#6 Guzarish [D3 Revisited] Parts 27-33 - Page 52

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Part 29

{ 1708 words } { 7 Pages }

[Too much to color code. Me lazy this time] 😳 [Forgive me! ]

Sharon breathed out with shock and fear. "Shivam…" Unknowingly, she grabbed Swayam's hand and held on to it as if her life depended on it. Swayam could feel the fear passing through the touch without even having to look at her.

Taani, on the other hand, stood there unknown to the past happenings. "Guys, what happened? Let's go." She called out to them but neither of them moved an inch. Slowly, Swayam stood in front of her as if to protect Sharon from Shivam's mere gaze. In other occasions, Sharon would have reciprocated Swayam's help. But for then, she was glad he was there.

"Sharon! Just the person I was looking for." Shivam spoke up.

"What do you want?" Swayam spat back. "Haven't you done enough?"

"Enough? I haven't even started yet!"

Swayam scoffed. "Some guts you have of coming to this college. If someone sees you, they'll have your head."

"But no one would dare. Not without the risk of getting expelled." Shivam replied back.

With that, VP came on the screen. "Guys, behave. And gather everyone from the team. I want to speak to you all immediately."

Swayam gave a tight nod to VP and took Sharon away from there. Taani naturally followed, having no clue what was going on. As they left, Shivam's innocent face turned evil as he smirked.

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Everyone stood in VP's office wondering the same thing. Why were they there? And why was Shivam there? Sharon and Swayam had told them all. VP cleared his throat to get their attention.

"I know you all are not in good terms with Shivam. But you'll be happy to know Dazzlers are back in Foot Loose because he admitted his mistakes to the board. Also, he'll be joining our college as a student. That is the least we can do after what he has done for you guys. So I request you guys to be grateful to him and behave well with him. Am I clear?"

"But sir? How can you let him in our college? Whether he admits his mistakes or not, what's done is done. They [meaning Dazzlers team] were hurt and humiliated. He can never do enough to make up for that. What's wrong is wrong." Swayam reasoned.

"Yea." Everyone else agreed.

"I understand where you all come from. But I'm only the VP. I'm simply carrying out the instructions given to me. Give him a chance and let him prove that he's genuinely sorry for what he's done."

Rey scoffed. Sharon whispered so that only they would hear. "He isn't sorry. All he can do is fake a good pretense."

"Well, that being said… Rey, what are you doing?"

"Excuse me?" Rey asked confused.

"You were told to find yourself AGS… If you don't find one yourself and submit a name, I will be forced to find one for you. And I cannot promise that you will like him or her. So find a suitable name as soon as possible and give it to me. Clear?"

Rey nodded in response. "Alright then. Get going. Dazzlers and Weaklings both are performing so I'm sure there is lot of practice to be done. They passed a smile to VP and started leaving his office but from the inside, everyone was tensed. Shivam was back. Dazzlers were back in the Foot Loose. And so, it all came down to Sharon's decision. One way or another, the 12^th member was still missing.

Once outside, Sharon said, "I dunno… Should I be happy or sad? Just when things were going to go well, it all flips back on us."

Swayam replied, "Sharon, there will be no hard feelings… You have always been a member of Dazzlers team… Now that they are back in Foot Loose, you can make the choice of going back to them."

"But I also agreed to be part of your team."

Silence followed. No one knew what to do. There wasn't a rivalry between them anymore. The decision wasn't that easy to just go back to Dazzlers team and leave Weaklings to search for a replacement once again.

Vishakha said, "Our only option then is to withdraw from the competition. Either way… Dazzlers will be performing on behalf of the college."

Rey answered. "But that won't be fair. You guys did win the eliminations. Both the teams will represent the college together. We'll find a way out. Don't worry."

Everyone wished it was that easy to believe Rey. All of them knew the next few days of their life would be tough.

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Rey was leaving from college when Sharon caught up with him. "I need to talk to you."

Both sat in Rey's car and Sharon asked, "Have you… talked to Kriya?"

"What?" This was the last question he was expecting Sharon to ask.

"I mean recently… Is she in touch with you? You know with Dazzlers back, I was hoping I could talk to her, convince her to somehow come back… That would solve all our problems."

