Chapter One Hundred and Four.

Chapter One Hundred and Four.
“Varun Sengar himself…” Shanaya muttered under her breath, her eyes practically shining.

She was mentally drooling as he strode into the cafeteria.

But for Veda, it was the opposite. Her chest tightened, panic rising fast in her throat.

“I…I, I need to go now. I’m done eating.” Veda blurted, standing up so abruptly her chair screeched against the floor.

Shanaya frowned. “What?–” but before she could even finish, Veda was already walking quickly toward the opposite exit, rushed, almost desperate.

Varun’s eyes followed her instantly. He didn’t call out, didn’t stop her.

He simply watched her retreating figure with that dark stillness in his gaze.

The fact that she ran from him, it burned him alive inside.

His jaw flexed as his attention flicked back to the table she had been sitting at.

That’s when he noticed Kabir.

The intern wasn’t even trying to hide it, he was glaring straight at him.

Varun’s brows furrowed for a split second before his lips curved into a slow smirk.

Oh, he understood it now.

That punk wasn’t just some helpful mate, he liked Veda.

The realization made Varun’s blood boil, a dangerous fire simmering beneath his calm exterior.

His hand curled into a tight fist by his side, his knuckles whitening.

He didn’t waste another moment. Without a word, he turned and started in the same direction Veda had gone.

Shanaya, oblivious to the sudden storm brewing, sighed dreamily.

“Did you see that? God, he’s so hot.. I swear, I would never wash my clothes again if he ever hugged me.”

Kabir didn’t even glance at her. His eyes stayed fixed on Varun’s retreating back.

◇◇◇

Veda finally reached the interns’ floor, relief flooding her as the cafeteria’s heavy atmosphere fell away.

She headed straight to her workspace, trying to steady her racing heart.

“What is wrong with him?” she muttered under her breath as she sank into her chair.

“I’m trying really hard not to let people know that we even know each other, and he’s making it worse.”

But just as she let out a shaky breath, a voice cut through her thoughts.

“I heard you made a mistake in today’s meeting. Your code had errors.”

Veda gasped and jumped to her feet, spinning around.

There he was, Varun, standing two feet behind her, his eyes locked on her.

“What…what are you doing here?” she demanded, her voice shaky but edged with anger.

He closed the distance slowly, each step scaring Veda.

“Your supervisor will be introduced to you tomorrow.” he said, “You’ll have to come to my office for that.”

Veda gave a stiff nod, her throat tight. She just wanted him to leave.

But instead, he stepped even closer, closing the space between them. She had nowhere to go.

Varun’s eyes flickered dangerously as he tilted his head slightly. “That boy…” he muttered. “What’s his name?”

Veda blinked. “W…who?”

“The one who helped you during the meeting.” Varun clarified but you cold hear his voice growing darker. “And the same one sitting with you in the cafeteria.”

Her lips parted but no words came out. Her pulse hammered. Finally, she whispered, “I…I don’t know his name…”

Varun’s jaw tightened as he moved closer, the air between them suffocating. “Stop lying.”

Veda’s fear shifted into irritation, and she forced herself to glare at him.

“Why are you asking?” Veda snapped, though her voice trembled. “If you had just let me have a supervisor, I wouldn’t need his help in the first place.”

Varun’s jaw eased. He tilted his head, then gave a small nod. “You’re right.” he murmured softly. “I’m sorry.”

That apology felt too strange, too out of place. But before she could react, his tone shifted, its rougher now.

“But, Veda…” he lowered his gaze, then lifted it again, and his eyes were no longer soft. They were burning, almost wild. “Stay away from that boy.”

Her lips parted, but no sound came.

“I don’t like the way he stares at you.” Varun said.

Veda swallowed, forcing herself to stand her ground even though her knees shook.

“You will, right?” he asked, but this time his words carried a desperate undertone, as if he needed her agreement to breathe.

“I… I can’t control who wants to be my friend.” she managed to say.

Varun’s jaw tightened instantly. He leaned in, his breath hot against her cheek.

“Exclude men.” he said.

Veda froze. “P–please… leave.”

The plea hung heavy in the air.

For a moment, he didn’t move. His eyes, blackened with obsession, locked onto hers, and he looked… hurt.

But then his fists clenched, the muscles in his forearms flexing, and he forced a shaky breath before stepping back.

He turned, walking out of the floor.

Veda exhaled shakily, her chest rising and falling as she clutched the edge of her desk.

God… the more I speak with him, the worse it gets. He’s unraveling… and I’m trapped in it.

◆◆◆

Veda walked out of the company along side Shanaya and Kabir.

Shanaya was half-distracted with her phone, giggling at something, while Kabir kept stealing glances at Veda.

He cleared his throat. “So, Veda… you still need help with those codes you had trouble with? I’m free anytime.”

Veda looked at him briefly before shaking her head. “No, thank you. I’ll be getting my supervisor tomorrow.”

Kabir’s expression fell, but he tried to cover it with a faint smile. Still, his fists curled at his sides.

I just want time with her… he thought.

“Well..” he pushed again, “if you ever have a project idea, I can always be your partner.”

Veda only hummed, distracted.

Her mind was still caught in a whirlpool of Varun, his words, the way his eyes had darkened when he wanted to know Kabir’s name, and the dangerous demand in his voice.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that she had almost put Kabir in danger without realizing it.

“Haaa!” Shanaya’s sudden squeal ripped through her thoughts. Both Veda and Kabir startled, turning sharply.

“Are you okay?” Veda asked, frowning as Shanaya bounced on her toes like a child.

“Guys, guess who’s coming to the party this Friday!” Shanaya beamed, practically glowing.

Kabir rolled his eyes. “Just say it, Shanaya. We don’t have time for your games.”

Shanaya pouted before scowling at him. “Fine. Varun Sengar himself!” she declared, eyes shining.

Veda and Kabir eyes met for a split second, before both looked back at Shanaya deadpanned and started walking away.

“Guys! Come on!” Shanaya whined, chasing after them. “The news says he rarely attends things like this. We should be excited!”

“He’s the COB.” Kabir muttered dryly, shoving his hands into his pockets.

“He’s supposed to be there.” Veda finished flatly, her steps quickening as if to outrun the mention of Varun’s name.