Distance
Author's pov-
The next few days passed in a blur, but the distance between Divya and purv only grew.
She tried to act normal-like that kiss and their conversation hadn't left a mark-but it had. She couldn't stop thinking about the way his eyes had darkened when she told him it was her choice to make.
But purv? He avoided her.
Not completely, but enough for her to notice.
He still showed up at the same places. Still passed by her in the halls. But he never stopped. Never lingered.
And that hurt more than anything.
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Purv leaned against his car, running a hand through his hair.
He knew he was being coward. Knew he was making things worse by staying away.
But he also knew himself.
He had destroyed one person with his anger before-he couldn't do it again.
Even if it meant losing her.
"You look like you're about to set something on fire," Rudra's voice cut through his thoughts.
Purv exhaled sharply. "I just need to get out of my own head."
Rudra smirked. "Then why are you standing here like a guy who just got dumped?"
Purv shot him a glare. "She didn't dump me. We weren't even together."
Rudra raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you acting like this?"
Purv didn't answer.
Rudra sighed. "Listen, man. If you don't want her, just tell her straight up. But if you do..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "Stop being an idiot and go after her."
Purv let out a humourless laugh. "You think it's that easy?"
Rudra shrugged. "I think you're making it harder than it has to be."
Purv didn't respond.
Because a part of him knew Rudra was right.
---------------------------------------------------
That evening, as Divya was leaving the library, she felt someone grab her wrist.
Her heart skipped a beat. She didn't even have to turn around to know who it was.
"Purv?" She whispered.
He didn't say anything right away, just let his grip loosen before he let go.
Divya turned to face him, her chest tightening at the look in his eyes.
"I.." he hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry."
Divya's lips parted in surprise. "For what?"
Purv exhaled, frustrated. "For... avoiding you."
She studied his face, trying to understand what was going on in that head of his. "Why did you?"
He looked away for a moment, then back at her. "Because you deserve better."
Divya's stomach twisted. "Purv-"
"I don't want to hurt you," he interrupted.
She took a step closer. "Then don't."
His jaw clenched. "It's not that simple."
Divya shook her head. "You keep saying that, but have you ever considered that you're the one making it complicated?"
Purv didn't answer.
Divya sighed, tired. "If you're going to push me away, then just do it. But stop acting like you get to decide what's best for me."
Purv stared at her, his expression unreadable.
Then, just as she turned to leave, he spoke.
"I don't want to push you away."
Divya froze.
She turned back to him slowly, meeting his gaze. "Then don't."
For a moment, it looked like he might say something more.
But then, just like always, he hesitated.
And Divya realised something.
As much as she wanted him to fight for her-he wasn't ready.
Maybe he never would be.