[Kriya's POV]

Rehearsals:

Vaibhavi and Rey called for everyone's attention after they were done discussing. Vaibhavi announced. "So, we've decided. Since there are twenty of you, we will pair you up with someone, ending in 10 performances in total. You will have to give a duet performance while also competing with your partner. From each duet, one will continue and the other would have to, unfortunately, say good bye."

Everyone listened attentively. At the end of it, the atmosphere was pin drop silent. They were all starting to make friends and honestly, who would like to compete against friends? That was, sadly, the ugly truth of competitions. Every barrier had to be broken to achieve the goal. Not only that, it was a bit of a shock that at one time itself ten of us will be eliminated.

Rey continued, "Based on what we have seen, we've made the pairs. Some are girl-boy, some both girls and some both boys. The performance will be around 3 to 4 minutes each. Both of us will choreograph each couple along with our team. The rehearsing schedule will be posted at the end of the day today. For now, listen up for your pairs."

"First ten are Sanjana and John, Ellen and James; Hazel and Ana; Kat and Tiffany; Christian and Kriya." Vaibhavi called out. Hearing Christian and my together, we got worried. This was what we wanted to avoid. I didn't want to compete against either of the two. But what was, is inevitable now.

"Saina and Diana, Dale and Zaine, Bailey and Isha, Pearl and Malvin, Rahul and Pooja are the rest. Now, whether you get along with your partners or not is up to you. There will be no changes. It is what it is. All clear?"

We mumbled a 'Yes' before Rey and Vaibhavi left. I looked at Rey but he didn't see me looked at him.

Christian asked, "So this is it?"

Kat and I didn't know what to reply on. "Can't there be exceptions?" I asked out loud.

Kat sighed. "I doubt. They did make it very clear. It's either you or him now. How I wish..."

"Same here. I don't want it to happen like this. There has to be a way out." I replied with. Suddenly, I stood up. "I have to go. I'll see you both tonight."

I rushed out to spot Rey. First, I went to the parking lot to make sure he was still in the building. Seeing his car, I sighed in relief. I fished for my phone in my bag and texted Rey asking about his whereabouts.

He replied back almost instantly, "With Vaibhavi. Is everything alright?"

I sighed. I was going to tell him, but then stopped deciding it wasn't fair to take our relationship to advantage. That was the sort of thing I had wanted to avoid since the beginning as it was. Putting a stone to my heart, I replied. "No... carry on. See you later."

***

When I got home, Sharon announced, "Rey and Swayam have planned a dinner. Since the both of you can't be seen out together, we're gonna have to make do with home food. They'll be here around 7:30."

"What?! But I invited Christian, Kat and Tara over! They wanted to see where I live so..." I freaked out.

"Oh crap!" Sharon said out loud. "Now?"

"If I tell them to come some other time, they'll kill me. I've already been delaying enough." I informed.

Sharon continued, "And if I say no to the boys... well then... let's just say they'd be heart broken. I can't see them sad."

"Them or him, huh?" I teased, jumping at the opportunity. "So... tell me! How serious is it, hmm?" I nudged her.

Sharon fully blushed. I gaped, because that like never happened! To hide it, she turned her back to me. "Oh please, it's nothing like that. It doesn't seem nice to tell them 'no'."

I laughed. "Nice? Sharon, my dear, since when do you care if it's nice or mean?" Sharon gave me a deep glare. I finally gave in. "Alright, fine. I won't tease you. We can't say no to any of them. So what now?"

"They're your friends right?" Sharon asked.

"Yea..." I replied, not sure what Sharon was getting at.

"And you trust them?"

"Yes..."

"Then why not just let them in on the secret as well?"

"Are you kidding? No ways! It has to remain a secret. At least till the competition is all finished."

"There's no other way out..." Sharon was gloomy and so was I.

***

The three of them came before the boys. I welcomed them in. We chatted for a while and then I gave them a brief tour of the house. Like everyone, they were left mouth-open as well seeing the vast house. It wasn't a new reaction for me to accept. I simple had to shake my head at the reaction.

Then the doorbell rang. Sharon yelled, "I'll get it," from downstairs.

The three of them looked at me. I explained, "My sister kinda invited her friends too. If I knew before, I wouldn't have called you guys today."

Tara comforted, "Oh please, don't be silly. It'll be fun. A big group."

I mumbled heavily, "Yea..." wondering what would happen next. Apparently, the four of us had decided on the story that Swayam and Rey were friends and coincidently, I was taking part in a competition judged by Rey.

