MANEET FF Dancing from the ashes - cchp32 33 updtd - Page 2

THE UNLIKELY BONDING??

" Fine!! Be silent. It's not like I care!'' She walked off through the door and stood out in the sunlight. This behaviour of his was irritating her to the core. Finally she stalked back in angrily.

''Look I came back to practise. Are we going to do that or not?''

Nik smiled inwardly and finally looked at her with a straight face.

 

"No parties to get drunk at Handa?'', he asked tilting his head to one side.

She just glared at him, fuming.

He kept looking at her like he was sizing her up. It seemed like he had decided something.

''Ok, if you're going to show up for practice every day and not bail out on me, then we'll practice. What say? ''

''Fine'', she said and under her breath muttered ,''psycho freak''.

He started the music and they began dancing. He showed her the steps and asked her to follow him. Since their routine was the last one, they had to be perfect.  He repeatedly led her through all the steps.  In the middle of it all, he just sat and watched her. She was catching up very well.  It was a gift. Even he with all his years of practice couldn't do it as well as she did. It annoyed him. She had a gift that had to be shared with everyone. How could she not do that? Dance was something that just spread hope and cheer in everyone. To him, it was the best manner of expressing emotion. When Geet danced, she glowed. He face lit up...it was as if she had grown wings and was flying. Her arms sliced through the air cleanly as she did a free spin. Even with the set back of an entire day she had picked up the rest of the routine with ease. It amazed him that she didn't dance more. That she was actually against dancing...or was that only because she had to do so with him?

A hand appeared in front of him. The fingers snapped in front of his eyes.

''Oye! Kidhar dekh raha hain?? Woh last step theek tha kya?''

He realized he had been lost in thought. He looked at her and asked the 1^st thing that was on his mind.

''After how many years are you dancing?''

She was taken aback , but she considered his question. She appeared to be doing some mental calculation.

''About 7 or 8 years? I think...!''

''Why don't you dance more?                                

'' Cause I don't want to.''

''Cause you don't want to??? That's it? Is that all you want to say?''

''Yeah, should I want to say anything else?'', she asked confused.

''I don't get it, when it's obviously an inborn gift, why don't you dance more?''

''What's your problem in it? Dance toh main kar rahi hoon na, tere saath.. Ussi main khush reh. Quit interfering in my life. I don't think I gave you the right to comment on my choices. Only my friends are allowed to do that.''

He looked at her ' shocked at her words. This was the longest she had spoken to him and the hardest words she had used. Something told him that he had touched a raw nerve. But he felt hurt at her words. He didn't think he deserved such harsh words for a simple question.

He stood up and switched off the music.

''Ok, we're done for the day I think. Let's leave I have things to get done. ''

''What? Only one hour practice?''

" I thought you didn't want to do it in the first place !!''

''Err...no...I...''

''That settles it then. Practice same time tomorrow. Please don't be late.''

Geet: Yaaryeh toh phir se saddu ban gaya. He was ok just a minute ago. What happened to him, Mr. Moody.

She gathered her things and walked to the door. She stopped on reaching the door and looked back at Nik. He was packing his stuff in and switching off the music system. Mostly he left the room with her and then together they went to check on Sid and Raenz. She had a sneaking suspicion that he was angry with her again.

Geet: Damn, not again ...phir se silent treatment de raha hain. Is it that? Ek minute dekhti hoon...She turned towards Nik again and called out.

''Do you want me to go get Sid and Raenz?''

He didn't turn. He just stood there and after a micro second continued his work.

Geet: 'Yup, Silent treatment !!''.

She walked out in the sunlight and crossed to the opposite building to the room in which Sid and Raenz were practicing.

''Hey guys''

They both waved to her. Both were sweating and both were struggling to do a difficult twist and turn move.  Sid being taller was able to manoeuvre Rainz , but her hands refused to turn and meet him at the set movement. Judging from the frustration on their faces, Geet understood that it was the Nth time that he was trying that with her.

Geet went forward and tried to help them, but Raina only ended up being more frustrated.

Raina: Yaar I'm not getting it ...step change kar do.

Sid: easy toh step hain. Itna bhi nahi kar sakti kya?

Raina: Where is Nik? Look it's better that we change it rather than looking silly.

Sid: phattu..dar gayi...tu toh bas useless hain yaar. Seedhe bol na kuch karna nahi aata. Badi aayi mujhe cartwheels karke dikhaane waali. I think we'll let you only do that. Hehe. Comic relief ke liye.

He started laughing at her and looked at Geet.

Geet saw Raina's face and didn't laugh. Had it been any other day or any other person she might have joined Sid in his banter, but there was something in Raina's face that wasn't funny at all.

Raina stood up, and walked out, though not before they both saw her wiping a tear. Sid looked uncomfortable. He turned to geet.

''O teri...yaar yeh toh ro rahi hain.''

''Itne mazaak udane ki zaroorat thi?''

''Shit!'' , he said brushing back his hair from his face,''Aabhi kya karoon?''

''Jaa use baat kar.''

