I hope you enjoy this chapter❤️

Arjun’s POV~

I finally reached home, my mind still echoing with the teasing and laughter of my two so-called friends. They couldn’t stop laughing once they heard about that girl—or should I say, that kid?

Sighing, I sat on my bed and ran a hand over my face.

The moment I closed my eyes, her face appeared in my mind—her blue eyes filled with tears, her small nose turning red from crying.

A small chuckle left my mouth before I realized what I was thinking.

What the hell? Why am I even thinking about her?

But I didn’t see her today. Is she a new student? Maybe it was her first day, and she was nervous? Ugh, whatever. Why do I even care?

Shaking off my thoughts, I headed for a shower.

Once I was done, I stepped into the living room where a small dining table was set for dinner.

Both of my friends were already seated, and I walked toward them.

The servants usually come in the morning to do all the chores, and after preparing dinner, they leave in the evening.

I sat beside Rajveer as he passed me a plate filled with healthy food.

"Thanks," I muttered, and he just nodded.

"Come on, we were just joking. At least smile a little," Sourav said, grinning.

I ignored him, shaking my head.

"Mom was asking when we’re visiting her," Rajveer said.

"Let’s just finish this last semester first. In the end, we have to go to them anyway," Sourav replied casually.

I nodded. "Yeah, let’s complete this and then visit."

"Hmm, sounds good," Rajveer added.

It’s true. After completing our studies, we have to take over our family businesses.

The three of us have known each other since childhood, thanks to our family connections.

My father met Rajveer’s and Sourav’s fathers during his college days. Since my grandfather had already built his business empire, my father partnered with them. Together, they reached new heights of success.

We finished our dinner while discussing random topics and soon retired to our rooms.

That night, after completing some university work, I finally fell asleep.

Days started passing smoothly.

It has been one week since I last saw that pretty girl.

We don’t usually eat at the canteen since our meals are prepared at the apartment. But for some reason, I started visiting the cafeteria more often.

Hoping to see her again.

But it’s like she vanished into thin air.

I sighed, realizing how easily she had made a place in my mind.

"Let’s go to the cafeteria," I told my friends. Without waiting for their response, I walked ahead.

"Yeah, let’s have coffee," Rajveer yawned. Guess he didn’t sleep well.

The cafeteria wasn’t crowded—there are multiple cafeterias on campus, so students are scattered.

I took a deep breath, glancing around.

A group of girls was gossiping and giggling upon seeing us enter.

We’re quite popular, not just because of our family names but also because my father donates a huge amount to this university. Naturally, that gets me VIP treatment here.

I looked toward the giggling girls, uninterested—until I heard the voice I had been waiting to hear for a week.

"You’re the one I accidentally spilled coffee on, right?"

I turned to my right and found her standing there, struggling to carry some heavy books.

I simply nodded.

I was wearing a hat—maybe that’s why she didn’t recognize me?

But then, she said something I did not expect.

"Sorry, I forgot to ask you that day—what’s your name?"

Before I could reply, loud laughter echoed through the cafeteria.

I turned to see Sourav and Rajveer laughing uncontrollably, holding their stomachs.

Idiots.

Rolling my eyes, I shifted my gaze back to her.

She stood there patiently waiting for my answer.

Is she acting just to get my attention?

I looked into her eyes and found sincerity.

But my mind refused to accept it.

"You don’t need to know," I said bluntly before walking out of the cafeteria.

I sensed her following me, and my steps halted when I heard her voice.

"Hello, mister. You don’t have to be so rude. I just wanted to thank you, but it seems like you don’t deserve it."

I turned to look at her. Is this really the same girl who was crying like a child that day?

"You were the one crying that day, right? Or was it your twin?"

I was amused by her.

Her face showed clear irritation. "That was me, but I wasn’t well that day."

"You looked absolutely fine to me."

"I may have looked physically fine, but emotionally, I wasn’t."

She paused for a moment before adding, "You know… the girls' thing."

Her cheeks suddenly turned red, and without waiting for my response, she walked past me.

"Arjun Malhotra," I called out loud enough for her to hear.

She stopped and turned back, smiling softly.

"Mary Fernandez," she said before heading toward the girls' hostel.

Is she Christian?

"The longest conversation Arjun Malhotra has ever had with a girl," I heard Gaurav comment.

"Congratulations, man! You finally broke your record," Rajveer added.

I turned to see them grinning like they were in a Colgate commercial.

Ignoring them, I walked toward the parking area.

That’s when I heard another voice.

"She was beautiful."

I turned around to find Rohit, a classmate of mine, smirking at me.

"Finally got yourself a girlfriend, huh?" he asked, placing his hand on my shoulder.

Anger immediately surged within me.

"None of your business," I growled, jerking his hand off.

"Relax, man. I was just wondering if you’d share her with me."

That was it.

I punched him—hard.

He fell to the ground, blood trickling from the side of his lips.

I stepped forward, ready to beat the shit out of him.

He got up, clenching his fists, preparing for a fight.

"Arjun, stop!"

Both of my friends grabbed me before I could attack again.

"Let go! I swear I’ll kill him!" I said, my voice was boiling with rage.

"You know he’s doing it on purpose. His girlfriend dumped him because she liked you," Rajveer reasoned, still holding me back.

"He’s right. Forget that bastard for now. We’ll deal with him outside the university," Sourav added.

I took a deep breath, clenching my jaw.

But one thing was certain—

If Rohit dared to lay eyes on her again…

He wouldn’t live to see the rising sun.

Thanks for reading❤️