Kindle to Rekindle

38. I Love You

Nimrit put her hand on Nivedya's eyes and took a breath that was hitched. "Let me get you ready, you have to win the competition." Nimrit got up from the most comfortable seat she had ever sat on and started painting Nivedya's face. A smile was plastered on her face and she knew Nivedya was smiling from within too.

"I honestly, don't know if we will be able to win the competition or not. Ekta was just so good." Nimrit did not want to but the words of appreciation from Nivedya pinched her heart and she in return pinched him. "Aaoo! Why would you pinch me?"

Nimrit didn't answer him and continued painting his face blue, like that of an alien. Nivedya didn't disturb her and tried thinking of the reason he was pinched hard.

Nimrit looked at him and a smile of satisfaction graced her face. "You look like a perfect alien. Now go and give it a perfect shot. Good luck."

Nivedya saw himself in the mirror and asserted, "You are damn good at this job, Nimrit."

"I know. You look more alien than a real alien." She laughed heartily at her comparison and no matter how much Nivedya loved her laughing like a Kookaburra he wanted to show her what aliens could do. So, he pulled her from her waist making her laughter stop instantly.

"All said and done, wish me luck like a girlfriend does to her boyfriend. Don't you dare tell me you don't know how to. Use your romance novel knowledge. Come on, we don't have time." Nivedya challenged her but he didn't know if he was prepared for the "good luck" wish he demanded. He waited for a few seconds before they heard footsteps and distanced themselves.

"Nivi, we are up in ten. Come fast, bro." Raghav prompted him and Nivedya gave him a thumbs-up. He walked towards the door and Nimrit followed him. Just when Nivedya was about to open the door Nimrit caught his hand and hugged him from behind. Her grip was gentle and not tight but it was perfect for him.

"You may be playing an alien but my feelings for you are not alien to you. I do not want to copy romance stories because I want us to create our own story, so unique and special. Good luck, my khota. Now do not turn around because I cannot face you, right now." Nivedya regarded Nimrit's request and didn't turn but his heart was fluttering with joy. He joined his team backstage where everyone appreciated his look.

Collin wrapped his arm around Nivedya and said, "You look awesome, dude. In an alternate universe, I could also fall in love with you." Nivedya jerked him off and made a bad face.

"Don't. I am touched by an angel." Nivedya couldn't hide his smile and Collin killed his urge to tease him because he knew what it meant to his friend. He was just happy.

Swarnbhoomi High's Dramatics Club was called on stage and they began their act. It was a story of a young boy and his alien best friend who helped him to create awareness about the forgotten concepts of empathy and compassion. In the end, when the alien died, the people of Earth understood what he tried elucidating and regret their ignorance. The entire team gave a spectacular performance but Nivedya's performance was incredible. Some of the audience members had lump in their throats and some had tears in their eyes at the sight of the dying alien.

Thunderous applause with the trophy for the best drama was bagged by Swarnbhoomi High, after five years, making everyone celebrate and rejoice. The other participating schools and teachers congratulated them for their brilliant performance.

Ekta shook hands with Nivedya and told him how moved she was with his performance. From his peripheral view, Nivedya could see Nimrit was looking in his direction and the reason for the pinch struck him.
'Jealous Nimrit was so fucking hot.' Nivedya's heart fantasised and could only picture the look on her cute face.