The workshop continued into the evening, each round of routines growing more intense as Arav pushed the dancers to their limits. Ishika felt as though she were on the edge of a precipice, teetering between hope and despair. The sweat on her brow mixed with the tension in her chest, but she was determined not to let her resolve falter.
As the final notes of the last routine faded, dancers were dismissed in small groups. The workshop was drawing to a close, and Ishika felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. She had given her all, but she wasn’t sure if it was enough. Arav had yet to address the group directly, his exacting silence hanging over them like a heavy shroud.
The ballroom started to empty, leaving behind the echo of footsteps and murmurs of disappointment. Ishika lingered, hoping for some sign, some indication of whether her effort had been worth it. She glanced around at her fellow dancers, who were also waiting, their faces a mix of anticipation and dread.
Her heart raced as Arav finally moved to the front of the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. His eyes, sharp and intense, scanned the room one last time before he spoke.
“I’ve seen enough,” he said, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. “I know who has the potential to make it.”
Ishika held her breath, her palms clammy. She stood among the remaining dancers, trying to read the subtle signs of approval or disapproval on Arav’s face. Every word he spoke seemed to carry the weight of a thousand judgments.
“Those of you who remain,” he began, “showed promise. However, promise is not enough. You need discipline, dedication, and a relentless drive to be the best.”
He continued, his voice unwavering, “I expect each of you to push yourselves beyond your limits. If you’re not willing to give everything you have, then you might as well leave now.”
The room was silent, each dancer absorbing his words, the gravity of his expectations sinking in. Ishika’s hands trembled slightly. She wanted to show him that she was more than just potential. She was ready to be challenged, ready to fight for her dream.
As Arav dismissed the group, he gave a final, piercing look at Ishika. “You. Stay behind.”
The words hit her like a bolt of lightning. She watched as the others filed out, casting her sympathetic or envious glances. Her mind raced. Had she done something wrong? Was she in trouble? Or did he see something in her worth a second look?
Arav’s gaze followed the last of the dancers out of the room. Only Ishika and he remained, the silence between them thick with unspoken tension. He walked toward her, his steps deliberate, each one echoing in the empty room.
“You have a lot of raw talent,” he said abruptly, as if dismissing any pleasantries. “But talent alone isn’t enough. You made a mistake today that could have cost you everything. Why should I believe you’ll improve?”
Ishika met his gaze, her heart pounding. “I know I made a mistake, but I also know I can do better. I want this. More than anything. I’ve dreamed of this my entire life. I’m ready to work for it.”
Arav’s eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. “It’s not about desire. It’s about results. If you’re serious, you need to show me that you can handle the pressure, that you can push through even when everything seems to be falling apart.”
He paused, studying her intently. “I don’t have time to babysit. If you can’t keep up, you’ll be out. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” Ishika said firmly. Her voice was steady, despite the fear gnawing at her insides. “I understand.”
Arav’s gaze softened for a brief moment, though his expression remained stern. “Good. Meet me here tomorrow morning at 6 AM sharp. I expect you to be ready. No excuses.”
With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Ishika alone in the large, echoing ballroom. She stood there for a few moments, absorbing the weight of his words, the enormity of the challenge ahead. Her body ached, but her spirit felt lighter. She had been given a chance—perhaps a slim one, but a chance nonetheless.
As she left the ballroom, she felt a strange mix of apprehension and excitement. The hallway outside was empty, the faint hum of the city outside a distant reminder of the world she was temporarily detached from. Her mind raced with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring.
Her phone buzzed with a text from her mother, reminding her of a family dinner that evening. Ishika felt a pang of guilt, knowing she would have to explain her late night and early morning plans. But tonight, the family dinner would have to wait. Her focus was on one thing: proving herself.
Back at home, Ishika barely touched her dinner. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the day’s events, analyzing every movement, every word Arav had said. Her parents’ questions about the workshop went mostly unanswered as she nodded absently, her thoughts preoccupied with tomorrow.
After dinner, she retreated to her room, where she practiced the routine again and again, pushing through the fatigue. Each step, each movement, was a declaration of her commitment. The silence of the night was her only companion, but it was a comforting one. She needed this time alone to prepare herself, to steel her resolve.
Around midnight, as she finally collapsed into bed, her body exhausted but her mind still racing, she allowed herself a small moment of reflection. Tomorrow would be a new beginning. It would be another chance to prove herself, to show Arav Malhotra—and herself—that she was not just a dreamer, but a dancer worthy of a place in his world.
Sleep was elusive, but as the first light of dawn began to creep through her window, Ishika’s determination was unwavering. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to fight for her dream with everything she had.
---
Lots of Love
-Your Author 🌼
YOU ARE READING
Ruh ki Thirkan
Storie d'amoreThe rhythmic beats of the music filled Ishika's small room, the walls vibrating as her feet glided across the floor. The soft hum of the ceiling fan barely drowned out the rapid breaths she took, her body moving effortlessly to the beat. Every leap...
