My niece was kidnapped.

I had accompanied Mom to Srishti's Parents Teachers Meeting because the teachers had to explain a lot of stuff related to Srishti's academics and co-curricular activities. Mom was not much educated, so she had trouble understanding the difficult terms and various programs aimed at providing digital education to kids.

Like Rahul had informed me before, Srishti's class teacher expressed her concern about my niece fighting with her classmates, zoning out, and not being attentive in class. Mom and I both were concerned, and Srishti was silent throughout the meeting.

We collected her report card, and after getting the same feedback from her other subject teachers, I suggested to Mom that we should take Srishti to a children's doctor. Mom was in a daze herself. She kept glancing around once we exited Srishti's classroom.

I closely observed how my mother nodded to my suggestions absentmindedly. She said that we should get back home soon. I agreed as I wanted to see what she was going to do after we reached home.

We hailed an auto as it was raining. Mom picked up Srishti and was getting her inside the rickshaw when Mom got pushed down, and two men wearing helmets arrived on a motorcycle and snatched Srishti.

What the hell?

"Srishti!" I yelled.

She screamed for help, and I dived to catch her, but those men were faster. The autorickshaw uncle instantly turned his vehicle around and followed those men after I helped Mom get up and move inside the rickshaw.

"Who are those motherfuckers?" Auto uncle asked.

"We couldn't see their faces," I replied. "Please hurry up."

Ganapati Bappa, please help.

Due to the Parents Teachers Meeting, there were lots of kids and their families swarming the area around the school. Our auto driver couldn't move like a speed racer, but he still tried to follow those men on motorcycle.

Unfortunately, we lost them. I took Mom's phone and called Dad. When he heard about Srishti getting kidnapped, he told me to come to the police station directly. When Mom heard me directing the autorickshaw uncle to take us to the police station, she protested.

"No, we can't go to the police!" Mom argued.

"Maa, what are you saying?" I retorted.

Her face ashened. "They will hurt her."

"Of course, they will if we won't report the kidnapping."

I dragged Mom towards the police station and spotted Dad waiting near the gates. The auto driver uncle also came with us.

We couldn't waste even a second, so we stormed towards the FIR counter and gave out the details of the incident. Luckily, the autorickshaw uncle had memorized the motorcycle's number; the police filed an FIR and sent two police havaldars to search with us.

After going around our area and checking CCTV footages of the streets and some shops, we found the motorcycle parked in front of a mall, but those kidnappers and Srishti were still missing.

As the time passed, Mom's health started worsening. She kept repeating Srishti's name and cursing us for contacting police. Seeing her state, I scolded her to either help us or just go home.

Dad had asked Akshay's sister, Rahi, to look after Dhara Di, and she was unaware of the kidnapping.

Police suggested us to not involve more people as we were yet to get any proper leads. Our friends would unnecessarily panic and unwanted rumors may spread leading to false information being circulated around.

We searched for four hours, and the policemen told us to take a break while they continued with the search. They suggested the possibility of those kidnappers being present around our chawl to keep an eye on us and may harm our family members back at home.

Dad and I agreed. While the police investigated in the surrounding areas, me and my parents rushed back home. We kept searching through the streets, and I was really worried about Dhara Di.

She was surely going to ask about her daughter, and I didn't know how we were going to explain it to her. When we reached home, Dhara Di was alone and watching TV.

"Where is Rahi?" I asked my sister.

"I sent her back home," Dhara Di replied.

"You know you can't be alone, Di," I complained, trying to keep my voice stable.

Behind me, Mom and Dad entered the house and tried to mask their worried expressions. Dad managed to hide his panic, but Mom couldn't. As soon as she saw Dhara Di, she burst out crying.

"Dhara, our Srishti..." Mom sobbed.

My sister furrowed her eyebrows. "Why are you crying? And what about Srishti?"

I pulled Mom back, but she glared at me.

"I told you we shouldn't go to the police station," Mom cried.

"What are you blabbering about?" Dhara Di asked and looked at me. "Bhoomi, what's going on?"

I looked at my mother angrily. Dhara Di told me to tell her everything, but Dad interrupted. He scolded Mom for speaking without thinking.

My sister looked on cluelessly, and when I thought of lying to her, our main door opened. I widened my eyes when I saw my niece in Rahul's arms.

"Srishti?" I ran towards her and took her from Rahul.

I checked her, and she didn't say anything. She wasn't even crying.

"Where did you find her?" I asked Rahul.

"In the school, where else?" he replied as a matter of fact.

Mom pulled Srishti from me and hugged her tightly. Dhara Di looked at us in confusion when Mom peppered her granddaughter's face with kisses. Dad sighed in relief and secretly messaged the police to inform them that Srishti had returned home safely.

