Chapter 28: Karthik vs. His Own Feelings
Karthik was in trouble.
Serious, life-destroying, no-way-out kind of trouble.
Because after yesterday—after Ananya's teasing, her casual touches, her calling him cute—
His heart was completely out of control.
And Ananya knew it.
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Step 1: Denial is the Only Way
"You're acting weird."
Karthik jumped at Vikram's words. "I AM NOT."
Vikram raised an eyebrow. "Bro, you just screamed that in the middle of class."
Shruthi smirked. "And you've been staring at Ananya like she's a math problem you can't solve."
Karthik glared. "Shut up."
Vikram grinned. "Just admit it, dude. You like her."
"NO, I DON'T."
Shruthi sighed dramatically. "Ah, denial. The first stage of love."
Karthik groaned and buried his face in his hands. "You guys are the worst."
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Step 2: Avoiding Ananya (Mission Failed)
Karthik decided there was only one solution.
Avoid Ananya. At all costs.
But there was one tiny problem.
Ananya wasn't going to let him.
"Karthik!"
His soul left his body as she suddenly linked arms with him during lunch break.
"W-What are you doing?!"
Ananya smiled sweetly. "You were trying to run away, weren't you?"
Karthik stammered. "N-No!"
She leaned closer. "Liar."
Karthik was officially dead.
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Step 3: The Moment That Almost Killed Him
After school, it started raining.
Of course, Karthik forgot his umbrella.
Of course, Ananya had hers.
And of course, she insisted on sharing it with him.
Now, they were walking home together, shoulder to shoulder, under the same tiny umbrella.
Karthik was dying inside.
Ananya suddenly spoke. "You're really hopeless, you know that?"
"H-Huh?"
She sighed dramatically. "You're so obvious, but you won't admit it. It's cute, actually."
Karthik felt his brain short-circuit.
"I-I have no idea what you're talking about!"
Ananya giggled. "Sure you don't."
And then—to make things worse—she gently rested her head on his shoulder.
Karthik's entire body froze.
His brain exploded.
His heart was about to break the sound barrier.
Ananya smirked. "Still think you don't like me?"
Karthik's answer?
He ran.
Straight into the rain.
Without the umbrella.
Ananya burst into laughter. "IDIOT!"
But deep inside, she was smiling.
Because at this point, it was only a matter of time.
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End of Chapter 28