Arnav Singh Raizada was nervous and he knew the hell of a reason that made him uneasy. For the first time in years, he was scared of rejection. All throughout the college years, he had maintained an image of a ruthless student, who gave damn to what people have to say about him. He wasn't entirely studious but he wasn't a complete rough either. It was, in fact, mystery to everyone around to figure him out. The only person ever understood him was his one and only best friend Aman Singhania. They had been together ever since the first day in the college. Though Arnav wasn't the one to gel easily with people, he instantly clicked on with Aman. They had different ideals and principals about life but there was an instant connection that worked between the two.
Aman walked into the classroom, seeing the anxiety written all over Arnav's face. He, somehow, knew the reason but pretended as if he didn't. "What makes the mighty Arnav Singh Raizada so uneasy?" The teasing pretty evident in his voice as he sat on the bench while Arnav paced around the classroom nervously.
"It really isn't funny, Aman." Arnav retorted as he continued pacing up and down the room. Every muscle of his body seemed tensed up as he looked at Aman. What do I do? His eyes questioned.
"Just go to her and ask her whether she would like to be your date for prom night?"
"Like it's that easy." Arnav snapped angrily. He didn't know whether it was just an infatuation that he felt towards her or was it love. Love? He questioned himself. It can't be love. He told himself, answering his own question. For the first time in his life, he wasn't sure. Arnav Singh Raizada knew exactly what he wanted from his life. He had his life planned out in his diary until she made an appearance in his life. She wasn't part of his plan. He had had girlfriend in the past during the beginning of college but none of them lasted more than a week. That phase didn't last long before he completely boycott from any kind of involvement with girls.
When she entered his life, everything changed. He remembered their first meeting. As he was the Wise President of Student union, she had come to him asking for information on the Annual Play that was to be held later that month. She had expressed her wish to join the dancing group and had asked him whether she would be eligible for taking part, considering she started the college pretty late in the year. He still remembered the smile she gave him when he nodded in agreement. That was a year ago...
He remembered all his other encounters with her, which resulted in him falling more and more deeply for the person that she was. She was calm yet she had a childlike habits. She eyes held elegance she carried herself with, yet it reflected mischievousness. She was, however, a complete different person when it came to her passion about dancing. Dancing was her obsession and he remembered being amused when he first found out. He could remember the times he watched her practising dance from the corner of the auditorium. He would stare at her face, which would reflect millions of different expressions with her each dancing move.
"Look! It really isn't as hard as you are making it sound."Aman's voice brought him back from his memory lane. He looked at his best friend and gave the famous ASR glare. "Okay, fine! It is little hard, considering she is not very people's person but I don't think anyone would reject the college stud." Aman said as a matter of fact.
Silent overtook the conversation as Arnav looked outside the window, staring at nothing in particular. "Will she agree?" His voice, almost vulnerable and Aman thought if his friend knew how deeply in love he was? He looked in his direction and placed his hand on his shoulder as if telling him that she will...
**
"Hey!" Khushi looked in the direction of the voice and let out a nervous smile. It was Arnav. He sat down besides her on the stage, with his legs swinging in the air. The prom night preparations were in full swing as everyone rushed to get everything organised for the following evening.
"Hello, Arnav." She said nervously, wondering what made Arnav Singh Raizada came and talk to her. Sure he talked her before whenever he needed any help with assignments. He would greet her occasionally when he passed by her. But other than that, he hardly looked at her. Though it hurt, she never made it obvious.
"All ready for prom night?" He asked, trying to initiate a conversation. Though they always talked when they passed by, it somehow felt weird today, Arnav thought.
"Yeah, everything's ready."
"Aha ha, I see. Who is your date?" He kicked himself mentally for being so abrupt. He quickly turned to look at the direction, to avoid further embarrassment. A hope rose in Khushi's heart but she knew better than to expect just that...
"No one, as yet." She replied; rather simply while strictly avoiding his eye contact. She knew the effect it had on her.
"I see. What about that friend of yours? Shilpa! That's her name, isn't it?" He knew he sounded pathetic but he couldn't find any other way of asking about her.
Khushi turned towards him, and this time looked him in the eye. She knew her fear was coming true and the worst part was that she had to be part of it. She looked away in the matter of seconds.
"Yes, that's her name." Her attempt to control the lump that formed in her throat failed yet she pulled up a brave face easily, despite the turmoil that raised her heart. "And no, she doesn't have a date, as yet.
"Khushi, will you do me a favour?" It was coming! Khushi told herself before flashing a big fake smile, which went completely unnotice by Arnav. Before Arnav could anything more, she spoke, cutting him before he even started.
"I'll ask her." She said simply and Arnav let out a sheepish smile at her, all the while unaware of the reality behind that big fake smile. It was always about you...
**
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Much Love...
Sara
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