OWNED BY MY ENEMY
EP-1
“Sharma and Malhotra—same bench.”
Silence.
Then chaos.
Preeti Sharma/FL
"No! No! No!"
Preeti stood up like she’d been personally attacked.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Ma’am, that’s illegal.”
The entire class turned, half hiding their giggles. Preeti Sharma looked absolutely horrified, as if she’d been asked to marry a lizard.
The teacher didn’t flinch. “Illegal or not, you’re sitting with Riyan Malhotra for the rest of the semester.”
Riyan, sitting two rows back, smirked slowly—like a villain entering stage left.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“Looks like someone’s prayers finally got answered.” he drawled lazily, rising from his seat and slinging his bag over one shoulder.
Preeti Sharma/FL
She scoffed. “Yeah, Satan’s.”
As he walked past Aarav—his best friend and her secret crush—Preeti tried not to look. She still felt fluttery around Aarav. But her attention snapped back to Riyan the moment he sat beside her and placed his annoyingly expensive perfume-scented self right in her space.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You smell poor.” he said, wrinkling his nose.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“And you smell like daddy’s ego dipped in Gucci.” she shot back, scooting away dramatically.
Riyan malhotra/ML
He leaned in with a grin. “Missed me, didn’t you?”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“I’d rather sit with a cactus.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You kind of already are.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
She blinked. “Excuse me?!”
Riyan malhotra/ML
He smirked. “You poke, you hiss, and you look like you haven’t been watered since 2003.”
Preeti gasped so loudly the girl in front flinched.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Ma’am!” she snapped. “Is verbal abuse covered in tuition fees? Or is that a rich boy add-on?”
The teacher sighed like she regretted all her life choices. “One more word from either of you and I’ll make you partners for the science project.”
Dead silence.
Preeti and Riyan froze and slowly turned to look at each other—both horrified.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Truce?” she whispered under her breath.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“For now.” he muttered.
But five minutes later, he stole her pen.
And she stabbed his notebook with a compass.
The war had officially begun.
Preeti tried not to smile.
Tried being the keyword.
Aarav Mehta, the boy who had once helped her pick up her books in the hallway and casually tucked her hair behind her ear last week, was looking at her.
Not just looking—smiling. That slow, heart-thudding kind of smile that made every other boy seem irrelevant.
Preeti felt her cheeks heat up.
She looked away.
Looked down.
Looked anywhere except at him.
And completely ignored the death glare being thrown at her from exactly six inches away.
Riyan was watching it all.
With the intensity of a jealous cat watching its owner pet another animal.
His pen paused mid-scribble.
His jaw clenched.
And then—
SNAP.
Preeti jumped.
Preeti Sharma/FL
"Did you just break your pen?"
Riyan malhotra/ML
He didn’t look at her. "It slipped."
Preeti Sharma/FL
"Yeah? Sounded more like a murder attempt."
Riyan malhotra/ML
"Well, your face is killing me, so… fair."
She rolled her eyes, biting back a smile.
But just as she turned back to Aarav—who was still looking at her—Riyan suddenly leaned over and knocked her book off the table.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“Oh no,” he said in the most fake-dramatic voice ever. “Clumsy me.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Are you twelve?!”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“I’m sorry.” he said innocently, “Was your moment with Romeo getting too intense? Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
Her eyes narrowed. “Are you jealous?”
Riyan malhotra/ML
He smirked. “Please. I’m just protective of the bench. It doesn’t deserve to witness that much cringe.”
But Preeti caught it—the way his eyes flicked to Aarav, then back to her. The way his jaw flexed every time she blushed. The way his hand was clenched around the pencil like it owed him money.
The bell rang.
Preeti stood up, gathering her books. Riyan stood too, a little too close behind her.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You’re glowing, Sharma.” he whispered as she turned.
Preeti Sharma/FL
She blinked. “What?”
Riyan malhotra/ML
He leaned in, voice low. “Too bad it’s for the wrong guy.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You do realize..” he said quietly, “He flirts with every girl in this room. You’re just this week’s edition.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
She turned to him, offended. “You don’t know that!”
Riyan malhotra/ML
He met her gaze—calm, quiet, burning.
“I know him better than you ever will.”
And for a moment, his voice didn’t sound sarcastic.
It sounded like a warning.
EP-2
The street was bustling as usual. Honking rickshaws, late office-goers, and a samosa stall steaming up the corner.
Preeti Sharma, headphones in, was on her usual post-college walk home, happily chewing her gum and bouncing to the beat of her Bollywood playlist.
