REGRETS: An Unspoken Longings

A DATE?

Veer's POV-:

The canteen is buzzing, just like every other afternoon. I’m sitting at our usual table by the window with Vivaan and Arjun, but my attention is entirely focused on Suhani, who’s sitting across from me with her friends, Nandini and Saanvi. Credit goes to Vivaan.

I’ve been watching her for a few minutes now, waiting for the right moment to make a move. Suhani is different. She knows my reputation, which makes her a challenge—a challenge I can’t resist. She’s got her guard up, but that only makes me more determined.

I lean forward, trying to catch her eye. “You know, Suhani, I’ve been thinking… you must have a PhD in something.”

She finally looks up from her sandwich, her eyes narrowing slightly as she meets my gaze. “Oh really? And what’s that?”

I give her my best smile, the one that usually works like a charm. “In making my heart race every time you walk into the room.”

Vivaan and Arjun snicker, but I ignore them. I’m watching Suhani’s reaction closely. She rolls her eyes, but I catch the briefest flicker of a smile before she schools her expression.

“Wow, Veer, where do you get these lines from? A cereal box?” she retorts, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I chuckle, leaning back in my chair. “Ouch, Suhani. But seriously, it’s just the truth. You can ask Vivaan and Arjun—I’m a terrible liar.”

Vivaan, who’s been sneaking glances at Nandini, jumps in with a grin. “Oh, he’s not lying about that. He’s terrible at a lot of things.”

“Except when it comes to Suhani,” Arjun adds, smirking. “He’s been practicing his charm just for you.”

Suhani crosses her arms, leaning back in her chair. She’s not making this easy, but that’s what I like about her. “Is that so? Well, you might want to practice a bit more, Veer.”

I laugh, appreciating her fire. “Harsh, but fair. How about I make it up to you with coffee sometime? My treat.”

Suhani looks thoughtful, but I know better. She’s not going to give in that easily. “Hmm… I don’t know. I have a busy schedule, you know. Classes, assignments… avoiding cheesy pick-up lines.”

Nandini, who’s clearly been enjoying Vivaan’s attention, nudges Suhani with a grin. “Oh, come on, Suhani. Live a little. Coffee sounds good.”

Saanvi nods in agreement, giving Suhani a look that says, *Why not?* “Yeah, and we’ll make sure Veer behaves.”

Suhani finally cracks a smile, but there’s something in her eyes—something that tells me she’s not completely buying what I’m selling. “Alright, coffee it is. But only if you promise no more cereal box lines.”

“Deal,” I say, holding up my hands in surrender. “I’ll be on my best behavior.”

Vivaan and Nandini exchange a quick smile, and I can tell they’re both enjoying this. Arjun and Saanvi are watching too, clearly amused by the whole thing.

But as I sit back, satisfied that I’ve secured a coffee date, I can’t shake the feeling that Suhani’s onto me. She knows my game, and I’ll have to work harder than usual to win her over. But that’s fine. I like a challenge.

**Suhani’s POV**

The canteen is buzzing with the usual chaos of lunchtime. Students are scattered around in groups, laughing, chatting, and enjoying their break from classes. I should be focusing on my friends—on Nandini’s excited chatter or Saanvi’s funny stories—but instead, my attention is split between them and Veer, who’s sitting directly across from me.