''Main...aur usse? Pagal hain kya?''

''Dekh, woh ro rahi hain...itna insensitive hone ki koi zaroorat nahi hain. Dude, just go man''.

He made a face and walked off...muttering under his breath.

Geet smiled after him.

Outside, sitting on the staircase, Raina was trying to control her tears. She didn't know why, but Sid's words affected her a lot. It was the 1^st time someone's degradation had got to her. She felt slighted and insulted. She tried to put his insults out of her mind.

Raina: tu pagal hain kya Raina? Sid ki baton ka bura maan gayi? He's such an ass you know that na. Ok enough now stop crying. ...crap I think someone's coming

Someone was indeed coming...She shut her eyes and put her she waited for the person to pass by her. But that person sat down beside her but didn't say anything. She waited for the person to do oor say something. ...Then after an eternity,

"I'm sorry.''

It was Sid's voice. She went numb with shock...Sid...Siddhant Arora...the college attitude boss who had always argued and fought with her...was apologizing to her.

"Dekh, main tujhe insult nahi karna chah raha tha...-

''Nahi tu bas mera mazaak uda raha tha naa...'' She turned to him and said it with a fresh flow of unwanted tears. She quickly turned away before he saw her tears again.

''Nahi yaar...main sab ke saath aisa hoon...tu jaanti hain na ...Main Pagal hoon.''

''oh , really ?? Tune kabhi Geet ka mazaak udaya hain?''

''Oh teri -  pagal hain kya? Uss sherni se maar khaani hain kya mujhe?''.he said laughing

Somehow that made Raina smile too. She grudgingly smiled. He turned to her and said softly.

''Ab bol, itna kyun senti ho gayi thi? Maine pehli baar toh nahi mazaak udaya na...''

She looked at him. He was genuinely asking her. She was at a loss for words. She thought again...then looked at his face...he was genuinely concerned. It was new for her. She had never expected a softer side of Sid for her.

''I...that part...mujhe dar lag raha hain Sid!!'

He looked shocked...Raina..the girl who always shouted in his face...she of all people was scared.!! He didn't know how to react.

''Darr? As  in scared? You? ''

''No offense Raenz, but you're the scariest girl in college.''

She looked at him indignantly...and punched his arm. At the same time, she couldn't help but like his calling her by her newly invented nickname.

''Ow...I said No offense''

''Oh..tujhe laga...sorry no offense!!'',.she said pointedly.!!

''Ok, point noted.'', he conceded

''Theek hain bata...kis baat ka dar hain?'', he asked in a serious tone

''Stage fright. Jab main nervous hoti hoon to hi lose all my hand-eye-leg co-ordination. I can't do it Sid. I think it's only fair that you get another dancer. Why should you suffer because of me.'' She started sobbing again.

''Oi, why are you crying? ...Raina''

She couldn't stop herself...it was clear she was crying more out of panic.

''It's the annual function, Sid...the entire college will be there thanks to you. What if it messes up?''

''Ok, ok relax first'', he said getting worried. She, however showed no signs of calming down.

Sid moved closer to her and put his arms around her and hugged her...she reacted instinctively - pushed him away and looked at him in suspicion.

''What? , he said, defensively, 'it's just a hug''

She looked curiously at him.

''What?,'' he repeated. ''Geet always gave me a hug when I cried''

She moved in to his hug looking a bit reassured; then as a n afterthought, asked,

 ''You cry?''

''Past tense, babe. ''Used to cry!!''

She smiled against his chest and shut her eyes.

 

 

''Better'', he asked after some time.

She nodded her yes.

OK so let's get to work.

''Didn't you just hear all I said? What were you dreaming? I just gave you a list of my worries...what is wrong with you...'', she shouted in one breath.

''Whoa, slow down...nervousness main tu ek hi step miss kar rahi hain. Baaki ka toh theek thak chal raha hain na...tu abhi se haar kyun maan rahi hain? Relax. It'll be all good.''

''I dont' think so...''

He opened his mouth to argue more...but he saw the look on her face. The set line of her mouth made it clear to him that she was not i the mood to be convinced.

''Ok relax...lets mull over it ...we'll stop practicing today, ok!''

She smiled at him and nodded.

 

 

In the mean time, Geet was sitting alone, listening to music, waiting for Sid n Raina to return.  She was about to walk out of the door to look for Sid herself, when the door opened and Nik walked in. He looked a bit startled that Geet was in that room. On seeing her his expression became cold, and started looking around for Sid and Raina.

''Err...they've just stepped out..I think they'll be back any moment...Raina was having trouble with a step n she walked off...sid has gone t----

He had walked out on her mid-sentence, without even looking at her.

She was shocked. Silent treatment again. His behaviour had caught her off guard and she didn't know how to react...but she still felt annoyed and a little upset.

She turned back to the music when the door opened again and all three walked back in.

Nik chatted with them, but completely ignored Geet. It was irritating her a lot , but she didn't react. Sid and Raina showed Nik the step and told him about the problem with the dance move.

