Observing her audition, he says, "There is something eerily familiar about you. Have we met?"
She confusely replies, "I don't believe so. Are you sure?"
He responds, "It is like a forgotten memory trying to resurface."
She says with curiosity, "Mayb...
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After school , four of them - Radhika , Madhav , Revati and Baladev were walking home together, gossiping and laughing about day's events.
Radhika was quieter than usual and Madhav noticed it . He slowed his pace and move closer to her. Leaning slightly to her shoulder as they walked and said softly, "Hey... if Mom and Dad don't allow, then don't be sad. Next year there won't be the burden of boards and I will always be there for you."
Radhika glanced up at him , surprised by the quiet warmth of his words. The usual mischief in his words was missing instead there was a soft sincerity which made her chest tighten .
"You say things so easily." Radhika told Madhav looking in his eyes.
"Because I mean every word." Madhav replied with a small smile at the corner of his lips while his heart was also aching to spend that one garba night with none but Radhika.
Madhav and Radhika both exchanged a deep silence between and looked forward where Baladev and Revati seemed so joyful and excited for the garba night .
"They are so excited," Radhika murmured . While Madhav pulled her in side hug ," And whatever the decision will be, I will always be there by your side."
Radhika's glance softened , she wanted to say something but stopped in the mid way and smiled looking at Baladev and Revati.
LATER IN RADHIKA'S APARTMENT
After returning from school, Radhika changed into her home clothes and helped her mother in the kitchen. The warm smell of ghee and cumin filled the air as she set the plates on the table, hesitating before she spoke.
"Ma..." she began softly, "my friends were talking about the Garba night that's being held in our locality. It's just for one evening, and the boards are months away. Can I go? Revati and everyone will be there."
Her mother looked up from the stove, surprised, "Just one night?"
Radhika nodded quickly. "Yes, Ma. Only one night. We will all go together and it is near the temple ground. We will be back before ten, I promise."
Her mother studied her face for a moment, then smiled gently. "You hardly ask for anything, beta. If it's just one evening and you go with Revati and the others, I don't have problem."
Radhika's face lit up. "Thank you, Ma!"
Her mother laughed at her sudden excitement. "Let your father come home first. We will tell him, hmm?"
"Okk Ma," Radhika nodded, had her evening snacks and went to her room to study with a heart full of excitement.
At around 7.30 pm, the sound of the front door opening announced his arrival. Her father walked in, tired from the day's work, placing his bag on the sofa before heading to wash up. Radhika's heart began to thud; she waited until he sat down with his tea.
