A tangled web
Author's pov-
Divya couldn't shake the feeling of unease, even as she rejoined kaashi, who was completely oblivious to what had just happened.
"Where were you?" Kaashi asked, sipping her drink.
"Nowhere," Divya muttered, still processing the incident with Aryan-and more importantly, purv's interference.
Kaashi gave her a suspicious glance but let it slide. "Come on, let's get some fresh air."
The two stepped outside onto the terrace, where the cool breeze provided relief from the stifling crowd inside. The city lights twinkled in the distance, but Divya's thoughts were miles away.
"I ran into Aryan," she finally said.
Kaashi's eyebrow shot up. "That guy's bad news. Did he bother you?"
Divya hesitated before nodding. "Yeah... But purv stepped in."
Kaashi's eyes widened in surprise. "Purv? As in purv?"
"Yes, purv," divya repeated. "It was weird. He just showed up and made Aryan leave."
Kaashi smirked. "Well, well, maybe our ice king has a soft spot after all."
Divya scoffed. "Please. He probably just didn't want any drama at party."
"Maybe," kaashi said, but the glint in her eyes suggested she wasn't convinced.
Divya shook her head. She didn't want to overthink purv's action. He was rich, powerful, and clearly used to getting his way. Whatever he did, it had nothing to do with her.
Or so she thought.
College was buzzing with gossip about the fresher's party. In every corner, students were talking about the games, the drama, and of course, the infamous Purv Rathore.
Divya tried to ignore the whispers, but she wasn't prepared for what happened next.
As she walked into the campus, Aryan was waiting for her near the entrance, leaning against casually his bike.
"Good morning, beautiful," he greeted, flashing that same arrogant smirk.
Divya rolled her eyes. "Not interested."
Aryan chuckled, unfazed. "Oh, come on. Last night was just a misunderstanding. I didn't meant to make you uncomfortable.
"Then don't," she said flatly, stepping past him.
But Aryan wasn't one to give up easily. He caught up with her, walking along side. "Look, I was just being friendly. You're new here, and I thought we could get to know each other."
"I don't need new friends," Divya shot back.
Aryan let out a low laugh. "Feisty. I like that."
Before divya could respond, another voice cut in.
"She said she's not interested."
Purv. Again.
Divya turned to see him standing a few steps away, his expression unreadable but his presence commanding.
Aryan's smirk faltered for just a second before he shrugged. "Relax, bro. I'm just talking."
"Then talk somewhere else," purv said coldly.
The tension between them was thick, but Aryan wasn't stupid. He held up his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. I'll see you around, divya."
With that, he strolled away, leaving divya standing there, her emotions tangled.
She turned to purv. "Why do you keep interfering?"
Purv's gaze was steady. "Because you clearly can't handle guys like him."
Divya clenched her fists. "I don't need your protection."
Purv tilted his head slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Then stop needing it."
Before she could reply, he walked away, leaving her standing there, heart pounding with frustration.
What was his problem? And more importantly.... Why did he care?