*Viraj*

I yawn as the guy on stage performs some hip hop dance number. This is so repetitive. Hip Hop, Bollywood and western style.

Aur kitne performances baaki hai? Aslesha ka number kab aayega? Mujhe uska naam baad me adjust karna pada isliye last hai shayad.

His performance is over and then Trisha comes on stage. "Aa gayi chudail" I mutter under my breath and Rudra laughs beside me.

She is wearing a crop top and shorts which are barely covering her ass. Kuch toh imagination ke liye chhod deti. Huh.

She is dancing on some Bollywood song and I can't understand anything other than kamli kamli kamli... Konsa song hai kya pata.

The boys stand up and start cheering for her, some screaming her name, some whistling.

Finally she is done and gets off stage after blowing kisses to everyone and all that shit. Ja na re baba ab.

The lights go off. The sound of ghungroos echo in the dark and I know it's Aslesha's turn now. I sit straight and lean ahead.

I can see her vague figure in the dark standing on the stage. Arree lights lagaao idiots.

Just then the spotlight suddenly falls on her and she closes her eyes tightly, and then slowly opens them. Jesus, kitni khoobsurat lag rahi hai.

She is wearing a nicely fitted dress, anarkali, which is flowing down to her feet. It's off-white with golden design on it.

There are gasps and whispers all around and the guy in front oh me gets up to leave.

"Baith neeche nahi toh tera muh fod dunga" I grab his collar and pull him down. Aslesha's expression turns worried and she looks at me.

I give her a reassuring nod and she sighs. She nods towards the music guy and does the namaskar. She always does it before dancing I guess. I find it really cute.

The tune of one of A.R Rehman's best songs fills the hall. I know this song. Bahot dino baad sunn raha hu but I know the lyrics.

Tum tak.

Aslesha starts dancing. And again I'm totally mesmerized by her. She's beautiful, graceful, just amazing. Her movements are so smooth and effortless, it's like she is floating in the air. Her ghungroos in sync with every beat.

She's staring ahead but suddenly her eyes catch mine and my breath catches in my throat.

Chup ke dekhna ek alag baat hai, but jab ye aankho me aankhe daal ke naache, it's.. indescribable. It's like she is dancing for me. Like all those lyrics and expressions are for me. Which totally a stupid concept of my head by the way.

Her expressions are so on point. Kuch samajh nahi aa raha, uske per dekhu, haath dekhu ya chehra dekhu. Everything is perfect.

Naino ki dhaak le ja, Naino ki naiyya..
Patwaar tu hai meri, Tu khevaiyya..
Jaana hai paar tere, Tu hi bhanwar hai..
Pahunchegi paar kaise, Naazuk si naiyya....

The song slowly slowly comes to an end and she takes the last position as slowly the lights turn on. There is pin drop silence in the hall. Even Rudra beside me is staring blankly at her.

I look at her and her face becomes sad. Koi kuch react kyu nahi kar raha? She's gonna be so dissapointed. She'll never dance on the stage again.

No. Fuck!

Suddenly a guy stands up and starts clapping. He is the one who did hip hop before Trisha. Everyone gets up and starts applauding as cheers rise around the hall. Someone screams 'once more' and then the whole crowd is chanting 'once more once more...'

Aslesha's face slowly breaks into a smile as she covers her mouth with her hand, giggling happily. I stand up on the chair and start screaming with the crowd. "ONCE MORE ONCE MORE, ONCE MORE.." I should say thrice more actually. I'll never get enough of her dance.

The supervisors try to settle everyone down and it takes a couple of minutes for everyone's voice to fade out.

She looks at me and her eyes become glassy. Arre kya hua isse? I hop down and rush backstage. Congratulate toh kar du paglu ko.

*Aslesha*

"ASLESHA!!" I hear his voice calling me when I see him at the end of the hallway. He runs towards me and pulls me in his arms clutching me tightly. My heartbeat speeds up.

Viraj is hugging me. Viraj is hugging me. Oh my god!

Actually this can't be call hugging because I can't hug him back as my hands are pinned down on my sides because of his arms. I want to hug him back. But this feels awesome too.

"You were absolutely the best. I am speechless" he says holding me even more tightly.

"And she is breathless" Pari says beside me smirking at him and he frowns.

