Rhythm of Hearts: Their Melodic Bond

5. Harmony in Celebration

K A M I K A

And then, the principal announced, "And the winners of the classical music competition are... the Golden Duo!" We beamed with pride, our friends rushed onto the stage to congratulate us, and I knew that this moment would stay with me forever.

Our friends sprang into action. Tahir, Sahay, Aayush, Tanvi, Hritvi, and Aatirah jumped up from their seats, shouting, "Come on, everyone! Let's cheer for the Golden Duo!"

Tahir started a chant, "Kamika! Karthik! Kamika! Karthik!" while Sahay and Aayush cheered loudly. Tanvi, Hritvi, and Aatirah danced in the aisles, waving their arms to get everyone's attention.

The audience erupted into cheers and applause, with chants of "Golden Duo! Golden Duo!" echoing through the auditorium. I felt a surge of gratitude towards our friends.

But

I did win this award, but; at what cost?

For whom did I won this? Meera? A sad chuckle left my mouth. She left me, she didn't even came to watch my performance.

A U T H O R

A few days later

Kamika sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the raindrops racing down the glass. The rhythmic patter matched the turmoil in her heart. She had won the dance competition, yet the hollowness lingered. Meera's disappearance gnawed at her, a void she couldn't fill with trophies or applause.

Tanvi, perceptive as ever, noticed Kamika's melancholy. She cornered her during lunch break, a determined glint in her eyes. "Kamika," she began, "we need to talk."

Kamika sighed. "Not now, Tanvi. I'm not in the mood."

Tanvi leaned in, lowering her voice. "It's about Karthik's birthday. He wants a celebration, and you're the best planner we know. Also he personally wants to meet you for this." she said with a small smile.

Kamika's eyebrows shot up. "Me? Why?"

"Because," Tanvi said, "you need this. We all do. A reason to smile, to forget our worries—even if just for a night."

Kamika hesitated. "But Meera—"

"Meera would want you to celebrate," Tanvi interrupted. "She'd want you to find joy even amidst sorrow."

And so, Kamika reluctantly agreed. The party planning became her distraction, a way to channel her conflicting emotions. She scoured Pinterest boards for decoration ideas, debated cake flavors. 

K A R T H I K

In class, I caught Kamika's eye and whispered, "Hey, meet me in the library at 3 pm. I need a major favor!" I mouthed.

Kamika's curiosity was totes piqued, but she just nodded subtly, not wanting to draw attention from our teacher, Mrs. Patel. I hope Tanvi had already given her a idea about what I wanted to talk; though it looked like she knew what was coming.

Later that afternoon, I saw Kamika sitting at her favorite table in the library, surrounded by books and notes. I went and sat beside her, looking all adorable and excited.

"Thanks for meeting me, Kamika! I have a surprise party planned for our friends to celebrate our win, and it's my birthday soon, so I thought, why not combine the two?" I whispered, my eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Hoping to earn a smile from her. And did I? Yes I did!

Kamika's eyes widened in surprise, then a smile spread across her face. "That's, like, an amazing idea! I'm so down to help!" her voice sounded fake, her eyes did not shined like always. This smile was fake.

"Kamika," I said, my voice softening, "I know you're hurting. But if you continue like this, our whole group will suffer. You see, the first time I heard about you from those three goofballs," I paused, gauging her reaction. Her eyes held a mix of curiosity and restlessness. "They said, 'Hey, there's a new girl in our group! She's like a ray of sunshine—convinced us to merge the girls' and boys' cliques. Plus, she's academically  and a classical dancer.' Kamika," I gazed at her with admiration, "since that day, I've been eager to meet the person who made our group shine so brightly." Kamika's eyes softened. Maybe she recalled the first day she stepped into our chaotic lunchtime circle—the way her laughter had woven seamlessly into ours, the way her presence had shifted the dynamics. "From that very day," I continued, my words hanging in the air, "I've been eager to meet the person who made our group shine so brightly. Kamika, you're more than just a friend to us. You're the heartbeat of our little universe—a constellation of laughter, late-night conversations, and shared dreams." Her eyes softened further, and I hoped she understood. We needed her to heal, to find her light again. Because without Kamika, our group would be a mere collection of individuals, missing the magic that only she could bring.

"Really?" She looked at me with a smile. A genuine one this time. 
 "YES Ika!, Because without you, our group would be a mere collection of individuals, missing the magic that only you can bring." I retorted back with the same sweet smile she gave me.

I watched as a delicate pink hue crept across her cheeks. The sight made my heart skip a beat. She was so effortlessly beautiful, and the blush made her even more endearing.

Before I could say anything more, Kamika moved closer and wrapped her arms around me. Her embrace was sudden but incredibly comforting. I was momentarily taken aback but quickly wrapped my arms around her, holding her close. The warmth of her body and the gentle pressure of her hug felt like a balm, soothing and reassuring.

I felt something ticklish in my stomach? Butterflies? Yes! 

We stayed like that for a few moments, the world outside our little bubble fading away. When Kamika finally pulled back, her cheeks were still flushed, and I couldn't resist teasing her.

"Ooh, look at someone blushing!" I said with a playful grin, my eyes dancing with mischief. "Did I just make you shy?"

Her eyes widened, and she turned away slightly, her face growing even redder. She fidgeted with her sleeves, and I could see the shyness in her smile. "I... I didn't mean to—" she started, her voice trailing off.

I chuckled softly, "It's okay, Kamika. I know you needed a hug, perhaps not from me, but from Tanvi. Am I right?" I didn't wanted to stop the teasing.

"Its not like that.." It could be clearly seen that she's not able to frame words. "Its ok Ika, I understand your situation at the home. But, lets not talk about it, at least not for now?" I gave her a small smile saying I understand her turmoil.

"Karthik, How's your grandma?" "She's fine and I talked to her before coming coming here, she said to take care of you and stay by your side." I said pressuring on the last.

Pink coated her cheeks again.

"Can we please focus on the  thing you called me for!!" She shouted while trying to look stern, controlling her smile and pointing out her index finger at me. Cute. "Yes why not."

And by this party planning made her busy, from sitting in a corner thinking about her sister. Thanks to Tanvi, as it was mainly her idea.

Kamika and I spent the next 3 days planning about the party, every afternoon in the library after school.

_______________

Author

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