Chapter 1 — The Proposal That Wasn't

Shaurya Chauhan leaned against the college corridor wall, arms crossed, an easy smirk playing on his lips — but inside, nerves churned. His foot tapped restlessly against the floor.

"Bro, chill," Vikram singhania his friend laughed, tossing a bottle of water at him.

"You look like you’re about to get results for your board exam." Dev khanna, his other friend laughed

"It’s not funny," Shaurya muttered, catching the bottle without looking. His sharp brown eyes were glued to the group standing near the stairs.Tanya Sharma.

She was looking Confident, radiant, laughing like she owned the world.

"You’ve been after her for what, two years?" Vikram teased, elbowing him. "Pretty sure she knows. Why so scared now?"

Shaurya exhaled sharply. "I’m not scared. I’m just... making sure it’s perfect."

His voice was full of self-assurance. After all, who could resist Shaurya Chauhan?

He adjusted his leather jacket and pushed off the wall, running a hand through his thick hair.

As he strode forward, he barely noticed the group of quieter girls nearby. Among them, one girl — simple, delicate, wearing a pale pink churidar — caught his eye for half a second. Aradhya Sharma.

She was laughing shyly at something her friend said, her dupatta slipping from her shoulder, her soft features lighting up innocently.

Shaurya looked past her without a second thought.

Today was about Tanya.

He walked straight up to her, cutting through the chatter. "Tanya."

Tanya turned, flashing him her signature, lazy smile. "Shaurya Chauhan, gracing us commoners? I’m honoured."

Shaurya chuckled, stepping closer. "Got a minute?"

"Only if you promise it’s exciting," she teased, flipping her hair dramatically.

He smiled, cockily

"More than exciting. Tanya... I like you. I have for two years now. Be my girlfriend."

The words fell into the air, heavy and serious.

For a moment, even Tanya’s smile faltered.

And then — she laughed. Loud, unbothered, carefree.

"Aww, Shaurya," she said, resting a hand dramatically over her heart, "that's so sweet."

Shaurya stiffened slightly. "I mean it."

Tanya stepped closer, looking him up and down shamelessly. "You’re hot, no doubt. Tempting offer, really..."

Shaurya’s lips quirked up. "Then say yes."

Tanya's eyes sparkled mischievously as she whispered near his ear, "I don’t do relationships, handsome. They’re... boring."

She winked. "But you and I? We can have some fun."

Shaurya’s expression hardened. "You’re rejecting me?"

Tanya twirled a strand of her hair lazily. "Reject is such a harsh word. Think of it as... keeping your options open."

"You think I’m playing?" Shaurya’s voice dropped dangerously low.

Tanya smirked, brushing past him lightly with her dupatta brushing his hand. "You’ll survive, this. Don’t fall in love with me — I break hearts for breakfast."

Shaurya’s jaw tightened as he watched her laugh and walk away, hips swaying.

He didn’t miss the way some boys nearby ogled her. His fists clenched.

"Challenge accepted, Tanya Sharma," he muttered under his breath, his eyes flashing dangerously. "You will come to me. On your knees."

Unnoticed by either, Aradhya stood at a distance, quietly clutching her books to her chest, her soft brown eyes lingering on the scene. She bit her lower lip nervously when Shaurya’s angry gaze swept the corridor — but of course, it wasn’t for her.

Destiny, however, had already started pulling its strings.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***