Geet: ''you know what Sid-raina...what if you try the move like this''...she moved forward to explain..but was cut across by Nik.

Nik: guys if you want to wait a day, do that. Sleep over it and then start tomorrow

Geet looked at him angrily, but her ignored her, while Sid and Raina were oblivious to her.

Sid:' Geet, chal lets go, mujhe ghar drop kar de...Mayank meri gaadi le gaya hain''.

Geet: tu jaake baith main do minute main aayi.

Nik was helping Raina pack the equipment.Raina picked the smaller cases and left the room. Geet walked up to him and spoke in her anger," why did you cut me across.?''

He ignored her again!

Her rope had reached it's end. She walked in front of him and turned him to face her.

''What's with the attitude. I'm talking to you, idiot. Why the hell are you ignoring me?''

''I thought you'd be happier with me staying away from you,'' he said indifferently.''Why does it matter to you anyway? And , by the way I'm in no mood to talk to you, so please get out of my way''.

''What the... why? What have I done that you're ignoring me?

"Let's just say your views and mine don't gel...so lets keep interaction to a minimum.''

''What views? The one about me dancing? What's the big deal about it?''

''Big deal?!!  Geet do you even know how big a deal you can be?'', he said angrily. ''The entire college function has the students' participation, because you and your friends are in it. It is a frigging big deal. The success of the show depends on you. The mere fact that you're performing ensures a packed hall. Have you any idea how much power you have? People aspire to be you, they follow you...YOU create peer pressure unknowingly. But your completely irresponsible about it. YOU have a gift like none others...but youchoose not to use it..not to share it. I find that extremely selfish and immature. And the more I think about it, the angrier I get. I don't respect such people, neither can I see eye to eye with them. So let's not communicate about this. We'll finish the dance and part ways, geddit?!

Saying this he stormed out, banging the door behind him

Once again Geet was left behind shocked by his words. They had been a reality check for her. And she was unable to swallow them...

 

Precap: Could he be right?

omg...what ab rilliant update...
i am bowled over with ur writing...
u r simply superrbbb...
keep writing

reva

Haven't u read this earlier, reva? I thought u had - i was updating it on this forum too...but it's slower than the FF forum!

no dear...i havent yet read it...i just noticed it now...

Originally posted by: ruslana

nice update keep it up

REALITY BITES!!

Once again Geet was left behind shocked by his words. They had been a reality check for her. And she was unable to swallow them...

Nik's words kept echoing in her head. His words like 'selfish', 'Immature'' ,'Powerful', 'peer pressure', kept coming into her mind! She couldn't figure out where his anger was stemming from. 

What had she done that made the show possible? It was ridiculous.

 How could the show's success be dependent on her? Impossible!!

 Nik didn't know what he was talking about. She barely hung out with enough people. How could she cause peer pressure?? Just because she didn't show up for practice he was accusing her of anything and everything. This line of thought  was annoying her, no end.  His accusations weren't making any sense with her.

She walked to her jeep in the same line of thought. Nobody had ever accused her of anything, much less being immature and selfish. Sure she was popular in college, but people followed Sid more because of his Casanova image. And Mayank had his share of admirers...but she ' no one aped her...did they? She couldn't remember as such. Nik was new in college. How could he make such value judgements in such a short time.  It was all rubbish. She didn't believe it a bit.

Sid was already in the jeep, listening to music. He seemed lost in thought , however.

She started the jeep and sped home. Both were lost in their own thoughts...Sid , on his conversation with Raina, and Geet , mulling over Nik's outburst.

She had decided to ignore his accusations, but they kept coming back to her. She couldn't get rid of the idea that she was selfish or immature. They reached Sid's home and she stopped the jeep. Sid got off.

''Chal kal 9am, right?''

 ''ok...err, Sid...tujhe lagta hain ki show hamaare wajah se hit hoga?''

''Obviously...hum hain toh hit hona he hain,'' he said

''Sid, main seriously bol rahi hoon.''

''Toh main bhi serious hoon naa...we're the rockstars ,man.'' He replied laughingly.

She gave up. Sid would always be Sid...

''Chal see you tomo,'' she said

''Bye babe.''

 

THE NEXT DAY.

Raina walked to the computer lab. Sid had messaged her to meet him there. When she entered the room was dark and the LCD projector was turned on. Sid was sitting on the table. When he saw her he smiled and beckoned her.

''Hey:''

''Why did you call me here?''

He stood up and came close to her.''Kal ke chat ke baad, mujhe laga that you were in need of some encouragement...so I pataoed the professor to let me borrow the room for a while.''

''To practice here?''

''Abhi LCD projector on hain toh kuch dekhenge naa.''

''Come sit.'' He made her sit and sat next to her.

He moved his laptop and turned on a video.

Raina watched in a daze..she took in all the movements. The video was of two crippled dancers who were doing a contemporary routine. However what hit her the most was that the girl was missing an arm and the boy a leg. Still, it didn't seem to affect them. Not once did she see fear or hesitation. She had tears in her eyes by the time the video was over.

