine with what I wear.”
Ishita pouted. “Come on, live a little! You have such a good physique, you should flaunt it.”
Sharayu felt her grip tighten around her notebook.
Excuse me?
But Satish, completely uninterested, simply responded with a deadpan look. “I think I’m good.”
The next time was in the cafeteria.
Sharayu and her friends were sitting at their usual table when they saw Ishita placing her hand on Satish’s arm as she spoke to him.
“You know, Satish, we’re the youngest professors here. We should stick together.”
Sharayu’s jaw clenched.
Hriday, who had caught on to what was happening, muttered, “Someone is shameless.”
Rutuja smirked. “Damn, if looks could kill, Ishita would be a ghost right now.”
Arohi nudged Sharayu. “You okay?”
Sharayu let out a breath. “Yeah. I trust Satish.”
Vrushal leaned back. “But do you trust her?”
Sharayu didn’t answer.
Because honestly? No, she didn’t.
Later that evening, Satish and Sharayu were walking toward the parking lot when Satish’s phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen, brows furrowing.
Sharayu peered over his shoulder, catching a glimpse.
Ishita: Hey, I had fun talking today. We should grab coffee sometime, just the two of us. Let me know when you’re free.
Sharayu stopped walking.
Her fingers twitched. Oh, so she’s that bold now?
Satish exhaled sharply and deleted the message without replying.
“You saw that?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
Sharayu crossed her arms. “Obviously.”
Satish turned to her, his expression calm. “Are you mad?”
Sharayu shrugged. “Not at you.”
Satish smirked. “At her?”
Sharayu tilted her head. “What do you think?”
Satish chuckled and pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“You have nothing to worry about. If she tries anything, she’ll only embarrass herself.”
Sharayu smirked. “Good. Because if she doesn’t stop, I will make her regret it.”
Satish raised an eyebrow, amused. “Possessive, are we?”
Sharayu flicked his forehead. “Shut up and drive me home.”
Satish chuckled again, but he knew one thing for sure—this was going to be interesting.
Ishita had been toeing the line for weeks, but today—she stomped right over it.
Satish had been patient. He ignored the subtle touches, the lingering glances, and the unnecessary closeness. He had hoped she’d understand his disinterest without him having to spell it out.
But she didn’t.
And now, she was being bold
It was the end of the day, and Satish had just wrapped up a long meeting. He was about to leave when Ishita blocked his way near his cabin door.
“Satish, why do you always act so distant with me?” she pouted, tilting her head.
Satish barely glanced at her. “Move, Ishita.”
She didn’t. Instead, she smirked, taking a step closer.
“Why do you act like you’re some saint? We’re both young, attractive, and single… so what’s stopping us from—”
“Stop right there.” Satish’s voice dropped into something dangerous.
Ishita blinked at his sudden shift in tone.
“I am not single.” Satish’s eyes were cold now, his patience officially gone. “And even if I were, I would still have no interest in you.”
Ishita’s smirk faltered for a split second before she masked it with a scoff. “Oh, come on. You’re lying.”
Satish crossed his arms, gaze sharp. “Why would I lie? I have a girlfriend, Ishita. And trust me, you have no chance.”
That struck a nerve.
Ishita’s lips curled in irritation. “What, is she some delicate, shy little thing? Is that why you’re so protective?”
Satish clenched his jaw.
“Let me guess,” she continued with a mocking laugh. “She’s probably some boring, studious type who clings to you like a lost puppy, isn’t she?”
His fingers twitched.
Ishita stepped even closer, voice lower now. “Satish, be honest. You’re just settling, aren’t you? You could have someone like me.”
Satish let out a sharp breath and finally looked her dead in the eye.
“And why the hell would I want someone like you?” His voice was razor-sharp.
Ishita stiffened.
“You think putting someone else down makes you better?” Satish scoffed, shaking his head. “You’re wrong. That only makes you pathetic.”
Ishita’s cheeks turned red—not out of embarrassment, but anger.
“You don’t even know me—”
“I know enough.” His tone was final. “And I will say this once and only once—stop. Whatever ideas you have in your head, erase them.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but Satish’s voice cut through her like ice.
