ManeetFF Dancing Frm The Ashes link on pg146 - Page 14

It was the day of the final performance before they knew it.

The show was beautiful. Sid, blown away by Raina in her sensual silver white outfit, let his feelings for her taking over his moves. It was probably the best performance he could give. The direct product of this was that. Raina was instantly out in the hit list by Sid's followers - it was clear that the only girl for him that night was Raina. The intensity with which he looked in her eyes, made her heart contract. She finally had an inkling about how much he cared for her.

When the time finally came for Nik and Geet to perform, the stage was set on fire. They outdid everyone else, like a bolt from the blue. Geet was the revelation, who rendered everyone speechless...Her chemistry with Nik, igniting envy across the audience, made the performance even more magnificent. They were synchronized and danced in perfect harmony, mirroring each other, enjoying the feel of the performance with each other.

Their performance was concluded with a thunderous applause and an enthusiastic plea for encores.

The principal was pleased beyond measure. He specially mentioned Mayank's work in his vote of thanks...appreciating his creative work.

The show ended on a perfect note. The group hugged each other, ecstatic about their successes, independent and otherwise. The task was completed...but the results were multi-fold. Something nobody had anticipated, but were happy about nevertheless.

As Nik was leaving, somebody tapped his shoulder. He turned to see a delighted Vicky.

Geet seeing Vicky with Nik, walked to them and gave him a high-five.

''You guys know each other?''. Nik asked in surprise.

''Yeah, our grandmothers know each other. '' Geet replied. She politely made conversation with Vicky, till he decided to come to the point.

''Look, I'll be direct. Geet ' I didn't know you were such a fabulous dancer. Had I known, I'd have probably hounded you earlier. But, if Nik has told you, I'm starting a dance troupe cum institute and I want you to join me. What say?''

''Sure. I'd love to Vicky. Nanima didn't say anything about it to me...ah well..anyway. We'll see ya later.''

''Sure. Bye''

Since they had become inseparable, they went everywhere together, after that. They had evolved into kindred psyches, recognizing each other as perfect, to be able to understand each other best.

The exams came and went in a breeze, Each giving in their best; the greed to be in each other's company, goading them into studying. The results were much better, Raina topping again, Sid being the surprise coming out second after her. The others fared pretty well, themselves. Mayank got a good letters of recommendation from the teachers and the principal, and he managed to bag an interview at the college in California. While he was in the States, Sid and Raina accompanied Nik and Geet for their dance practices. Nik and Geet started collaborating with Vicky about the studio, but it was still taking baby steps.

They would practice in Nik's flat, shifting all the furniture to one side, compiling a routine on counts. Raina would sit and watch them, doing her research simultaneously, while Sid sat and watched her. Ayush would spend time helping Raina out, but Sid managed to disrupt their studies...making it clear to him that he was not welcome.

Raina often watched Nik and Geet perform, just to feast her eyes on their dancing moves. She could see the chemistry growing. It was an open secret...yet nobody wanted to talk about it.

As she sat for the nth time listening to her IPod, Raina let her thoughts dwell back on the events of the past few days. Her heart refused to leave Delhi. Her friends being the main reason. She knew that they would have to part sooner or later. But, this was the 1^st time in her life that she had made friends...where she was accepted. Where somebody looked out for her, and she could be there for someone too. She dwelled on everything that had happened in the past one month. It was like something from a YRF buddy bonding film...she couldn't believe it.

And then there was Sid. She couldn't understand him. For a fairly transparent guy, he was being a complete enigma. He treated her very sweetly, was there for her whenever she needed help, shocked her completely with his study skills, but he also kept her friends away from her ' with the exception of Nik, Geet and Mayank; became moody randomly and sulked from time to time.

She could see the change in his from his earlier habits that she had observed from school. He was no longer the Casanova; his caring side was way too obvious. She had begun respecting him a lot.

