Rajvansh Malhotra, known affectionately as RV among his friends, was a diligent young man attending college. Raised in a small town by a modest family, RV harbored grand dreams and possessed a heart even grander. Despite his financial hardships, his charisma and kindness earned him popularity among his peers.

One balmy summer evening, RV attended a friend's party in the city. The event was buzzing with excitement, the air thick with laughter and music. As RV navigated through the crowd, he caught the eye of Khushi, a radiant young woman with an enchanting smile. Intrigued by his presence, Khushi mistook him for one of the affluent guests and decided to introduce herself.

"Hi, I'm Khushi," she said with a confident smile, approaching him.

"Hello, I'm RV, Rajvansh Malhotra," he responded politely, offering a friendly smile.

Khushi was immediately drawn to RV's humble demeanor and genuine kindness, which set him apart from the other guests. As the evening progressed, she found herself wanting to know more about him.

"You're different from everyone else here," Khushi remarked, her curiosity piqued.

"Different? How so?" RV asked, more amused than interested.

"There's a sincerity about you. It's refreshing," she said, her gaze steady and sincere.

They continued to talk, with Khushi leading most of the conversation. They laughed and shared stories, and despite RV's initial indifference, he couldn't help but enjoy her company. They danced as the night went on, and Khushi's interest in him only grew stronger.

For RV, the evening was pleasant but not particularly remarkable. He appreciated Khushi's attention and enjoyed their conversation, but he didn't feel any special connection.

After the party, Khushi was determined to get to know RV better. She managed to get his phone number from a mutual friend and soon started texting him. Her messages were friendly at first but quickly became more flirtatious.

"Hey RV, want to grab coffee sometime?" One day she sent a text.

RV, flattered by her interest, agreed. They met for coffee, and one date turned into several more. Despite RV's initial indifference, he found himself increasingly drawn to Khushi's vibrant personality and infectious energy. Their chemistry was undeniable, and soon, they were officially dating.

"You’re really something, you know that?" Khushi would often say, her eyes twinkling with admiration. "I’ve never met anyone like you."

RV would smile, a bit embarrassed by the attention. "I’m just me, Khushi. Nothing special."

Their relationship blossomed, filled with laughter, late-night talks, shared dreams. They always preferred simple dates, enjoying each other's company in parks, nearby beaches, and other tranquil spots. But this time, Khushi suggested they visit the new mall in the city, excited to explore the shops and boutiques.

"Let's do something different today," Khushi said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've heard there's a fantastic new mall with lots of great stores."

"Sure, sounds fun," RV replied, smiling. He was happy to spend time with her, no matter the place.

Khushi brought him to a high-end boutique in the mall, where she picked up a designer scarf, draping it around her neck. "Isn't this lovely, RV?" she asked, turning to him with a bright smile.

"It looks beautiful on you," RV replied, genuinely appreciating how happy she seemed.

Khushi then glanced at a display of elegant watches. "I've been eyeing a new watch for a while," she hinted, her tone playful. "Maybe you could help me pick one out?"

RV hesitated, feeling the weight of the situation. He looked at the price tags, realizing that even the least expensive items were far beyond his budget. "Uh, Khushi, these things are pretty pricey," he said, trying to keep his tone light.

Khushi looked at him, puzzled. "But RV, you’ve always been so generous with flowers and little treats. What's a watch compared to that?"

"Khushi, I think there’s something important we need to discuss," RV said gently, as he brought her to a cozy cafe and found a quiet corner to sit.

Khushi furrowed her brows slightly, sensing the seriousness in RV's tone. She was about to order something, but RV gently stopped her, indicating that he wanted to talk first. Her concern deepened as she looked at him expectantly."What is it, RV?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

RV took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking. "Khushi, I've been feeling uneasy about something for a while now. I think there's been a misunderstanding between us."

Khushi's expression softened with curiosity mixed with concern. "Misunderstanding? About what?"

"I don’t know how to say this, I know we haven’t talked much about our backgrounds but I think you might have the wrong impression about me," he said slowly. "I’m not wealthy. In fact, I come from a modest background. I can’t afford these expensive things."

Khushi’s face fell, the shock evident. "Wait, what do you mean? I thought you were—" She paused, realization dawning on her. "I thought you were wealthy."

RV looked puzzled. "Why would you think that?"

"At the party, everyone seemed to think you were one of the rich guests," Khushi explained, her voice trembling. "I just assumed..."

RV sighed. "Khushi, I didn’t know you thought that. I never tried to mislead you. I wanted you to know me for who I am, not for what I have. I’ve always tried to show my affection in ways that don’t cost much, like giving you flowers or planning simple outings. I never meant to deceive you."

Her mind was racing as she processed this new information. "I... I thought you were well-off because of the way you carried yourself. I never imagined..."

RV looked at her, his heart heavy. "I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, Khushi."

Feeling betrayed and overwhelmed, Khushi stood up abruptly. "How could you let me believe something that wasn’t true?"

RV reached for her hand, but she pulled away. "Khushi, I never meant to deceive you. I just didn’t realize you had these assumptions."

"But you didn’t correct me!" she exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes. "I feel so foolish."

RV’s heart sank. "I’m sorry, Khushi. I should have been clearer from the start."

Khushi shook her head, struggling to contain her emotions. "I can’t do this, RV. I need some time to think."

With that, she walked away, leaving RV sitting on the isolated cafe corner, heartbroken and disillusioned.

...........................

Author's Note:

Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for reading my story!

This piece was inspired by a request from a reader, @Jasminearun, in the comments of my previous RajVi one-shot, "Kumkum Bhagya."

I’m planning for this story to span either three or five chapters. If you enjoyed this chapter, please show your support by clicking the vote button and sharing your thoughts in the comments.

Take care, happy reading, and see you soon with the next installment!