Neil pov:
The soft rays of the morning sun quietly slipped into the room, brushing against my face, but I remained buried in a deep, restless slumber. I had no desire to wake up—not yet. My body ached for more sleep, but it wasn't just exhaustion keeping me curled under the sheets.
Last night, sleep had evaded me completely, as my mind kept replaying the incident over and over again—every word, every touch, every expression etched into my memory. I couldn’t stop thinking about the way I had behaved with Priya… the closeness we had shared, the intensity of the moment, and the weight of emotions that followed.
There was a strange mix of guilt, confusion, and longing that clung to me like a second skin, making it impossible to find peace even in my dreams.
The memory of her still lingered—fresh, vivid, etched not only into my mind but carved deeply into my heart. I didn’t understand what I was feeling; it was something entirely new, unfamiliar… different. But I kept reminding myself, like a mantra on repeat—I cannot see her as anything more than a friend. Just a friend. I told myself that again and again, even though my heart refused to obey. With that thought weighing on me, I finally got out of bed and dragged myself to the washroom.
After finishing my bath, I went through my daily skincare routine, trying to distract myself. I chose a black hoodie paired with black jeans and threw on a black leather jacket to complete the look. A quick grooming of my hair, and I felt somewhat presentable. Grabbing my car keys and bag, I stepped downstairs.

Neil outfit
As usual, mom was performing her morning puja. I stood silently, watching the soft light from the diyas dance across her peaceful face. Once the puja ended, we all gathered around the dining table for breakfast. Mom had made dosa and idly with coconut chutney and sambar—my favorites.
The moment I took the first bite, I couldn’t help but moan in satisfaction. "Mom, I swear, I’ll kiss your hands every single day for this kind of food," I said dramatically.
Dad narrowed his eyes at me with that familiar 'watch-it' look—his signature possessiveness flaring up like always. Okay, the message received, I shut my mouth immediately. Nitin stifled a laugh, clearly amused at my expense, and I glared at him. Smacking him lightly on the back of his head, I grumbled, “Kya hua? Bohat hasi nikal rahi hai teri, beta… Assignment dena nahi chahiye tha teko, galti meri hai.”
He quickly quieted down but then started excitedly telling me how his teacher had praised his assignment in front of the whole class, and how everyone had clapped for him. My heart swelled with pride—he was my little brother, my pride, and seeing him shine always brought joy to my soul.
Once breakfast was done, I told them I was heading out. Stepping outside, I settled into the car and gripped the steering wheel, taking a deep breath in an attempt to steady my racing heart. No matter how hard I tried to shake it off, the same question kept echoing in my mind—How will I face her today? What would happen now?
With a quiet sigh, I started the engine and drove off towards college, bracing myself for whatever the day had in store.
Priya pov:
I slowly stirred awake as the gentle rays of the morning sun caressed my face, and the sweet chirping of birds drifted in through the half-open window. A soft smile tugged at the corners of my lips—I was still floating in the remnants of a beautiful dream, or maybe… it wasn’t a dream at all.
The memories of yesterday wrapped around me like a warm blanket—his touch, the closeness we shared, the way he looked at me with those eyes full of unspoken emotions. I could still feel the warmth of his breath near my skin, the hesitation in his fingers, the way time seemed to stop between us in that fragile, tender moment.
My heart fluttered, unsure if it was happiness or nervousness, but whatever it was—it was intense, new, and impossible to ignore. I had never felt that way before. Something had shifted between us, and though we hadn’t said anything aloud, our hearts had already whispered secrets we were too afraid to voice.
I hugged my pillow tighter, still blushing at the thought, unsure if I was ready to face the world outside just yet. I wanted to stay in that space, where only the memory of him and the way he made me feel existed.
Just then, a faint voice reached my ears—blurry at first—calling my name, “Priya…” I blinked, trying to focus. Oh no, it was Mom. I panicked slightly, realizing if I didn’t get up now, she’d march in and start her usual morning lecture. With a soft groan, I stretched and whispered to myself, Okay, okay, I’m up, before the dreamy smile faded but the feeling lingered—as real and unforgettable as the moment itself.
