Chapter 82

Arnav sat waiting on the plain oak seat, the only one for that matter, in the dull room that Khushi and he practiced in. Occasionally with a few props that is if you count the scenes which lasted less than a second and then they were together again, wrapped around each other intimate as ever, because really that's all the script said. For Arnav, that was definitely the best part of the whole crappy ordeal this play was, not that he wasn't thrilled over landing such a high profile role, but having Khushi as his partner specially Khushi considering the intimate theme of the play, he couldn't possibly imagine how he was going to tolerate another girl and the whimsical complaining attitude that came with it. He fully realized the fact that he was being harsh here, and generalizing to a considerably pathetic extent, but in all his experience which was somehow limited excluding the times when he had tried to gain a ego boost from the various girls who threw himself at him, there were no real girls that he had ever encountered. Except Khushi..and he noted with a grim expression taking up every inch of his face..Sarah.

Not thinking of her was best, he decided. She was gone for good, and he was only 15 back then, he couldn't go on about how she had done unexplainable harm to any faith he ever had regarding the dating process and of being close to a certain individual. He never was the kind who seemed particularly intrigued and escaped into a state of hyper ventilation after puberty struck him, to put him in the game zone. His tastes were well unknown to him for all he knew, except that he was sure of his sexuality but that was little comfort, when now at a quiet time like this where he had the luxury to think and contemplate on how most of his failings with Khushi were due to his lack of experience with dealing with girls. It was yes doing complete injustice to her very being to put her in the ordinary girl' category but then again, he debated in his mind, a girl at the end of the day was a girl wasn't it?

This train of exclusive thoughts was broken though as he heard the door let out an almost inaudible creak when it opened, bringing Nikhil to his sight. His expression turned into a deep frown, the rage inside him coming well up to the surface as Nikhil with sharp features and toned body seemed to walk towards with a certain unnerving expression of urgency that put Arnav on edge.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" Nikhil asked using his best pressing tone, earning himself a skeptical twitch of eyebrows from Arnav, the expression on his face turning into something foul. As usual, Nikhil noted critically.

"What do you want?" His voice cut like razor in the otherwise quiet hall, eyes set straight on Nikhils face which were beginning to betray the mask of calm he wore and showing though faintly his indignance at Arnav's rather raspy response.

"Give it a rest already. Like lower your guards or whatever it is that you have up and hear me out instead of giving me that piercing look like you might and probably will stab me any minute" Nikhil said gravely, trying to convey fully the dire seriousness of his situation. Arnav seemed to consider this a moment restraining himself from snapping at him and looked at him curiously as Nikhil began taking his silence as a cue, starting off into a much disappointing speech.

"I need a favor from you." He said cautiously, gauging for Arnavs reaction whose mouth just twisted into an unpleasant sneer eyeing him suspiciously.

"What makes you think I would do any favors for you?" Arnav asked bitterly still trying to figure out the reason for this mysterious not so harmonious talk by Nikhil.

"Your concern for Khushi does." Nikhil replied tiredly, the energy and will that had dragged him to talk to Arnav draining away from him clearly seeking Arnav's nastiness as an affirmation that no matter what Nikhil said or did, Arnav had his mind on hating him.

Oh, you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for.
I can't help it, there's nothin' I want more.

"What?" He asked baffled, concern in his tone evident all of his senses finally alert hearing the mention of Khushi from the vile boy's mouth, which set out warning signals from him everywhere, but also gave him the opportunity to finally find out what was it about Nikhil that put him off all the time. He hadn't made a pass on Khushi, he had even told him if not in a very friendly voice, more like an uncomfortable one how he would never hit on her, which Arnav after astute observation was positively sure about too. The uncanny mysterious feeling yet lingered in the air whenever he saw Nikhil with Khushi and it was beginning to tire him now.

"Knew I would get your attention as soon as you heard her name. (Arnav glares at him impatiently, Nikhils tone becoming low and conspicuous) I cant tell you all of it right now, you might not even believe most of it (Arnav snorts, still listening) but you have to know. I have to give you the choice to act on your own." Nikhil told him in a rather befuddled, lost voice, his cryptic words meaning absolutely nothing to him who was clearly no more just impatient but agitated beyond description.

