The cafeteria buzzed with energy as students filled the space, chatting over trays of food and laughter echoing from different corners. At one particular table, however, the mood was tense. Raghav had just made his entrance, confidently walking up to Komal, his presence shifting the atmosphere entirely.
Shumaila leaned back in her seat, arms crossed as she glanced at Akansha, who was sitting beside her. The two exchanged a look—one that clearly screamed annoyance. Akansha, never one to hide her irritation, clicked her tongue and leaned forward.
"I don't remember inviting unwanted guests to our table," she muttered, looking directly at Raghav.
Raghav smirked, unbothered. "Relax, I'm not here for you."
Shumaila let out a dramatic sigh. "Yeah, well, we don't want you here either."
Before Raghav could respond, Siddarth suddenly spoke up, his voice loud and firm enough to halt the entire table's brewing irritation.
"That's enough," he said, sitting straighter. His gaze locked onto Raghav with a quiet intensity. "Komal and I are dating."
Silence.
For a moment, it felt as if the entire cafeteria had gone on mute. Every single person at the table turned to Siddarth in shock, including Komal. However, unlike the others, she quickly schooled her expression, masking her surprise before anyone could truly register it. But two people did—Shumaila and Akansha exchanged a glance, noting the brief flicker of confusion in Komal's eyes before she played along.
"You're lying." Raghav's voice cut through the silence, his jaw tightening as he eyed Siddarth.
Siddarth leaned forward, unshaken. "Oh? And why do you think that?"
"Because if you were dating, I would've known," Raghav said, his voice dripping with disbelief. "There was no talk about this. No signs. Nothing."
Riya, who had been silently watching the interaction unfold, finally interjected. "Wait, wait, wait. This is just too good." She laughed, though there was nothing humorous about it. "So, let me get this straight. Komal, the same girl who caught the eye of a football player, is now supposedly dating Siddarth? Damn, girl, what's your secret?" Her voice was laced with jealousy, eyes narrowing at Komal with fake amusement.
Komal, now regaining full composure, tilted her head, flashing a sarcastic smile. "If I told you, I'd have to kill you."
Akansha snorted, unable to hide her amusement.
But Raghav wasn't done. He turned back to Siddarth. "If it's true, prove it."
The entire table stiffened. The challenge had been set.
Siddarth didn't hesitate.
Before Komal could react, before Raghav could push him further, Siddarth reached out, gently cupping Komal's face, and leaned in.
And just like that, he kissed her.
Gasps echoed around the cafeteria as heads turned toward the scene. The suddenness of the act sent an electrifying shock through the group. Komal, despite the initial surprise, didn't pull away. Instead, she played along, closing her eyes briefly to sell the act before Siddarth pulled back.
When he did, the entire cafeteria was in stunned silence. Raghav's face twisted in disbelief, and Riya looked as though she had swallowed something bitter.
Shumaila, recovering first, whistled lowly. "Well, damn. That's one way to prove a point."
Akansha, still gaping, muttered, "Did not see that coming."
Raghav's expression hardened, his fists clenching before he finally turned on his heels and stormed off. Riya, still seething, quickly followed.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Komal exhaled sharply, turning to glare at Siddarth. "You just had to be dramatic, didn't you?"
Siddarth grinned unapologetically. "What can I say? I commit to my lies."
Shumaila smirked. "Well, congratulations. You two are officially the new hot topic of the university."
Komal groaned, burying her face in her hands as the group erupted into laughter, the tension from earlier dissipating—at least for now. Because one thing was clear: things were only going to get more complicated from here.