With a dreamy smile still playing on my lips, I walked into the washroom and stepped into the comforting warmth of a hot shower. As the water cascaded down, I closed my eyes, letting my thoughts drift back to him—his lingering touch, the gentle press of his lips on my forehead, and then on my cheek. The moment had been soft, electric, and unforgettable. My imagination took over, painting vivid images of him coming closer, his eyes hazy with emotion, hands cupping my face with a tenderness that made my heart race. Our breaths mingled, and in that heartbeat of closeness, just a mere inch separated our lips…
"Ahhhh"… I suddenly moaned—but not out of romance. “Excuse me, what?” I muttered, startled by the unexpected pain that ripped through me. Oh no. The realization hit me like a lightning bolt. Not now.
Yup, you heard it right—I got my periods. Great. Just fu*king great. And here I was, wondering why I suddenly felt all hot and bothered. Well, mystery solved. My mood did a full 180, from floating in love to spiraling into doom. I let out a dramatic sigh. Dear Akshat and Neil, good luck today—you’re both going to need it. Mood swings activated.
After finishing my bath and taking all the necessary precautions for the day ahead, I stepped out wrapped in a bathrobe and stood in front of my wardrobe. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and paused. “Awww Priya… are you glowing or what?” I asked myself, striking a dramatic pose. A blush crept onto my cheeks as I giggled. Something in me felt… different. Lighter. Maybe it was love. Maybe it was hormones. Who even knew at this point?
I finally picked out a small-neck, full-sleeve, long bodycon dress with low slit reaching my calves that hugged my curves just right. It looked chic and effortless—exactly the vibe I needed to fake normalcy. I let my hair air-dry into soft, bouncy waves, adding that little touch of natural flair. A dab of tint on my lips and cheeks, a swipe of kohl around my eyes, and voilà—I was ready. I clipped on my smartwatch, grabbed my phone and bag, and left my room.

Priya's outfit
Downstairs, I joined everyone at the breakfast table, trying to act casual. But I felt it—the unmistakable weight of someone’s gaze on me. I slowly turned my head and there he was… Priyank bhai, staring at me, unreadable emotions swirling in his eyes. I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on my breakfast. I wasn’t ready for this. Not now. Not when everything inside me was a tangled mess of emotions and cramps.
Before he could say anything, I stood up, flashing my parents a quick smile. “Bye!” I said, a little too cheerfully, and made my escape. I slipped into the car, settling myself as Mukesh uncle started the engine. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm in my chest.
Then I glanced in the rearview mirror—and my heart dropped.
Bhai was standing outside, breathless, eyes searching, as if he had run after the car, trying to talk to me. But I couldn’t. Not now. I closed my eyes and leaned back with another deep sigh, bracing myself for the day ahead.
And with that, I let the car take me to college, the wind outside rushing past as fast as the thoughts in my mind.
Author's pov:
Neil stepped into the college corridor, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings with mild disinterest. Students bustled around, laughter and chatter filling the air, but his mind was elsewhere. As he reached the classroom, his gaze instinctively flicked toward the entrance. She wasn’t here yet.
He sighed and leaned against the wall, checking his watch. Where is she?
Just then, a hand landed on his shoulder. A hopeful smile tugged at his lips as he turned, expecting to see her—but instead, it was Akshat. The smile vanished before it could even fully form.
Akshat caught that shift instantly. “Oye, kya hua bhai? Itna disappointed kyun lag raha hai mujhe dekh kar?” he teased, his brows wiggling mischievously. “Kya main jaan sakta hoon ki tu kis ka intezaar kar raha hai? Hmm?” His voice dripped with mock innocence, clearly enjoying Neil’s reaction.
Neil rolled his eyes and muttered, “Aisa kuch nahi hai, tu chup reh… main kyu kisi ke liye wait karunga?” His voice was gruff, dismissive—but before he could finish defending himself, everything around him stilled.
She had arrived.
