Two Scenes and a Lifetime Contract

9

Kashvi lingered for a moment even after Vihaan walked away, his quiet footsteps fading into the evening hum of campus. The bag in her hands suddenly felt heavier, not because of what it carried, but because of what it represented.

When she pushed open the dorm door, Anaya looked up from her desk, her face lighting instantly at the sight of the packet.

"You brought this?" she asked, springing up.

Kashvi shook her head lightly. "Vihaan did. He asked me to give it to you."

The way Anaya's smile bloomed at the mention of his name—it was warm, sweet, but not the kind of smile Vihaan hoped for. She accepted the food eagerly, already unwrapping it, humming in delight as though the smallest things could make her happy.

Watching her, Kashvi felt that same pang of guilt twist inside her chest. Anaya's joy was genuine, but it wasn't born of Vihaan. It was simply the affection of a friend, untouched by the depth of his silent devotion.

She lowered her gaze, hiding her thoughts. Vihaan would never ask for thanks. And Anaya would never notice what went unsaid.

Kashvi's lips curved into a faint smile, though her heart was heavy. She told herself again—what mattered was the story moving forward as it should. Anaya and Reyansh would end up together, and if that reunion came sooner rather than later, maybe... maybe Vihaan's unspoken feelings wouldn't have to ache so long.

Setting the food down beside Anaya, Kashvi's mind drifted back to another thought—why had there been no mention of Vihaan's silent love for the female lead? His feelings were so obvious—anyone paying attention could see the way he cared, even if it was quiet, even if it was unspoken, well atleast she could see through it. And yet, in the story, he was left to fade away once the leads got together, off to pursue his master's without any real context or closure.

Her chest tightened with a mix of pity and guilt. Vihaan's love had been so patient, so silent, yet he was treated almost as if he were a placeholder— not even the second lead—never given his due.

Kashvi shook her head softly, lips pressing together. Why was this man—so quietly loyal, so attentive—never the one the story cared to explore? Why was he just... there?

And yet, she reminded herself, that was exactly why she had to be careful. To live fully in this world, to protect herself, to navigate the web of relationships and expectations around her—without being swept into someone else's drama.

_

Setting the food down beside Anaya, Kashvi's mind drifted back to another thought—why had there been no mention of Vihaan's silent love for the female lead? His feelings were so obvious—anyone paying attention could see the way he cared, even if it was quiet, even if it was unspoken. And yet, in the story, he was left to fade away once the leads got together, off to pursue his master's without any real context or closure.

Her chest tightened with a mix of pity and guilt. Vihaan's love had been so patient, so silent, yet he was treated almost as if he were a placeholder—a second lead in name only—never given his due.

Kashvi shook her head softly, lips pressing together. Why was this man—so quietly loyal, so attentive—never the one the story cared to explore? Why was he just... there?

And yet, she reminded herself, that was exactly why she had to be careful. To live fully in this world, to protect herself, to navigate the web of relationships and expectations around her—without being swept into someone else's drama.

_

The next day, Kashvi woke to the ringing of her alarm. She reached over to stop it and glanced at the bed opposite hers—Anaya was still asleep. That was rare. The early bird, who had even taken on the unpaid job of waking Kashvi for her schedule, now dozed a little longer.

Kashvi guessed it must be the hectic workload of her internship and the senior assignments catching up with her friend. Even the most disciplined could falter occasionally.

Quietly, Kashvi started getting ready for her Sunday shift at the library. While everyone else enjoyed a rest day, she had extra responsibilities—shelving books, assisting students, keeping watch, and catching up on some reading herself.

Just as she was about to leave, Anaya stirred awake, blinking in surprise.

"I slept a little longer today," she admitted, rubbing her eyes as if to shake off the grogginess.

Kashvi smiled gently and patted her shoulder. "It's okay. You've had a lot on your plate with the internship. You rest today; I'll bring something for you at lunch."

Anaya shook her head. "No, I won't be home tonight."

Kashvi raised an eyebrow.

Anaya's eyes sparkled, and her words tumbled out in a rush, as if waiting for someone to ask her. She barely paused to breathe. "Well... Reyash called last night. With the time difference, he almost forgot how late it was here. Then, as he was coming back, he told me about some minor changes... what I wanted from there, what his mom and my mom would like... He got a little homesick, talked a bit more, and asked me to visit his house when I had time. But if I went to his house, I'd have to go to mine too... The problem of being neighbors, the ride is almost a hour and half from university. So, I'll stay home tonight and take the direct bus to my office... I thought about taking Arhan... but no, I should take Vihaan with me; he likes going home more than Arhan..."

Anaya finally realized she'd been babbling and sheepishly looked up at Kashvi.

"Sorry... I just started rambling," she admitted.

Kashvi's voice was quiet, careful. "You're happy because Reyash is coming?"

Anaya's cheeks flushed at the simple observation. Kashvi, meanwhile, felt a storm of emotions stirring within her.

She didn't know what to feel. Happiness for Anaya? Pity for Vihaan, whose feelings remained unspoken? Dread, knowing the plot's beginning was drawing near? Fear for her own safety, aware that the assault sequence and other chaos might soon entangle her? Or the uncertainty that her peaceful life could be upended by the male lead's arrival?

All at once, her heart seemed to carry the weight of everyone's unspoken stories.

_

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