FF: [SG] Dare You To Move- Last Part P.143 - Page 80

Macaroni!

LOL when did we decide that? 😆

The deal was, you PM me when YOU update bitter sweet. REMEMBER?

And dont worry about the comments, Im glad you liked the fic so far 😊

But if you say so! LOL

btw, when are YOU updating huh?

LOL it's not spamming if we're ON topic for a change. LOL

Gunjan:

"Gunjan! By GOD, you're still sleeping?"

I keep my eyes shut and pretend to sleep. I really don't want her to see me like this. I've been replaying last night in my head so many times, that I've nearly memorized it all by now.

"Gunjan," di comes and sits on my bed. She places her hand on my head and caresses my hair softly, "Is everything alright? I know you're awake."

I close my eyes even tighter, but who am I trying to fool? Di may be disconnected from the real world at times, but I can never purposely hide anything from her.

Di: You're feeling all right na? Should I call the doctor?

"No di, I'm okay," I say, as I sit up and face the window.

"Oye," di grabs my shoulder and makes me face her, "what's wrong Gunjan? I've been noticing that you're mood's been off ever since the party. Did someone say anything? Was it Sam-"

"No di." I cut her off, "It's nothing like that, and I wasn't feeling too well last night, that's all."

I lie down on di's lap and bury myself into her. If only mum was still alive, maybe the void and emptiness inside of me would vanish and go away.

An hour or so passes by. Di tells me about her newest Bollywood crushes, and secrets about Mayank that not everyone knows of.

"Di?" I ask.

Di: Yeah?

"How do you know when it's love?" I blurt the words out before thinking.

It's not that the love topic is anything new between di and me, but it's usually her giving me love fundas and advice, it's always di who goes on and on about what love really is.

Di doesn't sense the tension in my words. She shrugs, "you just do. Love has no timing, it has no reason, it just happens."

"But why? Why does it just happen? And how do you know? Do you feel something when love happens? Are you supposed to feel something?" This time I sit up and look at di, waiting for her answers.

Di: I guess you'll have to find those answers yourself Gunjan. Love is undefined, you need to experience love to know what it is. It's not a word you can look up in the dictionary; it's something that you need to'feel, something you need to believe in.

Di smiles warmly at me. Her eyes clearly state that she knows something's up, but she won't say it out loud. "Acha, I'll go freshen up and make us breakfast. You get ready, or we'll be late of college, and that sadoo'uff, Mayuu will have my head!"

She laughs and walks away, leaving me with more questions than answers.

Could I possibly be in love? No. I shrug that thought off.

I pull out mum's old diary from underneath my pillow. When we were younger, papa gave di and I each one of mum's most prized possessions, as a token of her memory. Di got mum's scrapbook, while I got her diary. Papa had told me once that whenever mum was upset, or happy, or even angry, she would write in her diary. There was nothing really special inside; mum just collected her favourite quotes and poems, and a few side notes here and there about her life.

I flip across a few pages and notice a bookmark placed in one of the pages, as if someone wasn't finished reading it, and had placed it in for a reminder. I blow off the dust from the page and put on my glasses to read it.

Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails . . . - excerpts from 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

I immediately recognize this quote; it's taken from the Bible. I read the words carefully and place the diary close to my heart. It's funny how all your questions can be answered through something as simple as a piece of writing.

----At Excel

Sheena decides to visit Excel today, so undoubtedly; we're the center of attention. People who I've never seen before approach me, which is nice, but really scary at the same time.

Sheena: Hey Gunjan, let's head to the cafeteria; you still have a few minutes before classes' right?

I glance at my watch. Classes will begin at half past nine; I still have a solid twenty minutes. "Yeah, sure let's go."

We both order a cold soda and chips and settle in a table off to the side. I see di and Mayank, and signal them to join us.

Di: By God Mayank, I give up! If you want to look like Tarzan, then go right ahead.

Di slams her purse down on the table. Mayank and I exchange hellos.

We chat for a while, and then Sheena whispers into my ear. "So no hard feelings right? From last night' what I said about Samrat?"

