༺ 𒆜Ishq Ka Pehla Saya 𒆜 ༻

Jealousy

The day of the class picnic arrived like a sudden storm, shaking up the usual college routine. Everyone was excited, especially Shazia and Riya, who had already planned out their entire day, from food to taking pictures by the lake.

But for Haseena, it was a mix of excitement and a subtle tension that she couldn’t shake off.

The bus ride was noisy, filled with the usual chatter and laughter, and as the class reached their picnic spot by a quiet lake, everyone scattered to find their perfect place. The teachers were there too — including Mahi, a cheerful and lively female teacher, known for her flirtatious charm.

Mahi’s attention, however, wasn’t on any of the students. It was entirely focused on Anubhav, who, despite his calm and composed demeanor, couldn’t seem to shake off her persistent presence.

“Anubhav, I was just telling the others how much I admire your teaching style,” Mahi said, leaning close to him as she casually brushed her hand against his arm.

Haseena watched the interaction from a distance. She tried to focus on her friends, but it wasn’t easy. Every time she saw Mahi laugh a little too loudly, or make an unnecessary comment, Haseena could feel something uncomfortable in her chest.

“Yeh Mahi ki problem kya hai?” Shazia asked, noticing Haseena’s distracted expression.

“Woh… kuch nahi,” Haseena muttered, but the words felt empty.

She tried to engage in the picnic. But every time she saw Mahi touching Anubhav’s arm or leaning a little too close, a pang of jealousy surged within her.

She knew it was silly — she had no claim over him. He was her professor, not her friend, not someone she could casually talk to outside class.

But still, it stung.

After a while, Haseena couldn’t take it anymore. She stood up, excusing herself from Shazia and Riya, and walked toward the edge of the lake, trying to shake off the feeling.

Mahi was still laughing with Anubhav, her hand resting on his shoulder as she pointed toward the water.

Haseena’s heart was racing, her mind spinning. Why did this matter so much? Why did she care?

The picnic ended on a high note, but Haseena wasn’t the same after it. The jealousy had eaten away at her all day. And the worst part? She had no idea what to do about it.

For the next few days, she avoided Anubhav. It wasn’t conscious, but every time she saw him in the hallway or during class, she found a reason to walk away quickly or focus on something else.

But he noticed.

One afternoon, as class ended, Anubhav called her over. “Haseena, can I talk to you for a moment?”

Her stomach churned. “Uh, sure,” she replied, walking toward him.

He gestured for her to sit beside him at the front desk. “I noticed you’ve been a little distant lately,” he said, his tone gentle but concerned.

Haseena’s heart was pounding. “I’ve just been a little busy with assignments.”

Anubhav smiled, but there was a hint of something deeper behind his eyes. “I understand, but if you’re ever feeling like you need to talk or need help, I’m here.”

Anubhav smiled, but there was a hint of something deeper behind his eyes. “I understand, but if you’re ever feeling like you need to talk or need help, I’m here.”

Her chest tightened. Why did his words feel different now?

“Thanks, sir,” Haseena replied, standing up quickly. “I’ll, uh, get going.”

As she walked out, she couldn’t help but wonder if Anubhav had noticed the shift in her. But more than that, she wondered if she was ready to face whatever feelings she was starting to develop for him.

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