The Heart's Unexpected Twist

•||CHAPTER 10||•

Shruti had always been drawn to the world of classical dance. It was more than just a form of movement for her-it was an art form that breathed life into her soul. From the time she was a child, she had been trained in Bharatnatyam, the ancient South Indian dance form known for its intricate footwork and expressive storytelling. She remembered the countless hours spent in practice, the discipline it demanded, and the joy it brought her. Her heart, however, wasn't confined to just one style of dance. The world of classical dance was vast, and she found herself enchanted by the different forms that made up the rich tapestry of India's cultural heritage.

Bharatnatyam had taught her grace and precision, but it was when she watched her seniors perform Kuchipudi and Mohiniyattam that she felt the full breadth of what classical dance could express. Kuchipudi's energetic and fast-paced rhythm contrasted beautifully with the slow, graceful movements of Mohiniyattam, which seemed to flow like a gentle river. She could never forget the feeling of awe when she first saw them perform-the ethereal beauty of the dancers in motion, their costumes swirling as they moved in perfect harmony with the music.

But of all the classical dance forms, it was Odissi that held a special place in Shruti's heart. Odissi, with its roots in the temples of Odisha, felt like a dance that spoke directly to her soul. Every movement in Odissi seemed to carry with it centuries of tradition, each gesture a reflection of the divine. There was something about the intricate hand gestures, the fluidity of the torso, and the deep connection to the earth that made Odissi feel like more than just a dance. It was a journey, a dance that carried the spirit of the land itself.

Whenever Shruti saw an Odissi performance, she felt a sense of calm wash over her, as if the dance had the power to transport her to another realm. The dancers, with their elegant postures and expressive faces, seemed to communicate emotions that words could never fully capture. For her, Odissi wasn't just about movement; it was a dialogue between the body and the soul, between the performer and the audience. It was a dance that told stories of gods and goddesses, of love and longing, of devotion and beauty.

One evening, as Shruti scrolled through her Instagram feed, she came across a video of an Odissi performance that took her breath away. The dancers moved with such grace and precision that she could feel the energy through the screen. Without a second thought, she shared the video of her story, wanting to capture the beauty she had just witnessed. She added a caption that reflected her admiration: "A love letter to the land of gods. Odissi, a journey through time and emotion."

For Shruti, sharing this part of herself felt natural. She had always loved classical dance and admired the way it connected past and present, tradition and modernity. Each dance form-Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and Odissi-held its own distinct character, but they all shared a focus on *abhinaya* (expression), *natya* (dance), and *bhava* (emotion). These ancient traditions were more than just performances; they were stories passed down through generations, and Shruti felt privileged to be a part of that lineage.

When Sahil saw her post, he was amazed. He had known Shruti as someone thoughtful and introspective, but this glimpse into her passion for classical dance made him see her in a new light. It reminded him of his sister, Aziza, who had also been deeply immersed in the world of classical dance.

Aziza's love for the art had been a beacon in Sahil's life during some of his darkest moments. It was through her discipline and grace that Sahil had learned the value of patience and persistence. Aziza had helped him overcome his addictions and had played an instrumental role in helping him rebuild his life. Her movements on stage had mirrored the strength she carried within herself, a strength that Sahil had come to admire and respect.

As Sahil reflected on Shruti's post, memories of Aziza flooded back to him-how she had danced with such fluidity, her body moving as if it were in perfect harmony with the universe. She had often spoken of how dance was a form of meditation for her, a way to connect with something greater than herself. Watching Shruti share her love for the same art form, Sahil couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

The passion Shruti carried for classical dance seemed to resonate with his own journey, one where art and discipline had the power to heal, inspire, and transform. It was a reminder that while everyone had their own battles and flaws, there was something universal in the pursuit of beauty and expression, whether through dance or any other form of art.

And yet, as he read her thoughts, Sahil felt a subtle sense of curiosity grow within him. What else had Shruti not shared? Beneath her calm and composed exterior, there seemed to be layers of passion, vulnerability, and complexity waiting to be uncovered. Much like the dances she loved, there were stories within her-stories that would take time and patience to fully understand.

And in that quiet moment of reflection, Sahil realised that the journey they were on together, like the intricate steps of a classical dance, was only just beginning.