"No." Rey answered emotionless.

"Huh?"

"No, I have not talked to her. I am not in touch with her. I would be the last person she would care about."

"Rey…" Sharon let out, shocked at his behavior. Taani was right. Something had happened that was making him so indifferent.

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Naina managed to find Vishakha's number and quickly dialed with. "Hello? Vishakha here." She said as she picked up.

Naina spoke in hurry. "Vishakha it's me."

"Me?"

"I mean Naina. Something's happened… Kriya's locked herself and she won't talk to me. Can you come quickly?"

"Right away." Naina said, already asking the driver to make a turn as soon as she heard Kriya's name.

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Sharon called Swayam. "Swayam?"

"Sharon?" He was surprised she had called her! "Is everything alright?"

"No… Taani was right… I asked Rey if he had been in touch with Kriya and he just replied so rudely towards Kriya… Something's definitely happened."

"Okay… erm… where are you?"

"I just saw Vishakha leave. I'm going to try and catch up with her… Ask her if she knows anything."

"I'll try calling her."

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Swayam called Vishakha but her number came busy. After a third try, she finally picked up. "Yes Swayam?"

"Vishakha… I need to ask you something…Please, I need an honest answer."

"Where is Kriya?"

"Excuse me?"

"Where is Kriya? I know you're in touch with her. I need to know. Rey is behaving so different since last few days. I need to know where Kriya is and I need to know if something happened."

Everything was scaring Vishakha. First, Naina calls her saying something's wrong with Kriya. Then Swayam calls saying Rey's behaving different.

"Look Swayam, I don't know anything right now. Even if I did, I've promised Kriya to not tell and you know it. I'll see you later."

Before Swayam had the chance to react, she ended the call. He called Sharon next.

"Sharon… Don't follow Vishakha. It's not our business. It's between Rey and Kriya and let them figure it all out."

"But…"

"Please Sharon… listen to me for once."

Sharon hated this but still, she agreed. "Fine."

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Vishakha reached Kriya's place. Naina informed her, "She just walked in the house and ran in, locked herself. I tried to get her to open up but she wouldn't. I don't know what happened."

"She'd gone to meet Rey…" Vishakha said out loud to herself and both proceeded towards Kriya's room.

"Kriya? It's me. Vishakha… Please open up?"

Silence followed. Naina and Vishakha went absolutely quiet in order to listen for any movement inside the room. But nothing. Suddenly, the door opened and Kriya looked up at them, her eyes red and swollen. Both of them were shocked seeing it. "Kriya!!"

Then again, she surprised them both by taking them in a hug and started crying again. With difficulty, they managed to get her to sit down. Vishakha caressed her hair and wiped her tears. "Kriya, what happened?"

"How… how can he say that…?"

"Say what?"

"How can he…?! He knows I love him! How can he say he doesn't care I live or die? HOW?!" She burst out in another fits of tears.

"Kriya… take a deep breath and start from the beginning…"

"I was there… in your hoodie… waiting for him. He came with this other girl. I don't know her. Never seen her before. But she seemed to have known me… From distance, it looked as if she was talking about me and he snapped and said… his tone... God, what happened? This is not the Rey I loved. He would never say he wish I was dead…"

Silence held in the atmosphere. It was a heavy thing to learn for both Vishakha and Naina. Neither of them could believe them either.

Vishakha was quickest to break the silence in hope on comfort Kriya. "It could be that he didn't mean it… It could be that he only wanted that girl, whoever she was, to leave him alone."

Kriya shook her head. "I know the difference between acting and reality. I know his acting. And it wasn't." She stood up and wiped her tears. "Mom was right. All boys are the same. They don't deserve anyone's love and trust."

"Wait just a minute Kriya… it doesn't make sense… Till a couple of days ago, I know he missed you like hell. Things don't just change overnight."

Kriya remained silent, unsure of the situations going on. She wasn't prepared for this sudden turn in events. Minutes later, when she didn't respond, Vishakha decided to continue.

"Chalo, Abhi khana khake so jao. We'll do something tomorrow. Don't cry anymore." She wiped her tears. "It'll only get you a fever. It won't help if we are to get to the bottom of this. Samjhi?"

