Priya pov:
Here I am, standing alone in the college corridor. Yes, it’s my first day. Neil and I tried so hard to get admitted into the same college since we’re both studying the same course, but unfortunately, here I am—without him.
I don’t know why, but suddenly I feel like an introvert, which I know I’m not. But being surrounded by unfamiliar faces is making me so uncomfortable. I’ve been missing him so much already, from day one itself. I keep wondering—does he miss me too? How is he doing? How is he feeling on his first day?
I feel like crying, even though I’m surrounded by so many people. Strangers. But this is the reality—life is life. It has to move on. There’s no going back.
With a deep breath and closed eyes, I try to motivate myself. Yes, you can do it, Priya. It’s not like they’re going to eat you. Come on, it’s just college. I repeat it like a mantra, over and over, as I walk through the corridor, looking for my department.
I was so focused on searching for my class that I didn’t notice someone coming from the opposite direction. Suddenly—thud! I bumped into… a wall?
Wait… how did a wall just appear in the middle of the corridor?
Shit.
It wasn’t a wall. It was a chest. A very hard one.
A very male chest.
I looked up—and oh. My. God.
The boy in front of me looked like he had just walked out of one of my novel books. He had striking grey eyes, black curly hair that casually fell over his forehead, a sharp jawline, and pale skin. His build? Definitely gym-goer. Hard muscles, veiny hands—oh-ho! Fitness freak alert. And yes, totally giving “mysterious dark book-boy” vibes. Oh come on it's not a crime to admire the beauty....
I was so lost in admiring his beauty that I didn’t even realize he was talking.
“Oye, hello, madam?”
His voice snapped me back to reality. Oh god, I’d just been standing there staring. Creep alert. My cheeks turned red from embarrassment. He probably thought I was shameless. Ugh. And he just chuckled on my reaction.
Oh. My. God. it's so embarrassing.
But to my surprise, he was actually sweet. He asked if I was okay.
I nodded quickly, replying in the most neutral tone I could manage, “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Then, he asked if I could help him find his department. Apparently, he was also a bit lost.
And now what do I say? Dude, I’m also hopelessly lost here!
But me being Priya—the girl who can never say no to helping—asked him which department he was looking for. And to my surprise, he said the same one as mine.
“Well, lucky us,” I said, smiling a little. “I’m looking for that too.”
So now, here we were—two strangers, walking down the corridor, lost together, searching for our department.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“I’m Priya Singh,” I replied quickly.
Oh yes, he’s not my friend that I can just say “Priya.” He’s a stranger, so the full name felt more appropriate.
I asked him his name in return, and he said, “Akshat Patel,” with a small smile.
To be honest—and you all know I’m not naive—I can usually read people pretty well. The way he talked, the way he looked at me… it didn’t give off creepy or flirty vibes at all. He seemed genuine. Nice. Maybe even sweet.
After a good amount of wandering and peeking into the wrong classrooms, we finally found our department. It was on the fourth floor. Great. My legs already felt like jelly.
We entered the classroom, and like complete strangers (which we were), we quietly sat down on different benches, he was behind me.
A few minutes later, our professor walked in. He looked like he was in his fifties but still kinda… handsome?
"Oh shut up, Priya.
What the hell is wrong with you?
You’re not on your period. You’re not ovulating. Calm down, idiot"
I scolded myself silently.
The professor introduced himself, told us which subject he’d be teaching, and gave us a warm, motivational welcome speech. He didn’t seem strict or rude—just a nice, encouraging teacher.
And then… it happened.
The classroom door creaked open.
Someone stood there, breathing heavily, soaked in sweat, like he’d just run a marathon. Everyone turned to look, probably thinking he was about to pass out.
But me?
I couldn’t even breathe.
Because standing there—right in front of me—was him.
My lifeline.
My idiot.
My buddy.
My best friend.
Neil.
I was frozen. A statue.
And “shock” was too small a word for what I was feeling.
I felt like crying. Honestly, I just wanted to run to him, hug him tightly, and then give him a nice slap for pulling such a stunt. But no—I composed myself. I knew where I was. I couldn’t act all dramatic and emotional in front of the entire class.
Then he saw me.
That smile.
Ughh....
That same beautiful smile that always made me melt.
But not today.
Nope. I’m not going to forgive him so easily.
Even though inside, I was jumping in joy, on the outside, I just turned my face away. I knew he’d be confused by my reaction, but did I care?
Nope.
The professor asked who he was, and he replied, “My name is Neil Singh Shekhawat and I’m from this class, sir. I got late because I couldn’t find the classroom.”
