ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ [ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇᴅ]

• Part 24 •

Nikita POV:

I sat in front of him, unaware of what's happening. If Riya saw this, she'd eat me alive. The more I push myself away, the more he comes closer.

"So, how are you finding the university?" His deep voice broke my trance.
"It's... it's good." I replied.
"And your project?" He asked.
"It's fine. Why?"
He didn't answer, just observed me. I felt intimated as his eyes circled around me.

The food arrived, and I was amazed at the dishes in front of me. These were way out of my budget.
"Don't think. Just eat." He replied, taking a spoon and serving it to me on my plate.
It's like he read my mind.
"Ye...yeah."
"Why are you so scared of me?" He asked.
My eyes shot up, "w...what?"
"Why are you scared? Who told you anything?"
"N...no one."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."

We ate in silence for a few minutes before his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"What? When did she arrive?"
She?
"Ugh. Okay. I'll be there."
He cut the call and looked at me, "I'm sorry mishbo, I have to go. Emergency." Oh. I should feel relieved but I'm feeling upset. What's happening to me? "Let's pack this. You can take it for Aisha and Krutika."
He quickly did the talking and soon we were in his car, on the way to the campus.

He dropped me off and before leaving, he stopped me, "wait." He got down and came in front of me.
"Yea?" I whispered.
His hands snaked around my waist and I gasped as he pulled me close. His left hand gently put a strand of my hair behind my ear as he brought himself closer and whispered, "to be continued darling."
He slowly kissed my earlobe and then left me, walking towards his car, leaving my heart racing and eyes widened.

Mayukh POV:

I drove fast. Really fast. How else do I cope with the anger in me right now? I was enjoying my date with my girl but suddenly I get a call from Jhanvi that Riya and her family have decided to come home - and that they're staying the night.

I knew she'd speak nonsense, make comments on how I'm perusing a 'middle class' girl. Mom and dad aren't the type to cause an issue about this, but I can't take any chances.

I reached home to see everyone sitting. I walked in slowly and tried to keep a calm on my face.
"Mayukh! Come beta!" Mom said, "we're just about to have tea, you're on time. Have you had lunch?"
"Oh I'm sure he hasn't aunty!" Riya replied, giving me a sweet yet suspicious gaze.
I turned away and looked at my brothers in doubt, as if asking 'what's she on about?' They gave me a 'I don't know look.' I sighed.
"No mom. I've eaten." I replied.
"Where did you eat? With who?"
"I ate outside Mom, with someone close to me, don't worry about it."
I saw Riya's gaze widen. She figured it out.

I sat down next to my brothers as we observed what was going on.

After a dreadful 2 hours of useless discussions on our studies, our friendship, business and Jhanvi's future, they finally got to the topic.
"Okay! So the reason I've called everyone here today..." Dad continued, "is to confirm the deal between the Gupta Industry and the Roy Industry."
Everyone applauded and I sat in silence.
"We've decided to open another branch of the University abroad, most probably the Middle East, and we'd like Rita to oversee the chancellor's role there until we find one. We can also offer scholarships and opportunities to study abroad as a transfer year to encourage movement."
"Great decision Sunil!" Mom admired.
"Congrats Dad, congrats Uncle." I said.
"Thank you son."
"Why don't you kids go ahead and have fun now? Rita, let's talk in the next room!" Mom said.
They got up, leaving us kids. I saw Riya come close to me and I instantly got up and walked ahead to Mom.

She got busy in a conversation with Ved as I went to Mom to let her know I'm going back to university. I was about to enter the room when I heard Mom talk.
"-they're a bit young Rita. It's too early."
"I know Shambhavi, but the sooner announce the better it is for everyone, they'll keep their mouths shut."
"They're still 22. I'm sure Mayukh and Riya both would want to study ahead, plus Gautam isn't married yet. We can't announce one wedding before another is declared."
"I'm aware Gautam has a girlfriend which he's planning to get married to very soon, and I'm not saying that get Mayukh and Riya married na, I'm just saying announce it. It's common in business families Shambhavi, to announce marriages soon. 22 is a decent age. Last year of university, they'll be graduating in 6 months."
"Let me think about it. I don't have an issue but I just think it's early."
"Perfect!"

I stormed in and instantly composed myself, "Mom, I'm going back to the university. I have football."
"Okay beta. Have fun! But come home on time as they're staying with us today."
"Okay." I said, uninterested.

I stormed out and took out my car keys and started heading to the car.
"Mayukh!" I heard her voice and I groaned.
"What?" I asked.
"Where are you going?"
"Back to university. Why does it concern you?"
"University? To that girl?" She scoffed.
"What's your issue with her? Leave her alone."
"Mayukh, I don't have an issue with her. I have an issue with you and her. Look at the class difference. Think about it. She's not good for your status."
"I'm aware of what's good for my status, thank you very much." I scoffed and drove away.

I reached university and parked in anger and my legs instantly started taking me to the one place I need to go to: Tulip Towers.