The lunch break was in full swing, and OG Four, along with Aanya and Riddhi, had claimed their usual table in the corner of the cafeteria.

“Bhaiii,” Aanya whined, dramatically dropping beside Adyansh and clinging to his arm. “Order a cold coffee for me... with almond milk, pleaseee!” she added with a puppy-eyed expression.

Adyansh shot her a half-smirk. “Seriously, Aanya? Cold coffee with almond milk? You’re too high maintenance for this cafeteria,” he teased, leaning back in his chair.

Aanya pouted. “Excuse me? Perfect people deserve perfect coffee. Bhai, stop acting like a miser for once.”

Ridrakshika, sitting opposite, chuckled, tapping her fingers on the table. “Relax, drama queen. I’m going to the counter anyway... I’ll get it for you.”

Aanya’s eyes sparkled as she gasped. “Really, Ridu di? You’re my saviour! Way better than this grumpy brother of mine.”

Adyansh scoffed and folded his arms. “Look at that... my own sister switching sides like a traitor.”

“She’s got a point, though,” Ridrakshika smirked. “Why would anyone rely on a narcissist for something as simple as coffee?”

Adyansh pretended to be hurt, placing a hand over his chest. “Thunder, seriously? Can’t you let me eat my lunch in peace without roasting me?”

“Never,” she grinned back. “I live for moments like this. Now shut up while I go fetch the ‘perfect coffee’ for your cute sister.”

Aanya giggled. “I know you will be my favorite, di! Bhai, you are going to be officially  replaced.”

Adyansh narrowed his eyes. “Unbelievable. My own sister, betraying me for the enemy.”

“Because the enemy gets better coffee than you,” Aanya stuck out her tongue playfully.

Everyone at the table laughed, the mood light and carefree.

But at the far end of the counter, hidden in the crowd, Tanisha stood silently—eyes burning with jealousy, watching Ridrakshika place the coffee order. A sly smirk curled on her lips as she slipped her hand forward to swap the cups, her plan ready to unfold…

-----------

As Ridrakshika returned with the tray holding the coffee cups, she placed one in front of Aanya with a smile.

“Here you go, princess. Your special almond milk cold coffee—straight from the kingdom of kindness.”

Aanya grinned and took the cup happily. “You’re the best, Ridu di!”

Adyansh looked at Ridrakshika, raising an eyebrow. “So generous today, Thunder. Trying to win the Sachdeva siblings over or what?”

Ridrakshika rolled her eyes. “Not everything is a competition, Adyansh.”

The group settled back into their lunch, laughter and casual teasing floating around. Esha was busy teasing Sanskar about his half-eaten sandwich, while Riddhi giggled at their banter.

Aanya happily sipped her cold coffee. But within moments, her smile faltered. She clutched her throat, coughing slightly, her face turning pale.

“Bhai…” she gasped softly, touching her chest.

Everyone froze.

“Aanya?” Adyansh immediately stood up, panic flashing in his eyes. “What happened?!”

“I... I feel weird… dizzy…” Aanya’s hands shook as the cup slipped from her grip and shattered on the floor.

“Aanya!” Adyansh grabbed her, lowering her gently onto the bench, his heart racing.

“She’s allergic to something!” Sanskar said quickly.

Esha’s eyes widened in horror. “Was that normal milk?!”

Ridrakshika’s face went blank, staring at the coffee cup. “But… I ordered almond milk… I swear I—”

Before she could finish, Adyansh turned towards her, his jaw clenched, fury blazing in his eyes.

“What the hell, Ridrakshika? You said you were careful! I trusted you!” he snapped, his voice sharp, low, and cold.

Ridrakshika flinched as if slapped. “I was careful! I double-checked before giving it to her, I—”

“Enough!” Adyansh barked. “Stop making excuses! My sister could’ve had a serious reaction because of you!”

“Adyansh, listen—”

“I should’ve known better than to let you handle it! You can’t be trusted with something this simple!”

Silence fell over the table like a heavy curtain. Esha stood up. “Adyansh—this is not her fault. Something’s wrong here!”

But he wasn’t listening. His focus was solely on Aanya, who was struggling to breathe.

“I’ll take her to the infirmary!” he said, picking Aanya up carefully in his arms. His gaze flicked coldly towards Ridrakshika, his voice dropping low and biting:

“Stay away from her. You’ve done enough.”

Ridrakshika stood frozen in shock, her eyes burning, her chest tightening painfully.

“But I didn’t—” she whispered. No one was listening.

At a distance, behind the pillar, Tanisha smirked wickedly, satisfied as her perfect plan unfolded just as she wanted.

The cracks were showing.

And this time... they ran deep.

-----------

Adyansh rushed into the infirmary, carrying Aanya carefully in his arms. Sanskar and Esha followed close behind, their faces tensed with worry.

“Bhai... I’m fine... bas thoda sa dizziness hai...” Aanya tried to protest weakly, but Adyansh gripped her hand tighter.

“Shut up, Aanya! Bilkul chup! You’re not fine. Let the nurse check you first,” he snapped, panic flashing in his eyes.

The nurse quickly made her lie down on the bed and started checking her vitals. Sanskar and Esha stood at the side, silently exchanging anxious glances.

“She clearly asked for almond milk, didn’t she?” Sanskar whispered to Esha.

“Haan... Ridrakshika ne toh double-check bhi kiya tha order... main toh waha thi!” Esha frowned deeply.

Adyansh sat beside Aanya, brushing her hair gently as the nurse assured, “It was a mild allergic reaction. I’ve given her medicine. She’ll be okay now.”

Adyansh let out a shaky breath, gripping her hand.

“Pagal hai tu kya? Cold coffee ke bina reh nahi sakti thi?” he scolded softly.

Aanya gave a faint smile. “I’m okay, bhai... stop overreacting...”

But Adyansh’s face was tight with anger.

“Sanskar,” he called sharply. “Find that order slip. I want to see who messed this up.”

“Bro... chill... Ridrakshika must’ve not done this purposely,” Sanskar tried.

But Adyansh’s voice turned cold.

“No. I don’t care. Agar Aanya ko kuch serious ho jaata... I swear I wouldn’t have spared anyone.”

At the door, Ridrakshika stood frozen — having heard every word. Her heart dropped.

“Adyansh...” she spoke, her voice breaking. “Trust me... I didn’t do anything...”

But his angry gaze met hers, hard and accusing.

Behind her, hidden in the corridor shadows, Tanisha smirked darkly, her arms crossed in satisfaction.

“Poor Ridrakshika Verma... these cracks between you two are exactly what I wanted,” she whispered, her eyes glinting with wicked pleasure.

And with that sinister smile on her face...

She slowly turned and disappeared into the dark hallway.

The tension in the air grew thicker, signalling that this chaos... was far from over.

__________________________________Stay tuned for further updates 🎀

~shanshya🧿