Between friendship and Fate

Radhya

"Hello, step-sis. So, this is where you are," Rakshit said, leaning over my coffee table, both hands resting on it as he looked straight at me.

The cafeteria buzzed with its usual liveliness—students chatting, laughter filling the air, and the clatter of trays breaking any sense of calm. I was sitting in my usual spot, trying to enjoy my hot coffee in peace. But my mind kept replaying last night's drama—yes, drama, because that's exactly what it felt like.

It all started in the morning when Dad told me, "Come home early from college. I have a surprise for you." And by night, it turned into "Hello, Radhya, you and your best friend are now siblings."

Wow. What a soap opera.

Since last night, I've been doing everything possible to avoid Rakshit. As usual, I didn't reply to his texts and spent the entire morning dodging him at college. I don't know why, but I just couldn't face him. I probably sound like a coward, but for now, this is what feels right. Maybe I just need time to process everything because, honestly, it's too much to handle.

That's why I thought hiding out in the cafeteria, in the middle of a noisy crowd, was a good idea. I figured there was no way he'd find me here. After all, he knows I hate loud places.

But, of course, I was wrong.

And now, here he is—towering over my coffee table, his intense gaze locked onto me.

I guess the hide-and-seek game is over.

I have to face reality.

I can't keep running away from the people I love.

Looks like it's confrontation time.

---

"Oh, you're still alive? What a surprise. I thought you might have left this world by now." His voice was teasing, but I could hear the hint of irritation in it. He raised an eyebrow at me.

I had been trying to calm the storm in my mind, but his sarcastic comment sent another wave of chaos through me.

I could feel his warm breath on my face as he leaned in slightly. The scent of his cologne filled my senses, making it even harder to stay composed.

"Sorry, I got a little busy," I lied with a forced smile.

He narrowed his eyes.

"Busy, huh?"

"And what about this morning?" He tilted his head, watching me closely. "You ditched me, ignored my calls and texts. That's never happened before. What's going on? We've been best friends since childhood, and I don't remember you ever acting this weird. This is the second day in a row you've ignored my texts."

He finally sat down in the seat next to me, his expression shifting to something more serious. He looked... concerned.

"I've been worried about you since last night, and you couldn't even send a simple text to let me know you're okay?" So tell me ,what's with this attitude .

"I don't have an attitude. I just got busy last night." Another lie.

He squinted at me.

"This is about our parents, isn't it?"

I swallowed hard.

"Do you have a problem with their decision?"

How is he so calm about this?

Oh, right. He's not the one dealing with feelings for his soon-to-be step-sibling.

"You don't?" I raised an eyebrow.

He simply nodded. "Why would I? They're adults, and it's their decision. They're happy, so why would I be against it?"

I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Could you really let someone take your dad's place?" My voice was uncertain, maybe even nervous.

Understanding flickered in his eyes. He placed a hand over mine and spoke softly, "Oh, so that's what this is about. You're struggling with the idea of someone taking your mom's place… well, my mom's place."

I didn't respond.

"Listen, Radhya, I know this won't be easy. But what I know for sure is that your dad is an amazing man. I've seen it for years—how kind, protective, and generous he is. I know he'll take good care of my mom. And the same goes for my mom, too. They've both suffered a lot. They deserve to be happy. And honestly, I don't think it's about replacing anyone. They're not taking each other's places—they're just fulfilling new roles in each other's lives."

Wow.

He said it so simply.

But what about us?

What am I supposed to do with my feelings for you when you become my stepbrother?

But I guess that's just my problem.

Because clearly, he doesn't feel the same way.

So this isn't difficult for him at all.

---

"What about Aaliyah?" I asked, pushing my thoughts aside. I hadn't spoken to Aaliyah since last night, and she hadn't looked happy about this decision either. I was sure this was just as hard for her.

Somewhere deep down, I believe girls are more emotionally sensitive to their surroundings than boys. Maybe that's just my opinion, but still.

Rakshit sighed. "She's not happy. But she's trying to adjust. It'll take time, but I'm sure we'll all accept this change as a family."

His eyes met mine.

They say eyes never lie.

So I looked away.

I didn't want him to see something in mine that might contradict his words.

"Yeah, of course." I forced another smile.

I am the biggest liar.

Trust me.

---

"So, we're good now, step-sis?" he said with a mocking smile.

"Don't call me that." I rolled my eyes. "We're friends. And we'll stay friends. I have no interest in being your sister."

He chuckled. "Okay, bestie."

Just then, my phone beeped. It was a notification from the English department—Professor Shammi was on leave today, and since no substitute was available, my literature class was canceled.

Lucky me.

"I think I'll head home. No classes left for me today," I said, putting my phone away and grabbing my bag.

Rakshit sighed dramatically. "Oh, lucky you. I still have two more classes."

"Oh well, see you later then."

"Yeah, but next time, don't ignore my texts. Strict warning, okay?"

"Yes, sir. Any other orders?" I teased.

"Not right now. Just go." He smiled.

I let out a small sigh and made my way toward the cafeteria door.

And then—

I stopped in my tracks.

A familiar face stood in front of me.

"Riyansh?"

He laughed, stepping closer, making me instinctively step back.

"Hey, I finally found you."

"I—what the hell are you doing here?"

He smirked. "What do you think I'm doing here? Maybe... studying at the same college as you?"

Ah. Right.

What a stupid question to ask.

Of course, he studies here. He could be anywhere he wants.

"I just meant... I haven't seen you around today." I tried to cover up my awkwardness.

His smirk deepened. "Oh? Were you looking for me?"

"No! I mean—" I stumbled over my words, struggling to explain.

He just chuckled.

There's something about this guy.

Something unusual.

He has a way of shutting me up without even trying.

He took a deep breath, and suddenly, I could hear it. Feel it. Smell it.

His breath brushed against my skin, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

Is he doing this on purpose?

Is he trying to make my heart race?

"I told you, I was looking for you," he said smoothly. "But I guess you weren't paying attention to my words. Your mind seems... elsewhere."

He smirked again.

"No!" I snapped, flustered. "I was listening."

"Good."

I swallowed hard.

Why do I feel so weird around him?

I mean, yeah, he's handsome.

Very handsome.

Athletic. Confident.

But he's not my type.

Because we all know exactly who my type is.

So, this is not happening.

"I've decided," he said, stepping even closer.

"Decided what?" I narrowed my eyes.

He grinned. "I want a chance."

"A chance?" I blinked, stunned.

"Yeah, you heard me."

And I did.

Loud and clear.

He must have read my state of mind—

Yes, a chance! You heard it right.

He's looking straight into my eyes... I stop blinking, just trying to decipher whether his words mean exactly what I think they do.

"Radhya," he says, his voice low and undeniably charismatic.

"I find you very interesting."

Oh.

"Riyansh, I—"

He cuts me off. "I know, I know. You're not available right now. But I plan to change that. Like I said, I find you very interesting, and I always go after the things that intrigue me.

So, I'm going to bother you a lot, Radh. And you won't have a choice."

He lifts his hand to my head, running his fingers through my hair twice before lowering it. Then, with a wink, he turns and walks away, leaving me standing there, dumbfounded, trying to process his words.

I've had my fair share of guys approach me before, but none have ever spoken to me this boldly.

And I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't flutter, even just a little.

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