Her Hidden Love

Ten

/* Arohi was worried looking at him. */

Arohi- Arjun, what happened?

Arjun- I am getting severe headache due to all that.

Arohi- Is this also common?

Arjun- No today the argument was serious. I shouldn't have been that angry.

/* Saying so, he slowly rubbed his head. Arohi sat beside him and took his hand. He caught her left hand tightly in his palms. She furled his hair with her right hand and caressed his face. Arjun was constantly looking into her eyes and found the support that he had always wanted in her. That minute he realized that she was meant for him. After a few minutes when he was better Arohi took away her hands from him,turned her eyes away from and stood up. He understood that she had returned to her former principle of avoiding him. */

Arohi- You seem to be fine now.

Arjun- Yes because of you. 

Arohi- What? You are fine now so lets move, we are getting late and I can't be with you till late night.

Arjun- Its not new for you, this is second time. Get used to it might this is what should happen. Tell me why so much concern for me?

Arohi- What concern?

Arjun- Now don't act. What was all that 'take care' and 'don't get hurt'  for?

/* She rolls her eyes and looks away from him and he loved her way to do so. Soon they reach her room and just before departing */

Arohi- Arjun Thanks for coming. I am feeling good.

Arjun- For what? Coming safe?

Arohi- No you bought me safely.

Arjun- That's my responsibility and you don't need to thank me for anything. If you do then I too should be doing that and it means I'll be thanking you every minute. Therefore no.

Arohi- Every minute? For what?

Arjun- For... leave it. Good night.

/* Arjun went away. Arohi was confused as to why he would thank her because she knew never behaved in that way to him. Always rude replies,questions and avoiding him as much as possible and he said he would thank her! Anyway she knew Arjun was a big puzzle and didn't want to solve it. She went into her room and slept off. For a few days the same routine continued. Going to the class, studying for few hours and evening practice but from the next day onwards even the others had joined. They enjoyed it. Finally the day of competition arrives and after praying and wishing for good luck they went to the venue. */

Organizer- Good evening all of you. I know you all are curious about your pair and song. So here I am announcing it according to the performance order.                              

1. Arjun-Arohi    Song- Tu jaane na. 2. Rakesh-Khushi Song..... 3. Raghav- Soni Song..... 4. Viraaj-Taani Song..... 5. Rey-Kria Song..... 6. Shashank- Moni Song..... 7. Tej- Neha Song.....(and the list goes on)          So you'll have 15 minutes time to discuss your steps. You may go to the hall. In mean time we will have a speech from all the college representatives. I request all the representatives to come onto the stage and they have to wait till everyone finishes their speech.

/* Arjun goes onto the stage looking at Arohi. Both are tensed as they don't have time to discuss steps. Arohi goes to request to the committee member about it. */

Arohi- Sir, I am Arohi, the candidate who has to give the first performance. My partner is on the stage to give speech and we are the only one's who don't get even a minute to practice. Do you think its fair?

Volunteer- Oh I am really sorry but as you see we can't help it as this is the end moment and he is the college representative right?

Arohi- yes.

Volunteer- Then no one can help. We can't disturb the protocol. Just look the speech is over. You will be given five minutes to dress up. So if you don't mind then go into his room and speak there. Only this can be done. 

/* Arohi is shocked at his advice. How could both of them change at once?? Arjun comes running to her. He doesn't even say a word. He catches her hand takes her into a room and latches it up. */

Arohi- Arjun, What are you doing? How can I just..?

Arjun- Wait I have a solution. Look here is your costume go into the washroom lock the door and change there. I will change outside. Just make sure you listen to me.

Arohi- Okay that's fine. I know the song well. You just say the movement to the time.

/* If it was to change in a locked room then Arohi didn't have a problem. They change and Arohi listens aptly to what Arjun says. After she comes out both of them come out of the room holding hands as Arohi was tensed. Their friends were waiting to wish them. In a minute they are on the stage. */

Arohi- I can't believe I have to perform before so many people.

Arjun- Don't worry. The song will be soft so you will be able to hear me and go accordingly. Now all I need to give the best is your trust. So do you trust me?

Arohi- Yes I do trust you. You are the best dancer on earth... Ah! at least for me.

Arjun- Thanks it feels so good.

/* Music starts. Arjun took her in his arms and she gave him full access to her movements. As it was a duet performance it was close dance and it helped as he could easily whisper into Arohi's ear. She was feeling uncomfortable about it but it was nice in a way. Their co-ordination was amazing and timing to rhythm perfect. Expressions need not be said. It was as if they loved each other from a long time and had a lot to say to each other but couldn't as their tounges were tied with love. So they seemed to dance to communicate and express their love. Even their breath that touched each other had something to say. Arohi's hair that was moving on Arjun's face was teasing him by closing his eyes and not letting him see her but he excused it as it was Arohi's hair. Everyone looking at them were awestruck to see such co-ordination between them even without a single rehearsal. Now the song finished. They stop and Arohi leaves Arjun and stands beside him. He was looking at her and gave a teasing smile. The host came up. */

Host- It was a rocking performance guys. Do you want to speak?

Arjun- I don't know how it looked to you,good or bad but it was a lot of hard work for us.

Judges- You are being humble. It was an extra ordinary performance. We know that you'll didn't have even the 10 minutes which everyone else got. Well done. We must say, very good understanding and the best co-ordination we have seen. 

/* They thank the judges and leave the stage. They are not allowed to meet the other participants who have not yet finished so Arjun and Arohi sit in the lawn outside. They have no words, both constantly looking into each others eyes. Arohi is feeling a little uncomfortable. */