𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Chapter 3 Flashback

Nitika

Four weeks ago,

I pushed open the window, letting in the cool evening air. Dad and I arrived in this bustling city, Mumbai. Our hotel room, nestled near the university, felt like a temporary haven. Tomorrow is the day for admission confirmation. I freshened up, my mind already wandering to the excitement ahead - college life!

As I gazed out the window, my eyes landed on a cozy cafe just across the street. My heart skipped a beat. Bubble tea! My favorite indulgence. I couldn't resist. "Dad, I'll be back soon," I called out, grabbing my phone and wallet.

The lift whisked me down to the lobby, and I stepped out into the vibrant streets. The cafe's aroma drew me in like a magnet. I ordered my beloved bubble tea and took a satisfying sip, feeling the sweet, fizzy bliss.

As I strolled back towards the hotel, my gaze drifted to a stunning lehenga in a nearby shop window. The intricate embroidery and delicate sequins sparkled like diamonds. I stood transfixed, my feet rooted to the spot.

As I turned to continue my walk, I collided with a tall, imposing figure. My bubble tea flew out of my hands, the cup shattering on the pavement. "My precious bubble tea!" I lamented, my eyes wide with dismay.

I glared at the culprit, my words faltering as our eyes met. Chiseled features, piercing gaze, and a smirk that hinted at a thousand unspoken words.

"What?" he raised an eyebrow, his tone nonchalant, as if he wasn't responsible for the demise of my beloved drink.

I felt a surge of indignation, my thoughts racing. "Mister, you should apologize to me for spoiling my precious bubble tea!"

He snorted, his smirk growing wider. "Why should I? Your grip on the cup was loose. It wasn't my fault you turned suddenly."

My voice firm, I demanded, "Say sorry."

He smirked and walks past me, but I was quicker. I forced a sweet smile, tucking my hair behind my ears, and grasped his ear, twisting it with a firm grip.

"You mannerless jerk! Will you apologize or should I twist your other ear too?" I taunted, my eyes sparkling with mischief.

He winced in pain, his eyes widening in surprise at my bold move. "Sorry," he murmured, his voice laced with discomfort.

I loosened my grip, a triumphant smile spreading across my face. "What? I couldn't hear?" I teased, my eyes gleaming with amusement.

He rubbed his sore ear, his expression sheepish. "I said sorry," he repeated, his voice louder this time.

I smiled, closing my palm in a "yes" gesture, my eyes sparkling with satisfaction. "Good boy," I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

As I stood there, basking in the triumph of getting an apology from the handsome but annoying stranger, he muttered under his breath, "What a dramatic girl."

My eyes narrowed, my smile faltering for a moment. Oh, so he thought I was dramatic? Well, I'd show him dramatic.

But instead of reacting, I let him walk past me, his long strides carrying him away from the scene of the crime. I watched him go, my eyes fixed on the back of his head.

"What a jerk, huh?" I said to myself, shaking my head in disbelief.

I turned and continued on my way to my hotel, my mind replaying the encounter. I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Who bumps into someone and then argues over bubble tea? Only me, it seemed.

As I entered the hotel lobby,  I walked towards the elevator, my eyes fixed on my phone as I scrolled through Instagram. My favorite biker had posted a new reel, one hour ago, and I was mesmerized. I was so caught up in the video and I noticed the elevator's door opening.

Finally, without looking up, ready to step into the elevator, when a firm grip on my arm pulled me back. My phone slipped from my hand, and I stumbled against a chest. "What the heck is going on?" I exclaimed, my eyes flashing up to meet the stranger's.

Of course, it was him. The same annoying, handsome jerk from earlier. "You creep, you followed me?" I accused, pushing him away.

He smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Following you? Ha! I'd rather walk behind a garbage truck on a hot summer day than trail after someone as basic as you."

My face burned with indignation. How dare he! I took a step closer, my fists clenched at my sides.

"Basic?" I repeated, my voice dripping with venom. "That's the best you've got? I'd rather be basic than a try-hard like you, desperate to be seen as witty and cool."

I glared at him, my eyes flashing with anger. "And by the way, garbage trucks are necessary, they serve a purpose. Unlike some people, who are just wasted space."

He just stood watching me. I narrowed my eyes. "And you walked in the other direction earlier."

He shrugged. "Because of you, I mistakenly... ah, whatever." He picked up my phone.

The reel was still playing, and I saw his smirk as he gazed at the screen. I snatched my phone and i turned realising the elevator doors had opened before the lift had even arrived. How was that possible?

"You were lost in that reel and you couldn't see the lift hadn't arrived yet."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. He was right. I had been so distracted that I hadn't even noticed the elevator's malfunction.

My lips formed an "oh" as I realized he had saved me from a potential accident. And i called him creep, fuck shit!

Should I thank him? No, I wouldn't give him the satisfaction. Instead, I turned towards the stairs. "I'll take the stairs," I muttered, my heart still racing from the close call.

As I climbed the stairs, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of gratitude towards the annoying stranger. But I pushed the feeling aside.

Flashback ends

I flopped onto my bed, surrounded by Aleena and Bella. I recounted every detail, from our first meeting to our latest verbal sparring match.

Aleena and Bella burst into laughter, holding their stomachs in disbelief. "Great, I can't believe this side of Avyaan!" Aleena exclaimed, playfully hitting me on the shoulder.

I rolled my eyes. "I hate him, he's so rude!" I said, trying to sound annoyed.

Bella joined in on the laughter. "Oh, Nitika, you're so feisty! I love it!"

We continued to chat and giggle, but soon remembered our looming assignments. We settled in to work on them, still chatting and snickering about my run-ins with Avyaan.

As we worked, I called my mom to check in and fill her in on my college adventures so far. "Hey, Mom! Yeah, I'm doing great. Just dealing with a bit of a pesky classmate," I said, trying to downplay the drama.

My mom's voice came through the phone, warm and reassuring. "Oh, don't worry, sweetie. You can handle him. Just focus on your studies and make new friends. That's what college is all about."

I smiled. "Yeah, you're right. I'm lucky to have Aleena and Bella as friends already. We're having so much fun together."

We chatted for a few more minutes before saying our goodbyes. I hung up the phone, feeling happy and content in my new surroundings.

࣪ ִֶָ☾.

Thanks for reading 🤍
Don't forget to vote and comment your reviews. Hope you liked it <3!