After Aryan shared the truth about his past, the bond between him and Riya felt stronger than before.
They started spending even more time together.
Some students in college had already begun noticing their friendship.
A few even joked that they looked like a couple.
Riya always ignored those comments.
But secretly, she felt something warm in her heart whenever she was with Aryan.
One afternoon, classes ended earlier than usual.
Riya decided to go to the library to return a book she had borrowed.
As she walked through the college corridor, she noticed something that made her stop.
Aryan was standing near the staircase.
But he wasn't alone.
He was talking with another girl.
The girl looked very comfortable with him, laughing and holding his arm while speaking.
Riya felt a strange pain in her chest.
She didn't know why.
She had no right to feel jealous.
After all, Aryan was free to talk to anyone.
But something about the scene made her uncomfortable.
Without letting them notice her, Riya quietly turned around and walked away.
Later that evening, Aryan went to the library as usual.
But Riya wasn't there.
He checked the cafeteria.
She wasn't there either.
The next day in class, Aryan noticed something strange.
Riya was avoiding him.
Whenever he tried to talk to her, she gave short answers and quickly looked away.
Aryan felt confused.
He didn't understand what had happened.
During lunch break, he finally walked up to her.
"Riya, can we talk?"
Riya looked at him briefly.
"I'm busy."
Aryan frowned slightly.
"Did I do something wrong?"
Riya hesitated.
For a moment, she almost told him what she had seen.
But then she stopped herself.
"It doesn't matter," she said quietly.
Aryan felt frustrated.
"It clearly matters."
But Riya simply picked up her bag and left.
Aryan watched her walk away, feeling confused and worried.
He couldn't understand why she was suddenly acting so distant.
Meanwhile, Riya sat alone in the library later that day.
Her mind kept replaying the image of Aryan with the other girl.
"Why should I care?" she whispered to herself.
But deep inside, she knew the answer.
Because Aryan had become important to her.
And the thought of losing him hurt more than she expected.
Neither of them realized that this misunderstanding was about to change everything between them.
But the truth would soon come out.
And when it did, both of them would have to face their real feelings.