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As soon as I got up, I dressed in my school uniform, these days are very stressful since we have final examinations in one and a half months and I haven’t finished my syllabus yet.
Even if I am only left with one subject, I need more time for revision because why not.
I hurriedly brushed my hair before running to my brother’s room. And he was there, reading files. He glanced at me, approached me, and began braiding my hair.
Okay, I learnt to braid my hair, but I’m still too lazy to braid my hair, while my brother doesn’t appear to have any problems.
We all sat together for breakfast.
Silence.
Silence is all you can hear at our breakfast table.
“Bhai, could you drop me to school? Vihaan is going to have his practice match, so he may have already left, and I don’t want to go alone”, I say, biting the piece of an apple.
I can feel their eyes on me. When I saw them, I gulped hard.
“What?” I enquired, and my brother shook his head.
“Nothing, I thought you like to be alone,” my bhai responded, muttering the last sentence under his breath.
I scrunched my eyes and bit the last bit of the apple.
“You seem close to Vihaan,” my dad said, causing me to cough.
As I began coughing, my bhai patted my back and gave me water, I gulped the cold liquid down my throat.
Kunal bhai leaned to me and whispered in my ear “close…or Very very close” as I could feel a smirk on his lips.
My bhai can be irritable at many times, I looked at him in anger and stepped on his foot. He winced, looking at me, but said nothing.
As I looked at my father, he was still looking at me, so I took a deep breath and told him, “Yeah, he’s a good friend.”
“Good friend,” my father said, almost elaborating ‘Friend’.
“Yes, he is nice, he helps me with my notes, and we walk to school together and talk,” I said, murmuring words without realising what I was saying.
“Hmm, he is a very nice guy, he is good in study and sports, and he is kind also, you know, when I came back from the grocery store, Vihaan helped me carry them,” my mom told as dad looked at her.
Dad nodded.
“It’s good Ruhii, you have a nice friend now,” dad said, returning to his meal.
He is acting weird.
But the main question arises.
Are we friends?
I cleared my throat from every kind of slipping to my overthinking and returned to eating.
Bhai dropped me off at school and trusted me.
Sometimes I just want to open my eyes and telepathy to the classroom. Only if possible.
I didn’t mean this, but my gaze was automatically drawn to the school ground in search of that pair of eyes I hadn’t encountered since the morning.
Trust me, I didn’t want to do it, but my eyes were getting impatient to see that person.
But, poor me, I didn’t see him.
I entered the classroom and my mood already became sour, i saw Tanya and kept my gaze low, putting my head down.
“What happened?” she asked.
“Today is so boring,” I murmured, even though I didn’t know why today felt so empty.
I noticed Yash sitting alone. Maybe Sid and Vihaan were at practice.
Suddenly, I heard a bag drop on the desk, and I looked up to see Vani standing there, sighing before sitting down.
“What happened to you?” I asked.
“Meri zindagi mein chal kya raha hai? Mujhe kuch samajh kyun nahi aa raha,” she sighed, casually dropping her head backwards to the bench.
(What is happening in my life? I don’t understand anything)
“Ek kaam karo, aankhen band karke so jao,” Tanya suggested, giggling.
(Do one thing, close your eyes and go to sleep)
With this our gossips start mainly Vani telling her stories.
The teacher arrived and started the first physics lecture.
After three classes, I saw Vihaan and Sid walk in after their practice.
I sat up straight and, without realizing it, my gaze automatically drifted toward him. He gave me a soft smile, and I felt my cheeks heat up. I quickly looked down at my book.
I turned to Tanya, who was giving me a weird look. I cleared my throat and tried to focus on studying, even though I had no idea what I was reading.
Does this always happen? When someone’s on your mind, everything else feels pointless?
And you know what, Happiness…..double happiness, and then the maths teacher gets absent, this is the happiness of like winning a gold medal.
Ragini Ma’am came in as our substitute, so the lecture was free.
While I was flipping through my notes, explaining topics to Vani, she seemed to get tired.
“We’ll continue later,” I told her. She sighed in relief.
“Finally!” she said, but then I felt someone tap on our desk.
I looked up and saw Vihaan standing there, looking amused. His hair was a bit messy, and he raised an eyebrow at me.
I noticed Vani was staring at me with a mischievous grin. I composed myself.
“Kya hai?” Vani asked, her tone a little sharp as she looked at him.
