Chapter 2
Reyansh
UGH! One worry down, finally. The post-grad days are finally done!
As I stride purposefully into the front office to return the convocation robes, I can’t help but feel a mix of pride and resolution.
“Mine and Amyra’s!” I announce, handing the vibrant fabric to the official before me. She receives them with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
“Congratulations on being the topper of the University again, Reyansh,” she greets, her tone radiating genuine affection.
I offer a polite smile, feeling a hint of discomfort at the commendation.
“I don’t think that’s an achievement, ma’am.
Anyways, thank you.” I turn away, making my way back to the ceremony venue, my thoughts swirling with anticipation.
Compliments have always trailed after me like a shadow, a testament to both my diligence and a stroke of fortune.
With hard work and a bit of luck, I’ve consistently excelled in my studies, something I am profoundly grateful for, especially with the weight of our family legacy now resting on my shoulders.
B the nickname ‘Rey’ feels like a title that belongs only to Amyra. When anyone else utters it, it grates against my ears, an invasion of something personal.
“I’m sorry, I forgot. So, Reyansh, I was wondering if you’re free tomorrow—”
“Sorry, I am not!” I retort stiffly, turning my back on her as I step into the lively hall, where my family stands engaged in cheerful conversation, bright smiles painting their faces as they await my arrival. Just as I’m about to move further, her voice pierces the air again, halting my progress.
“Why can’t you give me one chance? Just a coffee meeting, Reyansh.” Her tone is laced with both frustration and desperation, and honestly, I am tired of consistently turning her down.
“Haven’t I made myself clear about my disinterest since the very first time, Sanjana?
Stop toying with me. Besides, I have plans with Amyra tomorrow.
Goodbye and best wishes for your future.
” I lie through a feigned smile as I push past her, eager to escape the conversation and immerse myself in the warmth of my family.
Many girls have had a crush on me since my college days, but Sanjana is far more stubborn than the rest. She kept pestering me for a date, even after I made my disinterest crystal clear. I’m relieved it finally ended today.
The truth is, my focus has always been on studies and self-improvement.
Flings, relationships, affairs—none of them ever held my attention.
With a female best friend already sharing most of my personal life, I never felt the need to chase that phase.
But the thing is, you can’t stay immune to love forever, not when it surrounds you every single day.
You will eventually have to acknowledge your feelings.
“You are back!” Amyra shifts her gaze at me after adjusting her sleeves, and my eyes automatically scan her outfit.
She’s dressed in a brand-new Kaki three-piece set—a sleek crop top paired with tailored trousers and a flowing trench coat, styled flawlessly with ankle boots, a gold layered necklace, diamond studs, a stack of bracelets on her right hand, a glistening Rolex on her wrist, and a bold red leather handbag; nude lipstick and shimmering eye makeup to complete the look.
Amyra has always been a stunner, but today she could step straight out of a fashion magazine—regal, commanding, radiating the aura of a businesswoman with a hint of bossy attitude.
She’s no longer the innocent girl who once twirled in gowns.
My lips tug into a genuine smile, reminded once again of how fortunate I am to call her my best friend.
Amyra Bajaj is the perfect blend of intelligence, elegance, confidence, and beauty. When she enters a room, she ensures it bends to her will. She truly is one of a kind.
“Done staring at me? I know I look good today! Now, let's go and feed our famished tummies.” She rolls her eyes, and our mothers break into shy smiles, silently enjoying the banter.
“Alright, princess. Let's move.” With the intention of bidding our batchmates a final goodbye, we sent our mothers home once we finished our dinner and were about to head toward the garden when Amyra stopped to take a call.
“Really? I’ll meet you in a minute.” She ends the call and faces me.
“Sanchi is leaving in an emergency. I need to meet her.”
“Why can't she just show up to the batchmates' meet-up and go?” I sigh in annoyance.
“Didn't you hear me earlier? Just give me five minutes, I’ll be back.” She pushes her handbag into my hand and jogs back to the exit way.
God, why is Sanchi always on a mission to steal my best friend away? I groan in frustration, realizing I have to walk to the garden alone.
Sanchi Arora stormed into Amyra’s life like a typhoon, offering the warmth of a sisterly bond. Over time, they grew so inseparable that I often feel like the third wheel whenever I am around them.
I know I’m acting like an insecure child, but I can’t help it. Some things in me refuse to change, especially when it comes to sharing my best friend. Sure, I’ve had my share of guy friends, but none come close to the natural comfort and ease Amyra brings. She’s utterly addictive in that way.
Too drained to continue wandering, I join a group of guys, and we reach the garden together, where students from different branches have already gathered.
Fifteen minutes had passed since she left. What is it taking her so long?
I dial her number. It rings endlessly, then cuts off.
I try again, no response. Restlessness coils in me, urging me to go find her.
Just as I turn back, Amyra finally saunters into the area.
Her head is tilted left, her gaze fixed on something or someone.
I follow the line of her eyes, and my body goes rigid.
My breath stalls, and shock tightens my chest as I catch sight of the person walking beside her.
“Karan Mahajan?” I mutter to myself in disbelief. Didn’t he leave this university a few months ago?
I keep staring as they stop in their tracks, facing each other. She smiles at something he says, and my gaze drops to his extended hand.
No way.
Before I can think twice, I storm forward, stepping between them and brushing back her lifted hand.