She turned to face Sid ,who looked horrified at her tears.

''Oye tu ro rahi hain , phir se? ''

''I'm not upset, you idiot. I'm touched. And really really ashamed. My excuses seem so shallow.''  She wiped her tears, and turned to face him. She looked in his eyes and smiled.

''Thank you Sid. This was the best surprise, ever. More like a reality check. But I needed it. It was something a friend would do.''

He looked affronted, '' I thought we were friends''

She smiled ,'then I can definitely give a friend a hug.' She leaned forward and put her arms around him. He smiled and hugged her back.

 

Meanwhile...

Geet reached practice early. She started her warm up and waited for Nik. His comments had given her little sleep. Still, she was determined to reach before him. She had finished warming up by the time he reached. He just looked at her in acknowledgement. She practised her steps while he warmed up. They didn't utter a single word while they practised. Almost half of the routine was done and there was still a month to go for the show.

Once they had finished practice, they quietly packed up. She went and changed in the girls' locker and went looking for Mayank. She found him on the pavilion, holding an impromptu meeting with a few other juniors. He was busy so she waited idly on the step. Mayank noticed her boredom and asked her to help him. She checked all the tasks that were to be done. The juniors came one by one and checked their lists with hers. It was dusty and she was sweating. She constantly wiped her brow and face. Out of nowhere a hand appeared and offered her a wet wipe. She turned to see the smiling face of a junior.

''I know, even I can't bear it.''

''Do I know you?'', Geet asked politely.

''Err, I don't know. Hi, I'm Nishi'', she gushed and extended her hand.

Geet..smiled and extended hers, '' Hi, I'm G---''

''Geet !! I know. Who doesn't know you. You're like the college rockstar. Well, errm everyone's in awe of you , I guess. '', gushed Nisha happily.

Geet turned in her seat fully and took a look at the girl. She was dressed in cargoes and a vest with sport shoes. Her hair too seemed permed and she had worn only one earring on her ear.

On the whole her outfit resembled Geet's. Her image hit Geet in the gut. If one had seen the girl from behind, they would've thought it was Geet.

She looked around. She couldn't remember the annual programme ever having so much of excitement ...as far as she could remember, the show was always something the rest of the students skipped. She knew she did. Sid, Mayank and she mostly had a night out or they went camping. How was it that this year there was such an uproar and fuss about it?

The  junior were hovering around Mayank. They eagerly took his orders and completed the work in time. She looked around more...the outfits resembled Sid's dressing style. She saw shoes the same style that Mayank wore. Her style of cargoes looked common too.

Nishi was saying something. She turned her attention to her.

''Did you come early today? I noticed your Jeep is parked in the 1^st spot.''

Geet didn't know how to reply.  . Nik's words rushed to her mind.

She was dazed and shaken. Had she been living in her own ivory tower all this while to never have noticed all of this? She couldn't remember being that popular. She sat for an hour just chewing over the events of the day.

Nik's words came back to her! .

''It is a big deal. The success of the show depends on you. The mere fact that you're performing ensure a packed hall. Have you any idea how much power you have? People aspire to be you, they follow you...YOU create peer pressure unknowingly. But your completely irresponsible about it. YOU have a gift like none others...but you choose not to use it..not to share it. I find that extremely selfish and immature. And the more I think about it, the angrier I get. I don't respect such people.''

Only one question haunted her ...Could he be right?

Precap:

Gaurav Khurana: Maan, dignity and honour is something you shouldn't let go of. It's what defines us, Khuranas.

Precap 2:

Daadi: Maan,don't let you pride blind you. Humility is what makes a man. How a man treats a person lower in status than him, shows what he is made of.

Heya Fellas - so ...what do you think about it? boring update? or too much? kuch toh bolo na.

boring...no way dear...
i loved it
an awesome update
..
i love this ff
keep writing

reva

Chapter 10  - A slice of Humility

Geet's world had come crashing down around her ears. She couldn't believe her eyes not could she believe all the information that she had put together.

All these  years had she been so lost to the proceedings of the world around her, that she didn't see how important a role she had come to play? Or was she responsible for influencing people unknowingly. She was feeling ashamed of herself and really embarrassed about how she had treated Nik. He was right. He had always been right!!

  A new kind of respect grew for him in her heart. She looked up to him for being right...for seeing her for what she was and not being afraid to tell her. She wanted to make a change and prove she was worth something...not some high society spoilt brat. She wanted to prove herself to him, and make him see that she wasn't all that bad.

A small voice in the corner of her head troubled her though. Why was she doing so much to prove herself to Nik? She'd never done that before. Why now? Why him?

She dispelled these thoughts as unimportant and tried to figure out how to make amends. She had messed up big and she wanted to make it better soon.

 

The following day Geet was 1^st in college. She had warmed up in time and had her steps ready to the T.

