It was one of those late afternoons when the college canteen buzzed like a world of its own - steel trays clanging, chai kettles hissing, gossip scattered between walls that had heard everything.
Shia lounged at her usual corner table - legs crossed, sunlight glinting off her glossy phone screen - as she scrolled through images of her soon-to-arrive limited edition sports car.
"Imported tan leather interiors," she said, grinning and flashing the spec sheet. "One more month and I'm switching lanes."
Tanya nearly dropped her spoon. "Forget lanes - you'll need a helipad at this point."
Kabir stirred his iced coffee and leaned back.
"You know who really needs a dose of reality? Your favorite English class superstar - Rohan-the-wise."
Shia smiled. "What - motorbike boy? He's harmless. Just? confident."
Kabir's smirk grew wider, but his eyes held a sharp, almost angry glint. "Confident? He doesn't just answer questions; he talks like he's already in charge, like he's going to be the next dean of the college. It's really annoying. I think we should put him in his place. Let's make things... a little more exciting."
Tanya sat up, sensing drama. "Go on."
Kabir looked at Shia. "Make him fall. Not flirt. Fall. Eyes closed, heart open. If you pull it off, you keep your precious car. If you don't? The keys come to me."
The table stilled.
Shia blinked, half amused. "You want me to wager my car over a... crush?"
"A crush?" Kabir asked coolly. "But if you're truly Shia Oberoi - queen of charm - he won't stand a chance."
Tanya giggled nervously. "Oof. This is peak Bollywood energy."
For a second, even Shia hesitated. Her laugh flickered. The air shifted.
Then, with a smirk, she leaned back.
"Fine. Let's play."
They clinked cups.
None of them knowing - when you gamble with hearts, the debt always comes due.