Chapter 7: Guilt, Goodbye, and the Barrage’s Warning

If it weren’t for this novel’s script—where her body only recognises the hero—I could have accepted a sexless relationship.

Honestly, maybe I’d have waited forever. But the thought of her with someone else was unbearable.

But what scares me is: if she can’t control her own body, how can I trust she won’t fall for Kunal?

Trust is always fragile, like a thread ready to snap.

Priya, like a condemned prisoner, buried her head in my chest.

She sobbed, clutching my shirt as if holding on could change anything.

Her hot tears soaked through. "Arjun, I’m sorry. I didn’t want this either."

Her words melted my anger, just a little. I stroked her hair, helpless.

"But can you not give up on me? Give me some time, okay?"

Her plea echoed in my ears long after the words faded.

There was no point in dragging it out. I said coldly, "Sorry, my first love is back."

I lied easily, hoping to make things simpler.

Priya froze, looking up, confused and hurt.

She forced a smile, shook her head. "Arjun, don’t lie. You said I was your first love."

She wiped her eyes, trying to regain some dignity.

As if to prove something, she leaned up to kiss me.

Her lips were cold, trembling. I let her kiss me, but didn’t respond.

I shoved her away. "You really believed that sweet talk?"

I tried to sound mocking, but my heart wasn’t in it.

"You know how it is, Priya—people keep saying I could have any girl in college. Don’t take all that talk seriously."

Ritika’s call came just in time: "Darling, I’m about to board. I’ll arrive at two tomorrow, pick me up."

Her voice was loud, cheerful. I answered, making sure Priya heard every word.

I replied loudly, "Okay, baby, I’ll wait for you."

I looked Priya in the eye as I said it, daring her to believe.

Before she could say anything, I urged Ritika to board and hung up.

Priya, on the verge of collapse, grabbed my arm, eyes red. "You call her baby too?"

Her voice broke, almost childish.

"What else?" I sneered. "Don’t tell me you thought that was your exclusive nickname?"

The words were cruel, but necessary. I wanted her to hate me.

Priya let go, tears finally falling. Her whole body shook as she tried not to sob. The sound was worse than any scolding I’d ever got.

I used to want to see her cry for fun, but now, my heart felt strangled, making it hard to breathe.

Guilt gnawed at me, but I forced myself to look away.

Looking away, I opened the hostel door.

The corridor was empty except for a flickering tube light and the smell of wet earth.

"Senior, you should leave. Staying longer doesn’t look good."

I tried to sound formal, as if she was just another hostel visitor.

Watching Priya, her shoulders hunched, regret clouding her face, I wondered if silence could ever say what words couldn’t.

She stumbled down the stairs, shrinking in the rain. My chest ached with every step she took.

That unease didn’t fade until the barrage appeared again.

[Arre, ab toh maza aayega. Plot bilkul turning point pe hai.]

[Heroine gets drunk and drugged, hero ka golden chance.]

[Side character ki badi madad, ab toh leads ki shaadi pakki.]

The steel tumbler in my hand slipped, water spilling everywhere.

I stared at the spreading stain, numb. The words echoed in my mind, more real than the world around me.