DESTINED TOGETHER

Chapter 65 - Dancing in the shadows of the truth

AN : Play the song when you see this :
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The main wedding ceremonies had been wrapped up long ago, and most guests had offered their blessings to the newlyweds before heading home nearly an hour ago. Yet, a handful of close family friends remained, gathered in the party area near the music setup. It was a lively atmosphere, with many of them being dragged into an impromptu dance battle by the youngsters.

The rules were simple: two names and a song were pulled from bowls, and the chosen participants either danced against or alongside each other based on the song's theme.

Abhimanyu and Akshara, were both dragged in the game reluctantly of course, as they couldn't refuse Nishta and the rest of their family. But they made sure to sit as far apart from each other as possible in the circle, which ended up with them being in front of each other. With every accidental meet of their gazes, they would stubbornly look away as if they had been burned.

"Man, that's a clear win for Dad!" Parth exclaimed, triumphantly pumping his fist in the air.

"Hmm, not sure Bhai, Chachu was totally in character right until the last moment." Nishita countered, which earned her a chorus of nods in agreement from others.

"You guys are all traitors." Anand sulked but chuckled at his brother's victorious grin as as he settled back down beside Abhi.

Next, his daughter drew out two more names from the lot. "Alright, next up is, Kartik uncle and Abhi bhaiya! And the song they've to dance to is Jhogi mahi!"

Her announcement was followed by a round of applause as they both were pushed in the center. Abhimanyu wasn't in the mood to dance but he didn't have a choice and, he genuinely didn't want to make Kartik feel bad.

Kartik removed his golden shawl, leaving him in his turquoise sherwani, while Abhi took off his turban and sherwani jacket, standing confidently in his plain white kurta. As the song began to play, they stepped into the circle, kanjiras in hand, taking their positions at opposite ends.

Kartik shot Abhimanyu a smirk, and Abhimanyu couldn't help but wink back with a charming smile as if to accept the challenge. In a swift movement, he tossed the kanjira to Neil, before jumping in the center of the circle, just as Kartik did, both of them kicking off the iconic steps of Jogi Mahi as the chorus kicked in. Neil, Parth and BadePapa whistled, whereas, Nishita filmed with her phone.

Both men aced the steps with exceptional grace and insane energy, perfectly synchronizing with each other. Abhi covered Shekar's vocals with his dance moves while Kartik played the dhol for Sukhwinder's part before joining for the chorus' steps. Everyone was is in awe of the duo, especially Akshara as she was enthralled by the powerful, classy duo they formed together. For a moment she forgot everything life has thrown her way as a full fledged smile spread on her face, followed by her excited cheering.

The whole atmosphere was electric, pulsating with vibrant, bomb-like energy, as they concluded the dance, out of breath and stood back to back, arms crossed smugly. As Kartik clapped Abhi on the back and pulled him closer for a side hug, Akshara's smile dimmed, her heart filling with the fear of what would happen if he came to know about her and Abhi's breakup. At the same time, Harsh's bright expression faltered as he observed the genuine happiness on his son's face. He realised with a sharp pang that the bond he had lost with him, was rekindled by Akshara's father.