"What choice? What the hell are you talking about? Are you even sane?" Arnav bellowed in his most thunderous voice the restlessness he felt in Nikhils presence coming back to him.

"If you are coming to Khushi's place for the play practice stop by my house on your way back. (his voice become insistent) Please." Nikhil said ignoring Arnav's outburst effectively, putting on his best desperate tone, baffling Arnav all the more who literally had no idea what had brought all of this up. Talk about dealing with one issue after the other.

"I have absolutely no reason to trust you or believe anything you say." He replied back shortly, what actually was after a long uncomfortable silence.

"Agreed. You don't." Nikhil said quietly in a defeated tone, passing a hand through his wavy light brown hair and after giving one look at a confused but alert Arnav he began to walk away just in time to see Khushi walking in, pasting a quick smile on his face for her, which she returned, a silent question forming on her lips about his state. He just mildly shook his head in response and turned back once more to the perplexed image of a slightly taken aback Arnav Singh Raizada meeting his scrutinizing gaze squarely with a urgent one of his own.

"Think about what I said." He said cryptically before disappearing outside leaving behind an utterly lost Khushi and a contemplative mentally absent Arnav.

"What did he say?" she asked him bewildered studying the changing tide of expressions on his face curiously, trying to navigate the thunderous waters carefully. It was like he realized what she was doing, and every sign of any turbulent emotion invading his mind was wiped as he looked up at her replying dismissively to her question.

"Something about my lipsing"

"Two weeks before the play is a good time to tell you about it" She commented half heartedly earning a whatever' look from Arnav who was still in the process of recovering from his slightly rattled state after the conversation with Nikhil. Oh he was thinking. He was thinking very critically about what Nikhil had said, his cryptic nonsense still sounding as senseless as it had before to Arnav, but the hungry curious beast within him had been awakened and well that meant sating it was a prime necessity now.

"I will be coming to your place today." He announced finally having reached a conclusion in his mind, getting an explain your self' look from her who was now seated beside him folding her uniform neatly into her bag which had been previously dumped into unceremoniously.

"To review our dance steps altogether and see what needs more improvement since we are almost all done with the dance steps and most of the dialogue scenes." He explained reasonably and she nodded, continuing with her folding process, trying hard not to be fully attentive of his handsome form sitting next to her, the hints of an argument already on her lips.

"But the photoshoot. It's tomorrow. We need to be fresh for it. (in a more Khushi-like whiny tone) And I really need some sleep." She grumbled crossing her legs picking up at her nails, admiring his physique as he got up, stretching his legs and just ideally walking around finally leaning against the pillar a few feet away from the bench where she sat.

"I didn't say anything about actually dancing did I? Just watching us dance." He said mildly, not really trying to imply any meaning of how he really wanted to spend some quiet quality time with her. Disappointingly for him she didn't pick up on the undertone in his voice just now and still complaining, tied up her hair in a bun during the process, looking more fresh than she had in days, in fact till the morning before their talk. It gave him secret satisfaction to be the reason for her uplifted mood, his expression at the moment though becoming highly amused as she made a crocodiles mouth sign with her fingers writing in the air.

"Sleeping >Watching video's with boring Raizada" she displayed in a highly animated voice giving him a keen challenge that' look pouting as she said so, that infectious grin of his driving her crazy making her look away much to his intense amusement sparking up all the affection he held for her inside him. His gaze seemed to go up a fair few notches in terms of intensity scorching her with its heat, as he took two quick steps towards her standing right in front of her, pleased to note that she wasnt backing away, the corners of his mouth tilting up into a sensual smile at that. Admiring the view of her in all her child like innocence, he just stared at her, she meeting his gaze unflinchingly this time around anticipating his every movement, her look not wavering, though slightly taken aback by what he did next.

Yeah, I would fight for you, I'd lie for you,
Walk the wire for you, yeah, I'd die for you.

