Aadhya's POV
Augh… my body hurts. Section A is such a pain in the ass. They kept calling us back and forth the whole time—especially calling Vivaan. He got mad, so we kept him out, but guess who suffered the most? Me. Obviously.
Now we were finally heading home. Nikansh dropped me off. "Thanks, Nikansh… and sorry you had to drop me," I said. He must be exhausted too. "It's okay. I just wanted to make sure you reached home safe," he replied. So sweet. "Thank you… good night—no, good morning," I corrected myself, glancing at the time. 4:00 AM. Wow. Bhaiyya already knew I'd come this late. He told me to just stay safe during night shifts. Nikansh laughed softly. "Good morning to you too," he said before driving off.
I turned to go inside when suddenly—someone grabbed my arm. I froze. My heart literally jumped out of my chest. I turned quickly. Naman. Damnit, I thought it was some rapist. "I'm sorry… did I scare you?" he asked nervously. "Yeah… just a little surprised. That's it… what are you doing here?" I said. "I just wanted to make sure you reached home safely. I didn't have your number… Reyansh wouldn't give it to me," he admitted.
"Umm… he's just being stingy," I said casually.
"Aadi… about what I asked you earlier…" he scratched his head awkwardly.
"I haven't thought about it yet," I replied.
"It's okay. I'll wait," he said.
Why wait though…
"What are you going to wait for, Naman?"
We both turned.
Reyansh.
Great. Drama never leaves me alone.
"Cat got your tongue?" he asked, walking toward us.
"Umm… that Rey dude—"
"Okay. Since you're here, let's clear things right now," Reyansh cut him off.
Then straight—
"Do you really like her?"
Naman took a deep breath and nodded. "I was planning to court Aadhya."
Reyansh chuckled.
"Not happening."
Then he turned to me.
"Go inside."
Soft tone.
Wow. First time acting like a brother? Shocking.
"Bye, Naman," I said and went inside… but obviously I stopped near the door. I mean… I'm not missing this.
"There's nothing wrong with me courting her, right?" Naman asked.
"Aadhya isn't allowed to have a boyfriend. End of discussion. Topic closed. You can leave," Reyansh said, calm but firm.
"You're not the one to decide that," Naman shot back.
"Yes, I am," Reyansh replied arrogantly.
"Dude, what's the problem? You know me."
"Yeah. That's the problem. I know you too well."
Silence.
Footsteps.
Reyansh walked back in.
I ran toward the stairs like a thief, pretending I just came from there.
"Are you really planning to date him?" he asked, looking straight at me.
I shook my head instantly.
"Good. Have some shame. Your ex is already in the hospital and you're planning to get a new one?" he said coldly and walked to his room
I went straight to my room and dropped on the bed. No changing, nothing. Too tired. My body gave up before my brain could even think. I didn't want to think anymore. Not about Naman, not about Reyansh, not about anything. Sleep came instantly.
And then—my phone rang.
Ugh.
I picked it up without even checking the name. "Hello?"
"Hey, where are you?" Avi's voice.
"At home…" I mumbled.
"Hurry up, we're waiting for you here," he said, sounding impatient.
I glanced at the clock.
2 PM.
…
WHAT?!
I jumped up instantly and ran straight to the bathroom. Forgot about the call completely. He must've cut it. I showered in record time and changed into whatever I could grab—jeans and a white shirt. No time for hair, so I just left it as it was. I grabbed my phone and rushed downstairs.
"Aadhya, have something before you go," Masi called out.
Right on cue—my stomach growled.
Traitor.
I sprinted back, grabbed two slices of bread and a water bottle, and rushed out again. The moment I opened the door, I saw a car pull up. Vivaan. Wow. It was new car different from before.
Tata Punch EV
"You know I've been waiting here for long," he snapped, leaning against the car.
"H-no… sorry," I said quickly.
"Get in," he ordered and got inside.
Bossy. As always.
