Good morning! Hope you have a nice day ahead! 🤗

Moving on...💃 💃 💃

"Words in double quotes" - Talking

'Words in single quotes' - Thoughts

(Words in braces) - Telephone conversation

Chapter 4 - Circumstances

Swara dragged Ragini and Kriti to the auditorium. She took them near the section where names were being registered "Ragini Gadodia and Swara Gadodia."

"What about you? Aren't you going to participate Kriti?"

"No Ragini di. I don't know how to sing or dance. I'll be entering the inter-college science competition. Computers are my power!"

"Besides, everyone here would probably run away screaming if you sing." joked Swara.

Kriti hit her playfully.

Ragini smiled at their antics and looked around. Everyone was either practicing their dance moves or checking their vocals so that nothing goes wrong while they perform.

"Wow. There sure are a lot of singers and dancers in the college. I mean, look at the crowd here!"

"Di, honestly? About half of them don't know how to sing or dance properly. They are just here to see Sanskar and Laksh. They're amazing!"

"Why do you smile everytime when you take Laksh's name Swara?" asked Ragini suspiciously.

Swara blushed, looking down. Kriti let out a laugh and answered for Swara. "That's because she likes him."

Swara smacked Kriti's head "No I don't! There is absolutely no feelings in my heart for that shameless flirt."

"Its true that he is a shameless flirt. But its also true that girls die for him. Including you, right?" Kriti wiggled her eyebrows at Swara.

"Unbelievable Swara. How could you like a guy like that!?" Ragini chided.

"Di that's n-"

Suddenly, a girl nearby squealed loudly "Oh my! Sanskar and Laksh are here!" at once, all the girls, including Swara, rushed to the door, blocking the way.

"Did Swara just rush after that jerk?! Unbeleivable!"

Kriti rolled her eyes "That. And also, Swara's a die-hard fan of Sanskar, Ragini di. I think I lost count of how many times I've told her to stop acting like a crazy fangirl. But, nope! She won't listen!"

"Hey, hey! Make way. Get away from him. He's not yours!" shouted a girl, as she and her friends pushed the fangirls back, away from Sanskar.

Ragini noticed that the girl none other than Mansi. 'And I guess the five girls beside her, with lots of make-up are her best friends. Ugh...They look like they have eaten the entire make-up kit in the morning!' Ragini thought, disgusted.

Sanskar and Laksh made their way to the stage in the middle of the auditorium. Sanskar took the mike and cleared his throat. He raised his hand and everyone quietened "As you all know...me, Mansi and Laksh are the judges to the participants who will be selected for the College Fest." a loud cheer broke out among the students.

Ragini turned to look at Kriti with wide eyes "Swaskar is the judge? Then there is no way he's going to select me. I'm his enemy, in case you've forgotten!"

"Its Sanskar, not Swaskar di." Kriti corrected with a chuckle.

"Whatever! Do I look like I care? I'm more concerned about me getting selected!"

Kriti placed a hand on Ragini's shoulder. "Relax di. I'm sure its not that big of an issue. And besides, if you are truly talented, then there is no way he would refuse you."

"That guy is an arrogant prick! He will misjudge me even if I sing well, just because of what happened in the morning."

Kriti looked down in thought "Well di, then I guess we can only hope that he keeps his personal enmity apart from this audition."

Ragini nodded and sighed. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Saara sitting on a seat. She nudged Kriti and pointed at Saara "If Sanskar is the judge, then its obvious he won't choose Saara. He hates his sister, and vice-versa. Why is she here then?"

"Di, don't forget. The college is owned by their parents. Saara doesn't need to give audition. Her name is already on the selected list because of her parents name."

"That still doesn't explain why she is here."

"I don't know why either." Kriti replied honestly.

Sanskar started speaking again "Only those will be selected who get the approval from all the three judges. And you know what guys? The best singer will get to work with me in my next album!" Ragini and Kriti covered their ears as the students started squealing again. Not only the girls, but the boys were also cheering for Sanskar.

"I think I'll go deaf if I remain here any longer. See ya Di!" Kriti rushed out of there, waving at Ragini.