Gluing his palms to the oak bench on either side from where she sat in the middle, effectively trapping her, his body hanging teasingly in mid air but at enough proximity that his smell invaded all her senses, she continued to put up her 'stare-till-you-die' competition, him giving her fair run for her money, she initially taken aback by their close proximity, but quickly adjusted to it. We have been closer before, she told herself firmly, trying to stand her ground and not have him flustered yet again but his molten bronze eyes gazed at her in such a manner that kindled an inextinguishable fire inside her, making her blush, despite her attempts at trying to control her traitorous body and its reactions.

"Boring you say?" He said in a soft but sort of casual and lousy tone, her heart skipping a beat at his husky voice ripping open all the passion inside her which she was too timid to even discover let alone show. Haye Devi Maiyan! Why does he do this to me? Khushi asked herself yet again, her light headedness and jovnial mood shocking her itself, considering all the past days she had lived, she didn't know how he did it, but he did wonderful things to her, and she for one was not going to complain about it, maybe grumble about it, but no, never complain, she decided still meeting his gaze fixedly, impressing him by her steadiness not that that was her agenda anyway, but she knew he was proud of her standing up to him, and it only tied them closer together, that invisible invincible force that pulled them to each other only strengthening.

"Very" She finally replied, looking at him squarely,thanking all the Gods she believed in, and didn't believed in for returning back enough grace to her tongue to function properly, being awarded by his winner lop sided smirk that always made her heart melt no matter what. All of her came to a stand still, like time had been frozen just then, as soon as his hand came in contact with her skin, the rest of his weight balanced on the other hand, his fingers brushing a stray strand of her wild hair and tucking it behind her ear, his touch sending those lightening bolts of pleasure down her spine which she had become more or less accustomed to by now. Their staring competition was still on, and which were a few moments of looking to concentrate on the intricate task of tucking her hair that his attention wavered, but now he was back to giving his full attention to her eyes that were still boring on to him with craving but also with her usual determination to hold back and let him play his cards.

"Why do we ever fight?" Arnav heard her saying, back tracking slightly from his own ecstasy of thoughts, his smile only broadening at her valid innocent question. She didnt why she was asking that, because she was pretty sure there was no definite answer to it, but it was the first thing that had popped up in her mind, and as usual she had blurted it out, though more gracefully this time she noted thankfully.

"Just part of our charm." He replied honestly, in a soothing affectionate voice, her expression going from serious to mischievous in that split second, taking up that expression, which she had on, when coming up with one of her clever retorts.

You know it's true:
Everything I do, oh, I do it for you.

"You mean Arnav Singh Raizada's arrogant not so charming charm?" She asked quirking up causing him to raise his eyebrows at her almost comically, hadn't it been for his boyish sensuality pouring effortlessly out of every pore in his body.

"You seem very smitten by this charm you talk about, don't you think?" He replied back in his best teasing hows that for a reply?' voice, earning a fiery glare from her which was very conveniently betrayed by the crimson blush that crept up on her face much to her utter annoyance.

"Well in that case, I am sorry to break it you, but that is not the case Arnav Singh Raizada. Don't flatter yourself." She said hotly deliberately using his full name and stressing on it, looking even more fiercely into his eyes who was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle she was making out of herself as usual. You wont be so amused when I break your face, she silently threatened him and he laughed jokingly at her much to her complete irritation drawing his face only more closer to hers, now sharing the same air she breathed, their faces more accurately only a kiss apart. Her sight lingered unintentionally on his lips his sensually curved lips, imagining the feel of them on hers, feeling herself drown in the rough softness in them, shaking her head almost instantly at having that thought enter her mind, utterly annoyed now at his speculative all knowing look. Time to get the translucent veil up for good, she decided promising herself about it.

Everything I do, darling.
You will see it's true.
You will see it's true.
Yeah!
Search your heart and your soul
You can't tell it's not worth dying for

The passionate tension between them only heightened by every silent second that passed between them both of them staring at each other, Khushi with a tight lipped look, Arnav with a more casual, easy going, lop sided smile, them wrapped in the bubble of their emotions, until an external force chose to invade it snapping them both out of their reverie and back to the present as Sir Brendans voice reached both of them simultaneously.

