Halls of Fame-part 113 pg 23 - Page 10

Fresca refreshed herself and changed into a haulter-neck black top. Just then, Fresca had started feeling a bit light-headed and nauseatic. While Addy was creatively preparing the foods, Fresca had unlocked the door to see if James was anywhere around but just then Addy was coming and Fresca quickly went inside and vomitted and fainted.

Addy knocked on the door several times but realized that Fresca's room was unlocked and so he went in. He couldn't find Fresca anywhere; he went to the loo and got the shock of his life-he saw Fresca lying on the floor and her hair was all so dishevelled and her face had the remnants of food all over. Addy washed and rinsed her face with water, which woke Fresca up. Addy helped her to her bed while he asked her to wait for him. Addy had soon come with her preparations to her room and lit a red rose-scented candle,which he got especially for their dinner, and switched on a dim light together with it.

Fresca felt so regretful of ruining Addy's plans. Fresca thought of how Addy had showered her with lots of gifts, which made her feel so insecure about her and her friendship with Addy. As Addy laid out the dishes, Fresca stopped him and requested him to sit beside her bed.

Fresca:Look Addy I wish to tell you something which I have hid from you for quite some time. I know it is going to be hard to accept but there is no other way out of this and I don't wish to raise your expectations of this fragile relationship. Ok, I'm.....(pauses)..I may not live for long, perhaps only for another 6-8 months as I have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Yeah, I have said it and I dun wish anyone else to know about this apart from you, Aditi, Sameer, Maha and Jay.

Addy froze with shock.This was never the way he wanted to spend the romantic evening with Fresca. He wasn't in a stable state, feet numb with resistance. He could not believe that his world was slowly being eaten up by fate. His eyes grew crimson red which soon faced a transition of painful tears trickling down his eyes and left Fresca's room promptly. Fresca laid on her bed, gradually sinking into a deep sleep.

The next day, Aditi came running to see Fresca in her room only to realize that Fresca was asleep, not picking up any of her calls. Aditi saw Fresca's dinner table laid with foods open and woke Fresca up. Fresca rubbed her eyes gently and recollected of what had happened yesterday after Aditi had left. Aditi knew that Fresca was indeed hurt by Addy's response but Aditi thought of asking a question which raised her curiosity ever since she met Addy.

Aditi:Don't mind me asking you but did you ever love Addy?

Fresca:5 years back I really thought I had loved him and I had proposed to him indirectly in front of many students on the day I gave my Valedictorian Speech. However he wasn't there; he indirectly created a scene and left without telling me what was actually happening in his mind, and I only managed to figure this after 5 long years. However, my "love" didn't last long for I slowly came to realize that the feelings that I had wasn't love, instead it was a simple crush which I had during my teenage years, just like how other girls used to crush on him. I just didn't want to hurt him in any way, that's why for now I didn't even stop him from loving me despite me telling him the actual truth. Right now I sincerely hope we can just maintain the true deep friendship we've had so far, but nevertheless, he has all the freedom to decide and I'm not going to compel him in any way.

Fresca excused herself when she was called by Raj for her dance shoot. All her students were awaiting her 1st dance shoot with Raj. She decided to release a dance album filled with special memories with her choreographers and students.

She danced on a melodious number with Raj. Fresca had closed her eyes for some of her steps and felt a tingling sensation but Raj reassured her and btoh continued their dance moves which just flew instantly without any sort of rehearsals. Everyone in the auditorium applauded after the entire dance shoot and went to congratulate Raj and Fresca. Addy walked towards Fresca and gave her a note. It was written that Addy wants to meet her and consequently, Fresca excused herself.

Addy waited for her outside the auditorium. Fresca tapped on his shoulders and waited for him to speak.

Addy:I just wanted to ask if yuo were going for the Awards Ceremony tomorrow? Has Raj told you about the fact that we wave emerged 2nd in the Mega Dance Carnival??

Fresca:Yeah he did. I'm very happy for my students. Well I'm not too sure if I'm going or not. Maybe I won't since I'm having a meeting with Jaggz.

Addy:Ohhh oh-kay..Thatz all I wanted to know..Erm by the way you danced very well with Raj.

Fresca:Thanks

Addy had just abruptly left from there. Fresca knew that Addy wanted to say something else but he left it bottled in his heart.

Fresca turned away and almost bumped into Aditi and Jay. Both of them hurried Fresca into her room and upon reaching, Fresca was even more surprised to see both Sameer and Maha in her room.

