Scene 1: The New Girl
It was a normal day at college… until Riya, the new transfer student, walked in.
Glamorous, confident, and loud—she was like the female version of Dev.
And naturally… she gravitated straight toward him.
During the lunch break, she sat at Dev's table without asking.
"You're Dev, right?" she said, twirling her hair. "Heard you're the most fun guy around."
Dev, always polite, smiled. "That's me. Welcome to the madness."
Payal watched from across the canteen, pretending not to care.
But her hand gripped her spoon tighter.
Scene 2: The Flirt and the Glare
Riya laughed loudly. "Maybe you should show me around. I don't know where the labs are."
Dev was about to answer, but before he could—
"He's busy."
All eyes turned.
Payal.
Standing behind Riya. Face calm, but her voice sharp like glass.
Riya raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
Payal blinked. Realized what she just said. Everyone stared.
Dev looked shocked. Then… delighted.
Payal tried to walk away quickly, but Dev stood up and followed.
Scene 3: The Confrontation
"Payal!" Dev called after her in the corridor.
She didn't stop.
He caught up, grabbing her wrist gently. "Hey—what was that back there?"
She avoided his gaze. "Nothing. I was just… being honest."
"You jealous?" he teased, stepping in front of her.
"No."
He smirked. "Liar. You glared at Riya like she tried to murder your sketchbook."
She sighed. "I just… I don't like the way girls flirt with you. It's… noisy."
Dev leaned in. His voice dropped to a whisper.
"So you admit it… You don't like it when someone else touches what's… yours?"
Payal's eyes widened. "You're not mine."
"But you still don't want to share me," he said, eyes locked on hers.
She looked away. "I didn't say that."
He gently brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"You don't have to say it, Payal. I see it. Every time you look at me like I'm fire… but stand close enough to burn."
Scene 4: Dev's Message That Night
Dev:
"Today was fun. I got roasted by the quiet girl in public. My heart is still recovering."
Payal:
"Don't flatter yourself. I just don't like noise."
Dev:
"Then let me be your silence."
She didn't reply.
But she hugged her pillow tighter.