Priya stepped out of the car, her dress hugging her curves with effortless grace. Her hair, slightly damp and bouncy, danced around her face with the breeze. She looked like a dream—no, a storm wrapped in softness. Neil’s breath hitched in his throat. He couldn't look away. She looked… sexy, and yet, heartbreakingly cute. A rare mix that only she could pull off.
Beside him, Akshat had also fallen silent. He followed Neil’s gaze and froze, his eyes going wide. “Dude…” he whispered, lips parting in pure awe. Both stood there like statues—dreamy eyes, open mouths, completely lost in their own version of la la land.
They were so caught up that they didn’t even realize Priya had already reached them. Arms crossed, eyebrow raised, she stared at the two of them like they were the latest museum exhibits.
With a smirk, she leaned in and snapped her fingers right between their faces. Snap snap.
“Hello? Earth calling Neil and Akshat? What’s wrong with you guys?” she asked, trying to suppress her laughter. “Aur haan, mooh bandh karo… makkhi ghus jaayegi.”
Neil blinked. Akshat blinked.
Priya flipped her hair over her shoulder dramatically. “Mujhe toh pata hai main hoon khoobsurat, but tum dono ki haalat… wah. Mooh khula ka khula reh gaya.”
Neil turned sharply toward Akshat, his jaw tightening. That teasing look on Akshat’s face earlier… was he also staring at her like that?
Akshat caught the glare and immediately cleared his throat, stepping back. “Okay okay… waise bhi class late ho rahi hai, chalo chalo!” he said quickly, escaping before Neil could launch into a jealous big-brother-style interrogation.
Neil narrowed his eyes at Akshat’s retreating back, possessiveness sparking like wildfire behind his calm facade.
Priya, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing, simply walked ahead with a smile. “Aaj ka din interesting hone wala hai,” she mumbled to herself.
Once class began, the atmosphere turned focused and studious. Everyone was deeply engrossed in their books, notes, and preparations for the upcoming semester. The tension of upcoming scores loomed over them like a quiet cloud, and even the usual chatter had faded into the background.
Just then, the door creaked open, drawing everyone’s attention. A group of senior students walked in with the professor’s permission. One among them stepped forward—a tall guy with confident energy and a friendly smile.
“Hi everyone, I’m Vinay, your senior,” he introduced himself, hands in his pockets. “We’re planning a grand freshers’ party to welcome you all. The dress code is western, so get ready to flaunt your best outfits. Also, if any of you are interested in performing—be it dance, music, poetry, or any other art form—do give your names to us after class.”
A murmur of excitement passed through the classroom. A few hands shot up. Some shy, some overly enthusiastic.
Neil, momentarily forgetting all the awkwardness and tension from yesterday, leaned forward, resting his arms on Priya’s bench. She was sitting right in front of him, scribbling something absentmindedly in her notebook.
He lowered his voice, just enough for her to hear. “You’re amazing at art... and kathak. You should totally give your name.”
Priya turned slightly, her expression softening at his encouragement. But she shook her head. “Not now. Maybe some other time. I’m still settling in... it feels a bit too soon,” she replied with a shy smile.
Neil nodded understandingly, about to lean back—when a loud voice interrupted the moment.
“Hello? Bro in the second bench, stand up.”
Neil blinked, confused, then slowly got to his feet. Vinay was staring right at him, arms crossed, jaw tight.
“You,” Vinay said with a hard tone, nodding toward Neil and then glancing at Priya. “Everything okay here?” he asked Priya, voice lowering into concern.
Priya blinked in confusion. “Yes?” she replied slowly.
Vinay stepped closer, dropping his voice even more. “If that back-bench boy misbehaved with you, just tell me. I’ll throw him out myself.”
Neil’s eyes widened like saucers. WHAT?! His jaw dropped open in pure disbelief. Did I just get accused… of misbehaving?
He opened his mouth to defend himself, but before he could speak, he caught Priya turning to him with sparkling eyes, her lips trembling as she tried desperately not to laugh. She bit her lower lip, cheeks puffed, eyes full of mischief.
Akshat, who sat beside him, had his head down, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. He coughed into his hand, pretending to clear his throat, but the grin on his face gave him away completely.
