Chapter 1: Introduction
The campus was alive in that way it always was on a Friday afternoon—the kind of buzz that came with the promise of the weekend, the kind that made even the most studious students glance at their watches just a little too often. The air smelled like cut grass and the faint, sweet scent of blossoms from the trees that lined the quad. Students lounged on the lawn, some sprawled out in the sun, others huddled in small groups, laughing over something on a phone.
Ranvir walked with his hands shoved in his pockets, his backpack slung over one shoulder. He wasn’t in a rush. He never was.
Not like Shiven, who seemed to glide through life, always in control, always at ease. Ranvir glanced up at the sound of laughter, his gaze landing on a group of girls clustered around a water fountain. They were all smiles and giggles, their eyes following a figure walking past them. Shiven, of course. He could charm the birds out of the trees if he wanted to, Ranvir thought, a familiar twinge of envy tugging at him.
But today, Shiven was the last person on Ranvir's mind. He was too busy trying to figure out how to approach Advika. She was walking towards him, her hips swaying slightly with each step, her long hair catching the sunlight.
Ranvir’s breath hitched for just a second before he forced himself to keep walking. He didn’t want to look like a fool, like he’d been caught staring. But he couldn’t help it. There was something about her—something electric—that made his pulse quicken.
“Hey, Ranvir.”
The voice was smooth, amused, and he turned to see her standing a few feet away, arms crossed, her lips curved into a knowing smile. She looked effortlessly cool, like she belonged in a magazine spread rather than a college campus.
“Uh, hey,” he stammered, suddenly feeling like a teenager again.
“You’re not usually this quiet,” she said, tilting her head.
“I thought you were the chatty one, the one who’d keep Shiven from being too much of a hermit.”
Ranvir blinked, surprised. “You know about that?”
Advika shrugged, her eyes sparkling. “I make it my business to know things, Ranvir. It’s a useful skill.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, I guess I’m just having an off day.”
She raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. “Or maybe you’re nervous.”
“What? No, why would I be nervous?” he asked, trying to sound casual. But his heart was pounding in his chest, and he could feel the heat creeping up his neck.
He hoped she wouldn't notice.
Advika smirked, clearly amused by his discomfort. "Relax, Ranvir. I just want to meet the elusive Shiven. I've heard so much about him, and I've yet to see him in the flesh."
Ranvir swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way his stomach twisted at the thought of her and Shiven together. "Oh, really? And what have you heard?"
She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "That he's charming, intelligent, and incredibly good-looking. But I'm sure you already know that."
Ranvir nodded, a bitter taste in his mouth. "Yeah, he's...
everything." He paused, forcing himself to meet her gaze. "But he's also a little... private."
Advika tilted her head, her lips curling into a slow, knowing smile. "So you're telling me he's a mystery."
Ranvir exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the strap of his backpack. "Yeah. That's about the size of it."
She studied him for a moment, her eyes flicking over his face with an intensity that made his skin prickle. "I like mysteries," she murmured, stepping closer. "But I don’t like waiting."
Ranvir’s breath hitched again, his pulse thrumming in his throat.
He could feel the heat of her body, even from where he stood, and the scent of her perfume—something warm and floral—wrapped around him, making his senses sharp. He swallowed, forcing his voice to stay steady.
"Well," he said, gesturing vaguely toward the path ahead, "he’s usually over there—near the old oak by the library. If you want to meet him, that’s where you’ll find him."
Advika’s lips parted in a slow, deliberate smile. "And what if I don’t want to *find* him? What if I want him to *find* me?"
Ranvir’s stomach twisted.
He knew that look—he’d seen it enough times on other girls’ faces. It was the look of a hunter who had just spotted her prey. And Shiven was the prey.
“Well,” he said, trying to keep his voice light, “you could always walk over there with me. I’m heading that way myself.”
Advika’s smile widened, and she looped her arm through his, her fingers brushing against his wrist. Ranvir felt a jolt at the touch, his heart pounding in his chest.
“Lead the way, Ranvir,” she said, her voice a low purr.
They walked in silence for a moment, Advika’s heels clicking on the pavement, her arm still linked with his.
Ranvir could feel the warmth of her body radiating beside him, the faint scent of her perfume lingering in the air. He tried to focus on the path ahead, on the distant figures of students milling about, but his mind was elsewhere—on the way Shiven would react when he saw her, on the way his best friend’s world might shift just by her presence.
