Abhi Rathod was used to being the center of attention. Wherever he went, eyes followed, whispers trailed, and admiration coated the air like perfume. College corridors turned into his runway, and every party was his kingdom. With a smirk that could melt hearts and a confidence that made everything look effortless, he was the golden boy-perfect in every way.
And he knew it.
Everyone wanted a piece of him. Girls giggled and batted their lashes, hoping to be the one he'd pick next. Guys envied him, admired him, wanted to be him. Professors sighed at his effortless brilliance, and his parents expected nothing less than perfection.
Yet, amidst the sea of adoring faces, one girl stood out-not because she was trying to, but because she wasn't.
She wasn't dressed in designer labels, nor did she wear the kind of expensive perfume the girls in his circle drowned themselves in. Her jeans were worn, her sneakers scuffed, and her hair fell in effortless waves, as though she hadn't even tried to impress anyone. That, in itself, made her different. But it was her eyes-dark, knowing, a little amused-that truly caught Abhi's attention.
When their paths crossed outside the library, he smirked. "You're new here?"
She didn't blush, didn't stammer, didn't giggle like most girls did when he spoke to them. She simply raised a brow and leaned against the pillar. "And you're the infamous Abhi Rathod."
He chuckled. "Infamous?"
"That depends," she said, tilting her head. "Are the stories true?"
Abhi took a step closer, intrigued. "Which ones?"
She pretended to think. "That you get whatever you want. That you collect hearts like trophies. That the whole college bows to your golden feet."
He smirked. "And what do you think?"
"I think," she said, meeting his gaze with unwavering confidence, "that everyone is playing a game. Some want a piece of you, some want to be you, and some want to beat you. But me?" She paused, a small, secretive smile playing on her lips. "I don't think you're as golden as they say."
For the first time in a long time, Abhi felt genuinely intrigued.
And just like that, she had his attention.
.....to be continued.....
Hey there, lovely reader!
Welcome to Bird in a Golden Cage. This story isn't just about love—it's about masks, ambition, heartbreak, and what happens when the golden boy falls for someone who might not be what she seems.
This chapter is just the beginning. It's fun, flirty… but trust me, things get deeper, darker, and more tangled as we go.
If you enjoy college drama, complicated characters, and a slow unraveling of truth—stay with me. I promise, you won't regret it.
—With love,
Your author
P.S. Votes, comments, and adding to your library help so much—they keep me writing (and smiling)!