|IRA|
~Past~

I smiled and tilted my eyes toward the sky. It was a bright shiny day in Dehradun and I loved every bit of it. The warmth of the sun's rays touched my face I couldn't help but sigh contently.

It was indeed a beautiful day. I took a deep breath and rubbed my palms together. I sighed as the sun began rising, the orange and yellow hues were swirling in the sky giving it a beautiful mix of both colors. I smiled and closed my eyes again.

I was walking in the park that was close to Annie Aunty's house. Since all of us were staying there once in a while it was nice to have these alone walks and just ponder upon my thoughts.

I sat on one of the benches in the park and looked around. It was almost 7 am more people were starting to show up. Some of them were jogging, while some of them walked and some of them played with their kids. Since it was a weekend a few kids cycled by and giggled and chased each other. I smiled and waved my hands at them as they passed by me. They grinned widely and cycled away.

I leaned back and stuffed my hands in my jacket pockets it was a bit chilly. I made a mental checklist for all the things that I had to buy for Veer Bhai's birthday which is in another week or so, Tanny and I have been planning for weeks. If everything goes well then we should be able to at least break some barriers between Meera Di and Veer Bhai.

I  am annoyed with them, those two can be so frustrating. They have been together since they were kids, I don't know the exact details but something happened between them a few years back and ever since then, they have been hostile with each other. I hope they soon realize their feelings for each other and sort everything out.

I sat there for a few more minutes. My mind went back to the time when Meera Di had introduced her friend Kabir a few weeks back. When my dad announced that they were dating I felt kind of dejected but turns out they were just good friends. I had never been this drawn to any man before. I frowned when his face flashed in my mind again. I don't want to think about him.

Relationships were something that I had never experienced before, honestly dance and music took up most of my time. Some boys had asked me out but I was never interested. For the first time, I was intrigued by someone and that was Kabir. I wanted to know more about him, I wanted to talk to him. That's crazy because I only met him once and had barely had a conversation with him. During our awkward introduction, he looked kind of shocked to see me. 

I shook my head trying to clear my thoughts. Maybe I'm overthinking this, maybe he was startled because my Dad assumed and announced that Meera Di and he must be dating. I'm done thinking about this for now. Whenever I think about this my thoughts go haywire leaving me in a very confused and messy state. I clicked my tongue and stood up.

I decided to take another lap around the park and then walk back home. I began walking and for now, my thoughts about Kabir were pushed aside. I put on my earphones, and played a classical song, as I continued walking. I hummed and moved my hands slightly recalling the steps for this particular song.

I paused for a second and frowned when I couldn't remember a particular step. What was it, I played that part again and tapped my foot. I closed my eyes and finally, the images of those steps floated in my mind. I grinned and started walking again. I loved this part of dancing the most. The moment when everything around me disappears and the only thing that exists is the music, steps, the rhythm, and me.

I was completely lost in my thoughts I didn't notice anything or anyone around me. I didn't realize that my shoelaces were not tied properly, they were open, I yelped when I stepped on the open laces and was about to fall. Suddenly I felt a strong grip on my shoulders preventing me from falling. 

My heart raced as I glanced up to find Kabir looking at me with an amused expression on his face. I cleared my throat, regaining my balance I moved back slightly. Shivers ran down my body. Kabir's hands fell on his sides. I pulled out the earphones from my ears and stuffed it in my pocket.

"Umm thank you," I muttered and walked past him quickly. But I heard footsteps, Kabir was already catching up to me. I'm nervous, I don't think I have been this nervous even before my performances. What is happening? It was as if I summoned him directly from my thoughts.

"Ira, hold up." I halted in my steps when he called my name. He jogged and stood in front of me. I sucked in a breath as I took his appearance properly for the first time. He was wearing a casual shirt and his jogging shorts. His forehead glistened with sweat which made him look more appealing. Oh no! My thoughts are again haywire. Great just great!

"What were you doing just now? Were you dancing? You seemed so lost in your own little world." I let out a laugh and fiddled with my fingers.

"I was just recalling a few steps to a song." Kabir smiled and nodded.

"Are you a dancer?" He asked.

