Tug of Fate | When Stars Align Book one

Tribe

Alisha

Australia, 14th of October 2017

We all clink our wine glasses after the event, sitting in my living room. Ananya, Becca, and Raj have been so much fun to work with. Raj has his flight in the morning. Since he is the point of contact for the event in India, he is heading back earlier than the girls and I am grateful for it. We all delved right into the event as soon as they were off the plane. And what a ride it was. Ananya is fricking intelligent, and the troubleshooting she did for some things, right in the heat of the moment and at the spotlight left everyone with a deep undying respect for her.

But there is another reason for it too. When someone not from these parts of the world, rises to the occasion and resolves issues that even the head of the regions and artists themselves aren't able to, it calls for the warrior-pledging-their-sword-for-you kind of respect. Undying. With a hint of adoration and worship. I am not kidding. There were 4 people who calmed down after talking to Ananya, right after they were freaking out either over the technicals or accommodation or marketing or crowd control. I was one of them. Just seeing Ananya so calm in the face of all the panic had calmed me down as well. Then she'd looked me in the eyes and asked what was wrong. Once I had finished telling her what, the realisation that I had a death grip on her hands had struck me, but she'd kept smiling and encouraging me the entire time. Then she had hugged me and all my worries had flown out the window. Maybe it was the enclosed space backstage or maybe it was the weather outside, but I'd felt this pleasant warmth inside my belly that soothed me and lifted me up. That girl has been a Godsend, I tell you.

Becca is a quick learner as well, and her artistic ideas rendered everyone speechless. The entire venue branding was changed because her ideas were so damn amazing. And the pride with which Ananya was looking at her and holding her on a pedestal was so heartwarming. Raj was left wondering and praying that he is able to stand up to their expectations. Poor guy. But he is a good kid and he will do well. Especially with these divas here, they will be super successful. I wish I could go and see the India leg of the performances. I am sure Liam and Logan would love to go and experience watching them in live action. The thought makes me smile. And just as suddenly, I remember my promise to myself. I smile again. This time it's sad, with all the regrets and unfulfilled wishes. Regret that I won't be able to enhance my relationship with Ananya and Becca like I'd ideally wanted.

A shoulder bumps into mine and I look up to find Ananya's enquiring eyes. This girl. Nothing escapes her. I shrug and say "you guys are leaving in two weeks, and I wish we all had a little longer." 

 My face doesn't betray the wretchedness I feel inside.

She smiles and Becca and Raj jump up from their sofas and jump on us. And they all scream we are with you Aliiiiii, you are one of us. As if they had planned it. But I know they didn't. They've accepted me into their pack, flaws and all. My heart feels giddy with this camaraderie. I laugh and push them off me.

Raj stands up. "Okay girls. I have to leave now, I have to check in 3 hours before the flight time. And I am cutting it a little close. Have fun AnaCca." He winks at them.

Yeah.. he gave them a couple name. They roll their eyes, and I feel a twinge of jealousy in my heart, for never having found this kind of friendship. I quickly shake the thought out of my head and high five Raj.

The girls get up and hug him. Saying words of encouragement and strength, wishing him well on his journey, before sending him off. I had to smile at them. They do take care of their own.