The next morning, Ananya walked into class with a determined expression. Karthik could tell something was off the moment she stepped in. She barely even said good morning before scanning the room.
Her eyes locked onto Vikram.
Karthik felt a knot form in his stomach. He had a bad feeling about this.
Without a word, Ananya strode over to Vikram's desk and crossed her arms.
"We need to talk."
The entire class went silent.
Vikram, who had been casually chatting with his friends, raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
Ananya's voice was firm. "Outside. Now."
Whispers filled the room. Everyone knew Ananya wasn't someone to mess with when she was serious.
Vikram chuckled and stood up, unfazed. "Alright, alright. No need to get dramatic."
Karthik hesitated, but when Ananya shot him a look, he knew—she wanted him there too.
---
A Tense Exchange
Once they were outside, away from prying ears, Ananya turned to Vikram, arms still folded.
"What the hell was that yesterday?"
Vikram sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was just talking to him. Didn't know he'd run to you about it."
Karthik clenched his fists. "I didn't 'run' to anyone."
Ananya glared at Vikram. "You don't get to decide who I spend my time with. And you definitely don't get to put doubts in Karthik's head."
Vikram scoffed. "I wasn't 'putting doubts' in anyone's head. I was just telling him the truth."
"And what 'truth' is that?" Ananya shot back.
Vikram looked at Karthik, then back at Ananya. "That he's not like us. That sooner or later, you'll realize it too."
Ananya's eyes burned with frustration. "You seriously think I care about any of that?"
Vikram let out a small laugh. "You might not now. But eventually—"
"No, Vikram. Not 'eventually.' Not ever." Ananya's voice was sharp. "I choose who I want in my life. And I choose Karthik."
Karthik's breath caught in his throat.
Vikram's smirk faltered for the first time. "You're really serious about this?"
Ananya's expression softened, but her resolve didn't waver. "I've never been more serious about anything."
Vikram looked between the two of them before exhaling. "Alright, I get it."
He turned to Karthik, and for the first time, his eyes held something other than amusement.
"Guess I underestimated you."
Karthik met his gaze. "Guess you did."
---
A Quiet Walk Home
After school, Ananya and Karthik walked in silence for a while.
Finally, Karthik spoke. "You didn't have to do that."
Ananya sighed. "Yes, I did."
He glanced at her. "Why?"
She stopped walking and turned to him. "Because I don't want you to doubt yourself, Karthik. Not with me."
Karthik felt something shift inside him. A warmth that replaced the uncertainty from before.
For the first time in a long time, he felt like he belonged.
"Thank you," he said softly.
Ananya smiled. "Always, idiot."
And with that, they continued walking, side by side.
---
End of Chapter 14