Weeks passed and things were going normal in Rohan's life. In college, every girl was gossiping about the new guy. One day Rohan heard that the college was organizing a fest in which many colleges were also participating in a contest of plays and the best actor and actress would be awarded. Trials for the roles were to be held from that day onwards. He made his way to the auditorium where trials had already started.

The auditorium was half-filled with students who wanted a role and some who wanted to just bunk classes.
He saw the nervous faces of other students. He sat on a chair and paid attention to the stage where students were giving the trial for the lead role of Caesar from The play Julius Caesar (by William Shakespeare).

Many were getting rejected. No one was able to portray Caesar properly.

Suddenly someone's voice pulled him out of his reverie. "Et Tu brute -then fall". Actually, it was not Julius Caesar's trial. But the teacher loved this episode and he wanted to take a trial with this dialogue. It's difficult to show mixed emotions.

The teacher and other students clapped for Dhruv's trial. He just nailed the role.

The teacher in his 40's sitting in the first row, grey hairs shining on his head asked Rohan for trial. He headed towards the stage and placed his bag on one side.

He also did his best but the other guy Dhruv already got the role of the boy who leads in the story. The teacher asked him to try for other roles and gave him some other dialogues of some other roles which included female characters too.

Rohan delivered the dialogues of every character but when he played the female character a warm smile played on the teacher’s lips and he clapped for his acting skills where other students were amazed at his reaction...
Perfect," he hollered
"You are perfect for this role".
Wrinkles played on his skin.
"Which role sir."? Confused Rohan asked him.
"Sylvia, Rohan. The lead role, opposite of Dhruv's".
"What.!!! But…”

Whispers could be heard throughout the hall which made Rohan quite uncomfortable. Whereas  Dhruv was sitting still, with an expressionless face.

"Silence". Sir shouted in frustration because the whispers interrupted the conversation.

"I know, kid. It's the role of a girl. But the real actor is the one, who can act any role regardless of its gender or type" the teacher said.
Hesitantly he said "okay ."
"Okay students. We'll start from tomorrow."

Students started leaving the auditorium. Some went back to their classes and some sneaked out of college.
Rohan headed back to his class. Someone called his name from behind. He turned but he couldn't find out who was calling his name. But he saw the guy who got the role of Jeremy- Lover of Sylvia approach him. Rohan felt a little awkward but he passed a warm smile to him adjusting his bag on his shoulder. They shook hands. He congratulated Rohan that he got the role of Sylvia. Dhruv placed his hand on Rohan's shoulder but he instantly jerked his handoff. He felt something, a wave of current passed through his whole body.
To lighten the situation Rohan changed the atmosphere.
"Thanks. By the way, Congratulations to you too Jeremy ".
Dhruv chuckled.
"And you are my Sylvia. Huh".
A tingling sensation flowed through his spine and goosebumps erupted. Dhruv noticed the change in Rohan's behavior.
"Hey. Are you alright?” Dhruv asked this time in a concerned tone.
"Hmm. Yeah of course. I'll see you later."
Rohan disappeared out of Dhruv's sight immediately.