I, along with the other three, started on our way downstairs. As we entered the living room, Rey and Swayam's back were faced towards us. Coming in front of them, I watched the expression of the three change to shock.

Sharon said, "Guys, you obviously know Rey. And this is Swayam... My boyfriend." She added the last bit with a bit hesitancy and a slight blush. She never had to introduce Swayam before. They were always around our own team where everyone already knew each other and their story. Sharon further explained, "I know Rey since school days. We were just gonna catch up."

Kat quickly recovered. "Oh no problem. It's just a bit weird seeing Reyansh sir outside of rehearsals and all, you know?"

Rey quickly said, "Please, call me Rey. No need to be so formal."

Kat gave a feeble smile. And thus began the most awkward night ever.

I suddenly came out of the conversation with Kat when I heard utensils clashing. I looked around to not see Sharon anywhere. I looked over at Rey and Swayam who seemed to be just waiting for me to notice. They shrugged their shoulders and I gave them a hard glare. "Guys are useless!!" I commented, mad at them. "You know the mess she creates. Swayam, couldn't you stop her?"

Swayam replied defensing himself. "Hey, she's your sister after all." Rey chuckled. I gave a look of 'I'll-deal-with-you-later' and rushed into the kitchen.

Kat, Christian and Tara was completely confused. I heard Swayam explaining, "Kitchen plus Sharon equals a huge mess. Always ends with Kriya having to clean everything up."

The three made an 'oh' face as they understood the situation. They must have heard me yelling at Sharon and minutes later, she walked out with a grumpy face and a pout on her face. I watched from the kitchen as Swayam got lost in her. He sat, face in his palms and gazed as she plumped down on the couch, next to Kat, where I previously sat. "I'm her elder sister! How can she yell at me?!"

Rey pointed out, "By a couple of minutes."

"Oh you shut up, Kriya ke chamche. If you're so worried about her, go. Go after her. Why are you still sitting here, huh?" Rey stared at Sharon. My heart almost stopped because an angry Sharon ends up spilling all the secrets at time, and I so could not have that happen right now. Huge secrets were at rick.

Sharon calmed down a little, allowing me to relax as well. "Sorry." She mumbled. She turned to the real guests. "I'm so sorry. You must be thinking we're..."

"Crazy? It's actually fun!" Tara commented. And thus, the moment was turned light.

***

I called them all over for dinner. Everyone took their spots and by the time I came back from the kitchen with fruit salad, there was only one empty space remaining, next to Rey. All thanks to Sharon and Swayam for taking the two and having the others take the other spots. Remind me to have a talk with them. If not Rey, they were obviously making it obvious to the other three that something was fishy between us.

Rey was grinning like an idiot from inside. I looked at him and could see the sparkle in his eyes. As soon as I sat down next to him, he grabbed my hand underneath the table. My eyes immediately went wide. It took me a second to grasp it in and get back to being normal. The food was passed around and when it came to me, I couldn't take it as my right hand was occupied and Rey was having no mercy on me. If she tried with my left hand, everyone would surely know something was fishy.

I flashed him a pleading look but he turned his attention to Swayam. "Swayam, pass me the spoon please."

Swayam looked besides his plate and commented, "You have one."

"So? I want another one. Just give it to me. Tera kya jata hai?"

Swayam rolled his eyes and just gave it to him. "It's useless to tell you anything."

Sharon looked at me and saw her empty plate. She looked at Rey next and saw his left hand under the table. She immediately knew. She nudged Swayam and when he looked at her, she motioned towards us with her eyes. He too caught on to what was going on and both of them grinned looking at each other.

Just great.

Sharon teased on purpose. "Kriya? Aren't you hungry?"

I glared at her, and then at Rey with a look of 'Leave my hand or else!' and fearing me, he did. Once my plate was filled, he went to again grab my hand but I was quicker. I move it away, and given he didn't see it coming, his hand ended up resting on my thigh. I stiffened at once and cursed myself for trying to outsmart him. He momentarily froze himself, before he started playing with the ends of my dress, making it extremely hard for me to concentrate on eating.

Desire was pooling in my stomach and I choked when he slid my dress up a little. What's he upto today? Seems like he is taking revenge on me for kissing him earlier and leaving abruptly. Everyone looked at me worried and he moved his hand away before I could blink. Ironic next when he is the one who hands me a glass of water with an innocent face. I narrowed my eyes at him, drank some water, and resumed eating. Thank god he didn't try any other antics.

