#TejRan - The After Series

The After Party

Music was so loud in the hall that Karan could barely hear Rashami saying something to him. He moved a bit closer to hear her and bent down his head.

Rashami - "Umar wants to have another private party after this for just us. You, me, Nishu, Shams and Umar.

Karan - "What about Teja?" He tried not to let his irritation show. The show is over and this girl still wouldn't stop.

Rashami - "Teja is going home to her parents. She doesn't want to come."

That came as a surprise to Karan. He thought they would talk and decide what to do after this BB after party. Rashami was still talking but his eyes searched for Teja. He found her staring at him from near the back wall.

As soon as he saw her, she looked away the hurt evident on her eyes. Karan realised what it must look like to Teja from there. Him standing close to Rashami and talking to her. He told Rashami that he's not coming to the other party and made his way over to where Teja was.

Karan - "Hiiii"

Teja - "Hi, looks like you are having fun"

Karan - "When did you stop dancing?" He knew he had said the wrong thing as soon as he said it.

Teja - "Well. I had no one to dance with"

Karan - "There are so many people here  who would die to dance with you"

Teja - "No one I want to dance with"

Karan - "So, you're going home? I heard you didn't want to go to the other party"

Teja - "What other party?"

Karan - "Umar's? Rashami said you weren't going"

Teja - "I need to know about it before deciding on going or not going. Anyway you have fun. I'm gonna leave."

She gave him an empty hug and walked away. Karan started to follow her but was blocked by a drunk Umar demanding that he goes to his party. Karan kept his eyes on Teja's retreating form and tried to reason with Umar. But Umar kept shouting and Karan finally gave in to get out of the situation. He needed to catch Teja before she leaves.

Karan ran towards the door she went out of and saw her climbing down the back stairs. Probably to escape the paps. The stairs were a bit dark as it went down and he saw her hesitate. Thank god for her fear of darkness. The music was low here and Karan started climbing down the stairs himself.

Teja heard him and looked back. There was relief on her face when she saw it was him but it soon turned to anger and hurt.

Karan reached her finally and took her hand.

Karan - "Do you really have to go home tonight?"

Teja - "I don't have to. I want to. It's not as if I have anything else to do. You're busy with parties and friends. Parties I'm not invited to. Not that I'm surprised"

Karan - "I'm not going to it either"

Teja - "Please, you don't have to skip it for me. I'll still be here tomorrow. I can wait. I will wait."

Karan - "But I can't"

His voice turned low and he pushed her till she was against the other wall where it was darker. He locked her there with one hand on her shoulder and another in her waist.

Karan - "I can't wait. I told them I was not going even before I asked you. That woman said you wanted to go home. That's what I came to talk to you about."

Teja - "Really? It's just that you were so distant this evening and I thought.."

Karan - "I was distant because my mind kept telling 'No more mics or cameras'. If I hadn't kept my distance, I would have done stuff that you'll be embarrassed by. Do you want that? "