I got in quietly. Why is he already angry this early? And why at me?
"Why did you pick me up anyway?" I asked as he started driving.
"Nik asked me to. He was busy. I woke up late too," he said casually.
Hmm. Nikansh… thoughtful as always.
I started eating my bread because I was literally starving. Suddenly—
"Can I have one? I didn't have breakfast yet."
I blinked.
Then felt a little bad.
I extended one slice toward him, but instead of taking it, he just opened his mouth slightly.
…
Excuse me?
Oh. Right. He's driving.
I sighed internally, tore a piece, and fed him.
And then—
My fingers brushed his lips.
Just slightly.
But still—
Something… felt weird.
Not bad.
Just… strange.
I ignored it and fed him again. Done. I took a sip of water.
Vivaan looked… a bit uncomfortable.
Suddenly—
"Aadhya… you have no intention of dating Naman, right?" he asked suddenly.
I looked out the window. The scenery passing.
"Yeah. I don't want a boyfriend. And Masi told me not to have one… so yeah," I answered simply.
Silence.
The rest of the drive stayed quiet.
We reached The Hungry Warrior—Krish's restaurant. The moment the car stopped, I got out quickly and rushed inside. Nikansh was already there. "Good afternoon," he greeted. I smiled and greeted back, then went straight to Avi sitting at the back, fixing my hair with my fingers.
"Don't you guys use comb?" he asked sarcastically.
"Sorry, I was in a hurry," I replied shortly and sat beside him.
This annoying little creature was already eating fries with Pepsi. Of course, I started eating from his plate too. He didn't even question it. Good boy. Others at the front tables were busy arguing about something. We ignored it. Jiya and Samar were on the other side, doing their usual couple thing.
Then Krish walked in with his crew. "Guys listen. My dad has finally recovered. He'll be returning," he announced.
Everyone cheered like animals. Whistles, claps, random sounds. Honestly, we sounded like a zoo.
"My mom took a loan, which means I can hire more crew," he continued.
Silence.
"Means we won't be working here anymore," Bhavik said, suddenly sad.
Wow. Now they don't want to leave? Hypocrites.
Krish stayed quiet for a second, then—"Yeah, now I don't have to watch your annoying faces."
Boom.
"Wow, you're so selfish!"
"Hit this guy!"
"What a bully!"
I laughed along with Avi while stuffing fries into my mouth. Suddenly—
"I'll be returning to classes, and as a thank you… I'll cook for you guys," he said, slower this time.
And then—his eyes stopped on me.
Why me?!
Everyone turned to look at me too.
Oh god.
I choked. It was so suddenly
"Cough—cough—"
Avi handed me Pepsi. Lifesaver.
All of them were still staring. Why are they staring like I committed a crime? I scratched my head awkwardly.
"Hmm… me and Krish discussed that you guys really need a cook. Since, of course, you're all too lazy to bring your own food. He refused first, but obviously I was persistent," I said proudly.
"Honestly, I think that was the reason why you offered to help," Krish said, accusing me.
Caught.
"Hey… it wasn't at first… but after a while, yes," I admitted, smiling awkwardly and flashing a peace sign.
He smiled slightly. "Let's get back to work."
Everyone shouted and went back to their tasks.
Meanwhile, I was still sitting there, eating leftover crumbs like a pigeon. Of course I was starving.
"Can we have something first?" Vivaan suddenly said, irritated.
Oh wow, look who's hungry.
"I've already fed others. You'll have to pay now," Krish replied.
Vivaan nodded and then looked at me.
"Are you eating?"
I nodded instantly. Free food? Never refusing that.
"Me and Aadhya. She's paying," he declared casually.
…
My smile dropped instantly.
WHAT?!
I glared at him. This idiot. He was already looking at the menu like nothing happened. I can't even refuse—because I owe him.
Ugh.
Next time, I'm never borrowing money from him again.
Such a bully.