“If you ever disrespect my girlfriend again, you won’t just be embarrassed—you’ll regret it.”
That was the end of it.
He stepped past her without another word, leaving Ishita standing there, fuming.
But she wasn’t done yet.
No.
Ishita was not the kind of woman who took rejection lightly.
No.
She hated being told she wasn’t good enough. She hated losing, and most of all, she hated the idea that some other girl had managed to do what she couldn’t—make Satish Rajvanshi hers.
She sat in the empty faculty lounge, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the table, her mind spinning with questions.
Satish had never mentioned a girlfriend before. He never wore a ring, never got caught in any scandal, and he certainly didn’t behave like a man in love.
At least, that’s what she thought.
Now that she replayed every interaction, she realized something.
He had always been distant.
But was it because he was loyal… or because he simply wasn’t interested?
The thought made her grit her teeth.
Who was she?
Which woman had managed to steal Satish’s attention so completely that he was off-limits?
Her mind began running through possibilities.
Was it someone from the faculty?
Unlikely—Satish wasn’t close to any of the female professors.
Was it someone outside of college?
Possible. He was wealthy, young, and successful—he could easily be dating someone high-class.
Or…
Her eyes narrowed.
Was it a student?
The idea was ridiculous at first. Satish was strict about professional boundaries. He kept his personal life separate.
But then—why did he refuse to say her name?
Was he hiding something?
She recalled the way his jaw had clenched when she mocked his girlfriend. That reaction wasn’t just anger. That was personal.
Whoever she was, Satish adored her.
The realization made Ishita’s blood boil.
Because if there was one thing she hated more than rejection—
It was losing to someone she hadn’t even seen.
Ishita wasn’t one to give up easily. If Satish had a girlfriend, then fine—but she had to know who she was.
Because something wasn’t adding up.
For the past few days, she had been observing him closely—every little detail, every interaction, every subtle reaction.
And what she noticed only frustrated her more.
Satish was the same as always—calm, professional, composed. But now that she was paying attention, she caught small things she hadn’t before.
Like how he would check his phone at odd moments, his fingers tapping a quick reply before locking the screen.
Or how, when he walked down the corridor, his gaze would subtly shift—as if searching for someone.
Or how, when certain students passed by, his expression softened, even for a fraction of a second.
It wasn’t much, but it was enough.
But Who Was She?
The idea that Satish was dating a student was laughable.
He was way too professional for that. Strict, disciplined—hell, even his own students were scared of him.
No, it had to be someone outside of college.
Maybe a childhood sweetheart? Someone his family had set him up with?
Her mind raced through every possibility, but nothing fit.
There were no flowers, no lunch dates, no lingering phone calls.
If it weren’t for his reaction when she mocked his girlfriend, she would have assumed he was lying.
But no—there was someone.
She just didn’t know who.
And that drove her insane.
She decided to test something.
That day, as she entered the staff room, she saw Satish sitting with a cup of tea, skimming through some notes.
She walked in casually and sat beside him, tilting her head.
“So… do I at least know her?” she asked, pretending to be playful.
Satish barely looked at her. “Not your concern, Ishita.”
“Oh, come on. You’re acting like she’s some state secret. Is she famous? A politician’s daughter? A business tycoon?” she teased, watching him closely.
Satish sighed. “Drop it, Ishita.”
But she saw it.
That subtle twitch of his fingers gripping the cup.
She was close.
The faculty lounge was filled with professors, each busy with their tea and discussions about assignments, upcoming college events, and casual gossip. Satish had been reviewing some reports, minding his own business, when Ishita decided to push her luck.
She leaned against the table beside him, her tone light but laced with an undeniable edge. “You know, Satish, you can be so cold sometimes. I was just asking a simple question. I mean, why hide her? What’s the big deal?”
Satish clenched his jaw, flipping a page in his file as if ignoring her completely.
But Ishita wasn’t done. She let out a mock sigh, playing with the rim of her cup. “I mean, if you’re this defensive, then maybe she’s someone you shouldn’t be dating, hmm?”