"Jhoota kahika..."I murmured to myself and rolled my eyes hard. .Such a liar. I know him too well.
He walked into the class without saying a word to me and started moving toward my bench. Was he seriously thinking of sitting beside me?
Excuse me? Me, Priya? Will I allow that?
I instantly scooted to the very edge, leaving him no space. That was my silent way of saying, don’t even try, mister. He must have gotten the hint because he walked to the bench behind mine and sat next to—oh look—Akshat.
Yes, apparently, he’s a backbencher too.
I could hear them talking—introducing themselves, being friendly. And there I was, sitting up front, cooking up plans in my head to make Neil beg for forgiveness.
Because only I know how much I cried last night.
Thinking about starting college without him.
Worrying. Panicking. Feeling so alone.
And the worst part?
I barely slept. And everyone who knows me knows—sleep is my first love.
Okay, fine, maybe my second love. But still!
Thanks to this idiot, I cried myself to sleep. I woke up with puffy, red eyes and dark circles.
DARK CIRCLES, guys.
Girls understand this pain on another level. Nobody should have to suffer that—especially on the first day of college.
I swear, I’m not going to let him off the hook that easily.
Then it hit me—an idea.
Oh yes, the idea.
I knew exactly what to do, something that would poke Neil in just the right way. Something he cannot resist and will definitely get irritated by. With an evil little smile playing on my lips, I quickly composed myself and put on my most innocent face.
As soon as the professor ended his class, the classroom buzzed with chatter—new students introducing themselves, forming tiny groups, starting friendships.
Perfect timing.
Priya mode: activated.
I turned around slowly. Neil was already looking at me, eyes filled with hope—like he was expecting me to slap him, scold him, or at least glare at him. He knows me too well and knew something would definitely be coming.
But me?
Being me? Priya..
I completely ignored him.
Instead, I turned to Akshat with the sweetest smile and said, “Hi, Akshat!”
He looked pleasantly surprised, his eyes softening. “Hi, Priya,” he replied warmly.
The moment he said my name, I swear I had to bite my inner cheek to stop myself from laughing—because Neil’s reaction was priceless.
His eyes narrowed. His brows scrunched. Pure confusion and suspicion.
He was definitely thinking: How does Akshat know her name? Why is he saying it like they’re already friends?!
And that, my friends, is when I knew—Operation Jealousy is a success.
You see, since childhood, Neil has made it his personal mission to make sure no guy got too close to me. He’s been like my overprotective bodyguard/best friend forever. So yes, seeing me all friendly with a new guy on day one?
Let the game begin. Oh poor boy Neil..
I leaned a little closer to Akshat and asked, “Hey, are you free for lunch? Would you like to join me at the cafeteria?”
I made sure my voice sounded just the right amount of sweet and casual. “I mean… I’m alone, and this place is totally new for me.”
Being the nice guy he is, he smiled and replied, “I’d love to!”
Boom.
That word.
"LOVE"
Even though he obviously didn’t mean it like that, I knew it would hit a certain someone like a bullet to the chest.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Neil.
And oh… yes.
That single word did its magic. His confusion twisted into full-blown jealousy. His jaw tightened. His eyes darkened. His entire face screamed, What the hell is going on?
And me?
I was internally throwing a party, trying my best not to burst into a smug laugh.
I turned away slowly, tapping my shoulder in my mind, whispering to myself:
“Great job, Priya. Excellent performance. Keep it up, girl.”
Game. On.
"Beta ab tu dekhte ja ab kya kya hota hai...kyu ki tune Priya singh ko budhu banaya hai...huh..bada aya nautanki" I said to myself.
Authors pov:
As lunch break rolled around, students began leaving the classroom. Neil tried several times to talk to Priya, but she didn’t even glance in his direction—completely ignoring him like he didn’t exist.
Even Akshat noticed the silent tension. From his point of view, it looked like Neil was bothering her, maybe even misbehaving—and of course, he had no idea they were childhood best friends.
The three of them—Priya, Neil, and Akshat—started walking out of the class for lunch. But Priya walked right up to Akshat, smiling sweetly, and left the classroom by his side, totally sulking Neil behind them.
Neil, now boiling with irritation, followed silently, his jaw clenched tight, fists curling, trying his best to stay composed.
Once inside the cafeteria, Priya and Akshat picked a round table with three chairs. They sat down comfortably, laughing softly about something Priya said. Barely a second later, Neil came and dropped himself into the chair beside her.
