Episode 5 – The Unexpected Rival

The morning felt different.

I didn't know why, but I had a strange feeling as I walked into the classroom with Kiran. My eyes searched for Aanya in her usual seat near the window.

She was there.

But she wasn't alone.There us someone with her .

A tall, confident guy was sitting beside her. They were talking comfortably, and every few seconds, Aanya laughed at something he said.

I stopped walking.

Kiran noticed my expression and followed my gaze.

"Oh, that's Rohan," he said casually.

"You know him?"

"Everyone does. He's a final-year student."

I nodded, pretending it didn't matter.

But it did.

More than I wanted to admit.

The entire lecture felt endless. Every time I looked toward Aanya, Rohan was still beside her. They exchanged notes, whispered during class, and laughed together.

"You're distracted," the professor suddenly said.

The whole class turned to look at me.

"Sorry, sir."

Aanya glanced at me for a second before looking away.

After class, I walked to the canteen alone.

Kiran caught up with me.

"You're jealous."

"I'm not."

"Then why do you look like someone stole your favorite book?"

I sighed.

"I don't even know who he is."

Kiran laughed.

"Maybe you should ask her instead of making up stories in your head."

His words stayed with me all day.

In the evening, I finally found Aanya arranging books in the library.

"Hey."

She looked up and smiled.

"Hi, Arjun."

"I wanted to ask you something."

"Go ahead."

I hesitated for a moment.

"The guy who was with you today..."

"Oh, Rohan?"

"Yeah."

She smiled as if the answer was obvious.

"He's my cousin."

I blinked.

"Your... cousin?"

"Yes. He transferred to this college last week. He's staying with my family until he graduates."

For a few seconds, I couldn't say anything.

All the worries I had imagined disappeared instantly.

Aanya tilted her head.

"Were you worried about something?"

"No."

She folded her arms and smiled mischievously.

"Really?"

"Really."

"I don't believe you."

I laughed awkwardly.

"Fine... maybe I was a little curious."

"A little?"

She couldn't stop smiling.

"I've never seen you this serious before."

I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Forget I asked."

"I don't think I will."

The two of them walked out of the library together, still talking.

As they reached the college gate, Aanya suddenly stopped.

"I forgot my ID card inside."

"I'll come with you."

"You don't have to."

"I know."

He smiled.

"But friends help each other."

For a brief moment, Aanya looked at him quietly.

Then she smiled.

"I'm glad we're friends, Arjun."

Those simple words filled my heart with hope.

Maybe I wasn't the most important person in her life yet.

Maybe I was only a friend.

But every beautiful love story begins with friendship.

And I was willing to wait for the day when she would see me as something more.

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