First Meeting
The college, St. Vincent’s University, was one of the most prestigious institutions in the city, known for its grand architecture and elite student body. Sprawling across acres of lush greenery, the campus boasted towering sandstone buildings, arched hallways, and an old-world charm mixed with modern facilities. The central courtyard, always bustling with students, was framed by a historic clock tower that stood as a silent witness to generations of ambition, rivalry, and hidden secrets. The library, a massive two-story structure with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, offered a rare refuge from the chaos of campus life. The campus café, though always crowded, had a cozy corner where students whispered secrets over steaming cups of coffee. But beyond its beauty and prestige, the college had an unspoken hierarchy—where power, money, and influence dictated who truly ruled. And at the very top of that chain was Aarav Gupta—a name everyone knew, a presence no one dared to challenge.
The college auditorium buzzed with energy as students settled in for the orientation event. Aratika Singh, adjusting her dupatta, found an empty seat near the back. She preferred to stay unnoticed, focusing on her studies rather than getting caught up in unnecessary drama.
Aratika Singh
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
？？？
You just sat down. So, now it’s taken.
Aratika Singh
…Right. Thanks, I guess.
Aratika sighed, pulling out her phone, her fingers moving swiftly over the screen—anything to distract herself from the unsettling intensity of Stranger's gaze.
Riya sharma
💬 : Where are you
Aratika Singh
💬 : Orientation hall. Just found a seat.
Riya sharma
💬 : Next to anyone interesting?
Aratika Singh
💬 : Some guy. A little weird.
Just as Aratika was about to hit send, a deep voice interrupted her—calm, yet demanding.
？？？
You always text while sitting next to someone?
？？？
You’re typing. While I’m right here.
？？？
Rude, don’t you think?
Aratika Singh
…Who even are you?
Aarav Gupta
Aarav. Aarav Gupta.
Aratika's fingers froze mid-typing, her breath hitching as she slowly lifted her gaze to meet his—intense, unreadable, and far too focused on her.
Aarav Gupta
Not the reaction I’m used to.
Aratika Singh
What reaction do you expect?
Aarav Gupta
Usually, girls either blush, stammer, or start flirting
Aratika Singh
Congratulations. I did none of those.
Aarav Gupta
That’s why you’re interesting.
Aratika Singh
I don’t want to be interesting. I just want to get through college in peace.
Aarav Gupta
Peace is overrated.
Aratika Singh
I think I’ll find another seat.
Aarav Gupta
You already have my attention, Aratika.
Aratika hurried out of the auditorium, her heart pounding, but even as she stepped into the open corridor, she couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling that Aarav’s eyes were still on her—watching, waiting.
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