"So lets start the auditions!" Sanskar shouted, as he went to sit at the judge's chair, followed by Laksh and Mansi.

Swara came near Ragini with an excited face. "Get ready Di. The war has begun!"

"You're calling this audition a war? Seriously?"

"Yes, war! We need to be the best and defeat all the rest! Cha!" Swara spoke with determination, with her fist raised to the sky.

"Swara.... you're starting to scare me now sis."

#With Kriti#

"Finally! Fresh air!" Kriti sighed in relief as she came out into the corridor, away from the auditorium. Suddenly, her stomach rumbled. "Guess it's time to visit the canteen again."

"Didn't you have your lunch during recess?" asked someone from behind.

"So what? I'm a growing teen. I got a high metabolism." Kriti turned back to tell off whoever it was, but froze. It was their Math teacher. "P-Prasanth S-sir?!"

"Why are you out here, when you should be in class right now?" he asked in an irked tone.

"I-I-I was... I was about to go for the auditions. I'm a great performer!" she said with confidence.

"Only participants need to be there."

"I'm participating too!" she lied.

The teacher glared at her. "We both know that you can't sing even if it was to save your life. So don't try to give me excuses. You're bunking class again, aren't you?"

"N-no Sir. You se-"

"Enough. Go to your class right now!"

"But Sir, I wa-"

"No buts. Move it!" Prasanth hollered, pointing at the direction of her class. Kriti nodded and left for class with a sulky face. Unknown to her, Prasanth looked towards a man at the 1st floor and pointed at Kriti. He opened his phone and texted the guy.

One of Ragini's new friends. Want me to keep an eye on her?

The man checked the text and nodded back towards Prasanth. He moved back and disappeared into the shadows.

#With Ragini#

"Good luck Swara!" Ragini cheered as Swara went to perform on the stage. Ragini knew that Swara was a great singer, but she feared that Mansi might reject her.

Ragini noticed that Mansi had rejected most of the female participants. So far, 10 boys but only 3 girls had been selected. 'She acts so bold and daring. Yet, she is so insecure that she fears someone will steal Sanskar. Such an insecure person!' Ragini looked at Mansi in irritation.

Her eyes fell on the Laksh sitting near Mansi. 'Why is he smiling for no reason? What the heck?! O wait. He's smiling at something in front of him.'

Ragini followed his line of sight and noticed that he was staring at Swara. 'Eh? Does he like Swara? Or is it the way he looks at every beautiful girl? Hmm... I better keep an eye on him. I won't let him play with Swara's heart!'

Swara started singing.

"Moh moh..
Moh moh ke dhaage

hmmm...
Yeh moh moh ke dhaage
Teri ungliyon se ja uljhe

Yeh moh moh ke dhaage
Teri ungliyon se ja uljhe
Koi toh toh na laage
Kis tarah girah ye suljhe..."

Laksh's smile widened as Swara continued singing. 'Your name suits you Swara. You sing so beautifully. You had already stolen my heart, now you've left me speechless with your singing.'

Sanskar was also looking at Swara with a smile. 'Her voice is so melodious. I think I shall put her name in the list.'

However, Mansi noticed Sanskar's smile and her jealousy took over. She pressed the buzzer and spoke "You're not good enough. Next please!"

Laksh and Sanskar looked at her in surprise. "Mansi, she sang so beautifully. How could you say that it wasn't good enough?" spoke Laksh.

None of them noticed Saara gripping her chair harder and looking at Swara in anger. She didn't want to see the faces of Mansi or Sanskar, but was there to watch Laksh. She didn't like him giving much attention to Swara or any other girl. 'Why is he vouching for her?!'

"I've heard better singers." Mansi spoke flippantly.

'Ugh! This ignorant, good-for-nothing Mansi. This is why I never liked her. If she wasn't Sanskar's friend, I would have told her what I think of her!' He looked at Sanskar 'Poor Sanskar. When will you realise the truth about this bitch!?'

"Mansi, you should rethink your decision" spoke Sanskar.

"Nope. I've already decided. I know that this song can be sung in a much better way."

"So what? Don't act like you know a lot about singing. We took you as a judge to decide on the dancers here. Not the singers."