That was it.
The tension in the room shifted instantly.
Satish slowly put his pen down, straightened up, and fixed her with a sharp, ice-cold stare.
“Mind your own business, Ishita.” His voice was low, firm, and carried a dangerous edge.
The lounge fell silent.
All the professors, who had been in their own conversations, froze mid-sip, mid-bite, mid-word.
Ishita’s smug smile faltered, but she tried to recover. “Oh come on, I was just—”
“I don’t owe you an explanation about my personal life,” Satish cut her off, his voice rising slightly. “And you certainly don’t have the right to interfere in it.”
Ishita stiffened, the embarrassment creeping up her face.
“Satish—”
“Enough.” His tone was final. “Next time, think before you cross that line again.”
The weight of his words hung in the air.
Ishita’s face burned under the stares of the other professors, some looking away awkwardly, others watching with silent interest.
No one had ever seen Satish react this way.
With that, he picked up his file, stood up, and walked out without sparing her another glance.
Ishita sat there, gripping her cup, feeling every bit of the humiliation sink in.
Ishita sat frozen in her chair, still gripping her coffee cup like it had personally betrayed her. The other professors had definitely noticed Satish’s unexpected outburst, but, like all good faculty members, they pretended they hadn’t heard a thing.
The murmurs In the lounge resumed—soft, hushed, and clearly about what just happened.
“That was… intense.” One of the junior professors whispered to another.
“I’ve never seen Satish lose his temper like that,” another one added, stealing a glance at Ishita, who was still fuming.
Ishita clenched her jaw.
This was embarrassing. Humiliating.
But more than that— it confirmed something.
He was definitely hiding something.
She had always known Satish was secretive, but today? That reaction wasn’t normal. He was hiding a woman.
But who?
Meanwhile, Satish’s Mood Was Officially Ruined.
He stormed into his cabin, throwing his file onto his desk and running a hand through his hair.
“That woman is impossible,” he muttered, leaning back in his chair.
Just as he was about to calm himself down, his phone buzzed.
Sharayu: “What happened to you? You looked ready to murder someone when you walked past our classroom.”
Satish exhaled sharply, smirking despite himself.
She noticed.
Satish: “Nothing. Just Ishita being… Ishita.”
Sharayu: “Oh? Did she finally propose to you in front of the entire staff?”
Satish chuckled, rubbing his temple. “Not yet. But she’s suspicious.”
Sharayu: “Suspicious? Of what?”
Satish sighed. Of you, of course. But instead, he typed:
“She was asking too many questions.”
Sharayu: “And? What did you say?”
Satish smirked, picturing her reaction.
“Told her to mind her own business. In front of the whole staff lounge.”
A few seconds later, he saw the typing bubble appear… then disappear… then appear again.
Then finally—
Sharayu: “SATISH. RAJVANSHI. ARE YOU CRAZY?!”
Satish grinned. He could practically hear her panicking through the screen.
Sharayu: “You should’ve just ignored her! Now she’ll be even more curious!”
Satish leaned back, amused.
Satish: “Let her be. She has no clue who you are. And besides, I’d rather shut her down now than let her keep assuming things.”
Sharayu, on the other hand, was not as relaxed.
Sitting in the classroom with her friends, she resisted the urge to scream.
Rutuja, who had been watching her expressions, nudged her. “Why do you look like Satish just told you he’s moving to Antarctica?”
Sharayu showed her the texts.
The entire group huddled around, gasping in horror.
Vrushal whistled. “Damn, your boyfriend really said ‘none of your business’ and walked out?”
Arohi giggled. “Kinda hot though.”
Hriday and Kunal pretended to wipe tears. “Our innocent Sharayu is now the secret girlfriend of a professor. We are so proud.”
Sharayu smacked Hriday’s arm. “Not funny! Ishita is already nosy. Now she’ll start investigating!”
Gayatri smirked. “So? Let her investigate. What’s the worst she can do?”
Sharayu groaned, putting her head on the desk. She had a very bad feeling about this.
Ishita was not the type to give up easily.
Satish’s blunt rejection had only fueled her determination.