“You’re quiet,” Advika said, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft, almost teasing, as if she was waiting for him to say something.
Ranvir exhaled sharply, forcing a casual laugh. “Just processing the fact that you’re actually here.”
She turned her head slightly, her dark eyes catching the sunlight. "Come on you're like my brother of course I'm here chill" she said, her voice light and teasing. Ranvir couldn’t help but laugh, the tension in his chest easing slightly.
“You’re not my brother,” he replied, trying to keep his tone light. “And I’m not sure Shiven would appreciate you calling him that.”
Advika laughed, the sound rich and warm. “Oh, I don’t think Shiven would mind at all. He’s got a soft spot for people who know how to charm him.” She glanced at Ranvir, her expression turning serious for a moment. “You’re different, though. You’re the one who keeps him grounded.”
Ranvir felt his cheeks warm. “Yeah, well, he’s my best friend.
I’m allowed to keep him from burning out,” Ranvir said, his voice steady despite the way his pulse still raced. He glanced at Advika, catching the way her fingers tightened around his arm just slightly, as if she were testing the weight of him. She was playing with him, Ranvir realized—testing his reactions, seeing how he’d respond to her. And he wasn’t sure if he liked it or not.
“Burn out?” she repeated, her voice dripping with amusement. “Shiven? That’s rich. He’s the kind of guy who could outlast a marathon just by thinking about it.”
Ranvir smirked, shaking his head.
“You’re terrible at this.”
Advika’s lips curled into a mischievous grin, her fingers brushing against his arm again, just enough to send a shiver down his spine. “And you’re terrible at admitting it.”
They reached the old oak tree, its gnarled branches casting long shadows over the grass. Ranvir hesitated for a second, glancing around. Shiven was usually here, lost in his thoughts or buried in a book, his dark hair tousled from running his hands through it in frustration. But today, the bench beneath the tree was empty.
Advika’s gaze followed his, her brow furrowing slightly. “Where is he?”
Ranvir shrugged, trying to act nonchalant.
"He's probably in the library. He's been working on some project for his history class."
Advika raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "History, huh? I wouldn't have pegged him for the academic type."
Ranvir felt a sudden urge to defend his friend, even though he knew Shiven could hold his own. "He's not just some jock, you know. He's really smart. He just... doesn't like to show it off."
Advika laughed, a sound that was both warm and mocking. "I like him already. A man of mystery." She leaned against the tree trunk, her eyes never leaving Ranvir's face.
"anyways how do I look?" Advika asked, suddenly turning her attention to her appearance. She struck a pose, her hips cocked to one side, her long hair cascading over one shoulder. She was wearing a short, fitted dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, and a pair of heels that made her legs look like they went on for miles.
Ranvir blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in topic. "Uh, you look... great," he stammered, his eyes flicking over her before he could stop himself. He felt a flush creeping up his neck, hoping she wouldn't notice his momentary lapse in judgment.
Advika smirked, clearly pleased with his reaction. "Just great?
That's it?" Advika teased, her fingers tracing the hem of her dress as she stepped closer. "I was hoping for something a little more enthusiastic."
Ranvir swallowed hard, his gaze flickering over her exposed shoulders, the way the dress clung to her curves, the way her dark hair fell like a curtain around her face. He tried to keep his voice steady. "I mean, you look *good*. Like, really good. You don't need me to say more than that."
Advika laughed, the sound warm and rich, and leaned in just enough that Ranvir could smell the faint scent of vanilla and something spicy on her breath. "You're terrible at compliments, Ranvir.
But I appreciate the effort," Advika said, her voice a low purr. She was close enough now that he could see the flecks of gold in her dark eyes, could see the way her pulse fluttered at the base of her throat. He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way his own heart was pounding in his chest.
"Well, I'm not exactly the smoothest talker," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. He could feel the heat of her body, could see the way her dress clung to her curves, and he was suddenly very aware of the fact that they were alone, just the two of them under the old oak tree.
He wanted to look away, but he couldn’t. His eyes were drawn to her, like a moth to a flame.
"Ranvir," Advika murmured, her voice low and breathy, "you’re staring."
He blinked, forcing himself to look away, to focus on something—anything—else. "I—I wasn’t staring," he said, his voice coming out higher than he intended. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I was just... looking around."
Advika tilted her head, her dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "You were looking at me. And not in a brotherly way."