"We both know that a contestant needs the vote of all the three judges. I refuse. So she can't enter."

"Guys, guys! Calm down alright. Mansi, Laksh is right. Swara was amazing!" spoke Sanskar.

Mansi looked insulted "Sanskar she-" Laksh pulled her hand and whispered quietly.

"Look Mansi, if you're worried that Swara would steal Sanskar, then I should tell you that I like her. So don't worry about her getting Sanskar"

Mansi's eyes widened. She didn't know that Laksh liked Swara. 'I guess I got worried for no reason. Sanskar wouldn't fall for someone that Laksh, his best friend, likes.'

She turned to Sanskar "You're right Sanskar. It was my mistake." she turned to Swara and spoke in an overly sweet tone "I'm sorry for earlier Swara. You're selected."

'I wish I could punch you!' thought Swara, in her mind. However, on the outside, she smiled at Mansi and thanked her.

Sanskar was confused why Mansi changed her opinion so suddenly. He had seen Laksh whisper something to her before Mansi's decision "You two are hiding something from me. Tell me." Mansi and Laksh started giving excuses about it.

Swara came down the stage and hugged Ragini.

"Congratulations Chutki! I'm so happy for you!"

"Di! Please don't call me that in college. And thanks!" She broke the hug and pushed Ragini forward "Now its your turn. Go set the stage on fire Di!"

Ragini shook her head at Swara's antics and went towards the stage. 'Alright Ragini! That arrogant prick may not choose you because of what you did. But don't let it stop you! Lets do this!' Ragini thought to herself and moved onto the stage.

#With Kriti#

Kriti sat on her seat and put her head on the table. 'I should have stayed in the auditorium with Swara and Ragini Di. If I had stayed, the teacher wouldn't catch me and I wouldn't have to attend this boring Biology class.'

Someone poked her from behind and she looked back to see her friend looking at her quizically.

"Didn't you say you won't be attending the classes after recess?"

"I did. But that stupid Maths teacher caught me. Me and my rotten luck!"

"Good afternoon" said the teacher, as she entered. Kriti looked towards her and noticed that a boy was entering along with her.

"Students. This is Vivek. He is a new transfer student here." spoke the teacher and motioned for Vivek to speak.

He stepped forward and smiled "Hi! I'm Vivek Delgado. I'm 20 and single." he winked at the girls who sighed dreamily, looking at him.

The teacher looked at him irritated "I told you to speak more about yourself. I didn't ask your relationship status."

"Then you should have just said so. I'm so dumb I couldn't understand" he joked.

(Vivek 👆)

Kriti rolled her eyes 'Great! Another rich, pompous flirt. As if we didn't have enough of them in the college!' 😒

She noticed someone approach her "Hi. Is this seat empty?" asked Vivek, pointing to the seat next to her.

"No, I gue-"

"I see." he immediately went and sat there, before she could complete her sentence.

"How rude! What do you think of yourself huh!?" 😣

Vivek looked at her and smiled. However, his smile disappeared when she didn't stop glaring at him. 'Eh? Any other girl would have melted by now and started chatting with me. She sure is different. And I like different.' he extended his hand for her to shake "You already know my name. What's yours?"

"None of your business" she was still pissed at him. 😒

"But it is my business if you will be the one to show me around the college" Kriti looked at him shocked and he smiled "The teacher told me to pick someone to show me around. And I pick you."

#With Ragini#

Ragini took the mike and looked at the judges. Mansi, Sanskar and Laksh seemed to be busy arguing, but Ragini started.

"🎶Maana ke hum yaar nahin
Lo tay hai ke pyaar nahi... 🎶"

"Listen Mansi, wh-" Sanskar stopped speaking as Ragini's voice reached his ears. He closed his eyes and got lost in that voice.

Mansi and Laksh turned to see who was singing. They too were impressed by the voice.

"🎶Raaste mein jo milo toh
Haath milaane ruk jaana

Ho saath mein koi ho tumhare
Door se hi tum muskaana

Lekin muskaan ho aisi
Ki jisme ikraar nahin...🎶"

Ragini stopped. The entire student body had gone silent, mesmerized by her voice. Laksh stood up to clap. "That was amazing!"

