Chapter 2

*FLASHBACK*

It was the first day of college for me and I had met Neha. We instantly jelled and became good friends. It wasn’t really as hard as I had thought it would be to make friends in this new place.

Neha concluded, “So now you know about Dazzlers and Weaklings,” to which I answered, “This is just plain silly! Everyone should have equal say. Talent isn’t based on your parents’ bank balance!”

A voice behind us said, “Oh really? Now a fresher will preach about talent?” It belonged to none other than Sharon.

I replied back, “Anyone ever teach you respect? Anyhow, this is just my opinion. I can voice it out.”

Neha whispered to me tugging at my elbow, “Quiet Kriya. This is Sharon.”

I replied in a normal voice, “So what? She’s famous for being rich? Then it doesn’t matter because it’s not her money. It’s her dad’s.

Sharon gaped. She pointed her index finger at me, “Hey freshie! Listen, don’t you talk about my dad. What are you so proud of huh?”

Kriya retorted, “Lots of things, but I don’t gloat about it or take it as my pride and ego, unlike some people.” I was taunting purposefully. From what Neha had told me about Sharon, it was evident I could not just go up to her and be friends. So, if I needed to get close to her, it might as well start with us being enemies. Whatever sails the boat, right? And she fell for it.

Sharon challenged, “Lots of things huh? Prove it. I challenge you to dance. Show me you’re better.” She stood hands across her chest with two other girls whom I assumed to be her friends on either side.

I replied with a stern look. “Are you sure, Princess? Wouldn’t want you to regret it later on.”

Sharon was confident she would win, “We’ll see who regrets.”

The face-off was set to be after college times in the auditorium. The word spread quickly all through-out college and the rest of the college day, it was all everyone could talk about. Ofcourse, no one had seen me dance, so majority of the college was on Sharon’s side. Some knew of her dancing while others supported for they wouldn’t dare go against Sharon. Only one-fourth of the population supported me for being bold and accepting Sharon’s challenge, though even they doubt if I’d win. Not that I was offended. I just knew this was going to be interesting.

Turning into the drive way and parking, I got out and carried the bags in. I shouted, “Sonia?”

A faint voice replied, “I am out here.” She was in the screened patio sitting on the chair. As I came in, she said, “Thinking about you only…”

I sat beside her and repeated, “Me?”

Sonia looked at me and said in a serious note, “Yea. You have changed a lot! I miss the old Kriya, her K-Effect, the charm, and everything.”

I walked out, pretending to be unaware, “Sonia, what are you talking about?” I entered the living room and sat on the couch pulling my legs up to escape from the cold carpet and grabbing the remote in the process and turning on the TV.

Sonia plopped on the couch as well and continued, “Do you even remember the old you? Because I surely do. You were so passionate, Kriya There was that glow on your face. Confidence to do something... to prove something to the world. You lived to dance and danced to live freely. Everything you did made me instantly become friends with you, apart from the fact that we were already cousins. Never mind our relationship but don’t you miss that Kriya?”

“Please. How many times do we have to go through this? There is no ‘old’ me and ‘new’ me. I still dance.” I replied feeling dejected. I did not want to remember those times.

Sonia raised her voice to make her point, “It is different! You run an academy. You teach. You don’t dance because you want to. You don’t dance for yourself like you used to. It isn’t for fun like it was before. Now, whenever you dance, it’s only to let all your emotions go. It’s only when you’re hurting and you can’t keep it all in anymore and you have to get it out.” She was purposefully stressing at so many words.

I started to get up to start on dinner, not wanting to have this conversation again, but clearly she had other plans. She was being persistent this time, “No. Sit! We will talk about this. You walk away all the time and I let you. It’s enough now. You need to realize what you’re doing! You’re one stubborn girl and the one who always does what she wants to. But for once, let go of it! Try and see! There’s always hope. Why are you still punishing yourself for what happened five years ago? Don’t you think that’s an awfully long time to hold back?”

I snapped, “Okay, what do you want?”

Sonia got confused. “Huh?”

I replied, “You always start lecturing me on this topic when you want something.”