(What?)
Vihaan sighed but then turned to me with a soft look.
“I missed the chemistry class. Ruhanika, can you help me explain the topic?” he asked, a mischievous expression plastered on his face.
“You need an explanation? konse zamane ke topper ho, wo topic to tumhare baaye…baaye….arey kya tha iske aage,” Vani said, looking up as if answer will automatically appear on the ceiling.
(What era’s topper are you? This is just a….just a…what’s the next line)
“Baaye hath ka khel” he continued her sentence.
(Just a piece of cake)
“Correct” Vani slightly yelled and hit his shoulder playfully leading him to stumble a bit.
“Yes, i need to understand that topic, so, do you have any problem?” He asked tightly smiling at her.
“Your words are not matching with your book” Vani smirked at him and he frowned.
As he looked down the book and my gaze also went which is a Biology book. He realised and closed his eyes in frustration muttering some incoherent words under his breath.
I shook my head and started enjoying their silly banter.
“Aww, koi baat nhi, aisi situation me hota hai, hota hai, don’t worry our Ruhii is too intelligent that she will also explain you biology,” Vani said patting his shoulder, to which he looked away tapping his fingers on the book and she turned passing me a wink, which I don’t seem to understand.
(It’s alright, it happens in this situation)
What the hell was that?
But Tanya stayed where she was, her arms crossed, watching them.
“According to the information which i know, your mom is a chemistry teacher, if I remember correctly?” Tanya said, raising an eyebrow.
“So, what? Can’t I take her help? Now go or do I need to give you a special invitation?” Vihaan replied, rolling his eyes but she scrunched her eyes.
“Tanya, please, go sit at the back. It’ll be more comfortable for both of us. Just her and me, and no distractions…..so I can understand the topic,” he requested her in the most fake gentle tone.
“Okay, okay, I get it! I’m always your distraction, like I always disturb you to see the most beautiful View” Tanya smirked at him.
I saw Vihaan fake smiling at her but I didn’t understand anything.
Why they always talks in riddles which i seem to never get.
Forget it, I am not dumb their talks are stupid.
Vihaan sat beside me and turned to me, “Hi”
I smiled and replied, “Hi,” feeling my hands start to rub together nervously.
What is wrong with me? I’ve never felt this nervous before.
“Hmmm, so shall we start the topic?” I asked, trying to regain my composure.
Vihaan frowned, “Which topic?”
“Vihaan,” I said, narrowing my eyes.
He chuckled and shook his head, “Yeah, yeah, I remember the topic now.”
I started explaining, but I could tell he wasn’t really paying attention. I knew how he concentrated when he studied, and when he didn’t.
I sighed and asked, pointed to the notes I was explaining, “Vihaan, tum dekh rahe ho na?”
(Vihaan, are you looking)
“Haan, mai to hamesha apko hi dekhta rehta hoon,” he said with a smile putting his elbow on the desk and his right palm on his right cheek.
(Yes, I am always looking at you)
I started tapping my foot as I could feel the tons of species dancing inside my tummy. I involuntarily started scribbling the pen on the backside of the notebook just to get over this giddy feeling. I definitely don’t want to look like a monkey while smiling foolishly.
I cleared my throat, looking at him, but just as I did, our senior entered the class and announced, “Anyone who wants to participate in the upcoming function, any category?”
I saw Ragini Ma’am shake her head. She probably knew no one would participate, except Tanya, who was the only one to perform classical dance.
Damn, she is really talented. The way she danced so gracefully made me a big fan of hers.
I looked down, definitely not planning to participate. But then I felt Vihaan nudge my hand and raise it.
“What are you doing?” I whispered, but then Ragini Ma’am spotted it and said, “Very good, Ruhanika. I know you’d do it well.”
I shook my head in no, I was about to inform her, that I was not participating, but the girl already wrote my name down .
“The hell is wrong with you?” I whispered to Vihaan.
He just winked at me, and we both looked away quickly, and offcourse without getting into Ragini Ma’am’s gaze.
“Okay. Be ready in the seventh period. Come to the ground floor,” the senior said.
Vihaan nodded in response.
“Vihaan, I’m not participating,” I said quietly.
“Come on, Ruh, I know you love playing the guitar and singing. Your mom told me all about it. Why don’t you give it a try?” he asked, looking at me with a hopeful expression.
“No.”