Fresca:Now what are your intentions in hijacking into my room just liek that??

Aditi:Ok.Close your eyes; come on di!!Close ur eyes!!! Now gently open your eyes.!!

Fresca was extremely shocked at the wonderful surprise she had been waiting for the past few weeks. It was Jay's and Aditi's engagement and wedding cards.

Aditi:I've really pestered Jay into making it on the 2nd November-that's a week to go. Both of us want you to be there at every moment of the special day. I know you've waited badly for this day, and I'm sorry that I delayed it for I am quite busy till November with my fashion designing workshop. But all's well for now.

Fresca:I'm so elated for both of you. Thank you for the wonderful gift.

Fresca wiped her tears from her eyes. Fresca excused herself and Aditi and talked to her privately. Fresca wanted Aditi and Jay especially and their spouses to take care of Halls of Fame after she departs from this world for ever and that Anjali, James, Raj and Naina to take care of Halls of Fame institute in Paris. She knows that she might be taking her decision too quickly but indeed it is time which is slipping out of her hands every second. Aditi hugged her sister and promised that she will never let Fresca down or regret about her decision.

It was the day of the Awards Ceremony at Dover Arts Institute. Fresca has decided 20 of her students and 10 of her choreographers since only 30 seats were reserved per institute that has participated in the Mega Dance Carnival. Fresca had organized an important meeting with Jaggz,perhaps on purpose of not meeting Addy.

Just half an hour before everyone got ready, Addy came into Fresca's room and locked her door.Fresca was appalled at Addy's behaviour.

Fresca:What do you think you are doing?

Addy: Why have you been neglecting me??Don't you try to deny it;I've been noticing you for the past two days

Fresca:What??You must be having an illusion. I'm not neglecting you; if I were, will I be talking to you right now?? Look, I've gotten to be having a lot of tasks and projects up, so I've had not much time to talk to anyone in particular.

Addy: Look, I know you are lying to me. Are you retaliating for how I responded after knowing of your illness?? I jerked for a long while but I just want you to know that I will never leave your side no matter what happens. I've felt as if my world has shattered but it took me quite some time to realize that time is flying by and we have to live it right and make the most out of it. And, my love for yuo never has faded after knowing everything and it never will. I do not know if you love me or not but no matter what, I'll always wait for you.

Fresca:You better get going since you're already late. We'll talk after the whole event; and please pass this video tape to Aditi.

Addy left with the rest and Fresca let out her tears. She has been suppressing her tears and preventing her love for Addy from overflowing. She has decided not to confess her love and decided to wilt and die from within. She has decided to keep very distant from Addy without himself realizing it. Fresca turned on the showers and drenched herself in the warm showers, attempting to let go of her love and crying her heart out.

Fresca rested for a while after taking her medication before going out with Jaggz. Fresca and Jaggz had decided to plan a Dance on Ice Concert to some countries. Both of them had been planning on the budget and types of props needed and they had started out by shopping for the essential outfits and skating tools for her students and choreographers, which she has planned to reveal to the rest on Jay's and Sameer's engagement party.

As Jaggz and Fresca was walking outside some shops, a medium-sized girl bumped into Fresca and dropped all of Fresca's shopping bags. She helped Fresca and apologized to her. She introduced herself as Candice and asked for directions to get to the Halls of Fame which further surprised Fresca. Indeed, Candice wanted to meet Adam and Fresca gave her a card to be shown to the security and if Adam was there, she could see him.

Both Fresca and Jaggz were tired so they headed to the adjacent Starbucks for some coffee.

Jaggz: You know the girl, Candice??

Fresca:No Jaggz. I have never met him but I've heard Addy talking about one friend of his named Candice. Well I do not know if she's the one.

Jaggz:She looked somewhat blur and unkempt though.

Fresca:We can call that a bad hair day.(laughs)

Jaggz:So we haven't really talked about anything except our work. Do you love anyone??

Fresca:Nah..

Jaggz:Not even Addy??

Fresca:Nope..not even Addy even though he loves me more than his own self..

Jaggz:Well now that my girlfriend's not with me, I found her in some sweet innocent souls I've met..My little friends!!

Fresca:Aww..you mean your students??

Jaggz:Yeah my students at my orphanage. They do all sorts of things be it silly, fun,mischief- with their one smile, they just capture the entire world and make them theirs. No one can stay alive in this planet without loving them even though they can go overboard with their mischief at times.