Sonia got frustrated. “You realize that; you notice that, but not my point?”

I entered the kitchen, “Just come out with it, alright?”

“You want me to tell you?” Sonia followed. “Fine. This.” She held out the advertise pamphlet of ‘All Star Dance’ Competition. I turned around and saw it. My eyes went wide and gave Sonia a look. Before I could say a word, Sonia continued, “This is what I want. I want you to audition for it. Both of us know you love dancing. We also know that if you audition, then there’s no stopping you to becoming the winner. Not even he can. He probably knows it better than both of us. Please Kriya, listen to me once. Audition! You won’t regret it.”

It was time I accept it to someone other than myself, “I don’t want to see him, ever again.”

There was a momentarily silence before I had the courage to continue speaking, “I will audition for whatever else you want Sonia, but not this. Definitely not this.” I turned to leave but Sonia held my hand and made me sit down on the corner by the window. Putting her hand around my shoulder, she started in calmer voice than before.

“Kriya, I know why you are not doing this. Because of what happened. But, it’s what he did. He’s the one who should hide, not you. I know it will hurt. I understand you don’t want to see him, but the best way is to face him once and for all to get this over with. You can’t live your whole life with a broken heart. You can’t move on otherwise. You need to make yourself stronger. Aren’t you the one who told me once to face my fears? Apply the same thing to yourself. Just audition and leave rest up to God. You have a chance here! Not everyone gets that. Dance is the one and only thing that reaches up to you like nothing else. Let it touch you once again. I won’t force you to continue after if you decide you don’t want to continue. Just audition. That’s all I am asking for.”

I was listening and looking at her with calm posture and an understanding face. I knew Sonia only wanted the best for me. But… this was going to be hard. Very hard. I knew it was the right choice to give it one chance. As Sonia said, one last chance; if nothing more and nothing less. But seeing him? Even after five years, am I ready? I asked herself that and instantly knew the answer.

No. I was no ready to face him. The pain he had caused my heart was still unhealed. Agreeing to this would mean seeing him one more time. That was something I knew I was still not ready for.

Thinking about it brought tears in my eyes. I just let them flow this time. I knew I didn’t have to hide them from Sonia. I turned to face her and hugged her tight. I knew she would be with me at each step.

Still, I was uncertain. Wiping my tears after parting, Sonia whispered, “Shh… no need to hurt yourself anymore.”

All I did as a reply was nodded. I sniffed, “I... need time to think...please...?”

Sonia nodded with a comforting smile. “Thank you. That’s all I’m asking for. It’s high time to let your heart heal. You deserve better.” Just than the doorbell rang. Sonia looked up and then back at me. “Go to your room and rest. I’ll wake you up when Nathan gets here.”

I went up and leaned my head on the bed rest. I let myself dissolve in the memories of the past.

*FLASH-BACK*

Sharon and I turned around as the music started. We were on the stage in the auditorium. With tapping of feet and other dance steps, we went back and forth. The beats eventually came to an end and we stopped in the same pose. We looked at each other, breathing hard, surprised at the other person and somewhere happy to find the other balance who can challenge their dance passion.

As we came down the stairs, the crowd dispersed. Sharon brushed Rinni and Simmi away. All the while, a person was watching; a boy to be particular. Before I could catch a glimpse, he disappeared into the crowd. Sharon stood behind me. As I turned around, Sharon held out her hand as a gesture to shake hands. I looked at her with complete confusion all over my face. Sharon gave a smile which spooked me even more. Nevertheless, I shook hands with her.

Sharon spoke, “First impression, not so good. But you’ve surely impressed me now.”

“Umm, thank you?” I was still not sure if the words were honest or some sort of sarcasm.

Sharon laughed out. “Don’t be shocked. Not a lot of people get to see this side of me. So, friends?”

To which I replied with a scoff, “I don’t know if I should be happy by this or not…”

Sharon smiled again and said, “I’ll take that as a yes.” After a pause, she continued, “You know, you’ve got an amazing talent. And I’m not joking. Seriously speaking, just mind-blowing! There’s also this passion in your eyes that I got a glimpse on while you were dancing. I’ve only seen that in one other person’s eye. Rey. No one else!”