"Not at all," I whisper back, not quite believing myself.

"Okay good, because I just texted him and asked him to meet us here."

I look at her, trying not to twitch, "you did what?"

She shrugs and reapplies her makeup, "so what? You both are good friends. OH there he is! Samrat, over here!"

Sheena calls Samrat over.

Samrat: Hey Mayank, Nupur, Sheena' uh, hey Gunjan.

I fake a smile, "hey," and look in the opposite direction.

"Sit down," di says; pointing at an empty chair, "thank god you didn't bring that Dia over. The last thing I need right now is to see her manhoos face."

Mayank: She does lack brains, I agree.

"Mayank," I gasp

Mayank: What? I'm only stating facts.

Samrat smiles, "she's with that new kid, Ranvijay."

Sheena's face lights up, "RV? He's such a sweetheart, perfect for Dia!"

Since when did Sheena start caring for Dia? From what I knew, they hated each other's guts since preschool days. Of course Sheena wasn't as loud and global about it as Dia.

Mayank: Anyways, so Gunjan, I keep forgetting to tell you, you have a beautiful voice! I couldn't believe I was watching the Gunjan Bhushan singing in front of a crowd.

Di claps her hands together, "By GOD I know! She has such an angelic voice!"

My cheeks flush. I was hoping last night wouldn't be brought up.

Sheena: I agree completely! What do you say'Samrat?

I glare at Sheena.

Samrat chokes on something. "Uh, yeah, I agree."

Sheena: I wonder who got Gunjan to sing, I mean, knowing her, she'd NEVER sing on her own! Right Samrat?

I kick Sheena under the table. What is she trying to do? "Uhm, Imma head off to class, see you."

I nearly trip as I get off my chair, but manage to save myself. I straighten my dupatta, and power walk to class as fast as humanly possible. But it's really hard trying to avoid Samrat, especially if he's in all of your classes.

I sit in my usual spot, up at the front. I take out my books and get to work, but my mind keeps drifting off. Focus Gunjan.

Samrat:

I walk into class and everyone turns to look at me.

Deodhar sir: Why, Mr. Sehgal, you're early today.

I shrug.

Deodhar Sir: Go take a seat, and everyone, flip to page 367 of your economic textbook.

I walk past Gunjan, and sit as far away from her as I can. I thought a lot about what Benji said last night. If my BEST friend for years can misunderstand Gunjan's and my relationship, then how much longer until the entire world begins to have doubts?

I shudder. Having my name with Gunjan's would not only ruin my image, but my entire reputation would go down the drains.

--- A few minutes later

We're all working (even me, which is surprising) when there's a knock at the door. I glance at the doorway. It's Ms. Tamana, and Uday (as usual) standing behind her. "Sorry for interrupting, but I just wanted to grab Samrat and Gunjan from you for a while."

Deodhar Sir: Sure, no problem. Gunjan and Samrat, you two come to me after and collect your assignments.

Gunjan: Yes sir.

We both walk out the door and follow Tamana. "I'm so sorry you two," she says, while unlocking the auditorium door, "we have some minor adjustments to the script, and I need you to read it and know what's being planned."

Ms. Tamana: Okay, so here's the script' the highlighted portions have been modified. We've changed the ending too, see, the original ending was that Khushi confesses she loves Anmol, but we've reversed that. Instead, Anmol will realize the importance of Khushi when he is about to lose her.

I raise an eyebrow, what did she mean lose her.

Ms. Tamana: Oh whoops, I almost forgot. We've got a new cast member, Ranvijay. He'll be playing Dev's character. Dev will play a parallel lead in Anmol and Khushi's story; the third wheel. He's a very sweet character, and he goes out of his way to impress Khushi. Anmol tries telling Khushi to not get involved with Dev, and when she asks why, he tells her that he loves her. That'll be the end of the play! What do you think?

What do I think? I think that's a LAME idea.

Gunjan: Sounds great ma'am. When would you like us to rehearse?

