Some relationships come with a label — friendship.
But sometimes, hidden beneath that label lies something deeper — a fear, a pull, a sense of belonging that isn't spoken... only understood through silence.
Tanvi never truly understood what friendship meant.
But with Kartik… everything felt slower. Softer. Safer.
Between them, an unsaid rhythm had formed —
They'd sit at opposite ends of the library, sometimes exchanging notes, sometimes just sharing a glance that said everything without words.
Tanvi had begun to smile more.
In his eyes, she didn't see "danger" — she saw respect.
And Kartik… he was everyone's friend. Calm, composed, caring.
The charm boy of Computer Science.
But for Tanvi... he was the only one who felt different.
---
But Why Does 'Different' Attract Everyone Else Too?
Lately, something had changed.
Girls had started hovering around Kartik —
In the mess, asking for "assignment help."
In the corridor, boldly saying, "Kartik, can we grab a coffee?"
Each time, Tanvi would freeze — just a little.
She'd watch from a distance, something heavy rising in her eyes — something she couldn't name.
For the first time, Tanvi felt jealousy...
But it wasn't just possessiveness.
It was fear.
> "What if Kartik leaves too? What if he finds someone better... and walks away, like everyone else?"
She often heard whispers in the corridors:
> "Tanvi's psycho."
"Don't hang around her, Kartik."
"Something happened to her in childhood… she's unstable."
Tanvi heard it all. Stayed quiet.
But one evening… the weight of those words overflowed into tears.
---
By the River — A Silent Breakdown
It was evening.
Tanvi sat alone by the river — the same place where she'd first met Kartik.
Her tears fell freely, soundlessly.
Kartik saw her from a distance.
He paused… then slowly walked over, holding a small kulfi and a tiny wildflower.
> "Ice cream?" he smiled gently. "Figured this might help."
Tanvi didn't say a word.
She just looked into his eyes… and suddenly, hugged him tight.
> "Why, Kartik?" she whispered, voice trembling. "Why does everyone hate me? I don't care if no one talks to me... if no one wants to be my friend. But you… you're my friend. Why do they want you to stay away from me?"
Kartik was taken aback for a second.
Then, softly, he brushed her hair back, placed his hand on her shoulder, and said:
> "Tanvi... if someone tells me to stay away from you, I'll walk away from them instead. That's a promise."
Tanvi saw something fill his eyes…
Maybe it was trust.
---
The Next Day — A Clash
In the college mess.
Kartik was eating lunch when a girl walked up — slim, pretty, confident. Name: Kavya.
> "Hi Kartik… I'm Kavya. I need to talk to you."
He looked up, calm.
> "You're friends with Tanvi, right?" she said. "Do you even know what she's done before? She's not stable, Kartik. She'll ruin your career. People are saying you're turning psycho too..."
It hit Kartik like a slap.
But he didn't shout. He simply said, in a chillingly cold tone:
> "Mind your own business. And from today... don't ever speak to me again."
Kavya's face turned red with rage as she walked away.
What she didn't know… was that Tanvi had heard everything from behind.
---
A Quiet Victory
Tanvi didn't step into the mess.
She just stood at the entrance… watching.
And for the first time, a small, quiet smile touched her lips.
There was no trophy. No applause.
No celebration.
But in one corner of her heart, a voice whispered — "You matter."
---
Chapter End
Today, Kartik didn't just show sympathy — he showed loyalty.
And Tanvi realized: Jealousy isn't always about insecurity.
Sometimes… it's proof of how deeply we care.
For the first time in her life, someone's actions told her —
> "You are worth standing up for."