"I'm glad you all liked it."Ragini smiled and thanked him.

Mansi was looking towards Sanskar to see his reaction. She would decide then.

'I'm putting her name on the list, whether Mansi wants it or not. I think I will also choose her for my next album.' Sanskar smiled and slowly opened his eyes to look at the singer. However, his smile disappeared when he saw who it was. "YOU! How dare you come here!?"

Ragini gripped the mike harder 'Shit! I hope he doesn't insult me in front of all the students in the auditorium. Because if he does, I won't keep quiet, and we'll end up creating a scene.'

"Arre...Sanskar, its alright. Forget what happened and concentrate on the present. Didn't you hear how she sang? It was awesome! I think we should enter her name right away!" spoke Laksh.

"No, we won't!"

"What? Why?!" asked Laksh.

"She's not good enough!"

Laksh went near Sanskar and whispered. "Sanky, is this because of what happened in the morning? I told you it was my mistake."

"But she was rude to me. You don't know how she pulled my hair!" Sanskar whispered back.

Mansi noticed that Sanskar seemed to hate Ragini for some reason. 'Then I guess I have nothing to fear from her.'

"I think we should select her" spoke Mansi. "Sanskar, there is no reason why we shouldn't take her in."

"I told you she isn't good enough!"

"Di was next to perfect. Everyone here would agree to it!" shouted Swara from among the audience. 'I might be a big fan of Sanskar, but I refuse to accept injustice against my Di! For her, I'll fight even you Sanskar!' thought Swara in determination.

"She's your sister?" enquired Laksh, to which Swara nodded.

Sanskar tried to think of an excuse "There...there is a reason. I didn't hear her properly, as I was talking with Mansi. Sing again." said Sanskar. He was hoping that Ragini would mess up somewhere and he would take advantage of that. 'I shouted at her in front of everyone. Something like that would make anyone nervous. Come on Ragini, mess up your song and I'll get the excuse to throw you out.'

Ragini knew he was lying, but remained silent 'He now knows that Swara is my sister. If I insult him, he might remove Swara's name. I can't do that to her. I guess I have to just sing again.' Ragini began singing.

"Chhuteya na chhute mose
Rang tera dholna
Ik tere baajo dooja
Mera koi mol na
Bolna mahi bolna
Bolna mahi bolna

Hmm... aa....

Tere liye aaya main toh
Tere sang jaana
Dholna ve tere naal
Jindri bitavaan..."

"So? Convinced now Swaskar?" asked Ragini in a challenging tone.

"Its Sanskar! " Sanskar corrected her.

"Ehehe... Right!" Ragini gave a nervous laugh, while Laksh snickered.

"That was an easy song. Anyone could sing it. Sing another." Sanskar smirked.

Ragini looked at him in anger 'How could he say that? He is doing all this just because of that incident. Selfish, unprofessional, arrogant moron!'

#With Ansh#

"What are you searching for Anto?" asked Karan, as he saw Ansh looking under the shelves kept in the computer lab.

"I can't find my car keys anywhere. I almost forgot that Maa told me to pick her up from her friend's house"

Karan rolled his eyes "Didn't you say that Saara drove the car to the college today?"

Ansh smacked his own head "Damn, I forgot! I guess the keys are with her. Silly me."

Ansh dialed her number and waited for her to pick up his call. "Hello? Hello Saara, where are you?"

(At the auditorium bhai. Is there something you needed?)

"I needed my cars keys."

(Do you want me to come give them to you now bhai? I'll go to you if you want.)

"No no. You stay there. I'll go get them from you. Stay in the auditorium, alright?"

(Sure bhai.)

Ansh cut the call and looked at Karan. "Hey, I'll head back home after this. See you tomorrow."

Karan nodded and uttered a 'bye', without looking up from his work.

Ansh shook his head at him 'I wish you would learn to chill a bit and smile more *sigh* Guess you won't ever change.'

Ansh moved out and headed for the auditorium, unaware that Sanskar and Ragini were there as well.

************************************
To be continued...

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~ 🌹 Mona 🌹