|IRA|
~Present~

The party came to an end. I successfully managed to avoid Kabir for the rest of the evening. "Ira! Varun and I are going out." Nidhi whispered excitedly and squealed. I chuckled and threw a few paper cups into the dustbin. The party was coming to an end. Meera Di and Veer Bhai were bidding the guests goodbye. They had insisted that I not clean, but I wanted to help and took it upon myself to clear a few things.

"That was fast." I wiggled my brows while Nidhi's cheeks turned bright red and she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"Well don't run your head in the wrong direction. We are going out as friends. He said that he wanted to show me this place where he wants to shoot his next dance video and he wants my opinion on it." She ranted while I chuckled again.

"Have fun but not too much fun!" I muttered and winked at her. She hit my shoulder and helped me dispose of a few more things that were scattered around the living room.

"Nidhi, I won't be coming to the flat today. I'm going to spend the weekend with my parents." Nidhi smiled and nodded.

"Okay, Ira. Please go carefully and do text me when you reach home." I smiled and hugged her.

I smirked and decided to tease her a bit more. I grabbed my bag from the chair, pulled out a box of mints, and threw it in her direction. She caught it swiftly and frowned at me. "You know just in case you decide to kiss him." Nidhi's eyes widened and she chased me for a couple of minutes around the kitchen.

Tanya and Andy laughed at us. "Okay stop stop! Truce!" I announced and leaned against the counter. Nidhi glared at me she stopped chasing me and halted next to me. She pinched me while I slapped her hand away. I sipped some water and checked my phone when it pinged inside my pocket. It was already 9 pm. Mumma had texted me to come home fast as she wanted to squish me in a hug. I chuckled and sent her a quick reply that I'll be there soon.

Nidhi whistled, I raised my head and furrowed my brows. She tilted her head towards the living room and laughed. Varun was talking to Tanya and Andy while Kabir stood a few feet away while he glared at Varun. It almost felt like he was slowly killing Varun with his stare.

I groaned and shook my head. "I may or may not have said something crazy to Kabir." I fiddled with my fingers nervously and glanced at Nidhi who was curiously looking at me and waiting for me to reveal what I had said.

"I told him that Varun and I are dating!" I exclaimed quickly and buried my face in my palms.

"What?!?" Nidhi screeched loudly. I asked her to lower her voice. Then she went on to laugh loudly while I shoved her.

"Oh god! No wonder he looks like he's going to murder that poor man! What have you done Iru?" Nidhi asked between laughs. I rolled my eyes and scowled at her.

"Seriously why would you say that? I have seen how much you have prayed for Kabir and how you longed to have him back in your life. Why lie now that he is here?" Nidhi asked and waited for me to answer.

"I'm so angry with him Nidhi! I want him to have a taste of his own medicine. Besides he was the one who said that I should move on so I'm showing him exactly that, I'll tell him eventually. Until then let him endure this punishment." Nidhi chuckled and hugged me.

"Okay, Iru! I understand but don't drag it out further as it might end up hurting the two of you." I patted her arm and nodded.

"Also don't mind that I used Varun as my fake boyfriend." Nidhi chuckled and shook her head.

"Hello, I would have given you this idea if you hadn't thought about it before. I'm all for supporting this plan!" I chuckled and nodded.

"Okay, I'll leave now and call Varun outside. Bye! Go home safely." I smiled and hugged her again. I noticed that Varun left after a few minutes of Nidhi's exit.

Tanya and Andy helped me clear the rest of the things Kabir joined us. I ignored him, he smiled at me again but I grabbed the garbage bag rather harshly and passed by him to dump it in the trash can that was outside. Meanwhile, Meera Di and Veer Bhai went to check on the kids to make sure they were tucked well in their beds. 

Once everything was done Meera Di thanked me and asked me if she could drop me but I asked her not to worry as I had already booked a cab. Tanya left along with Andy and Kabir was nowhere to be seen so I assumed he had already left. I tied my hair in a bun and wrapped the jacket around me a bit tighter.

I checked my phone to see where the cab was but unfortunately, he had cancelled the ride. I let out a frustrated breath and kicked a stone. I quickly booked another one but no one was accepting my request. I tapped my feet and waited, a few fleeting minutes passed and still no one had accepted my request.

Maybe I should call Papa and ask him to pick me up but why disturb him unnecessarily? I decided to wait for a few more minutes. I leaned against the wall and sighed. I looked up when I heard the sound of a bike I drew in a breath as Kabir brought his bike to a stop in front of me.

He pulled away his helmet and looked at me with a blank expression. "Ira, what are you still doing here?" I cleared my throat and controlled my emotions from showing up on my face.

"Waiting for my cab to arrive," I said waving my phone in the air. He frowned and glanced at the sky. Cold wind blew sending an involuntary shiver down my body. It looked like it was going to rain anytime. 

"Where's your boyfriend? Isn't it basic manners to make sure that your girlfriend has a decent ride?" My heart raced at his angry tone.

