Chapter - 29
Trisha came back after some time, looking way too excited. She sat beside me and immediately started talking.
"Siya, you won't believe it!" Trisha practically bounced on her seat, eyes shining with excitement. "All the girls? Totally losing their minds over him. They're gawking, whispering, but guess what? He didn't even spare them a glance. So cold. So damn mysterious!"
I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "Trisha, I'm already too nervous here, and you're telling me gossip that I'm not even 0.01% interested in."
She pouted and pulled me into a quick hug. "Aww, don't worry, cutiepie! You'll do your best, I know it. Don't take tension, I'm with you."
Before I could respond, an announcement played, signaling the event was about to start.
Trisha jumped up. "Let's go! We'll watch the performances together."
I shook my head so fast that my earrings jingled. "No way. If I watch them, my brain will short-circuit, and I'll forget every single step."
She rolled her eyes. "Hey, nothing like that will happen! Come with me, we'll have fun. And anyway, this changing room is so far away that you won't even hear the announcements from here."
I firmly said, "No, no, I won't go. And don't worry, the volunteers said they'll come and inform me before my turn."
Trisha huffed, crossing her arms. "Okay, then I will also stay with you."
I sighed. "There's no need for that. You go, I'm fine here."
"Nope. I'm not leaving you alone."
I knew Trisha well enough to know that arguing was useless. If she had decided to stay, she wouldn't change her mind. So, I gave up and just sat with her.
We started talking about random things, and slowly, I began to relax a little. Trisha always had a way of making me feel less nervous.
After some time, a volunteer approached us. "Siya, go to the back of the stage. Your turn is next."
My heart skipped a beat. It's time.
Trisha and I got up. She squeezed my hand. "All the best! You'll do amazing."
I nodded, taking a deep breath.
She grinned. "Now go, and show everyone how amazing you are!"
Trisha smiled before running off to the front side to watch my performance. I, on the other hand, walked towards the back of the stage, waiting for my turn. My hands were slightly cold, my heartbeat a little fast.
Breathe, Siya. You've practiced for this. Just do your best.
You can do this, Siya. Just give your best.
I kept repeating these words in my mind, trying to calm my racing heart. My hands felt a little cold, but I took a deep breath, reminding myself that I had practiced this performance so many times.
Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the announcement.
Now, the next performance is by Siya Rajput! A very talented student of our college. Please welcome her with a big round of applause!
Loud claps filled the auditorium.
My heart skipped a beat as I stepped onto the stage. The bright lights instantly hit my face, making it impossible to see the audience. I couldn't see a single face sitting in front of me.
Thank you, Shivji! I sighed in relief.
If I had seen everyone's faces, I would have overthought their expressions and panicked. But now, without that distraction, I could focus only on my performance.
I bent down, touching the stage with respect, silently seeking Shivji's blessings.
Please be with me, Shivji. Help me do my best.
With that prayer in my heart, I took my position in the center of the stage.
The music started.
It's time to dance.
The soft melody of Ghar More Pardesiya filled the auditorium, wrapping around me like a comforting whisper. I took a deep breath and let my feet follow the rhythm, hoping I was doing justice to the song.
Each movement, each expression—I gave it my all, yet a small voice in my mind kept wondering if it was enough. Was I graceful enough? Did my ghungroos match the beats perfectly? But as the music swelled, I let those thoughts fade, even if just for a moment.
For now, it was just me and the dance. The world blurred, the crowd disappeared, and my nervousness melted into the rhythm.
As the last note played, I gracefully ended my performance, my hands folding in a final pose.
The lights dimmed slightly, and I took a deep breath, feeling my heartbeat slow down. But the moment I looked ahead, my breath caught in my throat.
Aarav...
He was sitting in the front row.
His face—expressionless.
He wasn't clapping. He wasn't reacting. He was just staring.
Panic rushed through me.
What will he think?
Will he scold me for hiding this?
Was it wrong to perform?
Why didn't I tell him?
The auditorium erupted with applause, people cheering and clapping loudly. But not him.
I felt a sting in my eyes, a small tear forming. I quickly folded my hands, giving a slight bow, and without waiting for anything else, I rushed backstage.