Kriya barely nodded. Vishakha looked at Naina and passed her a look. Naina immediately understood and went off to get a plate of food for Kriya.

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Previous: Part 29 Above

Next: Part 31 Pg 100

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Part 30

{ 2464 words } { 9 Pages }

[Again Too much to color code. Me lazy this time] 😳 [Forgive me! ]

This part might come as a surprise to many.. Keep reading..

Recap: Shivam's enters again. Kriya tells what happened to Vishakha and Naina.

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Part 30

The first thing when Vishakha got to college the next day was look for Rey. She asked everyone, stopping a few random people and then asking Sharon.

"Hey, have you seen Rey?"

"No' In fact, I'm looking for him too. I dunno what to do. Dazzlers or Weakling'"

"Mines' is more important than that. Any idea where he might be?"

Sharon was taken aback at the blunt response. She wondered what could be more important than both the teams and Foot Loose.

"Rehearsal room?"

"Checked." Vishakha replied in a negative.

"Basketball court?"

"Not there either."

"I dunno then'" As soon as the words were out, both of them saw Rey entering the college with a little band aid on his forehead. Both looked at each other, worried and shocked, and then rushed to him.

Together, they asked. "Rey, are you okay?" "What happened?"

"I'm fine." He replied and continued walking. Both the girls caught up to him.

"It doesn't look fine."

"Yea, you can see the blood still coming out."

"Did you apply any medicine?"

"Ya phir aise hi bandh diya?"

Both of them kept on questioning one after another. Rey looked back and forth between the two. He then questioned with pleasure, "Last I checked, both of you used to hate each other."

The girls stopped at the announcement and looked at each other. Silently both of them knew that ever since Kriya had left, things had changed. They might not accept it to each other but they knew it had. The emotions are somewhere softened.

Sharon recovered first. "Oh please. We're talking about you here. Not us."

"Yea. Now, are you gonna tell what happened?" Vishakha shocked herself with that concern. She asked herself. "Dude, where is that concern coming from? You were to meet him to scold him and find out why he did this to Kriya. Not sympathize!! Vish, you're going soft."

"Like I said before, I'm fine. And now, if you'll excuse me." He pushed this way through them both and disappeared in the boy's locker room. Both had no choice but to let him go. They couldn't enter it after all. Between them, an awkward moment passed as the words of Rey still hung in their head.

Then, suddenly, both of them decided to put their act together. Once again, they put on the strong face filled with hatred for the other and with a huff, turned and left opposite ways!

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During lunch, Vishakha pulled Rey by his elbow and took him to the fire escape. All the while, Rey was taken aback with shock. When she let him go to close the doors, he asked, "Vish, what's up? What is this?!"

"Shut up." She hissed back as she turned. Then she walked a couple steps down, yet one above him, so they can be leveled and she can look into his eyes.

With her hands crossed across her chest, she asked, "So now you want to tell me what's going on?"

"Excuse me? What are you talking about??"

"Don't 'what' me. You know very well what I'm talking about. What was that yesterday at the basketball court?"

Rey had a quick flashback of it. "That? What are you asking me about? I should be asking you! You were the one who left!!"

Vishakha was silent for a second as she remembered the promise she had made to Kriya the night before when she had told her that she would talk to Rey. According to it, she couldn't tell Rey it was Kriya and not her at the court until they knew the reason behind his behavior.

"And you think I will stay there to hear you talk more ill about my best friend?!" she threw back at him.

Realization dawned that maybe he was too loud. The fierceness in his voice was gone, replaced by the tone of one being busted.

"You heard that'" he said out loud, as if to make himself believe.

She gave him a look of 'duh!!'

The anger returned to Rey's eyes. "Who don't you go ask your-so-called best friend?!"

"Oh I know everything about her. I don't need to ask her. I'm asking you. Now spill."

"If you know everything, then there's nothing to 'spill'. Is there now?"

Both were fighting daggers and knives!

"I'm not a fan of riddles. Now just out with it." Vishakha repeated like she meant it.

