Unwanted attention
Author's pov-
The games continued, but Divya's mind was elsewhere. The moment with purv lingered like an unwelcome echo, replaying in her head no matter how hard she tried to push it away.
"Come on, stop overthinking," kaashi nudged her. "It was just a silly game."
Divya forced a smile. "I know." But deep down, she felt something unsettling. It wasn't just losing-it was the way purv had smirked, as if he had already predicated her defeat.
The fresher's party was in full swing now. The lights dimmed, and the DJ began playing upbeat music. The dance floor filled with students, the energy shifting from playful games to wild celebration.
Kaashi tugged at Divya's arm. "Let's dance!"
"I'm not really in the mood," Divya admitted.
Kaashi groaned. "You're seriously going to sit and sulk because you lose to a guy who probably doesn't even remember your name?"
Divya blinked. That stung, but she knew kaashi was just trying to shake her out of it.
"Fine," she relented. "One dance."
Kaashi grinned and dragged her to the dance floor. The music pulsed through the speakers, and divya let herself get lost in the rhythm. She swayed, letting go of the awkwardness, allowing herself to enjoy the moment.
But her peace didn't last long.
"Hey there, beautiful."
A voice interrupted her moment of escape.
She turned to see a guy-tall, broad-shouldered, with a cocky grin plastered across his face. His eyes raked over her in a way that made her stomach twist uncomfortably.
"I'm Aryan," he introduced himself, stepping closer. "You're new here, aren't you?"
Divya took a step back instinctively. "Yeah. First year."
"I figured," Aryan smirked. "I would've noticed someone like you before."
Divya forced a tight smile. "Uh, thanks?"
"Come on, don't be shy." Aryan leaned in slightly. "Dance with me."
"I'm actually with my friend-" she tried to step back, but Aryan caught her wrist gently, though firmly.
"Just one dance," he insisted.
Divya tensed. Something about him felt off. His grip, though not painful, was persistent. She glanced around, looking for kaashi, but she was lost in the crowd.
"Let go," she said, keeping her voice steady.
Aryan chuckled. "Relax, I-"
"Is there a problem here?"
The voice sent a shiver down her spine.
Purv.
He stood there, his cold gaze locked onto Aryan, his expression unreadable but undeniably intimidating.
Aryan let out a low laugh, lifting his hands in surrender. "Chill, bro. We were just talking."
Purv's eyes darkened. "Didn't look like she wanted to talk.
Aryan scoffed but didn't push further. With one last glance at divya, he smirked. "See you around, beautiful." And with that, he melted into the crowd.
Divya exhaled, not realizing she had been holding her breath.
Purv turned to her, his gaze unreadable. "You should be more careful."
She bristled at his tone. "I didn't ask for your help."
Purv raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Didn't need to. You looked like you were about to punch him."
Divya crossed her arms. "Maybe I was."
A ghost of a smirk played on his lips. "I'd pay to see that."
Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd as if nothing had happened.
Divya stood there, heart still racing.
What just happened?