I don't need you

Nitya sighed and rubbed her forehead with one head. She was extremely disturbed by Avyan's actions. She remembered the time when Avyan had confessed that he never bullied anyone without appropriate safety measures; and that Tarun was always there to prevent things from getting out of hand. But there was no Tarun today. Avyan had indeed tried to put Rushabh in serious danger.

She didn't know what was happening to Avyan. It was like he was stuck in a downward spiral where he was trying to destroy everything around him. She knew the end result too: Avyan's own destruction.

As much as she tried to deny it, she knew that she harbored feelings for Avyan, and owing to them, she just couldn't see it happen. She knew she had to do something before Avyan destroys himself completely.

Lost in her thoughts, Nitya walked back to the academic buildings, when she collided with Avyan who was rushing in the direction of backyard himself. However, upon seeing Nitya's state, he grew worried.

"What happened, Nitya?" He asked, holding her by her arms.

"Tarun was not there." She replied confusing Avyan even more.

"Nitya, just because you're dating him, it doesn't mean that you'll start seeing him everywhere." He joked.

"You lied, Avyan. Tarun was not there to save Rushabh." She repeated. Avyan's anger skyrocketed the moment Nitya's words registered in his mind.

"What did you do, Nitya?" He asked, barely able to control his anger now.

"What did you expect me to do, huh? Leave him dying there? Have you gone absolutely crazy?" Nitya yelled back at him, matching Avyan's anger.

"Why do you have to butt in every thing I do, Nitya?" Avyan shouted, tightening his grip on her arms.

"Leave me, Avyan! And you're going insane day by day. You need someone to stop you from doing whatever you desire. What do you want to become? A murderer? Playing with someone's heart is something you're a master at but playing with someone's life is even low for you, Avyan. Seriously stop before you reach a point of no return." Nitya ranted angrily at him, freeing herself from his hold.

"I don't need you, Nitya. Go save your boyfriend or anyone else for that matter. Just stop caring about me." Avyan bellowed at her before storming out of there.

//

//

//

It was not even two in the afternoon and Nitya was already tired. The day's happenings had taken a hard toll on her. Worrying about Sonia and all her conversations with Avyan proved to be really taxing. She felt like collapsing down in one corner, away from the world where she could stare into nothing. Even though her life seemed like it was on the train of perfection, only she knew how messy the tracks were and that she was just holding onto her dear life.

Not able to take any more of what the day might throw at her, she decided to return home early. But just as she was about to exit the University premises, she was interrupted by Tarun who had come running behind her. He took a few seconds to catch his breath.

"Where are you going, Nitya?" He asked.

"Home. Did you need something?" She literally had no energy left to converse with anyone but she couldn't be rude to him.

"No. Yes! I mean, uhmm, kind of? But first, tell me what happened to you?" He asked peering into her eyes and holding her by her shoulders.

"Nothing, Tarun. Nothing out of the usual anyway. Rushabh angering Avyan in some way, the latter trying to kill his stepbrother, so just a regular day, I guess." She replied sarcastically.

Tarun didn't know what to say because he knew nothing about the latest edition of Avyan - Rushabh fiasco. Of course, he knew that Avyan wouldn't let Rushabh get away for beating up Vivaan but a murder attempt? He couldn't believe that Avyan would do this before telling him first. Also, he was confused about the changing equations between Nitya and Avyan that he had observed over some time. But he couldn't hold onto his doubts as he was himself in a similar situation.

Apart from Nitya, he knew that he felt something different for a girl he had known for a long time. Putting aside his qualms for a moment, he focused on Nitya, "Calm down, Nitya. Don't worry, I'll talk to Avyan. Okay?" She gave a little nod to him, even though she knew that Avyan wouldn't listen to anyone, probably.

"I wanted to ask you something important." He started after a few seconds of silence.

"Will you go on a date with me tonight?" He asked nervously yet hopefully. Nitya was a little shocked upon hearing his question but she knew that it was coming sooner or later. And she knew couldn't say 'no' either.

Seems like she was saying 'Yes' to a lot of things these days!

"Yes." She answered with a slight smile.

"Great!" Tarun was a little overjoyed. It was kind of his first date in his life till date and that too with the girl he thought he loved. What could be better than that?

"So, I'll pick you up at seven for dinner. How does that sound?" He informed her. She nodded at him and the pair stood there awkwardly not knowing how to act or what to do next.

"Yeah, okay. See you later." Nitya broke the silence and waved at him before turning around and walking away.