Riansh Book

My boyfriend who is a mafia |4|

The boy barely glanced at Vansh, his smirk unwavering. "Just a concerned friend," he replied, eyes locked on Riddhima as if Vansh didn’t exist. "Heard you've been spending a lot of time with… certain people," he added, his tone laced with condescension. "Thought I’d check if you needed any better company."

Riddhima shifted uncomfortably, sensing the tension escalating. She opened her mouth to reply, but Vansh beat her to it. "Let’s get something straight," Vansh said, standing up and stepping in front of the boy. "She doesn’t need your concern or your ‘company,’ especially if you’re bringing this attitude along."

The boy looked slightly taken aback but recovered quickly. "Whoa, relax, man. Didn’t mean to intrude on your little study session." His gaze shifted mockingly between Riddhima and Vansh. "Just thought she might enjoy spending time with someone who doesn’t have a reputation like yours."

Vansh’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening. "Whatever you’ve heard about my reputation, maybe you should keep to yourself." His tone was icy. "Now, unless you have a reason to be here, I suggest you move along."

The boy raised his hands in mock surrender, a smirk still plastered on his face. "Alright, alright. No need to get worked up, Vansh. Just thought I'd check in. Riddhima, if you ever need better company, you know where to find me." He threw her a wink before strolling away, leaving a tense silence in his wake.

Riddhima let out a small sigh of relief, but when she looked up at Vansh, she could see a dark expression lingering on his face. He stayed quiet, staring after the boy with narrowed eyes. Finally, he glanced down at her, his gaze softening just slightly. "Sorry about that. Some people just don’t know when to back off."

Riddhima smiled, shaking her head. "Thanks, but I can handle myself. You don’t have to protect me, you know."

Vansh raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk returning to his lips. "Oh, I know you can handle yourself. But sometimes, it’s fun to step in and put certain people in their place." He paused, his gaze meeting hers. "Besides, you’re my partner now. And no one messes with my partner."

A warmth spread through Riddhima at his words. She looked away, feeling her cheeks flush as she tried to refocus on their project. "Alright, then," she murmured, clearing her throat. "Back to the human skeleton?"

Vansh chuckled, taking his seat again. "Sure. But just so you know, next time someone tries to mess with you, I’ll be right there."

They continued working, a newfound ease settling between them. And while Riddhima tried to concentrate on explaining the skeletal system, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her partner was becoming more than just a study partner—he was becoming a friend, maybe even something more.

The next day, Riddhima looked around the university hallways, feeling a strange emptiness as she walked to her usual spot. Vansh wasn’t there. She tried to ignore it, but there was an undeniable feeling of disappointment. It was unusual; she never thought she’d actually miss him.

Sia, who had been watching her, couldn’t hold back her teasing grin. "Ohhh, you’re missing someone, aren’t you?" she sang, nudging Riddhima’s arm.

Riddhima’s face heated up. "Hell no, Sia!" she shot back, a bit too quickly.

Sia laughed. "Yeah, sure! Anyway," she continued, her eyes lighting up, "today’s my cousin Aryan’s birthday party. It’s going to be great! You have to come. My mom wants to meet you, too."

Riddhima looked at her, surprised. "Your mom? Why does she want to meet me?"

"Because I finally found a best friend," Sia explained with a warm smile. "And she thinks you’re the sweetest thing ever. Come on, you have to come!"