Priya didn’t even flinch.
No reaction. No acknowledgment.
Just ice-cold silence.
Akshat’s expression darkened.
Clearly thinking Neil was harassing her, he leaned forward and said sharply, “What are you doing, man? Can’t you see she’s not comfortable with your presence? What kind of behavior is this?”
Neil’s head snapped toward him, eyes blazing.
“What did you just say?” asked Neil with blazing eyes on his accusation.
“I said stay away from her. She clearly doesn’t want to talk to you" said Akshat furiously.
Priya sat frozen in the middle, expression unreadable.
Neil stood up, voice raised now. “Priya, come with me. Now.”
Priya?
Didn’t even blink.
She stayed right there, not even looking at him—like he was air.
Akshat stood up too, his chair screeching back. “Don't raise your voice. Behave yourself.”
And just like that, tension crackled in the air like electricity. The cafeteria, now half-aware of the brewing storm, quieted a little. All eyes were slowly turning to the scene.
Priya sat there, watching the drama unfold, and internally cursed herself.
"Why, Priya, why?
Why did you have to turn this cafeteria into a stage for chaos?"
Eyes were already on them. She could feel the heat of attention from every corner.
With a sharp glare toward Neil, she suddenly stood up and walked out of the cafeteria—head held high, expression blank, but her heart racing.
As soon as she left, Neil made a move to follow her, but Akshat grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
“I said stay away from her!” Akshat snapped, his voice edged with fury.
Neil, already on the brink, jerked his hand free and gripped Akshat’s collar in a flash. His voice dropped into a warning growl.
“She’s my best friend.”
Akshat froze.
Neil continued, eyes burning, “She’s ignoring me, yeah—but this is our thing. It’s between us. Don’t interfere in something you don’t understand.”
With one final push, Neil let go of him and stormed out of the cafeteria, determined to find her.
Because this cold shoulder?
This storm of silence?
He knew it all too well.
He knew her.
And he knew making things right wouldn’t be easy.
After searching around the campus, his eyes finally landed on her—sitting under the shadow of a tree, scrolling through her phone and listening to music with headphones on shaking her head fully consumed by music like nothing just happened.
Unbothered. Untouched. Completely Prachi.
He couldn’t help but smile, a soft sigh escaping his lips.
“My drama queen,” he muttered with affection, shaking his head.
And with that smile still tugging at his lips, he walked toward her—full of determination, ready to do whatever it took to make her forgive him.
Neil walked up to her and quietly sat down beside her under the tree.
She didn’t even glance at him.
But he knew she knew.
She definitely knew who just sat beside her.
He leaned in a little and softly called out, “Priyu…”
He used that nickname. The one that always melted her. The one he only used when he wanted to make her heart skip.
And oh, it did.
Her heart skipped, her fingers froze for the tiniest second—just a moment—but that was all Neil needed.
She quickly caught herself, pretending to be fully immersed in the song playing through her earphones. Pretending she didn’t hear a thing.
But Neil had known her too long, too well.
He noticed the pause.
He saw that tiny flicker.
She had heard him.
She was faking it, and she thought she was doing a great job.
He smiled to himself, an amused little chuckle escaping him silently.
“So that’s how we’re playing it, huh?” he thought.
Alright then.
He leaned back on his palms, looked at her side profile, and decided to play along—with a glint of mischief in his eyes and a whole lot of love in his heart.
Neil sat there silently for a while, thinking hard—until suddenly, a wicked idea struck him.
An evil smile played on his lips, though he quickly composed his expression.
He stretched a little, subtly flexing his arms—his toned muscles and veiny hands on full display. He knew how much Prachi had a thing for that. And sure enough, she glanced once—just once—but immediately looked away like she didn’t care.
Alright, tough crowd today, he thought.
So he decided to go a little further.
Putting on his most dramatic voice, he pretended to admire someone in the distance. “Oh. My. God. Look at that girl. Ufff, her looks? Man, she’s killing it. Absolute stunner, I swear—”
Priya's head snapped toward him, eyes wide, trying to catch who he was talking about. Her gaze darted in the direction he was looking, scanning for this so-called “beautiful girl”—
But there was no one.
Just air.
And realization hit her like a truck.
He played her.
She turned slowly to face him, narrowing her eyes into a deadly glare, the kind that said “you’re dead, Neil.”
He tried to hold it in—tried to stifle the laugh bubbling in his chest—but failed miserably.
The next second, he burst out laughing, full-on belly laughs, clutching his stomach like it physically hurt.
