Ruhi wasn't used to feeling powerless. She had always been the one pulling the strings, charming her way into the hearts of those she needed. But now, something was slipping beyond her grasp-and she refused to accept it.
-
The next day, Ruhi arrived at college with a plan. If Abhi was getting distant, she needed to remind him of what they had, to pull him back before Ishika could sink her claws any deeper.
Spotting him in the hallway, she immediately brightened. "Abhi!" She rushed to his side, looping her arm through his. "I missed you."
Abhi smiled, but there was something tired in his expression. "Hey, Ruhi."
Ruhi's heart clenched. That wasn't the response she wanted.
She pouted slightly. "Are you avoiding me?"
Abhi frowned. "No, of course not. I've just been busy."
Busy. He had never been too busy for her before.
-
During their free period, Ruhi led Abhi to the rooftop, their usual spot. It was secluded, a place where she had always been able to have him to herself.
She leaned against the railing, letting the breeze play with her hair. "Remember when we first started sneaking up here?" she asked, her voice soft and nostalgic. "You used to say this was our place."
Abhi chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I remember."
"But now..." Ruhi hesitated, looking at him carefully. "You're different, Abhi."
Abhi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Ruhi, I-"
Before he could finish, a familiar voice called from below.
"Abhi?"
Ruhi's stomach twisted as Ishika appeared at the entrance to the rooftop. She looked effortlessly composed, as if she hadn't just walked in on something intimate.
"Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt," Ishika said politely.
Abhi turned to her, a small but genuine smile forming on his lips. "Hey, Ishika."
Ruhi's fists clenched. That smile... it was different from the one he gave her moments ago. Less forced. More real.
Before she could stop herself, she spoke. "We were just having a private moment."
Ishika met her gaze calmly. "I see."
Ruhi expected her to back off, to leave. But Ishika didn't. Instead, she walked toward them, her presence strong, unwavering.
Abhi, instead of dismissing her, stepped slightly toward her as if her arrival was natural. As if he wanted her there.
Something inside Ruhi snapped.
-
That night, Ruhi sat alone in her room, staring at her phone. No messages from Abhi.
For the first time, fear crept in. This wasn't just about Ishika anymore.
She was losing Abhi.
And she couldn't let that happen.
.......to be continued.....