THE CRUSH DIARIES

Ch:-4 "Dance partner"

I stood on a stool, reaching for a high shelf to hang a decorative garland. Naman was busy arranging snacks below.

"Need help?" Naman called out.

"I've got this," I replied, stretching further.

But the stool wobbled.

"Naman!" I said, losing balance.

Before I could panic, Naman's arms enveloped me, catching me inches from the floor.

Our faces were inches apart, his warm breath on my skin.

For a moment, time froze.

My hands instinctively wrapped around his neck, feeling an unexpected rush.

But Ayaan's smile flashed in my mind, and I pushed away.

"Thanks...for catching me," I stammered, my cheeks burning.

Naman's eyes still shone with an unspoken intensity. "Anytime, Kiara."

I stepped back, regaining composure.

Why did Naman's touch send shivers down my spine?

"Let's finish the setup," I said, avoiding eye contact.

Naman nodded, his expression unreadable.

As we worked, our shoulders touched, sending fluttering sensations.

I couldn't help but wonder:

Is this a spark worth exploring?

Or am I just confused?

Ayaan's gentle smile lingered in my thoughts.

I stepped back to admire our finished stall, a sense of pride swelling within me.

Naman grinned beside me. "We did it, Kiara."

The stall transformed into a vibrant haven, filled with:

Colorful lanterns
Delicious snacks
Intricate decorations

Rhea walked by, eyes widening. "Wow, you guys! Your stall is stunning!"

Ayaan appeared, his gaze scanning our setup. "Impressive."

Naman's expression turned guarded, but I smiled. "Thanks, Ayaan."

Our principal, Mrs. Sharma, approached, beaming. "Excellent work, Kiara and Naman! Your stall represents the spirit of Navratri beautifully."

As the festival organizers began their judging round, Naman turned to me.

"We make a great team, Kiara."

I nodded, feeling an undeniable connection.

Our stall, once a source of tension, now symbolized our growing partnership.

But as the festival commenced, I couldn't shake off Ayaan's warning:

"Be careful, Kiara."

Of what?

Ms. Jyoti summoned me to her office after school.

"Kiara, I have a special task for you," she said, a warm smile on her face.

"Of course, ma'am," I replied.

"For Navratri fest, I want you to prepare a dance performance with a partner."

My heart skipped a beat.

"Who should I partner with, ma'am?" I asked.

Ms. Jyoti's eyes sparkled. "I think Ayaan would be perfect."

My face flushed.

Ayaan? But I'd been paired with Naman for the stall.

"Ayaan's a great dancer," Ms. Jyoti continued. "And you two will look lovely together."

I hesitated, unsure.

Ms. Jyoti encouraged, "Trust me, Kiara. You'll shine."

I nodded, taking a deep breath.

"Ayaan might not agree, ma'am," I said.

Ms. Jyoti waved her hand. "Leave that to me. I'll speak with him."

As I left her office, my mind whirled.

Ayaan as my dance partner?

What about Naman?

Would Ayaan even agree?

I spotted Ayaan in the hallway, his eyes locking onto mine.

"Hey," he said, approaching me.

"Ms. Jyoti spoke to you?" I asked.

Ayaan nodded, a hint of a smile.

"I agreed," he said, his voice low.

We were going to dance together.

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