clashing connection

Aditi

I tried my best not to look at Jai as we entered the building. My mind replayed our encounter over and over again, from him flexing those goddamned attractive arms to me falling and him cushioning our fall. Especially the part where I had been in such close proximity to him when my hair was caught in his button. The scent of his woody, spicy cologne had sent my senses into overdrive. It had unleashed a cage of butterflies in my stomach that I didn't know existed.

I paused, taking in the sight of a hundred students occupying the foyer. It was loud, chaotic and it felt like home. These were the people who would be working on making our dream a reality. I felt a fierce surge of protectiveness for everyone.

Once everyone finally settled down, announcements began.
"Okay, everyone. Today is our first official wrap up. From now on, we'll have wrap ups everyday where one member from each department will give the updates of the day so that everyone is up to date with the workings. Let's begin with.... photography department."
They let out a weak cheer and a girl stood up. The photo head shook her head in disappointment, asking them to cheer louder. This time, they cheered louder.
My phone pinged with an incoming message from Vansh. I looked at him, trying to read his expressions. He maintained a blank look, not giving away anything.
I read his text discreetly, hoping no one noticed that I was using my phone.

Vansh: You'll give the updates today. Make sure you cover everything.

I sent a thumbs up  in response before nudging Jai. I showed him the text, clearly gloating but he just gave me a genuine smile. I frowned, not expecting this reaction.
"Aren't you supposed to be upset... or mad or something?" I whispered.
"I'm jealous, of course but if Vansh feels like you should do it, then it must be for a reason. Don't worry, I'll be the one giving the updates tomorrow." He whispered playfully before focusing on what was being said.

Finally it was our turn and we cheered so loudly that there was an echo. I stood up, took a deep breath and began speaking.
"Meeting with last year's first CM.
Executing one PR activity.
Marketing updates.
PR deals updates.
Brainstorming for upcoming events."
I sat down as Vansh gave an imperceptible nod of his head.

After each department had given their update it was finally time for the Kshitij cheer.
"5,5,5,5
5,6,7,8!"
It felt as if the whole place was shaking with force of our words and claps, our energy at an all time high.
"Soaring high, watch us fly...."

~~
"Um.. Aditi, can you come with me for a second?" Naman asked. I nodded, confused. Naman I hadn't spoken much, we usually just talked when there was anything to discuss. I followed him to where Vansh and Puneet were standing. Aisha, Bhavin and Jai had followed us and were standing at a small distance from us, pretending to talk.
"You have something you need to tell us about?" Puneet asked Naman, looking angry.
Naman gulped, before taking a deep breath and speaking.
"I was the one who did it. I thought it would be a good prank... I never expected it to backfire in such a manner. I'm so sorry Aditi, I didn't mean for it to go this far."
I blinked, not realizing he was talking about the fire incident. When it finally clicked, I glared at him. Shocked that he would play a prank that could go wrong so easily.
"This is not the first time you've played one of your 'harmless pranks' Naman." Vansh said, his voice low. "The chewing gum prank you played also ruined Veer's bag. It's high time you stopped doing things that harm others. One more incident and I will personally make sure you won't be able to join Kshitij." Naman gaped, not expecting such a threat.
"We mean it Naman, get your act together."  Naman nodded furiously. He walked away, his head hanging low. Vansh looped his arm over my shoulder and steered me towards Aisha and the others.
"It's okay... we'll make sure he doesn't do dumb things like this again. You can talk with him later and say whatever you want to." He assured me. I thanked him, still processing that everything had happened due to a stupid prank gone wrong.
Seeing us approach, Aisha crossed her arms, tapping her right foot impatiently. I knew they would ask what exactly had happened and prepared myself to repeat everything.

~~
"That no good little...."
"Arre, chod de ab. Jo hona tha ho gaya." I cut off Aisha as we all walked back home.
(Leave it now. What was going to happen has happened.)
"Kya matlab chod de? Agar zyada kuch hojata teko toh?" Jai joined the argument, fury blazing in his eyes.
(What do you mean, leave it? What if something worse had happened to you?)
"Barabar bola Jai. Me toh bolti hu, hum sab milked badla lete he." (Jai is right, I'm telling you, let's all take revenge on him.)
Aisha agreed with him.
"Arre bas karo dono. Vansh ne already dhamki di he usse. Ab wo sudhar jayega." I placated them, not wanting to cause a scene.
(Stop it, you two. Vansh has already threatened him. He'll improve now.)
"Dekhte he.... warna..." Jai clenched his fist, not completing his sentence. (Let's see...or else...)
"Warna kya?" I asked. (Or else what?)
His eyes softened as he looked at me.
"Kuch nahi... chalo jhaldi train chali jayegi."
(Nothing.... let's go quickly, the train will leave.)

~~
"What the...." Aisha gasped. I looked up from my laptop, curious to see what had caused such a reaction.
Naman walked in, sporting a shiner on his left eye. He avoided eye contact with all of us, and maybe it was just my imagination but he glared at Jai before gulping and walking away.
I turned to look at Jai's hand, wondering if he was the one who had delivered the blow. His hand looked to be okay, but something about his tone yesterday told me, it was definitely him.