It was the time for the annual fest of rosewood high. I was too excited for my act untill I learnt I was paired opposite shivaay Singh oberoi.
This guy was a complete headache. He was an arrogant, rich guy who was busy flirting with the oh so hot girls of our college. We were in the same class but not once had we talked to each other.
I really don't know why did he think  so high of himself.
Well who cares. It's just an act and would be finished soon , I thought to keep myself calm.
"Hey dixit"
"Annika my name is Annika" I replied giving him a fake sweet smile. Oh god I hate him!!!
"Well since we are paired opposite each other for the dance I wanted to ask you do you really know how to dance ?"
"Excuse me mister ? I very well know how to dance and if you are done with your questions can we please start the practice?" I spoke giving him an angry look
" Calm down dixit"
After a gruelling practice session I decided to head off to my hostel so that I could rest a bit. The dance along with that idiot wasn't relaxing at all.
I picked my bag and was about to go when I heard his voice again.
"You are quite talented I must say" smirking ,he left from there.
Rolling my eyes I walked towards my hostel.
It had been a week to our practice and I must say we both were doing great.
Although today I wasn't feeling well but I had no other option.
"You seem quite off today dixit "
"No it's just a mild headache , I'll be fine"
We started the practice but while twirling I felt a sharp pain in my head and I lost my balance. He held me by my waist to support me and Led me to the corner of the room.
My head was pounding. Suddenly I felt his fingers massaging my forehead. I started feeling better gradually. His manly cologne was hitting my nostrils which suddenly made me aware of our proximity.
He was sitting right behind me while my hand was on his knee.
"You're fine Annika?" His voice was soft and laced with concern.
"Ummm yeah... yes" I merely whispered.
He offered me water to drink which I gulped in one go.
"Annika you could have told me that you were not well. We could have postponed the practice. "
For the first time I didn't find him annoying. Strange!
"Did you eat something?" He asked
"Just an apple"
His Expressions changed as if I had committed a sin.
He held my wrist and helped me to get up.
"You're having dinner with me today. I'm not taking a no as an answer"
I was too tired to refuse so I decided to go with him.
After the dinner he gave me a painkiller for my headache.
"Eat this and sleep well. Will meet you tomorrow"
A small smile appeared on my lips and I headed back to my room.
The next morning I was feeling a lot better. All thanks to shivaay.
After having a bath I decided to call him for the practice. The fest was just a week away.
"Thank you shivaay"
"For what dixit?"
"Umm for helping me yesterday. I feel a lot better now"
"You're welcome" he spoke giving me a goofy grin.
Jeez !!this guy is cute,told my heart. Stop it Annika ,my mind chided.
The practice for the day was done.
At night I decided to go for a stroll around the campus.
Wearing my pajamas and t shirt and leaving my hair open I went downstairs.
To my surprise I saw him jogging on the same track.
Well this guy was a fitness freak as well. Nice.
"Dixit, what are you doing here at this hour ?" He asked breaking the reverie of my thoughts
" Just came down for a walk. You jog at this time everyday ?"
"Yeah"
Soon we started chatting like long lost friends. No one would believe that we were mere dance partners who had never spoken to each other.
After around 2 hours we decided to go back.
"Dixit?"
"Yes?"
"Coffee tomorrow after practice ?"
"Umm okay sounds good"
Annika dixit was going on a date with shivaay Singh oberoi???? I had a blush on my cheeks for godknows what reason.
After the practice next day we went to a nearby cafe. We had become so comfortable after just that once Incident yesterday that we could have unending conversations.
We exchanged our numbers.
While on our way back to the hostel it had grown dark. Darkness was something which i wasn't really fond of , infact I hated it.
I was feeling uncomfortable but i continued listening to what shivaay was saying. I had started liking his Company.
Realizing that I wasn't actually paying attention to him. He held my hand
" Are you afraid of the dark ?"
I nodded sheepishly.
"It's okay, you don't need to be embarrassed Annika" he spoke giving me a smile.

Suddenly the lights went out and it was pitch dark. My fears were doing no good to me as well. I instantly hugged shivaay. He caressed my back while his other hand held me tightly.
"It's fine Annika. I'm there. Relax baby"
I was too scared to even realize the endearment he had used for me.
Fishing his phone from his pocket he switched on the flash light and took me to the hostel.
The lights were back. We were sitting on a bench and he was trying to lighten up my mood.
Goddd why is he being so sweet. I'm afraid that I might fall for him.
"Annika my friend is throwing a party tomorrow in the nearby club. Would you like to accompany me ?"
" Umm no shivaay thanks for the offer but what would I probably do there ?"
"You'll have fun dixit, trust me and you won't be left alone , I'll be there with you.now stop being such a drama queen yaar"
I chuckled listening to the last sentence.
"Okay fine I'll come with you"
"Yayyy you're the best" saying so he wrapped his hands around me giving me a hug.
My eyes widened at this sudden act and realizing what he had done. He withdrew his hands. The moment was awkward. He was rubbing the back of his neck which I found extremely cute.
Not being able to control it anymore I started laughing.
Shivaay was baffled on seeing me.
"Awww shivaay you're so cute "
He too joined me and soon we were laughing like maniacs .
As decided the next day we got ready for the party.
The moment I saw him my breath hitched. Darnnn such a sexy man
"Hey , let's go" shivaay spoke breaking my reverie.

-------------TO BE CONTINUED--------------