"Vo saans nahi le paa rahi Veer. You are holding her too tightly" she says and he quickly loosens his grip and takes a step back. I let out a long breath.

Mujhe khud nahi pata chala ke maine apni saans rok ke rakhi thi.

"Oh sorry. I just.. I just.." he stammers and I take his hands in mine. "Thank you Viraj" I whisper and he gives me a small smile.

"It was all you Aashi. Don't thank me" he says. He raises his hand and cups my cheek looking into my eyes intensely. His eyes glowing with wonder and adoration.

He takes a step ahead and my face is just inches away from his when Pari clears her throat and I jump back.

"Public place guys" she smirks and I hit her on the arm as Viraj puts his arm around me pulling me closer. "I don't care" he mutters putting the other arm around her and pulling us into the hall.

We sit on our places again as many students gaze at me and give me smiles. I feel like a celebrity and I must say that it is an awesome feeling.

I see Viraj frowning and I poke my elbow into his ribs. I raise my eyebrows in a silent 'kya hua' to which he shakes his head and takes my hand in his, playing with the bracelet on my wrist.

Why do I get this tingly feeling, every time my hand is in his?

We are waiting for the results and honestly, I don't even care. I've decided that I'm gonna participate in every competition from now on. The feeling when everybody started cheering for me, applauding and screaming my name, it was.. Euphoric. My nerves are still vibrating in happiness.

I look at Viraj who is looking down at me with a weird expression. "Kya dekh rahe ho?" I say touching my face.

"Kuch nahi" he says shaking his head just when a teacher comes on the stage. "Results aa gaye hai" he says.

He starts announcing the singing competition winners as everyone claps for them. The group dance and duet winners are also announced.

"And solo dance ke liye apne college ko represent karegi Aslesha Mathur" the teacher says and I squeal in excitement as I throw my hands around Viraj who wraps his hands around my waist and lifts me off the ground twirling me around. Then Pari pulls me and she is hugging me too and jumping up and down as I jump with her. And then Rudra hugs me pulling both my cheeks.

"Party chahiye Aashi" he says and I nod. "Jarur. Abhi chale?" I ask the three of them and they nod.

"Wait near the gate, mai change kar ke aati hu" I say.

"Aise hi chalo na. You look beautiful" Viraj says and a blush creeps on my face.

"Nahi mai jaldi se aa jaaungi" I say and rush inside the changing room and quickly change into my regular clothes, a grey t-shirt and black jeans. I keep the dress neatly in my bag and go to the washroom and clean my face free of any makeup.

Now I feel better. I leave my hair because they are too tight and if I let it stay for any longer, my head will start paining.

The braid has given my hair a wavey texture and it looks good so I leave them open.

Suddenly Trisha enters the washroom, slamming the door behind her and then she looks at me. "You bitch, I don't know what you did to get selected but tumne jarur cheating ki hai" she says her eyes raging with anger.

"Mai itni jyada khush hu ke mujhe tumpe gussa bhi nahi aa raha and I don't wanna waste my time and energy on you" I say giving her a smile and turning to leave.

"Mai bhi dekhti hu kab tak khush rehti ho" I hear her muttering as I get out. What the fuck is wrong with her. Hamesha kyu ye aisa behave karti hai mere saath?

I call papa to inform him that I got selected but he doesn't answer. Ghar ja ke hi batati hu.

When I go out, Rudra and Viraj are arguing about something to which Pari is laughing loudly, her hands on her knees as she can't stand straight due to the laughing.

"Vo makkhi banti hai. Mai bol raha hu na. Maine dekha" Rudra says to which Viraj shakes his head.

"Abeyy cockroach thi vo" Viraj says and I make a weirded face.

"Kya baat kar rahe ho?" I ask looking at them confused.

"Sasural Simar ka" the three of them say together and I burst out laughing. Ohh vo serial.

"Actually Viraj, makkhi bannti hai vo" I say between my laughs and he scratches his head. "Cockroach kon bannta hai fir?" he asks.

"Eww shut up now. Chalo chalte hai" Pari says hitting both of them on their arms.

I eye Viraj's bike parked a little away when he gets on it. He looks at me and raises his eyebrows smirking at me.

Show off kahi ka.

Meri Baby doll hi sabse best hai. I get on it and Pari sits behind me. "Sea view cafe me milo" Rudra shouts and their bike zooms past us.

It's not very far away and in no time we reach there.

