Veil of Obsession

Chapter 5: Beneath the Surface

The campus was alive with the buzz of students rushing between classes, their laughter and conversations creating a vibrant backdrop to the day. Sanika was walking towards the library, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming project she and Agrim were working on.

As she approached the entrance, a guy from her class, Rohan, stepped in front of her, a charming smile on his face. "Hey, Sanika," he greeted, his voice smooth and confident.

Sanika smiled politely. "Hi, Rohan. What's up?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to grab a coffee with me sometime," Rohan said, his smile widening. "Maybe after class today?"

Sanika hesitated, not wanting to hurt his feelings but also not interested in leading him on. "That's very kind of you, Rohan, but I'm really busy with my assignments and the project. Maybe another time?"

Rohan's smile faltered, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. "Come on, Sanika, it's just a coffee. We can take a break from all the studying."

"I appreciate the offer, really," Sanika replied, trying to keep her tone gentle but firm. "But I have a lot on my plate right now. Maybe some other time."

Rohan's expression darkened, his voice taking on a more insistent edge. "Sanika, it's just one coffee. Don't be so difficult."

Before Sanika could respond, Agrim appeared beside her, his presence like a storm cloud rolling in. His eyes were cold, his jaw clenched. "She said no, Rohan," Agrim said, his voice dangerously low.

Rohan glanced at Agrim, clearly annoyed. "This doesn't concern you, Agrim. I was just asking Sanika out for a coffee."

Agrim stepped closer, his posture tense. "It concerns me when you don't take no for an answer. Leave her alone."

Rohan sneered, his bravado faltering in the face of Agrim's intensity. "What's your problem, man? We're just talking."

Agrim's eyes flashed with anger, and before anyone could react, he grabbed Rohan by the collar, pushing him back against the wall. "She said no," Agrim repeated, his voice a growl. "Learn to respect that."

Rohan struggled against Agrim's grip, but Agrim's strength was undeniable. A crowd began to gather, students murmuring in shock and confusion. Sanika stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Agrim, stop!" she pleaded, reaching out to touch his arm. "Please, let him go."

Agrim's gaze shifted to Sanika, the fire in his eyes flickering for a moment before he released Rohan, shoving him away. Rohan stumbled, his face red with anger and humiliation.

"You'll regret this," Rohan spat, glaring at Agrim before storming off, the crowd parting to let him through.

Agrim turned to Sanika, his expression softening but still laced with an intensity that made her heart race. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentler now.

Sanika nodded, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion and gratitude. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, Agrim."

Agrim's gaze held hers, a mixture of concern and something deeper in his eyes. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Sanika. Not ever."

As the crowd dispersed, Sanika and Agrim walked in silence towards the library. Sanika couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered after the confrontation. She appreciated Agrim's protectiveness, but the aggression he had displayed was unsettling.

When they reached the library, Sanika turned to Agrim, her voice hesitant. "Agrim, why did you get so aggressive back there?"

Agrim's expression hardened for a moment before he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I just can't stand the thought of anyone disrespecting you, Sanika. It makes me... lose control."

Sanika placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle. "I appreciate you looking out for me, Agrim. But we need to find a way to handle these situations without violence."

Agrim nodded, though his eyes still held a flicker of that dark intensity. "I'll try, Sanika. For you."

As they sat down to work on their project, Sanika couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Agrim's behavior than he was letting on. She was determined to uncover the shadows that lurked within him, to understand the darkness that seemed to follow him wherever he went.

And as their bond grew stronger, she couldn't help but wonder if she was ready to face whatever truths lay hidden in the depths of Agrim's soul.