Nik came and he was surprised to see her in the middle of dancing...he didn't disturb her, but just watched. She had become even better, if that was possible. Her hand movements were clean and all her lines were sharp and beautiful. For a moment Nik wondered if she should do the routine on her own...if he'd spoil it by his presence...but a desire came over him. - a craving to perform with her, a longing to be with her when she created magic...Oh it would be magic!...He knew he wouldn't be noticed much; that Geet would steal all the spotlight,...but the mere thought of basking in that moment of her crowning glory, made him greedy. He didn't know why, but Geet attracted him, made him want to be with her.

He stared at her dance...the serious concentration on her face, the sparkle in her eye, the lift of her hair as she twirled and did a handstand. He warmed up eagerly to join her...he was about to smile and talk to her when their previous conversation rushed to him.

It stopped him in his tracks and he looked at her again. Why did her indifference towards dancing annoy him so much? Why did it hurt him when she paid no attention to her God given talent.He knew she enjoyed dancing. Her body language was proof enough! He was sure that she was one of those creations whose creation was given a lot of thought...that a divine power had blessed the mere thought of her existence - and she was completely oblivious of that fact!

 He watched her more...She hadn't noticed him as yet. He watched more - shamelessly. Her expression was strained as she did a complicated bit of the routine. She did the steps again and again, but left out those that she had  to do with him. There was a determination in her face that he hadn't seen earlier, still...Nik was eager to see something more. What was it? He couldn't understand. He watched her practice again and again...he shut his eyes to imagine how he felt while doing the steps. Even as he imagined the steps in his mind, he felt a surge of happiness. The steps he saw in his mind, made him think of more steps relating to them. He could see the both of them performing to several potential routines...all diverse to each other.

   He opened his eyes to look at her again...she still had that closed, strained look on her face...and for the first time he saw  - pain!! He had seen it on her face many times, but he had never realized it.

 Realization hit Nik!! Geet; even though she was an exceptional dancer, didn't dance with all her heart and soul. Something troubled her. That something was what hampered her performance...he was sure of it.

    The urge to find out, rushed through him. It went though him like a bolt of lightning. But at the very next moment he remembered what had transpired in their last encounter. How could he talk to her??. He was upset with her, but now, he was curious too ' and he had no clue how to approach her to get answers.

Nik, took a deep breath and walked towards her. She stopped dancing and looked at him. Was it just him, or did she seem uncomfortable? She seemed quieter than usual. What was going on? He was puzzled, but he didn't say anything.

 He turned towards the music system and played the music again. They danced quietly, without speaking. It was near perfect as that knew the steps well...only the lifts and jumps needed practice. Nik, sensed an unquiet in her. It was different from the day before. She was subdued.

He didn't see the pain in her eyes, now...rather a hesitation and tumult.

Geet's mind was indeed in pandemonium. She wanted to apologize, but she was afraid of Nik scorning her. She knew he wanted the show to be the best. He seemed to be like that...the mind who gave his best shot in whatever he did. And she was willing to put in her best...no matter what...forget everything of the past...at least she would try. Her guilt was weighing heavily on her mind.

 Seeing her in deep thought, Nik himself was getting confused. She wasn't showing him the cold shoulder neither was she doing anything to show she acknowledged him. He was a little sorry for how he'd spoken to her, but he believed in what he had said.

Geet, slowly made up her mind to speak to him.

''What  on earth is wrong with you Geet''. She asked her self. ''It's just a guy you have to apologize to. No big deal...open your mouth and say it. Whether you get forgiveness or not, is not up to you...isn't that What Nani says?''

She turned on her foot and opened her mouth to say something, when Mayank barged in with a sheaf of pages in his hand.

''Dude'', he addressed Nik.'' We've got work man, come on lets go.''

Nik: where?

Mayank: Look managing the entire show singlehandedly is not possible, plus Sinha's asked me to get some info from you.

Nik turned to look at Geet and saw that she was fiddling with her phone.

He turned to Mayank and whispered,''Dude, I wanna help, par yaar after days Geet is working hard and I don't want to break the flow of steps.''

Mayank stopped writing whatever he was doing as the words registered in  his head.

''Wait a second...Geet?? Working hard??? For dancing??''

''Err yeah...why are you so shocked?''

''Man, Sid has got to see this. He'll be ecstatic!'', Mayank gushed...he picked up his phone and called Sid to the practice room immediately!

Sid rushed in and they both sat in a corner and pretended to work on Mayank's material. They watched discreetly while Nik and Geet worked on a few steps.

  Both seemed happy about something, However their presence seemed to be disturbing both Nik and Geet and soon Nik, came to Mayank and asked him to tell him about the work they had to do.

''Yeah, the work...'' Said Mayank, remembering why he had come. ''Nik, we need decorations and we need to find out if the banners and invites have been printed right or not. So if you could go.''

''Right, ok I'll do that. Just give me the address and phone numbers. I'll give you a call from there''.

Geet spoke up suddenly and said she'll accompany Nik.

Nik looked at her in surprise since she hadn't spoken to him all day. The real reason behind this was that Geet wanted to apologize to him, and figured that they'd be alone so she could do it in peace.

''Fine, let's go, '' Nik said.

