Ruhi had always believed that love was something she could control. With the right words, the right touches, and just the right amount of vulnerability, she could keep Abhi wrapped around her finger. But lately, something felt different. And she didn't like it.
She watched him from across the campus lawn, surrounded by his usual group of friends. He was laughing, looking effortlessly perfect as always, but her focus wasn't on him-it was on the girl standing a few feet away, speaking with a quiet confidence that seemed to hold Abhi's attention more than it should.
Ishika Malhotra.
Ruhi's grip tightened around the coffee cup in her hand. She told herself that she wasn't worried. Abhi was hers. He had chosen her, over and over again. So why did she feel this sinking feeling in her stomach?
"Staring too hard might make people suspicious," a voice teased beside her.
Ruhi turned sharply to see her friend, Aisha, smirking at her. "I'm not staring," Ruhi replied coolly, taking a sip of her coffee.
Aisha chuckled. "Right. And I'm the Queen of England."
Ruhi sighed, forcing a smile. "It's nothing. Just... keeping an eye on things."
Aisha raised a brow. "You mean keeping an eye on her?"
Ruhi didn't respond. Instead, she turned her attention back to Abhi, just in time to see Ishika say something that made him laugh-a genuine, full-bodied laugh.
Her stomach twisted.
She had to do something.
-
That evening, Ruhi found herself waiting outside Abhi's car, perfectly poised as he approached. She made sure to look a little vulnerable, just enough to tug at his protective instincts.
"Hey," she greeted softly.
Abhi paused, studying her. "What's wrong?"
Ruhi sighed, looking down before meeting his eyes. "I just... I've been feeling a little off lately."
Abhi's brows furrowed, his concern immediate. "Off? What do you mean?"
She hesitated, then shook her head. "It's silly. I guess I just feel like things are changing between us."
Abhi frowned. "Ruhi, you know that's not true."
"Don't I?" she whispered, stepping closer. "Lately, you've been different. Distant."
Abhi exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Ruhi, I've just had a lot on my mind. You're overthinking this."
Overthinking. The word made her want to scream. But she smiled instead, reaching up to touch his face. "I just don't want to lose what we have."
Abhi softened, wrapping an arm around her. "You won't."
But as he held her, Ruhi couldn't help but wonder-was he comforting her?
Or himself?
And for the first time, she wasn't sure if words alone would be enough to keep him.
......to be continued.....