Ms. Tamana: I'd love it if you two rehearsed the confession scene now. I'll speak to your professors, and let them know you'll be late for class. Until then, here's the new script, just practice your lines until I'm back.

Ms. Tamana leaves the auditorium.

I look at Gunjan, and she looks at me. She looks nervous, I know because she always plays with her dupatta when she is. We stand a good three meters away and silently read our lines. The faster we get through this, the quicker I can leave this place.

I can feel Gunjan's gaze fall on me. Should I tell her? Should I tell her that this whole friendship thing isn't working out? I mean after all, she deserves to know.

Gunjan: Samrat, we need to talk.

I avoid looking at her. "I have to tell you something too Gunjan."

Gunjan: Okay, well, what I have to tell you is urgent.

"Same here."

Gunjan: Look, Samrat' I don't think this whole friendship thing is working out. We're two different people from two entirely different worlds'I really hope you understand where I'm coming from' I think it'd be in both our best interest to stay away from each other.

I know I shouldn't be shocked, but I am. I never expected Gunjan of all people to break ties with me. I know I was about to do the same thing, but it feels so different coming from her, it feels almost like a rejection.

"Okay, I'm back! You two can start now, from the last scene, after Anmol tries to tell Khushi to stay away from Dev." She says.

Gunjan clears her throat, and starts saying her lines like nothing happened "Why do you care Anmol? It shouldn't matter who I spend time with, it's my life."

I stare at the page, trying to shudder off what just happened, "Yeah, um, I know. But there's something I need you to know."

I scan the page one more time. It's full of lovey dovey things that I'm supposed to say. I look at Ms. Tamana, "these lines are so cheesy, can't we do some adjusting?"

Ms. Tamana: Improvising isn't a problem Samrat, just as long as it comes from the heart and stays in character. But I'd really like you to rehearse these lines so I know where to make changes.

I nod and begin again. "Yeah, so I have something to tell you, and I don't want it to be too late."

Gunjan: It's already too late; I don't want to hear it.

Her voice comes out as a whisper; I have to inch forward to hear her.

"It's now or never Khushi," I sigh, "I need you to know, or I'll never be able to live in peace knowing that I had a chance to tell you but I blew it."

Ms. Tamana: Okay, you two- what's with the distance? Get closer! This is the most passionate scene in the play; I need you both to get into your characters.

Gunjan and I walk closer, but I can sense the awkwardness growing between us.

Ms. Tamana: C'mon, do what Anmol would do! Put your soul into this!

I hesitate, "I really need you to know."

Her eyes dart back and forth, she begins to stutter. "You have five minutes Anmol, s-say whatever you need to say fast."

"Khushi, you entered my life and changed it. I never took the time to realize your importance, but now, when you're leaving me, I realize that you're my' everything." I look across the room. This script is so stupid. "From the moment I saw you, I knew that you were something special, but I was always so preoccupied with my life, and what I wanted that I never acknowledged you. I'm sorry, I know that I've hurt you in the past."

Gunjan: You don't need to apologize Anmol. It was my fault for constantly interfering in your life, but now, I promise that I'll leave.

I look at my script; the lines are all over the place

Ms. Tamana walks over to us. "What's wrong you two? I know you both have chemistry, but why am I not being able to feel it today? This is the ultimate scene' it's this part that will make the audience go crazy! I need both of you to get rid of the awkwardness between you and embrace your characters! C'mon, you can do it!"

"Don't leave me," I say, trying to get into Anmol's character, but it goes in vain. I can't "do" romantic scenes, because I don't feel anything. "Staying away from you made me realize your worth Khushi."

Ms. Tamana mouths the words "more feeling,"

I don't FEEL ANYTHING is what I want to shout out, but just for the emphasis, I take a few steps closer. "You're my everything Khushi," I look at Gunjan who seems semi-shocked by our sudden proximity, "I love you." I choke out the words. Samrat never says love, but sadly, this play is making me say things I never thought I'd say.

Gunjan steps back. She looks uncomfortable. "I-I love you too."