She was mid-chorus of “Param Sundari” when—
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Aunty! STOP!”
A screech of tires.
A scream.
Preeti’s eyes snapped open. A woman—maybe in her fifties—was stepping right into a speeding car’s path.
Without thinking, Preeti ran.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“ARE YOU CRAZY?!” she yelled, grabbing the lady’s arm and pulling her back just in time.
The car whooshed past, horn blaring, driver yelling something rude.
Both women stumbled to the side of the road. Preeti panted, still holding onto the woman’s wrist like her life depended on it.
The older woman looked shocked.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“A-are you okay, aunty?” She asked, crouching in front of her like a hyper squirrel. “Are you dizzy? Did the car touch you? Do you need water? An ambulance? My blood type?!”
Riya malhotra
“N-no, beta. I think I’m okay…”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“You were about to get flattened like a pizza!” She huffed, fishing a bottle of water out of her bag and handing it over. “Aunty! Why weren’t you looking?! What if I wasn’t here?!”
Riya malhotra
“I... I guess I was distracted."
Preeti Sharma/FL
She plopped down beside her on the bench. “You’re lucky I’m always late. God really said, ‘Here, aunty, take your guardian angel. She may have chappals and attitude, but she’s yours now.’”
Riya malhotra
She giggled. “You’re very dramatic.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“I’ve been told,” she smirked. “Name’s Preeti, by the way. Preeti Sharma.”
Riya malhotra
“Well, Preeti Sharma,” she said, sipping the water gratefully, “you just saved my life. I owe you.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“You owe me nothing.” she said, brushing it off. “Maybe just… look both ways next time? And avoid crossing the road like a Bollywood heroine doing slow-motion drama?”
The woman chuckled, her eyes softening. There was something warm about this girl — her quick wit, her boldness, the way she didn't hesitate to help a stranger.
Riya malhotra
“College student?”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Final year..” She said proudly. “Soon-to-be graduate. Future successful woman. Current unpaid intern of chaos.”
Riya malhotra
“You remind me of someone I used to be.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“A hot mess with a kind heart?”
Riya malhotra
“No,” she laughed. “A hurricane with a soft center.”
The two shared a final laugh before the woman stood.
Riya malhotra
“Thank you again, Preeti. For saving me. For making me laugh. You’ve made my day.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“I try.” She shrugged playfully. “Take care, aunty. No more road-crossing stunts, okay?”
Riya malhotra
“Promise.” she smiled. “And Preeti?”
Riya malhotra
“I hope we meet again.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
She smiled. "same here."
Later That Evening – Malhotra Mansion.
Riyan walked into the house, tossing his keys on the marble counter, his expression as usual—grumpy billionaire's son energy activated.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“Mom, where’s my charger—?”
He froze.
There she was.
His mother, sitting on the couch with a glowing face and a suspiciously romantic twinkle in her eye.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You look... weirdly peaceful,” he said cautiously. “Did you join yoga or something?”
Riya malhotra
She smiled dreamily. “I met the sweetest girl today.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“Please don’t say you’re matchmaking again—”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“I nearly got hit by a car.” she interrupted dramatically.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“WHAT?!”
Riya malhotra
“But a girl saved me!” she said happily. “She was brave, kind, fussed over me like I was her real mother—”
Riyan malhotra/ML
He blinked. “Okay... cool story.”
Riya malhotra
“She gave me water, yelled at me for being careless, and made me laugh. Her name was Preeti. Preeti Sharma.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“Sorry—what?”
Riya malhotra
“Do you know her?”
Riyan malhotra/ML
His face went through a mix of horror and denial. “You could say that.”
Riya malhotra
“Well, I’ve decided something,” she declared with the pride of a queen choosing her heir.
“She’s going to be my daughter-in-law.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“WHAT?!”
Riya malhotra
“You heard me.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
He looked personally victimized. “Mom, she literally fights with me every day in college.”
Riya malhotra
“Perfect,” she said, sipping her chai. “That means you talk. Communication is the key to a good marriage.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“She once called me an expired cheese puff—”
Riya malhotra
“And you survived,” she said calmly. “It’s called character building.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“Mom, seriously?!”
Riya malhotra
“I like her. And I have amazing instinct. Just wait. You’ll thank me on your wedding day.”
Riyan stood there, eyes wide, while his mother smiled to herself—already planning Preeti Sharma Weds Riyan Malhotra in gold foil letters.
EP-3
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“Morning, sunshine.”
Preeti turned around at the sound of that voice — and nearly dropped her water bottle.
