Ruhi couldn't stop thinking about it. Ishika Malhotra. The name had been echoing in her mind ever since Abhi uttered it.
She had expected his parents to introduce him to someone from their circle, but she hadn't thought they'd bring in someone of Ishika's caliber. She wasn't just another rich girl—she was the rich girl, the kind of woman people admired and feared in equal measure. Someone untouchable. Someone Ruhi could never compete with.
The idea unsettled her in a way she couldn't quite define.
She refused to dwell on it, pushing the thoughts away as she arrived on campus the next morning. The college grounds buzzed with life, students scattered in their usual groups, but Ruhi's sharp gaze instantly found Abhi.
He was leaning against his car, surrounded by friends and admirers. A group of girls stood nearby, giggling as they threw him flirty glances. It was a normal sight, something Ruhi had seen a hundred times before.
But today, it irritated her more than usual.
She marched up to him, pasting a casual smirk on her face. "Well, well, if it isn't the college heartthrob. Shouldn't you be preparing for your big date this weekend?"
Abhi glanced at her, a knowing glint in his eyes. "And here I thought you didn't care."
Ruhi folded her arms, tilting her head. "I don't. Just wondering if you're excited. I mean, Ishika Malhotra? That's a big deal."
Abhi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You sound like my parents."
Ruhi let out a fake gasp. "Me? Like them? That's the worst insult you've ever thrown at me."
He chuckled, but his amusement didn't reach his eyes. "Honestly, Ruhi, I don't know what's worse—the fact that they're forcing this on me, or the fact that everyone thinks this is perfect for me."
She studied him for a moment. Beneath his usual arrogance, there was something else—something almost vulnerable.
"Are you going to meet her, though?" Ruhi asked, trying to sound indifferent.
Abhi shrugged. "I have no choice. My parents are making sure of it."
That didn't sit well with her. Not because she cared about his freedom—but because if he met Ishika, if he actually liked her…
She shook the thought away. No. That won't happen.
Ruhi's gaze flickered toward the group of girls still watching them, whispering among themselves. A familiar irritation bubbled up inside her. Without thinking, she stepped closer to Abhi, placing a hand on his chest.
"Guess you'll be busy this weekend," she murmured, loud enough for the others to hear.
Abhi's brows lifted slightly before a smirk tugged at his lips. "Ruhi… are you marking your territory?"
She smiled sweetly. "Just reminding everyone who the real star of your life is."
The way his eyes darkened slightly made something twist in her stomach. A thrill. A satisfaction she refused to name.
Abhi chuckled, shaking his head. "You're dangerous, you know that?"
Ruhi simply grinned. "And you love it."
But as she walked away, pretending to be unbothered, she couldn't shake off the nagging feeling in her chest.
Because for the first time, she wasn't sure if she was winning this game anymore.
......to be continued.....
Author's Note:
Ruhi's claws are out—but underneath that smirk and sass, something deeper is unraveling. She's not just jealous. She's scared.
Because Ishika Malhotra isn't a passing phase. She's the kind of threat you can't flirt or fight away.
And for once, Ruhi's not sure if she's the one pulling the strings… or if the game is slipping from her hands entirely.
Keep your eyes on the board, because every move from here on out? It counts.
—The author, watching the queen begin to falter just as the new player steps onto the stage.