Jealous
Author's pov-
The kiss lingered in Divya's mind long after they pulled away. It was the kind of moment that left her breathless, a moment that should've meant something.
But purv? He was still distant, even after everything.
He had told her he was scared. That alone was something. But was it enough?
The next morning, Divya entered the campus with kaashi, who had been eagerly waiting for an update.
"So?" Kaashi asked the moment they sat down on the benches outside the library.
Divya sighed. "We kissed again."
Kaashi's jaw dropped. "Wait, wait, wait. You again kissed purv?"
Divya nodded, playing with the hem of her sleeve.
Kaashi smirked. "And? How was it?"
Divya rolled her eyes, but the heat on her cheeks gave her away. "That's not the point, kaashi. He told me he's scared. Like, what am I supposed to do with that?"
Kaashi shrugged. "Maybe just... Give him time?"
Divya exhaled. "I don't know. I feel like I'm always waiting for him to decide what he wants."
Kaashi nudged her. "Then don't wait. Make him realize what he's missing if he doesn't step up."
Divya gave her a skeptical look. "You mean playing games?"
Kaashi grinned. "Not games. Just... remind him that he can lose you."
Divya thought about it. Maybe kaashi had a point.
---------------------------------------------------
Purv wasn't expecting to see Divya with Aditya again. But there she was, laughing with him in the college garden.
It was irrational, the way his stomach twisted at the sight. He had no right to feel this way.
But that didn't stop him from walking over.
"Divya," purv's voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.
Divya turned, surprised to see him. "Hey."
Aditya glanced between them. "Uh, I'll go grab my notes. Catch you later, Divya."
Purv watched as Aditya left before shifting his gaze back to her. "You're spending alot of time with him."
Divya raised an eyebrow. "So?"
Purv clenched his jaw. "I just-" He ran a hand through his hair. "You're doing this on purpose."
She tilted her head. "Doing what?"
Purv exhaled sharply. "Trying to make me jealous."
Divya crossed her arms. "And if I am?"
He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "You don't have to."
She stared at him, searching his face. "Then prove it."
Purv was silent.
And that silent said everything.
Divya let out a bitter chuckle. "That's what I thought."
She turned to leave, but before she could, purv grabbed her wrist.
"I am trying," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't want to ruin you."
Divya's heart ached at his words.
She softened, stepping closer. "You won't."
Purv swallowed, his grip just tightening slightly. "I can't promise that."
Divya exhaled. "Then maybe it's my choice to make."
Purv looked at her, something unreadable in his gaze.
For the first time, she saw the war inside him. The push and pull. The fear and longing.
She just wished he'd stop fighting it.