Ranvir exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Look, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I didn't mean to—"
Advika laughed, a sound that was both warm and mocking. "Oh, Ranvir. You didn't make me uncomfortable. Quite the opposite, actually." She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a low purr. "I like the way you look at me. It's... invigorating."
Ranvir's breath hitched, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the heat of her body, could see the way her dress clung to her curves, and he was suddenly very aware of the fact that they were alone, just the two of them under the old oak tree.
"but i like shiven" advika said suddenly, her voice dropping to a whisper, her fingers brushing against his wrist. "he's my type. Charming, mysterious, and just a little bit untouchable."
Ranvir felt a jolt of something sharp and unexpected—jealousy, maybe, or something deeper, something he couldn’t quite name. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. "Yeah, well, he’s not *untouchable*. He’s just... private. He doesn’t let people in easily."
Advika smirked, her dark eyes glinting with amusement. "So you’re telling me he’s a challenge. Do me a favour and tell me his number I'll call him right now" Advika said, her voice dripping with playful confidence. She reached into her bag and pulled out a pen and a piece of paper, holding it out to him expectantly.
Ranvir hesitated, his fingers brushing against the paper. He could feel the warmth of her skin, the softness of her hand, and it sent a shiver down his spine. "I don't think that's how this works," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He's not some... some game to you."
Advika laughed softly, her eyes flickering with something that looked like mischief. I don’t think he is either. But I’m not asking for a favor.
I’m asking for an introduction. There’s a difference, Ranvir," she said, her voice still soft, still amused. She stepped closer, her fingers brushing against his wrist again, sending another jolt through him. "I just want to get to know him. Is that so wrong?"
Ranvir hesitated, looking down at the paper in his hand. He knew he should refuse, should tell her that Shiven wasn't some prize to be won, but the words stuck in his throat.
Suddenly they could see a figure walking up to them , and Ranvir recognized the confident stride and the dark hair. It was Shiven.
"Speak of the devil," Ranvir muttered, tucking the paper into his pocket. He watched as Shiven approached, his eyes flicking over Advika with a casual curiosity that made Ranvir's stomach twist.
"Hey, Shiv," Ranvir said, forcing his voice to stay steady. "I was just about to come find you."
Shiven raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting from Ranvir to Advika and back again. "Oh, yeah? And why's that?"
Ranvir cleared his throat, trying to ignore the way Advika's fingers were still brushing against his wrist.
"I, uh, wanted to introduce you to someone. Advika, this is Shiven. Shiven, Advika."
Shiven's gaze lingered on Advika for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he smiled, a slow, easy smile that made Ranvir's stomach twist. "Nice to meet you, Advika."
Advika's lips curved into a confident smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "The pleasure is mine, Shiven," she said, her voice a low purr. She stepped forward, her hand reaching out to touch his arm.
The gesture was deliberate, almost possessive, and Ranvir felt a sharp pang of something—jealousy? Possessiveness?—he couldn’t quite name. Shiven’s gaze flicked to her hand, then back to her face, his expression unreadable for just a second before he nodded.
“No problem,” he said, his voice smooth, his eyes never leaving hers. “I was just heading to the library anyway. You want to come?”
Advika’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. “I’d love to.”
Ranvir exhaled sharply, his fingers tightening around the strap of his backpack.
Shiven wrapped his arm around advikas tiny little waist pulling her in closer "I'm so sorry being this forward but you are gorgeous" he said his voice low and breathy as he leaned in and kissed her cheek. Ranvir's eyes widened in shock, his jaw dropping open slightly.
Advika’s laughter was warm and melodic, her fingers curling around Shiven’s wrist. "You’re not sorry at all," she murmured, her dark eyes gleaming with mischief. "And I like it. I like a man who knows what he wants."
Ranvir swallowed hard, his gaze flicking between the two of them. He could feel the heat creeping up his neck, the way his chest tightened as if he were being squeezed from within.
"this dress makes you look just perfect" Shiven said, his voice low and warm, his fingers trailing down Advika’s arm in a way that made her shiver. Ranvir watched, his stomach twisting, as Advika’s lips parted slightly, her breath hitching. She turned her head just enough to meet Shiven’s gaze, her dark eyes softening with something unreadable.
Ranvir’s fingers twitched at his sides. He wanted to say something—anything—to break the tension, but the words stuck in his throat. He had never seen Shiven like this, so open, so *present*, his usual quiet confidence replaced by something raw and electric. It was intoxicating.
