Does Love Happen in Books?✅

Jealousy Prawns Among Siblings

Natasha arrived at Midleton College of Fine Arts with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. Her arrival sent a ripple through the campus, her reputation preceding her as an ambitious and driven individual who had little patience for anything she deemed beneath her standards.

Sid and Suhana, stepsiblings who had grown up together after their parents' marriage, watched Natasha's arrival with mixed feelings. While Sid hoped Natasha's presence would bring new perspectives and opportunities, Suhana couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in her stomach since Natasha's first day.

On a breezy Monday morning, Natasha strode into the courtyard where students gathered between classes. Her designer clothes and polished demeanor made her stand out among the casually dressed art students. Suhana, with her sketchbook in hand, was engrossed in drawing the blooming flowers nearby when Natasha approached.

"Well, well, if it isn't little Suhana," Natasha remarked, her tone laced with condescension. "Still doodling away in your little book, I see."

Suhana looked up, her expression guarded but polite. "Hi Natasha. Welcome to Midleton College."

Natasha smirked, clearly enjoying the discomfort she caused. "I hope you're not still pretending to be an artist. You know, real artists don't waste time on amateur sketches."

Sid, who had been observing quietly, stepped in, trying to diffuse the tension. "Natasha, we're all here to learn and grow. Everyone has their own style and journey."

Natasha scoffed, her gaze flickering dismissively over Sid. "Sure, if you call this place learning. I'm here to make connections and move forward in my career, not play artist like some people."

Suhana felt a pang of hurt at Natasha's words but chose to remain composed. "Well, I hope you find what you're looking for here, Natasha."

Natasha's eyes narrowed briefly before she turned away, leaving Suhana and Sid standing in the courtyard. Sid glanced at Suhana, his concern evident in his eyes. "Are you okay, Suhana?"

Suhana nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's not let Natasha ruin our day."

But as the days passed, Natasha's presence continued to cast a shadow over Suhana's confidence. She would casually criticize Suhana's artwork during classes, making cutting remarks about her choice of colors or composition. Each time, Suhana would bite her lip and silently endure, unwilling to give Natasha the satisfaction of seeing her upset.

One afternoon, during a critique session in the studio, Natasha's harsh comments pushed Suhana to her limit. As Suhana nervously presented her latest painting—a depiction of a serene landscape—Natasha leaned back with a smirk.

"Interesting choice, Suhana," Natasha commented, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But you really should work on your technique. It looks like something a child could paint."

Suhana felt her cheeks burn with humiliation, but before she could respond, Sid intervened, his voice firm but calm. "Natasha, critique should be constructive, not demeaning. We're all here to learn and support each other."

Natasha rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by Sid's intervention. "Oh please, Sid. Don't tell me you're defending her amateur attempts at art."

Sid took a deep breath, his patience wearing thin. "It's not about defending anyone, Natasha. It's about respecting each other's efforts and journey."

Natasha scoffed again and turned away, dismissing Sid's words with a wave of her hand. Suhana glanced at Sid gratefully, touched by his support even as her confidence wavered under Natasha's relentless criticism.