The Right Kind of Wrong

22. Closer Through Arguments

The morning sun streamed through Savi's window, illuminating her room in a golden hue. She blinked awake, thoughts from the college trip swirling in her mind. The memory of Rajat lying beside her under the stars brought a smile to her lips. Their banter, their shared laughter, and the way he'd looked at her as if she were something extraordinary—the feelings were undeniable.

"Ugh, focus, Savi," she muttered to herself, shaking her head as she got out of bed. Today, she had a lot to catch up on for her IAS preparation. But part of her couldn't shake off the excitement that bubbled within her at the thought of seeing Rajat again.

Later that afternoon, she found herself seated in the library, surrounded by textbooks and notes, trying to drown out the distractions of her racing thoughts. Just as she was about to dive into her studies, she heard a familiar voice.

"Studying or just looking pretty?" Rajat smirked, leaning against the bookshelf with his trademark casual confidence.

Savi rolled her eyes, a grin tugging at her lips. "I'm doing both. What brings you here? Looking for someone to annoy?"

"Always," he replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Can't let you get too serious, or you might actually become a formidable opponent."

She raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair, arms crossed defiantly. "And here I thought you were already intimidated by my impressive skills."

"Impressive? Please, you're just a hardworking overachiever. Where's the fun in that?" Rajat teased, making a show of pretending to yawn.

Savi felt a rush of indignation. "Maybe if you applied yourself more, you'd know what hard work looks like. Not everyone can rely on their charm, you know."

"Hey, charm has its perks!" he countered, feigning a hurt expression. "But I see your point. Maybe I should try a little harder—if only to keep you on your toes."

Savi shook her head, unable to suppress her laughter. "Good luck with that. You'll need it."

They fell into a rhythm, playful banter flowing between them like a well-rehearsed duet. Rajat leaned against the table, arms crossed, his expression teasing yet sincere. "Seriously though, Savi, you need to lighten up. All that studying will turn you into a hermit."

She shot him a challenging look. "And what do you suggest? A night out on the town with you? That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen."

Rajat feigned a hurt expression, placing a hand over his heart. "Ouch! A night with me would be an adventure! I promise not to let you regret it."

"Regret is what I do best, especially when it involves you," she shot back, but her heart raced at the thought of spending more time with him.

"C'mon, it could be fun," he pressed, leaning closer, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Besides, I promise to let you win at whatever we do."

"Let me win? As if I'd ever need you to do that," she replied, her tone playful but firm. "If I win, it'll be because I'm better, not because you went easy on me."

"Spoken like a true competitor. I love it," he laughed, a genuine warmth in his eyes.

The atmosphere shifted slightly, an unspoken acknowledgment lingering between them. The banter was more than just playful teasing; there was a growing fondness that colored their arguments with an undercurrent of attraction.

"So, what's on the agenda today?" Rajat asked, changing the subject, his tone casual yet curious.

"Just some reading on current affairs for the IAS prep," Savi replied, gesturing to the piles of books around her. "What about you? More shenanigans with your friends?"