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...🌸
~•~

Rutu, the sports captain, was busy with the final preparations for the annual sports day. The events were scheduled for the next day, and he was determined to make it a success.

Just as he was about to leave the school premises, he received a frantic call from his friend. "Rutu, I have some bad news. The Kathak dancer who was supposed to perform tomorrow has fallen ill. We need a replacement, or the event will be cancelled!"

Rutu was in a panic. He had only one day to find a new dancer. He thought of all the students who could possibly replace her, but no one came to mind.

That's when Utkarsha, who had been helping him with the preparations, approached him. "Rutu, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I think I can help."

Rutu looked at her skeptically. "What do you mean?"

UTKARSHA: (confidently)"I've been learning Kathak for years. I can perform tomorrow."

RUTU: (surprised) "Really? Okay, Utkarsha. You're on."

Utkarsha nodded and smiled. "I won't let you down, Rutu."

Rutu breathed a sigh of relief. He had found a replacement, and the sports day could go on as scheduled.

***

After the performance, Rutu approached Utkarsha, beaming with pride. "Utkarsha, your performance was incredible! Why didn't you tell me you were such a great dancer when I asked who was going to do the Kathak?"

Utkarsha muttered under her breath, "I wasn't interested... I only did it because of you."

But Rutu didn't hear her properly. "What did you say? Why didn't you tell me?"

Utkarsha hesitated, looking for the right words. But before she could respond, Atharva called him away.

"Rutu, come on! Let's celebrate!"

Rutu left without hearing Utkarsha's response. Utkarsha was left standing alone, a mix of emotions on her face.

She whispered to herself, "Thank you, Maa, for forcing me to take Kathak classes. I never thought I'd use them like this."

Utkarsha's mother had always wanted her to learn Kathak, even when Utkarsha showed no interest. But now, Utkarsha realized that her mother's persistence had paid off in an unexpected way.

~•~

Utkarsha groaned as Navya dragged her out of the house. "Do we have to go to the Mela, Navya? We have exams coming up."

Navya grinned mischievously. "Come on, Utkarsha! It'll be fun! We can't miss the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations! It's come in a year!

Utkarsha sighed, but eventually relented. "Fine, but just for a little while."

As they made their way through the crowded stalls, Utkarsha's lack of enthusiasm was evident. But Navya's infectious energy soon rubbed off on her, and she found herself enjoying the sights and sounds of the Mela.

That's when they stumbled upon a jewellery shop, and Utkarsha's heart skipped a beat. Rutu was there, helping his mother choose some bangles and earrings.

"Ooh, look! Rutu's there!" Navya whispered, tugging on Utkarsha's arm.

Utkarsha's face turned bright red as she tried to play it cool. "So what if he is?"

Navya grinned. "Come on, let's go say hi! I'll introduce you to his mom."

Utkarsha and Navya enter the shop, where Rutu and his mother Sawita are browsing through the stalls.

NAVYA: (excitedly) Aunty, look who's here! This is my friend Utkarsha.

SAWITA: (turning around) Ah, nice to meet you, Utkarsha! Come help me choose some jewelry!

UTKARSHA: (nervously) Hi, Aunty...

Rutu looks up, surprised, and smiles at Utkarsha.

RUTU: (smiling) Hi, Utkarsha!

UTKARSHA: (blushing) Hi...

Sawita hands Utkarsha a bangle.

SAWITA: (smiling) What do you think, Utkarsha? Should I get this one?

UTKARSHA: (examining the bangle) Actually, Aunty, I think this one would suit you better...

Sawita looks impressed.

SAWITA: (smiling) Ah, you have a great eye for jewelry, Utkarsha!

RUTU: (smiling) Yeah, Utkarsha's always had a great sense of style...

Utkarsha blushes, feeling happy and shy at the same time.

As they left the shop, Navya teased Utkarsha. "Hey, you're getting along great with your mother-in-law!"

Utkarsha playfully rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Navya!"

Navya grinned. "I'm just saying, you two make a great team!"

Utkarsha blushed, feeling a spark of happiness at the thought of Rutu and his mother.