Chapter 21

Everyone in the college was busy with their studies as our final semester exams for the first year were near. We decided to have group studies after our classes.

Every day Vihaan, Sanjay, Annie, Aarav, and the other two friends from his class came to our class to have group studies. One day while we were studying, a girl named Krithika from Vihaan's class came to us and asked to join us. Aarav instantly agreed with her.

As I observed her, she sits next to Vihaan and she keeps asking him doubts and they get busy with their studies. I don't know why I feel annoyed by seeing her beside him. I noticed she was trying to get close to him by unnecessarily touching his hand while exchanging notes. I wouldn't have minded if she was just being friends with him. But, I was angry as I understood her intention to hit on him.

To avoid her, I asked Vihaan to tag me to buy some snacks for us. He rejected me politely saying, "Let me finish this topic first." and continued explaining the topic to her.

I walked out of the classroom alone for the store. Annie must've sensed my distress as she followed me. We buy some snacks for all of us from the store. We were on our way back to the class when Annie asked me, "Are you jealous of seeing her with him?" I stayed silent as we walked.

Am I? I don't know what exactly this feeling is. I am sure that he is not interested in her. He is just helping her as a classmate. However, when I see her close to him, I feel like I am about to explode. Was this jealousy? If it is, I accept that I am.

We reached our class and distributed the snacks among ourselves. Everyone took a break from their studies and had snacks while Krithika deliberately threw her snacks on the ground pretending that her hands slipped. Seeing that, Vihaan offered his snacks to her and both shared one packet. I have been watching her antiques towards him which I was trying to tolerate and control myself to not behave crazy in front of them but I couldn't. I was trying to concentrate on my studies but failing.

Sanjay asked for my class notes which I might not have heard so he shook me, "Are you fine, Siya? I asked you to give me your class notes." I apologized as I took it out of my backpack and handed it to him.

I finished soon and asked Vihaan to walk me home with the thought of spending time with him. He nodded and was about to leave with me when Krithika stopped him. She held his hand, asking him to stay with her to explain the next topic as we were early to finish.

He instantly agreed and asked me to stay with him until he finished with her. I was contemplating but agreed when he pleaded with his cute pouted face. I sat in front of him and waited until he finished. Later, everyone left saying their byes.

Vihaan and I walked out of the building and reached the entrance. Suddenly, I remembered that I left my book in the class and asked him to wait, "I'll go and get my book soon." He agreed and asked me to make it fast.

I rushed into the class to see Krithika setting her books in her bag. I ignored her as I found the book on the bench where I sat before. I picked it up and was about to leave when she spoke from behind me, "I understand how you're feeling."

I turned back and saw her cunning smile which made me furious. "What?" I said frowning.

"I know you feel insecure when I am with Vihaan." She said.

"Why would I? Everyone knows in the college that we are together." I said confidently.

"Maybe he might fall for me?" She said.

I felt offended by her but I was confident about him. Vihaan would never break my heart. "Maybe in your dreams," I said with a sarcastic smile on my face.

She scoffed as she spoke, "Let's see." and left the classroom. I was surprised to see her confidence.

I reached the entrance and pretended to be normal when I was not in my mind. Even though I am sure that his love for me is unwavering, somewhere I was afraid of her beauty. Krithika was one of the prettiest girls in our college.

I was restless the whole night thinking about her words. I was trying to convince myself that Vihaan was not the kind of guy who considers looks as his priority. Also, rationally, he is also a guy and maybe he would, but I decided to trust him and our love therefore I ignored her.

She joined our group studies daily and soon they became friends. I ignored her and focused on my studies by putting my faith in our love.

One day, we were about to leave after our studies when she asked him to go out for coffee. I reminded him right in front of her, "We planned to go to the art gallery today."

"Siya, why can't you go with your other friends? Let him be with me today," she said. She was behaving like an outcast and that she doesn't have any friends which was not the reality.

I was outraged by her annoying behavior and I couldn't take her anymore, "I can't let him go with you. Vihaan can't cancel our plans." I said, holding his arm to show her his priority was me.

"Sorry, we planned it a week ago. I can't cancel our plans." Vihaan said to her.

"Please, only once." She pleaded with him.

"Only If you agree. I'll be back soon." He stared at me, trying to convince me as he continued, "we will meet at the entrance of the gallery."

I trusted him so I agreed, "I'll wait for you at the venue. Come soon." He thanked me for agreeing and left with her. As they were walking away, an unknown feeling took over me, and for some reason, I felt like I was about to regret this.