With one stomp on the stage, I began my dance routine. One by one, everything around me seemed to be getting engulfed in a lavender tint, and soon, I was in my zone. All the stage fright and tension dissolved into thin air.

My mind was empty and in a state of calm. I could feel music with each of my senses, and I was awed by its power every time. I was happy, enthralled; I loved the feeling of my soles touching the stage in tune with every beat and my body rippling like the music's changing wavelengths.

I love this! I wish I could keep dancing like this all my-

"Cut it!"

The shrill voice rang into the speakers, overlapping with the song that was switched off abruptly.

My feet automatically stopped, and I froze like a statue in a pose that must have looked like me doing a parody dance.

"Shut the fucking music off!" Sarthak Pawar yelled again into the mike.

Soon, all of the background music was switched off and the stage lights were turned back to normal from the spotlight.

I blinked rapidly and came into normal stance. I gulped nervously when Sarthak Pawar dropped his mic on the table.

The MC motioned at me to stand in the middle of the stage, and I did the same. Soon, my forehead was lined with sweat in the fear that I had messed up. My performance must have been really pathetic that the main judge had to cut the performance in the middle.

The MC took a nervous gulp himself and glanced at me shortly before looking at the judges.

"What's the matter, Sir?" MC asked.

Sarthak Pawar cracked his neck muscles and mumbled something to other judges. After a few minutes, some judges nodded while others shrugged their shoulders.

Sarthak Pawar took the mic. "I am bored. Like, really bored."

Was he saying that because of me?

"Guys, where's the creativity? Same old moves, same fucking choreographies over and over again... I can't even remember how many of you just danced till now."

Sarthak Pawar showed his disappointment and glanced at me and then at the remaining dancers.

"Damn, so many of you still left. I am hundred percent sure all of you are going to be the Xerox copies of the previous dancers. If I am wrong, then feel free to correct me."

Pin drop silence.

"As expected." Sarthak shrugged.

I guess it must have had been only about two to three minutes before Sarthak Sir addressed me, but it felt like hours.

"So, Bhoomi, right?" Sarthak sir asked.

I nodded like a toddler and took the mic from MC.

"You were going to do a classical number after the hip-hop?"

"Yes," I replied in a low voice.

"How many classical and hip-hop dancers present right now?"

Dozens of hands were raised in the air. Sarthak Pawar exchanged glances with other judges.

"If I am going to see similar performances one after another, then I would have just picked up my students and the well known dancers for my project. Do you even get the point of this audition?" Sarthak Sir asked, his voice hinting his anger at us.

No one said anything. I gripped the mic tightly and looked at Akshay. He nodded in assurance, but I felt like I was the reason for Sarthak Sir's outburst.

What did I do? Did I mess up that badly? What is going to happen now? Am I out? I didn't even get to show my full performance. My chance to finally dance with Tejas...

Ganpati Bappa, help me.

Sensing the growing tension, MC acted promptly and asked me to get off the stage.

"Looks like our lovely Sarthak Sir is in a bad mood. So how about we take a small break?" MC boomed into the mic cheerfully and motioned at me to leave as fast as possible.

I didn't want to, but I had no other choice. Realising that I had made a mistake because of which Sarthak Sir was pissed off, I quickly took the chance to apologise.

"Sorry, Sir," I said and gave the mic to MC.

I knew I wasn't going to get a second chance. I fucked up.

"Wait."

I halted on hearing the commanding voice. Sarthak Sir motioned for me to get back beside the MC. In a snap, I was in my previous spot.

"I have an idea," Sarthak said. "I am not in the mood to see repetitive sets, so I am going to give you guys a challenge. Freestyle on the songs chosen by judges randomly and get a direct spot in my team."

Everyone had a shock.

"You mean direct like 'Direct'?" MC asked hopefully.

"Yup. No more rounds. Direct entry into my trainee program." Sarthak grinned.

My heartbeat skyrocketed. It felt like some rock band drummer was drumming my heart in rage mode. It wasn't going 'Dhak dhak' but 'Doom dadoom dum! Doom dadoom dum!'.

"What are we waiting for then? Are you guys up for the challenge?" MC asked the auditioners.

A few 'Yeah' were heard from the crowd, but no one was much enthusiastic about the new obstacle. I could feel the stares from my fellow dancers getting intense and pointed at me. As if fear had enhanced my senses, I could hear their low mumbles.

"Why do we have to freestyle suddenly? I prepared so hard."

"It is all her fault. Sarthak Pawar's mood spoiled because of her."

"Yaar... I had taken classes to come up with the choreographies. All down the drain now."

"Songs are random. We will sure fuck up."

The stares felt like laser beams. My whole body was covered in sweat just by standing in one spot.

Was it really because of me?

MC tried to lighten us up. "If you guys are scared, then remember. Just one amazing performance and you will directly land a spot in the mega project. Don't lose hope so soon."

Some faces relaxed but the majority of dancers were still feeling dejected. All of their efforts into creating hard choreographies had gone to waste. I wasn't an exception. Only Tejas' gang and a few others looked unbothered.