I've never been here before but heard of it. It's a sea facing cafe, which is obvious, and as soon as we enter, the rich aroma of coffee hits my nostrils.

"Rudra messaged roof top pe aane ke liye" Pari says looking into her phone. The weather is beautiful today. Sahi rahega upar hi. Aaj dekha jaaye toh sab hi achha hai.

Maine dopeher se kuch khaya bhi nahi hai. Now I'm feeling more hungry.

"Surprise!"

Oh my god!

Along with Rudra and Viraj, Saumya, Joel, Shabnam, Sid, Tej and Neel are also present.

I look at Pari and she is grinning widely at me. "Actually idea Veer ka tha" she says and I look at Viraj and give him a smile.

"Dancing queen Aslesha Mathur padhaar rahi hai" Sid says and I laugh.

This is so cool. All my friends are present to congratulate me.

Everyone starts praising me as Rudra shows them the video that he took but then soon everyone are bombarding me with questions as to why I didn't tell them.

"Okay bass karo. Vo thak gayi hai usse saans toh lene do. And next Friday hum sab ja rahe hai Aashi Ko support karne tab wapas se dance dekh lena" Viraj says and everyone nods.

I mouth a 'thank you' to him to which he gives me a wink.

Viraj sits on the end of the couch and looking at me shifts a little to the edge. My cheeks go warm and I quitely go and sit beside me. Why am I always blushing around him. It's not that big a deal.

A waitress comes and takes the order. Viraj takes a mocchiato while I order a chocolate brownie frappe and a chicken tandoori burger with double cheeze.

"Chaddha, coach ne kal kya timing bola hai?" Sid asks and Chaddha looks at me.

"Sab mujhe Chaddha bulane lage hai Aashi. Thanks dude" he says sarcastically and I bite my lip to suppress my smile.

"Aye sab kaha? Mai tujhe captain chaddi bulata hu" Viraj argues and everyone burst out laughing at his new name.

"Chaddha you didn't answer my question though.. does your family.."

"Nahi meri maa! Nahi bechte hum chaddis. Rehem karo" he says joining his hands but smiling.

The conversation flows freely around the table. First we are talking about the rave parties in Goa which the boys are going to attend this week, then about aliens and suddenly everyone is fighting whether Superman is better or Batman.

"Team Superman" Pari says. "Yes he is so hot" Shabnam agrees. "Superman is useless without his powers. Team Batman" Joel says.

"I like Iron man" Neel says.

"Sabse best hai apna Krish" Tej says and everyone gives him a weirded look.

"Na na. Sabse best hai shakti-man" Viraj says and I literally choke on my frappe as I lean on his shoulder and laugh even more.

"I'm team hanu-man " I say and Saumya spits her juice on Tej and we laugh even more.

I munching down my burger which is really tasty when I see Viraj eyeing me. "Mere burger ko nazar mat lagaao" I say frowning at him.

"Kitna khaati ho tum. Itni si jaan itna khana kaise kha leti hai" he says chuckling lightly.

"Talent hai talent" I say proudly. I finish the burger and start eating the nachos which Viraj ordered.

Somewhere between the conversation, Viraj suddenly takes a tissue and wipes my chin like it's a completely normal thing to do. He could tell me but he does it himself. Koi baat nahi. I do that to Pari sometimes, I think and let it go.

We spend almost 2 more hours there and just talking and laughing. Everyone pays their own share even though I insist that it was my treat. How did I get such awesome friends?

We go down as everyone leaves their way. Rudra is taking something parcel and Pari is with him inside which leaves me and Viraj waiting for them.

The sea breeze feels beautiful as I see the waves crashing the sand.

I go and sit on my scooter as Viraj comes and stands in front of me.

"Stage fear khatam?" he asks. "Pura khatam. Mann kar raha hai wapas stage pe ja ke naachu" I say laughing a little.

"Thanks" I murmur as my eyes fill with tears.

"Hey kya hua?" He asks cupping my cheek and making me look at him.

I smile as a tear drop rolls down my cheek. "You made this happen Viraj. Daraa dhamkaa ke hi sahi but this day turned out to be the best day of my life. And it has nothing to do with me winning. Stage pe perform karne ki baat hi kuch aur hai sahi me. And it's all because of you. Thank you so much" I say. He wipes my tear with his thumb.

