You are cute when you are jealous

Alia PoV:

The class had just ended, and I stretched my arms, feeling relieved. It had been a long lecture, and I was more than ready to leave.

"Let's go home," I said, turning to Aayush, who was gathering his books.

He shook his head. "No, I have to go to boxing practice and Diya has classes till evening anyway"

"Okay! I will head back then"I said

He grinned. "Alright, go home carefully."

"Bye," I said, waving as I walked away.

On my way home, I decided to do some grocery shopping. Our apartment always needed something, and since I had time, I might as well pick up what we needed.

I entered the grocery store, grabbing a basket.

As I walked past the shelves, I mentally went through the things we were running out of. But I didn't have to rely on memory. We had a system whoever needed something just added it to the group chat, and whoever went shopping would buy it and put up a message saying bought.

I pulled out my phone and checked the list in our chat. As expected, Samaira's list was already there. She was predictable—her usual snacks and coffee. Hriday had listed his needs too, and Aayush had added some protein bars and energy drinks.

Our group had always worked like this. We might be different in many ways, but small things like these showed how well we took care of each other. It made me smile.

But then I noticed something.

Siddharth wasn't in the group.

And another thing—Diya's list wasn't there either.

I quickly called her.

"Alia!" she answered.

"Diyu, do you need anything from the store? You didn't put anything on the list."

"Oh! I forgot," she said. "Can you get some yogurt and fruits for me? And... oh! Some dark chocolate too."

"Got it. Anything else?"

"No, that's all!"

"Umm... actually I might need something. Can you get me some men's condoms?" she asked quickly

I nearly dropped my phone. "Diya! Do you hear yourself? What are you making me buy?"

"Okay. Forget it. Just get me a Bounty chocolate"

I frowned. She sounded disappointed. "It's fine. I'll get it."

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yes," I sighed.

"Thank you, Aloo! Get the strawberry-flavored ones, regular size."

That was way more information than I needed

I walked through the condom aisle,hesitating for a second before picking up the exact one Diya asked for. My fingers curled around the small box as I turned to put it in my basket. But just as I looked up, my heart nearly stopped.

Siddharth was there.

He stood in the opposite aisle, his tall frame slightly turned toward me, holding a grocery bag in his hand. His eyes locked onto mine for a second before dropping to the box in my hand. I saw the realization hit him. He blinked, his eyebrows slightly raising in surprise.

My face heated up instantly.

Oh no. No, no, no! This was not happening. This was my worst nightmare coming to life.

He had caught me standing in the middle of the store, holding a box of condoms.

My grip on the box tightened as panic shot through me. What was he thinking? Was he judging me? Was he assuming things? I wanted to disappear, to melt into the floor, to run away and never show my face again. My mind screamed at me to explain—

No, this isn't for me!

It's for Diya!

But my mouth refused to move. I was frozen, my brain short-circuiting as the moment stretched painfully long. Siddharth's expression didn't change much. He just stood there, watching me with that unreadable look he always had.

I couldn't take it anymore.

I shoved the box into my basket, and rushed toward the checkout counter. My heart was hammering in my chest, my face burning with embarrassment.

Just pay and get out. Just pay and get out.

I stood in the queue, trying to act normal, but my hands were shaking slightly as I placed the items on the counter. The cashier scanned each thing slowly, and I felt like everyone in the store was watching me, judging me. The moment the condom box appeared on the belt, I swallowed hard, avoiding eye contact with the cashier.

After what felt like forever, I finally paid and grabbed my bag, practically speed-walking out of the store.

My mind kept replaying the moment I met Siddharth's gaze, the way he saw exactly what I was holding.

What was he thinking now? Would he say something later?

I groaned, covering my face with my hands.

I heard my name.

"Alia!"

My whole body tensed. No. No, no, no. I pretended not to hear him and slightly increased my pace.

"Aloo!" His voice was closer this time.

I had no choice but to slow down. He easily caught up, walking beside me.

"Are you heading home?" he asked casually

"Yeah," I muttered, keeping my eyes straight ahead.

"You ran out so fast, I barely saw you in there."

I swallowed. "I was just... done shopping."

"Right." He nodded, eyes still locked on mine. "And you seemed... in a rush at checkout too."

"I—uh—I'm in a hurry," I muttered

"Hurry for what"he asked

"Why do you care?"

His lips twitched. "I don't."

"Good"I said

As we walked, he smoothly shifted his grocery bag to his other hand, and before I could react, he took mine.

I parted my lips to protest but quickly shut them. My face was still burning from earlier, and I was too embarrassed to argue.

So, I said nothing.

We walked in silence. The only sounds were our footsteps and the faint hum of the city around us. I clutched the ends of my sleeves, staring straight ahead, pretending this was normal. Pretending he hadn't just seen me holding that.

"I didn't know you had a boyfriend."

I nearly tripped.

He wasn't looking at me, just kept walking, his expression neutral but his voice. It wasn't his usual teasing, laid-back tone. It was different. Stiffer. Tighter.

