Chapter 69

He let go of my wrist.

Finally.

I should have turned around.

Should have walked away.

Should have ended this conversation before it got dangerous.

But Vihaan?

Vihaan Malhotra never let anything go easily.

And the worst part?

He had no idea just how much he was ruining me.

I exhaled sharply.

"Tch. It wasn't that serious."

Vihaan raised an eyebrow.

"Dude. I almost died."

I blinked. "You—what?"

He placed a dramatic hand on his chest.

"I lost my balance. Could've crashed into the platform. Could've hit my head. It could've been tragic."

I stared. "You fell on me."

Vihaan grinned. "Exactly. You saved me."

…Oh my god.

I dragged a hand down my face.

This man.

I had spent years watching him from a distance.

Years thinking he was unreachable.

And now?

Now, he was standing right in front of me—

Clinging to me like I was part of his morning routine.

I turned, gripping my bag tighter.

"Well, good to know I saved your life. Now, if you'll excuse me—"

He grabbed my wrist again.

I froze.

Again.

Vihaan tilted his head.

"Whoa, whoa. You're just gonna run off?"

I glanced at him.

Big mistake.

Because he was still smiling.

Still too warm. Too familiar. Too close.

I swallowed. "I don't even know you."

Vihaan's smirk widened. "Nah. I feel like we go way back now."

…What?

He finally let go of my wrist—but didn't move back.

Instead—he shoved his hands into his hoodie pockets, rocking on his heels like he had all the time in the world.

"So. Since we're practically friends now, I think you owe me something."

I narrowed my eyes.

"…I owe you?"

Vihaan nodded. "Yup."

I sighed. "What?"

He grinned.

"Chai."

I stared at him.

"Chai?"

Vihaan nodded like it was obvious.

"You know. Tea. Hot. Sweet. Usually comes in a cup."

I clenched my jaw. "I know what chai is."

He smirked. "Great! Then let's go."

…What.

I blinked. "Right now?"

Vihaan shrugged.

"You did save my life. Least I can do is buy you a cup of chai."

I opened my mouth.

Closed it.

Because what the hell was I supposed to say to that?

I had spent years watching him from a distance—and now he wanted to have tea with me like we were friends?

Like this wasn't the most insane thing to ever happen?

I exhaled slowly.

I should say no.

I should walk away.

I should—

"Fine."

…WHAT.

Did I just say that out loud?

Vihaan's grin widened.

"Cool. There's a place near Majestic. Let's go."

And just like that—

I was walking next to Vihaan Malhotra.

Heading towards a chai stall.

Like this was normal.

Like he hadn't just turned my world upside down in a matter of minutes.

And the worst part?

I had no idea what I had just gotten myself into.