2. Library Tension

                                    

                                          
Viren's gaze flicked between Aarav and Aarushi, his expression unreadable. Then, in a tone laced with mockery, he said, "Taking a break already, Mehra? Seems like you've found someone else to help with the heavy lifting."
Aarushi shot him a glare, her fists clenching at her sides. "Unlike you, Sharma, some of us appreciate a little help instead of just standing around criticizing everyone else while skipping their own punishment."
Viren smirked, "The punishment is given to us because you started the chaos today, Mehra. I wasn't even supposed to be here, so let's not drag someone else into this." His eyes glinted with that infuriating superiority he always carried around.
Aarushi's eyes narrowed, her pulse quickening. "Even if that's true, this punishment was given to both of us. The least you can do is pull your weight instead of looming around like a bad omen." She lifted her chin defiantly, her irritation boiling over.
Viren raised an eyebrow, his smirk never wavering. "Careful, Mehra. You're not as tough as you think. Not everyone gets to talk to me like that and walk away unscathed."
Aarushi's heart raced, but she refused to back down. "Threats? Is that how you solve all your problems? Guess it must be nice to scare people into submission instead of actually doing something productive."
There was a flicker of something in Viren's eyes—was it surprise? Amusement?—before it vanished behind his usual indifference. He straightened a bit, the air around him thick with tension. "Watch it, Mehra. You might bite off more than you can chew."
Before Aarushi could retort, Aarav, sensing the rising tension, chimed in, offering a tentative smile. "Hey, Aarushi, I can stay and help you out if you want—"
"Yes!" Aarushi's voice came out sharper than intended, her irritation from Viren spilling over. She quickly softened her tone, giving Aarav an apologetic look. "I mean, yes, that would be great. Thanks, Aarav."
Viren's smirk faltered for just a second before he regained his composure. "Really, Mehra? Can't handle the task on your own?" He leaned back against the nearest shelf, his arms crossed as he watched the two of them with narrowed eyes.
Aarushi bristled at his tone. "It's called teamwork, Sharma. Not that you would know anything about it."
Viren raised an eyebrow, his gaze hardening. "Teamwork? Is that what you call it when someone else does your job for you? I thought you were all about independence." His voice dripped with mockery.
Aarushi clenched her fists, feeling the familiar rush of frustration. "You wouldn't understand teamwork if it hit you in the face. Not everyone goes around looking for ways to dodge responsibility."
Viren's lips twitched as if suppressing a laugh. "Responsibility? Oh, please, Mehra. This is rich coming from the girl who caused the whole mess in the first place."
Aarushi's temper flared, and she took a step toward him, her voice sharp. "It wasn't just me! You were involved too, but of course, no one ever holds you accountable. You're too busy playing the campus king."
Before things could escalate further, Aarav jumped in, trying to keep the peace. "It's not a big deal, Viren. I'm just helping out."
Viren pushed off the shelf, his frame suddenly more imposing as he stepped closer to them. The air around them grew thick, tense. "Helping out? Or do you have any other motive?" His voice was low, laced with something dangerous that made Aarushi's breath catch in her throat.
Aarav blinked, clearly taken aback. "I'm just being a good friend, man."
"Yeah, Viren," Aarushi said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Not everyone must have an ulterior motive behind their every move. But I guess someone like you wouldn't get that."