clashing connection

Jai

I look at Aditi as she twirls Aisha around, performing the couple step. Longing holds me captive as I imagine us performing the same. I notice Bhavin cutting in and taking away Aisha while Aditi grumbles something about him stealing her garba date. I nudge her, wanting to do the step with her.
"What?" She snaps, her features softening when she sees its me.
"Well, we can do it.... I've been wanting to try out this step and you can guide me."
Her eyes light up at the prospect of joining the circle. "Sure. But only if I get to spin you in circles as well."
With a nod I offer her my arm. She grabs it with a gentle yet firm grip and enters the circle. Holding index finger with her tiny hand, she lifts our arms up and twirls twice before bringing our arms down and doing the back and forth shuffling most of the steps seem to involve.
As she twirls, the string holding her blouse together snags my attention. She was really trusting the string, the only thing tied at the back and keeping the blouse in place. The smooth expanse of her back did strange things to me, but then again, just the sight of her did strange things to me. Like right now, her goddamned smile. I would give anything to keep her smiling like that.
Too soon, the song switched and along with it, the step was switched. It was too complicated for me but I watched in awe as Aditi did it with grace and ease, looking like she was made to perform garba.
Her eyes seemed to have found mine as she continued.
"What?" She mouthed, mystified at whatever she saw on my face. How was I supposed to tell her that I was simply, completely obsessed with her? How her single smile made my entire day? I couldn't.... not when I knew she didn't see me in that light.
Shaking my head with a grin, I joined her. Her laughter at my failed attempt of performing burnt away any embarrassment I may have felt at getting the steps wrong. She made it easy, made it feel like it was okay to not know something, to be bad at something. Being with her... it was easy, as if I hadn't ever been without her.
~~

After the festivities finally ended, we all settled down in a circle as Vansh and Puneet spoke about how wonderful the event was and told us to wait for a surprise.
I excused myself to go to the washroom, wanting to rinse my face of the sweat that had gathered.
I took out my phone, texting an update to my parents when I bumped into someone. Soft hands landed on my shoulders with a gasp. I looked up just in time to see wide, tear streaked eyes staring at me, before the back of her palms quickly swiped at the tears.
"Ads... what? Why are you crying? Who the fuck made you cry?"
She stumbled back, sniffling while attempting to get her emotions under control. Just the sight of her tears made me feel devasted. What could've happened within the span of ten minutes to make her cry like this? Whoever did it was going to regret it.
Stepping forward, I gently placed my palms on her shoulder and stared right into her eyes.
"What happened Ads?" She hiccupped, turning her face away while mumbling something.
Gripping her chin with a gentle hand, I turned her face back to me. She sighed and I could see the fake smile shifting into place before she answered.
"I'm fine... just tired. Let's go back. The others must be waiting."
"This... is fine? There's no way you think I'll believe that lie. Trust me and tell me what happened. I swear I'll fix it." That deemed to weaken her resolve as she looked at me with uncertainty in her eyes. Chewing on the bottom of her lip, she considered my words.
"I... um do you think we could sit down? I'm tired." Immediately I grabbed her hand and helped her sit, sitting Immediately next to her, leaving no space between us.
"Well... I was leaving the washroom when Naman came in."
"That fucking idiot again?" I asked, anger leaking into my voice. She let out a humorless laugh, one that made me want to throttle Naman.
"He seems to be the cause of my problems lately. Anyways, when I came out he cornered me and tried to..." She gagged, like she couldn't get the words out.
I clenched my fist, trying to contain the white hot anger expanding inside me as I waited for her to speak.
"He...he tried to kiss me. Even after I pushed him away, said no multiple times. He... blamed me for being so nice and friendly after the incident, that I was the one who had given him hints." She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself to say more. The fucker had the nerve to fucking talk shit like this? He was going to regret ever looking at Aditi.
"He" hiccup, " he said my clothes were too revealing and how he couldn't control himself and that it was basically an invitation. I- I was so stunned, I couldn't even speak. He managed to pull me close and once the shock of being kissed by him registered, I pulled away... and slapped him. Hard. I also kneed him where it hurts the most. And then I... fled." She looked at me with unshed tears glistening in her eyes, her pain breaking my heart in a way I didn't know was possible.
I drew her closer, not able to keep myself away when she was so fucking vulnerable. She leaned her head on my shoulder, as if my touch comforted her. I rubbed slow circles on her back, hesitant about touching her after the encounter she had just had.
"Is this okay?" I asked, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable. Her nod kept me going, letting her come to terms with what had happened while I silently imagined all the ways I would love to get rid of Naman.
"We should go, the others will start wondering about us." Aditi said, wobbling to get up on her feet. With a sweep of my arms, I carried her bridal-style. Her arms automatically went to loop around my shoulders as I began walking back to where the others were seated.
"You don't have to lift me. I can walk you know."
"You're in no condition to walk. Just let me make sure you get back there safely." She huffed before relaxing in my arms resigned.
"What should we do about Naman?" I asked her, wanting to know her view before I went ahead with the plan formulating in my head.
"I don't know... I want him to be punished. People like him aren't supposed to be near girls and make us girls feel uncomfortable. But... I also don't think many people believe me. After all, boys support boys."
"I.. yeah. Boys do support boys but you've gotta believe some of us will listen to the truth. We both know Vansh and Puneet will."
"I guess so... I'll tell them. Do you..." She hesitated before speaking again.
"Do you think you can be with when I tell them? Just for support." She said hastily.
"Of course. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Relief flooded me at the fact that she trusted me enough to let me be there for her.
~~
As Aditi continued speaking, her hand found mine of its own accord, as if seeking reassurance. I squeezed it, urging her to continue.
After listening, Vansh looked both sides, as if trying to spot Naman. With a strangled curse, he crushed Aditi in a hug, repeatedly apologizing for not getting rid of Naman as soon as he knew about the fire incident.
Puneet looked flustered, awkwardly patting her back and murmuring something about how brave she was.
I wholeheartedly agreed with Puneet. She was brave and so freaking strong.

"Let's get rid of him... and what do you think of a little revenge?" Puneet asked, once they had processed everything.
"Yes. Definitely." I said immediately.
"Eager, are we?" Puneet wiggled his eyebrows teasingly.
"Of course. He deserves the worst things possible."
"I agree. Let's take revenge." Aditi said with steely determination.
"Okay then, meet me at the cafeteria as soon as your lectures end tomorrow." Puneet said.
We both nodded, wondering what he had planned and  whether I would be able to incorporate my own part of revenge.