Next day.
Rithvik didn't look at her.
Not once.
In class… he shifted seats.
In corridor… he walked past like she didn't exist.
In practice session… he chose a different group.
Apurva noticed everything.
And that's what irritated her.
Fine. Act mature.
Act unaffected.
Act like you don't care.
But her chest felt heavy.
By lunch break, she had enough.
She cornered him near the staircase.
"Problem kya hai tumhari?"
He kept his face neutral. "Koi problem nahi."
"Kal raat jo bolne wale the… woh problem nahi tha?"
His jaw tightened.
"Apurva, I was emotional. Forget it."
Forget it?
That's it?
She laughed softly. Not happy. Not amused. Just… hurt.
"Tumhe pata hai tumhari sabse badi problem kya hai?"
He stayed silent.
"Tum sab control karna chahte ho. Situation. People. Even feelings."
His eyes darkened.
"And you?" he shot back.
"Tumhe lagta hai tum strong ho kyunki tum emotions ignore karti ho?"
Silence.
They were close again.
Tension thick.
But different this time.
Colder.
"Stay away from me," he said quietly.
Not angry.
Not dramatic.
Just controlled.
And that hurt more.
Apurva blinked.
"Fine."
She walked away first.
But for the first time… he didn't stop her.
That Evening
Rithvik sat alone in his car.
Hands tight on the steering wheel.
He remembered his father's words from last night.
"You will not get distracted. Not now. Not when investors are watching you."
He closed his eyes.
Apurva wasn't distraction.
She was… weakness.
And he hated that.
Meanwhile
Apurva opened her laptop.
Application form for an inter-school leadership program in Delhi.
She clicked submit.
Without telling anyone.
If he wants distance?
She'll give him distance.
Proper one.