"I can see you guys are back in your element. I almost thought I lost my stars there" He said in a casual however more than genuinely pleased tone, Arnav and Khushi calling an end to their staring competition instantly, as Arnav backed away from her standing straight, Khushi looking anywhere but at him standing from her place trying to restore activity into her deadened leg muscles. It was comical seeing Arnav being flustered Khushi observed when she stole a look at his disconcerted expression, containing the urge to laugh, it was such a rare sight one could just capture it in their memory and play it over and over again like a video. Arnav arched an eyebrow at her threateningly, glaring at her but with a certain warmth as she tried suppressing her urge to laugh, only half managing to pass it off by smirking at him widely, for the first time now looking fully at Sir Brendan a scowl and look of displease surfacing on her face.

"Well how are your replacements (saying it sourly) doing?" She asked, the venom and hurt from her voice not lost to Sir Brendan whose expression shifted to one of concern and slight exasperation.

"It was just a threat. I wasn't really going to replace you two. *pause* (Khushi and Arnav both look at him unconvinced) In fact I told Vivek and Karan to get the whole replacement thing in your head so you guys would reconcile and sort things out before we headed for New York next week. (Khushi looks at him incredoulously Arnav maintains an impassive expression) Its true Khushi. The replacement thing was a hoax. Well sort of I suppose." He explained to them rather uncomfortably stopping at his last sentence like he had given out a secret he wasn't suppose to reveal, Arnav was quick to catch on his moment of hesitation though.

"You suppose?" Arnav pushed, asking him for more information. Now that they were on it might as well know the whole truth.

"The school board wasn't particularly happy with your recent dance practice clips. They wanted me to prepare back ups just in case this continued any longer (Arnav and Khushi exchange looks) But I told them I would make sure you two come around and there would be no need for backups. Regardless they insisted on it, so I talked to Roger and Eve about it, but only vaguely. Eve was very keen (Khushi snorts saying 'ofcourse she was'. Brendon ignores her comment) But Roger was less than interested. I told the board his reasons of how it was impossible to catch up to you guys now, and prepare so quickly, he and Eve didn't quite strike either so the board dropped off the idea. They did however threaten me that it was either you guys getting on track or our name being withdrawn from the competition. (Arnav and Khushi are stunned) Yeah, that's true. They did say that. So I am mighty glad you guys are back." Sir Brendan ended his speech with a relieved sigh as Arnav and Khushi both had a feeling of guilt and slight anger overcome their senses.

"So are we. *pause* It would have been awful having our name withdrawn because of the two of us. Everybody's hard work at stake because of us. We are sorry." Khushi said, speaking for them, and Arnav nodded in full agreement with her, definitely being secretly and openly thankful to her for doing the talking because he knew he wasn't particularly good at apologizing and owing up to his mistakes.

"I wont say its fine. Because its not. But I know you two are committed and it wasn't that you did something wrong with the technicalities of the act. It was just the chemistry that caught our attention at the auditions, that earned you two your roles that was missing, and I am hoping its back. That your flair is back." He said in a tone that was mildly unsure and dubious, like he needed a cue to seal his confidence in them.

I'll be there

"It is back." Arnav told him confidently, earning a look from Khushi, who quickly looked away from him and back at Sir Brendan as he replied in a quiet smile acknowledging Arnavs words.

"We are done with all the dance moves and the acts. (Sir Brendan nods in acknowledgment) And to practice with our costumes we need a proper setup, with all the props and stage arrangement so we can time our movements accordingly." Khushi raised her concerns after a while, breaking the awkward silence that had prevailed between them, Arnav by her side giving a nod of agreement while Sir Brendan gave her an all knowing expression.

