Beyond the Beats

Chapter 75. Just another human

⚠️ Long chapter ahead ⚠️

The whole week was super busy with dance rehearsals and my college exams starting just before weekends.

After the first college exam was over, my team spent extra time at the studio to polish the loose ends of our choreography, and once Suhana was satisfied with our rehearsals, we left for our homes.

I had applied for leaves because of my exams, so I didn't have to go to my night job, and since the weekend started, I looked forward to go to the dance club Hriaan had helped me join.

As he had promised, he picked me up from the railway station, and on Saturday, I made a decent amount of money. Hriaan was always there to guide me, and after I was done with my share of dance battles, he gave me tips while he dropped me back home.

I appreciated his help, and when Sunday came, I was ready to face some serious and experienced rivals.

On Sunday night, Hriaan and I were at the dance club again. After I marked my attendance, I went to join the dancers' zone, while Hriaan sat in the audience's corner. He was continuously getting calls from his crew, so I didn't disturb him much. I was aware that he was trying to help me even when he was himself busy.

I decided to get him something to eat of his liking once I saved up enough money.

My name was announced, and I was excited as my rival was also a b-girl just like me. I enjoyed the match a lot and won after four rounds. I glanced to check on Hriaan, and he waved his hand at me to signal that he was still there.

A few more matches later, I got a break. I joined Hriaan, and he pointed at the food on the table. Even when I ate, he was still on the call. When my break got over, he told me that he would be heading out to attend a particular call as the music was very loud inside the club.

He assured that he would be back soon, and I also went back for my dance battles once my break was over. One of my matches ended pretty soon, and I was trying my best to win the next one.

My opponent was a b-boy of a younger age than me, but he was damn good. When his part ended, I planned to combine some air flares with elbow spins or head spins followed by some stunts if needed.

My part came, and I was ready to make my entry with a backflip. Adrenaline was rushing like speed cars in my veins, and when I jumped in the air, thinking of doing an amazing landing on my hands, I was caught in the air and rotated upside down.

For a few seconds, I couldn't understand what was happening as everything seemed like a kaleidoscope, but when I landed on my feet, I backed away as soon as I saw Tejas.

"What are you doing here all alone?" he asked.

Shouldn't I be the one asking that?

Behind Tejas, I noticed Akshay looking at me as if he was in a zoo.

"I am not alone," I replied to Tejas. "Hriaan is with me."

Unfortunately, Hriaan was not in sight when Tejas glanced around. I told him that Hriaan was attending a call outside and I couldn't leave my dance battle in the middle, but that made him furious.

"This battle is over," Tejas announced to the MC and other dancers.

"What?" I yelled in shock. "I am not done yet."

Tejas signalled the MC, and the MC announced what Tejas had told him. Other dancers and audience started murmuring about Tejas, and by the way the staff was listening to him, I understood that he was well known here.

"Tejas, I am doing this by my own will. Why are you disturbing me like this?" I complained.

He gave me a flat look, and before I could get away from him, he picked me up by my waist.