Vinay and the other seniors, satisfied that things were ‘under control’, finally exited the classroom. The professor resumed the lecture like nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, Neil sat down slowly, still stunned, his thoughts spinning. What the hell just happened…?
He slumped over his desk, pouting like a scolded kid. “Why me?” he whispered to himself.
Akshat snuck a glance at Neil’s dramatic expression and nearly lost it again. He bit the inside of his cheek, determined not to burst.
Same with Priya—her face was red from holding back laughter. Her notebook lay forgotten as she buried her face in her arms, shoulders quivering.
When the class finally ended, the three of them walked out together toward the cafeteria. Neil’s arms were crossed, his face in full-blown angry pout mode, eyes narrowed, and nostrils flaring.
Akshat and Priya shared a single look.
That was it.
They burst.
Laughter erupted from both of them like a dam had broken. Priya clutched her stomach, barely able to breathe, while Akshat wheezed beside her. Neil glared at them furiously.
“Ohhh, you two are the worst!” he barked and stomped his foot like an angry cartoon character before storming into the cafeteria.
That only made it worse.
Priya was now gasping for air, tears in her eyes, and in between hiccups of laughter, leaned her head on Akshat’s shoulder. He, equally breathless, rested his head on hers as they both tried to calm themselves down.
“God… he’s going to kill us,” Priya whispered between giggles.
“Totally worth it,” Akshat replied, still grinning.
Still breathless from laughter, Priya and Akshat stepped into the cafeteria, their eyes red and cheeks flushed. Tears shimmered in the corners of their eyes as they tried to control the giggles that still lingered like an aftershock.
Neil, already seated with a grumpy pout, scoffed at them. “Overacting ka Oscar dedo in dono ko,” he muttered under his breath, arms folded across his chest.
But what he didn’t know was that the duo still had laughter bubbling beneath the surface—they were just holding it back to avoid triggering his fury again.
They slid into the seats beside him, trying to look serious.
Neil’s mood, however, was still simmering.
“Us senior ke bache ko toh main chhodunga nahi,” he spat, tapping his fingers angrily on the table. “Had hai yaar… agar main ladka hoon aur kisi ladki se baat karu, toh character pe sawal. Aur wohi ladki kisi aur se baat kare toh sab kuch theek? Bas kyunki woh comfortable thi?” He ruffled his hair in frustration, eyes burning. “At least pooch toh leta! Aise kaise, bina soche-samjhe mujhe hi villain bana diya!”
Priya opened her mouth to calm him. “Neil…”
But he wasn’t listening. Not to her. Not to Akshat. His blood was boiling too hot.
And then—Vinay entered.
Laughing.
With a bunch of friends, including girls from their class. He cracked jokes, laughed loudly, completely unaware of the fire he’d lit.
Neil’s eyes locked on him.
“Dekh raha hai? Ye kare toh cool. Doosra kare toh criminal. Saala…” Neil muttered, his voice sharp like a blade.
Before either of them could stop him, Neil stood up, jaw clenched. “Ab toh nahi chhodunga.”
“Neil, wait—!” Priya stood too, panic flashing in her eyes. Akshat followed her in a rush, knowing exactly how badly this could go.
Neil stormed across the cafeteria. He reached Vinay and snapped his fingers sharply in front of his face.
Vinay turned, visibly irritated. “What the hell is this behavior?”
Neil’s voice was like thunder. “Blaming people for things they never did—that’s the behavior we should talk about. Accusing me in front of everyone without a single fact? You crossed the line.”
He took a step closer, eyes dark, voice rising. “How dare you accuse me of misbehaving?”
Vinay opened his mouth, but Neil didn’t let him speak.
That’s when Priya rushed in and grabbed Neil’s arm. “Neil, stop. Please,” she whispered.
She turned to Vinay, composed herself, and said, “I’m sorry for his behavior. He just—he took it personally.”
Vinay, confused and slightly taken aback, looked between them.
Neil, however, wasn’t done.
