Chapter - 15

Author's POV :

After a few more dances and songs the anchor came on the stage and announced.

I hope everyone enjoyed the dances so far!" the anchor said, prompting loud cheers from the audience. "Now, it's time for something unique-a couples' dance! But this isn't just a performance, folks."

The crowd fell silent, intrigued.

"Think of it like a ballroom scene straight out of a fairytale," the anchor continued. "The main hall is set up for this special event. Boys will stand on one side, girls on the other, and everyone will wear face masks. The room will be dimly lit, adding to the mystery. You'll randomly choose your partners, and music will guide you. Remember, participation is optional. Those who prefer can enjoy the DJ night in the auditorium instead."

" Wow this is just like in those disney princess movies where they dance . We should definitely go " said sri excitedly.

"Are you mad ? How will you dance with someone whom you don't know . I can't do it " .

" Come on Naina don't be reluctant, let's do it . I am 100% sure you will enjoy it ."

" How are you that damn sure " she asked raising one eyebrow trying to act serious.

"Because I know you. You always do like this when you are doing new things and then you enjoy it " she replies imitating her .

Then both laughs at eachother " okay this is last time I m agreeing to do something that you are saying" Naina agreed and started to go with Sri towards the main hall .

" Comeon you say this everytime and again agree to me " .

(At the main hall )

Everyone was given masks to cover their faces and light was very low that it was impossible to identify any person's face there . Small lights were lit just to walk and dance there .

Both the girls got their masks and were standing where other girls were standing.

On the other hand Arun's friends too forced him to join the dance as he was the only single person in his friends group .

" Prem I don't want to do this please let me go "

" Arun if you say this again I ll break your face and then put this stupid mask. Do you want to stay single your whole life ? You don't even have any friends in girls that close . You have to do this atleast you can flirt with someone." Said prem pushing Arun into hall .

" Arun don't you have any fantasy like holding your partner and hugging her . Walking on the streets late night with her or going on bike rides? " Asked vivaan one of his friends.

" I do have " said Arun taking his hand from vivaan.

" Bro are you serious, then why are you even behaving like a nerd . Go ahead then . Be a man and talk to girls . " Said vicky another guy .

" I don't know, I m have a.."

" Do you have anyone in your life , don't say that oh god you lied to us" prem acted as he was shock and kept his hands on his heart .

" what -" everyone shouted .

" No , what are you talking" said Arun being shocked.

" You only said you have right " replied prem with a innocent face .

" You idiot let me finish my sentence, I have some thoughts like how my future wife or girlfriend should be "

" Ohooo now Mr Arun is becoming majnu types " everyone hooted for arun making him shy .

" It's not like that , I don't want things to be planned . I want it to happen and go on with the flow . "

" Then go with this flow now " said vivan making Arun wear his mask .

" Do you have any qualities in your future wife or girlfriend" asked vivan .

" Uhm she should read books just like me , enjoy every small moment . Carefree and childish . And should be supportive. " Said Arun and his face became red just like a tomato because of the blush.

Then everyone hooted for him and sent him on the floor .

Everyone was now ready and then the music started .

" Everyone can go and choose the partners "

Soon boys started moving towards girls and were getting paired.

__

" Naina I think we need to split " said sri making naina shock .

"What why no you stay with me " said Naina holding her hand tightly.

" Are you mad , boys and girls need to pair not you and me . Do you want to prove the lesbian allegation on us ? " Said Sri.

" Chi no " replied Naina acting disgusted.

" Then , let me go " Sri said and starting moving . " No yaar I m scared " Naina pulled her again .

" Naina yaar , If we are together we can't enjoy I ll go and find someone you go and find someone after party we will share it okay " Sri comforted her .

Naina agreed to this and let Sri move away .

Then she was looking here and there when suddenly someone patted on her shoulder.

She turned back and saw a familiar figure . More tall than her , in a suit and a mask on his face .

She felt as if she knew him but was unable to identify as he has mask on his face .

He forwarded a hand towards her asking that would she like to dance .

Without thinking for a second Naina gave her hand as an acceptance and they went for a dance .

Arjun POV:

While this was happening , i saw Naina and Sri coming to the main hall . I think even they are going for the ball .

What Naina is also going . Then I should also go there .

It's time. I wish my dream come true . It's the only chance for me to get close with her . But I don't know how will I choose her in this crowd I can't even recognise her dress or anything there is no proper light.

Come on Arjun, how can you loose hope so easily . If my feelings towards her are true the universe will definitely help me to pair with her . I hope Naina wishes the same . God please help .

As I started moving I see people pairing up. What if Naina gets paired up with one of these , no this can't happen . I need to hurry before this happens .

I stared searching for my pair in this crowd. It's actually difficult to find her but I will definitely search.