I chuckled, while in the back of her head, wondering who Rey was. “Not true! I’d say you have it too. Never met a person who has able to keep up with me till the end. Today, finally found one! This college sure has some talent!”

Sharon blushed at the compliment. “Hey! You are trying out for Footloose right? And dare you say no! I mean you have to!”

“For that I’ll need a team.” I replied as a matter of fact. “And, one team is already going from our school, yours. And as per rules, only one team.”

Sharon considered it. She cursed, “Dammit!  The LOC! How stupid of me! I was the one who created it in first place.”

 “Excuse me? LOC?”

Sharon explained, “Line of Control. You know Dazzlers, weaklings, group divide etc.” I let out an ‘Oh’ as I remember Neha mentioning that. Yea! I’m a weakling… If only you knew. Grr! I hate lying.

Sharon thought for a while and then smiled. “I have a plan. Come to rehearsal hall after school tomorrow and team will be waiting for you.” She then winked and left before I could utter a question. This is so not the Sharon I have heard about since I entered the premises. This isn’t the calm before the storm, is it? 

I shrugged and took off to go to home. As I was passing the fire exit, a hand pulled me inside. I let out a squeal due to the sudden pull, but the hand covered my mouth. I closed my eyes due to fear and struggled to free my hand. It only made it worse. All it did was make the person tighten his grip. I felt a face come closer and I remained still. I had no idea how close the person was. I only moved my face to the side as I heard a whisper, “I’ll leave you. But don’t scream.’ I nodded getting impatient to get free.

The hand moved and the grip slowly loosened. I slowly opened my eyes to look at the person in front of her. I saw those eyes and my heart beat increased. Why?

I spoke hoping my tone sounded mad, “How dare you? Who are you?”

He spoke with pride in his voice, “Rey. Reyansh Singhania.”

I had heard that name before. But where? Then I remembered. “Oh! Rey, the spoiled brat. Kid of rich parents! What do you want from me?”

He moved a step closer, if it were even possible and spoke in my ear huskily, “You shouldn’t believe every word you hear.” Having him close the distance between us, I tried the best I could to sink into the solid wall behind me. He then moved back with a smirk on his face, satisfied seeing my discomfort and continued, “I want to talk to you.”

I replied, “Well, I don’t!” I turned to leave, but he stopped me and pulling me back, trapped me by the wall.

A knock on the door woke me. I wasn’t sleeping to be exact but I did have my eyes closed as I relived the past. “Come in.”

Sonia came in. “There’s someone here to see you.”

See me?! Unless it’s one of my co-workers... but they don’t know where I live. And no one knows me here other than few people.

I nodded towards Sonia, “Right behind you.” Sonia left closing the door softly and I got up and went in the washroom to freshen up.

I came down and Sonia told me the person was waiting in the living room. “Yes?” I marked my presence known. The figure turned around and gave his dimpled smile. I gasped as I saw him. “You!” I ran to him as he welcomed me in his arms. He returned the hug with a tight one.

Karan. Our professor, dance teacher and guidance counselor. Yeah, don’t ask how one person can be all of that. It was only one of the many things that made people fall in love with him. His looks being at the very top of the list, ofcourse. He was one of the youngest teacher present at the college. We had grown close to each other. He was like an elder brother I didn’t have. Sad, I know. No one sane would consider him as a brother. But he was just that friend and brother to me once I started to get to know him. People might find it weird that a teacher was your friend, but he was just the youngest, closest to our age group, and never treated us like his students. It was hard not to think of him as a friend. I always went to him for help. I had learned to grow so much trust that I could go to him for help on any topic.

After letting go, I happily asked, “What are you doing here? And how’d you find me? How’d you know I live here?” I bombarded him with questions.

“Why? You aren’t happy to see me?” He asked with a smirk on his face.

I slapped his shoulder. “Of course I’m happy to see you.”

He gave a peck on my forehead and said, “Missed you.”

