Arnav sat at his desk in his office, with Aman beside him, the afternoon sun filtering through the blinds and casting lines of light across scattered papers. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. Managing his emotions felt like a burden he could no longer carry alone. Thoughts of Khushi swirled around in his mind. She was his student, and he was her professor, yet he found it increasingly difficult to ignore the undeniable chemistry that sparked between them.
Just then, a soft knock broke through his thoughts. "Khushi, may I come in, sir?" Her voice, sweet yet filled with a hint of nervousness, made him pause.
He didn't look up. "Not now," he replied, wishing to maintain some semblance of professionalism. It was best for both of them to keep their distance.
But Aman, noticing the situation, called out, "Come in, Khushi."
Arnav felt his heart race. He hadn't intended for this moment to happen so quickly. As she walked in, the scent of her light floral perfume filled the room and wrapped around him like a soft embrace. He glanced up, attempting to maintain his composure.
"Yes, Khushi?" he queried, trying to sound stern, but his voice betrayed how distracted he was.
"Sir," she said shyly, "here's your coat. I washed it for you." She handed it over, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.
"Okay, anything else?" he said, a bit colder than intended.
"N-no sir," she stammered.
"Then go to your class," he commanded, hoping to mask the turmoil inside him.
In her mind, Khushi thought, Ab kya ho gaya inko? Kal toh itna ache ban rahe the aur aaj...? Confusion clouded her thoughts after his abrupt change in demeanor.
Aman interjected, "Arnav, kya bat hai? Pareshan lag raha hai."
"Nahi, kuch nahi," he responded, a dismissive wave of his hand as he tried to convince himself more than his friend.
Later in the day, during his lecture, the class was lively, with Maddy, Aditya, and Rohan joking and laughing together. Khushi sat quietly, observing. As Rohan playfully nudged Aditya, he placed his hand over Khushi's. Seeing this, Arnav's heart clenched with jealousy and anger surged within him.
"What are you doing, Khushi? Kya chal raha hai ye class ke beech? Did I leave the class?" he shouted.
"Sorry, sir," Khushi replied, her voice small.
His outburst caught the attention of Maddy and Rohan. "Sorry, Khushi! Pata nahi sir ko kya ho gaya. Baat toh hum sab kar rahe the, par dant tumko diya sir ne," Maddy said, trying to comfort her.
"It's okay," Khushi replied, trying to downplay the embarrassment. "Mujhe waise bhi aadat hai unke gusse ki."
In the next class with Aman, there was a contrasting atmosphere. Aman laughed with the students, creating an enjoyable ambiance. Yet, his gaze drifted to Khushi, who sat silently, lost in her thoughts.
"What happens, Khushi?" Aman asked, genuinely concerned.
"Nothing, sir," she replied, forcing a smile.
Rohan chimed in, and tell him everything about arnav colds behaviour towards khushi.
Aman gave a nod, understanding the underlying tension. "Oh, okay," he said, redirecting his focus back to the class.
Days passed with Arnav continuing to ignore Khushi. He snapped at her now and then without reason, creating a rift between them that was both painful and confusing. Each time he raised his voice, a part of him felt hollow, the consequences of his actions echoing in his mind. The lingering gazes and unspoken words only amplified the frustration he felt.
Yet, in the solitude of his office, he wrestled with himself.
The door swung open with a crash, breaking the tense silence. Aman stormed in, red-faced and furious. "Why are you punishing her for something you felt?" he yelled, his voice echoing off the walls. "You wanted to keep her at arm's length, and you think that makes you control your feelings?"
Arnav looked up, confusion etched on his face. "What are you talking about?" he replied, his voice clipped, hope that Aman would explain swirling like smoke in the air.
Aman folded his arms, his eyes narrowed. "Rohan told me everything. How you've been treating Khushi in front of everyone. What's her fault, Arnav?"
"Her fault?" Arnav echoed, incredulity mingling with anger. "Her fault is that at Akash's birthday party, I was about to kiss her! Damn it, she didn't stop me!"
Aman raised an eyebrow, almost unimpressed. "So?"
Arnav was taken aback, his voice rising as the unbridled frustration spilled out. "Aman, she is my student!"
"But you take the first move!" Aman shot back, his patience thinning. "If you can't control your emotions, just tell her that you love her. Don't hurt her like this; she doesn't deserve it."
The words cut through Arnav like a blade, sharp and unwelcome. "I don't have any emotions for her!" he declared, but the lie felt hollow.
"Oh, just shut up!" Aman exclaimed, throwing his hands up in defeat. "You are impossible!" Without another word, he stormed out of the office, the door slamming behind him.
And just like that, Arnav was alone again, the echo of Aman's words reverberating in his mind. Sitting back in his chair, he closed his eyes, breathing heavily. The truth was, every time he yelled on khushi,it was fear—the fear of crossing the line that separated both of you as student and professor.