There were few things Meera hated more than group projects. Mismatched schedules, lazy teammates, endless arguments—it was academic torture.
This time, her journalism professor had paired her with three classmates she barely knew. They met in the library to plan, but the moment Meera sat down, she felt the weight of his gaze.
Sure enough, Aarav was at the next table, law book open, eyes flicking over every so often.
"Seriously?" she muttered under her breath.
One of her groupmates, a cheerful guy named Rohan, leaned closer. "You okay?"
Before she could answer, a shadow loomed. Aarav was suddenly at their table, sliding into the empty seat beside her like he belonged there.
"Malhotra," she hissed, "this isn't your group."
"I'm auditing," he said smoothly.
Rohan frowned. "Uh, do you mind? We're kind of discussing assignments."
"I'll help," Aarav replied, opening his notebook.
Meera nearly slammed her head against the desk. "You're a law student! What do you know about media ethics?"
"Enough," Aarav said evenly, pen already moving.
To her shock—and annoyance—he actually contributed. Precise points, sharp insights, quick summaries. Her teammates looked impressed.
By the end of the meeting, Rohan was practically glowing. "Thanks, man. That was super helpful."
Aarav gave a polite nod, then turned to Meera, his expression unreadable. "Walk you out?"
She glared. "No."
"Good," he said calmly, already standing. "I wasn't asking."
As they stepped into the corridor, Meera snapped, "You can't just invade my group work like that. It's embarrassing!"
Aarav shrugged. "You needed help."
"I didn't!"
"You did. You get flustered when you're put on the spot."
Her jaw dropped. "You were watching me the entire time?"
He smirked faintly. "Always."
Meera groaned, covering her face. "Unbelievable."
Later that evening, she recounted the disaster to Priya over chai.
"He hijacked my project, Priya. Sat down, took over, and everyone loved him!"
Priya burst out laughing. "So let me get this straight. He stalks you, controls you, and now he's doing your homework too? Honestly, Joshi, sounds like a win."
Meera threw a sugar packet at her. "This isn't funny!"
Priya wiggled her brows. "Maybe not. But it's hot."
Meera groaned. "Why are all my friends insane?"
The next day in class, the professor announced group presentation dates.
"Meera Joshi, you'll present next week with Rohan and team," he said.
From behind her, Aarav's voice carried, calm and certain. "She'll do fine. She's prepared."
The entire class turned. The professor blinked. "Mr. Malhotra, are you in this course?"
"No," Aarav replied without missing a beat. "But I keep track."
Laughter rippled through the room. Meera sank into her chair, cheeks burning.
After class, she whirled on him. "You just embarrassed me in front of everyone!"
He looked completely unfazed. "They should know you're capable."
"That's not your job!"
His gaze darkened, voice dropping low. "Everything about you is my job."
Her chest tightened. She wanted to scream. She wanted to laugh. She wanted to… something.
Instead, she turned sharply and stormed off, refusing to let him see the heat rising to her cheeks.
Behind her, Aarav followed at a distance, lips curving faintly.
She could fight all she wanted.
But he had no intention of letting go.