18 | Unraveling Ties

The ride home was suffocating.

Naina sat beside Karan in the car, staring out the window as the city lights blurred past. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw tense. The silence between them was thick, stretching longer with every passing second.

She wanted to say something, anything, but the weight of their earlier confrontation clung to her like a second skin.

You shouldn't be around him, Karan finally spoke, his voice quieter this time.

She closed her eyes briefly before turning to face him. You don't get to decide that.

He scoffed. I'm trying to look out for you, Naina.

By telling me who I can and can't talk to?

Karan exhaled sharply. That's not what this is about.

Then what is it about?

He didn't answer.

Naina sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. Her thoughts were still a tangled mess, caught between Karan's anger and Arjun's silence.

She wasn't blind. She knew Arjun wasn't the kind of guy people trusted easily. He was reckless, arrogant, unpredictable. But there was something about him—something she couldn't ignore.

Something she wasn't sure she wanted to ignore.

When they finally pulled into the driveway of her home, Karan didn't turn off the engine right away. He gripped the steering wheel for a long moment before finally speaking.

You're not like him, Naina.

She frowned. What's that supposed to mean?

It means… you're better off without someone like him in your life.

Her chest tightened. Karan, you don't know him.

And you do?

The words stung because they echoed the same doubt she had felt earlier.

Naina didn't answer. Instead, she opened the door and stepped out into the cool night air.

She didn't look back as she walked into her house, her thoughts still circling the same question.

Did she really know Arjun?

Sleep didn't come easily that night.

Naina lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the evening in her head. The way Karan had looked at her. The way Arjun had walked away. The way her heart had twisted with something unfamiliar and unsettling.

Frustrated, she sat up and grabbed her phone. Her fingers hovered over the screen before she finally gave in and opened the chat.

She hesitated for a second, then typed.

Naina: Are you okay?

A few moments passed before the typing indicator appeared.

Arjun: Why wouldn't I be?

She exhaled.

Naina: Because Karan was out of line.

There was a pause. Then,

Arjun: He wasn't wrong.

Her brows furrowed.

Naina: What's that supposed to mean?

Arjun: It means he has a point. You probably should stay away from me.

Something about his words made her stomach drop.

Naina: That's not for you to decide.

Another long pause.

Arjun: Then what do you decide, bookworm?

She stared at the message for a long time, her fingers trembling slightly as she typed her response.

Naina: I don't know yet.

This time, there was no reply.

The next morning, Naina walked into college feeling drained. Her mind was still clouded with last night's conversation, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her.

She spotted Karan near the entrance, talking to a few friends, but he didn't immediately notice her.

For a second, she considered walking past him. Avoiding another argument. But before she could make a decision, his eyes met hers.

Naina, wait up.

She sighed, stopping as he approached her.

Listen, about last night… he started, rubbing the back of his neck.

She crossed her arms. What about it?

I just—I don't want to fight with you.

Then stop trying to control my decisions.

Karan frowned. That's not what I'm doing.

Then what are you doing?

I'm trying to keep you from getting hurt, he said, his voice quieter now.

Her chest tightened at the sincerity in his tone.

Karan…

Before she could say anything else, a familiar voice interrupted.

Didn't realize we were having a family meeting.

Naina turned to see Arjun leaning casually against a nearby pillar, his expression unreadable.

Karan immediately tensed beside her. You just have to show up everywhere, don't you?

Arjun smirked. What can I say? I like keeping things interesting.

Karan clenched his jaw. You think this is a joke?

Arjun pushed off the pillar, stepping closer. No. But I think you take things way too seriously.

Before Karan could snap back, Naina stepped between them. Enough. I'm done with this.

She looked at Karan. I already told you—I'll make my own decisions.

Then she turned to Arjun, meeting his gaze head-on. And that includes whether or not I want to be around you.

Arjun raised a brow, clearly intrigued. Oh? And what's the verdict, bookworm?

She exhaled. I don't know yet.

For a second, something flickered in his eyes. But before he could respond, Karan scoffed.

You're making a mistake, Naina.

Maybe. But it's my mistake to make.

Karan stared at her for a long moment, then shook his head. Fine. Do whatever you want.

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Naina let out a slow breath, feeling the tension ease ever so slightly.

Arjun watched her, a small smirk playing on his lips.

That was fun.

She shot him a glare. Shut up.

His grin widened. Whatever you say, bookworm.

As much as she wanted to be annoyed, she couldn't ignore the way her lips almost curled into a smile.

Almost.

--END--