Fresca:Wow..that's reallie sweet Jaggz. I am truly happy for you. I wish I can come to your orphanage some day. I had intended to build an orphanage for those under-privileged children in the developing countries, but I just think it's just impossible at this point of time.

Jaggz:If you sincerely wish to do it, the entire universe together with God's miracles will surely help you. So, don't turn your back on it..You'll surely triumph!!!I sincerely urge you to do it..

Fresca:You don't understand. I don't have the tim...Erm..nothing...Itz liek I have a lot of things to do and I just don't have the opportunity to take out the time for them and it sure looks difficult.

Jaggz:Well I can be of help; but it looks liek there's something else which is troubling you.Well I do not know what it is but I just want to assure you that everything is gonna be alright and don't lose hope.

Fresca:Thanx Jaggz, it just feels so good talking to you. Oops I think we can do a bit more shopping and head back to the institute since it's already quite late.

Jaggz:Yea come let's go. Hhmm..the coffee's real good!!!

Both Fresca and jaggz went on chatting about their childhood days and adolescence years and shopped simultaneously and enjoyed knowing about each other till they didn't realize how late they were and they had practically ran home.

All her colleagues were waiting for them, especially Adam who was slowly turning green with envy but Fresca and Jaggz quickly went to put the props in the storage room before anyone came to know much about it.

Aditi and Jay went to talk to her about the entire ceremony and all her students were beaming with pride when they received such great honour from the Dean of the Dover Arts Institute.

The next day was a day to be remembered, indeed!!

Candice reached Halls of Fame in her search for Adam.Candice had been more than elated to see Addy after 8 long years. However, the similar happiness and joy wasn't really reflected on Adam's face. He had started to feel a little insecure about his first teen love,Candice, whom he hadn't really told Fresca. Adam introduced her to everyone else except Fresca and Jaggz who were having an important meeting. Soon, everyone left for Fresca's emergency meeting at the Hall.

Fresca announced about the Dance on Ice Concert which will being held for the first time in the history of Halls of Fame Institute. She further mentioned that all the students from the twelve different classes will be very much involved in the great event,be it the spotlight or even backstage as each and every effort put in will be essential in creating a perfect concert, and vowed that this concert will be unlike the last minute changes made to the Mega Dance Carnival. Everyone was equally excited as Fresca and had called on each individual to come and participate in the auditions, by Jaggz's supersized poster placed at the back of the Hall, for the next two weeks before the group of 50 students and choreographers leave for their holiday to Mauritius, as a gift for emerging 2nd in the Dance Carnival, via Fresca's and Jay's shared private jet.

Adam went to introduce Candice to Fresca and Jaggz, who were glancing at each other indifferently.

Adam went to introduce Candice to Fresca and Jaggz, who were glancing at each other indifferently.

Fresca:We've met, right Candice??

Candice:Yeah she gave me her card and that's how I managed to get to this place

Adam:Thx Fres. I just wanted to ask if she could stay here

Fresca:Excuse us Candice. Ok Addy, tell me is she a dancer??A choreographer??

Adam:Nope, just my friend..

Fresca:Ahh..in that case, I'm afraid that I can't permit her to stay here. I'm indeed sorry for this is a place for dance-related students or even choreographers to see if they wish to stay or not. Some of my students or choreographers don't even stay here at the hostel or the quarters, with the exception of the extra workload. She's your friend, she can come and go but she can't stay here. Thatz it!!

Adam:But..

Fresca:Sorry Addy, for that's the rule!!I'll talk to you later.

Candice:So Addy, can I stay?

Adam:Nope but you can come and visit frequently. That's the rule- no non-dance related individuals stay here.

Candice:Oh itz ok Addy(puts on a disappointed look).

Candice barged into Fresca's cabin which startled FResca, who was practically glaring at the unwelcomed guest.

Fresca:May I know exactly what's your intention in barging into my cabin just like that?

Candice:Nothing much. I need a favour from you, well I wish to enrol in a short dancing course, let's say for about 6 months.

Fresca:And why exactly?

Candice:Do I have to spell it out that I want to be with Addy?

Fresca called for Raj and Addy.

Fresca:Repeat what you said to me in front of them.

Candice:I said I am sorry for barging into your cabin and I pleaded before her for a short elementary dance course but look Addy, she didn't accept me. Guess she didn't like me at all. It's ok, Addy, I'll leave.

