Navratri- Part 7
The school gym was flooded with vibrant colors. The music was playing loud. The Amba Mata statue was placed in the center of the gym. Lights(diyas) were placed around Amba Mata. Prasad had been put right in front. It really did look like Navratri. Atul had worked really hard trying to create a Navratri scene. Any other person would have just had music and had people dance. But Atul wanted everything to resemble the way Navratri was done in India. He brought an Amba Mata, the prasad, live music, diyas, etc. Many people had showed up today. This was one big deal to everyone. In this small town of theres, no one tried to recreate a holiday or a celebration. No matter how many indians lived here. But, this event, this Navratri, was the first indian celebration in this small town. All indian kids were here, teenagers, parents and even grand-parents. They all wanted to remember and take a glimpse of India.
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Ri- Muskaan, abhi ruko na. I just need to check to see if my make-up if right.
M- Ridz, are you crazy? Itni baar tho check kiya hai. Itna saara mehnat kiskeliye kaar rahi ho? Armaan kel yeh? Come on now, he already likes you. What more do you have to do?
Ri- Muskaan, you don't understand. Me and Armaan are still that new couple, you know. We still like to look good for each other. You know what? When he looks at me with those eyes, i start to feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But its a nice feeling. It makes me feel like im the most beautiful thing in the world to him. Like im only meant for him and he is only meant for me.
M- But Ridz, you already know that you and him are meant for each other so why worry? I mean you worry about making yourself look good for him all the time. Doesn't it get annoying?
Ri- No, never. Because everytime he sees me, i get lost in his eyes and he gets lost in mine. The moment we share there is just amazing. I can't really explain it. But all i know is, i'd do anything for that moment that we have. Even if it means to look pretty for him. Okay?
M- Ha, baba, ha. Ridz, tum saach mein paagal ho. But, i still love you!
Ri- (laughing) I love you too!
Muskaan and Riddhima walked into the Gymnasium finding many many people surrounded by each other. Just looking at the place really made them feel like they were in India.
At- Hey guys!
Ri+M- Hey!
At- How is eveything?
Muskaan- It's wonderful Atul. This really makes me think of India. Well done. Sub kuch bohot acha lag raha hai. Tum bhi bohot ache lag rahe ho. Yeh sherwani bohot achi hai.
At- Thanks Muski. Tum bhi bohut cute lag rahi ho.(pinches Muskaan's cheek) Aur Ridz, tumme kya laga.......(stopping, looking at Riddhima)
Riddhima was looking all over the place. Her eyes kept wandering around for something. Or should we say, someone.
M- Ridz, Ridzie, RIDDHIMA! (shaking her)
Ri- Huh? (jumping up)
M- Who are you looking for?
Ri-(stuttering) No...no one. I was looking for no one. Why?
M- Yeah right. You were probably looking for Armaan. That's why your denying everything I'm saying.
Ri- Muskaan, shut up okay. I'm telling the truth. I WASN'T LOOKING FOR ARMAAN!
A- Oh really? You don't want to see me?
Riddhima turned around and was shocked by Armaan's presence.
Ri- Armaan, I didn't mean it like that. I'm...
A- I guess I'll just go home now. I mean what's the use. You don't want me here.
Ri- Armaan, I didn't mean it that way. (grabbing Armaan's hand) please, armaan, listen to me. I want you to be here. Please stay. I'm sorry. (touching her ears)
A- Riddhima, I was joking. It's okay. (smiling) Come on. Let's go look around.
Ri- Okay(smiling) See you guys later! (looking back and smiling at Muskaan and Atul)
Muskaan- Ab mein kya karu? Ridz bhi mujhe chor ko chalige aur Atul bhi kaam mein busy hai. Mujhe aaj aana ne chaye tha. Aab mein yaha kya karu? Hayye Rabba, kuch to karo!.
As Muskaan was jabbering to herself, she wasn't paying attention ahead. In an instant second, Muskaan crashed into a hard surface, knocking the wind out of her. But before she could fall. Something caught her. Muskaan kept her eyes closed. Getting ready to feel the massive pain that she would have to endure due to the crash. Seconds had passed and she hadn't felt the cold, hard surface of the ground yet. But why? Wait, something had grabbed her. But, what was it. Curious to know, Muskaan opened her eyes slowly. As the blurry image cleared up, she saw a tall figure bent over holding her. He was staring right at her. Right into her big, brown eyes. They both stared into each other's eyes. Muskaan stared into his green eyes. It felt like the whole world has stopped. Like everything revolved around them.
Realizing that she had been in a falling position, Muskaan quickly escaped from her trance finding to see some one she knew. Someone she knew very well. Those green eyes, black, spiked up hair, tall figure. It was Rahul. Rahul Garewal.
He looked at her dazzled. He was lost in her beauty. He stared at from head to toe. He'd seen many pretty girls but Muskaan was different. Her beauty was different. A simple, traditional punjabi kudi. But, that was the x-factor that he liked about her. But, he just hadn't realized it yet.
Muskaan snapped her fingers in front of Rahul's eyes trying to get his attention. She was in such a hurry to get out of Rahul's arms. This whole time she had been admiring his charm and looks but as soon as she realized he was Rahul, all her feelings had vanished.
