Chapter 3 Aaradhya's Zone of Terror

Aaradhya: (Thoughtfully) "Why do these dreams keep haunting me?"

Devil Aaradhya: (Supportively) "You should talk to someone about it, Aru. Don't bear this burden alone."

Angel Aaradhya: (Defiantly) "Oh, come on! They're just dreams. Ignore them and focus on enjoying your college life."

Devil Aaradhya: "Or you can try acting like Rakul Preet's character in the movie 'Spyder.'"

Angel Aaradhya: "Oh, hello! What are you saying? Why are you distracting her?"

Devil Aaradhya: "Yaar, it's fun... Look, that boy is coming towards us. Maybe he is going to propose to us! I'm excited!"

Angel Aaradhya: "Aaradhya, quickly run!"

Devil Aaradhya: "No... Aru, accept him and make the dream come true!"

Angel Aaradhya: "Shut up!"

Devil Aaradhya: "You shut up!"

As soon as Aaradhya arrived at college, preoccupied with her thoughts and battling her inner devils, she came across a handsome guy named Prabhu, who had been in love with her for the past two years.

Today, he had decided to confess his love to Aaradhya, no matter what.

"Hi Aru," Prabhu said nervously to Aaradhya.

Aaradhya raised her eyebrow, maintaining a cold face with no smile.

As she predicted his intention, she didn't want to give him any false hopes.

"Hi Prabhu, can you please call me by my name? "

"I don't like the name you're using," Aaradhya said casually, still without any facial expressions.

"Hmm... sorry, it's okay. I'll call you as you say," Prabhu replied, trying to hide the rose he had bought for her.

He knew Aaradhya's character well, but he wanted to try his luck since she had been nice to him for the last week.

Little did he know, as soon as she noticed the red rose in his hands, her expression changed.

Sensing her attitude towards him today, he decided to postpone his confession.

"Anything else, Prabhu?" Aaradhya asked him, still with a poker face.

Prabhu knew that Aaradhya was dangerous compared to any other girl he knew.

He didn't want to end up on bad terms with her.

"Hmm... no, nothing. It's just... um... I bought a rose for you," Prabhu awkwardly said, trying to maintain his composure.

"Oh... sorry, but I don't like flowers," Aaradhya said matter-of-factly, still not showing any sign of a smile.

"Oh... it's okay," Prabhu replied, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"Hey, why don't you give it to Harika? She loves flowers," Aaradhya suggested, motioning her eyes to the back where Harika was running towards them, as if someone was chasing her.

"Why not, "

"Here!" Prabhu nervously handed the rose to Harika as soon as she reached near Aaradhya.

Harika looked puzzled at first but then realised what was going on, based on Aaradhya's usual behaviour.

This wasn't the first time someone tried to confess their feelings to Aaradhya, only to be gracefully rejected.

Her reputation of being indifferent and cold-hearted was undeserved.

She simply focused on her studies and goals, determined not to burden her parents financially.

Some may have called her selfish, but Aaradhya had a different perspective.

She valued her independence and wanted to achieve success on her own terms.

Deep down, she was a caring and understanding person, but she had a unique way of showing it.

Harika couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.

"Ah, poor Prabhu! He fell into Aaradhya's zone of terror," she said, trying to hold back her laughter.

Aaradhya joined in the laughter, "Well, I can't help it if boys get nervous around me. It's not intentional."

Harika teased, "Oh, I know, I know. But you have to admit, you have a special way of keeping them on their toes!"

The two friends laughed together, enjoying the humorous side of Aaradhya's unintentional effect on people.

Despite her reputation, they knew that deep down, Aaradhya was a gem of a person and a true friend.

"Now, tell me, why are you running towards me as if someone is chasing you?" Aaradhya knew her friend well, so she asked without batting an eye.

"Oh... that's because I heard you are getting married!" Harika exclaimed with excitement.

"What!"

Aaradhya exclaimed even more loudly, drawing attention from everyone around.

Realising the public setting, she quickly kept her mouth shut and shot daggers at her friend before heading to their classes as they were getting late.

Aaradhya and Harika parted ways as they had different classes.

As Aaradhya was making her way to class, she suddenly tripped and was about to fall when a large hand immediately grabbed her waist, pulling her towards a strong chest.

It was the first time a man had touched her like this, and she couldn't help but shiver under his touch.

She met his eyes, which were locked onto hers, as if not wanting to look away.

"He is hot," the devil inside her whispered with a hint of mischief.

Shaking herself out of the trance, she managed to say, "Thank you."

But the man didn't let go of her waist.

Instead, he gazed at her as if she were some kind of prey.

As she realised they were outside the classroom, Aaradhya could hear her teacher beginning the lecture inside.

Aaradhya tried to get rid of the man politely, saying,

"Sir, can you please let me go? I'm getting late for class."

Her cheeks flushed as she struggled to respond.

The boldness of this man took her by surprise, and she wasn't sure how to handle the situation.

The man's lips curled into a playful smile as he finally released his hold on her.

He straightened himself but maintained a captivating presence.

He then bent slightly, lowering himself to her level, and whispered in her ear with a hint of seduction,

"What if there is no class? Is that okay?"