The sun had already dipped beyond the college gates by the time my classes ended. I packed my notes into my bag with a sigh, relieved to leave the chaotic day behind. But just as I was zipping the bag shut, a strange feeling gnawed at me. My textbook—the one I needed for tomorrow’s presentation—was gone.
I froze, rifling through every compartment in a panic. “No, no, no.” My heart raced. I had placed it in there this morning, I was sure of it.
Aria, standing by the door, raised a brow. “What’s wrong now?”
“My book—it’s not here!” I whispered, half-crazed.
Aria tilted her head knowingly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You think Aarav has anything to do with it?”
I blinked, her suggestion striking a nerve. I had crossed paths with him a suspicious number of times today. And considering the stories floating around about him, he certainly seemed the type to enjoy stirring up trouble.
“I swear,” I muttered under my breath, swinging my bag over my shoulder. “If that jerk took it...”
Determined, I made my way to the lounge where Aarav usually lingered, ignoring the curious glances following me through the hall.
When I reached him, there he was—sitting comfortably on a leather couch, chatting with some friends, his posture relaxed but commanding. As if sensing my approach, he glanced up with a lazy grin that only fueled my anger.
Without hesitation, I marched over and stood in front of him. “Give me my book.”
His friends exchanged amused glances, but Aarav looked completely unfazed. “What book?” he asked innocently, drumming his fingers on the armrest.
“The one you took from my bag,” I said through gritted teeth, trying to keep my voice low.
He leaned back, his smirk growing. “You think I go around stealing books now? That’s insulting, even for me.”
I clenched my fists, heat crawling up my neck. “I know you have it. Just hand it over, Aarav.”
He tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. “You’ve got a bad habit of making assumptions, Rainbow.”
The word hit me like a spark, igniting my annoyance. “Stop calling me that.”
“Why?” His voice dropped a note, taunting. “Does it make you uncomfortable? Or... does it feel a little too accurate?”
I took a step closer, ignoring the knot forming in my chest. “Just stay out of my way.”
Aarav’s grin only widened. “Where’s the fun in that?”
For a moment, the air between us felt heavy—like a taut string waiting to snap. His eyes stayed locked on mine, dark and unrelenting, as if daring me to break first.
As I turned to leave, frustrated with his smugness, something caught my eye—a familiar corner of a book sticking out from beneath his leather jacket.
I snatched it without thinking. “You—”
Aarav’s laugh was low and unapologetic. “Relax, Rainbow. I was just borrowing it. Thought I’d help you break in that presentation of yours.”
“You’re unbelievable,” I muttered, clutching the book to my chest.
“And you’re too easy to mess with,” he said, his grin never faltering. “See you around, Ira.”
I stormed out of the lounge, my heart pounding in my ears.
But as I walked away, one unsettling thought lingered—Aarav Kapoor wasn’t just playing games. He was studying me, testing how far he could push. And I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to pass... or fail.
Later that evening, Aria caught up with me as we walked toward the parking lot. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I sighed, tucking the book tighter under my arm. “I just need to avoid Aarav. That’s all.”
Aria gave me a sideways glance. “That’s not gonna be easy.”
“Why not?” I asked warily.
“Because,” Aria said with a smirk, “you’ve caught his attention. And when someone like Aarav Kapoor notices you... there’s no turning back.”
I rolled my eyes, but deep down, Aria’s words unsettled me. Aarav wasn’t just dangerous—he was the kind of danger that sneaks up on you, the kind that leaves scars long after it’s gone.
And for some reason, I knew this was only the beginning.
YOU ARE READING
INFATUATED HATE
Romance"Cloaked in the shadows of his ruthless world, he finds her - a burst of color in his monochrome existence. She is his rainbow, the one he despises with a fervor as intense as his desire. In the delicate balance between love and loathing, their tumu...