I held his hands that were on my temples and said, “Me too.” I closed my eyes and reopened after a second. “Come, sit.”

Sonia was watching all this, having no idea who the person was and why in the world he was kissing her forehead? “Ahem. I also live here you know!”

I chuckled at her reactions. “Sonia meet Karan. Karan, this is my friend and cousin, Sonia.”

Sonia looked at me when I said Karan. She asked with her eyes, “He is Karan?” I seemed to understand the question and nodded. Sonia walked up to him and both shook hands. She whispered to me, “You never told me he was this hot!”

I elbowed her and gave her a glare. Sonia whined, “You should have told me before! Gosh, you made him your brother. Now I have no other option but to make him my brother as well!”

I laughed along with Karan. “Should I tell Nathan about this?”

This time, Sonia gave me a glare and sat back in the couch knowing that Nathan would flip if he found out his girlfriend was gaping at someone other than him. Sonia then said after few seconds, “I’ll get some coffee for us. You both probably have lots to catch up.”

_________________________________________________

Arjun stated, “This is all I could find on her.” Instead of bunch of papers and information scattered on the table, there was just one paper full of information.

Vaibhavi gave a look that said ‘This is all?” He shrugged and she scanned the paper. She complained, “Arjun! This is not even half a page of information! You took all this time just for this much!”

Arjun defended himself saying, “Hey! It’s not my fault she keeps her life a closed journal! No one really knows her here. I guess she’s not just sociable. One thing that could be important. She went to St. Louis and that’s not it. Best is yet to come.” He then took out a photo copy from his jacket and handed it to her.

As he did that, she considered, “St. Louis! No wonder they accepted her there! Even Reyansh went there. They have one of the best programs in India for Fine Arts.”

Arjun said, “Yeah. Look at this.” She looked and gasped sucking breath inside.

“They both know each other!”

Arjun added, “Very closely.”

She gave him a confused look. “How do you know that? This is just a group of friends which includes them.”

He pointed out, “You missed the same thing I did the first time. See...” He pointed towards the middle. She looked. It was in between a couple in front of them and hardly noticeable.

“They are holding hands.”

She was again surprised now. “Oh!”

He completed for her, “Yea. They both are more than just friends. Or at least were.” The ‘were’ part was one thing that Vaibhavi actually understood. If they were still together, then she would surely know as over the last couple of months, both she and Rey had been going around the world auditioning. And both wouldn’t be living this far away if they were together. Still.

One thing bothered her. “Why is she not willing to come to auditions then? Even if it is just to meet Rey and not actually audition? If they were a couple once, you would meet them knowing they were in town, right? Rey isn’t the kind to have nasty break-ups. Or atleast he doesn’t look like the type – from the time I’ve known him.”

Arjun stated as a matter of fact. “Well, that’s what we have to find out then.”

She corrected him, “Nu-uh. Not we. That’s your job. I don’t pay you for nothing.”

_____________________________________________

Karan asked seriously, “What happened?”

I was quite for a few seconds. I knew he was asking about Reyansh and my relationship, if you could even call it that. “That’s a story for another time. How’d you find me?”

Karan chuckled, “It wasn’t hard, to tell the truth. You always kept on telling me how you loved this city and would love to live here.” I also laughed as she remembered the first time I had told him that.

Sonia came in with three cups of coffee. She sat down next to me after handing us the cups. An awkward silence followed. I cleared my throat.

“Um. So… I have decided to give it a try.”

Karan asked, “Give what a try?”

Sonia explained, “I asked her to audition for All Star Dance Competition.” She turned to me, “Final?”

I nodded not wanting to give another thought to it. If I kept on thinking, the more I would doubt and eventually back out. If I was going to do this, I was to just step in without thinking and get it over with. I have kept myself locked away for a long time now. Not anymore.

Karan spoke up. “Can I… talk to you? Alone?” We looked at Sonia.

She offered, “How about you both go upstairs? Besides, my favorite show is about to come on. So I’m not gonna miss it.” They flashed her a smile and nodded. Karan followed Kriya upstairs.

