Silent Vows

Chapter 28

Karan sat across from Raj in the campus café, half-listening as his friend rattled on about their upcoming plans. His mind kept drifting back to Meera, the enigmatic pull she seemed to have on him growing stronger every day. He’d thought talking to Anika would make things clearer, but it seemed to have done the opposite.

“So, I saw Meera today,” Raj said casually, interrupting Karan’s thoughts.

Karan’s head snapped up. “You did?”

Raj nodded, smirking slightly at Karan’s sudden attention. “Yeah, but she wasn’t alone. She was with some guy.”

Karan’s brow furrowed. “A guy?”

“Yep,” Raj replied, taking a sip of his coffee, his tone intentionally vague. “Didn’t catch who he was, though. Just saw them talking. Seemed pretty chummy if you ask me.”

“Chummy?” Karan repeated, feeling a strange twist in his gut.

Raj shrugged, seemingly indifferent to the whole thing. “Yeah, I mean, he seemed close to her. But, hey, maybe he’s just a new friend or something.” Raj then switched topics, completely unaware—or maybe just amused—at Karan’s growing irritation.

Karan tried to shake it off, telling himself it didn’t matter. But the image of Meera talking, smiling—maybe even laughing—with some guy stuck in his mind. He had to see for himself.

After leaving the café, Karan wandered around campus, hoping to spot Meera. Part of him felt ridiculous, but he couldn’t stop himself. He finally found her near the library, standing with the mystery guy Raj had mentioned. Tall, with an air of easy confidence, the guy looked like he belonged wherever he went—and right now, he seemed very comfortable standing beside Meera.

Karan slowed his steps, moving closer but staying out of sight, watching as the guy—whoever he was—leaned in, flashing a grin.

“So, Meera,” the guy said, his voice carrying just enough for Karan to overhear. “Are you always this calm, or are you just playing hard to get?”

Meera raised an eyebrow, a faint, amused smile playing on her lips. “I think I’m just calm. You might be reading into things.”

The guy chuckled, clearly undeterred. “I like a challenge. How about we grab coffee sometime? You can teach me how to be so composed.”

She tilted her head, mildly amused. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”

“Persistent and charming,” he replied, winking at her. “Most people don’t seem to mind.”

Karan’s grip tightened on his bag, jealousy surging as he watched their exchange. This guy was flirting with Meera openly, and she wasn’t pushing him away. Her smile, though subtle, was enough to make Karan’s blood boil.

“Well, I’ll let you get back to your book,” the guy said, still smiling. “But I’m holding you to that coffee.” Then, without warning, he leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the cheek before stepping back, his grin widening. “See you soon, Meera.”

Meera’s expression shifted only slightly—mildly surprised but still composed—as she watched him walk away. She didn’t seem particularly affected by the gesture, but Karan felt a surge of possessive anger rise within him.

After a moment, Meera noticed him standing there, her eyes widening just a bit before she regained her usual calm. “Karan,” she greeted, her voice even.

Karan forced a neutral expression, though every fiber in him was tense. “New friend?”

Meera shrugged. “His name is Jai. He’s a new transfer.”