BRIDGING HEARTS

{30}

                          AARAV

As the band played those sappy romantic songs, couples began to sway together, lost in the moment. I leaned back, feeling strangely out of place, even though this was exactly the kind of scene I’d usually dive into without a second thought. But tonight was different. My eyes kept drifting back to Jeia, her focus elsewhere as if she couldn’t care less about all the mushy dancing around her.

I wanted to ask her for a dance, but something held me back. It’s ridiculous—I’ve never hesitated before, not once. I was always the one with charm, confidence, always ready to make the first move. The said Charming Casanova. But here I was, sitting like a fool, too chicken to ask her for a simple dance. My gaze lingered on her longer than I intended, but she was oblivious, lost in her own thoughts.

"Are you just gonna stare at your nerdy, cute rival, or are you actually gonna go ask her for a dance?" Sameer’s voice cut through my thoughts, smirking as if he’d been reading my mind.

I shook my head, overly defensive. "Shut up. Who said I wanted to ask her for a dance?"

He chuckled, clearly enjoying this. "What if someone else asks her?"

"Why would I care? She can dance with whoever she wants. It’s none of my business," I said, trying to sound convincing. But the lie tasted bitter. Who was I kidding? Definitely not Sameer.

"So you wouldn’t mind?" he pressed.

"Of course not," I replied, a little too quickly.

He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin creeping onto his face. "So you won’t be jealous, huh?"

My eyes widened just a bit, betraying me. Sameer caught on instantly, that smug smile on his face only growing. My best friend knew me better than anyone, and unfortunately, he could see right through me.

"Jealous?" I scoffed, feigning indifference. "You’re reading way too much into this, Sameer. I’m just… people-watching, that’s all."

"Sure, whatever you say." He shot me a challenging look. "So you wouldn’t mind if I do this?"

My heart jolted, but I forced myself to play it cool. "What are you talking about?"

"Watch me," he said, his smirk widening as he got up and headed toward her.

I clenched my jaw as I watched Sameer confidently approach Jeia, his face lit with that familiar, mischievous smile as he bent slightly, extending his hand toward her. He said something to her, but the music drowned out his words, leaving me to imagine the flirtatious charm he was likely pouring into each syllable.

Jeia’s face held a moment of confusion before he spoke again, and then, to my annoyance, she laughed—a light, genuine laugh—and placed her hand in his, allowing him to guide her to the dance floor. I could feel my fists clench as I watched him place his hand on her waist, guiding her with a practiced ease. They moved together, perfectly in sync, her laughter echoing again as he spun her around before pulling her back to him, whispering something that made her laugh even harder. My blood simmered, boiling at the sight.

“Aarav… can we… can we dance?” a soft, timid voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see Saniya, looking at me with a nervous smile, hoping for a yes.

Without a word, I grabbed her hand and led her onto the dance floor, my gaze lingering on Sameer and Jeia even as I moved.

We made our way to the dance floor, moving in sync with the soft music. Beside us, Vihaan Bhai and Shasha swayed together, but my gaze kept drifting over to Jeia and Sameer. They moved with an effortless ease, laughing as if they didn’t have a care in the world.