FLORAISON

Chapter-8》

Almost 25 students collectively from arts and Commerce department gathered in the dance studio and surprisingly, Yug and I were the only two students to come from Science which only made me doubt my decision more. And to be clear This was not driven by me doubting my talents but the fact that this could be something that distracts me from studies and effect it.

I remember my grandfather used to say things like-"Science requires a lot of concentration and sacrifice", every single time I went to my dance classes. He wasn't much fond of me dancing and still isn't and like every other Indian joint family, my parents care about what he has to say about my career.

The thing is here my Mom was very fond of arts and dancing as a child so she wanted me to learn but always before dropping me off never forgot to tell that this is just for 'FUN'. My Grandpa did attempt to put an end to those classes with his nasty comments but with time I couldn't continue the classes myself. When I was in 6th Standard, I started taking extra classes for all the science subjects and prepare myself for future.

Grand-Dad was also a student of science and was fond of Mathematics in his time but he couldn't follow through his dreams. He wanted to do PHD and become a professor someday but due to lack of money, he had to quit studies to find a job and support his family of 12. YES I KNOW.. 12(he had 8 sibling)!!

Now 65 years later, he sees a part of himself in me as I am the only grand-daughter who has some of his traits so naturally he expects me to follow his foot steps and since, that I have started, I don't want to let him down.

As these thoughts started creeping in my mind, I felt my urge to run out of the studio, get stronger and thats when unexpectedly Yug held my hands warmly in an attempt to calm me down as I can tell you that my face sometimes becomes the exact replica of my mind.

"Ohh Come on..Calm down! I know you are not used to such auditions and stuff considering your mom being a teacher and you getting in the WlEC dance club without needing one, but you are quite good at it. I have seen you dance multiple times now. Don't be stressed." He said in concern but with a bit of his flippant attitude.

I looked at him in wry amusement, raising my brows at his pretentious but kind words but he is wrong. Yes My mum wanted me to take classes but I enjoyed dancing too so when an opportunity opened for me, I took it.

"First of all in WLEC everyone is allowed to learn, so I was not special in any way and I can assure you that this is not my first audition. Thankyou for your not so needed solace but when have you seen me dancing?" I curiously ask him with my brows still raised.

"Well for starters, ENOUGH with those weird brows,and as far as I remember twice.. I think to be exact, the first time was at the debate, and then at WLEC sports day maybe" he says in confusion while moving his hands over his hair. He continues..

"And NOT-SO-NEEDED..Huh?" He banters and starts laughing.

After a while of back and forth of snarky comments and tonnes of eye rolls, our intriguing conversation was interrupted when Mr. Pretty eyes with his boo Shalini and the rest of their crew entered the room. They sat right across of us over a pile of cartons arranged perfectly to serve as an artificial Sofa.

Sometimes it seemed, like they are so into each other, but then sometimes it felt like she was into every random guy but all the while his eyes were always focused on her as if she was the only girl in the room that mattered to him.

I couldn't help myself but stare at HIM, at his pretty face but not in a creepy-romantic way though, but more like, in a curious way. I wanted to know what he was thinking, I never want to know what boys are thinking and its something so stupid to even say out loud but...

His soft rose coloured lips were parted in a small smirky smile, a tiny strand of his hair fell over his face, making him flinch everytime it poked his golden eyes. He pulls the strand back and corrects his sleeves.

And then,

Then, He looked at me....

Like straight at me as if he knew, all this time, he knew that I was watching him. And he wanted me to know that he knew! I know WIERD.. So I diverted myself to face Yuvraj.

I turned to distract myself but I couldn't stop thinking about he wanted me to feel intimidated. He wanted me to know that he knows that I was watching him. As if he wanted me to feel embarrassed and awkward.

"Hey will you?" Yug says something to me which not to anyone's shock I was pseudolistening to.

"Umm.. sorry, what?" I try to as act cool as possible.

"Will you be my dance partner, I mean if you would need someone to dance with for your audition, like I don't know what you will show them but like would you wanna dancee.." Yug said, and I can tell he is lowkey embarrassed.

"Oh....I don't really know what I am gonna dance on and I had no preparation, probably yes for future but I have NOOO idea about this one" I say (trying my best to confort him for some apparent reason which is just in my head)

"OH cool!." he states and raises his chin in pride and confidence like yeah whatever.

"Heyy Yug..", Shalini says with her sexy deep voice and hugs Yug from behind and does these little waves at me with her perfect long fingers, "Hey New Girl.."

"You can change back there, I hope you're not thinking about dancing in the school dress?" She questions me with inquisitive eyes.

"Oh no no.. I am cool, I didn't bring any extra dress" I stutter in distress (distress about being far less confident than her).

"Ooooh..come on Yug.. You didn't even tell your girl about the dress?" She casts an eye over him like he did something too horrible to her.

"Come on Shalini! She is not my girl, and above all she is Jolene's best friend.. Do you want me to get murdered?" He nervously states and follows with a more nervous laughter in which she joins him.

"OH Godd!! How even in this world you are Jolene's best friend? Does she even have any friends.. I thought everyone hated her and again I hope you're thinking of getting back with her, Yug?" Shalini said, I think in a single breath.

You see that, in this moment I understood Shalini as a person and what Soumya meant at the time. I wanted to ask why but she is among those aunties who have always judged Jolene, I don't understand this society sometimes..

"So! Well Jolene has friends and I know I am not as cool as her but trying my best to be the best friend she deserves also I can't be too late.. Can we just start with the auditions?" I state with a little smirk (feeling proud of myself).

"Oh yeah yeah...lets start then" she states while giving me a malevolent glare.

"Hey everyone, line up.. start stretching, auditions will start now in 10, 9,...." she addresses the whole room.

I started my stretching like everyone else in the room, I took the spot in left corner of the studio. There is something I must admit though, the BEHS studio is pretty fucking awesome.. there are two giant wall convering mirrors and On another the phrase "BASANTI IN KUTTO K SAMNE MAT NACHNA IS INSCRIBED" in Hindi which means "Girl do not dance infront of these dogs", ironic huh? Also considering the fact that its a school studio, so thats quite progressive of them. After a while of stretching, I sat down to select a song on my phone that is basically a cracked box of garbage, I am lucky it still works though.

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**Hi this is the writer Anshika and If you really really loved it then show your love by vote♡ and follow me to stay tuned on the chapters.