The morning sunlight filtered through the classroom windows as Karthik sat at his desk, trying to focus on his notebook. But no matter how hard he tried, his thoughts kept circling back to Vikram.
Something about him unsettled Karthik. It wasn't just his confidence or his easy charm—it was the way he acted like he already knew how this story would end.
As if Karthik was just a passing phase in Ananya's life.
And that thought bothered him more than it should have.
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A New Rivalry
During the break, Vikram strolled over to Karthik's desk and leaned against it casually.
"You busy?" he asked.
Karthik didn't bother looking up. "What do you want?"
Vikram smirked. "Relax, man. I just thought we should talk."
Karthik closed his notebook. "About what?"
Vikram studied him for a moment before speaking. "About Ananya."
Karthik's fingers curled into a fist. "What about her?"
Vikram crossed his arms. "Look, don't take this the wrong way, but… do you really think you and Ananya are on the same level?"
Karthik's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"
Vikram shrugged. "She's loud, outgoing, always surrounded by people. You're… the opposite. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm sure you're a good guy. But do you really think you fit in her world?"
Karthik stared at him, the words stinging more than he wanted to admit.
Vikram leaned in slightly. "I've known Ananya for years. I know how she is. She likes excitement, adventure. You… you're more of a quiet guy. And trust me, sooner or later, that difference matters."
Karthik's jaw tightened. "If you're trying to tell me to stop being her friend, it's not happening."
Vikram chuckled. "Not at all. I just want you to think about it. That's all."
He gave Karthik a pat on the shoulder and walked away, leaving his words hanging in the air.
Karthik exhaled slowly, but the knot in his chest refused to loosen.
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A Question That Lingers
After school, Ananya met Karthik at the gate, smiling as if nothing had changed.
"Come on, let's go get tea."
Karthik hesitated for a second before nodding.
As they walked, Ananya chattered about her day, completely unaware of the storm inside his head.
Finally, he couldn't hold it in any longer.
"Ananya."
She looked at him, surprised by his serious tone. "Yeah?"
Karthik took a breath. "Do you ever feel like… we're too different?"
Ananya blinked. "What?"
"Like we don't belong in the same world."
She frowned, stopping in her tracks. "Who put that idea in your head?"
Karthik hesitated, but Ananya didn't need an answer. Her expression darkened.
"Was it Vikram?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
Karthik looked away.
Ananya sighed, running a hand through her hair. "That idiot."
She turned to Karthik, her voice firm. "Listen to me, Karthik. I don't care about 'different worlds' or whatever nonsense he told you. You're my friend because I like having you around. End of story."
Karthik swallowed. "But—"
Ananya poked his forehead. "No buts. If anyone has a problem with it, that's their issue. Not mine. And definitely not yours."
For a moment, Karthik just stared at her.
Then, finally, he exhaled a small laugh. "You're too stubborn."
Ananya grinned. "I know."
And just like that, the weight on Karthik's chest didn't seem so heavy anymore.
But as he glanced over his shoulder, he caught a glimpse of Vikram watching them from across the street.
And Karthik knew—this wasn't over yet.
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End of Chapter 13