He yanked his arm from Priya’s grip and stepped forward again, hand curling into a fist. “Tujhe toh—”
SLAP.
The sound echoed.
Neil’s head snapped sideways.
Dead silence fell in the cafeteria.
Neil turned slowly, eyes wide. Priya was standing there, arm still mid-air, eyes blazing with fury.
Gasps filled the room. Even Akshat’s hand flew to his cheek in reflex, stunned by what he’d just witnessed.
“Priyu…?” Neil whispered, shocked.
But she didn’t waver.
“I told you to stop,” she said, voice low, trembling. “You were going to ruin everything. That’s not you, Neil.”
Vinay was too stunned to react. But then—he scoffed.
“Achha sabak sikhaya hai.... Aise kutto ko toh aise hi sambhalna chahiye...... Tabhi samajh aayega,” he spat.
Priya’s steps halted.
Something inside her snapped.
She turned, eyes glowing red with pure rage. Every breath she took was on fire.
Neil, still processing the slap, looked up and saw it.
He quietly stepped back, hands raised in surrender. “Oh boy... she’s gonna explode.”
He turned away and muttered, “One… two… three—”
WHACK!
The slap landed so hard on Vinay’s cheek that the entire cafeteria froze. Mouths dropped. A collective gasp echoed like a drumbeat.
Vinay stumbled a step back, holding his cheek in disbelief.
Akshat’s jaw dropped. “Bhai… she didn’t even blink.”
Priya stood there, hand still raised, eyes locked on Vinay. Her voice cut the silence like ice.
“If you ever… and I mean ever… call him that again, or try to shame someone without proof, I’ll do worse than slap you.”
Vinay couldn’t speak. His ego, along with his cheek, was bruised.
Priya turned on her heel, walked back to Neil, grabbed his arm again—but this time, he didn’t resist.
Everyone in the cafeteria silently parted to make way as they walked out.
Akshat followed, still dazed. “Remind me never to get on her bad side,” he mumbled.
Neil glanced sideways at Priya, rubbing his cheek, a half-smile tugging at his lips.
Priya noticed the reddish mark blooming on Neil’s cheek, his lips slightly swollen with a trace of blood at the corner. Guilt stabbed her chest.
"Akshat," she turned to him, her voice soft but firm, "Go to class. I’ll take Neil to the medical room."
Akshat hesitated, glancing between them. "You sure?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I got this."
With a reluctant nod, Akshat left, casting one last glance at Neil, who still looked more stunned than injured.
Priya gently tugged Neil’s wrist and led him to the medical room. The walk was silent, heavy. Once inside, she pointed to the bench. “Sit.”
Neil obeyed without a word.
She grabbed the first-aid box, her hands trembling slightly. Opening it, she knelt beside him and dabbed a cotton pad in antiseptic. As she leaned in to apply it, Neil hissed in pain the moment it touched the cut.
"Ahh—!" he flinched.
Priya’s hand jerked back instinctively, her eyes wide. “Sorry! So sorry…” Her voice cracked as she saw the tiny smear of blood. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. She blinked fast but they still escaped, rolling down her cheeks silently.
Her heart ached. Why did I slap so hard? she cursed herself internally, wiping her tears quickly with her sleeve and leaning in again with a more delicate touch.
Neil, on the other hand, was only half-aware of the pain now. His eyes weren’t on the wound. They were on her.
So close.
So worried.
Her face was a picture of guilt and tenderness. He remembered the way she looked last night—flushed, nervous, beautiful. And now here she was, the same girl, crying while tending to the damage she herself caused.
Something twisted in his chest.
Without thinking, he lifted his hand and cupped her cheek gently. His thumb brushed under her eye, wiping away a tear.
“Priyu…” his voice was low, rough. “I’m sorry. Mujhe maaf kar do… meri wajah se yeh sab hua.”
She froze, his touch warm against her skin, the sincerity in his voice melting something inside her.
She inhaled shakily, then gave a small nod. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Bas... agle baar thoda patience rakho, Neil. Gusse mein decisions lena mat.”