She had spent weeks trying to get close to him, and now, he was suddenly angry and defensive the moment she questioned his personal life?
That was a red flag. A big, blinking neon sign that said: “I AM HIDING A WOMAN.”
And Ishita needed to know who.
She began watching him closely—too closely.
Every small reaction. Every little detail.
And the more she observed, the more patterns started to form.
He checked his phone way too often.
His mood would randomly change after reading messages.
Sometimes he would smirk to himself—like a lovesick teenager.
And, most importantly—whenever Sharayu entered the staffroom or crossed paths with him, his entire body language would change.
At first, Ishita ignored it.
But the more she watched, the more it stood out.
He was more alert around her. He never directly looked at her for too long, yet it was clear that he knew exactly where she was in the room.
And then— there was the classroom interaction.
It was a regular afternoon in college. Satish had just finished his lecture and was about to leave the classroom when Sharayu’s pen fell to the ground.
It was such a tiny moment—so insignificant.
But Ishita, who was standing outside the class talking to another professor, saw everything.
Sharayu bent down to pick up her pen, but Satish, who was near the podium, subtly stepped forward—almost instinctively—before stopping himself.
He didn’t help her. He didn’t say anything.
But that half-step forward? That was pure habit.
It was the kind of reflex that came when someone cared more than they should.
And Sharayu?
Her entire posture was too stiff—like she was trying too hard to act normal.
Something was off.
Ishita’s Mind Started Spinning.
“No way.”
It was too ridiculous to consider.
Satish. Rajvanshi. Dating. A student?
“Ishita, these are for you—”
“Hey, before you go—” she interrupted, her voice casual. “You’ve worked with Satish for a while, right?”
The professor blinked. “Uh… yeah?”
Ishita leaned forward. “Does he… talk about his personal life with anyone?”
The professor laughed immediately. “Satish? Personal life? Are you joking?”
Ishita forced a chuckle. “No, I just mean… has he ever mentioned a girlfriend? Maybe… someone special?”
The professor shrugged. “Not that I know of. But—” He smirked, lowering his voice. “He has been acting weird lately.”
Ishita sat up straighter. Bingo.
“Weird how?”
“Oh, you know… “ The professor rubbed his chin. “Smiling at his phone a little too much… zoning out during meetings… And the biggest shock? He actually took a leave last month. Satish never takes leave.”
Ishita’s mind was on fire.
Meanwhile…
Satish leaned back in his chair, sighing.
He knew Ishita wasn’t going to drop this. But he really didn’t care anymore.
“Let her dig around all she wants,” he thought, a smirk forming.
His phone buzzed.
Sharayu: “She’s definitely going to stalk you now. You do realize that, right?”
He chuckled.
Satish: “Let her. I don’t owe her any explanation.”
A few seconds later—
Sharayu: “Easy for you to say! If she finds out, we’re dead. DEAD.”
Satish shook his head, amused.
Satish: “Relax. She has no clue it’s you.”
Sharayu: “Yet.”
He laughed, stretching his arms.
As far as he was concerned, Ishita was wasting her time.
There was no way she’d ever suspect him of dating a student.
… Right?
***
The college was buzzing with its usual morning energy. Students rushed to classes, some still half-asleep, others speed-writing their assignments five minutes before submission.
Sharayu was sitting with her friends in the canteen, sipping her tea when Vrushal suddenly gasped.
“GUYS.” He pointed toward the main hallway. “LOOK.”
Everyone turned to see Ishita.
Watching Satish.
No—stalking him.
She was lurking near the faculty cabins, casually sipping her coffee but clearly observing Satish as he walked through the corridor.
Sharayu nearly choked on her tea.
“Is she for real?” Arohi whispered, eyes wide.
“Oh my god, she’s literally following him,” Rutuja added.
Gayatri burst out laughing. “Bro, your professor-girlfriend has a full-time stalker now.”
Sharayu groaned, rubbing her forehead. “This woman is insane.”
“Should we do something?” Hriday asked, grinning.
Kunal smirked. “Or should we just… watch the drama unfold?”
Sharayu gave him a deadpan look. “Are you enjoying this?”
