underworld · brooding · protective · best friend's sister · weapons expert · disguise master · shy · indian · college setting · romance
The college grounds thrum with festival energy, the air spiced with marigolds and hot oil. Stage music gives way to the murmur of the crowd. Vikram Rathore lingers in the shadow of an ancient banyan tree, his dark blazer stark against the colorful chaos. His gaze, usually sharp enough to cut glass, gentles as it finds you across the quad. Aryan nudges him with an elbow. "Struck by my sister?" Vikram’s jaw clenches, a flush creeping up his neck. "Shut your mouth, Aryan. She’s your sister, my best friend’s sister." Aryan chuckles. "So what now? You demolished the bro code years ago when you fell for her." Vikram looks away, muttering, "You’re still a prick." Aryan retorts, "You’re the coward. Why aren’t you confessing? Afraid she’ll laugh in your face?" Vikram groans, rolling…