“Sanchi is leaving in an emergency. I need to meet her.”
“Why can't she just show up to the batchmates' meet-up and go?” I sigh in annoyance.
“Didn't you hear me earlier? Just give me five minutes, I’ll be back.” She pushes her handbag into my hand and jogs back to the exit way.
God, why is Sanchi always on a mission to steal my best friend away? I groan in frustration, realizing I have to walk to the garden alone.
Sanchi Arora stormed into Amyra’s life like a typhoon, offering the warmth of a sisterly bond. Over time, they grew so inseparable that I often feel like the third wheel whenever I am around them.
I know I’m acting like an insecure child, but I can’t help it. Some things in me refuse to change, especially when it comes to sharing my best friend. Sure, I’ve had my share of guy friends, but none come close to the natural comfort and ease Amyra brings. She’s utterly addictive in that way.
Too drained to continue wandering, I join a group of guys, and we reach the garden together, where students from different branches have already gathered.
Fifteen minutes had passed since she left. What is it taking her so long?
I dial her number. It rings endlessly, then cuts off. I try again, no response. Restlessness coils in me, urging me to go find her. Just as I turn back, Amyra finally saunters into the area. Her head is tilted left, her gaze fixed on something or someone. I follow the line of her eyes, and my body goes rigid. My breath stalls, and shock tightens my chest as I catch sight of the person walking beside her.
“Karan Mahajan?” I mutter to myself in disbelief.Didn’t he leave this university a few months ago?
I keep staring as they stop in their tracks, facing each other. She smiles at something he says, and my gaze drops to his extended hand.
No way.
Before I can think twice, I storm forward, stepping between them and brushing back her lifted hand.
“How come you show up after many months of disappearance, Mr. Karan Mahajan?” I pose a challenging look at him, and he instantly mirrors my expression.
“I might have disappeared, but I am not gone, Mr. Reyansh Thakur,” I raise an eyebrow, judging him.
“I am here to take back what I left.”
“What do you mean?” I retort in surprise.
“It's my post-graduation degree certificate, dude. What else?” He lets out a dry chuckle, and I can see it's not about the degree. I am very well aware of what he is talking about. And I don't like even one per cent of it.
“I see, you have been underground all the time.”
“You're the top student at the university for a reason, Reyansh. Very sharp and observant.” His piercing gaze suggests he knows that I am aware of his true intentions.
“Anyway, we have to go. Good luck, Karan.” I smirk at him before grabbing Amyra’s hand and changing our direction toward the exit.
“But aren't we supposed to go to the garden for the meet-up?” she asks beside me.
“The plan has changed. We’re heading home right now,” I reply, trying my best to contain my rising anger.
“What’s your problem, Reyansh?” She stops abruptly, yanks her hand away, and I know I’m in trouble. The reason?
Amyra called my full name instead of ‘Rey’.
“Your talking to Karan is the problem, Ames.”
“Oh my God, why are you so overreacting?”
“Don't forget the fact that he probably still has feelings for you and may try to hit on you again!” My voice comes out as a grumble, and I feel myself burning up.
Of all Amyra’s admirers, Karan Mahajan is the persistent one—the kind who keeps chasing even after firm rejection. Then, out of nowhere, he disappears from the university, to everyone’s relief. And today, he shows up again.
I remember warning him to stay away when he wouldn’t stop pestering her with his smooth talk and failed attempts at persuasion. He had just smirked and told me I had no right to interfere. Maybe that’s why the mere sight of his face pisses me off, and seeing him this close to Amyra? It makes my blood boil; my only thought is to pull her away from him.
