Ananya was many things—loud, confident, and always up for a fight. But if there was one thing she prided herself on, it was knowing people.
And right now, Karthik was hiding something.
She had given him space yesterday, hoping he'd snap out of whatever weird mood he was in. But today? Today, he was worse.
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Avoidance, Avoidance, Avoidance
The first sign? He wasn't waiting for her outside class like usual.
The second sign? During the first period, he kept looking out the window instead of paying attention.
The third sign? He flinched when she called his name.
"Karthik."
"Huh? What?" He turned so fast that his notebook almost fell off his desk.
Ananya narrowed her eyes. "You tell me."
Karthik quickly looked away. "Nothing. Just—thinking."
"You've been thinking a lot lately." She leaned closer. "You sure your brain can handle it?"
He let out a short laugh, but it wasn't the same as usual. It felt forced.
That's when Ananya decided—she wasn't letting this go.
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The Confrontation
At lunch, instead of sitting with the others, Ananya grabbed Karthik's wrist and dragged him outside to the school terrace.
"Oi! What are you doing?" Karthik protested.
"Getting answers," she said, locking the door behind them.
Karthik looked genuinely nervous now. "Why are you acting like we're in some crime thriller?"
Ananya crossed her arms. "Because you're acting weird and I don't like it."
Karthik sighed. "It's nothing—"
"Lies."
"Ananya—"
"Nope. Try again."
Karthik ran a hand through his hair, looking frustrated. "Why do you even care?"
Ananya stared at him, her expression unreadable. "Because it's you."
The words were simple. But something about the way she said them made Karthik freeze.
His heart was racing again.
"You always say I overthink," she continued. "But right now? You're the one acting strange. And I want to know why."
Karthik looked away. "It's just… complicated."
Ananya's voice softened. "Then explain it to me."
He swallowed. He couldn't tell her. Not now. Not like this.
So instead, he said, "I need time."
Ananya studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. But don't think you can avoid me forever, okay?"
Karthik nodded. "I know."
As they stood there in silence, the wind brushing past them, Ananya couldn't shake the feeling—
Something between them was changing.
And she wasn't sure she was ready for it.
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End of Chapter 17