“Please, Ruh.”
“No way. I get anxious just thinking about all those eyes on me.”
“But you did great in the quiz competition, giving answers in front of so many people,” he said.
“Giving answers, speech and speaking in a debate are different, Vihaan. And Singing in front of everyone is a whole other level of thing.”
He gave me a soft, understanding look.
“But this was your favorite hobby, Ruh. Don’t you miss it? Come on, I’ll be with you. Yash and Sid will also be there.”
I froze.
Maybe, He is right.
I hadn’t played the guitar or sang for ages.
Maybe I could give it a try.
But what if those people judge me?
“Trust me, I’ll be by your side,” Vihaan promised.
I nodded slowly, unsure, but something inside me was tempted to try.
It was the start of the seventh period, and we both walked down to the ground floor. There, we found out that the teacher, who is the cultural head, was in the staff room.
“You know what, I’m going,” I said, turning my head, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him.
“Chup chap chalo,” he told me, holding my hand tightly, but he let go before we entered the room.
Inside, I saw some students practicing auditions for the seniors. And especially our new music teacher, damn, she looked so grumpy and scary.
“Doesn’t she look too strict?” I asked.
“Oh, trust me Ruh, she’s the sweetest teacher. You’ll love her,” he replied.
My hands started to feel sweaty as I noticed the guitar in the room. The strings and chords always relaxed me. But then I realized I was struggling to breathe properly, like the air wasn’t reaching my nose.
As we walked up to the teacher to inform her about our turn, she told us to wait.
“Vihaan, I have a great idea,” I said, looking at him.
He looked at me, curious.
“Let me go, and all the best to you” I stood up, but again, he grabbed my hand and pulled me closer this time.
I looked around to see if anyone was watching us, but thankfully, the other students were busy in practice, and the teacher was still taking auditions.
The seventh period ended, and by the time it was our turn, because we were the last group.
“Okay, listen up, you both. You go to the auditorium and practice there. I have an important meeting with the principal, so I’ll be back in half an hour,” the teacher said, and left.
Vihaan and I walked into the auditorium, and I noticed the stage lights were on, and there were a few instruments and speakers around, looks like students were having the dance practice. The chairs were also placed around the side of the stage.
I sat down on the chair, feeling a bit lost.
“Ab kya krna hai,” I asked, nervously biting my lip as my legs started to tap uncontrollably.
“Jhadu pocha lagana hai,” he said, rolling his eyes.
“Bahut bure ho tum?” I replied, feeling annoyed, as my leg tapping grew faster.
“Bahut acchi ho tum,” he mimicked my tone with an irritating smile.
“Vihaan!” I whined, feeling more frustrated.
“Ruhh,” he mimicked me again.
“Ugh, you know what? I just hate you,” I muttered in annoyance.
“And you know what…I just…” He started to say, but suddenly stopped mid-sentence as a strange wave of realisation hit him.
I felt my heart race. Maybe he was going to say something I wanted to hear, but I wasn’t sure. My heart started to beat faster, almost like it was going to burst out of my chest.
“And…?” I whispered, my heart pounding.
“And… Mausam bahut accha hai na?” he said, quickly changing the subject.
(Weather is beautiful, right?)
He sighed and looked up at the ceiling, trying to distract himself. Poor guy, he was looking at the auditorium ceiling with the stage lights hanging, and it did look like a pretty cool sky.
“Sahi kaha, the black ceiling above is, like the sky, with stage lights hanging like birds flying. Looks so beautiful,” I said, rolling my eyes.
All my excitement faded instantly about his answer. What was I thinking? That he is going to say something which I am not sure I wanted to hear. Maybe it was just stress playing with my head, that’s why I am making impossible scenarios.
“Ruh,” his voice reached my ears again, sending a flutter of butterflies through my chest.
“Hmm?” I responded softly.
He held my hand and asked, “Are you nervous?”
“No, I’m so happy I feel like I’m on Mars, dancing with an alien,” I said with a tight smile, rolling my eyes at his stupid question.
“Haha, very funny,” he said, but then his gaze wandered around the room, and he grinned.
“Just a minute,” he said, standing up to adjust something on the speakers. Then he came back and forward his hand to me.
“Want to dance?” he asked, his face hopeful.
“Are you kidding?” I asked, unsure if he was serious.
“Nope, I’m asking my Ruh to dance with me,” he said, grinning.
