CHAPTER 3

Chapter Three – Lines in the Sand

Saturday mornings at St. Aaryan College were quieter than the rest of the week. The courtyard lay under a thin layer of sunlight, the hum of conversation replaced by the sound of rustling leaves.

A black SUV rolled smoothly into the parking lot, drawing a few curious glances from the scattered students. Rudra stepped out, dressed in a crisp white shirt, sleeves neatly rolled, his silver watch catching the light. Wealth was something he carried without trying~clean lines, quiet confidence~but he had never been one to show it off.

As he locked the car, he spotted Ruhi sitting alone on a bench near the admin block, a book balanced in her hands.

“You’re early,” he said, walking over.

Ruhi looked up, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I like quiet mornings. The campus feels different… less like a college, more like a library with a garden.”

Rudra chuckled. “That’s a good way to put it. I come early for the same reason—peace before the chaos.”

She tilted her head slightly. “You like quiet places?”

“I’ve had enough noise in my life,” he said softly, then quickly shifted the subject. “What are you reading?”

“‘The Palace of Illusions,’” she replied, holding up the cover. “Ever read it?”

He shook his head. “No, but if you recommend it, maybe I should.”

For a few minutes, they talked—about books, about how the gulmohar trees would turn the campus red in summer, and about the best tea stall outside the gate. The conversation flowed without effort, and though they didn’t notice, something in their tone had begun to sound like familiarity.

From the first-floor balcony, Samaira stood watching, arms folded. Her eyes followed every glance, every half-smile.

Later, in the canteen, the group gathered around their usual table. Arjun was busy complaining about an upcoming test, Sameer was scrolling through his phone, and Rudra sat beside Ruhi, the space between them comfortably small.

Samaira stirred her cold coffee slowly. “So, Ruhi,” she began casually, “you know Rudra’s family owns half the real estate in this city, right?”

Ruhi blinked. “No… I didn’t.”

“Yeah,” Samaira continued, her voice light but deliberate. “Luxury cars, huge estate… the works. He’s not exactly used to the normal student life.”

Rudra frowned. “Samaira, what are you doing?”

She gave him an innocent look. “Just making conversation.” Then, turning to Ruhi, she added, “I mean, sometimes people get… intimidated. You know, it can be hard to keep up.”

Ruhi’s expression shifted ever so slightly, her polite smile tightening. “I’m not really the kind to get intimidated. But… thanks for the information.”

A heavy pause hung in the air. Arjun glanced between them, sensing something off, but said nothing.

A minute later, Ruhi stood up. “I should head to the library. I’ve got some notes to catch up on.”

“I’ll walk you” Rudra began.

“No, it’s fine,” she interrupted, with a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I know the way.”

When she was gone, Rudra turned to Samaira, his voice low but firm. “You didn’t need to say that.”

Samaira sipped her coffee. “I was just telling her the truth. If she can’t handle it, maybe she’s not the type for-”

“Enough, Samaira,” Rudra cut in, his tone sharper than usual.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t reply. Inside, though, she was certain~she wasn’t about to let Ruhi take the place she had wanted for herself all along.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***