Against All Odds

no! stop thinking

Hii guys!! i am so sorry for being late! but here is a longer version for y'all.

Liza: So, sir, did you want to talk about something?

Kartik: Oh, nothing major. And, if you're comfortable with it, you don't have to call me "sir."

Liza: Seniors don't usually offer that... But no, it's okay. It's better for me if I keep calling you "sir."

Kartik: Better in what way?

Liza: Better for setting boundaries.

(Kartik is taken aback, clearly not expecting that answer.)

Kartik: You don't need to set boundaries with me, but I get it. Whatever makes you comfortable.

Liza: Yes, sir.

Kartik: So, about the dance practice... when should we start? Also, I still need a partner. I was hoping you could be my partner—for the dance, of course.

Liza: Sir, you're the president of the society. I wouldn't want to embarrass you. Maybe it's better if you pair me with someone who isn't in the spotlight. That way, you avoid any potential awkwardness.

Kartik: Oh, don't worry about that. I made the decision, so it's on me.

Liza: Okay, sir, as you say.

Kartik: By the way, could you share your Instagram? It'll be easier to coordinate.

Liza: Sir, you already have my number from the group chat. You can reach me there.

Kartik: Oh, right. Never mind. By the way... is there something going on between you and Kabir?

Liza: Me and Kabir? Why do you ask? We're always bickering over something or the other.

Kartik: I don't know, it just seemed like it. But honestly, you two don't seem like a good match, so I was curious.

Liza: Yeah, right...

(The conversation ends awkwardly. Liza is left feeling that the entire exchange was oddly calculated, as if Kartik had carefully planned every word. She brushes it off and heads back to class.)

Akshara: So, Kartik sir, too?

Liza: What about Kartik sir?

Akshara: Oh, nothing. By the way, did you see how Dhriti's been hanging around Kabir all day? I'm kind of jealous.

Liza: Is she? She's pretty, I guess. She could pull anyone. I heard some seniors talking about her when I went to see Kartik sir.

Akshara: Yeah, she is pretty. And that's exactly where her attitude comes from. She treats every girl like they're beneath her and every guy like he's her prince charming.

Liza: Whoa, slow down. What happened?

Akshara: Kabir came back to class an hour ago, and everyone saw it—especially the girls.

Liza: Saw what?

Akshara: Dhriti. She acted all weak and asked Kabir for help. Shreyas and Rudra were right there—why didn't she ask them? Because she knows that if she ropes Kabir in, she'll get all the attention.

Liza: That's honestly sad, chasing male validation like that. I doubt Kabir will fall for it, though. He may play dumb, but he's not clueless.

Akshara: Maybe. But who knows? Some guys fall hard for that whole "Dhriti charm." She's fair, petite, has great hair, and knows how to dress—unlike us, showing up to college like we're from the Stone Age.

Liza: It's fine, Akshara. It just means we're here to focus on our studies and mind our own business.

Akshara: Still, Liza, do you think Kabir would—

Liza: AKSHARA!

Akshara: Okay, okay, I'll drop it!

As college let out, Liza was out shopping for a few essentials when she spotted a familiar face. Too familiar.

Oh god, why is it always him? she thought, mentally preparing herself for the inevitable encounter.

"Kabir? What are you doing here?" she asked, hoping to sound more casual than she felt.

He flashed a grin. "See? Even destiny wants to bring us together."

"Destiny definitely doesn't want that," Liza replied dryly. "Why are you here? Shopping for something?"

"No, I just moved here, Liza. New to the city and all."

"Oh... wait, what? You shifted to Delhi? For college?"

"Yeah," Kabir nodded. "Thought I'd start fresh here. Should I help you with your bags?" he asked, gesturing toward the items in her hands.

Liza hesitated before handing them over. "I won't mind. Thanks."

As they started walking, Kabir broke the silence. "So, do you like Delhi?"

"It's... okay," she shrugged. "A lot of noise, traffic, and chaos, but it works."

"Do you miss your family?" he asked, the question hanging in the air for a moment longer than expected.

Liza glanced at him, sensing something different in his tone. "My family? Yeah, I guess. Why?"

Kabir hesitated, then sighed. "It's tough for me."

"Tough? How so?"

"I don't really have a family," Kabir said quietly. "My mom died when I was a kid. My dad lives abroad... sends me money now and then. I've been in hostels most of my life."

His attempt at sarcasm was weak as he added, "We're very rich, you know." He winked, but his eyes didn't sparkle.

Liza felt a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry? For what? It's life. Something had to happen," Kabir said with a shrug, trying to brush it off.

"You call it life, I call it fate," Liza murmured. "Destiny."

"I don't believe in that stuff. If it were real, the world would be a better place."

"Not everyone can be happy, Kabir. And destiny? Fate? It's all written. If something's supposed to happen, it will."

Kabir raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Okay, so... will we happen?"

Liza's expression hardened. "No, we will not."

"If destiny's real, we will," he teased, his tone flirty.

"Come on, Kabir. Why do you keep flirting?"

"Because I know that no matter how much I flirt, you'll never like me. And, let's be real, you're not my type either," Kabir said, his voice suddenly more serious.

"Ouch. That was harsh."

He grinned sheepishly. "Sowry."

Liza chuckled. "No worries. I should get going now. It was nice talking to the more serious version of you."

She smiled at him before turning to leave.

As she walked away, Kabir realized with a jolt that he had wasted all his time, unable to say what he really wanted to.

"Shit," he muttered under his breath, before calling out, "No, no, no! Liza! LIZAA, WAIT!"

Liza stopped for a moment, glancing back. "Kabir, what the hell? Stay there, at least wait for the light."

"No, just listen to me! Two more minutes!" He rushed toward her.

"Tomorrow, Kabir. Please. I'm tired."

Kabir deflated. "Okay," he muttered, watching her walk away.

Liza brushed off the conversation as if it were just another one of Kabir's antics, but his words—you're not my type—stung, though she didn't let it show. It's Kabir. Nothing he says really matters.

But that night, Kabir couldn't sleep. His thoughts spiraled, replaying their conversation.

I had so much time. I could've told her... why did I even bring up my family?

He sat up, frustrated. WTF, Kabir? Control yourself. She's Liza. She doesn't give a damn about you.