I could barely breathe.
What now? How will I face him?
Did I make a mistake by hiding this?
Will he be angry? Will he scold me like Tauji used to?
Will he punish me?
No. No.
He's not like them. He's not like Tauji and Taiji. He won't... right?
I was lost in my thoughts when suddenly Trisha hugged me tightly.
"Oh my god, Siya! You rocked the stage!" she screamed, shaking me excitedly. "I'm officially a fan of your dance!"
I smiled at her words, hugging her back.
But even as I smiled, my heart was restless.
Because no amount of praise could erase the fear of facing him.
Trisha and I entered the changing room, and she immediately helped me remove my jewelry. I felt exhausted, my body heavy with fatigue.
After changing into my regular outfit, I sighed. "Trisha, I'm not feeling well. I think I should go home."
She immediately placed her hand on my forehead. "Your body temperature is normal, Siya. Are you sure you're okay?"
I nodded. "Yes, I just feel tired. I'll be fine after some rest."
Trisha looked at me, still worried. "Should I come with you to drop you home?"
I shook my head quickly. "No, no. Driver Kaka is here. I'll be fine."
She sighed. "Okay, but message me as soon as you reach home."
"I will," I assured her and picked up my bag.
As I walked toward the parking area, I heard someone call my name.
"Siya!"
I stopped and turned around, feeling confused. A guy was standing there, but... I don't know him.
He walked toward me with a smile. "You danced very well."
I hesitated for a second before asking, "Do I know you?"
He chuckled. "Oh, Hi! I'm Veer Choudhary. The guy you collided with the other day. You helped me collect my papers."
I blinked and then remembered. "Oh... I'm sorry about that day."
He waved his hand dismissively. "No, no, it's okay. It was my fault too—I wasn't paying attention, scrolling through my phone."
I simply nodded, feeling awkward. "I'm getting late," I said, stepping back.
"Yeah, sure. Take care," he said.
Without saying anything else, I turned and walked straight to my car.
As soon as I reached, I told Kaka, "Let's go home, please."
I leaned my head against the window, closing my eyes. I was too tired to think anymore.
I reached my office early. There was a meeting scheduled for the afternoon, but I rescheduled it for the morning because I had somewhere important to be—Siya's college.
Every year, they invite me to their annual event since I am a trustee, but I never go. I never had the time or interest. But this year... I was going. Not for them, but for her. My angel.
I know she is performing a dance, and it bothers me that she didn't tell me. Siya shares everything with me now—her classes, her assignments, even the little things about her day. But this? She kept it from me.
The thought left a strange feeling in my chest.
Was she hesitant? Did she think I wouldn't care? Or was she still not comfortable enough to share everything with me?
A part of me felt an unfamiliar sting of hurt.
I wanted her to trust me, to feel safe enough to tell me everything.
But instead of dwelling on it, I reminded myself—I am still earning my place in her life.
If she isn't ready yet, I will wait. If she needs time, I will give it to her.
But one day, I want to be the first person she thinks of when she has something to share.
I'll make sure of it.
After the meeting ended, I had breakfast in my cabin while checking the time. It's time to go.
I reached her college, and as expected, the principal came running to greet me. He smiled too much. "It's an honor to have you here, Rana sa. Thank you for accepting our invitation this year."
I gave a curt nod. "Hmm."
No one here knows why I really came. And I had no intention of telling them.
He led me to the auditorium, where I took my seat. My eyes scanned the stage. Where are you, angel?
The event started with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, and I participated in it. They handed me a bouquet of flowers, which I took without interest. The principal gave his speech, and then he asked me to say a few words.
I stood up. "I'm glad to be here. I hope you all do well. That's all."
Then I sat down. I don't do unnecessary talking.
The event began, but I wasn't interested in anything else. I was only waiting for her.
After a few performances, the anchor finally announced, "Now, the next performance is by Siya Rajput! A very talented student of our college. Please welcome her with a big round of applause!"
My breath stilled for a moment.
And then, there she was.
Dressed in a vibrant pink lehenga, she looked like My Queen.
