You Are Only Mine

40- Prachi Anger

As soon as Sriya and her friends left the canteen, Prachi let out an annoyed sigh, crossing her arms. 

**Prachi (irritated):** "Ugh! That girl is so fake. Did you guys see how she acted all innocent? As if she wasn’t the one who created the whole mess!" 

Subham chuckled, shaking his head. **"Relax, Prachi. You’re acting more affected by this than Summer himself."** 

**Prachi (rolling her eyes):** "Of course, I am! It’s so obvious she didn’t clarify anything to her friends. She just let them keep talking about her and Summer, knowing full well it wasn’t true!" 

Saurabh smirked, leaning toward her. **"Oho, Prachi is fuming. Are you sure you’re not the one in love with Summer? Or maybe… Arav?"** 

Prachi turned to glare at him, picking up a napkin and throwing it at his face. **"Shut up, Saurabh! Unlike you, I actually care about my friends not being dragged into unnecessary drama."** 

**Subham (laughing):** "Saurabh, you better run before Prachi strangles you." 

Saurabh held up his hands in mock surrender, still grinning. **"Fine, fine! But admit it, Prachi—you really can’t stand Sriya."** 

**Prachi (rolling her eyes again):** "No, I can’t. And I won’t pretend to." 

Meanwhile, Summer and Arav sat quietly, watching their friends bicker. Summer, who had been amused, suddenly leaned slightly closer to Arav. 

**Summer (whispering, smirking):** "Should I be worried that Prachi might actually kill Sriya one day?" 

Arav chuckled, shaking his head. **"No, but I think Saurabh is pushing his luck today."** 

Just then, the bell rang, signaling it was time for their classes. 

**Subham (stretching):** "Alright, lovebirds, let’s move before we’re late." 

Summer and Arav stood up, walking together as the group headed toward their respective classes. Arav noticed how naturally Summer walked close to him—almost as if it was a habit now. Their arms brushed a few times, and neither of them moved away. 

**Prachi (muttering):** "I swear, if Sriya pulls anything again—" 

**Saurabh (grinning):** "We get it, Prachi. You’re our warrior against fake people." 

As they walked away, what they didn’t notice was Sriya, standing near the hallway corner, watching them silently. Her eyes were fixed on Summer and Arav, walking side by side, looking comfortable and close. 

Her fingers curled into fists. 

**Sriya (muttering to herself):** "This isn’t over yet."

After a long day at college, Arav and Summer finally headed home. Rohan had arrived to pick them up, waiting casually near his car with his arms crossed. 

**Rohan (grinning as they approach):** "Finally! Took you guys long enough. Did you get lost holding hands somewhere?" 

Arav and Summer froze mid-step, exchanging a quick glance before looking back at Rohan. 

**Summer (nervously chuckling):** "W-What are you talking about?" 

**Rohan (smirking):** "Oh, nothing. Just saying what I see." 

Arav turned slightly red but quickly walked to the car, opening the door and sliding into the passenger seat. Summer followed, trying to act normal. 

As they drove, Summer leaned back against the seat, letting out a tired sigh. 

**Summer:** "Finally, some peace. Today was exhausting." 

Arav, sitting beside him, chuckled. **"Tell me about it. But at least Sriya’s issue is almost settled."** 

Summer hummed in agreement, then turned his head slightly toward Arav. Their hands rested close to each other between the seats, barely brushing. 

After a moment of hesitation, Summer boldly reached out, intertwining his fingers with Arav’s. 

Arav stiffened slightly, his heart racing, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he turned his head to look at Summer, their eyes meeting. 

**Arav (softly):** "You’re really not going to stop teasing me, are you?" 

**Summer (grinning, squeezing his hand):** "Never. Especially when you look this cute while blushing." 

Arav groaned, turning his head away, but he didn’t let go of Summer’s hand. 

From the driver’s seat, Rohan cleared his throat dramatically. 

**Rohan:** "You guys do realize I’m sitting right here, right?" 

Both Arav and Summer instantly pulled their hands apart, turning toward Rohan in shock. 

**Summer (nervously laughing):** "W-What do you mean?" 

**Rohan (rolling his eyes):** "Oh, please. I’ve known for a while now." 

Arav looked at him, completely stunned. **"You… You knew?"** 

**Rohan (grinning):** "Of course. I’m your brother, Summer. Do you really think you can hide something like this from me?" 

Summer stared at him, speechless. Arav, on the other hand, felt a strange wave of emotions. He had been so worried about what Rohan would think, about whether he would accept their relationship. 

**Arav (hesitantly):** "You’re not… mad?" 

Rohan sighed dramatically. **"Why would I be mad? Just because my big brother finally stopped being clueless and realized he loves his best friend?"** 

Summer groaned, covering his face with his hands. **"God, you’re the worst."** 

Arav, however, felt a strange warmth in his chest. He looked at Rohan, a small, sincere smile appearing on his lips. 

**Arav (softly):** "Thank you, Rohan. For… not hating me." 

Rohan glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his usual teasing smirk softening. **"Hey, don’t be stupid. I don’t care who Summer likes, as long as he’s happy. And honestly, I think you’re the best person for him."** 

Summer turned to Arav, smiling warmly. Arav looked down, feeling his heart swell with emotion. 

**Summer (softly):** "See? I told you my brother was cool." 

Arav chuckled, finally relaxing. He didn’t know what the future held, but at this moment, he felt safe—like he was exactly where he was meant to be.