M- Excuse me, can you please let go of me? (stern and agressive)
R- Uh huh?..(seeing Muskaan in his arms)...oh...(dropping Muskaan)...
M- Ughhhh....Rahul! ( she said screaming, angry and upset) What the hell is your problem? (getting up quickly and standing face to face with Rahul)
R- What? You said to let you go...(casually)
M- Oh my god. I didn't mean literally. Idiot....(fixing her choli)
R- I'm the idiot? You're the one that was talking to herself. If it wasn't for me, you would have fallen on the ground. I saved you.
M- Excuse me. You saved me? If you hadn't been standing in my way, i wouldn't have bumped into you which would mean i wouldn't have fallen. Whose's the idiot now?
R- Muskaan, watch what you say. Do you know who you are talking to?
M- Yes, i do. I'm talking to the most arrogant, conceided, self-obsessed jerk in this world.
R- Hmm. whatever. That's what girls love about me. Speaking of girls, i need to get back to them. Trying to save you, i wasted so much of my time. They must be waiting for me. (smiling)
M- Oh, "your" girls. They are just so important. Right? GO. Go back to them. Do you think i care? (angrily)
R- Oh, i know you care. Because if you didn't, you wouldn't be this mad right now.
M- Ughhhhh.....(walking away angrily)
R- Bye Muskaan (laughing)
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Aart Time-
Everyone had gathered around Amba Mata. Many people had thali's in their hands filled with diyas. Together they sang the aarti in unison. Muskaan had sung along to the rhythmic chymes and clapped her hands. She praised the lord. Far away, someone was looking at her. Admiring her. Her simplicity, her sweetness, her kindness. Her love for god. He found her so amusing. So different from everyone else.
Aarti had ended and now Muskaan was praying. Praying to give her happiness, success, good health and to keep her family and friends safe. Rahul, amazed by her, took out his phone and took a picture. A picture that not only showed Muskaan, but how she was, her feelings, emotions and her love.
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Raas!-
The music was playing loudly and everyone had their dandyas. Many lines were made and many people gathered around to partake in raas.
Muskaan was completely alone. Riddhima was obviously with Armaan and Atul was too caught up in the function. She searched for a group to play dandya in. Fortunately, one group needed one more person and Muskaan said yes.
Muskaan lined up with her partner and the raas began. At first, Muskaan wasn't in the mood to play. She was alone. No one she knew was talking to her. What fun could you find in that? But, the excitement and the screams and cheers made her regain her liveliness and she played raas with full energy and excitement. She smiled and laughed and enjoyed herself.
In the raas, you play with every other person. It so happened that Rahul was in the same line as Muskaan. But, unfortunately, him and Muskaan wouldn't be partners. Rahul noticed this and wanted to change the formation.
R- Hey, switch spots with me. ( he asked the guy next to him)
Random Guy- What? Why? I'm playing, how can i switch spots with you?
R- Just do what i say. (leaning down and staring down at the poor kid. )
RG- Uh..uh...uh..okay.
Rahul quickly switched spots with him and waited impatiently for Muskaan to come so they could play raas. Muskaan in full excitement didn't even notice that next she would be playing raas with Rahul.
As she twirled into her spot, she looked up finding to her dismay the one and only Rahul. It was bad enough that she was already mad at him for dropping her that now she had to play raas with him. Although, Rahul smiled with glee, knowing that Muskaan was here. On the other hand, Muskaan rolled her eyes and couldn't wait to get over with this.
R- Hey Muskaan.
No answer.
R- Aw, are you still mad at me. Sorry man, i was just caught up in the moment of looking at the hot girls that i just dropped you. Come on, forgive me. ( You would expect Rahul to be nice to Muskaan since he was so willing to switch spots but Rahul was always Rahul. When it came to making someone jealous, he was always an expert. )
Muskaan stopped and looked straight into Rahul's eyes with anger.
M- First of all, I'm not a man. So don't call me that. Okay?( pointing her finger at him) Secondly, i don't care who or what you look at. It doesn't concern me so i really don't care. Got that? Thirdly, why should i forgive you? I mean its not like you mean it either. So what difference does it make? So, how about you just shut your mouth and leave me alone. Understand?( almost screaming)
At this point, the whole line was looking at Rahul and Muskaan's argument. Rahul looked at her speechless. Once again, she had shut him up. This always seemed to happen to him. He would go act like his conceited-self and then Muskaan would set him straight. Rahul would never have an answer to Muskaan's outbursts. Like always, he would just look at her in amazement. Muskaan would also be staring at Rahul fuming.
Muskaan looked all around and saw that everyone's eyes had been on her. Still angry, she tried to calm her self down. But we all knew that when Muskaan was mad, it would take some time for her calm down.
M- Okay the show is over, so could we all please just start now!
