Playing the game
Author's pov-
Divya had always believed in her ability to read people. But now, as she walked across the campus with Rehan beside her, she had to convince herself that she could do more than just read him-she had to outplay him.
Rehan was charming. Too charming. His presence was calculated, his words precise, as if every move was part of well-thought-out strategy.
And now, she had to make him believe he was winning.
"So," rehan said, walking slightly ahead of her before turning with a teasing smile. "I was thinking-how about coffee after class? Just you and me."
Divya pretended to hesitate, chewing on her bottom lip. She knew purv would be watching, knew he was probably fighting the urge to step in.
But this had to be convincing.
"That sounds... Nice," she finally said, her voice softer than usual.
Rehan's eyes glinted with satisfaction. "Perfect. I'll pick you up."
She forced a shy smile and nodded. As she turned away, her fingers clenched into fists. This was harder than she thought it would be.
Later that evening, she met purv on the rooftop, where he was already waiting, leaning against the railing with his arms crossed. His expression was unreadable, but his knuckles was white against the metal.
"How was the coffee?" His voice was calm, but she wasn't fooled.
Divya sighed. "I barely drank it. He talks too much."
Purv's jaw ticked. "Did he touch you?"
"No," she reassured him. "Just a little too close sometime, but I handled it."
Purv turned fully toward her now, his intense gaze pinning her in place. "You don't have to do this, Divya."
She stepped closer, resting a hand on his chest. "I do. If we want to know what he's planning, I have to play along."
Purv exhaled sharply, his fingers grazing her wrist before tightening slightly. "The moment he crosses a line-"
"I'll stop him," she finished for him.
He studied her for a moment before sighing. "I don't like this."
"You don't have to," she murmured, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "Just trust me."
Purv's grip on her wrist loosened before he pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "I do. But I don't trust him."
Neither did she.
Which was exactly why she had to make him believe that he was in control-before she took it away from him completely.