“Come,” I say, tugging her gently inside before she can retreat into that quiet, observing distance she slips into when things feel too overwhelming.
The noise hits her immediately.
It always does.
My world is loud. Unapologetically so. Voices overlapping, Siddhant already mid-story as with dramatic hand gestures, Rudra interrupting him like he’s personally offended by every sentence, Vedant leaning against the wall pretending he’s not involved while absolutely listening to everything.
Radhika is the first one to notice. She rushes towards us. Her eyes light up in a way that makes me instantly suspicious.
“Oh, finally,” she says, dragging the word out like she’s been waiting for this exact moment.
Ishika stiffens just a little beside me. "You're here." She smiles at Ishika but her steps falter as she notices our intertwined hands, an eyebrow raising in question.
I don't wait because I don't want to, I want everyone to know who she is to me, I may shout from a mountain top if that's needed, "We're together." I say simply. I glance at Ishika who's already looking at me a bit shocked but doesn't say anything.
"Oh my god." Radhika squeals. "Yes, finally!" She beams at us, "I don't understand how you bagged a baddie but good for you, Aryan!"
She looks at Ishika in disbelief, "How...I never thought anyone would like him...you may need to reconsider your taste," She exclaims, "you deserve better." She clutches her chest as if it physically hurts her.
Ishika snickers and I roll my eyes, "Have you seen me?" I scoff, "I am extremely hot and very very handsome, you need to think about your choice," I give her a tight lipped smile, "the only correct thing you have said this night is..." I look at Ishika, "She does deserve better."
Radhika gasps like I’ve just insulted her personally.
“Excuse me?” she says, placing a hand dramatically over her heart. “You don’t get to agree with me. I was joking. You’re not allowed to.”
“I’m not joking,” I reply, glancing at Ishika again, softer this time. “She does deserve better.”
There’s a beat. A small one. But it stretches just enough for something unspoken to pass between us.
Ishika’s smile doesn’t disappear—but it changes. Less amused. Like she heard the part I didn’t say out loud.
That I’m trying.
That I know.
That I don’t take this lightly.
She nudges my arm lightly with her elbow. “Too late now,” she says under her breath. “You’re stuck with me.”
Something in my chest shifts in a way I don’t examine too closely.
“Gladly,” I murmur.
Radhika makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like she might cry.
“Oh my god, this is disgusting,” she says, wiping at imaginary tears. “I hate this. I love this.”
“Pick a side,” Vedant mutters from across the room.
“I’m on drama,” she snaps back.
Rudra finally notices us properly, his expression lighting up immediately as he walks over, Siddhant trailing behind him mid-argument.
“Wait—this is official?” Siddhant asks, looking between us.
“Yes,” I say simply.
Rudra squints at me. “That explains the personality shift.”