In an instant second,, the two lines were formed and everyone was ready to start playing raas again. Even Rahul got himself together and was in his line. Everyone started dancing to the music. Muskaan, still remained mad and upset. Why did Rahul always say those things to me? Why do i hate it when he talks about other girls? Why does he always have to annoy me like that? These were all questions that Muskaan clearly didn't know the answer of. Her mind kept roaming off into her own world where all she could do was ask questions and never come up with an answer. Her enthusiasm, enjoyment and excitement all left. Now,when she played, she hit the dandyas so softly and lightly, even if the other person hit the dandyas hard. But, the opposite person hadn't noticed that Muskaan was not in the mood and wasn't hitting hard. That person was too much in the mood to even notice. He slammed the dandyas on Muskaan's dandyas one by one. Muskaan slowly hit her dandyas. The last shot came, when he slammed the dandyas hard. but instead of hitting Muskaan's dandyas he hit the fingers of her hand.
M- Ahhhhhh........ouchhhhhh. ow, ow, ow, ow....ouch. (shaking her hand up and down. tears had started to drizzle down her face. Her hand hurt. The blow she suffered from the hit made her hand feel numb.
R- What the hell is wrong with you? Can't you see? Why were you hitting the dandyas hard to begin with? Just get out of my way. ( Rahul was angry, if he could he would have said much more, but he was controlling himself.)
R- Muskaan, are you okay? ( Rahul grabbed Muskaan hand and started massage it.) Why weren't you paying attention? Now you're hurt aren't you?
Muskaan just looked at Rahul in shock. He is massaging my hand. He is mad at me because i wasn't paying attention. Is this Rahul? What's wrong with him? Why does he care?
R- Muskaan, come on, lets go get some ice. Muskaan? (waving his hand in front of Muskaan's face)
M- Uhhh...huh?
R- Come on. ( he dragged Muskaan while massaging her hand)
Rahul and Muskaan walked outside to were water bottles and food were being sold. He asked for some ice and wrapped it around his dupputta from his sherwani and wrapped the ice around Muskaan's hand.
Muskaan just admired his kindness quietly. A long time had passed. Rahul just kept his eyes on Muskaan's hand and Muskaan just kept her eyes on Rahul. Rahul looked up after a while and say Muskaan was lost.
R- Hey Muskaan. You okay now?
M- Huh?..yeah...I'm good. Thanks.
R- So, why are you so sad today?
M- What? I'm not sad.
R- Well, when i saw you earlier, you were like lost in your own thoughts. Before we bumped into each other, you were sad, you seemed upset. I mean, you don't have to tell me, I was just wondering.
M- Well, um...I..i...I was just upset because i was all alone. I mean Atul was busy taking charge of this function and Riddhima. Riddhima doesn't have time for me anymore. I mean, I'm happy that she had Armaan and Armaan treats her so well, but she never just talks to me or hangs out with me. Every conversation, everything revolves around Armaan. It's kinda annoying. Don't you think?
R- Um..sure.
M- Fine, only i think that. (Muskaan rolled her eyes)
R- Yeah, i know what you mean.(sighing) Armaan, is always trying to come up with something nice and special for Riddhima. He is always so preoccupied. Like i can never just hang out with him either. Not even in lunch. It's different. We have always done everything together since we were kids and now, he has his own path. (looks at Muskaan) I guess, we could always talk since our best friends are so busy. We do have computers together. (laughing)
M- Yeah i guess. Maybe if we stop arguing so much, we could actually be good friends and maybe not enemies. (laughing)
R- Yeah, I'd like that. Even if i will be bored to death hearing you talk.
M- (hits Rahul on the shoulder)
R- I'm kidding. (laughing) You know, your much more better to talk to than all the other girls.
M- Really? And why is that?
R- I mean, you don't need constant pampering. You're quite understanding, you really don't need a lot of attention and you don't mind listening.
M- Thanks( awkward smile) If the other girls are like this, then why do you talk to them? Why do you love to be around them? I mean, what's the point, when all you find them to be is annoying?
R- I dont' know. It's just how I.....
Ri- Muskaan! (screaming from down the hallway)
Both Rahul and Muskaan looked up.
Ri- Muskaan. Guess what Armaan gave me? Come on, I'll tell you in the car, What happened to your hand? Anyways, so he took me to the side and....(Riddhima blabbered on and grabbed Muskaan's hand and started walking towards the door.)
Muskaan walked behind Riddhima silently, thinking of the conversation she had just had with Rahul. He was so different today. He was actually nice to talk to.
As she approached the door, Muskaan looked back to see Rahul looking at her. They both caught each others last glimpses. Muskaan smiled at Rahul and walked out the door.
Rahul saw Armaan gesture towards him telling him come by him. Rahul got up and walked to Armaan.
A- Dude, me and Riddhima had the best time. How was your night?
R- (looks back at the place where he and Muskaan had had their deep conversation) If was different but worth it.
A- Cool dude, let's go home.
R- Yeah, let's go.
Rahul followed Armaan out the door but before leaving he looked back once again remembering Muskaan and the sweet conversation they had. Rahul walked out smiling.
~~~Hey guys, I know, I know i havent updated int he longest time. I have just been caught up with school and i just never got the time to continue this story. I hope you like this part. Leave your comments, criticism and suggestions. I want to hear your opinion so that the next part is something you enjoy! ~~~
Edited by MuskaanGarewal1 - 15 years ago
Cricket
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