______________________________________________

INDIA

Swayam said, “Here” He handed Sharon her bottle. She took it without any expression and drank most of all of it and put it down half empty.

He sat down and asked, “Alright what’s up? What’s troubling you?”

Sharon looked at him to ask, “How do you know?”

Swayam smiled. “Sharon, for how long do I know you now? I think I would know when you are stressed. It’s your birthday, but you haven’t once complained how you should be out celebrating, not working. Besides, whenever you are in full on tension, you always drink a lot of water.” She was surprised he had noticed but she herself hadn’t. She looked at the bottle and he was right. More than half of it was empty.

Looking back at him, she answered, “Nothing. I’ve been calling Rey since morning. But he isn’t answering.”

Swayam replied with a calm tone. “No need to worry. He probably just hasn’t activated his roaming yet. Or he’s busy with auditions. And you know, there’s time difference too.”

Sharon was still wasn’t convinced. “Maybe…”

Swayam thought and then got up and pulled her up too. She said not in the mood, “What Swayam?”

He got down on his knees and extended his hands. She looked at him and forced the smile away. He asked, “May I?”

She pretended to be not interested but still placed her hand on his. He stood up and both stood in dancing posture. He put his hands on her waist and pulled her a little closer putting her hand on her waist. Both swayed side to side and twirled now and then. Sharon relaxed and started swaying to the tune Swayam was humming.

Both eventually started smiling and laughing and had a fun time dancing the same ball room dance step over and over again. They came close with each twirl and she put her head on his shoulder. They were almost hugging now.

Both were enjoying themselves and Swayam suddenly felt his shirt getting wet. He asked with concern, “Sharon?”

She didn’t reply but he heard a soft sniff. He pulled apart and made her face him. He got worried when he saw her cry. “Sharon, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He wiped her tears but the next trail soon followed.

Swayam, “Hey... Listen, Sharon... stop crying. Look at me... What happened?”

She looked up. Her tears blurred the vision. “Why? Why did she leave us? I miss her. Why!” She cried her heart out while he tried to comfort her.

“Sharon, I wish I could answer this. This was how it was meant to be I guess...”

She refused to accept that. “But she should know! I can’t stop but miss her. After all, she’s...” She trailed off.

“Here. Sit down and have some water.”

She shook her head. “No. Promise me something.” She continued after he nodded. “Promise me you’ll never leave me.”

He cupped her face in his hands. “You know I would never.”

“I know. I thought the same about Kriya. But, she did. Promise me?”

“Okay. Promise. Now please stop crying.”

“One... one more thing.”

“Anything.” He promised.

Sharon said with hesitation, “You’ll help me look for her? Help me bring her back. Wherever she is. No matter how much time it takes… Five years has been a long enough time for her to stay away.”

He was dumb-founded and in a dilemma. At one side, he had once promised Kriya that he won’t come look for her. And now, his life, his love, Sharon, was asking him to promise to help her find Kriya. 

What do I do! Keep my promise I made to Kriya or make this promise right now? I don’t want to break the promise I made long ago, but I can’t see her cry like this either. Why are promises hard to keep?

With a heavy heart, I told her. “Sharon…I’m sorry. I promised her…”

She was quiet for a second. “Then… then you’ll always be by my side? Always support me?”

He nodded cutely. “Always. It’s been a long day. Let’s get you home.” She nodded and got her bag.

____________________________________

 “Kriya, there is no doubt that you won’t get in the competition. You do know you’ll have to go to Mumbai after that, right? Meeting him, meeting all your friends?” Karan pointed out.

I nodded, thankful for his concern. “I know. But I’m not going to back out. Not this time. I’ll go if I have to. I need to do this for myself.”

 “Alright. As long as you know what you’re doing.” He looked around the room to find different frames. I was surprised he didn’t go in for any more lecturing and advising me against it and instead, agreed instantly.

____________________________________

I opened the application form and took a pen out to fill it. One of the questions asked was: “Are you a leader or a follower?” I wasn’t sure how that was relevant to the information needed for the auditions, but it reminded me of college time.

