A thorn in the picture
Author's pov-
The next few days at the college were... Confusing.
Purv didn't approach divya again, but his presence was impossible to ignore. She'd catch glimpses of him in the hallways, at the canteen, even in the library. He never acknowledged her, never spoke a word-but she could feel his gaze lingering sometimes.
And then there was charvi.
She had always been around purv, but after that night at the fresher's party, it seemed like she had something to prove.
Wherever purv was, charvi was closer.
Whenever purv walked past, charvi's arm was hooked around his.
Whenever purv's name was mentioned, charvi made sure to emphasize just how close they were.
It shouldn't have bothered divya.
But it did.
It was a Friday afternoon when divya found herself in the college garden, sitting under a large tree, trying to focus on an assignment.
But peace wasn't meant for her.
The familiar, overly sweet voice made her look up.
Charvi.
Dressed in an expensive pink co-ord set, nails perfectly manicured, and her signature smirk plastered on her face.
Divya sighed, already exhausted. "Can I help you?"
Charvi twirled a strand of her hair. "I just wanted to have a little chat. Girl to girl."
Divya shut her notebook. "Go ahead."
Charvi's smirk widened. "I've been noticed you've been looking at purv quite alot."
Divya's jaw clenched. "Oh? And you've been looking at me looking at him?"
Charvi let out a fake laugh. "Oh, please. I just want to save you from some embarrassment. Purv.. he's not the type to get interested in girls like you."
Divya's heart clenched, but she didn't let it show.
"Girls like me?" She asked calmly.
Charvi leaned down slightly, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. "Sweet. Emotional. Ordinary."
Divya felt a sting, but she kept her face neutral. "And you think you're his type?"
Charvi's confidence didn't waver. "Of course. I've known him for years. I understand him. You?" She scoffed. "You're just a temporary distraction. A nobody."
Divya inhaled sharply, keeping her expression unreadable. "And yet, you're standing here, wasting your time trying to warn me."
Charvi's smirk faltered for a split second.
Divya stood up, grabbing her books. "If purv really is yours, you shouldn't feel so threatened by me." She flashed charvi a small, victorious smile before walking away.
Her hands were shaking.
Her heart was racing.
But she wasn't about to let charvi see that.
The same evening, divya and kaashi were sitting in the canteen when purv entered with rudra.
And ofcourse, charvi was right beside him.
As they walked in, charvi leaned in, whispering something into purv's ear, her hand casually resting on his arm.
Divya hated the way her stomach twisted at the sight.
Kaashi, sitting beside her, noticed immediately. "You're gripping your spoon too hard."
Divya loosened her hold, sighing.
"It's nothing."
Kaashi chuckled. "Yeah? Then why do you look like you want to throw that spoon at charvi's face?"
Divya shot her a glare. "Stop."
Kaashi smirked. "Relax. I know you won't throw it. Because I will."
Divya shook her head, but a small laugh escaped her lips.
But her amusement was short-lived when she noticed something.
Purv was looking directly at her.
And he had heard everything.
Their eyes locked.
A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face before he turned away, walking towards his usual table.
Divya exhaled, her heartbeat unsteady.
This was getting too complicated.
And she had a feeling it was only the beginning.