Aarav. Again.
He leaned casually against the wall beside the classroom door, grinning like he owned the whole hallway.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Y-You again?” she asked, already flustered. “Why are you always standing near me like a lost dog?”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“Lost?” He placed a hand dramatically over his heart. “That’s cruel. I’m not lost. I just keep finding myself where you are.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“You’re impossible.”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“And you’re pretty. But here we are.” he winked.
Her cheeks went red. Not pink. Red.
She stomped into the classroom without replying, plopping down in her seat — only to hear footsteps following her.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“You forgot your pen yesterday.” he said, appearing beside her, holding it like it was a rose.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“That’s not even mine.”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“I know. But it could be. If you take it, it’ll have meaning.”
She grabbed the pen and shoved it into her bag just to make him stop talking.
Across the room, Riyan sat frozen, staring like he was watching a slow-motion horror movie.
He watched as Aarav pulled the chair in front of Preeti, sat backwards on it, resting his arms on the backrest — completely blocking her view of the board.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“Can I help you with notes today? I’m very good at passing paper. And passing time with beautiful girls.”
Preeti Sharma/FL
“Are you always like this?”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
He leaned closer, lowering his voice, “Only when I like someone.”
Her heart skipped.
She looked away, pretending to focus on her notebook.
Days passed.
And every day, Aarav Mehta made it his mission to win Preeti’s heart.
Or at least pretend like he was trying to.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“Here, I got your favorite chips,” he said, sliding the packet onto her desk with a wink.
Preeti Sharma/FL
“How do you even know that?”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
He grinned. “I know everything about you now.”
He didn’t. But she blushed anyway.
And that was all he wanted.
Every morning: “You look prettier than yesterday.”
Every afternoon: “Wanna go to the canteen together?”
Every evening: “Text me when you reach home, okay?”
He was sweet. Caring. Cute.
But it all felt too perfect.
Like a script.
Meanwhile, Riyan Malhotra sat two benches behind, jaw tight, fists clenched, trying to not murder his best friend.
He watched as Aarav leaned in a little too close. Called her “cutie” a little too often.
And worst of all?
Preeti smiled back.
She laughed at his jokes. She saved a seat beside her. She even defended Aarav during group discussions.
Riyan couldn’t take it anymore.
One afternoon, as they all left the class, he stopped Aarav by grabbing his collar.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“Enough!” he hissed, pulling him into a corner.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
He smirked. “Jealous, much?”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You’re using her.” he growled. “I know you too well.”
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
He Scoffed. “And since when do you care about her?”
Riyan didn’t answer.
His silence was loud.
Aarav leaned closer, voice low..
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“Relax, bro. She had a crush on me. I’m just giving her a little attention. It’s harmless.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You’re breaking her heart."
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“She’ll move on.”
Aarav smirked and leaned back against the wall, arms crossed as if he owned the damn world.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“You’re getting worked up over nothing, Riyan,” he said coolly. “It’s just fun.”
Riyan’s jaw flexed, eyes narrowed like daggers.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“She’s not your toy.” he gritted out.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“Come on, bro. You’ve seen her, haven’t you?” He licked his lips like a complete pervert. “That innocent face, that perfect little body… Damn, sometimes I just wanna have a taste—”
CRACK.
Aarav didn’t even finish the sentence before Riyan’s fist slammed into his jaw with a force that echoed through the corridor.
He staggered, eyes wide in shock, blood spilling from his lip.
Aarav Mehta/ML's bestfriend
“What the f—”
But Riyan wasn’t done.
He grabbed Aarav by the collar, slammed him against the wall, and punched him again.
And again.
And again.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You talk about her like that again.” he growled, “I’ll break every bone in your pathetic body.”
Aarav tried to fight back, but Riyan was gone. His rage, pure. His eyes, dark with fury.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You think it’s funny?”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“She trusted you.”
Riyan malhotra/ML
“She liked you, you piece of sh*t.” One more, this time to the gut.
“Riyan, stop!” someone yelled from afar—but he didn’t care.
Riyan malhotra/ML
“You don’t deserve her name in your mouth,” he spat, shoving him to the ground.
Aarav groaned, bloodied and shaking.
Riyan malhotra/ML
He straightened, breath heaving. “Stay the hell away from her.”
Then he walked away.
Fists aching.
Heart thundering.
He didn’t care if Aarav was his best friend.
He didn’t care if he got suspended.
All he knew was—
Nobody talks about Preeti like that.
Not when he was around.
Not ever.
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