"Yep, dance and music is pretty much all I think about. It makes me feel alive." I took a deep breath as I remembered the euphoric feeling that dancing gave me.

Kabir chuckled, I cleared my throat as heat spread across my cheeks. "That's great, I would love to see you dance one day. It seems like you're amazing at it."

I chuckled lightly and began walking. He followed my queue and walked beside me. I shrugged my shoulders and titled my head.

"I'm decent at it. Not that great. Of course, some people are much better at it but I guess I can make it work. There's still scope for improvement you know." I muttered and tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Hey, I think you are amazing. Add one more fan to your already list of fans. Competition is everywhere what's important is that you enjoy doing what you're doing." I smiled and couldn't help but blush.

"Thank you, Kabir," I muttered and fiddled with my hands again. He's sweet and also makes me more nervous with every passing moment. My heart hasn't stopped racing since he helped me from falling.

We walked silently for a few more minutes, the exit was just a few steps away now but I passed by it and continued walking with him.

"Do you come for a walk here every day?" Kabir asked and kicked a stone.

"No not really. I just want to clear my head today so I came out for a walk. I sometimes come in the evenings." Kabir smiled and hummed.

Comfortable silence surrounded us. Although I felt nervous I was at ease. "Hey, I wanted to ask you something," I said hesitantly. Kabir smiled and nodded.

"Sure ask away Ira." He said.

"What made you want to be an Air Force officer?" Kabir glanced up at the sky and a serene smile spread across his face. I couldn't help but smile at him.

I turned the other way when he caught me looking at him. "I was fascinated with planes ever since I was a kid. I loved how a machine could take off and poof you are in the air in between clouds. The scene from there is marvelous Ira. While taking off I feel exhilarated once I'm in the air I feel peaceful. It feels like home. Just like how dance brings a smile on your face flying does the same to me."

I grinned and nodded. He spoke with such fervor about it, that his face glowed. He continued talking, "I always wanted to do something for my country. My grandfather was an army officer. He always spoke about all the things he did, and how he fought in the war and his valor truly inspired me. So I thought I'd combine my love for my country and planes. Thus I chose to become an Airforce Officer."

I smiled, he spoke so passionately about our country. It reminds me of my father and my uncles. Who have all served our country. It's truly commendable how passionate they are and determined they are, ready to stand at the front to protect our country at any cost.

"That's amazing," I whispered. Kabir chuckled and nodded. I glanced at my phone to see that it was almost 7:45 a.m. I had to leave. I have to make a few arrangements for the birthday party and also attend my dance class.

"It was nice meeting you, Kabir. I'll see you around. I need to go now." I stopped and pointed my thumb at the gate. He frowned but immediately covered it up. Does he want to talk more? I blushed at the possibility.

He stepped closer and brushed his thumb across my cheek. "Why are you so red? Are you feeling hot?" I sucked in a breath and mumbled no.

"I'm fine it's umm just that umm I walked for a longer time right that's why I'm feeling a bit hot. Okay, Kabir bye. Have a nice jog." I blabbered quickly and moved back.

Kabir chuckled and shook his head. I glared at him slightly, he knew that I was blushing because of him. I was going to turn back when he held my hand. I glanced at him. "Ira you are beautiful. Have a good week. I hope to run into you more often. Just don't let your Meera Di know about it."

I chuckled when he shuddered. "The big bad Air Force officer is scared of Meera Di?" He scowled at me but laughed.

"Kind of. Nevermind. Forget I said that. Bye, Ira. See you soon." He let go of my hand.

"Bye Kabir." I laughed and walked away. My heart was fluttering. Kabir is different. I wonder how it would be to meet him again. 

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A/N: I had fun writing this short but sweet conversation between them. I don't really know if this counts as a meet-cute 😂 but hey I tried.

I swear this story is challenging me in every way but I'm not going to give up I'll give you guys the best chapters.

Do tell me what you think about Kabir and Ira so far.

If you liked this chapter then go na go and push that star button at the bottom of the chapter and do let me know what you think😂 lol thought I would try something else other than my hope you liked this chapter blah blah.

Oh oh, also the new story is going to come out soon so stay tuned for that as well. Ahhh I'm so excited for this new series.

Anyway, have a nice day and week folks!