He fell sideways—onto her lap, then rolled off dramatically onto the grass, laughing like a complete lunatic.
Priya just sat there, stone-faced, watching his performance like he was a madman.
People walking past stared. Some giggled. Others gave weird looks as if wondering if he had officially lost it.
And Neil? Still laughing, tears almost in his eyes.
Priya crossed her arms, unimpressed. “Finished?”
He just grinned up at her from the ground, still breathless. “Almost.”
As Neil finally sat up from the grass, still breathless from laughter, prachi decided to walk away so tried to stand up but he reached out and grabbed Priya’s wrist gently, pulling her down toward him.
She stumbled slightly, landing close, her hands instinctively resting on his shoulders to steady herself.
They were close. Too close.
And for a moment… the world around them faded.
His breath was still uneven, but now his smile softened, looking at her—really looking at her.
She met his eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. That silly anger from before? Vanished.
All that remained was the warmth of his presence. His scent. His hands. The closeness.
She didn’t even realize she was holding her breath.
And then, Neil gently brushed his fingers across her cheek. “I’m sorry, Priyu… for fooling you,” he said softly.
The spell broke.
She blinked, realizing how lost she’d been in the moment, and quickly pulled back, putting a safe distance between them.
Arms crossed. Eyebrow raised.
Back to the Glaring Queen Mode.
Neil bit back a smile. He loved when she did that.
“Okay, okay,” he said, raising his hands in surrender. “Here’s the truth.”
He took a deep breath and finally told her what she’d been dying to know.
“I tried everything to get into this college. I wanted to be with you,” he said, his voice sincere now, no trace of teasing. “Yesterday night, right before sleeping, I randomly checked my email. And there it was—my confirmation.”
Priya’s eyes widened.
“I didn’t want to tell you unless it was sure… I didn’t want to give you hope that I might not be able to fulfill. So I stayed quiet.”
Her throat tightened. Her eyes welled up.
And before she could think, she just… hugged him. Tightly. As if she could melt into him.
Home.
That’s what it felt like.
After a long, quiet moment, she pulled away, blinking rapidly.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I was so rude. I didn’t know… I feel horrible.”
But Neil being Neil, of course, wasn’t going to let her off that easy.
“Oh no,” he said, dramatically folding his arms. “I’m still angry. You ignored me. You gave me the death glare. My heart is shattered.”
“Neil…” she pouted.
“Nope.”
She leaned forward, cupping his cheeks. “You’re very important to me, okay? You’re my baby, my best friend, my everything…”
He tried—he really tried—not to smile. But a little one escaped the corner of his mouth.
She saw it. “Ha! Gotcha.”
“Fine,” he grinned. “But you owe me.”
“Anything,” she said dramatically. “What’s the damage?”
“Ice cream,” he declared with a sparkle in his eyes. “Two scoops. With choco chips.”
She laughed, eyes shining now. “Done. I’ll buy you the whole tub if you want.”
He stood up, offering his hand. “Then let’s go, Priyu.”
She took it without hesitation, heart lighter than it had been in days.
As the days passed after their chaotic first day of college, Priya found herself slipping back into her usual cheerful self. She shared everything with Neil—just like always.
One afternoon, she was excitedly telling him about how she met Akshat in the corridor, how she bumped into him (literally), and how he turned out to be a genuinely nice guy. Neil listened, nodding, quietly absorbing every detail.
He knew by now that Akshat seemed like a decent person—kind, respectful, even helpful.
But the way Priya talked about him, smiling with that little spark in her eyes?
He didn’t like that. Not one bit.
Every time she brought up Akshat, a strange feeling coiled in his chest. Jealousy? Possessiveness? He wasn’t sure.
So he told himself the same thing over and over again:
"She’s my best friend. That’s all. I just don’t want anyone hurting her.
That’s it, right?"
But what Neil didn’t know—what he couldn’t even begin to guess—
was that one day, he would be the one to hurt her…
in a way no one else ever could.
***********************************
Hi my lovely readers,
How did you like this chapter? I tried to blend all the elements—friendship, jealousy, love, and humor—into both Neil and Priya's points of view. It’s a long one, I know, but I hope it keeps you hooked and makes you feel everything they’re going through.
Your support means the world to me, especially as a new author. So please don’t forget to leave your likes, comments, and thoughts—they really motivate me to keep writing and improving.
I’d love to know your reactions—did you smile, feel a little tug in your heart, or maybe even laugh out loud?
Can’t wait to hear from you all!
With love,
Your author
Delululove03 💕
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