She avoids my eyes, and I see her face drain.

Gunjan:

Samrat walks closer. With the blink of an eye, he's only inches away from my face. "You're my everything Khushi," he looks at me, and I feel my heart thump against my chest. How did he get so close? "I love you."

I know its just part of the script, but I step back almost too quickly. I want to run away, there's no way I can perform this particular scene in front of so many people. It's supposed to be passionate and full of feeling. If someone were watching Samrat and me rehearsing right now, they'd laugh.

"I-I love you too," I say feeling my body drain. I always wanted to say those three words to someone who I really loved, not Samrat. But this wasn't technically Samrat, he was Anmol' and Khushi is supposed to love Anmol.

Ms. Tamana: I'll be honest with you two; I'm really disappointed with this scene. Let's just say that I was expecting a lot more. Anyways, we're rehearsing again tomorrow. Practice your lines and get them memorized, we only a few more months until the play.

Samrat and I walk out the room and head in opposite directions. For the next few weeks, we completely ignore each other. I have to admit, I never realized how difficult it would be to let him go as a friend, but it was for the best.

Surprisingly though, I become fast friends with RV. He comes across as a punk but once you get to know him, he's a real sweetheart, as Sheena would say. I got to know him better through rehearsals; we ended up having a lot of scenes together. He isn't a close friend like Sheena, but he's someone I can trust, someone who isn't ashamed to declare that we're friends.

--3 weeks later

RV: Hey babes, ready for class?

"Yeah, I'll just be a sec." I reply, getting my books out of my locker. RV and I had a lot of classes together, and it was surprising that he actually liked to learn. In ways, RV and I were so similar, it was crazy. We liked the same foods, we weren't music maniacs, and we read books and revised when we were bored.

From the corner of my eye, I notice Samrat walking hand in hand with Dia. Rumor has it that they were seeing each other again. He meets my glance and half smiles until he sees RV. From what I've noted, Samrat doesn't seem to like RV much.

He whispers something into Dia's ears. She nods, blows him a flying kiss and skips off in the opposite direction.

Samrat walks towards me. "Hey Gunjan," he doesn't acknowledge RV's presence, "do you have the rehearsal schedule with you?"

"Uh, yeah, I do, one sec." I begin to search through my locker, but knowing me, I end up dropping everything. "Darn it!"

Samrat and I both start picking up the loose pieces of paper. We both reach for a notebook at the same time, and our hands touch. I still feel the electricity rush through me and pull away quickly. Why do always feel like this around Samrat?

RV bends down and helps pick up the last few things. "Here it is," he says, handing Samrat the rehearsal schedule.

Samrat grabs it from his hands. "I'll photocopy this and give it back."

"Oh, there's no need." I say, "RV made me a ton of copies, he's really handy when it comes to these things."

RV and I both laugh. He puts his arm around my shoulder, "So my dear, shall we head off to class?"

I notice Samrat twitch.

RV: OH, Gunjan, Im SO stupid, I needed to ask you something.

I look at him, confused.

RV: Since I'm new here, I don't know many people' but I heard about the spring dance next month' would you like to come with me?

Samrat: Gunjan doesn't dance.

RV chuckles, "I can't either dude. But hey, if two negatives can equal a positive, then maybe two non-dancers can equal good dancers."

"Samrat's right, I can't RV'"

RV: Shush! You're coming and that's it.

Samrat: Dude, if she doesn't want to come, then stop forcing her.

RV: Dude, I'm not forcing anyone. You got your schedule; do you mind leaving us alone?

Samrat clenches his fists. I have a feeling something bad is going to happen, so I try coming between the two of them. "RV, let's go."

RV: No, wait a minute. Samrat, what's your problem? I'm asking my friend if she wants to come with me to the dance, you're acting as if I'm asking your girlfriend!

"Ranvijay! Stop it, c'mon, let's go!" I grab his hand and tug it.

I can feel tension rising. "Please," I say, sounding even more desperate.

Samrat: She isn't going to the dance with you.

