When Miss Rabbit Fell for Mr. Turtle

The Bet

"No one can beat me at dancing," he smirked while crossing his arms.

There was one day in the year that Kanwar looked forward to the most.

March 15th. 

His birthday... the day he grew an entire year older. The day he could look back and reminisce on all he'd achieved. The day he could celebrate with his closest friends and family... but most importantly, it was the day where everyone worshipped him...

His brother had to be nice, his parents had to save all their criticisms for the next day, his friends had to listen to whatever it was that he wanted.

For one day in the calendar year, he was the star. 

This year would be no different. After everyone witnessed his superb dancing, they would be floored and he would be the star yet again.

"Oh yes... no one can beat you."

Kanwar ignored his brother's annoying comment and turned to all his friends, new and old alike, with a pleased grin, "Who's ready to compete with me?!"

His old friends rolled their eyes, and not a single person stepped forward to compete with him. But those new friends of his... some of them were seriously considering his offer to complete, and that made him extremely excited!

"Any takers?" he glanced at each of his new co-stars individually, slightly goading them to participate, "I'll even go easy on you," he grinned like a Cheshire cat.

When his gaze landed on Alice, he blinked and quickly moved away. Out of all his co-stars, Alice would be the least likely to compete with him. Unlike the others who loved making reels, Alice was mostly stuck in her makeup room reading or sleeping (as per what Simran had told him). A quiet girl like her couldn't possibly compete... and goading her would be ungentlemanly of him.

He moved to Akshay with a smirk, "Wanna compete?" Dancing with Akshay would be for the best. He could relentlessly troll the pretty boy afterwards for not being as fit as him... it would be absolutely perfect. 

Almost sensing the danger, Akshay sighed. Though, he shook his head and with a small smile, he took a small step forward.

"I'll compete with you!"

The voice was soft, yet strong, and highly reminiscent of a certain, quiet bookworm he knew.

Kanwar turned, surprised to see her taking a step forward. She seemed so different today, without a book or script in her hand. Perhaps even looking somewhat small compared to everyone else.

Admirable that she would think to compete with me... but it's fine. I'll go easy on her so she doesn't feel too defeated. I can't make her too sad, though. I still need to annoy her in the future!

Kanwar smirked as he crossed his arms, "Oh, so little Miss Alice in Wonderland wants to compete with me?" He walked up to her, eyed her small frame up and down. She wouldn't last more than two minutes with me. "We can go nice and easy."

She rolled her eyes, "No need to insult me like this," she pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear, "Give me everything you have."

"You wouldn't be able to handle it," he smirked. He had birthday luck on his side on top of being naturally talented.

"Oh?" she raised her brow with a mischievous smile. "And what if you lose?"

He snorted, "Not a chance." He had to give it to her. He appreciated the confidence that his little co-star had, but he had been winning every dance competition he held on his birthday since he was about thirteen. He's had fourteen victories so far with this becoming his fifteenth victory.

"Well... if you're so confident, why don't we make a bet?" she took a step forward. The distance becoming somewhat socially questionable.

Oh Alicia... you surprise me every day.

After forming their bond, Kanwar made it his goal to annoy Alice every single moment he was with her. He just derived some sort of sick pleasure from annoying her... because if he didn't tell her an annoying joke, she would just be silent, off in her own little world, either reading the script or a book.

Today though, she was being much more bold... The second she entered his house, she hugged his mother and father. She introduced herself to his brother, and she even gave him his present with a wide, enthusiastic smile. She was even much more chatty with their other co-stars... and now this.

"What a bold little girl," he patted her shoulder, slightly feeling bad for her. "Making a bet that you would obviously lose." He took a deep breath, "Because it's my birthday and I'm feeling very generous, I'll let you decide the conditions. Even what you'll give me if I win." Which I obviously will get.

Alice's eyes narrowed, and Kanwar raised a brow, "You don't like? I could always—,"

"No!" she smiled softly as she reached up to pat his shoulders.

The room was so silent that the faint sounds of Mumbai traffic were heard. She seemed so confident and pleased that everyone stood there waiting with bated breath, wondering what she would say.

It's been long hasn't it?

His lips curled upwards as he recalled their first encounter. Where she slammed the door in his face so mercilessly... He should've known in that moment that she would be the most interesting cast member

"If you win, I'll make you my favorite dessert!"

Kanwar grinned as he heard his brother groan in the background. More dessert... I'll be able to celebrate my 'birthday' tomorrow as well!

Her eyes narrowed, "But if I win," she jabbed her index finger into the center of his chest, "you need to read Alice in Wonderland."

Never mind... this girl truly does not change... He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Had it been another friend, the stakes would've been much higher. The bet would've been much more thrilling. I guess it doesn't matter though.

"Alright, have all the ingredients prepared, because I want the dessert tomorrow."

Alice shook her head, "Hmm, sure, sure... I'll make it after you read Alice in Wonderland."

A/N: Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all!!