𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑.3

D h r i t i

The screen on my phone lit up again, and the name flashing there made my blood boil. Mrs. Vrinda Das.

I clenched my jaw. How many times had I told her? My voice came out clipped, furious.
“I told you not to call me. Why are you calling me? What do you want?”

Her voice—soft, careful, almost apologetic—floated through the line.
“It’s New Year’s Day, Riti. I thought I’d call and wish you a happy—”

“Don’t call me Riti,” I snapped before she could finish, ice lacing every syllable. “You don’t have the right. Only my friends and my brother do. And I don’t need your wishes. Or you.”

There was a pause, the sound of her holding back tears. “Riti, I am your mother. I have more right to call you than any friend or brother.”

Mother. The word was a dagger, twisting in my chest. My lips curled in disdain.
“Mom? Which mom? I’m an orphan. My real family died seven years ago. All I have left is my brother. So next time—don’t you dare call me again.”

I ended the call before she could answer. My hand trembled as I dropped the phone on the desk, a sour taste of bitterness coating my tongue. She hadn’t lifted a finger to protect me back then. She hadn’t stood up for me. And that betrayal… it burned deeper than hatred.

But the sting of that anger only highlighted my other mistake—I had lashed out at Smitha. A new recruit. On New Year’s Day, of all days. My fury had spilled over, poisoning everything around me.

I forced myself out of my chair and approached her desk. She stood the moment she saw me, her eyes wide, her hands twisting nervously. I hated the fear in her face—fear I had put there. Without thinking, I pulled her into a hug.

“I’m so sorry, Smitha,” I whispered, genuine regret pulling at my voice. “I took out my frustration on you.”

Her voice was shaky, small. “It’s okay, ma’am. I didn’t know you hated red roses that much. I’m really sorry.”

I exhaled slowly, guilt tightening in my chest. “It’s okay. Just… don’t repeat it, alright?” I tried to soften the edges of my tone.

She nodded quickly, still stiff, but I caught the flicker of relief in her eyes. I let a small smile tug at my lips. “Did you see Arjun and Ruhi?”

“Yes ma’am. They’re in the cafeteria.”

“Good. Thank you. Continue your work.”

By the time I walked into the cafeteria, the weight of everything pressed hard against my shoulders. And of course, there they were—Arjun and Ruhi, laughing into a video call.

“Are you two just sitting here!?” I asked, half-exasperated.

Arjun looked up, his face already laced with irritation. “Has madam’s anger subsided?”

His sarcasm stung, but he wasn’t wrong. I raised my hands to my ears, forcing myself to swallow my pride. “Sorry, guys. Please forgive me. You can scold me as much as you want, I won’t utter a word.”