Rey was about to grab khichdi when I took the bowl away from him. This act got everyone's attention. I slowly said, "Erm... it has peanuts. Sharon told me you're allergic to them." It was a lie. There were peanuts but Sharon didn't have to tell me. I already knew. Rey smiled back at me and went on to finish his bowl of fruit salad instead.

***

Sharon took everyone back to the living room while I said I'll join them after putting the dishes in the dish washer. Rey slipped away from them and crept up behind me, making me flinch back at the sudden touch around my waist. Seeing Rey, I took a deep breath. "Rey! Gosh, you scared me. What are you doing here?"

"What? We told Sharon and Swayam so we can at least spend some time together at home. But..."

"I'm sorry? I didn't know about your plan." I apologized, feeling guilty. Even I wanted to spend some quality time with him.

"I know." He said resting his chin on my shoulder as I continued to rinse the dishes lightly. He nuzzled his face, ticking me as a result and making me giggle.

"Rey stop it." I pleaded him.

He blew at my nape, making me shiver. As he stood behind me, too drawn, I gathered water in my cupped hands and splashed it behind him, making him take a step back as a reflex.

"Haw!" He exclaimed. He slid his hands around my waist and pulled me back. "Seems as if I went too easy on you." He stated, shifting my hair over my left shoulder. I held in my breath, realizing he was about to kiss my shoulder. I closed my eyes, my breathing getting ragged as his hold around me tightened. With my wet hands, I held on to his hand, afraid to lose my balance, even when I knew he was right behind me and there wasn't a chance of that happening.

He placed a soft kiss on my shoulder. His lips stayed there for a second longer, breathing in my scent. One hand was still laid on his hand while other hand went up to Rey's hair. He turned me in his arms and I was standing very close. He lightly brought out foreheads together and stayed that way, living in the moment and wishing time to pass by like that only; wishing that we be together, in each other embrace at all times. I breathed in his scent. The separation has teased us enough. Now, I wanted to be together. Now, I wanted to be united. Now, there was no scope for distance. And yet, the situation forced us apart. Putting a stone on my heart, I managed to speak with a croaked voice.

"You should go before they..." The word 'suspect' was left unsaid. He nodded, still foreheads touching. Finally finding the strength to separate, he took a small step back, squeezed my hand and turned to leave only to look back at me once before disappearing around the corner.

***

[Rey's POV]

"Where were you?" Christian questioned when I finally appeared. Swayam and Sharon gave me a teasing look, knowing just where I was.

I ignored it and replied with, "Went to get some water."

Kat joked, "Seems like you got some on yourself too." Not understanding what she meant, I looked down and saw drops on my shirt. I remembered how Kriya had splashed me and simply gave them a sheepish look.

Sharon said, "So Kriya told me her and Christian are performing duet and competing against each other?"

It was then that I realized that Christian and Kriya had become friends and I had insisted both be kept together seeing both were good at hip-hop and contemporary. Now, I cursed myself for wanting to have two equals compete against each other. It was only then that I understood why Kriya had asked me earlier. I guessed she must have wanted to talk about that but then dropped the idea.

I spoke up, "I'm really sorry man..."

Christian replied, "Hey it's okay. Rules are rules. Such things happen all the time." I smiled at him for being understanding but I knew it would be harder on Kriya, the girl who always did everything for her friends. If she had to compete against her friends...

Tara reminded, "We should probably get going. It's getting late. Plus, hotel curfew for Kat and Christian."

Kriya came out just then. "Are you guys leaving?" They nodded. We bid them good night and the rest of us came back in. First thing we all did was sit on the couch and sigh. Finally the night was over and we hadn't risked anything. We managed.

Early the next morning, I woke up to the smell of coffee. Both I and Swayam had stayed over, sleeping in the guest house. I wanted to be with Kriya, but it would have only made it harder for both of us the next day. Plus, Swayam seemed to have his entertainment torturing us, saying along the lines that if he couldn't be with Sharon, I couldn't be with Kriya. Times like this, I wish the two of them would just take their relationship to the next level so I don't have to suffer! Sure, call me selfish, but isn't it about damn time it happens?

I walked in the kitchen, rubbing my eyes and just hugged Kriya from the back. She smiled, rumbled my hair and wished me, "Good morning."

