#1 in Tainted Series
"Love, Heartbreak, and Redemption"
In this two-part tale, Amaira's life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Reyansh, best friend of her brother Arjun, suddenly breaks up with her without explanation. As she struggles to mo...
The early afternoon sun filtered through the café's glass windows, casting warm patches of light across the small wooden tables. I glanced at my phone and sent a quick message to Amaira. "Ira, meet me at the campus café. I have someone I want you to meet."
Reyansh leaned back in his chair, scrolling through his phone, oblivious to my excitement. We had just finished a lecture, and I couldn't wait for the two of them to finally meet. It felt like the perfect time to bring everyone together, especially since Rey was practically family by now, and Amaira had just started her freshman year.
"You seem extra excited today, bro," Reyansh commented, looking up with a curious grin. "What's up?"
I shot him a grin. "You'll find out soon enough. Anyway, get ready to meet Ira. I have a feeling you two will hit it off."
Reyansh raised an eyebrow. "Ira as in your Ira? Man, you've been talking about her so much, I feel like I already know her." He chuckled. "Just don't expect me to deal with any overprotective big-brother drama, okay?"
I laughed, playfully punching his arm. "Relax, dude. You're family. She'll like you... hopefully."
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
Reyansh's PoV
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Arjun looked way too hyped. I had known him since we were kids, so I knew this wasn't just a casual meeting. Still, I was curious to meet his sister—Amaira. He had always spoken about her like she was the most important person in his life, and now I was finally going to see why.
The campus café was buzzing with activity. Students filled the cozy, sunlit space, their voices mixing with the soft clinking of coffee mugs. I was halfway through my cold brew when I noticed Arjun stand up, waving toward the door. A girl walked in—tall, poised, and unmistakably confident. Her long hair fell in waves, and she scanned the room until her eyes landed on Arjun.
That must be Amaira.
"Hey, Ira!" Arjun called out, pulling her into a quick hug. "Come here. I want you to meet someone."
I stood up, offering a casual smile as she approached.
"Amaira, meet Reyansh—my best friend, roommate, and overall idiot I have to deal with every day." Arjun smirked.
"Nice to meet you, Reyansh," Amaira said, her voice warm, though a little guarded.
I flashed a grin. "Likewise, Amaira. Arjun has told me all about you. I feel like we're already acquainted."
Amaira raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a small smile. "Oh really? And what exactly has he told you?"
I shot Arjun a sideways look, knowing exactly how to tease him. "Just that he won't stop bragging about how amazing his little sister is."
