Chapter 6: Rhythms of Reunion

A few weeks later,

At Naina's apartment complex:

A Garba night was organized by the society!!

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(The sound of dhol and clinking daandiya sticks filled the air as the apartment's complex buzzed with energy.

Fairy lights adorned the courtyard, and women in vibrant chaniya cholis twirled gracefully, while men in kurtas and dhotis tried to keep up with the rhythm.

Naina, resplendent in a red and gold chaniya choli, moved with unmatched elegance, her steps fluid and precise.

Vikram entered the courtyard, looking a little out of place in his Punjabi kurta-pajama but carrying his characteristic charm.

He scanned the crowd and spotted Naina effortlessly leading a group of dancers. His lips curved into a soft smile.)

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In one corner:

(Riddhi, Meher, and Diya stood chatting and giggling as they noticed Vikram hesitating near the entrance.)

Riddhi: (nudging Meher) Dekho, Naina di ke hero aa gaye. Yeh toh clearly lost lag rahe hain!!!

Meher: Pakka kabhi kiya hi nahi hoga. Punjabi hai naa?

Diya: (smirking) chalo, baat karke aate hain.

(The three walked over to Vikram.)

Diya: Hi Vikram bhaiya!!! Aap Naina di ke saath dance karne ke liye ready ho?

Vikram: (laughing nervously) arrey no!!!! mujhe koi idea hi nahi hai, yeh sab kaise karte hai. Main toh bhangra waala banda hoon, yaar!!!

Meher: Toh abhi garba ke chokre banne ka time hai!!!!

Diya: aaiye... we'll teach you!!!!

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(They pulled him into the center of the courtyard just as Naina noticed.

She excused herself from the group and walked over, her bangles jingling softly.)

Naina: (smiling) Vikram ji! Aap yahaan? Mujhe laga ki aap shayad aaoge nahi!!!

Vikram: waise main avoid toh karne wala tha.... but ab... I feel I should try new things.... Woh cheezein jo tumhe pasand hai.

(Naina's cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly composed herself.)

Naina: Accha, chalo, mujhe dikhaao. Kya seekha ab tak?

Riddhi: abhi toh bad daandiya ke sticks pakadna seekhe hain!!!

(The group burst into laughter.)

Naina: (teasing) Toh mere Punjab gabru.... aap ready ho? Main sikhaati hoon!!!!

(She handed him a pair of daandiya sticks and stepped close, demonstrating the basic steps.)

Naina: Vikram ji, dekhiye, it's simple. Ek, do, teen, chaar... bas is rhythm mein.

(He tried to mimic her steps, but his stiff movements earned a chuckle from her.)

Vikram: Naina, yeh kaafi complicated lag raha hai. Tum toh professional ho, aur main yeh... sticks ghuma ke kisi ko chot pahuncha dunga.

Naina: (laughing) Punjabi munde ne haar maan li? Shocking!! (laughs) Relax, Vikram ji. Sabko time lagta hai. Main hoon na, sambhal lungi.

(She moved closer, her bangles jingling as she took his hands to adjust his grip on the sticks.

Their fingers brushed, and Vikram felt a slight hitch in his breath.)

Naina: (softly) Dekho, relax. Agar aap rigid rahoge, toh steps fluid kaise lagenge?

(She stood behind him, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders as she guided him into the rhythm.

Her voice was calm, her presence soothing, and Vikram found himself letting go of his self-consciousness.

She moved closer, her chin brushing his shoulder as she leaned in to guide his arm's swing.)

Vikram: (half-turning to look at her) Tum yeh sab, kaise itni aasaani se kar leti ho?

Naina: (smiling) Garba aur daandiya mein, meri jaan basi hai, Vikram ji. Aap ne toh abhi shuru kiya hai.

(Naina stepped forward, her movements graceful and effortless.

Her ghagra swirled with each spin, shimmering under the fairy lights.

Vikram stood across from her, his daandiya sticks held tightly in his hands.

His initial clumsiness melted away as he found himself matching her rhythm, their steps gradually syncing with the pulsating beats.

She spun towards him, their eyes meeting for a fleeting moment before she twirled away, leaving behind a faint trail of her floral perfume.

He followed her lead, their movements growing more synchronized with every beat.

The crowd clapped along, but Vikram and Naina seemed lost in their own world.

Their sticks clashed together in perfect harmony, creating a melodious clink that blended seamlessly with the music.

Naina spun again, and this time Vikram caught her by the waist to steady her, their faces inches apart.)

(Her breath hitched, but she didn't pull away.

Instead, she took a step back, raising her daandiya sticks to resume the dance.

Vikram mirrored her, his awkwardness replaced by newfound confidence.

They moved in unison, the energy between them electric, their smiles growing wider with each step.

As the music reached its crescendo, Naina twirled one last time, her laughter ringing like a melody in the air.

Vikram stood still for a moment, watching her with an expression he didn't even try to hide—a mix of admiration and something deeper.

The song ended, and the crowd erupted into applause, pulling them back to reality.

But for Vikram and Naina, the moment lingered, unspoken yet unmistakable.)

Naina: (grinning) Not bad, Dr. Vikram!!! Lagta hai aapko Punjabi beats se zyada, Gujarati dhol pasand aa gaya.

Vikram: (catching his breath) I'll admit, daandiya khelne mein kaafi mazaa aaya.... But agli baar, tumhe mere saath bhangra karna padega.... phir dekhte hai kaun better hai.

Naina: (laughs, shaking her head) usmein bhi I am a pro, Vikram ji!!!!

Vikram: accha???

Naina: (smirks) in case you have forgotten— my ex- boyfriend is a punjaabi!!!! (she winks)

Vikram: (chuckles) of course... of course, wo can forget the Pind da munda... Aryan Khanna!!! And technically, he is more punjaabi than me!!!!

(They shared a light-hearted moment as the music changed to a faster beat.

Naina joined the group again, spinning and twirling like a whirlwind, while

Vikram watched, mesmerized, wondering how someone could embody so much grace and energy at the same time.

By the end of the night, Vikram was exhausted but grinning ear to ear, his first garba night an unforgettable experience.)

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Wow!! what an energetic performance!!

Vikram and Naina steal the show!!

With the beats of the music, the colors, and the energy around them, something shifted between them—if only for a moment. Was it just the dance, or is something more brewing between them?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you enjoy this chapter? What do you think is going on in their hearts? Drop a comment and let me know! And if you liked the chapter, don’t forget to hit the vote button ⭐️—it means a lot!

Can’t wait to read your reactions!