"Why did you leave Srishti by herself?" Rahul asked us. "I found her crying in the senior section. She didn't even tell me anything and kept calling for you."

Dad and I exchanged glances. Mom was busy hugging the hell out of Srishti, and my sister was still asking for an explanation, but we didn't want to escalate the situation.

Dhara Di had just survived a panic attack, and if she would have heard about the kidnapping, she wouldn't have been able to bear it. Dad and I signalled each other; Dad busied Mom, while I took Rahul outside with me.

I lied to him that Srishti was acting very disobedient, and to teach her a lesson, Mom and I had left her at school. Rahul was totally not happy to hear that, but I convinced him that we weren't going to abandon Srishti and were going to bring her home before the Parents Teachers Meeting ended.

Rahul mentioned that he heard a few students mentioning about a girl from his school being kidnapped, and I told him to be careful and not believe in the rumors. He left for his home after he got annoyed at me for suddenly lecturing him about being alert when he is outside.

I returned to my family and shook my head at my mother as she was still hugging her granddaughter. Before Mom could blurt out everything, I told Dhara Di the same lies I had told Rahul, but unlike the small boy, my sister was still suspicious.

She asked me why our mother was crying and what she meant by going to the police station. I scratched my head in frustration as I struggled to make up more lies.

Like a hero, Dad came to my rescue. He told Dhara Di that we were just trying to test her and see how she would react in emergency situations. I knew my sister would never doubt our father, and after complaining about our pathetic idea, Dhara Di stopped interrogating us.

My parents and I were happy to get Srishti back safely, but I still wondered if her kidnapping was done by random men or there was something else that my mother knew about. She kept refusing to contact the police, and my mind was trying to connect her earlier suspicious actions with my niece's kidnapping.

Did Mom know that Srishti was going to get kidnapped?

The doubt was really weird and scary, but it was valid after I saw my mother keeping secrets. Since my niece was fine, I let my parents pamper her and didn't disturb my mother.

I knew I could easily force her to answer my questions, but I didn't want to do it in front of my sister. Dhara Di's health was my main concern, and I didn't want her to suffer again.

Swallowing down my curiosity, I discussed with my parents to keep the kidnapping a secret from my sister. They agreed, and we also managed to convince Srishti to not say anything to her mother.

The small kid understood our concerns and promised that she wouldn't worry us. I was amazed that she wasn't scared and didn't tell Dhara Di about how she was kidnapped. Unluckily, Srishti didn't get to see her kidnappers' faces. She told me that after she was taken away, her eyes and mouth were covered, and she was dropped back at school after being kept at a place she was unaware of. Even after going through such a bad event, Srishti didn't lose her smile.

Seeing her acting so strong, I also stopped thinking bad stuff and thanked Ganapati Bappa for helping us.

The next day, on his way to work, Dad went to the police station to give all the details. The police had doubts about the suspicious kidnapping and return of my niece, so they closed the case but told us to stay on alert.

We agreed with their suggestion, and Mom took extra care to accompany Srishti to her school. I also carried on with my day, and after making sure that my niece was fully okay with going to school, I left my home to go to Sarthak's studio.

Akshay was waiting for me at the railway station even when I had told him to leave without me. As expected, he wanted to discuss Suhana's outburst that day and explain whatever was going on between them.

We caught our train, and Akshay started rambling. I was totally not surprised when he finally confessed that he liked Suhana, but I was surely not prepared when he told me that it had been one week since they were dating.

"Were you waiting to print your wedding invitations before telling me?" I scolded him.

Akki shot me an innocent look. "I am sorry I didn't tell you earlier. Also, I apologise for Suhana's behaviour that day. She is a very nice girl, but she is a bit possessive. I know it's a pathetic excuse, but it is all new for me. You are not mad, right? I mean, you have every right to be after I kept treating love and dating like a disease, and now I have a secret girlfriend. I myself can't believe it sometimes."

I took a deep breath. "It is okay, Akki. Why would I be angry with you for having a partner? And your love life is your personal business. I know we are best friends, but I won't force you to share everything with me. More than you, I am happy that you got a girlfriend. Now I don't need to be worried about looking after you in our old age."

"Who said I still won't trouble you when we get old?" Akshay narrowed his eyes.

"Then what will Suhana do?"

"I love her, so of course, I wouldn't bother her. Just because I have a girlfriend now doesn't mean I will forget my best friend."

I smirked. "What did you just say?"

Akshay quirked an eyebrow. "I said that just because I have a girlfriend now-"

I interrupted him. "Before that, idiot."

I laughed when Akshay's face started turning all red as he replayed his own words in his mind. I poked his cheek, and he failed at concealing his smile.

