COUNTERFEIT

Chapter 1 - Gala of the Century

2121, Neo-Delhi.

Humanity has advanced in the ways that we couldn't imagine. Many of the genetic disorders were treated, Most of the pandemics were averted, although some caused serious damage to the world. There were barely any differently abled persons now. All kinds of prosthetic parts were available to public, even eyes. Perfectly healthy tissue cultured meat replaced butchered meat. A.I. aided humanity in achieving many wonders. The number of atheists grew in the society as more and more proofs against the creationist theory arise, yet society wasn't totally devoid of human contact. The Schooling system barely changed over the century. Parties and Functions were often held like how they were held 100 years ago.

December 25, 2121. Orion Public High School Annual Christmas Gala.

" I once went to a carnival, there was this big sign that led to a room inside which said DANGER! THERE IS THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS BEAST IN HERE. And there was a freaking mirror inside the room. I mean how hilarious and scary is that at the same time ?" said Raj

"What does even have to do with me asking Natasha on a dance ?" asked Vikram.

"OH?! About that?? Let's see. No ! There is not even a 1% chance." said Raj.

"You know what? I'm not taking advice from a guy who is wearing Wonder Woman boxer shorts right now"

"You're the one to talk. I saw your body pillow collection."

"Ugh! I'm going to ask her. I don't even know I'm going to see her after today. It's practically the last day of high school. AND MY BODY PILLOWS HELP ME SLEEP BETTER !!!" says Vikram walking towards Natasha.

His heart was racing faster than the hover-vehicle he saw earlier. He checked his wrist to see the projection over his hand which showed his heart rate 100 bpm. He quickly closed his phone and walked towards Natasha who wore a red dress that night.

"I'm sorry ,how can I help you?" said Natasha looking at Vikram with her blue eyes which sparkled under the dim lighting the room had.

"U hmm I'm Vikram. I'm in your class. I sit behind you." said Vikram with a Shaky voice.

" Oh! Pumpkin Vicky! I almost didn't recognize you without your glasses and with the tux. Hey Tory, you know ? This guy is crazy. He fell in the giant pumpkin that we kept out for Halloween and in turn of events, he knocked out the show lights and on top of that he is allergic to pumpkin. He jumped inside a pumpkin and emerged out as one. Can you believe that ?" said Natasha laughing

" I just got rid of my pumpkin allergy last week from that CRISPR session." Replied Vikram.

"Ok pump. What's up? Why are you here ?"

"I know this is weird. I want you to know that me asking you to do this certain thing does not mean that you'll be pressurized to do the other things that people think might be following this certain thing like dating, marrying, having a child blah blah. Although our babies would be smart and beautiful....."

"Not to mention Imaginary. Are you suggesting that I'm dumb ?"

"Hold on, let me finish. And No I'm not suggesting that you're dumb."

"So I'm ugly then ?"

"NO! Will you Dance with me?"
 
"Why? Why should I Dance with you? Tell me a reason. One legitimate reason and I'm all yours."

Vikram thought and thought and could not come up with a reason. He kept blabbering, but none of the words seemed legit. Natasha listened him go until she could bear it no more.

" STOP! I like confident men. A real man stands his ground no matter what. You should really listen yourself while talking. You couldn't even come up with a legit reason. Bye, pump."

That was the first and probably the worst rejection of since the conspiracy theory club kicked him out. That was the day he knew that the charming and bubbly Natasha was a picky snob. I mean she could've outright told him that she didn't want to dance with Vikram.

Vikram finally got a partner at the Gala to dance with, but he didn't feel the same chemistry that he thinks he would've had with Natasha.

He hopped on his custom-made hover-board and traveled along with Raj who was coming with him on another hover-board. All Vikram could think of was Natasha.
"How different this night would've been if he was a bit more confident at that moment?" this is the question that pondered Vicky's mind as he hovered through the plasma light filled streets of Neo-Delhi.