The Curse Of Our Passion

Chapter 1: The Forbidden Crush

(Setting: College campus, after class. Arathaya spots Ruhaan leaning against his bike, scrolling through his phone. He's dressed in a fitted black shirt, sleeves rolled up, his usual brooding expression in place. She smirks-time to push his buttons.)

Arathaya: grinning "Well, well, if it isn't my favorite rajroy."

Ruhaan: without looking up "Didn't know I had favorites."

Arathaya: tilting her head "Ouch. You wound me, Ruhaan."

Ruhaan: finally looking up, arching a brow "What do you want, Arathaya?"

Arathaya: pouting "Why do you always assume I want something? Can't a girl just enjoy good company?"

Ruhaan: dryly "You? Enjoying my company? Doubtful."

Arathaya: stepping closer, teasing "Maybe I have a thing for grumpy seniors with no sense of humor."

Ruhaan: exhales, shakes his head "Find another hobby, troublemaker."

(Arathaya smirks. She loves that he calls her trouble-it's his own little nickname for her, even if he doesn't realize it.)

Arathaya: "You're no fun, Ruhaan. You know, I bet deep down you actually enjoy my attention."

Ruhaan: leaning down slightly, voice low "You bet wrong."

(His tone is firm, but his eyes? They flicker-just for a second. Arathaya catches it. And it only makes her push further.)

Arathaya: softly, playful "I think you're lying."

Ruhaan: clenches his jaw "Think whatever you want, Arathaya. But don't play games you don't understand."

(There it is. The warning. The line he's drawing between them. But Arathaya? She never cared for rules.)

Arathaya: smiling, stepping back "Oh, Ruhaan... I think you're the one who doesn't understand."

*(She winks and walks away, feeling his gaze burn into her back. He thinks he can ignore her. He thinks he's in control.)

Oh, but he has no idea.

(Ruhaan watches as Arathaya walks away, her confidence infuriating and intoxicating at the same time. He clenches his jaw, shaking his head. This girl was trouble-his sister's best friend, the one person he should stay away from. But she had a way of pushing into his space, into his mind, making him forget all the reasons why he needed to keep his distance.)

(Just as he exhales, ready to ride off, her voice calls out again-because, of course, she's not done yet.)

Arathaya: turning around, smirking "By the way, Ruhaan..."

Ruhaan: raising a brow "What now?"

Arathaya: playfully "I heard seniors have a responsibility to mentor their juniors. Guide them. Protect them."

Ruhaan: crossing his arms "And?"

Arathaya: grinning "I think I need extra attention. You know, to keep me out of trouble."

Ruhaan: deadpan "The only way to keep you out of trouble is to lock you in a room."

Arathaya: mock gasp "Kinky. Didn't know you were into that, Ruhaan."

(She winks, enjoying the way his expression darkens, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. He looks at her like he's one second away from shutting her up-and she kind of wants him to try.)

Ruhaan: low voice, dangerous "Go home, Arathaya."

Arathaya: softly, stepping closer "Make me."

(For the briefest moment, silence stretches between them. The air thickens, her heart pounding, knowing she's playing with fire. But Ruhaan doesn't take the bait. Instead, he exhales sharply, looks away, and swings a leg over his bike.)

Ruhaan: muttering as he puts on his helmet "You're impossible."

Arathaya: laughing "And you love it."

(Ruhaan doesn't answer. He revs his engine and rides away, but not before she catches the way his grip tightens on the handle. Oh yeah, she's getting to him. And that? That's exactly what she wants.)

(As she walks away, she pulls out her phone and texts her best friend, Riya.)

👉 Arathaya: Your brother is so dramatic. I swear he wants me but won't admit it.
👉 Riya: LMAO, STOP. He'll kill you.
👉 Arathaya: Or maybe he'll do something much more fun. 😉

(She smiles to herself, already planning her next move. This was only the beginning. Ruhaan Malhotra thought he could resist her? Cute. He had no idea what was coming.)

THANKS POOKIES FOR READING