Ishika awoke before dawn, the early morning chill seeping through her thin pajamas. The night had passed slowly, filled with restless dreams and anxious thoughts. She had barely slept, but the thought of proving herself kept her eyes open. The alarm on her phone buzzed sharply, cutting through the silence of her room.
She jumped out of bed, quickly dressing in her practice clothes. The routine from the previous day echoed in her mind as she made her way to the studio. The city was still half-asleep, the streets empty and quiet. Ishika’s footsteps were the only sound as she walked briskly, her breath forming small clouds in the crisp morning air.
Arriving at the studio, she found the large doors still locked. She fidgeted with her phone, checking the time repeatedly. The minutes ticked by slowly. As the clock struck 6 AM, the doors finally creaked open, revealing Arav Malhotra standing in the entrance, his face expressionless.
“On time,” he said curtly. “That’s a good start. But being punctual is just the beginning.”
Ishika swallowed hard, stepping into the studio. The room was empty and cold, the mirrors reflecting her nervousness back at her. She took her place in the center of the room, trying to steady her breathing. Arav’s eyes followed her every move, his gaze as cold and unyielding as a winter morning.
“Let’s see what you’ve got,” he said, crossing his arms over his chest. “Show me yesterday’s routine.”
The music began, and Ishika moved through the steps, her body aching from the previous day’s exertion. She concentrated on each movement, pushing through her fatigue. Her performance was meticulous, but her nerves made her movements less fluid than they had been.
As the music ended, Arav’s face remained impassive. He nodded curtly, but there was no sign of approval. “You’re not bad,” he said finally. “But ‘not bad’ doesn’t cut it. Your movements are rigid. You’re holding back. Dancing is not just about hitting the right notes; it’s about feeling them. Right now, you’re just going through the motions.”
Ishika’s heart sank. She had hoped for some acknowledgment, some sign that she was making progress. Instead, she felt as though she had been handed another challenge.
“Again,” Arav commanded. “And this time, don’t just move your body. Let the music move you.”
She reset her position, her muscles protesting, and the music started once more. She tried to lose herself in the rhythm, to let go of her fears and uncertainties. But every mistake felt magnified under Arav’s scrutinizing gaze.
After several repetitions, Arav’s patience wore thin. “You’re still not getting it,” he said, his voice growing sharper. “What’s your problem? Are you afraid to let go? Are you afraid of making mistakes?”
Ishika’s face flushed with embarrassment. “No, I’m not afraid,” she said, her voice trembling. “I just—I want to get it right.”
Arav’s eyes narrowed. “Wanting to get it right isn’t enough. You have to be willing to fail and keep trying. If you’re too scared to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, then you’re wasting my time and yours. You need to show me that you’re not just here to be seen, but to truly excel.”
His harsh words stung, but Ishika stood her ground. She took a deep breath and nodded. “I understand. I’ll do better.”
Arav’s gaze softened slightly, but he didn’t show any sign of relief. “You better do. Because if you don’t, I won’t hesitate to cut you from this workshop. You need to earn your place here, and that starts with proving you have the heart to match your talent.”
With that, he turned and walked to the corner of the studio, leaving Ishika alone in the center. The music started again, and she moved with renewed determination. Each step was a declaration of her will, each movement a testament to her commitment.
The hours passed slowly, with Arav occasionally offering curt corrections or brief comments. The studio became a battleground, where every misstep was met with criticism and every slight improvement went unnoticed. Ishika’s body was sore, but her resolve only grew stronger. She was driven by the desire to prove her worth, to show Arav that she was more than just potential.
As the morning session ended, Arav addressed the remaining dancers once more. “You’ve shown some improvement,” he said, his tone still stern. “But don’t get complacent. This is just the beginning. You’ll need to work twice as hard to stand out. I expect to see a significant difference by the end of this week.”
Ishika nodded, her face flushed with exhaustion and determination. The other dancers filed out, some with hopeful expressions, others with visible frustration. Ishika lingered for a moment, catching her breath and trying to steady her racing heart.
Arav approached her once more, his expression slightly less harsh than before. “You have potential, Ishika. But potential means nothing if you don’t back it up with hard work. Keep pushing yourself, and maybe you’ll start to see the results you’re looking for.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ishika alone in the empty studio. As she gathered her things and prepared to leave, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. The road ahead was daunting, but she was determined to navigate it, no matter how difficult it might be.
As she walked out into the bright morning sun, her exhaustion was overshadowed by a fierce resolve. She knew that the path to achieving her dreams would be filled with challenges, but she was ready to face them head-on. The harsh truth was that nothing worthwhile came easily, and she was prepared to fight for her place in the world of dance.
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Lots of Love
-Your Author 🌼
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Ruh ki Thirkan
RomanceThe 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...
