17 | Collisions of Fate

The market lights flickered above them, casting a warm glow over the restless crowd. The scent of roasted peanuts and sizzling spices lingered in the air, but Naina barely noticed. Her mind was tangled in the weight of Arjun's words, the unspoken challenge in his eyes.

What now?

She didn't know. And that terrified her.

Naina tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, shifting her gaze to the crowd beyond him. The world continued moving, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her.

We should probably go, she murmured, more to herself than to him.

Arjun studied her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, she thought he might argue, might throw another smug remark her way just to irritate her. But he didn't. Instead, he simply nodded, as if he understood the war raging within her.

Lead the way, bookworm.

She rolled her eyes but didn't protest. Together, they fell into step, weaving through the thick crowd. The market's usual hum of voices and bartering was a dull roar in her ears. She was too aware of Arjun's presence beside her—too aware of the fact that, despite everything, she didn't want to walk away just yet.

Naina…

She turned her head at the sound of her name, startled by the way his voice softened when he said it.

Yeah?

Arjun hesitated. For the first time since she'd met him, he looked uncertain. As if he was choosing his next words carefully.

Before he could speak, a sharp voice cut through the air.

Naina.

She stiffened instantly.

Karan stood a few feet away, his arms crossed, his gaze flickering between her and Arjun. The muscle in his jaw ticked, and something in his eyes made her stomach twist.

She felt Arjun tense beside her, his casual demeanor shifting into something sharper, more alert.

Karan's gaze settled on Arjun, cold and unyielding. You just don't know when to quit, do you?

Arjun smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. That depends. Are we talking about you or me?

Naina closed her eyes briefly, exhaling through her nose. This was the last thing she needed.

Karan, she started, stepping between them. Let's not do this here.

Karan barely spared her a glance. Stay out of this, Naina. This is between him and me.

Arjun let out a low chuckle, but there was no amusement in it. Hate to break it to you, but I don't remember signing up for whatever this is.

Karan took a step forward. You think this is funny?

Arjun tilted his head. A little.

Naina's stomach knotted. She knew that look. The way Arjun's posture shifted, the way his shoulders squared ever so slightly. He was bracing himself. And Karan? He was too wound up, too angry, his temper already on the verge of snapping.

This wasn't going to end well.

Enough, she said, forcing her voice to steady. Both of you.

Neither of them moved.

Karan, she tried again, more firmly this time. Let's just go.

He finally looked at her, his jaw clenched. You're coming with me.

It wasn't a question.

Naina's fingers curled into fists. The way he said it, like she was an object to be claimed, made something inside her recoil.

I can make my own decisions, Karan.

His eyes darkened. So, this is what it is now? You're choosing him over me?

Her breath hitched.

I'm not choosing anyone.

Karan laughed, but it was bitter, hollow. Sure you aren't.

Arjun let out a sigh, shaking his head. Look, man. She's not a prize. You don't get to decide where she goes or who she talks to.

Karan's fists clenched at his sides.

Naina could feel the tension mounting, pressing against her like a vice. She needed to stop this before it got worse.

Let's just go home, she pleaded. Please.

Karan exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. For a moment, she thought he might listen. But then he turned to Arjun, his expression unreadable.

Stay away from her.

Arjun didn't respond right away. Instead, he looked at Naina. Really looked at her. And something in his eyes—something raw and unspoken—made her heart ache.

Then, without a word, he turned and walked away.

Naina watched him go, her chest tightening with something she didn't quite understand.

She hated this. Hated the way everything felt heavier than it should.

Karan sighed beside her, his voice softer now. Let's go.

But as they walked away, Naina couldn't shake the feeling that a part of her had just slipped through her fingers.

--END--