"What?" I finally managed.

"You don't know a lot of things about me, Sid"

His gaze flicked toward me, A muscle in his jaw ticked.

"Clearly," he muttered

"Kahi shaadi bhi ho gayi kya tumhari?"he voice stiffer than before

"Haan," I snapped, crossing my arms. "Aur chaar bacche bhi hain. Rinku, Pintu, Chintu, Bantu."

"Nice names," he muttered

"Of course," he muttered, voice laced with something I couldn't quite place. "Poor kids."

I narrowed my eyes. "Excuse me?"

His expression was hard to read like he was annoyed but also something else.

"Kaun hai?" he asked

I stared at him

"That boyfriend of yours" he added

He was upset and I like it

For once, I had the upper hand.

So, naturally, I decided to mess with him before revealing the truth

"Kyun? Tumhe itna kyun matter kar raha hai?" I asked.

His jaw clenched further. "Bas pooch raha hoon."

"Haan toh bata diya na. Chaar bachhe bhi hain."

He exhaled sharply, his grip on my grocery bag tightening for a split second. "stop this nonsense, Alia."

I bit back a grin. "Kya kar loge?"

He finally looked at me, his dark eyes locked onto mine. "Uska naam batao."

I blinked up at him innocently. "Kiska?"

"Alia," he warned.

I tilted my head, pretending to think. "Rinku? Pintu? Chintu? Bantu?"

He sighed. "Does he know how much trouble you can be?"

I placed a hand on my chest, feigning offense. "Excuse me? Me? Trouble?"

Siddharth let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Poor guy."

"Who?" I scoffed, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Your boyfriend." He said the word like it physically pained him.

I smirked, enjoying this far more than I should. "You seem very concerned about my love life."

His jaw clenched, and for a second, I thought he wouldn't reply. But then, his voice dropped lower, rougher. "I'm just trying to figure out which idiot had the guts."

"Guts?"

He turned slightly, his eyes glinting with something unreadable. "To handle you."

I rolled my eyes, turning away. "Don't talk to me."

"If I thought you didn't want to talk to me, Alia, I wouldn't have stopped you in the first place."

I froze mid-step, my heart stuttering. But before I could react, he had already walked ahead, leaving me standing there completely, utterly flustered.

Diya PoV:

I sat on Aayush's bed, my legs tucked under me as I watched him pull off his hoodie and toss it onto his chair.He had just come back from boxing practice and had just finished speaking to his parents, and I was still processing everything. His room smelled like his cologne, warm and familiar, but there was also a slight hint of sweat.

I scrunched my nose. "You stink."

Aayush turned to me with an amused smirk. "Oh yeah?" Before I could react, he walked over and wrapped his arms tightly around me, pulling me into his chest.

"Now you stink too"He only laughed, his grip tightening.

I wriggled, trying to push him away,I huffed, finally giving up. He was too strong, and I was too comfortable in his arms to keep fighting. He loosened his grip just a little

"Go take a showe and come"

He chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead before finally letting me go.

A little while later, Aayush walked back into the room, his hair damp, smelling fresh and clean. He plopped down beside me on the bed, his presence warm and familiar.

He sat beside me his fingers absentmindedly started playing with mine, tracing small circles on my palm. It made my heart flutter in a way I wasn't ready to admit.

"Your hands are so small," he said pressing his palm against mine. His was much bigger, his fingers long and strong compared to mine.

"That's because you're a giant," I shot back.

He laughed but didn't argue. Instead, he lifted my hand and pressed a soft kiss to my knuckles. My heart melted instantly. I hated how easily he could do that to me.

My heart was doing all sorts of flips, and I hated that he knew exactly what he was doing to me.

But before I could say something smart, I noticed the way his fingers twitched slightly when I touched his arm. His body tensed just a little. My eyes narrowed.

"Why did you flinch just now?" I asked.

Aayush immediately shook his head. "I didn't."

I reached for his arm again, this time pressing my fingers lightly against his bicep. He sucked in a sharp breath.

"You did! What happened?"

"Nothing My Sherni" he said quickly, trying to pull away. But I wasn't letting this go.

"Aayush." I grabbed his wrist before he could move. "Tell me."

He hesitated. "It's nothing serious."

"Show me."

He sighed, knowing I wouldn't stop until I got my answer. Slowly, he pulled up his sleeve, revealing a faint but ugly bruise on his upper arm. My stomach twisted.

"Aayush!" I gasped. "How did this happen?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just from boxing practice. It's not a big deal."

"It is a big deal!" I glared at him.

My heart clenched. "You got hit?"

"Diya, it's part of the sport," he said , brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I'm fine."

I shook my head, feeling a lump in my throat. "You didn't tell me."

He exhaled, cupping my cheek. "Because I knew you'd react like this."

I glared at him. "Of course I'm reacting like this! You got hurt, Aayush! And you didn't even say anything."

He sighed. "It's not serious."