He nodded quickly, like a guilty little boy caught red-handed. “Pakka. Promise,” he mumbled.
She smiled slightly, standing up, about to put the ointment back in the kit when she felt his hand wrap gently around her wrist.
She turned.
Neil looked nervous—eyes flicking between the floor and her face. He drew a deep breath.
“Woh… kal jo hua…” he started, stumbling over his words.
Priya raised an eyebrow, waiting.
“I mean… main… tumhare saath... matlab... kal raat... jo hua… woh—”
She rolled her eyes, her lips twitching. This boy and his terrible timing with words.
Still, she didn’t interrupt.
Neil inhaled deeply, his fingers trembling slightly as they gripped the edge of the bench. He looked up at her, his gaze heavy with conflict.
“Kal raat…” he began slowly, voice low, uncertain, “jo bhi hua… humare beech mein… main samajh sakta hoon, Priyu, maine apni line cross ki hai.”
He paused, searching her face, but her expression remained unreadable—quiet, attentive.
“Jo hua… woh sahi nahi tha,” he continued, forcing the words out. “Hum bohot close dost hai, par iska matlab yeh nahi ki… ki hum uss hadd ko paar karein.”
Another deep breath. His chest felt tight now, as if the weight of the next sentence would crush something between them.
He looked into her eyes—warm, waiting, and unknowingly standing on the edge of a silent storm.
“Tum ek bohot achhi dost ho, Priyu…” his voice softened, “lekin humare beech mein aisa rishta hona… gunah hoga. Main jaanta hoon tum bhi mujhse sehmat hogi is baat pe.”
Priya’s heart clenched, a suffocating pain swelling in her chest.
He looked down. “Jo kuch bhi kal hua… woh meri taraf se ek galti thi… jo jaane anjaane mein ho gayi. Main uske liye maafi maangta hoon.”
And just like that—one word shattered her.
Galti.
That one word tore through her like a blade, sharper than any slap, deeper than any wound. A part of her wanted to scream, to ask him if everything that felt so real… so tender… was just a mistake to him.
But she didn’t.
She blinked back the tears rapidly filling her eyes, her throat burning. Her lips parted but no words came out. Instead, she slowly pulled her wrist from his grip.
A small, fake smile curved her lips—one that didn’t reach her eyes.
“I understand,” she said softly, voice barely above a whisper. “It’s okay, Neil. No need to say sorry.”
Neil exhaled in relief, his shoulders slumping. He had expected anger… maybe even silence. But not this calm acceptance. He took it as forgiveness, unaware of the storm tearing her apart from within.
He stepped closer, pulled her into a hug—warm, friendly, grateful.
“Thank you,” he whispered, pressing his chin lightly on her shoulder. “Thank you for forgiving me. I promise, I won’t let anything ruin our friendship.”
She stood frozen in his embrace, her arms limp by her side.
Forgiveness?
She hadn’t even begun to process the wound.
He held her close, finding comfort in the closeness that felt safe again. But little did he know, every word he said—the word mistake especially—was a deep, invisible cut to her heart, one she wasn’t sure would ever truly heal.
Later, as the class ended and students began packing up to head home, Neil walked over to Priya.
“I’ll drop you,” he said softly.
Priya shook her head, “No, it’s okay. I can go on my own.
But Neil was adamant, about to protest again, when her phone started ringing. She looked at the screen—an unknown number. Frowning, she chose to ignore it.
Before Neil could say anything else, the phone rang again. This time, he grabbed it without a second thought and answered.
“Abey, kaun hai tu? Baar baar call kyu kar raha hai? Naam kya hai tera?” he said in a slightly aggressive tone.
But something the caller said calmed Neil. He relaxed, nodded, then ended the call. Priya gave him a questioning look.
“Just a random number,” he said, brushing it off. “Go wait at the main gate, I’ll be right there.”
Still confused, Priya nodded and made her way to the gate. As she stood there waiting, suddenly a hand grabbed her wrist and yanked her back—just as a bike zoomed past, barely missing her.
She looked up, shocked. It was Vinay.
He had just saved her.
