“Karan!” Amyra’s face turns panicked as she grabs the water bottle, pours a glass, and immediately hands it to him, her other hand rubbing his back in support. The worry on her face for him leaves me breathless. I hate watching her care for another man, someone who isn’t me. It’s wrong, and maybe I’m insane for thinking this way, but the jealousy is uncontrollable, burning through me.
Karan finally steadies, his coughs dying down. He takes her hand in his palms and looks at her with a fond smile, murmuring a soft ‘thank you’. Amyra seems satisfied, smiling back as they return to their food.
At this point, even I can sense how easily they could become the perfect couple. And that thought scares me more than anything I’ve ever faced.
Lunch ends with me feeling lost, silent, and withdrawn as it’s time to head back to work. We walk toward the entrance, and I notice Amyra slowing her pace, moving closer to me.
My heart skips a beat, tight with sudden nervousness.
“What’s wrong, Rey? You were unusually silent today. Are you okay?” she asks, instantly reaching out to touch my forehead. I close my eyes as the warmth of her palm seeps in, calming my restless mind almost immediately.
“He complained of a headache in the morning, Di,” Aditi says. My eyes fly open at her voice. Amyra nods and retracts her hand, but I immediately catch it, interlocking our fingers tightly.
“I’m okay now. You don’t need to worry about me,” I say, keeping my gaze fixed on Amyra. She looks down at our joined hands and nods once, trying to pull away, but I’m not ready to let her go so soon. I’ve been craving her presence, yearning for her touch, and this feels like a much-needed moment.
“Take care, Rey,” she says, attempting once again to withdraw her hand, but I tighten my grip.
“Okay, Di. I’ll leave now. Bye, Karan,” Aditi says, stopping near the entrance. Karan waves back at her.
“Okay, Adi. Be safe.”
“Alright, Aditi. See you soon. Go safe,” I add hastily, eager to keep moving alongside Amyra.
“One minute, Reyansh.” She signals me to stop. My fingers loosen instinctively, and I feel Amyra’s hand slip out of mine. She gives me a long look before turning around and jogging to catch up with Karan. They walk together, talking and smiling.My heart feels heavy as the warmth leaves my hand, my eyes glued to it, unable to look away.
“I just wanted to say that my application got accepted to a university abroad.” I snap out of my thoughts, genuinely happy for her news.
“Congratulations, Aditi.”
“But I want to wait a few more months. It’s not one of my most desired universities.”
“That’s a good idea. You’ll have more options if you wait for some time.”
“Exactly, Reyansh. I’m just hoping for better days.”
“Don’t worry. You’ll be rewarded for your dedication and hard work,” I say, gently caressing her head with a smile. She suddenly hugs me, wrapping her arms around my waist.
“Thank you, Reyansh.” She rests her head against my chest, but I stand frozen, unable to return the gesture. There’s no rush of warmth, no excitement, nothing close to what I felt when Amyra touched my face.
This is wrong.
I’m supposed to feel something for Aditi. I’m fucking dating her, right?
“Also, don’t you think Amyra Di and Karan would make a good couple?” she says, stepping back with a bright smile. “Maybe Di sees him only as a friend, but she does care for him. And Karan, he literally has stars in his eyes for her.” Anxiety and despair coil inside me at her words.
The fear of losing Amyra is no longer an illusion. It’s real. It is near. I can feel it.
“Hope I can see the same in your eyes for me very soon,” she adds softly, a flicker of sadness crossing her smile. Guilt crashes into me, and I avoid her gaze, unable to offer my heart to her.
“Anyway, I’ll leave now. Bye,” she says, and then she’s gone, disappearing from my sight. I can’t fight my feelings anymore. I have to admit it. I’ve developed feelings for Amyra, my best friend. But when did this happen?
Because this isn’t a mere crush. It’s intense, consuming, and possessive enough to want her only for myself.
How did I manage to mess up my life without even realizing it?
Chapter 21
Amyra