"Bilkul pagal ho tum. Isme rone jaisa kya hai ha?" he says softly his thumb stroking my cheek.

"Ye rone wala rona nahi hai" I say softly.

"Rone ke bhi alag alag types hote hai?" he asks as his hands go to my side and he starts tickling me.

I start laughing and quickly hold his hands pushing them away. "Nahi! Please please" I plead laughing as he lets go and takes my hand in his playing with my fingers.

"Kitna time laga rahe hai ye dono. Mujhe gym jaana hai" he says looking at the door of the cafe.

A picture of Viraj working out in the gym flashes in my brain and I quickly push it away. Control yourself mind!

"Viraj?"

"Hmm?"

"Tum yahi rahoge na. You'll stay right?" I ask and quickly regret when he drops my hand.

Shit, why am I being so desperate. He is not my boyfriend or anything that I'm asking such questions.

It's just that bachpan se mere bahot dost bane hai but bass kuch mahino ke liye. Only Pari has remained constant. After a while everyone replaced me. Kisi ke naye friends bane, kisi ko boyfriends mile and then mujhe sab bhul gaye. It's just that I'd love him to remain constant. Because the days that I'm living now are seriously the best days of my life.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to say it that way.. I was.."

"Ofcourse I'll stay. Best Enemies Forever hai hum remember. Forever." He says as I smile. His eyes travel down to my lips and then he looks at my left cheek.

Wapas kuch laga hai kya?

"Aa rahe hai vo log" he suddenly says looking behind me and I nod. He takes my helmet and places it on my head, clipping it down below my chin as his hand lightly grazes my jaw. A contented sigh leaves my lips.

"See you on Monday then" he says and I nod. He sits on his bike as Pari sits behind me. And then we leave.

Around 7 I reach home, and after just a few minutes dad comes home hugging me tightly and he has also bought a gift for me. This is officially the best day of my life. It a beautiful silver watch.

"But papa aapko toh pata bhi nahi tha ke mai select ho gayi" I say wearing the watch and looking at it.

"Ye toh participate karne ke liye hai bass. Jeetne ke liye alag gift. Bolo kya chahiye?" he asks and I hug him. "Kuch nahi. Sab hai mere paas" I say.

He is very very happy and he doesn't allow me to cook saying that I'll be tired and we end up ordering food from outside. Dhruv comes sometime later with the 'Despicable Me 3' CD in his hands and we watch the movie together. While watching it, he falls asleep on my lap and his mom comes home to take him.

"Tera chehra aaj kal bahot khilaa hua rehta hai Aashu. Kuch naya cream vagera lagati hai kya?" she asks stroking my cheek lightly.

"Nahi di. Kaha kuch" I say.

"Oh toh ye cream ka nahi, Pyaar ka asar hai" she says and my eyes widen as I quickly look back towards Papa's bedroom which is thankfully closed.

"Kuch bhi kya di" I say laughing a little. "Maine kal dekha tha vo ladka tujhe chhodne aaya tha. Bada handsome tha ha. Good choice" she says winking at me.

Oh my god Viraj?

"Nahi di.. dost hai vo bass" I say and she gives me a I-know-it-all look. "Chal ab mai jaati hu. I want to know everything about him ok" she says giggling a little and leaves before I have a chance to protest.

Viraj aur mai? Mai aur Viraj?? Kuch bhi ha. Hum done me P Y A A R kabhi nahi ho sakta. Soch bhi kya rahe the di?

I mean he is so good looking and literally the finest guy on earth. The whole female population of Goa is his fan. Jab bada cricketer banega tab puri duniya pagal hogi uske peeche. Why would he like a plain simple girl like me? Not that I like him ha. Matlab I like him but now waisa wala like.

Mai ye soch bhi kyu rahi hu. I shake my head trying to clear my thoughts and take the latest book which I borrowed from the library.

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami.

I curl up in bed and start reading from where I left it.

'Maybe it's just hiding somewhere. Or gone on a trip to come home. But falling in love is always a pretty crazy thing. It might appear out of the blue and just grab you. Who knows — maybe even tomorrow.'

~•~•~•~•~•~•

Itne jaldi naya update! Now do you guys love me or love me? Heheh.. please vote aur comment karo if you liked the chapter. And also ho sake toh share it with your friends. I love you all who take the time to read this book. You guys are awesome! And ily :)