The Right Kind of Wrong

38. College Gossip

The following week brought an air of excitement and tension to the campus as word of Savi and Rajat's budding romance spread like wildfire. As they walked through the bustling courtyard hand in hand, Savi couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was watching them.

"Did you hear?" a girl whispered to her friend as they passed by. "Savi Chavan is dating Rajat Thakkar! What a shocker!"

Savi tried to ignore the hushed murmurs, but it was impossible not to feel the weight of judgment in the air. She glanced at Rajat, who seemed oblivious to the gossip, his expression focused on their conversation.

"So, how's the studying for the mock exams going?" he asked, nudging her playfully with his shoulder.

"Pretty good, actually," Savi replied, attempting to keep her tone light despite the whispers surrounding them. "I think I'm finally starting to grasp the concepts."

"See? I told you those late-night study sessions would pay off," Rajat said, his smile brightening her mood momentarily.

But as they continued walking, Savi noticed a group of students whispering and stealing glances at them. A knot formed in her stomach.

"Hey," Rajat said, his voice low and concerned. "Are you okay? You seem a bit distracted."

"I just—" Savi hesitated, her eyes flickering toward the group of gossipers. "It's just... everyone is talking about us."

Rajat followed her gaze, his brow furrowing. "Let them talk. We know what we have. That's what matters."

Savi managed a small smile, grateful for his unwavering support, but doubt lingered. "It's just... I don't want to become part of some college drama."

Rajat reached for her hand, entwining his fingers with hers. "You won't be. And if anyone tries to start drama, I'll handle it. I'm not worried about what other people think."

"Really?" Savi asked, her heart softening at his confidence.

"Really," he assured her, his eyes serious. "We're in this together, right?"

"Right," Savi replied, squeezing his hand.

Later that day, as they settled into a study session at the library, the atmosphere shifted. Rajat was deep in concentration with his notes, while Savi tried to focus, but her mind kept drifting back to the gossip. She couldn't shake the feeling that the whispers were more than just idle chatter.

"Hey, Savi," a classmate named Neha approached their table, a smirk on her face. "So, how does it feel to be dating a senior? You know, some people think you're just using him to boost your popularity."

Savi felt her cheeks flush, but she straightened her posture, meeting Neha's gaze defiantly. "That's ridiculous. I'm not interested in popularity. Rajat and I are together because we genuinely like each other."

"Oh, sure," Neha replied with a dismissive wave. "But just wait until he gets bored. You know how guys are—especially the popular ones."

Savi's heart sank, but before she could respond, Rajat looked up, his expression darkening. "That's enough, Neha. Savi doesn't need to hear your judgments."

Neha's eyes widened in surprise at his defense. "I was just making an observation."

"Maybe you should mind your own business," Rajat said, his tone sharper than usual.

Savi watched as Neha huffed and walked away, her smirk replaced by irritation. "Wow, thanks for that," she said, turning to Rajat. "But I don't want you to feel like you have to defend me."

Rajat shook his head, his expression softening. "I'm not defending you because I feel like I have to. I'm doing it because you deserve respect, and I won't let anyone talk down to you like that."