CH 17 : As Long As You Are With Me
The dance team members along with Taani, were in vice principle's cabin. College authorities weren't much happier with the dance camp result.
"In dance camp, the performance was good, but board members are not satisfied. They think, St. louis is focusing too much on dancing, and till now, it hasn't done any good to the college. Board of members has decided to focus on others things as well, such as singing, theater drama, other curricular activities." Vice principle spoke, confusing the gang members further, as they couldn't understand the reason they were called for.
"In other words, Management has decided to put ban on dance in college." Khushboo, assistant vice principle told them, clearing the confusion all had.
"What?" All the members shouted in unison.
"Yes. And they are serious about dance ban. From now on, Shivam will monitor you all, to insure that you guys don't do anything to break the dance ban." Khushboo spoke in stern tone, giving a sly smirk to them. She has always been against of the freedom, dancers get in st. louis. She doesn't think one could have future in dancing, st.louis has always ignored other talents and gave more importance to dance and according to her, its time to change that.
Vice principal dismissed them, and dishearten dance team members came out of his cabin.
Taani look at the sad faces of the team members, she felt bad for them, knowing what dance means to them all, an important part of their lives as well as St. Louis's. St. Louis is incomplete without dance.
She frowned when she saw him walking away from there, in anger. None noticed his departure except her and vicky. Vicky came to her and spoke.
"Go to him. He is everyone's support, but this time he needs support. Talk to him, he will feel better." Vicky urged her, knowing the one Rey needs, is taani. He will shut everyone out, but not her. He had seen it many times and believes, taani is the one for Rey.
Without a second thought, Taani nodded and walked away from there to fire-escape. It didn't took her long to know, where he would be.
She opened the door of fire escape and stepped inside. He was sitting on the stairs, and he knew, its her. Surprising though, but he could sense her presence around him. He didn't said anything, as she came and sat beside him.
He was not in state to say anything to anyone. Authorities decision to bad dance in st. louis hasn't gone well with anyone, specially him. Dance is his passion, it runs in his vein then how could he even thought of separating it from himself?
"Rey-" She whispered softly. Rey felt a shiver ran through him, as she placed her hand on his shoulder. A consoling touch, made him feel special inside. Her simplest touch could make him shiver in delight. The affect she has on him, was out of his understanding. He could never understand how one could have so much control over someone.
"How could they be so cruel? Just because we failed one competition and couldn't get 100% result in another one, they decided to ban dance in college?" Rey let his frustration out. Taani look at him, feeling helpless since she doesn't know how to help him. She wished she could do something to bring a smile on his face.
"Rey, i know whatever happened, shouldn't have. But there is nothing we could do against college authorities." Taani mumbled sadly, Rey turned his head and look at her. Calmness washed over his restless heart, looking into her deep brown eyes, gives peace to him.
"But i am not gonna give up in front of authorities decision." He vowed, his features soften and he look at her.
"Tum dogi na mera saath?" Rey asked her, his hopeful eyes staring deep into her. A shiver ran down her spine, the way he stares at her, stir something with in her.
"Haa, Rey." She nodded with a soft, genuine smile. Rey returned the smile, he slide his hand in hers, surprising her with his sudden gesture.
"Thank you." He whispered, as he tighten his grip around her hand. Knowing she i by his side, gives confidence to him to fight against anything.
Before anyone could say anything, their cell beeped. They checked their respective cell phones and found a message from swayum, regarding a meeting at his place in the evening.
"Lets go." Rey said to her, he got up and pulled her up on her feet, but still not leaving her hand which surprised her yet again.
"Meeting is in evening and we still have a lecture to attend." Taani reminded him, she was confused, as she had no idea where he would be taking her at this time.
"I am not in mood to attend lecture. If you don't mind, we can go and have an ice cream." Rey suggested, and knowing her very well, he knew she won't be able to deny him for ice-cream.
She almost squealed in excitement at the mention of ice-cream which had her chuckling at her antics.
"Chale?" He held his hand out infront her. Taani look at his hand, then at him. Her heart skipped a beat seeing a smile playing on her lips. She tried her hardest to not to faint right there and then. His changed behavior was driving her crazy, making her fall for him more harder.
Brushing her thoughts aside, she gave a small nod in return and placed her hand in his, as they both walked out of the fire-escape, marking a beginning of something new.
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Arjun
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