Chapter 33: Chapter 30

The group dispersed shortly after the incident, but the air was still heavy with unspoken tension. Siya walked alongside Raghav, her thoughts a storm of confusion. She had seen Noorie clinging to Raghav earlier, her tears soaking into his shoulder, and though she knew it was natural given what Noorie had just endured, a sharp pang of jealousy had struck her heart.

“What’s wrong with me?” Siya muttered under her breath, shaking her head as if to clear it.

“You okay?” Gauri asked, falling into step beside her.

Siya plastered on a smile. “Yeah, just tired.”

Gauri wasn’t convinced. Her sharp eyes scanned Siya’s face, noting the subtle signs of dejection. “You’re not tired. You’re upset,” Gauri said, her tone gentle but probing. “And I think I know why.”

Siya glanced at her. “It’s nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me,” Gauri said, her voice soft but firm. “You were upset when Raghav was with Noorie, weren’t you?”

Siya hesitated, her steps faltering. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, come on, Siya. It’s written all over your face. And honestly? It’s okay to feel that way. Just don’t ignore it,” Gauri said, nudging her lightly.

Siya sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Even if I am… jealous, I don’t even know why. I don’t know what I feel, Gauri. Half the time, I’m annoyed by him. The other half… I don’t know.”

Gauri turned to face her. “Siya, let me give you some advice. Don’t fight it. Whatever you’re feeling, face it head-on. If you keep brushing it under the rug, it’s only going to get worse.”

Siya looked down, her brow furrowed. “It’s not that simple. What if… What if it’s nothing? What if I’m just confused?”

Looking at Rudra, she says, “Trust me, I know. But take your time,” Gauri said with a small smile. “But don’t take too long. You never know when life might throw you another curveball.”

Siya nodded, though her heart felt heavier. “Thanks. I’ll… think about it. And you're best”

Rudra, who had been interacting with police alongside Raghav, took a few steps ahead, calling out, “Gauri! Want to stop by my place? I’ve got that wine you’ve been asking about on text.”

Gauri smirked. “You just want an excuse to show off your flat again, don’t you?”

“Maybe,” Rudra replied, winking. “But the wine’s good, I promise.”

She laughed. “Fine. Lead the way.”

With a wave to Siya and Raghav, Gauri and Rudra headed off, leaving the two alone.

The silence between them stretched as they walked. Raghav noticed the slight furrow in Siya’s brow, the way her gaze seemed distant.

“You’re quiet again,” he remarked, breaking the silence.

“Just tired,” Siya replied automatically.

He didn’t buy it. “Wait here.” Without explaining, he disappeared into a nearby shop, leaving Siya standing on the pavement.

A few minutes later, he returned with two cups of chai in hand, offering one to her.

She blinked in surprise. “Chai? Really?”

He shrugged. “Who doesn’t like it? Plus, it’s good for lifting bad moods. You love it, right ?”

“First of all, I’m not in a bad mood, second, yes I love it,” she said, accepting her cup.

“Sure you’re not,” he said, smirking.

Siya rolled her eyes but took a sip, the taste of ginger slapped right on tongue. To her annoyance, it did make her feel a little better.

They continued walking, the sound of their footsteps filling the quiet night. Raghav glanced at her occasionally, noting the way she seemed lost in thought, still looked as an ethereal beauty.

“If something’s bothering you, you can tell me,” he said after a while.

She looked at him, startled. “What makes you think something’s bothering me?”

He gave her a knowing look. “I’ve been around you long enough to know when something’s off.”

She hesitated, her grip tightening on the ice cream cone. “Nah, it’s nothing. Really.”

Raghav didn’t push further, but his concern lingered.

Unbeknownst to them, someone was watching. From the shadows of a nearby alley, a figure trailed them, keeping a careful distance. The person’s movements were deliberate, their eyes locked on Siya and Raghav.

The quiet night seemed to grow heavier, the air thick with an unseen threat.