Page 4 of Reckless Rival

There was a sudden shift in the tone in that room. “Thank you, Naani.” She let out a laugh and from the corner of her eye, tried to get a read on her dad and uncle.

“Mamma, don’t encourage her. She wants to go to Simha University.” Her uncle’s voice cut through the sweet and yet digressed chat between Nami and her grandmother.

Nami heard her grandmother gasp, making her heart come to her throat. What was she going to say? Before letting any other factor come in, she looked at her uncle. “Uncle, you gave your recommendation for Ramya to attend Simha University.” No one was supposed to know that, but her cousin from her mother’s side had outed the information the past semester. She felt bad about outing her uncle, but that was her trump card. No other option left.

Her uncle was shocked. “That… that is not the same. Ramya is your cousin from your mother’s side, and they will not know her relation to us.” She could hear the startle in his voice.

“So what if they know I’m attending Simha? The university was established by the family but was run independently by Neelima Raj. She will not tolerate any misbehavior on campus.” She looked at her father and lowered her voice. “You know that about her very well, Daddy. It will be a great experience for me. Please let me go.”

“They drove us out of our home, and we had to re-establish our lives here.” Her uncle’s voice blared in the room. “You weren’t that young to not remember. So why are you asking?”

The room had turned tense again, and after a few more moments of silence, her father cleared his voice, and everyone looked at him. “One semester, Namrata Varma. And the first sign of trouble or discomfort for you, you will come back. No questions asked.”

Nami took a moment to process what she heard, and a second later, she jumped with joy. She rushed to hug her father, uncle, and a huge one for her grandma. “Thank you, Naani.”

“Dhanu, are you sure about this?” her uncle asked his older brother, and he only nodded in response.

Nami was in la-la land, still unable to believe her father agreed. Despite his approval, she knew there was a lot he was internalizing. He was such an introvert she may never know what was on his mind when he agreed for her to go.

Later that evening, she was in her room when her grandmother came to see her. She hugged the elderly woman. “Naani, you are my favorite person. Come sit with me while I pack.”

Right after the conversation in the study, she shared the news with her mother who only smiled encouragingly. Nami caught her mother a few times during the gathering looking at her husband as if to get a read on him. What were they worried about?

Her grandmother looked around the room filled with packed bags. “Were you packed and ready to go even before your father agreed?” Her grandma’s tone held suspicion.

“C’mon, Naani, I had a few things packed already. I have to go back to college in a few weeks anyway.” Nami shrugged.

Her grandmother made sure they were alone and leaned forward. “Your father’s enemy’s son is still at Simha. I found out from some distant relatives of the boy’s mother. His name is Veer, Veer Simha. You better stay away from him. He can cause trouble if he finds out.”

Nami only nodded, and something about her grandma’s voice made her sad. “You have no idea how much it must be hurting your father to send you to Simha. My silly son adores you too much to say no.”

“I know, Naani. And I promise to make Daddy proud.” Nami tried to ignore the heavy emotion that was settling in.

“I know you will, but that family still holds a grudge against ours for the accident. Don’t let them know you are there.” Nami felt her grandma’s thoughts were a bit too dramatic, but she only nodded in response.

“I will be careful, Naani. I’m going there to study, plus I won’t be alone. Ramya will be there with me.” Nami comforted her grandma while all she could think about was telling everyone that she was going to Simha University!

Chapter 2

A week later…

“I still can’t believe it,” Nami said, looking around the housing units as they walked toward their allocated room.

Her cousin, Ramya, rolled her eyes. “Can you stop saying that now?” She had to bear Nami’s excitement throughout their journey to Simha.

Nami smiled as she was still taking in her surroundings and processing the fact she made it to Simha, thanks to her grandma for convincing her father. She could not believe the timing of their surprise visit.

Nami stepped into her room and let out a sigh. “Oh my God! I’m finally here.” She fell onto her bed, hugging the pillow.

Ramya could not help but laugh. “Will you start hugging every pillar and wall when we go to the campus tomorrow?”

“I might as well.” Nami sat up in bed. “I’m so glad you’re my housemate.”

“I was asked to keep an eye on you, big cousin.” Ramya winked, giggling.

Nami smiled. “Do you think you can take me to the campus this evening?”

“No.” Ramya frowned. “We are not going to the campus. We are headed to the lighthouse.” Her eyes flashed with excitement.

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