Heartstring

Chapter 3

Agastya's POV

Fury coursed through my veins as I raced my car to the college campus. My boys were already there, ready to confront the guy and his gang. We'd warned him countless times to stop his despicable behavior. Teasing girls, calling them names when they were vulnerable and alone—it sickened me to the core.

I stormed into the cafeteria, my eyes scanning the room until I spotted him. Without a second thought, I grabbed him and delivered a sharp slap, cursing him for his actions. The fight erupted instantly, punches flying as I landed blow after blow.
But as I looked up, my anger faltered. Standing there, wide-eyed and terrified, was Amaira. Her presence halted me in my tracks, the reality of what I was doing crashing down on me. I wiped the blood from my face, momentarily frozen as she ran away.

Amaira's POV
I was enjoying my dosa in the cafeteria when chaos erupted. Someone was being beaten mercilessly, and the sight made my blood run cold. Violence wasn't something I could stomach, and I felt a surge of fear as a guy fell to the ground near my feet.

I looked up, my eyes meeting Agastya's, his face covered in blood. The intensity of his gaze sent shivers down my spine, and before I could react, he grabbed the guy and dragged him away. I was left standing there, stunned and shaken.
The next day, Zoi noticed something was off. When she asked what happened, I couldn't hold back the tears. I told her about the altercation in the cafeteria and how Agastya was involved. I couldn't understand how someone from such a powerful family could resort to violence so easily.

"He's such a bad guy," I sobbed, my heart heavy with disappointment and fear. "Usey kya lagta hai kon hai vo?, beating up random people?"

Zoi wrapped her arms around me, offering comfort. "Oh, my baby, you don't know why he beat the guy?" she asked gently.
Confused, I shook my head. "No, why?"

"That's because the guy he beat used to tease other girls, call them names, make them feel insecure and he.......he also made a girl's video viral," Zoi explained. "Agastya might not be a saint, but he's not the villain you think he is."

I was speechless, the realization sinking in. Maybe there was more to Agastya than met the eye, but I couldn't bring myself to say anything. The fear and anger still lingered, clouding my judgment. I am afraid of this guy now, I fear from violence, gonna keep my distance from him.

The incident in the cafeteria left a bitter taste in my mouth. Despite Zoi's attempts to reassure me, I couldn't shake off the fear and anger that had consumed me. Agastya's actions only reinforced my belief that he was nothing but trouble.

Days turned into weeks, and with each passing encounter, my resentment towards him grew stronger. Whether it was a fleeting glance in the hallway or a smirk exchanged across the campus, every interaction fueled my hatred.

But what frustrated me the most was how Agastya seemed to revel in it. He thrived on my disdain, his smug demeanor never faltering. It was as if my animosity towards him only added to his amusement.

One day, as I walked through the courtyard, I spotted him leaning against a pillar, surrounded by his friends. I couldn't help but scowl at the sight of him, my frustration bubbling to the surface.

Agastya's gaze locked onto mine, and a knowing smile played on his lips. He sauntered over, his confident stride grating on my nerves.

"What's wrong, Little Miss?" he taunted, his tone laced with amusement.
I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my composure. "Don't call me that," I snapped, my voice dripping with venom.
He chuckled, unfazed by my hostility. "Why so hostile, Amira? You know, I find your anger quite entertaining."
I bristled at his arrogance, my patience wearing thin. "You're despicable," I spat, unable to contain my contempt.

Agastya's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ah, but it's that fire in your eyes that makes you so irresistible," he remarked, his words sending a shiver down my spine.

I turned on my heel, refusing to dignify his comment with a response. But deep down, I couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that despite my hatred towards him, Agastya was enjoying every moment of it.