I was seeing many of my friends here pairing up with their crushes but I wasn't able to find mine .

Just then I got hitted by someone and fell on the floor . That person didn't even look back or he might have looked . I can't see anything because it's dark here just dim lights .

I got up and adjusted my dress then in that dim light I see a girl who was looking here and there. Something was attracting me towards here .

Why do I feel it's Naina? What if she is Naina . I should definitely go towards her .

I started talking slow steps towards the girl . She is I think afraid or something looking at someone .

I patted or her shoulder to grab her attention. She turned towards me and I was able to see her eyes. These eyes , I can recognise them anywhere.

She looked so innocently at me . I think I found my Naina. I want to dance with her . But will she dance ? What if she says no .

I forwarded my hand to her asking for dance praying hard for her yes . To my surprise she accepted without any second thought. Now I am damn sure it's my Naina .

Her hand in my hand feels the same . I holded her hand softly and took her towards the dance floor .

Soft music was playing in the background.

This is just perfect.

We both started moving according to the music .

I was looking into her eyes and she was looking into mine . The whole world was invisible for us . It's just us .

I kept my hand on her waist and she kept her hand on my shoulder. We started to dance slowly. She was so close to me .

Her perfume was making me go mad for her . Then I twriled her around and pulled her towards me .

She fell on my chest and our breath were paused for a moment. We both stood there still looking at eachother. I wish this moment never ends . The time paused here and she stays in my arms like this .

Then she adjusted herself and we again danced for some time .

Then the music changed .

(Main agar kahoon )

"Music is just getting us together. " I thought.

Then I heard a gasp from her . What happened . I think she has recognised me . She is in shock . But what if she isn't Naina , what if someone else I know . Oh god all my efforts are wasted.

'Go on Arjun ask her , get your ass and speak to her ' my innerself mocked me .

The only way to know speak.

Then I noticed she was trying to say something but I don't why she wasn't speaking. I think I should start the conversation.

"Hi" I started the conversation.

I hope it's Naina , I hope it's Naina .

Everything was going in a slowmo as if this is any movie scene .

"Arjun" i heard my name . I think it's Naina's voice.

" Naina" i asked wishing the reply to be yes .

" Yes " she said .

Crackers were bursting in my stomach and i was jumping running i don't know what in my head .

" I don't believe this " she said . It sounds like she is happy as I am .

Me too Naina, me too. I don't believe this .

" What a coincidence Naina". Shit what even I am saying.

" Thank God Arjun it's you , I was so scared thinking, what if some crazy stalker kind of guy danced with me " she said .

Crazy stalker? That will never happen. How can I let any crazy stalker to even roam around my girl .

" Then I think you are in safe hands Naina " i said making her giggle .

" I didn't knew you were also here " she said

" Me too " i answered.

'Me too ? Are you serious Arjun , now you are completely lying to her . ' again my innerself mocked me .

But I think for now lying will be good .

" I m happy Naina that you are my pair tonight. I got to dance with the best dancer in the college" I said

" I m not the best dancer in the college " she said laughing. " There are many people who dance better than me "

" But for me you are the best dancer "

She was silent for some time I don't know why but then she replied," thanks for the compliment and yes I am also happy that I got to dance with the best singer of the college. "

" Thanks for the compliment " i replied.

" I didn't knew you were such a good singer, I just knew you play guitar "

" Even I didn't knew , until you complimented " I said . And again she went silent .

I don't understand why is she going silent again and again .

Then we talked and danced until the announcement came that dance party was over. Then the lights were on and there was loud chatters all over the hall .

Everyone was talking to their partners .

We both left each other removed the masks.

" It was nice to dance with you " she said

" Same here " i replied .

" Naina , I- " I was trying to say but then I got interrupted.

" Arjun, there is an emergency , you need to come with me " came sahil my classmate.

" Why what happened?" I asked . He looked tensed .

" There is some problem with the cash , it went missing . Professor is calling you come fast " . He said .

" Okay I will come you go " he left .

God why all the problems are coming in this beautiful moment .

" I think you should go " she said looking at me.

" Naina , we will talk later but definitely" i said and left from there.

ARUN POV :

Despite repeatedly saying no, my friends insisted-no, they forced me to go to the dance. They believe that if I attend, I'll find someone to date. I'm the only single guy in our group, and they're all eager to see me paired up.

But in the end, it's my choice. This time, I gave it some thought and decided to go.

I donned a mask and stood on the boys' side. The lights were dim, casting a faint glow over the room, making it hard to see. People started moving around, choosing partners. I followed suit, scanning the room.

As I navigated through the crowd, I stumbled into someone's leg. In an attempt to steady myself, I slipped and almost fell onto a girl.

This is it. I'm about to embarrass myself by dragging her down with me. What am I even doing?