“How come you show up after many months of disappearance, Mr. Karan Mahajan?” I pose a challenging look at him, and he instantly mirrors my expression.
“I might have disappeared, but I am not gone, Mr. Reyansh Thakur,” I raise an eyebrow, judging him.
“I am here to take back what I left.”
“What do you mean?” I retort in surprise.
“It's my post-graduation degree certificate, dude. What else?” He lets out a dry chuckle, and I can see it's not about the degree. I am very well aware of what he is talking about. And I don't like even one per cent of it.
“I see, you have been underground all the time.”
“You're the top student at the university for a reason, Reyansh. Very sharp and observant.” His piercing gaze suggests he knows that I am aware of his true intentions.
“Anyway, we have to go. Good luck, Karan.” I smirk at him before grabbing Amyra’s hand and changing our direction toward the exit.
“But aren't we supposed to go to the garden for the meet-up?” she asks beside me.
“The plan has changed. We’re heading home right now,” I reply, trying my best to contain my rising anger.
“What’s your problem, Reyansh?” She stops abruptly, yanks her hand away, and I know I’m in trouble. The reason?
Amyra called my full name instead of ‘Rey’.
“Your talking to Karan is the problem, Ames.”
“Oh my God, why are you so overreacting?”
“Don't forget the fact that he probably still has feelings for you and may try to hit on you again!” My voice comes out as a grumble, and I feel myself burning up.
Of all Amyra’s admirers, Karan Mahajan is the persistent one—the kind who keeps chasing even after firm rejection. Then, out of nowhere, he disappears from the university, to everyone’s relief. And today, he shows up again.
I remember warning him to stay away when he wouldn’t stop pestering her with his smooth talk and failed attempts at persuasion.
He had just smirked and told me I had no right to interfere.
Maybe that’s why the mere sight of his face pisses me off, and seeing him this close to Amyra?
It makes my blood boil; my only thought is to pull her away from him.
Am I being unreasonable?
“That doesn't matter as long as he doesn't misbehave, and I don't care about his feelings. Also, he was just being considerate, checking my well-being a few moments ago, but you meddled with your sharp tongue and dragged me away.” She screeches back, matching my fervor, and I really pressed her nerves, I guess.
“I don't want you to land in trouble, Ames.” My tone comes down, but she doesn't even look at me.
“I am not four, Rey. And don't ever make decisions for me without my consent! I don’t want to disappoint my batchmates, and I am going back to them.” She pivots back, each powerful step of her boots scraping the ground with a loud, creaky friction.
She really hates it when someone takes control over her life! She can be very stubborn about certain things.
“Please, Amy! I am in no mood to go back. Let's just go home.” I mumble in a soft tone, and I hear her footsteps coming to a halt.
“You really are good at convincing me, Rey.” She slowly ambles back to me, and I pull off a short smile. I know it well. My ‘Amy’ and my soft and vulnerable tone are her weaknesses. Her stubborn stand a moment ago turns into an endearing softness.
“Thank you, Ames.” I link our arms immediately in joy, and we reach the exit amidst laughs and funny chatter.
I rush into the parking lot to bring out my most precious possession—my red Kawasaki Ninja sports bike, my companion for the past six years.
I still remember the day I first laid eyes on it in the showroom, and how I fell in love with it instantly.
Since then, I’ve treasured it as if it were a human.
“Hop on!” I roar the engine to life and wait for Amyra to adjust in the back seat.
“Hold on tight, Ames,” I command as I worry my speeding may hinder her safety. When Amyra’s hands rise to rest on my shoulders, I pull them around my waist instead and give them a gentle squeeze before starting the ride.
This feels perfect, knowing she’s safe behind me.
The ride from the university to our house is barely thirty minutes, though it always tests my self-control. My hands itch to push the clutch and unleash speed, but with Amyra riding pillion, I stay mindful.
That’s when it hits me! She’s the only girl who’s ever sat on this bike with me.
The ride stays silent, the wind flowing past us, until the Bajaj Mansion comes into view. My fingers tighten, thrashing the brake lever. Through the mirror, I watch her climb off before turning around to share what I need to tell her.
“Good night, Rey. Are we meeting tomorrow?”
“Not tomorrow, but this Sunday. My family and I will be visiting the Bajaj Mansion,” I declared, the excitement in my voice barely contained.
She arched an eyebrow, skepticism etching her features.
“Don’t we do that almost every day? What’s so special about this Sunday?
” I take a breath, knowing I have been reluctant to share my news until the right moment.
“I have an announcement planned for Sunday. I’ve been postponing it until we graduate, and now feels like the perfect time since our fathers will both be home. ”
I glance her way, hoping to catch a hint of understanding. Instead, her face remains a mask of confusion. “What have you been hiding from me for so long?”
“As I said, I was just waiting for the opportune moment, and now it has arrived… this Sunday,” I reply, my heart racing. A glimmer of anxiety crosses her face as she presses, “I can’t endure this mystery for the next three days, Rey. You have to tell me what it’s about!”
Looking at her, the honest determination in her eyes makes it impossible to hold back any longer.
“It’s about time we take our friendship to another level.
” I wink playfully, the words slipping out along with a surge of adrenaline.
Without waiting for her reaction, I zoom off down the road, my thoughts racing just as fast as the car, and pull into the Thakur Estate nearby.
The weight of my feelings for her became too serious to bear in silence any longer.