WORTH IT

Chapter 1

Lavanya

What time is it? It must have been midnight by now. I am just too wasted to care, let alone worry about getting home by this hour. Home? Ah, it's not even my home. It's just a stupid apartment, which is not even mine.

Thank God for the time difference. My mother would be appalled if she discovered me here in a completely different nation, surrounded by absolutely unknown people who are ogling at me —no scratch that—slavering over me.

After finishing my bachelor's degree in my native country, India, I relocated to New York, America, to pursue my master's degree. It's only been two months since I came here. I am from a middle-class Indian family. So I was able to gain admission to Columbia University with the help of a scholarship and a student loan. I've worked my ass off all my life to safeguard my future. I've always aspired to be independent. I don't want to depend on men. I came here to start the life I'd always dreamed for myself.

Huh, this is not exactly how I wanted to end up here though. But today, I will be someone else. Not typical Lavanya.

I am dancing like a professional, those dance rehearsals paid off well, and I can feel the lads in the club drooling over every last one of my dance moves; their eyes will spring out, scanning my body. That is disgusting! I want to punch them hard enough to break their pretty faces. But I know I shouldn't until they give me a reason. Normally, I would never do something idiotic like this, especially since I am drinking for the first time in my life. I've never been to a party like this in my entire life. I don't even like drinking; it tastes horrible and causes burning sensations in my throat, but today I found it good. I found it...relaxing?

Back in India, I used to attend club parties, but I never saw myself imbibing or entertaining the public. I would chop their heads off whosoever drool like a fucking animal for my body.

But not today. Today I want to be someone different. I will do whatever the heck I want. Nobody can stop me. My folks are back in India anyway. So they won't be aware that I'm here in this condition. Nobody else here cares enough about me to even ask what I'm up to. Isn't that sad? Maybe but—whatever.

Ah, it's all because of that moron Vansh. How could he even dare to propose to me?

Vansh has been a childhood friend of mine from India, and I know all about him. He considered me his best friend and told me several times, "Oh Lavanya, you are like a dear sister to me." I have never asked him to be my brother. But, seriously. Sister? My foot. Nobody develops feelings for their sister that's downright gross.

To be honest, I viewed him like an older brother who I never had. I'm a single child who has always wanted a sibling to lean on. That's why it aches so much and is so badly messed up.

More than anything, he knows me, or so I had thought. He knew how I felt about dating, despite the fact that he was my so-called brother. Loving someone makes you feel attached. It makes you feel vulnerable and not in control. And control is the last thing I would want to lose.

I hate this. I hate that he ruined our friendship. I hate that I am here wasted. I hate that I am giving people around me a show. Ah! I hate everything right now.

Vansh was my sole friend, and losing him sucks. I've never trusted a guy as much as I did him. And here I am, completely inebriated and dancing as if I were on the stage of the World Of Dance.

I was still dancing on the dancefloor. I hadn't realized how long. But then my gaze fell on someone, and it was Theo Zachary.

When I arrived in America, I discovered a community of like-minded individuals who were passionate about their careers and had ignited minds. Perfect crowd with whom I would love to have friendly brainstorming sessions. But Theo is something else. He usually confronts me in the classroom, as if we're battling over who can respond more effectively to lecturers. Theo is the baseball team captain at our institution and comes from a wealthy background. Every girl in college dreams of having him as her man, but I dislike him not only because he propels me academically, but because so many girls have told me about their meaningless hookups with Theo, and how big a campus manwhore he is. That he is nothing more than an asshole who uses the girls and then when he gets bored, he just tosses them aside.

He attained his bachelor's degree from this same college. He has dated almost every woman in the university because he tends to wrap them around his finger. And who can blame the poor girls? He is so hot...with the body of a Greek god...those greenish-blue eyes fascinate you along with the work of the best jawline that he had, the strong muscular body which is not too bulky but not too fragile as well just perfect enough to match his tall figure and the gorgeous dimples carved in his cheeks every time he smiles.....Wait, what's wrong with me? Am I admiring him? He's a player. Don't forget that Lavanya. No, of course, I know this; it's just the alcohol talking, not me.

I met this guy only two months ago when I moved here. I know I shouldn't condemn him so quickly, but what else can I expect? He is rich, has a charismatic body, is the captain of the baseball team, and, despite all of his extracurricular activities, I hate to admit it, but he's a smartass. I know for a fact that all men are assholes; why would he be any different?

I still remember the first day of college I felt sick in my stomach.

New country. New people. New experiences.

But then I met Emma, and she is the closest person I can call a friend. She is kind and genuinely cares about me. I never imagined I would find an actual friend in a whole different nation, but I did.

Every time I tell her about India, she becomes too delighted and intrigued to learn about the differences in food, language, customs, and lifestyle of people in the same nation.

She is the girlfriend of Jacob, Theo's best friend.

Ironic, huh...I know.

Em constantly tries to soak up my wrath for Theo. She informed me that Theo was a player two months ago, during his undergraduate years at college. But for about two months, he has been completely focused on his work and studies. He hadn't even dated a girl in so long.

I adore Em, but Theo is his boyfriend's best friend, and she would surely defend him. But then again maybe I'm too quick to judge. Maybe Em's right. But whatever it is, I don't care. I came here for a reason, it's better for me if I stay away from Theo and just focus on my studies.

Emma believes Theo challenges me because he has some stupid feelings for me. But that cannot be true, right? I know it isn't true. Why on earth would a boy who is so perfect, so popular and pompous, ever desire me? Okay, I'm pretty good at academics, but would not he prefer a cheerleader, spoilt, hot, and wealthy American girl? A middle-class Indian girl who is simple, geeky, and lost in the world around her would never catch his attention. Not that I care for his attention anyway. I mean, I have a curvaceous figure, that counts something in the beauty standards, no?

Oh. My. God. What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I even guessing the chances? It does not matter to me. Or does it? No, of course, it doesn't. Alcohol in my veins is speaking. I am never going to drink again, ever.

This could never happen. Or maybe it's something like that. Perhaps he sees me as a challenge, someone who is playing hard to get but will eventually give in. He would simply toss me aside like other girls. And I can't waste my time on such bullshit. I'm a strong-willed woman who will not get entrapped in his web. I have always stayed firm if a guy wants to make a move on me. So he didn't have the opportunity to break my heart. I'll be strong this time, too. He can't break me or the wall I have built all around me.

Then I returned to my real world. Theo was still staring at me. His eyes were wide and he offered me a little smile. A smile that felt as if he could see through me, whatever battle I was having inside my head he was aware. And that thought was enough to send shivers down my spine. So shortly after that moment, I quickly glanced aside and rushed out to the porch side to get some air.

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Hello people, my name is Disha Gupta. I'm new to this Wattpad community. This is my first book ever. PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT ABOUT THIS STORY. This is the first time I'm giving a shot to write a story, please boost my confidence by showing your love and support. Please, please, please do comment, vote, and follow. It would mean the world to me. Thank you so much!!