There's a silence.

RV: Why wouldn't she? Gunjan, you're coming right?

His eyes are pleading. "I-I don't know."

RV cups my face and looks into my eyes, "Is something wrong? You can tell me you know?"

Samrat pushes RV against the lockers, "Dude, get OFF her!"

RV pushes Samrat back.

I watch in shock as Samrat blows a punch across RV's face. He's about to punch him RV again when I grab his hand. "SAMRAT!" I scream. "STOP IT! He's HURT!"

I rush over to RV, his lips swell up, and his nose is bleeding.

Samrat: But he was all over you, I was just trying to help-

"He was just being a good friend!" I cry, "Something you could never be." The words slip out of my mouth before I can stop them.

I look up to see Samrat. I've never seen him look so hurt before. "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry." He says, and walks away.

Samrat:

It's been a few weeks since Gunjan and I "broke up," and we went straight back into our normal lives. We ignored each other completely, (well, sort of completely)

She didn't seem upset, she was happy. Her and RV had become friends so easily, I never saw Gunjan without him, and vice versa. They'd become' inseparable. I actually saw her smiling the way she did around' me.

I couldn't help but notice her when we walked down the hallways, or even during classes. She was everywhere, and I never really realized that before. She was in all my classes; she sat three rows down from me in Physics class, and a few tables away in the cafeteria.

For some reason, she was always on my mind. So, in order to forget her, I did what I never thought I'd do. I asked Dia to be my girlfriend.

She was scarily happy about it, and made sure that our relationship was on the mouths of everyone in Excel.

Dia: Oh Sammy, the spring dance is going to be AMAZING! I've already planned out our outfits and EVERYTHING!

She goes on and on about the dance, and I try playing along until I see Gunjan at her locker. I smile, but then I notice RV. What's his problem? He's ALWAYS with Gunjan. The only reason I put up with him is because he also happens to be Dia's friend.

Gunjan meets my eyes and smiles awkwardly in my direction. We hardly spoke to each other unless we had to.

"Uh Dia, I'll catch up with you in a bit'I'll pick you up at eight."

Dia smiles, "Okay Sammy!" she blows me a kiss, and skips off in the opposite direction.

I take a deep breath and walk over to Gunjan. "Hey Gunjan," I ignore RV's presence, "do you have the rehearsal schedule with you?"

Gunjan: Uh, yeah, I do, one sec.

She searches through her locker, and ends up dropping everything on the ground.

"I'll get it," I bend down and help her pick up the pieces of paper.

We both reach for a notebook and our hands touch. I feel an electric shock race through me' the same one I felt when Gunjan hugged me.

Gunjan pulls away as fast as possible, and RV helps her pick the rest up.

RV: Here it is.

RV hands me the rehearsal schedule. I grab it out of his hands. "I'll photocopy this and give it back."

Gunjan: Oh, there's no need, RV made me a ton of copies, he's really handy when it comes to these things.

They both laugh. It's revolting.

He puts his hands around her shoulders, "So my dear, shall we head off to class?"

I literally twitch.

RV: OH, Gunjan, Im SO stupid, I needed to ask you something.

She looks at him, confused.

RV: Since I'm new here, I don't know many people' but I heard about the spring dance next month' would you like to come with me?

" Gunjan doesn't dance." If he was such a good friend of hers, he'd know that.

RV chuckles, "I can't either dude. But hey, if two negatives can equal a positive, then maybe two non-dancers can equal good dancers."

Gunjan: Samrat's right, I can't RV'

RV: Shush! You're coming and that's it.

" Dude, if she doesn't want to come, then stop forcing her."

RV: Dude, I'm not forcing anyone. You got your schedule; do you mind leaving us alone?

I clench my fists. NOBODY talks back to me.

Gunjan: RV, let's go.

RV: No, wait a minute. Samrat, what's your problem? I'm asking my friend if she wants to come with me to the dance, you're acting as if I'm asking your girlfriend!

Gunjan: Ranvijay! Stop it, c'mon, let's go!

