Kindle to Rekindle

4. The taste of Water

Water sometimes tastes like rosewater, having journeyed through those rose petal-shaped bewitching lips.

Nimrit was congratulated by the class, but she was certain that this performance will never happen. Her father will not approve of her dancing with a boy and not just any boy but Nivedya, who he disliked since the start. She also doubted herself dancing with Nivedya R. Singh, the boy who for some reason always created a mess in her otherwise peaceful life.

Nivedya didn't react to the news and told his friends, "Guys, I have always performed for the school. It's not my first time."

"I have also been the main performer at my school functions, always." Nimrit countered Nivedya's statement.

"See, that's your problem. You think every comment is aimed at you. Sorry to burst your bubble miss but that's not the case here." Nivedya was known for his polite tone, especially towards girls but with Nimrit he found it hard.

Verbal arguments were something Nimrit detested. She was a soft-spoken girl who was having a tough time in the new school. She didn't reply to what Nivedya said and left the skating area.

"Nivi, that was absolutely rude, dude. She is still trying to adapt to the new school and we have not been very friendly with her. I know she was partly responsible too but she accepted her fault. She is a very sweet girl and a great friend, just like you are. I think you should apologise to her." Aarfa scolded Nivedya and sided with Nimrit.

Nivedya picked up his bag and left without saying anything. He couldn't make up his mind whether to apologise or not. He hated the fact that Nimrit had so much air around her, and tried to prove she was superior to the rest of the class. He felt Aarfa and others were smitten by Nimrit's talents.

Nivedya didn't discuss the events of the day with Rose as he did every day. Rose could see something was bothering him but she refrained from probing in. She wanted to give him space and time.

Nivedya informed his parents that he was selected for a dance on roller skates with a classmate who is currently the national skating champion in the under-16 category.

Abhedya advised his brother, "Nivi, brush up on your skill bro. You don't want to fall on the girl."

"I may have not won any championships but I am good too. I won't fall for her." Nivedya cleared his stand to Abhedya.

"Fall for her? Hahaha! I never said "fall for her". I said, "fall on her". But I guess, you have made up your mind. Good luck!" Abhedya pulled Nivedya's cheek and rushed out of the house.

"I didn't mean that." Nivedya clarified to his parents and Rose, who nodded in understanding. He was not sure why and how he mixed up words but he could sense his parents passing glances at each other. He didn't play video games before sleeping like he did every day and closed his eyes to welcome sleep. A girl on roller skates ruled his mind and his dreams that night.

Nimrit told Barkha about her selection and she teased her saying it was a sign that 'Nivedya and Nimrit' were meant to be. She got annoyed and swore to not talk to her ever. Nimrit's day just got worse when her father said he would talk to the principal about her absurd plan of a champion like Nimrit performing with a loafer like Nivedya.

"He is not a loafer, papa. He may have got into a fight with a boy but from what I have heard it was the other boy's fault. Nivi... I mean Nivedya  is... umm... Is liked by all teachers and is a great friend too." Nimrit was scared but still defended Nivedya in front of her father.

"Is he your friend too?" Nimrit's father questioned her and she nodded a big no.

Nimrit's mother reasoned with her father, "What is your problem, Amber? She studies in a co-ed school. She will make male friends. What's the harm? Don't we have friends from the opposite gender?"