The song on her IPod changed, but she barely paid attention. Nik and Geet had begun a new routine, using skates ( Geet's brainwave), giving counts on each move. The beats in her song thumped in her head as she watched them count and make steps accordingly. Was it just her or did the song fit their steps perfectly.

The human mind is an enigma, it can multitask without us endeavouring to work on it. It comprehends the on goings around it, without much effort. Raina observed Nik and Geet dance to the song playing in her head, matching the beats and the moves perfectly. But, this synchronization of song and dance was registered in a crevice in her mind, as the bigger part of her consciousness was focussed on Sid and his erratic behaviour.

Off late he had begun being quiet around her and she had caught him gazing at her, but never saying much. He seemed missing for hours on end, or would keep researching things on his laptop, never showing them what he was up to.

Ever since she had told him about her college of choice, he had become engrossed and distant. She caught him lost in thought, never venturing an explanation in return.

She knew she'd miss him the most, his flamboyant personality making her sojourn in the subsequent course and city seem pale. She came up with the most valid explanations for his behaviour ' ones that made her heart beat faster in anticipation; but she pushed them away as ridiculous.

There were 2 months for Raina's departure, and Sid was not saying much about his future plans. She had barely had a good conversation with Sid in days; which was why she was shocked when he asked to meet her alone.

What shocked her more was when he went down on one knee and proceeded to make the most heartbreakingly wonderful proposal of love to her. She was dazed and her mind kept telling her that it was a trick...but even that couldn't be paid attention to, when she looked in his eyes and saw the yearning in them.

''Raina, say something.''

Survival instinct kicked in as Raina pulled her hand out of his and said bitterly,'' Sid, this is not funny. Please pull these sort of jokes on someone else. I'm not your tithly(butterfly) for you to flirt with and then get over in a week. So please save it for someone else.''

''I know, I'm probably the last person who deserves to be with you, but you've changed me. You make me want to be a better person, and every time I look at you, I realize how much I need to work on myself to be equal to you. This past month was a dream; I've never seen anybody as beautiful, intelligent and warm as you...Raina??'', he pleaded.

Raina, however walked off, unable to react or face the situation.

Sid returned to Nik's flat and told his tale to a sympathetic Geet and Nik. He brooded there all day, licking his wounds.

The next day, he did the same, lying all day feeling sorry for himself, ignoring the others. When Nik and Geet came to speak to him again, he was about to get up and leave when Raina walked in, her eyes with dark circles around them, looking lost and worn.

She pounced on him immediately.

''Why? Why did you have to wait to tell me this, just a month before I leave the country?? I barely get time with you!!'', she yelled.

In response, he walked up to her, staring into her eyes and lifted her off her feet, crushing her to himself. After what seemed liked ages, he pulled his face out of her hair and gave her an ecstatic grin and smacked her on her lips in front of everyone.

She however pushed him off, her expression still angry. ''Didn't u hear what I said??'', she yelled.

''We'll get time babe. Relax.''

''Sid I'm leaving in a month and a half, i hope you realize th---''

''I'm leaving with you,'' he cut in.

Raina wasn't sure if she had heard right. ''Wha'''?

''I'm taking a chef's course in the same city that you're going to. I can't let you out of my life that easily, babe. I've been working it out ever since you told me of your admission. I figured, that even if u didn't want me as a boyfriend, I'd still be there as a friend till I make you fall in love with me.'', said Sid with a broad smile, evidently pleased with himself.

Raina, stared at him with her mouth open, processing the information that had been passed on to her. Finally, she just leapt into his waiting arms and hugged him, tears falling from her eyes.

Chapter 19 - Intoxication - Below!!

...Geet stopped and took off her skates, and stepped on to Nik's skated-bound feet, putting her arms around his neck, never taking her eyes off his.

Nik's throat contracted on seeing the intense expression in her eyes, the bold confidence in them, when she looked at him.

Sorry guys..hardly any Geet and no Maan again...will update as I get time. Thanks for the love

Amruta