''Let's take my jeep'',she said a tad haughtily.

Mayank interrupted,'' err. Geet uss area main teri Jeep nahi jaa paayegi. It's too narrow and very crowded. Tu traffic main atki rahegi.''

''Mayank, yaar yeh kaam toh late khatam hoga,naa...how'll I get home. I'll have to come all the way back n them go home...no ways. I'm taking the jeep.''

''Why don't you and Nik, go on his bike. Mayank will wait till Raina and I finish practice and he'll take my car, while I'll drop your jeep off at your house.And Nik will drop you home'', said Sid

The idea appealed to them. They left.

On reaching the business centre and shops, they tried to finish the work as quickly as possible. Get tried to find ways in which she could start the topic to Nik, but neither of them managed to open their mouths. The traffic was heavy and the roads were crowded so she kept shut, waiting for the appropriate time. It was late evening by the time they finished and Geet was tired, hungry. Her not having said anything to Nik, increased her irritation. The two walked in silence towards the parking lot, when a man, pinched Geet's behind slyly and gave a sleazy smile and cheap comment. Before Nik could turn around and do something, Geet had pulled the man by his hand to face her. She pulled him down by his collar and rammed her knee in his face. She turned and kicked him hard  in his crotch while he doubled up in pain. Nik, tried grabbing her by the waist, but she pushed his hands off and reached out to hurl abuses at the man and continue punching him wherever possible. Nik, ran and grabbed her by her waist and pulled her off. He carried her off, while she struggled to get his hands off her, still shouting at the man. A small crowd had gathered and the man on seeing this ran off. His face was bleeding and he limped.

Nik didn't let go of her till they reached the bike, where he held on to her till she calmed down. He finally let go of her.

''Geet, relax will you. Woh toh bhaag bhi gaya. Yaar, tub hi naa...you're spitting fire, you know that?''

He looked at her warily. This new angry intense side of Geet had caught him off guard. He hesitantly lifted his hand and patted her shoulder. She was still panting. She turned to look up at him. Her eyes were masked with anger. Suddenly she pushed him backwards.

''Why did you drag me back? Thoda sabak toh sikhaane dete...******, **** ******.''

''Whoa slow down, Geet. Yaar gussa toh mujhe a raha hain yaar. I'm the guy  here. Maarna peetna toh mera kaan hain na. Tu mujhe complex de rahi hain.''

Geet turned her face away. He breathing had returned a bit to normal.

He spoke again, ''chal  ab hass de...itne joke maar raha hoon.'' This new avatar of Geet had shocked him, but he wanted her to calm down soon. Humour seemed the fastest way.

He poked her lightly.

She turned to face him, he hands on her waist.

''I'm cheezed off. I've been trying to apologize all day to you, but I don't get an effing chance... bloody hell.'' She kicked a bike in frustration. He pulled her away in alarm. Sheseemed to be intent on dropping bombs on him all day. First the dancing, then the fight, and now this.

''Well say something, will you...am not gonna say it again.You were right...about every.damned thing. I'm sorry and I'll dance if that's what you want, and if it gets us a good show.''

''What about what you want? Do you wanna dance?'' thought Nik. But it didn't seem the right time to question her. Not when she was in this mood.

He smiled and said, ''relax babe. It's ok. It's all good...chal lets go. It's been exhausting and tomorrow we've got lots to practice. Plus Sid and Raenz ka dance oversee karna hain.''

He started the bike and waited for her to hop on. When they reached they bumped into Sid and Mayank who were just leaving. Geet hugged them and said she was sleepy and left. Nik hung back to speak to Mayank to update him on the work. Sid came up to him, ''Geet ko kya hua hain? Tune kuch keh diya kya usse?''

''Err this random guy pinched her butt and said something cheap to her, while we were coming bac-''

 ''Uh-oh'', said both of them in unison. The looked at each other seriously

''Is the guy ok? Police-shulice toh nahi aayi naa'?, Sid asked in a worried tone.

That sounded odd. ''Shouldn't Sid be asking about Geet?, thought Nik.

Nik looked at both of them, surprised. Mayank looked at his expression and explained.

''It's Geet!! we've known her since school. Koi usse chede aur woh usse chod de?  Uss khotte ko kitna dhoya usne?''

''Not much, tang pakadke bhaga woh. I'm surprised I got her to calm down.''

''If you did, well done!!'' said Mayank appreciating.

''Anyways, I gotta go. Sid, we've gotta finish that last bit tomorrow without fail.''

He started the bike and sped home.A lot was weighing on his mind and he needed to think.

 

Precap: Geet's confession...Nik meets Nani!

 

CHAPTER 11 - The Hurts We Hide.

He started the bike and sped home. A lot was weighing on his mind and he needed to think.

Something somewhere didn't add up. What Nik had seen of Geet today was startling. He knew she was a tomboy, a person in her own right, but all that aggression seemed out of place. Nik wanted to know the reason behind her behaviour. Her anger while she beat up the guy didn't seem rational. Or was it just a personality trait? He desperately wanted to question her, but HOW... was the big question?