*FLASH BACK*

Sharon looked around her. I was hiding myself outside the room while Sharon broke the news, everyone started objecting and yelling at her. Only one person was silent other than Sharon. Reyansh. At the time, I didn’t know what he was thinking, but later on, he had told me he had been excited when he heard that Sharon decided to bring in me in the team. Her exact words were, “We’re having another dancer in our group.

All including Rey had burst out. “What?!!”

 “Yes. It’s Kriya.”

Rinni spoke with disgust in her tone, “That…that weakling!!?”

Samantha exclaimed, “Are you out of your mind Sharon? How can you forget your own rules?”

Nilesh objected as well, “Sharon, a weakling in dazzlers group? That’s NOT possible. Come on, stop joking. It isn’t April Fools today.”

Sharon tried to convince them, “Guys, I’m dead serious. She has talent and passion. Both of which I will not let it go unnoticed at any point. Ya sure, we started out on a bad note. But even you all have seen her dance at the face off just few hours ago. You guys know I always appreciate talent and if I have to break the LOC between us, then I won’t hesitate.”

That was when the group had broken out all talking all together. Sure, what Sharon said did leave them quite for a second. But that’s it. I guess they understood her perspective? Then again, they weren’t going to let go of their reputation of being royal asses that soon. As a result, a burst out.

Rey stood there watching them all go on and Sharon yelled, “Enough! I’m the caption of the team and Kriya will be in our team. That’s the last and final decision. No arguments anymore.”

Vicky reciprocated after a second, “No ways. Rey is the caption as well. So now we will go with what he decides.

Sharon gave a look to them that said ‘Are-we-seriously-having-this-voting-thing?’ They all gave a clear look of ‘You-don’t-think-we’ll-let-it-go-this-soon.-Do-you?’

Rey looked at them. So great, now my future is in his hands. In the moment, I found myself praying that he’d say yes. It was the only way I could get close to Sharon, my own sister. 

He told them, “I agree with Sharon.” His hands were in his pocket as he walked and stood beside Sharon. She smiled at his support and both looked at the rest who were now gaping at his reaction.

Relief. That’s all I felt, along with happiness. Knowing it to be my cue, I walked in with a nervous look and twining her fingers. The rest of the group gave me dagger looks while Sharon greeted with a smile and Rey just stood there. As I looked up at him, I remembered our little introduction in the fire exit. I shied and looked away. This didn’t go unnoticed by Rey and even Sharon gave a glimpse of it.

She said, “Kriya, meet the team. This is Nilesh, Vicky, Rinni, Samantha, and Rey. This is your team now. All of us.” Kriya gave a weak smile looking at all of them.

Rey spoke up, “Alright people. Let’s start.”

I said nervously, “Umm…how about I stand back and observe you all today?” Please say yes. Please!

Sharon thought for a second. “Nice idea. You’ll also get to know our style and all.” I went and sat on the pillar styled seat and watched as they started, stopped at times to perfect the steps, learn new ones while experimenting them and trying them on.

Rey announced, “From the top.” They all groaned. Even Sharon seemed tired and I was sure her feet were aching by now. They had been rehearsing for the last 4 and half hours to be approximate. To their happiness, he added, “Last time.” This gave them hope to get up. Hope to finally go home, hit the bed and call it a day.

I observed Sharon and Rey. They did it with such ease. Their chemistry just seemed to flow naturally. I was amazed at seeing it. There was a certain comfort level in their dancing that made them perfect partners for each other. As they started with single movements, Rey caught me looking at him through the mirror. We held each other’s gaze as the dance came to an end. Suddenly coming out of my glance as the music came to an end, I looked away, embarrassed.

To add it, he was in his black vest. The muscular shoulder couldn’t do unnoticed by anyone. That was for sure. I caught him smirking, probably glad that his charm works on everyone. Even me. He had told me later on that he had thought it wouldn’t, looking at her bold posture and personality. But look at fate. After all, I is a teenage girl and no matter how harsh I can be, we have a soft corner inside of us. That’s just the nature of women and men alike.

