Karthik was trapped.
There was no escape.
Ananya stood in front of him, arms crossed, waiting.
Her teasing smile was gone.
This time, she wasn't joking.
"Say it."
Karthik's throat went dry. "Say what?"
She sighed. "That you like me."
His heart was pounding.
His mind was screaming denial.
But Ananya's eyes—they weren't letting him run this time.
---
Silence stretched between them.
Ananya studied his face, waiting for a response.
Karthik tried to look away.
He couldn't.
His stupid heart wouldn't let him.
Finally, he exhaled sharply. "Fine."
Ananya raised an eyebrow. "Fine?"
Karthik looked at the ground. "I like you, okay?"
His face burned. His pulse raced. But he said it.
Ananya blinked. Then, her lips slowly curled into a smirk. "Say it properly."
Karthik groaned. "I just did!"
She stepped closer. "Say it while looking at me."
Karthik wanted to die.
"Ananya, I swear—"
She tilted her head. "Not convincing enough."
He clenched his fists. "You are the worst."
"And yet, you like me."
Karthik gritted his teeth.
Then, before he could overthink—before his pride could stop him—he finally looked her in the eye.
"I like you, Ananya."
The words hung in the air.
For the first time, Ananya didn't tease.
She just smiled. A real, genuine smile.
And Karthik felt his heart completely give in.
---
End of Chapter 30