The next day, having slept over it, he decided to confront either Mayank or Sid.

But it was not meant to be. Geet was early again. He practiced and started a few new steps n lifts. Since it was a faster routine, he kept making her do the steps again and again, but she picked them up well.

He stepped back and asked her to do them alone. He just quietly observed her. Though she hid it, it was there ' the pain, underlying all her movements. He couldn't bear it - It was cutting him, irritating him. He couldn't fathom why she did what she did. The curiosity was blinding him, he couldn't concentrate, neither could he give her inputs about her steps.

Finally, he broke.

''Stop,'' he yelled in frustration.

He held her by the hand and made her stop. She jerked her head to look at him.

His frustration was making him rude and he spoke offensively.

Running his hand through his hair in frustration, he shouted,'' what? Huh? What is your problem? What is wrong?  I thought everything was ok , right? Why aren't you performing? Why only the dance. You're not enjoying yourself...What is it, Geet?'', he bellowed.

She looked at him first confused, then hurt and finally stunned.

''What are you talkin ab-...''

''Don't pretend...anyone can see that you're not enjoying yourself. What is it? What is hampering your performance. Either you're in it for good or just-just stay out Geet. What is wrong with you? '' He grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her.

This was probably the wrong move to make. Geet looked at him; pinning her hands down, and shoved them off her, angrily.

''Damn you!!,''  she spat in his face. ''Look, Nik, you can't have everything. You wanted me to dance , you got it. I had warned you earlier ' you didn't listen. It's not my problem, Geddit?''

He toned down his voice, and said sneering, '' This is not your best performance Geet...come on, who are you kidding? Me or is it you? What is it that's stopping you. I can see it in your eyes. Come on tell me''.

Her face contorted angrily and she leaned towards you and whispered fiercely ,''***k **o, Chopra. Why can't you let well enough be alone??''

Saying this she stomped out, banging the door behind her.

Nik, stared after her for a few moments and then ran behind her.  She was nowhere to be seen. He cursed himself, and ran calling out her name. How did she disappear so fast? On a hunch he looked into the closest empty classrooms! He found her in the second one he peeped in.

  What he saw shocked him. Her head was in her hands and she was crying. Geet Handa, who wore cargo boots, drove a jeep and beat up eve teasers -  was crying her heart out!  He rushed in to her and held her wrist, appalled that he had caused her to be so upset.

''Hey, hey...'', he said softly. ''Geet, don't cry, yaar. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. Look, it's ok, ...you don't need to do anything, ok. ''

She continued to cry. He swore and punched his fist in the wall. ''Damn, it's all my fault,'' he cursed.

Upon hearing his words, she abruptly stopped crying. She looked up, and said quietly, ''it's not your fault...it's mine. ''

Nik turned to face her in surprise. He opened his mouth to say something but he didn't know what to say.

She was looking at the wall, lost in thought. Tears had begun to run afresh from her eyes. She seemed to be remembering something...she frowned thinking about it.

After what seemed like ages, she realized where she was and she spoke.

''Nik, there was a reason why I didn't want to dance with you. It's true, I used to dance...I loved dancing. So much so that it was what began my day and what ended it.  But I forgot what was important...and it cost me. It cost me my mom. My best friend...And it's my Fault!!''  Her voice broke on the last word and she ran out of the room crying.

Nik ran after her, only to see her jump into her jeep and speed off. He cursed himself, and ran to his bike and followed her.    She was driving fast and very rashly. But she only stopped once she's reached her home.

Nik parked his bike haphazardly behind her jeep and ran after her into the house.  It was a big mansion tastefully decorated.

''Geet, please wait!'' he shouted after her.

She didn't stop, but ran up the stairs.

''Geet'', he shouted again.

An elderly woman, dressed in an off-white salwar kameez, came out of a room, and looked questioningly at him.

He  felt awkward as he realized he had barged into her house and shouted out to her, without so much as an invitation.

''Namaste, auntyji'', he said politely, to her questioning gaze. ''Main , Geet ka classmate, Ni-''

''Tum , Nikhil ho, hain na?'', she said smilingly. ''Main Geet, ki Nanima  hoon. Baitho, beta''

''Ji, Namaste,'' he said again, taking a seat. ''Ji woh Geet, err...''. He wondered what to say. How do you tell a person that you had made their grandchild cry. He felt guilty enough.  Luckily she spoke, covering up for his confusion.

''Tumne Geet ko naachne par majboor kiya,'' she said, looking at him.

''Err...that doesn't sound very nice. Wow, guess who's cheesed of with me , too'',  he thought. He wondered who told her. His uneasiness, was clear on his face.

''Don't worry beta. Main khush hoon ki Geet phir se naach rahi hain.''

''Er, aunty sorry par mujhe nahi lagta ki woh ab dance karegi.''. He explained all that had occurred in the last few hours.

Nanima, listened quietly, her face growing distressed by the minute.