"He had some work so he had to leave urgently. Besides he does drop me every time but he couldn't today which isn't a big deal at all. I can manage just fine. Bye, Kabir!" I ranted and went back to scrolling on my phone.

I patiently waited for Kabir to leave but I guess the stars weren't in my favour today. "Ira, come on I'll drop you. Get on the bike." No, I can't go with him, I can't spend even a minute more. I won't be able to maintain this facade.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and shook my head. "No thank you, Kabir! Look I got a cab. It'll be here in a few minutes. Don't worry about me. Go home!" I said and went back to stare at my phone. I cursed under my breath when another driver canceled the ride. Why is this happening today?

"Ira, by the look on your face I'm guessing that this guy canceled the ride too. Just get on the bike Ira. I'll drop you!" Kabir said and let out a frustrated breath.

I was about to protest when he interrupted me. "It's going to rain and I'm not willing to let you fall sick. You can be mad at me throughout the ride as well. Come on!" He commanded leaving no room for any further arguments.

I stared at my phone one more time. No one was accepting my request. I tossed the phone inside my bag and walked towards Kabir. He was grinning I wanted to scratch his face.

My fingers tingled as I held his shoulders and mounted the bike. I immediately removed my hands and gripped the handle behind me. Kabir put on his helmet and started the bike.

I yelped and held his shoulder as he increased the speed. "Can't you go a bit slow?" I yelled as the wind hit my face. I could hear Kabir laugh. He's doing this on purpose. Asshole. I pulled my hand away and moved slightly back gripping the handle tightly in my hands.

A speed breaker appeared on the road once again causing me to lurch forward. "Ira! Enough of this! Just hold on tightly. I'm not going to eat you up." Kabir huffed, his voice was slightly muffled because of the helmet but I could make out what he said.

The ride seemed to drag. I squinted my eyes as he took a left turn instead of a right one. I gasped softly and involuntarily pinched his back. Kabir jerked and cursed. He's making the ride longer than necessary! Such a sneak! "A sexy sneak." My subconscious mind chided at me. I groaned and shook my head.

"Why are you taking the longer route?" I leaned forward and shouted.

"There's some construction on that road." I frowned but let it go. A few more minutes later he stopped the bike near my house. I quickly got down and dusted my dress. Kabir removed his helmet.

"Bye Kabir! Thank you for the ride!" I said quickly and sprinted towards the gate. The clouds rumbled, and a gust of air blew again. My heart skipped a beat as I felt his piercing gaze on me. Why isn't he leaving?

I resolved to disregard his presence and proceeded to open the gate. However, my steps came to a sudden halt as I felt the subtle graze of his chest against my back. "Ira." He whispered his lips almost touching my ear, sending shivers down my body. I tightened my grip on the gate and reminded myself to be strong.

"W-what are you doing Kabir?" I stuttered and stepped to the side to look at him. He smiled softly and traced his thumb against my cheek. I let out a breath. Sadness flashed in his onyx eyes. I wanted to give him a tight hug but I fisted my plam and controlled myself.

He took a deep breath and stepped back. "I'm not giving up!" He said with conviction, his eyes gleamed with determination.

"What? What do you mean?" I asked trying to control the tremble in my voice.

"I meant what I said, Miss Dancer. I'm not giving up on you." Oh, how I missed that endearment. I smiled slightly but shook my head and glared when I found him smirking at me.

"I have a boyfriend Kabir!" I exclaimed. Kabir rolled his eyes and mounted the bike.

"We'll see about that!" He winked at me, wore his helmet, and zoomed away before I could reply. I let out a chuckle and pushed the gate open. I couldn't help but feel happy. Kabir was jealous and he wanted to fight for me. I was tempted to drop the pretense, yet the desire to tease him a bit longer held me back.

I spent the rest of the weekend with my parents. Mumma stuffed me with food while Papa didn't leave me alone even for a single moment. Nidhi told me about her outing with Varun. I was happy that they had a good time. The two of them began working together on a choreography. 

***

It was already Monday and one of the busiest days that I have had in a while. The academy conducted an annual function every six months where the kids got to showcase their talent.

Sakshi another dance instructor at the academy taught Kathak and sometimes taught the western dance classes. She and I have been brainstorming theme ideas for the upcoming program.

"Hmm, what about The Dance Revolution? Where we show how dance has evolved." It wasn't a bad idea but it was kind of a common theme and the academy had previously done something like that. I made a face and shook my head, I  scrolled through my laptop. 

"Okay fine! Yeah, it's a bit boring I agree!" Sakshi folded her arms around her legs and stared at the wall.

"How about we do something related to Winter?" This idea piqued my interest. I closed my eyes and imagined the stage being decorated with snowflakes hanging and blue colors all around. Maybe we can even throw in some snow spray during the performances.

I opened my eyes to find Sakshi grinning widely. "This is a splendid idea!" We squealed together and started working on a presentation that we had to show to the head of the Academy Mrs. Krupa Shah. Once she approves things will set into motion. This was my first annual function with the academy.

