Ruhi had spent years perfecting the art of control-of keeping situations in her favor, of ensuring that Abhi's world revolved around her. But lately, it felt like trying to hold onto sand. No matter how tightly she grasped, something was slipping through her fingers.
And that something was Abhi.
She hadn't confronted him again about Ishika, but she didn't need to. The change in him was evident. His smiles were still there, his affection hadn't completely faded, but there was a distance now-like a wall had been erected between them, one Ruhi wasn't sure how to break down.
She wasn't ready to lose. She wouldn't lose.
-
The next college event was a charity gala, something grand and extravagant, where all the elites of their city would be present. It was the perfect setting for Ruhi to remind everyone-especially her-who Abhi belonged to.
Dressed in a deep red gown that hugged her curves perfectly, Ruhi arrived on Abhi's arm, her fingers laced through his possessively. She knew she looked stunning, and she was sure Abhi noticed too. He complimented her, kissed her cheek, but his mind seemed elsewhere.
And she didn't have to guess where.
Across the room, Ishika was engaged in conversation with a few professors, poised and elegant in an icy blue dress that made her look untouchable. She wasn't trying to draw attention, but somehow, all eyes found her anyway-including Abhi's.
Ruhi's grip on his hand tightened.
"Dance with me," she whispered, pulling him toward the dance floor before he could respond.
Abhi hesitated for only a moment before following. As they swayed to the soft melody, Ruhi looked up at him, searching his face. "You've been distant lately," she murmured.
Abhi exhaled, his hands gentle on her waist. "Ruhi, not tonight."
She shook her head. "No, we need to talk about this."
"There's nothing to talk about."
"There is," she insisted. "You're not the same with me anymore."
Abhi was silent for a moment before he sighed. "I don't know what you want me to say."
Ruhi's jaw clenched. "Say that you still love me."
Abhi met her gaze, and for the first time in a long time, there was hesitation in his eyes. It was fleeting, gone in a second, but Ruhi saw it. Felt it like a knife to her chest.
She swallowed. "You're mine, Abhi."
His grip on her hand loosened. And for the first time, Ruhi felt something dangerously close to panic.
Because she wasn't sure if that was still true.
......to be continued.....