I was confident in freestyling but considering the response to my earlier performance, I wasn't so sure if I would even get to perform again.

Sarthak signalled the MC and he took the mic from me. "All the best," he said to me.

Huh?

"Cue music," one of the judges said.

Wait, what?!

"Bhoomi, you ready?" Sarthak asked.

Huh? At least give me some time to prepare my brain. Fuck!

Within seconds, the spotlight was on me, and the pressure increased hundred folds.

Now I can't run away. This is my second chance. I have to give my all. Ganpati Bappa Morya!

The beat dropped. The song that played was an old one and would have been best performed in Lyrical, but I wasn't that well versed in that style. So, I recalled all the performances that had happened before me and picked up the moves that went with the music.

I wasn't fully confident, but halfway through the song, I started gaining control over the rhythm. I let go of every doubt in my mind and let my brain download every move and techniques that I had seen, observed, and performed till that day.

My sister's words echoed in the back of my mind.

'Whenever in doubt, let the music be your guide. When you let loose, your body will become one with the rhythm. Who knows, you might even invent a genre of your own?'

And that's what I did. No more doubts, no more worry about the result - just breathing the music in the moment.

The song changed randomly and it was a Bollywood number; the famous 'Govinda style'.

(Bollywood number 👆)

I transitioned smoothly and danced my heart out. Then, it was a slow mellow song remixed with Dubstep.

I knew I was a mediocre in popping too, so I remembered how Sarthak Sir had himself freestyled a song with Popping.

So what did I do? I copied his method. I didn't know if it worked but it was worth a try.

(Popping routine 👆)

Slowly, I had begun enjoying it. The sweat flew off my face, but I didn't care. My feet didn't stop just like the smile on my face.

Keep dancing, Bhoomi. Even if you feel your muscles crushing, keep dancing. That's your dream.

The beats changed, and I soon found myself shaking to 'Beggin' You' by Maneskin. I loved that song.

My b-girl side took over, and I mentally thanked the judge who chose that song. I really felt an overwhelming urge to do some new moves that Tejas had shown in his recent dance practice video with his crew. My body automatically moved, adding a touch of its own.

(Hip hop routine 👆)

I was in the transition of doing a freeze step when a loud voice made me tumble as the music suddenly stopped.

"Cut the music!" one of the judges yelled.

Sarthak Sir glared at the judge. "What the hell?"

The judge shook her head at Sarthak. "Don't give me that look, Sarthak. Do you want her to faint or something?"

Was she talking about me? But I wasn't exhausted.

I opened my mouth to say what was on my mind, but I stumbled as I took a step forward. That's when I realised that I was drenched in sweat. My legs were shaking furiously.

Sarthak sighed. "Party Pooper."

The other judge rolled her eyes while everyone laughed at the judges' exchange.

One of the judges began his commentry. "Thank you for taking up the challenge. I think you were gr-"

"Get off the stage!" Sarthak yelled into the mic.

"Excuse me?" The other judge raised his eyebrows. "Sarthak, you seriously need to learn some manners."

I didn't know what was happening. I took the mic from the MC. "Am I supposed to get off the stage, sir?"

Sarthak nodded, his stare growing intense. "Get off. Now."

The other judges chatted among themselves and some even scolded Sarthak, but he was unbothered. His poker face made my heart sink. I gave the mic back and got off the stage.

Was I that bad that I didn't even get any feedback? Did they make me dance for so long because they couldn't see any improvement? Did I lose the last chance I had?

All these questions stormed my mind and my vision started to get blurry. I buried my face into Akshay's sweatshirt and hugged him tightly.

"I am doomed."

Akshay patted my head. "You were amazing, Boom Boom Boomer.

"Don't lie."

Akshay and KD assured me, but when I looked back, I noticed Sarthak Sir staring in our direction. There was no emotion on his face. He turned his attention back to the stage, and he was smiling when Suhana and other dancers performed after me.

"You danced to total three and a half songs, Bhoomi. I think that's great," KD said.

"But I couldn't impress the judges. They shooed me even after such a long performance," I said with a trembling voice.

On forcing Akshay, he reluctantly told me that Sarthak had a poker face all throughout my routines. He didn't move even an inch - neither his body, nor his eyes.

All the exhilaration flew away. I watched the remaining dancers while hiding myself from the curios gazes of others and also from Sarthak Sir.

I knew everyone was talking about me. I could feel them glancing at me all the time. Even Tejas was staring at me.

At other times, I would have felt on top of the moon for getting his attention, but I was sure he must have been laughing at me in his mind.

My dream... How will I achieve it now?

I dug myself deeper into Akshay's sleeve. He had given up on consoling me. No matter how many times Kshitij and he assured me to keep a positive attitude, I didn't believe them. Suhana also tried to cheer me up but to no avail.

KD joined Tejas after some time, but Suhana didn't move from our side. KD called her but she refused. I was thankful for all the sweet words of encouragement from her - it helped me feel a bit lighter.

