Beyond the Beats

Chapter 86. All because of you

"And the next bravery award goes to Aditi Panchal, Surya Gothe, Sameer Sheikh, Deepu Nerkande, and Bhoomi Devarkar. Please give a loud round of applause for these kids for their courageous act."

After the host announced the names, I felt a huge wave of pride in my chest. The other kids and me walked on the stage, and one by one, we took our trophies and certificates. While getting our pictures clicked with the Chief Minister, my eyes misted over when I spotted my family and friends in the crowd.

I had completely forgotten about the incident that had happened in the last rainy season. When Tejas told me that he was contacted by a police officer, asking for my details a month ago, I was very confused about why he didn't tell me that earlier. But after receiving the surprising news, I was glad that he didn't inform me before, or else I wouldn't have been able to focus on my rehearsals that well.

I congratulated my fellow award recipients and joined my family. They were gushing over how my photograph was going to appear in the newspapers and news channels. As for my friends, they were busy admiring the certificate and teasing me about getting it.

"Let's take a photo," Jiya suggested.

She began scolding us to make a proper formation when behind her, I spotted Tejas arriving hurriedly.

"Did I miss it?" he asked.

"Unfortunately, you did, Big bro," Rehman replied.

Tejas's face fell. "I am sorry, Bhoomi. I should have left earlier."

Before I could console him, my parents started conversing with him and assured him that everything was okay. I was really happy to see them like that; they respected Tejas a lot, and I did too. Just like him, his parents also arrived and apologized for being late.

Jyoti Aunty congratulated me, and funnily, I always remembered how she used to treat me earlier. I hadn't asked her yet, but I wondered if she was being nice to me just because of her son.

"Bhoomi, why are you smiling like that?" Jyoti Aunty asked.

I darted my eyes around, pondering if I should just ask her. My curiosity was killing me.

"Aunty, can I ask you something?" I questioned.

Her expression didn't change, but when she glanced at Tejas, I understood that she had caught on what I was trying to ask.

"I know my behaviour wasn't well with you, and I am really ashamed for it. If you are concerned about me acting for Tejas's sake, then relax; I have realised my mistake, and I am trying to correct my perspective. Please don't worry yourself over my opinions. I really like you, and I am proud of my son's choice," she said.

Her tone was genuine, and I found nothing to doubt in her talk. I smiled at her, and when her driver, Tambe Uncle arrived, I was relieved to see her being respectful with him. Tambe Uncle left after congratulating me, and Jyoti Aunty informed that she needed to leave early for a meeting.

Her husband accompanied her after conversing with me, while Tejas stayed back to see my parents and friends off. After the award ceremony was over, we headed to Sarthak's studio. The final team was going to be announced, and I was worried for my teammates.

On reaching the studio, everyone was gathered in the biggest practice room, and I joined my team. Soon, Sarthak arrived, and unlike other times, he started announcing the names of the dancers who had made it through the training program.

Out of forty dancers, seven were going to be eliminated. Even if my team's performance was well-received by everyone, we were still in the danger zone. After announcing twenty names, Sarthak slowed down and glanced at everyone. The way he was looking at us was confusing and terrifying.