The tension from Abhi's revelation lingered in the air like an unspoken storm. Ruhi tried to brush it off, act unaffected, but her mind refused to let it go. The idea of another girl entering Abhi's life—a girl handpicked by his parents—didn't sit well with her.
She had spent the rest of the day keeping herself occupied, throwing herself into casual conversations, flashing smiles at all the right people, but nothing distracted her from the unease gnawing at her. When evening arrived, she finally decided she needed answers.
She found Abhi in the parking lot, leaning against his car, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as she approached, arching a brow. "You stalking me now?"
Ruhi rolled her eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I just have a question."
Abhi pocketed his phone, crossing his arms. "Go on."
She hesitated before asking, "Who is she?"
For a second, he didn't answer. Then, with an exhale, he finally said the name that would change everything.
"Ishika Malhotra."
Ruhi's breath hitched. The name wasn't unfamiliar. Ishika Malhotra wasn't just some random rich girl—she was the Ishika Malhotra. A name that carried weight, influence, and a reputation that even Ruhi had heard of.
"Wait," she forced a laugh, "you mean that Ishika Malhotra? The one who's practically royalty in the business world?"
Abhi nodded, his expression unreadable. "That's the one."
Ruhi couldn't believe it. She had expected someone rich, someone sophisticated, but not her. Ishika wasn't just another spoiled heiress—she was a force to be reckoned with. Unlike most elite girls who basked in their wealth, Ishika was known for her intelligence, her perfection, and her almost intimidating presence.
And that made everything worse.
Ruhi masked her inner turmoil with a smirk. "So, when's the grand meeting? Are you going to fall for her at first sight?"
Abhi scoffed. "You really think that's going to happen?"
She shrugged. "Wouldn't be the first time a 'perfect match' worked out."
Abhi didn't respond immediately. He studied her, as if trying to decipher the emotions she wasn't showing. Then, with a sigh, he said, "It's this weekend."
Ruhi's fingers curled into her palm. So soon?
She forced herself to smile. "Well, good luck with your perfect fiancée."
Abhi's gaze lingered for a moment longer before he smirked. "Careful, Ruhi. You almost sound jealous."
She laughed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Oh, please. You think I care?"
But as she walked away, heart pounding, she realized that maybe—just maybe—she did.
....to be continued....
Author's Note:
So there it is—the name that shifted the ground beneath Ruhi's feet: Ishika Malhotra. And she's not just competition… she's the kind of girl you can't fake your way past. Powerful, polished, and perfect—everything Ruhi pretends not to care about, but deep down, fears she can't compete with.
Ruhi's walls are cracking, and Abhi? He's starting to look like the one thing she never planned on wanting for real.
This isn't just a game anymore.
—The author, sipping tea while watching the queen realize she might just lose her crown.