"It looks serious to me," I muttered, tracing my fingers carefully over the bruise. He flinched slightly but didn't stop me.

"Diya," he said softly, tilting my chin up so I'd look at him. "I can handle a few punches."

"That doesn't mean I have to like it."I swallowed.

"You promised you'd be careful."

"I was careful."

"Does this look careful to you?"I pointed at the bruise.

He sighed, shaking his head."Diya, you worry too much."

I crossed my arms. "Because you don't worry enough."

He leaned in, cupping my face with his uninjured hand. "If I told you every time I got a small bruise, you'd never stop panicking."

I frowned, feeling my heart ache. "I just don't like seeing you hurt and I also don't like you hurting anyone"

His expression softened. "I know." He leaned forward and kissed my forehead. "But I'm okay."

I traced my fingers lightly over his wrist, careful not to press too hard. "I still don't like it."

He smiled. "Noted."

Aayush chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "You're cute when you're angry."

"I'm serious."

"I know you are," he said, still grinning. "That's what makes it even cuter."

"Did you at least put ice on it?"

He smirked, shaking his head. "Why do I need ice when I have you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Flirting won't save you this time."

"Had to try," he smirked.

I sighed, pulling away from Aayush's embrace. His arms tightened around me for a second as if he didn't want to let go, but I gave him a pointed look.

"Where are you going?" he asked, his brows pulling together.

"To get ice for your hand," I said, shaking my head at him.

"Diya, it's really not—"

I shot him a glare. "If you say 'not a big deal' one more time, I will throw the ice at your face instead of using it on your hand."

I carefully pressed the ice against his knuckles again, and he sucked in a breath. "Aayush," I whispered, my voice softer now. "Why do you do this to yourself?"

His expression shifted, the teasing gone. "Boxing isn't just about fighting, Diya. It teaches control, discipline. And I love it."

"But it hurts you and your opponent also" I pointed out.

He smiled slightly. "Not as much as you think."

I sighed, shaking my head. "I still don't like it."

He chuckled. "I know."

For a moment, we just sat there in comfortable silence. My fingers gently moved over his, applying light pressure with the ice. His thumb brushed against mine absentmindedly, sending tiny shivers up my arm.

"You know," Aayush said suddenly, his voice softer, "if it really bothers you that much, I could be more careful."

I looked up, surprised. "You'd do that for me?"

His gaze locked onto mine. "I'd do anything for you, Diya."

I quickly looked away, pressing the ice against his hand again to distract myself. "Good. Because if you keep getting hurt, I'll have to start carrying ice packs everywhere just for you."

Aayush chuckled. "I'd prefer if you just kissed it better."

"But can you do something for me too?" he asked, his voice smooth, almost teasing.

I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously. "What?"

He hesitated for a second before saying, "I have a boxing match next month"

I stiffened.

His gaze remained steady as he continued, "I want you to come and cheer for me."

My stomach twisted.

"Aayush—"

I forced a light laugh, shaking my head. "You know I don't like boxing."

"I know," he admitted, squeezing my fingers gently. "But I want you there."

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. He had invited me so many times before to his training, his smaller matches. And every single time, I had found an excuse not to go.

Not because I didn't want to support him. But because I couldn't.

Memories I had buried deep surfaced like a tidal wave.

A long time ago...

I had once loved boxing. Not for myself, but because someone I adored loved it. My older cousin.  He had been everything to me strong, brave, my hero. I used to sit in the front row, cheering for him, clapping excitedly whenever he won.

Until the day he didn't.

I was there when he took a brutal hit. When he collapsed. When the medics rushed in.

He had survived, but he was never the same. The sport he loved had taken too much from him. And it had taken something from me too.

The helplessness, the fear, it never left me.

Now, every time I thought about Aayush in that ring, throwing punches, taking hits, my chest constricted painfully. What if he got hurt? What if—

"Diya?" Aayush's voice pulled me back.

"You don't have to if you don't want to."

I exhaled slowly. "I just..." My fingers tightened around the ice pack. "I don't like seeing you get hurt."

Aayush was quiet for a moment. Then, he leaned in, pressing his forehead against mine. His voice was gentle when he spoke. "I get it."

I closed my eyes, inhaling his scent—warm, familiar, safe.

"But," he added after a pause, his tone laced with quiet determination, "you know I'm good at this, right?"

I opened my eyes, and he pulled back slightly, his gaze locked onto mine. "I'm not reckless, Diya. I know how to protect myself and win without hurting my opponents also "

I bit my lip. "I know."

"Then trust me." His fingers brushed against my cheek. "Just once. Come and see what it means to me."

I stared at him, torn.

Could I do it? Could I sit there and watch? Could I push past the fear clawing at my chest?

Aayush gave me a lopsided smile, sensing my hesitation. "I promise I won't get hurt."

I sighed. "That's the worst promise you've ever made."

He chuckled. "So, is that a yes?"

I hesitated for another second before mumbling, "I'll think about it."

His face lit up like I had just handed him a championship trophy.

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