Legacy Unveiled: The Hidden Heir

Chapter 17: Oh

***Kiran's POV***:

As I stepped out of the field, the exhilarating rush of soccer practice still coursing through my veins, I was greeted by the familiar sight of my friends gathered around Rudra, our unofficial leader. With a mischievous glint in my eye, I couldn't resist the urge to sneak up on him playfully.

I crept up behind Rudra, stealthily closing the distance between us before pouncing with a playful grab around his waist. A surprised yelp escaped his lips, but he quickly recovered, chuckling as he recognized me.

"Kiran, I know it's you," he teased, ruffling my hair affectionately. I couldn't help but giggle as I released him, feeling the warmth of his arm as he casually draped it over my shoulder. Rudra always had this protective aura about him, and I cherished moments like these.

"How was school today?" he asked, his gaze flicking down to my attire. I followed his gaze and realized I was still sporting Pragyan's olive green long sleeves.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, this?" I replied, a playful twinkle in my eye. "Just a little cafeteria drama. Got caught in the crossfire, so Pragyan lent me a shirt." Rudra's curiosity was piqued, his eyes lingering on Pragyan with a hint of intrigue.

But as their gazes locked, a tense silence descended between them. I could feel the unspoken tension hanging in the air, and I quickly intervened, eager to diffuse the situation.

"Yeah, Pragyan's just being a good friend," I interjected, trying to lighten the mood. "No big deal. Stop giving him that look, Rudra," I added, a playful smirk dancing on my lips.

Rudra's demeanor shifted slightly, his jaw tensing as he straightened up. There was a mix of curiosity and suspicion in his eyes as he glanced between Pragyan and me.

Before I could say anything more, Rudra took charge, his tone brooking no argument as he directed me and the girls to the car. A pang of disappointment tugged at my chest as I watched Rudra and the guys move away, knowing that my chance to eavesdrop on their conversation had slipped away.

With a reluctant sigh, I climbed into the car with the girls, trying to push aside my curiosity about what was unfolding between Rudra and Pragyan. But as the car door closed behind me, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was missing out on something important.

***

***Rudra's Pov***:

As Pragyan and I locked eyes, an electric current seemed to surge between us. I could practically feel the tension crackling in the air, and I knew he was squirming under the intensity of my gaze. But I wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily.

"So, let's talk about... the whole shirt-lending situation with my sister," I started, my tone laced with mischief. "But I've got this feeling, Pragyan. I'm pretty damn sure there's more to it than just friendly gestures. Come on, spill it."

Pragyan's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, and he stumbled over his words, clearly caught off guard by my directness. But the smirks from Shivansh and Arnav only fueled my curiosity, and I wasn't about to let him off easy.

"Why are you blushing? I thought you two were just friends," I prodded, a smirk playing on my lips as I enjoyed watching him squirm.

Pragyan finally dropped the facade of denial with a shaky breath, his voice trembling with nerves. "Honestly, Rudra, I'm not sure what I feel anymore. It wasn't always like this. I mean, I've always cared for Kiran as a friend, but lately... things have been different."