Chapter 10
Pankhu: Adi, it's getting late. Let's discuss things tomorrow
Adi: Pankhu, I need to tell you something and that too right now before I change my mind
Pankhu: Okay fine, go on
Adi: Pankhu, I stopped dancing after Nani passed away. I don't know if I can do this again. But I'll try for your sake!
Pankhu: Thank you so much Adi!
Adi: Let's go to sleep. I'll meet you in the morning and we'll have talk more
Pankhu: Good night Adi!
Adi: Good Night Pankhu!
As Pankhu turns to leave, Adi stops her by holding her hand. She turns around and faces Adi.
Pankhu: What happened Adi?
Adi: Nothing! Good night!
As Pankhu makes her way to her room, she wonders the reason behind Adi's behavior. Meanwhile, Adi who is alone at the balcony has the same thoughts.
The next morning,
Pankhu: Good Morning Mom!
Avantika: Pankhu, why are you up so early? Anything special?
Pankhu: Nothing special Mom
Adi: Good morning Mom! Good Morning Pankhu!
Avantika: Good Morning Adi! That's strange, is anything going on between the two of you?
Pankhu: No Mom. Why do you ask?
Avantika: Adi usually sleeps in when he gets to start lessons late. Today, he is up way before the usual time. Isn't that strange?
Adi: Mom! I'm up early to exercise. Anyway Pankhu, do you workout?
Pankhu: Used to back in Kullu
Adi: Oh, then would you like to join me?
Pankhu: Erm... Okay!
Adi: We'll meet at the porch in 15mins
Later at the Porch,
Adi: Let's use my bike and go to the beach. We can go for a run
Pankhu: Sure. Adi, I have a request though
Adi: What is it?
Pankhu: Can I please ride today?
Adi: Woah! Pankhu, you... Ride?
Pankhu: Haan Adi. I have the license with me as well.
Adi: Pankhu, you should totally let me know what you know
Pankhu: Okay, let's go now!
Pankhu takes the bike and asks Adi to sit behind. Adi stares at her.
Pankhu: Adi, come on
Adi: Erm... I've never sat as a pillion rider before
Pankhu: Then let today be a new start
Adi: Okay
Adi gets on and Pankhu moves off. Adi is impressed with Pankhu's handling of the bike and keeps staring at her. As they reach Juhu beach, a ball flies onto the road and Pankhu applies the brakes to avoid running over it Adi unintentionally holds onto Pankhu's shoulders to gain his balance. As he realizes his mistake,
Adi: I'm sorry Pankhu. I didn't mean to
Pankhu: Oh come on Adi, I know you didn't mean to. Besides anyone in your situation would have reacted the same way. I'll park the bike and we can go for our run.
Adi and Pankhu head to the beach after parking the bike. After some warm ups, the two of them begin running, occasionally glancing at each other. After the cool down exercises, Adi asks Pankhu to sit on the sand. As they both relax, Adi begins.
When Adi finishes, both of them are teary eyed. Pankhu holds his hand.
Pankhu: I'm so sorry Adi!
Adi: It's okay Pankhu, I'm glad I could say this out
Pankhu: Let's head home
Adi: Do you want to ride the bike?
Pankhu: No Adi, could you please ride?
Adi and Pankhu head home. Adi adjusts the mirror such that he could see Pankhu's face. As he looked at her, he was sure that he was making the right choice. Pankhu turns her head and notices Adi looking at her. She begins to wonder if Adi had the same feelings as her. What if she told him and he wasn't sharing the same feeling? Would that mean an end to their friendship? Adi was also facing the same dilemma.
They reach home and in the afternoon, they went to attend their class.
In the evening, during dinner,
Avantika: So Adi, what genre did you both get?
Adi looks at Pankhu and back at Avantika. He hesitantly speaks
Adi: Romance
Kaira: Adi Bhaiyya, Romance? You and Pankhu will definitely set the stage on fire.
Adi: Kaira...
Sheila: Adi, I think so too! Everyone knows what an excellent dancer you are.
As the family spoke, Nanu notices the uncertainty on Adi and Pankhu's faces.
Nanu: Adi and Pankhu beta, do your best! Don't worry too much. I have full faith on it. Besides, you both should be glad that you both are partnering each other and not any stranger. Now relax and eat your dinner. After dinner, start discussing your project
