Chapter 29

Part 30 – Pehli Holi…

I: Eklavya! Keep your toes pointed!
E: Ok, ok! This is my first time doing ballet, Isha! Be nice!
I: Ok. Now, follow me. First position, third position and now do a jump. No, Eklavya not literally a jump a saut.
E: A what?

     Isha sighed. At first it had seemed like such an amazing idea to have Eklavya as her partner. But after only half an hour of practice, she had realized that he needed the basic knowledge in salsa and ballet to perform. Eklavya saw Isha's worried face and quickly pulled her close to him by her waist. Isha took a sharp intake of breath.

E: I'll learn, don't worry…
I: It's not that, Eklavya, I know you will.
E: Then?
I: Are you positive you want to do this? I mean, you're going to perform at the finals and if we win this then we go on to nationals. We face an audience of over 1000 people, Eklavya. I don't want you to learn everything and just freeze on stage.
E: Over 1000 people?
I: Yes, do you think you can perform?
E: Isha, do you think I can ever let you down?
I: No but –
E: I don't care if I have to perform for 10,000 people, if I have you with me, then I have no worries…

     Isha smiled at him. It was only Eklavya that could take a completely failed an hour of dance and still make it into something positive. She abruptly took Eklavya's hand off of her waist.

I: Ok, let's not waste any more time. You need to practice.
E: Isha! Kitna romantic moment tha! Do we have to practice?
I: We? No. You? Yes!
E: So mean…
I: Yes I'm the wicked witch! Now come on, let's try a little salsa now, ok?
E: No!
I: Kya?

     Eklavya pulled her again by the waist. Although, Isha tried to get herself free, she gave in willingly.

I: Eklavya!
E: It's our first Holi together, Isha…

     Isha looked up at the calendar and realized that it was indeed Holi today. How could she have forgotten!? She was working Eklavya so hard on Holi? And that too on their first Holi?

I: Eklavya, I'm so –
E: Shh, Come here, I have a surprise for you…
I: A surprise?
E: Yepp…Come here

     Isha followed Eklavya as he walked towards his bag. She glanced over his shoulder but it was too late, Eklavya had covered her entire outfit with red gulal. Isha stared, shocked and with her mouth open, at the once white outfit that was now all coloured.

E: Happy Holi, Isha!
I: Eklavya!

     She chased him outside to his car and found him waiting for her.

E: Come on, let's go home…
I: Don't change the topic! You ruined the whole outfit!


     She whacked him lightly as he laughed at her. They both got in the car.

E: I'm not changing the topic, Isha… maa ko unki bahu se milana hai, na?

     Isha looked up surprised. Suddenly everything about her ruined outfit was forgotten.

I: Really? Oh my gosh. Eklavya? Should I go change? Should I wear something better, should I –

     Eklavya took this index finger and put it up against her lip, indicating her to sush.

E: Tum jaisi ho, waisi hi raho gi…
I: Par –
E: Heh Bagwan! Isha, tumari shaadi mein yeh sab karna, ok?
I: Woh toh main karu gi hi! Main na – ek lal joda pehnu gi aur uske saath…

     Eklavya smiled at her. Sometimes she was so crazy! But her craziness was what brought vivacity to his boring life. They drove towards Shantineketan with Eklavya doing about 10% of the talking and Isha doing about 90% of it.

                              Pooja