"So, my best friend, who never even liked hearing the word 'romance', confessed that he loves Suhana? Hm, what should I do now? How about I call your favourite chocolate bar and tell her the good news?" I teased.

Akshay shot me a fake-glare, and I had a very good time pulling his leg till we reached Sarthak's studio. At least, for a short time, I was able to distract myself from my niece's issue.

Sarthak Sir's personal assistant informed the trainees about the upcoming training schedule, and to lessen our stress, some group activities were arranged for us.

All of us got excited when we saw various kinds of team-building games prepared in the biggest practice hall.

I got reminded of my school time when we had such events on the Sports Days. We played lemon race, three-legged race, chain-chain, and after a short break, all of the trainees were made to sit in a huge circle.

Our mentors decided the arrangement, and Udit Sir took on the anchoring. He explained the rules of the game.

Everyone laughed when he informed us that we were going to play Rumaal Chor (Drop a handkerchief), but there was an uproar when he announced the twist.

It wasn't going to be a simple game; it was an opportunity to challenge the fellow trainees and have a one-on-one match with them, and if we were very confident, we could even chose more than one opponent.

Akshay and I exchanged glances, and he signalled towards Suhana. I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

"You going to challenge Suhana?" I mouthed to him.

"Yup," he mouthed back.

"You just want to dance with her, don't you?"

Akki grinned and winked. I shook my head at him and saw Suhana staring at me suspiciously. I smiled in return, and she looked away.

And, I know I didn't mention it yet, but I was clearly avoiding looking at Tejas. Since I arrived at the studio, I could feel his gaze on me. Any other time, I would have jumped in joy, knowing that I needed time for my resolve to solidify, but this time, even my heart felt that there was something different in Tejas's stare.

I was having a weird feeling in my guts, so I did my best to stay away from him, and I was succeeding for the time being.

Udit Sir started the game, and there were a lot of trainees who were ready to call out their competitors. We were huge in number, so I knew it was going to take a lot of time for the game to end; moreover, the chances of my selection were almost nill.

The game began in anti-clockwise direction, starting from a female dancer sitting on the fifth position to my right. I estimated the time it would take for my chance and relaxed back.

One by one, the trainees began dropping handkerchief in front of the dancer they wanted to challenge, and as predicted, the top performers were mostly left untouched.

As my fellow humans enjoyed, my mind slowly began doing its favourite work of constructing doubts out of thin air.

Bhoomi, what you gonna do about Mom?

I am working on it, no? I need some solid evidence to confront her. I have already lost my sleep thinking about this, so can you please let me rest for now?

Okay. If you don't want to discuss that, then can we please look at the other unresolved issue? It is next on the priority list, you know.

I sighed as I knew my mind wasn't going to stop even if I tried to mute it off.

Bhoomi, don't you feel that Tejas has been observing you a lot these days?

I can't control his eyes. And don't try to come up with something rubbish. I know you like to torture me.

I am not going to sing love songs for you, idiot. Relax and listen carefully. Have you ever thought 'seriously' why Tejas suddenly becomes nice and then ignores you, and after some time, he again talks to you like he wasn't just avoiding you?

I don't know. What's the use of repeating the same stuff? I know he doesn't like me, but he can't avoid me too as he might end up having me in his team in the future. Also, as for him being nice, I am not some special case - he is like that with everyone.

But don't you also feel that he pays extra attention to you?

Are you again putting a romantic angle to this? I have no hopes for this life, so please spare me. I have other worries too.

Bhoomi, I am talking about your own benefit only. You are also not sure about his frequent changes in behaviour, right? And can you really trust that stupid heart? What will you do if Tejas keeps giving you attention? How will you know what's he thinking while doing so? If you are sure that he will never consider you more than just his fan, then why do you get confused when he shows his concern for you?

What are you trying to say?

You remember that before Tejas knew that you were Boomer, he wasn't much bothered by you? While meeting your crew, he only showed interest whenever Boomer's topic came up. And after your secret was revealed, didn't he start being strict with you? You get what I mean?

Wait a minute... You want to say that Tejas is only interested in Boomer?

Exactly!

But he knows that it was just a one time thing. Boomer's matter is already closed, so why would Tejas be still concerned about him?

Why don't you confirm for yourself?

Just as I began questioning my mind, I heard a loud squeal beside me. I noticed a pink handkerchief travelling downwards in front of my face before dropping in my lap.

"Oh, what a surprise!"

I blinked rapidly as Udit Sir's words registered in my ears. Slowly, the voices around me increased, and I was pulled out of my zoning out session.

"Bhoomi, did you anticipate this?" Udit Sir asked excitedly.