Gunjan grabs his hand and pulls him.

His words ring through my head. "You're acting as if I'm asking your girlfriend!"

Gunjan looks back and forth between us. "Please," she says, sounding even more desperate.

" She isn't going to the dance with you."

There's a silence.

RV: Why wouldn't she? Gunjan, you're coming right?

Gunjan: I-I don't know.

RV cups her face, "Is something wrong? You can tell me you know?"

That's it, I completely lost it! I push RV against the lockers, "Dude, get OFF her!"

RV pushes me back.

"Back off bas***d," he whispers into my ears.

I clench my fists and blow a hard one across his face. I'm about to punch him again, when Gunjan stops me.

Gunjan: SAMRAT! STOP IT! He's HURT!

She rushes over to RV, whose face is swelling up like a balloon.

" But he was all over you, I was just trying to help-"

"He was just being a good friend!" she cries, "Something you could never be."

It feels like I was the one who was punched. "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry."

I feel like' crying. I shake my head and walk away. There's no way I'm going to get emotional- NO WAY!

--- Few hours later

I head outside, but I notice RV sitting along the stairway. His face is bruised, and he's listening to his I-pod.

I sit beside him. He looks over at me. I see the cold hatred in his eyes, but he shakes it off and smiles. Smiles? What's wrong with this guy?

He turns off his I-pod. "Make it quick, Gunjan's going to be here in a few minutes, and I don't want her to go into panic mode when she sees us."

I look at him in disbelief. "You're not mad?"

RV shrugs: Why bother? It happens bro.

I can't help but like this guy.

RV: And plus, she's worth fighting for.

I stare off into the road. "Yeah, she is."

I can feel RV looking at me. "Just keep her happy okay? Be a good friend to her' don't do what I did, don't let her go."

RV smiles and pats my shoulder. "Don't worry dude, she's in safe hands."

Gunjan:

"Haan di, I'll let him know. Okay di, yeah. Okay, I got it. No di, we'll be fine! Okay, bye. Love you too." I hang up the phone and walk outside. RV's dropping me home tonight, and I don't want to keep him waiting. After the fight with Samrat, I feel awful for what I said to him.

I'm walking over to the parking lot when I overhear someone. "Make it quick, Gunjan's going to be here in a few minutes, and I don't want her to go into panic mode when she sees us."

It sounds like RV. I follow his voice, and to my shock, him and Samrat are sitting along the stairway talking.

Samrat: You're not mad?

RV shrugs. "Why bother? It happens. And plus, she's worth fighting for."

Samrat stares off ahead, "Yeah, she is. Just keep her happy okay? Be a good friend to her' don't do what I did, don't let her go."

Don't let her go. I feel my eyes brimming with tears, I turn to run but I crash into Mayank.

"Hey Gun- what's wrong?"

"Mayank-"

He holds my shoulder and forces me to look at him, "What's wrong? Why're you crying?"

"Samrat'" and before I can finish my sentence, Mayank interrupts.

Mayank: You love him'don't you?

I don't know anymore. I can't love him' can I? I start to cry, I don't know why, but I just do.

Mayank wraps his arms around me, "Sshh Gunjan, everything's going to be all right."

But why didn't everything feel all right? Just when I was beginning to think that things were getting back to normal, my world came crumbling down.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Reserved!!

Mims, I simply cannot believe that this is almost over! *cries*

Thank god for RV, yaar! I LOVE him in this story. The way Samrat reacted to Gunjan and RV's friendship was awesome...Loved every bit of the "protective Samrat" scene, but at the same time, poor RV! He was only asking her to the dance, and he ends up facing Samrat's wrath...Aww.

Mayu comforting Gunjan when she needs a shoulder to cry on (literally) was so sweet, one of my favorite scenes from this part!

I have a feeling that Samrat isn't going to feel awkward during the play by the time the next part is up...Not after all of the stuff that has happened, I'm sure! The SaJan chemistry will be seen and felt, and I can't wait!

Great job, hun!

Love ya!