Her heart was still racing, Priya steadied herself. “Thank you... Are you okay?” she asked, noticing the red mark still visible on his cheek. Her voice softened with guilt.
But Vinay didn’t reply at first. He was lost—completely struck by her again. The first time he saw her in class, he’d felt something. But watching her stand up for her friend in the cafeteria—fearless, bold—had left a mark on him.
Priya waved a hand in front of his face. “Hello? Are you alright?”
Vinay snapped out of it. “Yeah… yeah, I’m fine,” he smiled sheepishly, then continued, “I’m sorry for what happened earlier. I didn’t know the full story. I accused your friend without reason. Can we… start over? Friends?” He held out his hand.
Just as Priya was about to respond, a loud voice cut through the air.
“Iski koi zarurat nahi hai.”
Priya turned, startled.
It was Priyank.
Her brother.
He walked over calmly, but his gaze was sharp as steel. He grabbed Vinay’s outstretched hand and gave a firm shake.
“Meri behen ko kisi aur dost ki zarurat nahi hai. Uske paas ek khaas dost already hai,” he said clearly, his voice low but firm. “Tum jaa sakte ho.”
Vinay, confused, frowned. “Aap kaun?”
“Main uska bhai hoon,” Priyank replied with a slight smirk.
Vinay’s expression changed instantly. He nodded and quickly left.
Priyank then turned to Priya, his eyes softening as he approached. “Mukesh's uncle wasn’t feeling well. So I came to pick you up.”
Priya didn’t say a word. She quietly walked to the car and sat in the passenger seat. Priyank followed, started the engine, and they drove home in silence.
As Priya sat in the car beside her brother, staring out of the window in silence, her mind wasn’t on the road or the trees rushing past. It was somewhere else. Somewhere between the slap she gave and the slap her heart had received.
She clenched her fists on her lap, her jaw tightening.
“Neil… you idiot,” she mumbled under her breath, “You could’ve just told me my brother was coming. Drama king.” She cursed him silently—not for setting her up, but for doing it so smoothly while knowing she'd panic. She would definitely take revenge for that, maybe not now, but soon. A tiny smirk appeared on her lips, but it faded just as quickly.
Because her thoughts shifted again. Back to the medical room.
The way he cupped her cheeks. The softness in his voice when he whispered "sorry."
And then...
The words that shattered her.
“Kal jo hua… woh ek galti thi.”
She swallowed hard, blinking back fresh tears. Her fingers gripped the edge of her kurti tightly.
“A galti?” she whispered to herself. “Was that all I meant?”
He didn’t even realise how those words pierced through her—how easily he labeled their shared moment as a mistake while all she could think about was how real it felt. How her heart had almost leapt when he held her, how it had broken when he walked away after thanking her for “forgiving” him.
But she didn’t forgive him.
Not truly.
Not because he crossed a line—but because he took what they had and dismissed it like it meant nothing.
“There’s nothing between us,” she told herself firmly. “There never will be. Just friendship. That’s it. Till the very end.”
She turned her face away so Priyank wouldn’t see her tears. She couldn’t let anyone else know how fragile she felt. Not today.
But no matter how hard she tried, the chaos of the day and heartbreak cannot be changed.....
***********************************
Hi my dear lovely readers,
I know this chapter ended on an emotional note, but I tried to balance it with some light moments at the beginning. This part of the story was really important—to help you feel their inner conflicts, their fears, and that unspoken pain of possibly losing a precious friendship. I truly hope you connected with it.
I’ve been trying to give you longer chapters filled with meaningful scenes to make the story come alive, and I’ll continue to do so with all my heart.
Thank you so much to each and every one of you who decided to give this story a try, and an even bigger thank you to those who recommended it to others. Your support means everything to me. Your thoughts, likes, and comments are what keep me motivated to write more. Please feel free to share any feedback or suggestions—I'm always open to improving and making this story better for you.
Also, if you’d like some sneak peeks, spoilers, or upcoming twists, you can follow me on Instagram! I’ve shared my Insta ID in my Wattpad account description.
With love,
Yours author
Delululove03 💓
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