She thought awhile, sorrow etched on her lined face.  She looked at Nik and gave a sad smile. ''Mujhe laga tha aisa kuch hoga. ''

Nik's pent up curiosity got the better of him.

''Auntyji, agar aapko mere poochne ka bura na lage...Geet ne aisa kyun kaha 'ki uski galti hain?''

Nanima seemed to have been expecting his question. She weighed her words.

''Nikhil, tumne woh cheez kar dikhayi jo kisi ne nahi ki, inn 7-8  saalon main. Kya tum jaante ho ki Geet ke mom abh  iss duniya main nahi hain?''

Nik vaguely remembered Raina saying something like that.

Nanima continued.

''Geet jab school main thi, woh badi chulbuli thi. Ek lauti beti thi, aur sabki laadli. Shaitaan thi woh...par woh sirf uski maa, Rano ki baat maanti thi. Their bond was so strong, that only Rano understood her completely.

Dance was Geet's passion as a child. If there was music, Geet danced. And everyone pampered her passion. She danced in school, at home, and Rano indulged her like no one else.

  However, we soon realized that it was hampering her academics work. Rano tried to make her understand and make her concentrate on her studies. But this never worked. Geet didn't pay much attention to her even though she loved her more than anybody else.

Geet was 12, when Rano fell very ill. It was pneumonia and she was weak. It was the biggest scare for Geet. However she recovered sooner than we expected. She was still weak, but we told Geet that she was absolutely fine. Geet had been specially selected for her school's centenary celebrations. She was going to perform...probably the biggest event she had faced, in her life. But rano was unwell, and she couldn't see her perform. Rano had never ever missed a single performance of Geet's and Geet was adamant that she watch this one too. Rano was too unwell and Mohinder was stuck with business calls. The night before the show, Geet made a huge fuss about her mother attending the programme. Mohinder was going to be out of town and so it was only Rano and me who were there...to cut it short, beta, Rano drove herself to the show, but she never reached because she met with a fatal accident.

Till this day Geet blames herself for it. For her mother's death and she had never danced since...that is till you forced her to.  I know why Rano went for the show, though,'' she continued , crying now. ''Watching Geet dance, was Rano's pride and joy. Seeing her happy, made Rano happy. It was what she lived for. How then would she not go for her show? But Geet didn't understand this...Life was never the same for her. She lives in guilt every day. She comes home late, drunk. She thinks she's living life, on the edge, under the illusion that she's actually living. She acts tough with her big jeep, and manly clothes and her attitude, but she can't fool me.

    Mohinder was shattered after Rano's death. Father ' daughter's relationship was worn out too. He's immersed himself in his work. If we need anything; we ask, he'll willingly give, but the bond that he shared with Geet has almost diminished.  We don't acknowledge it, but it was Rano who held the family together. I don't know how they will survive after I'm gone. ''. She started crying in earnest.

Nik got up and sat next to her. He held her hand.

'' Auntyji, I'm so sorry. I had absolutely no idea. I didn't know how big a hornet's nest I've stirred up. ''

''No beta, don't apologize. The mere fact that Geet is crying and confessing all this, is very good. She's never cried since her mother's funeral. Go, talk to her. She must be in her room. It's the last one up the stairs.'', she said wiping her tears.

Nik, got up and hesitantly and climbed up. On the landing, he stood for a minute, absorbing all that Nanima had just told him.  He had no clue what to say to her.

After a minute, he walked into her room. She was sitting on the floor on the foot of her bed, he head on her knees. He hair covered her face, but he could see that she was still crying, though not as much as before.

He sat next to her. Geet felt his sympathy. It calmed her down. They just sat quietly. Nik didn't say anything to her, he just gave her time to calm down.

Slowly, her crying stopped, and she wiped her eyes. It was still. Nik turned to find Geet looking at him. He smiled and squeezed her hand. She gave a watery smile, back.

''I'm sorry, Geet. I had no idea...'', he trailed off.

She was quiet. There was sadness imprinted on her face, again.

''You know , Geet. My parents too, died in a car crash. ''

Geet turned to look at him, in surprise, but he was looking at his hands. Playing with his watch.

He continued. ''I was much younger than you were, but I grew up quick. When Chachu(uncle) and I heard about their accident, we were rushed to the hospital. Mom had died on the spot, but I think Papa had held on just to see me. He could barely talk, it was just a hoarse whisper. His entire body was covered, because of the wounds. They didn't want me to see it.

  I remember moving to sit on the chair next to papa, but he had made me sit on the bed, next to him. His hand had been bandaged and he'd held my hand...I can never forget that look in his eyes. He knew he was going to die.  The only thing he said to me was, 'I'll be watching, beta. I don't ever want to see you give up or not follow your dreams. Do you understand?''

I didn't see him die, but it was pretty much soon after.''

He paused. ''I guess what I'm trying to say is that, your mom must have felt the same, right?  Wherever she is, she must know what you're up to. How happy must she be, seeing you the way you are?''

Geet had tears in her eyes again. 

Chapter 12 - All's fair in love and lust.