To my surprise, I didn't hit the ground. She caught me by my arm, steadying me. I quickly composed myself, standing up and adjusting my clothes.

What is this, Arun? You're a guy, and a girl just saved you. What's going on?

I tried to get a better look at her face, but the dim lighting made it difficult.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

Her voice stirred a familiar feeling. Do I know her?

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, and sorry about that," I replied, trying to sound cool.

"It's okay. It's hard to see in here," she said casually. Wait, do I know her? Why do I feel drawn to her?

"Yes," I muttered, more to myself than her. Is she...?

"Sri?" I asked hesitantly, hoping my guess was right.

"Arun?" she responded. It was her.

"I didn't know you were here," I said, surprised.

"Yeah, Naina and I came," she replied.

Naina's here too?

"Where is she?" I asked.

"I'm not sure. Maybe dancing with someone," she said nonchalantly.

"What?" I blurted out, almost shouting.

"What what?" she asked, puzzled.

"Nothing," I said, brushing it off.

SRI POV :

Arun, please ask me to dance with you, I thought, my heart pounding in anticipation.

"Hey, Sri, will you dance with me?" he finally asked, extending his hand toward me.

I stared at him, shocked. Did Arun know what I was thinking? How did he know?

Still, I placed my hand in his, and we walked to an open spot on the dance floor. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions. I had never expected this moment, and yet, here we were. As we started to dance, I noticed how nervous he seemed, his movements awkward and unsure.

ARUN POV :

We stood in silence for a moment before I gathered the courage to ask her something I'd been thinking about.

"Hey, Sri, will you dance with me?" I asked, extending my hand.

She placed her hand in mine, and together we walked to an empty spot on the dance floor. As we started to dance, I found it hard to meet her gaze. I was nervous and unsure of the steps.

We began slowly. She guided me, and I followed her lead. Small twirls and gentle pulls, our hands intertwined like in a storybook.

At first, my nerves got the best of me. I didn't know how to dance, and my feet moved awkwardly, out of sync. At one point, I even stepped on her foot.

"Sssshh," she hissed softly in pain.

"I'm so sorry," I apologized quickly.

"It's okay," she reassured me.

"Listen, Sri, I don't think I can do this. Maybe you should find someone else to dance with," I said, feeling guilty. I didn't want to ruin her night.

"Are you mad, Arun? Do you really think I'd leave you here in the middle of the dance?" she asked.

"You have to. I'm making this worse. You should enjoy your dance," I said, stepping back.

But she held onto my hands, stepping closer.

"I can't just leave like this. I won't leave you for anyone else, Arun. We started together, and we'll finish together," she said firmly.

In that moment, my heart skipped a beat. Is she just talking about the dance? my mind teased. Shut up.

"But-" I began, but she interrupted me.

"No more buts, Arun. You can dance. Just feel the music and look at me," she said, starting to move again.

I locked eyes with her. Slowly, her gaze seemed to convey something deeper, though I couldn't quite decipher it.

As I focused on her, my steps began to align with hers. We moved together in sync, and for the first time, everything felt smooth and effortless.

---

As they walk off the dance floor , Sri said "So, do you give this kind of special treatment to all freshers, or am I just lucky?"

"Only the lucky ones. I don't usually dance at these events." Arun replied smiling

"Really? What made you change your mind tonight?" Asked sri pulling her arms towards her chest .

"Maybe I felt like making an exception." Arun said glancing at her. .

Sri raised her eyebrow "An exception? I'll take that as a compliment. "You should. You did a good job leading the way." He grinned.

"Well, someone had to. You looked like you might run away any second."

"I won't lie, I was thinking about it. Dancing isn't really my thing." Replied Arun looking at her .

"Could've fooled me. You did pretty well once you got started."

"Thanks to you. It's good to know my first dance as a senior wasn't a total disaster."

"Maybe just a little one." Sri teased Arun making him chukle at her comment.

"Come on, give me some credit. I've got a reputation to keep up."

"Oh, the big senior reputation? Don't worry, your secret's safe with me." She replied laughing. Arun joined her laugh . "Thanks. I don't think I could handle the teasing."

"Don't worry, I wouldn't do that to you." She spoke up

They walk in comfortable silence for a moment, the noise of the dance fading into the background.

"How's your first week been? Getting used to everything?" Arun asked her.

"It's been a lot, but I'm getting there."

"It gets easier. Soon enough, you'll be the one helping freshers."

"Maybe. It's nice having someone familiar around."

"If you ever need anything, just let me know."

She softly replied "Thanks, Arun. I really appreciate it."

"Of course. That's what seniors are for."

"If all seniors are as nice as you, I think I'll be fine."

"Only for special freshers."

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To be continued.

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