"Thank you, Suhana. I am sorry for bothering you. You can go back to your friends," I said.

Suhana twisted her lips and glanced at her gang and then back at us. Even though she was replying to me, her eyes were stuck on my best friend.

"It is okay, Bhoomi." Suhana smiled.

I nodded. A weird doubt crept into my mind. I glanced up at Akshay, and he was busy staring at the upcoming dancers. I pulled his sleeve.

"I think I covered your sleeve with my snot," I said.

Akki narrowed his eyes. "You should thank Ganpati Bappa that you are in a sad mood right now or else I would have punched you."

I pulled out my tongue at him and side-glanced at Suhana.

She averted her gaze, but I didn't miss the smile on her lips that she tried to hide.

Was she blushing too?

No way. I must have lost my braincells. There's no way Suhana is interested in my idiotic best friend. My eyes are lying with me.

"Bhoomi, you there?" Akki waved his hand in front of me.

"Yeah."

"Stop crying now."

Akki wiped my cheeks with the pad of his palm. While Akki was doing that, I noticed Suhana trying to steal glances. She huffed lightly and moved towards her friends.

"See ya later," she said quickly and went away.

"Did you see that?" I asked Akshay.

"See what? Your snot?" Akshay laughed.

It was confirmed. My mind was playing games with me. I was exhausted - both mentally and physically.

But the ordeal hadn't yet ended. I had to share the bad news with my family. I knew they were going to be more heartbroken than me.

Bhoomi, what did you do? You should have practiced more. When will you get such a chance again?

I looked at the judges sadly. My pout grew bigger with each passing second.

I wished Sarthak Sir would take pity on me but whenever he looked in my direction, his smile faded and a strange expression veiled his eyes. So, I hid myself behind Akshay.

What if he gets pissed off again?

But, what did I exactly do to get him that mad? Am I really a bad dancer? I don't want to get eliminated.

"Bhoomi!"

I jerked my head in the direction of the voice, and my eyes widened when I saw Sarthak motioning with his hand for me to come over.

Akshay and I exchanged curious glances. I asked my friend if the judge was actually calling me. Akshay pushed me forward and advised me to choose my words wisely.

I slowly went towards Sarthak Sir and stood with my hands clasped together.

"Yes, sir?" I asked.

Sarthak turned around and started walking. "Follow me."

Huh?

I glanced back at Akshay, and he mouthed to me to go ahead.

I followed the judge like a lamb. We went to a secluded spot backstage, and I stood a few feet away from him. My nerves were breaking.

Should I apologise? Should I beg him for another chance? Should I dance for him right now? May be he would feel some sympathy for me?

"Sir, I am really sorry if I-"

"So, Bhoomi, since when have you been dancing?" Sarthak Sir asked, cutting my sentence.

"Since I can remember," I blurted.

Sarthak gave no response. He didn't even look at me. It was better that way, I guess.

"Do you know the difference between talent and skills?" he asked.

I furrowed my eyebrows.

What is the difference? Isn't talent also some kind of skill? What is talent? Wait... what is skill? What is he talking about? Why is he talking about this stuff? And that too... with me?

Sarthak grinned when I couldn't come up with a reply. We stood in silence for a few minutes. Suddenly, Sarthak moved and went past me.

"Bhoomi, welcome to the team. Looking forward to what you got," he said.

What?!

Sarthak glanced back and winked. "Don't tell anyone though."

I froze. What he had said hadn't yet registered completely with my brain when he disappeared from my view.

A girl came to me and handed me a form to fill up. When she saw my condition, she decided to fill the form herself.

"Don't worry," she said. "Sarthak sir is a nice person. By the way, what he said was true in case you still don't believe him."

I looked at her in disbelief.

"Take your time to get out of the shock. Also, do not tell anyone until the official announcement is made. And to avoid any misunderstandings, Sir was talking about the trainee program, okay? Not the final team."

I nodded. She asked for some details, recorded them and left.

When I went back, the auditions were over, and the event was getting wrapped up. Akshay and Arushi found me.

"What happened?" Akshay asked.

"I got-" I began, but Arushi hugged me tightly.

"Don't fuss if you got scolded. This is what life is about," she said.

Akshay also agreed and tried to throw some inspirational stuff at me. "You must be feeling terrible after what happened on stage and now you even got lectured by Sarthak Sir personally. Don't take it to heart, okay? Everything will be fine."

Excuse me? Why were they assuming things?

I tried to talk but they shut me up every time. I couldn't even tell them the wonderful news, so they were still in fear that I would start crying.

Thus, my best friends bombarded me with motivational quotes, and even though I was really grateful, my ears had started bleeding.

Even after reaching home, I couldn't forget Sarthak's words.

"Bhoomi, welcome to the team."

My niece, Srishti, noticed my happy mood and looked at me curiously.

"Mausi (Aunt) is smiling by herself." Srishti laughed.

I picked her up in my arms and swirled her around.

"I am really happy! My dream is going to come true! Yay!"