Rey took a step up to be on the same step as her, leaning over and making her lean back uncomfortably. "Look, this is between me and your best friend. And it really doesn't matter when she isn't even here is she? She isn't going to come back ever. So what's the point, huh?"

Not able to stand leaning back any longer, she finally staggered back, almost falling but Rey pulled her back in balance by her elbow just on time. He held on to her and stepped back, realizing he crossed his limits.

"I'm sorry'. I'm just' sorry' I didn't mean to'" Vishakha looked away, knowing he didn't mean to invade her personal space and the topic itself was touchy that he wasn't in his senses.

Second later, she looked down at her elbow where he was still holding on to her tight, not realizing she wasn't in danger any longer. He was unaware of where she was looking though. He was too busy murmuring apologies.

She spoke clearly, "You really do care. Then why? What made you turn so much against Kriya?" She looked right into his eyes. She could see a conflict going on as his head snapped back to her as she asked the question.

Heavens above knew even he couldn't control the feelings he had for Kriya. He seemed to know Kriya wouldn't do wrong. But the situation kept on telling me otherwise.

"There's something troubling you'"

"How do you know?" he asked, surprised.

"Rey' we might not be good friends. But you forget, Kriya is my friend. I know you through her eyes. If she were here now, she'd know. And so, I know. Like I said, we aren't as good friends and I understand if you wouldn't tell me your problems with Kriya. You might tell them to Sharon or Swayam. But I do know Kriya' I can help sort whatever misunderstanding you have of her."

Rey turned to leave when his own hand stopped him as he pulled Vishakha as well. It was only then that he had held on to her ever since. He let go but before he would leave, Vishakha spoke up again, his back facing her.

"Again, you care even for those whom you distantly know. Else, you wouldn't be feeling sorry for what you did to me. And here, we're talking about Kriya. One you truly and deeply care about."

"Used to." He interrupted.

She sighed. "Believe what you want to. I'm no fool. You can fool yourself. You aren't fooling me. You're confused. If you need me'"

She let the silence speak for the rest of the sentence. He looked back for a brief second and then left, opening the doors. She stayed a while longer, replaying the whole thing in her head and trying to see if unintentionally, Rey had let on any clues for her to solve the mystery of his irrational behavior. So far, none. Deciding to think again after a while, she left as well.

As she didn't have any other classes for the rest of the way, she decided to go home. She left a quick message to Kriya.

"Talked. Trying to figure out. Hang in there. There's more than being let on. Meet tonight? Caf Briganza?"

The reply came quick.

"J 8:30?"

"See you then."

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Sharon was in her room. Sometimes walking and sometimes sitting, unable to make herself comfortable. The inability of taking a decision as to what to do was eating her from inside. She was worried. What will Swayam think if I leave his team? I can't leave my team either' If I do go back to my team, Swayam will be short of a member again. He'll be troubled. And if I go to his team, there'll be a member missing in another. Oh God, help me!! What should I do?

She finally decided upon talking to Swayam. But her mind was restless and without coming up with a decision, she couldn't fall asleep either. Exhausted with all the thinking, she gave in and picked up her phone to text Swayam.

With uncertainty, she sent: "Hi'"

"Hey, everything okay?" came his reply almost immediately. It shocked her at the speed with which he had replied.

"Ya' Just confused."

"Join your team. We'll be fine."

Once again, she was stunned. "How'd you know what was troubling me?!"

"Do you really want me to answer that?" came the reply. Reading it, Sharon could imagine the smirk that must be on Swayam's face at the time. Thinking of it, she blushed. Once again, she thanked the Gods for filling her life with so much love!

"Thank you." She replied back finally after few minutes.

"I thought you fell asleep on me!"

She giggled. At times, he was just so cute. It couldn't help but make her realize more that she was developing a liking towards her. When she didn't reply, he sent another text. "So what are you doing?"

"Um nothing."

"Liar."

"Seriously. I'm not lying."

"Are you saying you weren't thinking about it?"

Sharon kept on re-reading that text over and over. Then came another text. "See I told you! And btw, stop staring at the screen. It might burn."

She gasped.

"It's almost creepy how much you know me!" she replied.

