Ashes Of Desire

❀ Glimpses of Affection ❀

Quote for the chapter:
(it matches only the 1st part of chapter)

"Sometimes, the person who challenges us the most, ends up being the person who cares the most."

Author's POV

Flashback

Atharva Raisinghania leaned back in his chair, watching the clock tick away the final minutes of the lecture. He glanced sideways at Reva Malhotra, her usual confident demeanor noticeably absent. Her face was drawn, her eyes fixed on her notes, but she wasn't really seeing them. He knew he had gone too far this time.

Earlier in the day, during one of their usual spats, Reva had been excitedly talking about a singing competition she was applying for. In a moment of frustration and competition, he had made a cutting remark about her chances, saying, "You really think you can sing? Dream on, Malhotra. I know Reva you apply for every thing but think about other's also, our ears will bleed to death from your voice" He laughed cockily and few other's people surrounding them also laughed at her. Reva felt embarrassed. He'd meant it as a challenge, but the look of hurt and disappointment on her face had lingered with him all day.

The guilt had gnawed at him. He hated seeing her down, especially knowing he was the cause. Their rivalry was supposed to be fun, a way to push each other to do better. It was never supposed to make her feel like this.

As the lecture ended, Atharva made a decision. He waited for Reva to pack her things and followed her out of the classroom. She walked briskly, head down, trying to avoid any interaction.

“Reva, wait up!” Atharva called out, jogging to catch up with her.

She turned, eyes wary. “What do you want, Atharva?”

“Can we talk? I promise it won’t take long.”

Reva sighed, clearly reluctant. “Fine. But make it quick.”

“Come with me. There’s something I want to show you,” Atharva said, his voice unusually soft.

They went to the parking, Atharva drived while Reva sat there in silence. Reva's silence killed Atharva, he just wanted to see the excited Reva.

He parked a car and Atharva started walking towards a path, he turned and called out to Reva, "Do you want me to pick you up in my arms, Malhotra" Reva shook her head at his remark and started walking behind him muttering under her breath " Don't know what goes oh his head, is he planning to murder me or what." Atharva heard her and laughed, "Don't worry, itti aasani se picha nhi choduga tumhara, tum chahogi toh bhi nhi" he whispered the last part, which Reva was not able to hear.

The path led to a serene, secluded lake. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over the water. It was a place Atharva had discovered during one of his runs, a perfect escape from the pressures of college life.

Reva looked around, a mix of curiosity and confusion on her face. “Why are we here?”

Atharva took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “Reva, I’m sorry. I know I joke around a lot, and sometimes I go too far. I never meant to hurt you. You’re one of the smartest, most determined people I know. I guess I just… I don’t know. I thought teasing was part of our thing. But I see now that I crossed a line.”