Ari

I saw her the moment she walked in the private mini bar, linking arms with Zee. Who the hell wears a dress like that?  And from the looks of it, it's definitely Zee's. God, sometimes I wish I could just strangle Zee. 
" What the hell is she doing here?", Sid comes beside me and I can see some anger on his face. 
Why is he angry? Why am I angry that he is angry? What the hell!
Zee has the most stupid smile on her face while Ms. Chashmish is glancing around nervously. 
" I thought I was clear when you agreed to not come here.", I look at her while she looks at me. 
The party did nothing to take my mind off of what the Dean said. If I flunk, my position in my dream team is gone. And no fucking amount of money will get me that.
It's also besides the point that I have to take her help to reach my goal. Despite being so damn close. My Family has always supported my passion for football. But Dad still believes I'm in a phase and I will eventually grow out of it. He does not see me making a career in football. 
And now, I've to deal with her on top of this. It's ridiculous. 
" I'm sure you don't want your Father to know about your average marks", is what the Dean told me when he made that offer. Ms. Chashmish would help me with my studies and I will help her in choosing a sport and getting an 'A' on Physical Development. Trust me, that girl doesn't have single athletic bone in her body. She's a lost cause and I'm not wasting my time. Never. 
I'll get a private tutor. 

" Relax, Ari! I asked her to come. And we'll be away on the dance floor the whole time so hold your horses. Okay?", Zee places a hand on my arm. Meanwhile Sid is still glaring at Falak. What the hell is that about? 
I turn to face Falak, she's watching someone. Or something. The bar. 
" I'm sure the Scholarship to H.A.R.S. doesn't cover alcohol.", I make a face while saying this and I know I'm being petty. But this party was an excuse to figure out how to solve the problem. Not to have an encounter with said problem!
" And I'm sure winning games doesn't teach you decent manners.", she mutters loud enough for me to hear. Zee looks at me wide eyed. 
" Oh kay! Time for us to hit the dance floors. Come on Babe!", Zee pulls her away towards the crowd. Bodies flushing with each other on songs that people aren't even hearing. Just beats put together. And she's going there. Among all those people. With her stupid little black dress and stupid heels that make her look taller than she is. And....wait. 
Why am I noticing all this?
What. The. Hell. 
" You might as well join her!", Mith comes beside me with a beer in his hand. That's a start. Soon he'll downing Whiskey and Rum and weird combinations. Since another game is two months away. Everyone else gets to destress and I have to see her dancing with a boy behind her. While Zee is definitely going on the main dice to show off some moves. 
Old habits die hard, I guess. 

Uff..Teri Ada starts playing and yes, Zee is on the dice. While she is still on the floor, moving her hands and jumping a little with the beat. She ditched her glasses for tonight. But I personally would have preferred her with those. 
" You're looking at her, like you're going to eat her", Mith laughs at his own joke. Dude is stoked. 
I turn to him, " Why don't you go and sit with the others bro? I think you've had enough."
" Ohhh.... Dude, he is way close to her now", his eyes on the dance floor and I snap my head to see. Yes! Whoever that guy is, is definitely a lot closer than he needs to be. 
" I'm going on the dance floor. Never knew she moves like that", Mith whistles and makes his way past me, leaving his beer bottle behind. 
Oh! Come on. 
Mith quickly joins her on the dance floor, tapping on her shoulder to get her attention. She turns around, surprised to see him. She knows he is my teammate. He instantly grabs her by her waist and pulls her flush to his chest becoming the guy who is too close to her. 
Fuck this. 
Before I know, I am walking towards them. He is spinning her and she looks confused. 
" And that's it Bro!", I take Falak away from him and he looks momentarily disappointed but then flashes me with a weird grin. The music changes and I turn to her. We are just standing there, all around us dancing. And I see her now. She doesn't wear clothes like this in college. Her hair open, reaching her bare back. Because, of course, Zee would have told her she looks hot. The strap of her dress falling off her left shoulder. Geez! 
I take a step towards and she steps back. Another step, and before she collides with a guy dancing behind her, I pull her. My hand covering her waist, and now her body so close to me. I don't know if I should pull her closer or push her away. 
I reach my hand on her shoulder and hook my fingers through the strap. 
"What are you doing?", she snaps as if coming out of a daze, a little wide eyed. 
I don't reply. I simply lift the strap on her left shoulder and pull her closer to me. 
Her eyes growing wider with the increased proximity. But she keeps looking at me. 
And I feel like she is really looking at me.