"That's what I was here to tell you two about. We leave for New York next Friday (Khushi's mood immediately lifts up and she gives a broad smile to Arnav who gives her a small affectionate smile of his own) We start practice from the next day that is Saturday (Arnav-Khushi enthusiastically nod), rest of the instructions will be given next week. The ticket has been booked though, it's a late night flight. (Khushi groans) You haven't been sleeping very well without a late night flight either Khushi, so that shouldn't be an issue. (Khushi looks away, Arnav gaves Sir Brendan a vary look) *pause* (clears throat, bringing their attention back to him) That gives you one exact week to perfect it all, you think you can do that?" He asked them in a tone that held an outright challenge to it, gauging both of their reactions, who had their prompt determination face on, pleasing him with their reaction.

"Definitly" they both replied single-mindedly together, briefly looking at eachother weirded out at the coincidence but quickly looked away, focusing their attention back on Sir Brendan who was smiling good naturedly at them.

"Practice is off today just so you know. (Khushi yelps in glee earning a throaty laugh from both Sir Brendan and Arnav, getting embarrassed soon after) You are in great spirits today Khushi! (She grins at him nodding, giving a sidelong glance at Arnav but hurriedly looking away) So lets call it a day shall we? (They both nod with evident relief on their faces) I want you both well rested for tomorrow, it's the photoshoot for the final theatrical poster,(his tone wavering a bit) You both do remember right? (Arnav and Khushi nod, Khushi grinning at him yet again) Well that's great then! I'll see you both tomorrow then" He said finally, patting them both on their shoulders giving them both the I believe in you' look and taking quick long strides he walked away from them stopping mid way like he had just remembered something suddenly earning quizzical looks from both Arnav and Khushi.

"Hey Khushi just stuff yourself up all day will you? (looking at Arnav) You too Arnav" Sir Brendan said in an urgent but somewhat casual friendly tone,Arnav giving him a brief nod while Khushi gave a maniac like grin and nodding furiously, until Arnav was almost afraid her head would bob right off her shoulders.

"Good" Sir Brendan commented ideally, walking out, leaving the two of them alone, at eachothers mercy yet again, Khushi's in an extremely jovnial mood, surprisinly really consdiering their heated session a few minutes ago but she was mighty thrilled about no dance practice today as well Arna confirmation of their flair coming back. She had felt it too, their connection getting restored magically by their heated staring session like things were going back to the way they use to be with the two of them. Remembering that she had lunch, and suddenly feeling her stomach growl in response like it agreed with her she magically produced a cheese and salmon sandwich from her bag munching on it happily, half swallowing it, half chewing, Arnav looking at her hilarious act comically the entire time.

"You really took his word seriously" Arnav couldn't help himself but comment, expecting to be glared at, instead she just nodded as furiously as she had before, driving back the fears of her head falling off back into his head, as he shook his head affectionately at her.

"You..sh..ould ..too. (Arnav only grins at her mildly) I rea..(in between munching food)..lly feel lik..e I haven't eaten properly since ages.Its so good to finally eat and feel like I am eating, and not ghost walking through my days..Its so good Raizada..do you know how good it is? Its great really" Khushi exclaimed in her usual chirpy tone, Arnav listening silently to her giving her his lop sided smirk, and started to put his things back into his bag slinging it on one of his shoulders changing foots as he waited for her to finish her sandwich and do the same. Who would believe they had been consumed up in a heated gazing session only a few minutes earlier, with her chomping on her food like everything was good.right now All was good, he supposed, seeing she hadn't attacked him even once, except for threatening him ideally earlier, and no hurtful words had been exchanged between them either so that did mean that things were back to normal half way if not full.

Khushi was taking her own sweet time though, basking in the happiness of finally eating food, that she realized much later that he was waiting for her to be done, causing her to mutter a hurried sorry to him, to which he just rolled his eyes, and quickly she hung her bag on both her shoulders walking out with him beside her faster than she usually did to match his quick long strides. If only all days were as blessed and emotionally relaxing as today, life would be so good to live in, like something that was her skin, and a skin that she would never want to escape. But, she realized with a grimace, that would never really happen, reality had to be dark and light, or the monotony of it would only bore everybody to an early grave. Arnav who was keenly observing her changing expressions, arched a questioning eyebrow at her, to which she just shook her head, giving him an assuring smile, assured but only vaguely he decided not to pursue the subject any further.

nav_bat2015-05-12 13:50:29