And infuriating. Ranvir watched as Shiven and Advika fell into an easy conversation, their bodies angled towards each other, their voices low and intimate. He felt like an intruder, a third wheel, and he hated it. He cleared his throat, trying to interrupt them, but they were too caught up in their own world to notice.
"Shiven," he finally said, his voice louder than he intended. They both turned to look at him, their expressions identical—surprised, almost guilty. Ranvir felt a pang of something sharp and bitter. "I was thinking we could grab dinner later."
Shiven pulled advika in front of him her ass right on his crotch as his arms wrapped around her waist from behind "of course but I was just thinking to take advika out" Shiven said his voice low and teasing.
Advika giggled, the sound light and airy, and turned to face Ranvir, her dark eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, Ranvir, you’re such a sweetie," she said, her voice dripping with mock sincerity. "But I think Shiven and I can handle this one on our own, don’t you, Shiven?"
Shiven’s lips curved into a slow, knowing smile, his green eyes flicking over Ranvir’s face with an intensity that made Ranvir’s stomach clench. "Yeah, we can," he murmured, his voice low and warm. "But only if you promise to behave."
Ranvir’s jaw tightened.
He could feel the heat rising in his face, the way his fingers curled into fists at his sides. "Of course," he said, his voice sharper than he intended. "I’ll behave. Just… don’t expect me to wait around forever."
Shiven’s gaze flicked between him and Advika, his expression unreadable for a moment before he chuckled, low and warm. You’re not a kid anymore. You know how this works." His fingers tightened just slightly around Advika’s waist, pulling her back against him, and Ranvir’s breath hitched.
He could see the way her eyes fluttered closed, the way her lips parted just slightly, and he felt a pang of something sharp and bitter. He was trapped, held captive by the sight of them, by the way they fit together as if they were made for each other.
"Well, I’ll leave you two to it, then," he said, his voice coming out harsher than he intended. He turned on his heel, his heart pounding in his chest, and started to walk away.
"Ranvir, wait," Shiven called after him, his voice low and urgent.
Ranvir hesitated, his steps slowing but not stopping. He could feel Shiven's gaze on his back, could almost feel the weight of his concern. But he didn't turn around. He couldn't. Not with Advika standing there, her dark eyes gleaming with amusement, her lips curved into a smirk.
"Ranvir," Shiven said again, his voice softer this time, almost pleading. Ranvir took a deep breath, steeling himself before he turned around. Shiven was standing there, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans, his dark hair tousled from running his hands through it. He looked worried, his green eyes searching Ranvir's face.
"What's wrong, man? You're acting weird."
Ranvir hesitated, his fingers tightening around the strap of his backpack. He could feel the weight of Advika's gaze, could see the way her dark eyes were watching him, waiting. He forced himself to meet Shiven's gaze, to keep his voice steady. "Nothing's wrong," he said, his voice coming out more casual than he felt. "I just... I have some stuff to do. You know, homework and all that."
Shiven raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking between Ranvir and Advika. "Homework, huh? On a Friday night?" He smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"You’re lying. You’re always up for something on a Friday night. What’s really going on?"
Ranvir exhaled sharply, his fingers digging into the straps of his backpack. He could feel Advika’s gaze on him, burning into his back like a brand. "Nothing," he repeated, his voice tight. I need some air."
Shiven’s expression softened, his dark green eyes searching Ranvir’s face. "You sure? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."
Ranvir clenched his jaw, his throat working as he swallowed hard. "I’m fine. Really." He forced a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. "Just...
give me a minute, okay? I'll catch up with you later."
Shiven hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking between Ranvir and Advika again. Then he nodded, his expression turning serious. "Alright, man. I'll call you later. We'll grab dinner or something."
Ranvir nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, sounds good."
Shiven turned back to Advika, his arm wrapping around her waist again as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "Come on, let's go find a quiet corner of the library. I want to show you something."
Advika's eyes sparkled with amusement, her lips curling into a slow, knowing smile.
"Of course, Shiven," she purred, her fingers brushing against his arm in a way that made Ranvir's stomach clench. "I'd love to see what you've got."
Shiven's gaze flicked to Ranvir once more, his expression unreadable for a moment before he turned and started walking away, Advika's hand tucked into the crook of his elbow. Ranvir watched them go, his chest tightening as he felt the weight of her lingering gaze on his back. He exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his neck as he turned away.
He needed to get away from them, to clear his head.