“See, Vihaan, If you are forgetting then let me remind you, we are in School and definitely it’s not a good idea to dance. What if someone walks in? Besides, I don’t know how to dance,” I said, shaking my head no.
“For the first question, the answer is, I’ve been studying in this school since childhood, and I know our music teacher will take exact half an hour, as she said. And the kids till grade 4 will leave since their school day ends. Everyone will be busy, trust me, no one will walk in, and if anyone walks in by chance then remember I am here with you”
“And for your second question, I don’t know how to dance either. So, why don’t we, two amateurs, try to discover our hidden dancing skills? No one will judge us, just you and me, only us, ” he said, his kind of innocence making me feel like I didn’t need to be anyone other than myself. He would never judge me.
At that moment, I decided to let my heart win the battle which was going between my brain and heart.
I placed my hand on top of his palm. He smiled, and he gently made me stand out from the chair.
He lowered the volume on the speakers so that only we could hear the song.
Then, the music played:
Ek ajnabee haseena se……
The auditorium was bathed in a gentle glow from diminished lights, sending delicately shadows across the wooden floor. The subtle anticipation of music enveloped the air.
Ek ajnabee haseena se yu mulakat ho gayi
Ek ajnabee haseena se yu mulakat ho gayi
The song seemed to be spreading in us like a soft and gentle breeze.
Our fingers barely brushing, yet the touch sent a tingle down my fingertips. I took a deep breath and followed his lead, moving slowly and gracefully alongside him. As his hand wrapped around my waist gently and i put my hand on his left shoulder.
Phir kya huwa yeh naa puchho, kuchh aisi bat ho gayi
Ek ajnabee haseena se yu mulakat ho gayi
The dance was easy, almost a rhythmic dance with each step steady and smooth. I moved in sync with him, a soft motion that was both soothing and unknown.
Woh achanak aa gayi, yun najar ke samane
Jaise nikal aya ghata se chand
Woh achanak aa gayi, yun najar ke samane
Vihaan’s touch was firm yet gentle, and his presence enveloped me. I felt the weight of his gaze, the unspoken connection. It was as if the rhythm had slowed just for me, each step a whisper of something deeper, something I couldn’t understand.
Jaise nikal aya ghata se chand
Chehare pe julfen, bikhari huyi thi, din me rat ho gayi
My heart pounded faster now, and my chest tightened as he whispered the lyrics.
Ek ajnabee haseena se yu mulakat ho gayi
The music was no longer just the sound of our beating hearts, it was the unspoken language of my emotions, peaceful but undeniable.
My steps softened and my hand in Vihaan trembled slightly. The warmth of his touch swept through me, and I couldn’t help but feel a pull beyond the dance. As he gave me a final twirled slowly, the space between us seemed to vanish.
Ek ajnabee haseena se yu mulakat ho gayi
My breath caught as the soft music wrapped around my heart, as we both came too closer, that I could feel his heavy breaths. His eyes are looking at mine.
I looked up at Vihaan, and for a moment, the world around them appeared to vanish, leaving only the two of us.
I got lost in the growing connection that now I couldn’t deny.
“Ruh….I…you know….I…” He stuttered as his hands were still wrapped around my waist and my both hands were on his shoulder.
He was about to say something, but I heard the door opening, so we quickly moved apart, and he looked away.
I turned and saw the door at the back of the stage opening, revealing Varun.
————————————
Finally Chapter 36…!!!
So how was the chapter?
Tell me your favourite scene.
Mine was their dance sequence πππ€π»β¨
What do you think about the further story?π
Hmm, so I changed the book cover because I was too tired of studying and didn’t want to do anything so I randomly edited the book cover and I like it soo muchhh….like it giving all sparkly vibes, like they completed each other and brought sparkle to each other’s lives π€π»β¨π
How’s the book cover ???π
And i also want to say something, your votes and comments are the sole reason I am writing this story, trust me I feel demotivated when you all don’t comment ππ
Agr chp accha nhi hai please do let me know, I know I am an amateur writer and I am still learning, so many times you won’t feel the chapters are good, but trust me, and as usual I am trusting the process.
And do let me know, is the story is engaging? Are you guys enjoying?
Okay is baar bahut bahut bahut saare comments krna (No spam commentsπ)
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Stay Tuned for further updates…..!!!
Bye Cutiepies…..!!π
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