Shakshi and I were in deep discussion when Katie the receptionist interrupted us. "Ira, there's a new student who wants to enroll in your Bharatnatyam classes."

"Go on! I look for a few more things we can add to our presentation and ask Varun for his opinion as well." I smiled and nodded.

"Just a heads up! The father of the girl is super hot and he brought a friend who I think is single! Ira, he's hotter." I chuckled and descended the stairs.

"Did you ask him out?" I asked Katie who shook her head.

"Nope! Not interested in that for now. Too much drama. I just came out of a relationship, I would like to enjoy this newfound freedom for a few more days please." We laughed and within a minute we were near the reception.

"Look, Papa! I want to join dance classes because Ira Ma'am teaches so well! I love her reels!" I smiled when I saw an excited girl scream and run towards me. She hugged me and I patted her back.

"Diya!" I believe it was her father who chuckled and pulled her back.

"Hello, I'm Nithin, Diya's father." I smiled and greeted him formally with a handshake.

"Where's Uncle Papa?" Diya asked and looked around.

"He went to attend a call he'll be here in a minute." He replied and patted the little girl's head.

"So Miss Diya are you excited to learn how to dance?" I leaned forward and tapped her nose. Diya giggled and held my hand. 

"Yes Miss Ira! I want to twirl and do all the movements like you do in your reels!" I chuckled at her excitement and held her hand. I explained in detail to Mr. Nithin and Diya about our academy, goals, and the about batch timings. 

"Sir, you can either enroll her for the weekday batch which is held for three days a week, or the weekend one." I passed a pamphlet to them and began writing down some details. I smiled when I saw Diya leaning against the glass wall and clapping her hands excitedly. Currently, Varun is taking the Zumba classes. 

I sucked in a breath when I heard a familiar voice. No! It can't be him! What is he doing here? Diya ran past me and I turned to find Kabir kneeling to hug her. "Look Kabir Uncle I found Miss Ira just like you said I would find her here!" Kabir chuckled, ruffled her hair, and stood up. I tightened the grip on my pen and let out a breath. 

"So, this was your Kabir Uncle's idea! Interesting." Nithin Sir said with a laugh. 

"She is the best Diya, you will have a lot of fun in her classes!" Kabir said proudly without taking his eyes away from me. I looked into his onyx eyes which were shining with pride. 

I snapped out of my reverie when someone cleared their throat. "I would like an admission form," Nithin Sir said and smirked at Kabir who was now scratching the back of his neck.

"Sure Sir!" I said and grabbed one of the forms from the file. I passed it to him along with a pen. Diya bounced beside her father as he filled out the form. Meanwhile, I turned to the other side and pretended to read a file. 

"I must say even I am a fan of your reels Miss Dancer." I felt his warm presence behind me. I shut the file and held it against my chest. 

"Kabir for the hundredth time, I have a boyfriend," I stated and smirked slightly. I can only imagine how much this must be pissing him off. 

"Ira for the hundredth time I don't care! I am not going down without a fight." I vaguely felt his lips graze against my ear. Thankfully Katie had gone for a tea break while Nithin Sir and Diya were busy filling the form. 

I tilted my head slightly and glanced at him. Kabir lifted his hand to touch my cheek but moved it away when Diya came running towards us and waved the form in her hand announcing done. I laughed and grabbed the form from her. 

I finished the rest of the formalities and added Diya's name to the attendance list as well. Her father made the payment completing her admission. "Diya your first class starts on Wednesday!"I exclaimed. Diya let out a squeal and hugged me. Nithin Sir thanked me and left the place with Diya. I guess luck was not on my side today because Kabir said that he would join them in a couple of minutes.

I decided to ignore his presence. Thankfully Varun called me at the right time. I joined him and danced to a short song. The students danced and hooted simultaneously. I discreetly looked to the side to find Kabir looking at me but this time with a frown on his face. The class was dismissed and Varun left to take a short break and freshen up. I sighed when I did not find Kabir he might have left. I laughed when I recalled her frustrated face. Wish I could tease him and pull his cheeks. Soon after I punish him for a few more days. 

My phone pinged. I grabbed it from my pocket. My heart leaped, it was a text from Kabir. 

"I will be the one dropping and picking up Diya for the foreseeable future. Just letting you know how serious I am about this Miss Dancer. P.S. Your smiles and dances always make my day brighter."

I could not help but smile as my heart melted. Why must he be so persistent and caring? I was still not satisfied, I giggled as I thought of more ways to test Kabir. Mister Officer, you are not getting away that easily. 

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A/N: I love the way Ira is teasing Kabir! So how do you think Kabir will react if he finds out that Ira lied?

I love how Kabir isn't giving up on Ira! Who wants more of their cute banter?

Hope you liked this chapter! If you did please do vote and comment! I would love to know what you guys think!

P.s. You guys we are so close to becoming a family of 800🥺 please do follow me if you don't!!!! It would mean the world to me!