“A little.”
Meanwhile, Satish? He already knew.
He had felt her gaze the moment he stepped into the corridor.
With an exasperated sigh, he abruptly turned around, walking directly toward Ishita.
She immediately pretended to be busy with her phone.
“Ishita.” His voice was sharp.
She looked up, fake surprised. “Oh! Satish! I was just—”
“Do you have something to say?”
Ishita blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You’ve been following me since morning. Do you have something to say, or should I call security to file a stalking complaint?”
Her jaw dropped.
The corridor went silent.
Students and staff alike stopped moving.
Sharayu and her friends lost it.
“OH MY GOD,” Rutuja whispered-screamed, shaking Arohi’s arm.
Vrushal covered his mouth to stop himself from screaming.
Ishita turned red— from anger or humiliation, no one knew.
“I—” she cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “I was not stalking you. I just happened to be in the same place.”
Satish raised a brow. Unamused.
“Really? So, if I check the security footage, it won’t show you following me for the past twenty minutes?”
Ishita opened her mouth—then closed it.
Everyone was watching.
Satish crossed his arms, waiting.
Finally, Ishita forced a smile. “I don’t appreciate being accused like this, Satish.”
“And I don’t appreciate being followed. Next time? Don’t.”
With that, he walked away.
The crowd erupted.
“DID THAT JUST HAPPEN?!”
“Bro, he DESTROYED her.”
“I’ve never seen her get humbled like that.”
Meanwhile, Sharayu buried her face in her hands.
“Your boyfriend is so HOT when he’s mad,” Arohi whispered.
Sharayu wanted to die.
Ishita, on the other hand, stood frozen.
***
The campus was buzzing with students as usual, but Sharayu? She was running late.
Her friends had already left for the canteen, and she was hurrying to catch up when she saw a group of students standing near the staircase, laughing over something.
Not paying much attention, she decided to take a shortcut, rushing down the stairs.
Biggest mistake.
Her foot slipped.
Time slowed down.
A loud gasp escaped her lips as she lost balance, her ankle twisting in a terrifying angle.
Pain exploded up her leg, sharp and blinding. Before she could even process it, she tumbled down two more steps, finally landing hard on the cold floor.
A sharp cry of pain left her mouth.
The moment she hit the ground, silence followed.
Then—
“SHARAYU!”
Her friends rushed toward her in full panic mode.
Rutuja and Arohi dropped to their knees, gripping her arms.
“What happened?! Are you okay?” Rutuja’s voice was shaky.
Sharayu tried to move her leg—only for her body to betray her. A stabbing pain shot through her bones, making her let out a broken whimper.
“Guys…” she gasped, tears stinging her eyes. “I can’t… move my leg.”
Hriday and Kunal exchanged a worried look.
Vrushal immediately turned to someone nearby. “Call a professor! Call someone! She’s hurt!”
Gayatri held her hand, trying to keep her calm. “It’s okay, Sharu. Just breathe, okay? We’re here.”
Within seconds, students gathered around. A few professors rushed to the scene—including Satish.
The moment he saw Sharayu on the ground, clutching her leg in agony, his face drained of color.
“What the hell happened?” His voice was dangerously sharp.
“She fell from the stairs,” Hriday explained, his voice tense.
Satish didn’t wait. He immediately knelt beside her, scanning her injury.
“Sharayu,” he said, his tone firm but soft. “Can you move your leg at all?”
Tears spilled from her eyes as she shook her head. “It… it hurts. So bad.”
Satish’s jaw ticked. He turned to Kunal.
“Get the car. Now.”
Kunal nodded and sprinted away.
Satish then carefully slid one arm behind her back and the other under her legs.
“It’s going to hurt a little,” he warned before lifting her effortlessly.
Sharayu bit her lip, trying not to scream from the pain.
Her friends rushed along as Satish carried her toward the parking lot, his face a mix of anger, concern, and something deeper.
At the Hospital
The doctor checked her leg thoroughly, pressing at different points, making her wince.
After a few minutes, he sighed and looked at them.
“She has a fracture.”
The room fell silent.
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