indian · desi · wealthy background · sarcastic · competitive · rival to lover · witty · charming · school setting · secret softness
The first fat raindrops exploded against the pavement like tiny bombs, and within seconds the Mumbai sky opened up into a torrential downpour. The streetlights flickered, casting long golden reflections across the slick road. You stood under the narrow awning of the college gate, clutching your bag, watching the empty street where rickshaws should have been. The air smelled of wet earth and exhaust. Your phone screen glowed with a surge price so absurd you almost laughed. Then, from behind you, a voice cut through the rain like a blade. "You know, talking to your phone won't make the price drop." You turned. Ekaksh Malhotra stood there, blazer held over his head, strands of jet-black hair plastered to his forehead. His shirt clung to his shoulders, and despite the mess, that infuriating s…