Ruh ki Thirkan

Chapter 15: The Cold Shoulder

The studio had returned to its usual rhythm, but the underlying tension between Ishika and Arav remained palpable. Their interactions were marked by an unspoken distance, and Arav’s cold demeanor towards Ishika was increasingly evident. She had sensed his growing frustration, and the source seemed to be her close friendship with Raj.

Ishika arrived at the studio early one morning, preparing for a new choreography session. As she entered, she saw Arav already at the front, reviewing some notes. He barely acknowledged her presence, his focus entirely on the task at hand.

“Good morning, Arav,” Ishika said, trying to break the silence with a cheerful tone.

Arav’s response was a curt nod. “Morning. We need to get started.”

The rehearsal that followed was marked by Arav’s sharp corrections and terse comments directed at Ishika. She had grown accustomed to his demanding nature, but his recent attitude was harsher than usual. Each mistake she made was met with a biting remark.

“Do you even pay attention?” Arav snapped during one of the drills. “You’re lagging behind, and it’s affecting the entire group.”

Ishika’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’m trying my best, Arav. I just need a bit more time to get it right.”

“Trying your best isn’t good enough here,” Arav retorted. “If you can’t keep up, maybe you should reconsider your priorities.”

The sting of his words was sharp, but Ishika tried to remain composed. She could feel the weight of his disapproval, and it seemed to stem from something more personal than professional. The bond between her and Raj was undeniable, and Arav’s cold shoulder only added to the strain.

Later that day, Ishika caught Arav in the hallway, where he was discussing the upcoming performance with a few of the dancers. She hesitated before approaching him, hoping to clear the air.

“Arav, can we talk for a moment?” she asked, her voice tentative.

Arav glanced at her with a hint of annoyance. “What is it, Ishika?”

“I’ve noticed that you’ve been particularly harsh with me lately,” Ishika began, trying to address the issue calmly. “Is there something specific that’s bothering you?”

Arav’s eyes narrowed. “I’m just maintaining the standards of the studio. If you can’t handle the pressure, it’s not my problem.”

The dismissive tone in his voice was disheartening. Ishika took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. “I’m here to do my best. If there’s something I’m doing wrong, I’d appreciate more constructive feedback.”

Arav’s expression remained stoic, but there was a flicker of something—perhaps frustration or envy—beneath the surface. “Constructive feedback? You’re here to learn, not to be coddled. The demands of this studio are not for everyone.”

As Ishika walked away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Arav’s harshness was rooted in something more than just professional standards. The tension between them was increasingly affecting her performance and morale.

Later that evening, Raj arrived at the studio, his usual friendly demeanor a stark contrast to the cold atmosphere. He greeted Ishika with a warm smile, and she felt a momentary relief from the stress.

“How’s it going?” Raj asked, noticing the strain on her face.

“It’s been tough,” Ishika admitted. “Arav’s been really hard on me lately. I don’t know what’s going on.”

Raj’s brow furrowed with concern. “I’ve noticed that too. It’s like he’s taking out his frustrations on you.”

Ishika nodded. “I’m not sure what’s causing it. It’s affecting my focus and my confidence.”

Raj placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t let it get to you. You’re doing great, and you have my support. We’ll get through this.”

The comfort from Raj was a small solace in a difficult time. Ishika appreciated his support but couldn’t shake the sense of unease about Arav’s behavior. The cold shoulder and the harsh criticism seemed to be driven by something deeper, and she was determined to find out what.

As the days went on, the dynamic between Ishika and Arav remained strained. His coldness was evident in every interaction, and his sharp remarks continued to cut through her confidence. The root of his attitude remained unclear, but Ishika knew she had to stay focused on her goals, despite the personal challenges.

The upcoming performance was approaching, and Ishika was determined to give it her all. Despite Arav’s harsh treatment, she was committed to proving herself and overcoming the obstacles in her path. The journey was becoming increasingly challenging, but Ishika’s resolve was stronger than ever.

---

Lots of Love
-Your Author 🌼