Ruhi had always been good at reading people. She could tell when someone was faking a smile, when someone wanted something from her, and most importantly, when someone was trying to take what was hers.
And Ishika Malhotra? She wasn't making a move on Abhi, but Ruhi wasn't blind. Ishika wasn't dismissive of him either. She existed in his space, effortlessly, naturally-without needing to fight for his attention. That was dangerous.
At first, Ruhi had thought she could handle it. But lately, Abhi's behavior had shifted. He still kissed her forehead, still held her hand in public, but his attention wasn't as unwavering as before. He was more distracted, his laughter a little less indulgent when she teased him, his patience a little thinner when she got jealous of other girls.
Ruhi had tried to ignore it, to remind herself that she was the one Abhi chose every time. But then, she started noticing the small things.
Like how Abhi didn't immediately pull away when Ishika spoke to him. Or how, at the last party, he had actually taken a moment to listen to her.
And now, tonight, Ruhi was watching it happen again.
The three of them were at a group dinner, seated at a long table filled with their usual crowd. The conversation was loud and energetic, but Ruhi had only one focus-Abhi and Ishika.
She saw the way Ishika casually made a comment about a book she had read, and how Abhi actually seemed interested. He nodded, even asking a follow-up question.
A follow-up question. Since when did Abhi ever ask about someone's book recommendations?
Ruhi clenched her jaw. She needed to put a stop to this. Now.
She leaned closer to Abhi, resting a hand on his thigh. "Baby, remember that restaurant you wanted to take me to next weekend?" she asked in a soft, sweet voice.
Abhi turned to her, momentarily pulled away from his conversation. "Huh? Oh, yeah. The one by the beach?"
Ruhi smiled, making sure her voice carried just a little. "Mhm. You promised we'd go. Just the two of us."
Ishika didn't react, continuing to sip her drink as if she hadn't heard. But Ruhi didn't miss the way Abhi's eyes flickered between them, as if realizing the shift in the air.
"I did promise," he admitted, though he seemed distracted.
Ruhi tightened her grip slightly, as if grounding him back to her. "I'm really looking forward to it."
Abhi smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. And for the first time, Ruhi felt something unsettling.
Was she still the center of his world?
Or had Ishika already planted herself there, without even trying?
For the first time in a long time, Ruhi felt a sense of unease she couldn't shake. And she hated it.
......to be continued......