She made a few cute expressions, probably trying to spot familiar faces in the crowd. But because of the lights, she couldn't see me. It's okay, angel. You will know soon enough.
Then, she took her position at the center of the stage.
The music started, and she moved... gracefully, effortlessly. Every step was perfect. Every expression... mesmerizing.
I couldn't blink.
I've seen many performers before. Professionals. Celebrities. But no one... no one danced like her.
And then, suddenly, it was over.
The lights dimmed, and her eyes finally found mine.
She froze.
Shock.
I didn't react. My face remained as cold and unreadable as always. That's who I am to the outside world. But inside? Inside, my angel, I am in awe of you.
The crowd erupted into applause. Siya joined her hands, bowed slightly, and then... ran backstage.
As soon as she left, I stood up.
I leaned toward the principal. "I have to leave now," I said curtly.
He nodded quickly. "Of course, Rana sa. Thank you for gracing us with your presence."
Without another word, I stood up and walked out. My car was already waiting.
I only came to see her, and now that I had, there was no reason to stay.
As soon as I stepped into the living room, Chachi looked at me with surprise.
"Siya, you came early today? Are you okay?" she asked.
I gave her a small smile. "Yeah, I'm okay, Chachi. I was just tired, so I came home early."
She nodded. "Alright, go to your room and rest. I'll send your lunch upstairs."
I nodded again and quietly walked to my room.
As soon as I entered, I sat on my bed and let out a deep sigh. My heart was still racing. How will I face him?
Should I call him first? Maybe if I explain everything, he won't be upset.
I picked up my phone but hesitated. What if he doesn't pick up? What if he is angry that I didn't tell him about the performance? No... No... He will listen to me. He won't scold me. He never did.
I was lost in my thoughts when a soft knock on the door pulled me back to reality.
"Come in," I said.
A lady entered, placed the food tray on the table, and left without saying anything.
I looked at the food, but I didn't feel hungry. Still, I forced myself to eat a little, just enough to stop my stomach from feeling empty.
After that, I lay down on the bed. My mind kept running in circles, thinking about how I would talk to him.
Before I knew it, sleep took over.
When I woke up, the room was dim, and I realized it was already evening. I stretched a little before heading to the bathroom to wash my face. The cold water refreshed me, but my heart still felt heavy.
As I walked back into my room, I picked up my phone and saw a notification from Karan. I opened it, and to my surprise, it was a video of my dance performance.
I clicked on it and watched myself on the stage. Did I really dance like that? I felt a mix of happiness and nervousness. But as soon as the video ended, my thoughts drifted back to him.
How will I face him? How will I explain everything?
I took a deep breath, trying to push away my anxious thoughts, and decided to go downstairs.
I went downstairs, where Maa and Chachi were sitting in the living room. As soon as Maa saw me, she smiled.
"Are you okay, beta?" she asked gently.
I nodded.
Chachi patted the space next to her. "Come, sit here. I'll bring tea for you." She got up and went to the kitchen.
As I sat next to Maa, my heart started racing again. Should I tell her about the dance? Will she be angry? But then I thought... Maa has never scolded me before.
After thinking too much, I finally decided to tell her.
"Maa, I want to tell you something," I said hesitantly.
She looked at me with warmth in her eyes. "Yes, beta?"
I took a deep breath. "Actually, today there was an event in my college, and I performed a dance there."
Maa's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really?! Did someone record it? I want to watch my daughter's performance!"
Hearing her excitement made me so happy. I smiled brightly and nodded. "Yes, Maa! My friend recorded it!"
"Then show me!" she said eagerly.
I quickly unlocked my phone and played the video. Maa watched it with a smile, and seeing her happy made my heart warm.
Just then, Chachi came back with tea. "What are you both watching?" she asked curiously.
Maa smiled at her. "Siya performed a dance at her college event today! We're watching her performance!"
Chachi's face lit up. "Oh wow! Show me, show me!" She took the phone from Maa's hand and started watching.
But before she could watch for long, someone suddenly walked in, snatched the phone, and threw it harshly onto the ground.
The sound of the phone hitting the floor made my heart stop. My breath caught in my throat as I slowly looked up.
Are you all ready for the drama? ????