"Is it? Admit it, you like the feeling of having someone knowing you more than you know yourself."

She laughed. It was true. Even though it scared her at times, she also liked the feeling. It made her feel special.

"Thank you." She sent again.

"Good night now. Go sleep." He replied, knowing why she was saying thank you. She smiled, wished him good night back, and opened her window before going to bed.

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As Kriya and Sharon sat down at the table, Kriya notices Vishakha's hand. Concern immediately got to her.

"Vish!! What happened to you hand?!"

She remembered how tight Rey had held on it for around 10 minutes. Result? A noticeable impression. Slowly, she shook her head.

"Oh that? It's nothing. You know how I am. When I get angry, I hold on to something really tight. This time, my arm became the lucky guy."

"Vish, tum bhi na!" Kriya shook her head.

"Order kare?"

Kriya nodded. Once the order was placed, Vishakha asked, "Have you been crying?"

"What? No." Kriya lied and denied.

"Bad liar."

"Take one to know one." Kriya replied, confusing Vishakha.

"Oh come on. The impression on your arm is bigger. Look at your fingers! I might look dumb but I'm not."

"Sorry'" She apologized for lying.

"Yea, me too." Kriya replied for the same.

"So what I was going to tell you'" Vishakha began but a sight behind Kriya suddenly caught her attention.

"Oh shit! Dude, you have to go. NOW!"

Kriya was about to turn around to see who she was looking at. "Don't turn around." She obliged to the command but gave a confusing look at Vishakha.

"Rey's behind you. Crap, he's seen me. Quick, go to the restroom and then leave as quickly as you can. I'll call you."

Kriya was already gathering her stuff when Vishakha had said Rey was behind her. She left and just then, Rey reached them.

"Hey'" Rey's voice trailed off as he watched the girl retreat. Vishakha called out to him so he wouldn't start analyzing much. It was hard to forget Kriya's figure. Especially when it was Rey noticing.

"Hi, You? Here?"

"This is a public place. Seat taken?" He asked.

Vishakha knew there was no escaping now. She shook her head. 'Oh no. Please!" she invited him to sit with a gesture.

"Thank you."

As he sat, his eyes fell on her upper arm. He let out a low gasp. "Did I'?"

She didn't know what to say. "Before you start saying sorry, it's okay. Ho jata hai. Vaise bhi, chill dude. You were only saving me from falling down. if not for you, I'd be in a hospital with crutches, broken bones and what not."

It was meant to lighten the atmosphere but it only grew graver. "And there wouldn't have been you almost falling if I hadn't let my anger take the best of me."

Luckily, the waiter came with their order. Vishakha said, "Err' I was here with a friend but she had to leave' I dunno if you'll like this or not'"

Rey looked at the rice and salad. "Your friend has a weird choice of food."

She murmured to herself. "And you used to like that at one point."

"Did you say something?"

"No' just that she's a fitness freak. So'"

"I see." He acclaimed and pulled the bowl of rice closer to him. There was no way he was gonna eat lettuce and what not's in the salad.

Taking a break in between morsels, Rey said. "I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier. I know you were only trying to help. Dunno what came over me."

"It's okay. You don't have to justify yourself."

"I do." Rey whispered slowly, almost to himself but Vishakha did hear that. She could hear the concern and worry in his tone. She wanted to ask but thought better of it.

Vishakha checked her phone after it beeped. "Whatever you do, do not tell." She stole a glance to Rey before replying.

"I won't."

Turning her attention back to Rey, she saw him looking at her with curiosity as to who was making her smile with just a text. "Just my friend apologizing for having to leave'" She told him and he nodded. "You know, if you really are sorry, you could share what's troubling you?"

Rey gave her a look of 'seriously?-I-already-told-you.'

"I know. I know. Another try wouldn't hurt." She said giving up for the night.

He gave her a smile. Once they were done eating, he asked, "Want me to drop you?" knowing that she'd be calling a cab.

"No it's fine. I'll manage. Thanks." She said and turned to leave when he spoke again.

"Really, it's no big deal. Come." He didn't give her a chance to deny again and started walking towards his car. Having no choice, she left with him, knowing the trouble she was inviting for herself at home.

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