When It Wasn't Hate

Aryaav Mehra is the kind of guy who walks into a room and owns it without saying a word. Tall, athletic, and always sporting a guarded expression, he's known for being cold, aloof, and brutally honest. He doesn't talk much-but when he does, it's either a sarcastic jab or a perfectly timed one-liner that shuts everyone up.

He doesn't do drama, doesn't chase attention, and doesn't care what people think. He's focused on his game, his goals, and keeping his circle small-very small. But within that shell of his is a quiet intensity, and a kind of kindness that only shows up in the most unexpected ways.

He's annoying, infuriatingly smug, and yet-he always remembers how Ridha Singh like her coffee. He helps her carry her books without asking. He gives her silence when she needs it and arguments when she doesn't want them. He'll tease her mercilessly, but the second someone else does-it's war.

No one would believe it, but Aryaav listens when Ridha speaks. And sometimes, when she's not looking, he looks at her like she is the only thing in the world that makes sense.