Sharon said, “That’s it for today then.” The rest of them shrugged happily and left still not happy to involve me in the team. She continued, “Rey, drop me home?” Rey looked at her. “Yea sure.” He got his bottle while Sharon turned to me.

“You’ll be going home right? Do you have a ride or want us to drop you?” I got scared for a second. Drop me home? No ways. They can’t know where I live. Think fast!  “No, that’s fine. I live nearby. I’ll go by myself. Besides, I have to get a few things from my locker. You both go ahead.”

Rey got suspicious for a second. And I realized why. I had already brought my books and bag here itself. What else would I need?!

As they came out, Rey continued. Sharon stopped and pulled him back. “What?” Rey asked at being pulled back.

“Look at what Kriya does now.” He was about to object but she pulled him behind the door and told him to be quiet. When I looked around, I was sure that no one was around. I hadn’t seen them stay back. I turned the player on and stood in front of the mirror. As the beats started, I started dancing to them. The beats got fast but I was able to keep up. As it ended, I just dropped down breathing hard and somewhat emotional.

As my mother always used to tell me, “Dancing always hurts you.” It was right. Even though it hurt me, I would always convince my mother to look at it from another perspective and look how much it made me happy, despite the pain.

Rey and Sharon looked at each other with confusion. She motioned him to go to her. He nodded and she left as her driver was already waiting for her. Inside, she had just made the excuse of having Rey drop her so they can sneak and see what I would do next.

He came in while Sharon left the college. Someone else was watching the dance as well and had left right before I dropped to the floor. The next day, the team had told me that they’d seen me dance when I thought no one was watching. Their confession was sort of to act as if they were calling it truce and willingly letting me into their team.

Rey went to her and pulled her up to her feet as I wiped my tears away seeing him. He asked, “What happened?”

I shook my head. “I need to go. It’s late.”

He stopped me by asking, “Are you a leader or a follower?”

I turned and looked at him with a confused look on and also as if he was crazy. “What?”

He walked up to me. He elaborated. “I mean you’re crying because the others do not want to accept you in the group, but if you’re a leader then make them change their decision. Don’t stand back and follow. You’ve got talent. You have to decide what you want from it. Are you afraid to lead?”

I said with certainty and letting go of the emotion, “I’m not afraid. I am a leader and I don’t need to prove it.” I turned and left with no other word. He smiled. He had done his part of the work.

____________________

Kriya brushed away the images and circled ‘leader’ and completed the rest of the application. Even if it has been years, that part of Reyansh had not changed. It was still important for him to know if a person was a leader or a follower. It made me get my hopes up, that maybe the person I will meet tomorrow will be the same person I first met years ago, not the one I had left. Then, I had to scold myself s I remembered it all. He didn’t deserve that I think of him. and it didn’t matter what kind of a person he was now. All that mattered were the last things he had said to me, and no matter what, he can’t take them back.

He had hurt me, accused me of cheating, and refused to listen to me or trust me. And the words he had used while he held the misunderstanding… I can’t even bear to repeat them. I had thought he’d know better than to believe anything anyone tells him after knowing me for four years. Well, he did prove me wrong. Now I knew not to give someone so much that you can’t have a piece of yourself back, because no matter how long you have known them for, it only takes a second or less for them to ruin it all and hurt you in a way you had never imagined it possible.

I wiped my tears away and cuddled in with my blanket. Sonia was rushing me to wake up and get ready. I whined, “Sonia calm down…the audition isn’t until after lunch. And I’ll only get ready after my morning jog.”

Then get up and do that. I have to go to college today to submit my paper. I’ll make it to the auditorium though.”

 “You better make it!”

Sonia yelled from the stairs. “I will.” I pulled the covers back to her face and after few minutes, she sprang up in bed being startled.

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A/N: Update schedule is posted on profile if anyone would like to check. 

PS: I know Rey isn't much seen here other than in FB's. He'll come in next update for sure. Unreplied comments will be replied to tomorrow. 

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Dedicated to lovely7010. I don't I need to say anything more than that I love you Maneet. Hope you know that :P

-Araina.