Destiny|| A Rutkarsha Story

17.

मेरी नजर का सफर तुझपे ही आके रुके
कहने को बाकी है क्या कहना था जो कह चुके
मेरी निगाहें है, तेरी निगाहों पे
तुझे खबर क्या बेखबर...🌸
~•~

The entire school buzzed with excitement. The annual sports day was not just an event; it was a celebration, a carnival of energy and pride. Students raced across the grounds, setting up stalls, decorating the stage, and rehearsing for their performances. At the center of it all was Ruturaj, the ever-dedicated sports captain, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Just as he was finishing up the final checklist, his phone rang.

“Rutu,” his friend’s panicked voice came through. “The Kathak dancer for tomorrow… she’s fallen sick! There’s no one to replace her. The performance might get canceled!”

Ruturaj froze, his mind racing. The Kathak performance was a crucial part of the opening ceremony. How could they cancel it now?

“Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out,” Rutu said, though he had no idea how.

From behind him came a soft voice. “Rutu, I heard what happened. I think I can help.”

He turned to see Utkarsha, a stack of charts in her hands and a calm determination in her eyes.

“You?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

She set the charts down and smiled. “I’ve been learning Kathak for years. I can perform tomorrow.”

Ruturaj blinked, surprised. “You never mentioned you could dance!”

She shrugged. “You never asked.”

For a moment, he just stared at her, then broke into a wide grin. “Utkarsha, you’re a lifesaver! Thank you!”

“You can thank me after I pull this off,” she replied with a playful smile.

The next day, the school grounds were transformed. Rows of flags fluttered in the breeze, balloons soared high, and students in crisp uniforms bustled about. The audience filled the stands—parents, teachers, and even a few local dignitaries. The event began with the marching parade, followed by the lighting of the torch, led by none other than Ruturaj.

As the opening ceremony reached its climax, the announcer’s voice rang out. “And now, we present a special Kathak performance by Utkarsha!”

Ruturaj stood backstage, his heart pounding. He’d never seen her like this before. Dressed in a vibrant traditional costume, adorned with delicate jewelry, she looked like a vision.

As the music began, Utkarsha stepped onto the stage, her movements graceful and fluid. The jingling of her anklets and the rhythmic beats of the tabla echoed across the grounds. The audience was spellbound. With each spin and gesture, she told a story, her expressions captivating everyone.

Ruturaj couldn’t take his eyes off her. “She’s amazing,” he murmured to himself.

When the performance ended, the crowd erupted into applause. Utkarsha took a deep bow, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Backstage, Ruturaj was waiting for her, a beaming smile on his face.

“Utkarsha!” he called, rushing toward her. “That was incredible! I had no idea you were this talented.”

She looked away, her face warm. “It wasn’t a big deal.”

“It was a very big deal!” he insisted. “You just saved the entire event!”

Utkarsha hesitated, then mumbled under her breath, “I only did it because of you.”

“What was that?” he asked, leaning closer.

“Nothing!” she said quickly, turning away just as Atharva called him.

“Rutu, come on! We need you for the relay race!”

Ruturaj glanced at her one last time, grinning. “We’ll talk later, okay? And thanks again, Utkarsha.”

As he jogged off, she watched him go, her heart fluttering. “Thanks, Maa,” she whispered to herself, thinking of her mother’s persistence in enrolling her in Kathak classes. “I guess you were right after all.”

_____________

“Navya, exams are around the corner!” Utkarsha protested, as her best friend dragged her toward the bustling Mela.

“Exams can wait! Ganesh Chaturthi comes only once a year!” Navya said with a cheeky grin.

The fair was a riot of colors and sounds. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from sweets to jewelry, while the scent of freshly fried pakoras wafted through the air.

As they strolled through the crowd, Navya suddenly nudged Utkarsha. “Look who’s here.”

Utkarsha followed her gaze and froze. Ruturaj was standing at a jewelry stall, helping his mother choose bangles. He laughed as his mother waved a sparkling pair in front of him.

“Let’s go say hi,” Navya said, pulling Utkarsha along.

“No! Navya, don’t—”

“Too late!”

“Hi, Aunty!” Navya greeted, her voice bubbly. “This is my friend Utkarsha.”

Sawita, Ruturaj’s mother, turned with a warm smile. “Oh, hello, dear! Nice to meet you. Come help me pick something pretty!”

Utkarsha hesitated, then stepped forward. “Hi, Aunty…”

Ruturaj looked up and smiled. “Hey, Utkarsha.”

Her cheeks warmed under his gaze. “Hi…”

Sawita handed her a pair of bangles. “What do you think? Are these good?”

Utkarsha examined them, then picked another set. “I think these would suit you better, Aunty. They match your saree perfectly.”

Sawita’s face lit up. “Oh, you have such a good eye for these things! Rutu, isn’t she lovely?”

Ruturaj chuckled. “She’s pretty good at everything, actually.”

Utkarsha’s heart did a somersault, but she quickly focused on the bangles to hide her blush.

As they left the shop, Navya couldn’t help but tease. “You and Rutu’s mom are hitting it off. Future mother-in-law vibes?”

“Navya!” Utkarsha groaned, but she couldn’t hide her smile.

Navya grinned, nudging her. “Admit it, Uttu. You like him.”

Utkarsha looked away, but the small, secret smile on her lips said it all.