"Good morning." I answered, and a second later, I realized it wasn't Kriya's voice. I instantly let the person go and stumbled back. Sharon turned around to face me, laughing away. I scowled at her. Kriya entered the scene and looked at us, confused.

Sharon answered in between fits of laughter, "He thought I was you."

I pouted, embarassed, while Kriya laughed too and pulled my cheeks. "Aww,baby, it's okay. Sharon is my sister so I can see why the confusion, but you better check who the person is next time. I won't tolerate any other girl." She teased me.

Moving my hand around her waist, I pulled her to my side. "You don't have to worry about it." I took the cup of coffee from her hands and drank it. "Hmm. Sweet."

Kriya shook her head, knowing I was talking about her and not the coffee. "Mine." She said defensively and took it back from my hands. I didn't complain, because not only was this coffee hers, but I was too.

Swayam woke up and got to the kitchen as well, where Sharon once again told what happened to him, and like a best friend that he was, his ass laughs at me as well. Honestly, it can happen to anyone when you are not used to having your girlfriend's sister living with her, especially when you're half asleep. Besides, it's not so messed up. Is it? I mean before Kriya entered my life back then, Sharon was my best friend. Some people assumed we would eventually end up dating because we were always hanging out together and were dance partners.

***

[Kriya's POV]

Then came the day where we would be performing live. "Ready?" I asked. Christian nodded. I continued, "Whatever happens tonight, we'll still be friends?" I'm afraid of losing my friends, and I'd just made new friends. I didn't want to lose them because of a competition.

He nodded again and added, "And both of us will give our best. We won't hold back because we're friends."

I nodded, agreeing to his condition. Kat came up from behind, "Am I allowed to hold a grudge against the winner?"

That made both Christian and I laugh. I hit Kat's head lightly and gave her a hug, saying it out loud if it wasn't already obvious to her. "Yes, yes you can."

Kat pulled Christian in the hug as well. Then she told him, when we all parted, "You should probably go meet Tara before we have to enter." He nodded and left, only to return just in time before all the contestants were called on stage.

The time for results arrived. All twenty of us were called on stage. Rey announced, "The first five to include in top ten of All Star dance competition are Sanjana, Hazel, Kat, Diana and Zaine. Congratulations!" The selected five cheered and stepped aside in safe zone while the others sadly had to say good bye.

Vaibhavi took over. Christian and I held on to each other's hand with eyes shut tight. "Bailey, Pearl, and Rahul, congratulations." All three joined the other five in safe zone, grins on their face.

"Ellen, James, Christian and Kriya... Only two of you will be continuing on."

Vaibhavi looked at Rey, as if to let him announce the final two. "This one was tough. Kriya, welcome aboard." I let out of relief but then that meant Christian wouldn't get in. I couldn't be entirely happy. "James, Ellen and Christian... all three of you are excellent. But, there is a tie in your points. To choose the tenth contestant, we decided upon a faceoff between the three. We already know you're good. Now we want you to prove you deserve to be in top ten. Can you do that?"

The three of them nodded. Kat and I saw a ray of hope for Christian. The stage was cleared except the three. After their performance, Rey and Vaibhavi talked it out.

"So... we have the results. The tenth contestant is... Christian!" Vaibhavi announced. Without caring about others, Kat and I rushed to him, both of us hugging him tight."

Once everyone was backstage packing up, Rey walked up to us. He told Christian, "You deserved it." Christian accepted the compliment. Before he could leave, Tara met us and she gave Christian a quick hug. He gave her a quick kiss. I looked away and Kat saw us. She laughed, making Tara and Christian look at her while hands around each other.

Kat gushed, "Look at the two of you! Kriya. Haven't you ever kissed before?"

I gaped at her and gave her a narrow eyed look. Rey cleared his throat. Yes, Rey had kissed me before but definitely not in public. I told Kat, "Shut up."

Kat took me away, telling me it was normal for the two of them. Rey too left the opposite way. Obviously I knew a lot of people kissed. Most did it in public too. They were only showing their affection and love for each other. Nothing wrong with it. It's just my own matter that I am not comfortable with that, so it made me feel a bit awkward especially with Rey around us. I seriously need to act my age and not be awkward about such things anymore. I tell myself that, but let's see where that actually takes us!

***

A/N: It's Friday :D And I'm like really hungry so I'll keep this short. Hope you like the chapter! Please please vote and comment. I really like to know what you thought of it. Good, bad? It'll only help me improve. Love you all!