Fresca:Hey stop lying, you rude idiot!!What do you think of yourself?That you could just escape by lying like that and leave easily??

Adam slapped Fresca hard across her face.

Adam slapped Fresca hard across her face. Adam warned her not to mention a single word against Candice, who smirked and felt cool within upon seeing Fresca being humiliated by Addy. Raj was shocked to see this side of Addy and started to feel a little suspicious.

Raj:What the hell girl???What exactly happened??

Fresca told him everything that had happened and asked him to keep it a secret.

Raj and Jay caught up with Addy the next day for lunch, talking about Fresca and Candice. Addy revealed the fact that Candice was his first love in college, even before Fresca came into the college. However, Candice had transferred and left him within months from their first meet-up.Both Addy and Candice were very much in contact even after she had left even though Jhanvi didn't like it but then Fresca came into picture and he gradually forgot about his first teen love until she had come to Halls of Fame,last night. Raj and Jay quietly listened to Addy and his side of the story while Aditi and Maha listened to Candice's version which was pretty much distinct. Her love story started approximately around the time when Candice stopped receiving letters from Addy and from then she had decided to somehow meet Addy but she got caught up with her studies and graduation and now, she had stumbled upon Fresca to get to her destination-Addy.

Soon, the four of them-Raj,Jay,Aditi and Maha shared what they've gotten from Adam and Candice and managed to get the entire picture.All of them decided to tell Fresca about it but since it will be suspicious, Aditi took the responsibility of informing Fresca.

Fresca was surprised at Aditi's information and pretty much glad that she got to know this through Aditi. However, she didn't exactly understand why Adam had not told her about Candice. Aditi tried to lighten her mood and asked her about her plans. Fresca had much to say but she was in a hurry to meet Jaggz so she fixed a date with Aditi for dinner for the duo alone.

Fresca and Jaggz were heading towards St. Anne's School, Jaggz's orphanage created for orphaned kids, after the concert auditions for the day. Upon reaching there,Fresca was amazed at the homely atmosphere created and filled with the laughter and joy, one which Fresca has never really experienced in her childhood days. Fresca just couldn't keep her eyes off Jaggz who was sinking in the cuddles and hugs of his kids and their love being showered mutually. Soon, Fresca went away and inside St.Anne's school and explored the places with some of the kids.The kids were so chatty and loving and off they went to have some lunch while Fresca just lingered around when she saw a girl crying. Upon asking further, Fresca realized that she was missing her parents but she was also cursing her fate. This made Fresca more upset and she decided to make her smile.Fresca held her bottle of water to the little girl to drink and made her comfy while the little girl told her about her parents who had left her on the streets three years ago, at the age of 4. Fresca pacified her by wiping her tears and sat with her and chatted while Jaggz watched Fresca.

Fresca told the little girl that perhaps, her parents were forced to forsake her at that point of time. "Though I am not saying that what your parents did were right, but in such times we should learn to trust the fact that they must have been in a major difficulty and that's why they found it simply unaffordable to bring us along with them. Instead of cursing your fate, you should look on the brighter side of life where you've met your Mr Handsome Jaggz who held you in your arms with such care, love and affection in the disguise of God. You are far much luckier than many of the children who are right now suffering to even get a home of their own and education and proper living facilities. Never forget the fact that your parens still remember you or else, they had an option of just preventing you from entering this world. See, they cared for you but they must have thought carefully that there is someone else who will take great care of you, perhaps better than your parents. You are God's special and a dear child of God and God has all the time for you. And don't you even think that you are alone. I am here, your friends and especially your Mr Handsome will always be here!!!". Jaggz was just touched by Fresca's tears and realized the special Jaggz through Fresca's words.

Jaggz quickly wiped his tears and invited Fresca and the little girl for games and foodies. Fresca had a blast playing the creative games as well as classic games such as catching while blindfolded game and treasure hunt with the kids. Time just flew by with Jaggz and the kids. Before Fresca realized that it was too late, Fresca asked Jaggz to join her in a dance as requested by the kids. Fresca didn't realize that Jaggz was a fantastic dancer as per the Latin style of dancing. Soon,it was time to go and Jaggz had offered to walk her to her car. He got ready and was pulled down by a kid who asked him to give Fresca the flowers and ask her out on a date and Jaggz simply shoved him gently while he advanced towards Fresca.