I looked at him in confusion. He motioned for me to look behind, and when I did, I felt like my heart was pierced with an arrow.

Tejas looked down at me with a proud smile. "I challenge you to a dance battle, Bhoomi."

Did he mean to say Boomer?

Tejas moved inside the circle, and everyone looked at me; there were a few surprised reactions, but most of them had sympathetic looks on their faces.

"TJ, may I know why you chose Bhoomi?" Udit Sir asked.

Tejas shrugged. "Why can't I?"

I observed how Tejas was really excited. When he looked at me, I recognised the expression on his face and the emotion in his eyes - it was the same as the day I had gone against his crew as Boomer.

Oh, man, when will this ghost of Boomer leave me? Well, my inner voice was right then. All this attention I was getting from my dance idol wasn't because of me, but because of a guy that didn't even exist.

As I was challenged, I picked up the handkerchief and moved to stand opposite Tejas.

"How do you feel after receiving TJ's challenge?" Udit Sir asked me.

How do I feel? Honestly, I don't want to go against him. I never imagined that Tejas will pick me for a dance battle. He knows I won't be able to sustain in front of him, and yet he chose me. Is he still mad about me cosplaying as Boomer due to which his crew ended up having a draw with my crew?

Well, whatever his reasons may be, I am not interested. I may have used an alias that time, but I don't have any plans to continue with it. I never wanted to go against Tejas, and I will never do in future too because that's not what I want.

Udit Sir asked me again, and I heaved a breath. Keeping my expressions neutral, I gave the handkerchief to Udit Sir.

"I want to thank Tejas for choosing me, but I am sorry I can't accept the challenge," I announced.

Suddenly, the atmosphere turned chilly. I glanced at Tejas, and he had narrowed his eyes in a questioning look.

Udit Sir raised his eyebrows. "May I know why you are refusing? I get it that you may be afraid, and it is completely normal since your competitor is TJ, but you can still try, Bhoomi. This is just a game."

I nodded and pulled a small smile. "I understand, but I just don't want to battle him. I accept defeat."

"How can you quit like this?" Tejas complained. "We haven't even had one battle round, and you are accepting defeat already?"

I ignored his blazing gaze. Udit Sir told Tejas to chill and just pick up any other trainee. Taking the chance, I planted myself back in my spot. My neighbouring trainees praised my decision of avoiding going against Tejas because they knew he wasn't going to go easy just because it was a game.

Udit Sir asked Tejas to choose another opponent, but Tejas huffed and refused. Everyone began murmuring when Tejas sat back in his spot, his eyes burning holes in me. For the rest of the game, he didn't choose anyone, and after seeing his pissed off expression, no one dared to challenge him too.

When the game finally ended, I was on the verge of evaporating thanks to all the glares I was getting from Mr. Tejas Jaiswal.

As soon as the end of the whole games' session was announced, I grabbed my bag and told Akshay that I was leaving. I didn't want to disturb him because I knew he was going to stay back to spend time with his girlfriend.

I was rushing out of the studio when my bag was pulled back. I prepared myself to face the person I was trying to escape from.

"Why are you running away like a thief?" Tejas asked.

"I have to catch a fast train," I replied.

"What happened earlier? Why didn't you accept my challenge?" he asked and pulled at my bag's strap.

I kept my voice calm. "I was just not interested."

"Not interested?!"

I nodded. "Can I leave now?"

Tejas darted his eyes all over my face. He pulled my bag's strap so strongly that I almost crashed into him.

"Are you for real?" Tejas retorted. "You say you are not interested, but you looked very excited that day. We had a draw, so why not battle once more to see who comes out as the winner? What are you so afraid of? You had no issue having a dance battle with Hriaan, so what's the problem now? Did you lose all of your confidence?"

Is he trying to provoke me? He thinks I will instantly transform into Boomer and complete his wish? I am sorry to disappoint him though.

I stepped back. "Tejas, if you are still angry about having a draw with Unix, then I again apologize for cheating that time. I am getting late, but before I leave, I will like to remind you that Boomer is not my real identity. If you still don't believe me, wanna see my Aadhar card?"

Instead of being sad, I was feeling angry now. I didn't want to accept that what my mind had said was getting proved right.

"Bhoomi, I think you misunderstood my-"

I stopped Tejas before he could say something to confuse me. After hearing what I had said just now, his expressions had softened, but I wasn't going to let him continue fooling me.

"Please leave my bag," I said.

Tejas sighed and slowly removed his grip on my bag's strap. I didn't waste any more time and excused myself. I left the studio and forced myself to not look behind.

Tejas, I only hoped to dance 'with you'; I didn't know Universe will twist my wish in such a way.