Fire's Onstage (On Hold)

Six.

Sanya kept herself from falling down the steps of her dormitory and winced when her butt hit hard on one of the steps where she tried to sit because what she heard not mere seconds ago made her eyes widen in horror.

She was wrong about her overthinking, she can never be done with thinking, it was all she should've done instead of uttering out her stupid mindless thoughts.

"It's ridiculous, it's not even funny, Nik." She mumbled for the nth time, still harbouring between disbelief and horror. She wanted to laugh, considering it a joke but it was a serious one, sardonic even.

Whatever Nikhil had told her made no sense to her. He wanted to re-participate in that competition just because the team had promised them.. actually Nikhil for a comeback, a second chance.
Of course,at that time they had no idea that she'll end up broken with a steel joint as her ankle and wouldn't be able to dance again.

But, Nikhil was adament not to listen and understand. He was just waiting her to reply.

It all made sense now,Nikhil's involvement for her well being, his constant calls and being in touch with her doctors, his recommendations for the best physiotherapists around, whose services she declined after a weeks escalating bills. She was now aware of the reason behind Nikhil's keeping in touch with her, always asking about her injury and health. She found out why he gave her a surprise visit, perhaps to know if she was affected by the fall at all or not. He was there for a reason other than his father's business and Sanya knew that reason now. And it hurt so much that she somewhat ignored that very reason to keep from crying.

After more than needed silence Nikhil sighed and squeezed her shaky hand, "Just give it a thought. Okay? "

"Okay..and here's the answer.. " She shot, "Nope."

Ignoring the pain in her heart and butt, she started to get up from the dirty stairways when Nikhil pushed her shoulders back to keep her seated.
She stared back at him, ignoring his pleading eyes and pursed her lips before sighing.

He was the only person in the whole wide world who knew everything about her, almost everything. For her, He was the only source of happiness. He will be the only one to miss her after she's gone because no one was this close to her. She was unable to be mad at the person she always used to be mad at.

"They asked you to come, so go and win the show. I am just a hurdle between you and finale. You need not to feel obliged to join me in my charade. You were a solo artist before they thrust me upon you and you should resume to go solo. I'll be supporting you from here."

"I reached to that level because of you Nya.I am incomplete without you.." He chuckled at the way it sounded as she tried to keep herself from laughing too. The topic at hand was a serious one. "I'd rather sell toys than dance alone or with a random person. I am not going back alone and I swear to abandon dancing like you have. I can't see you like a devastated mess. I am what I am because of you,Sanya." He said with all seriousness.

"You mean a loser? Just go back to Mumbai and delete my contact." She snapped back, earning a glare from him while he remained silent and conveyed all his thoughts through his eyes only, but when he got cold stares in response he added.
"People now know me, dancers respect me. The show's management and almost everyone is still in touch and they always ask about you!"

Her heart skipped with hope, yet she turned vulnerable, "Everyone?who?"

He knew the hidden question in those simple words and sighed without any answer.

She too,huffed in response, embarrassed at her shallow hope, "I haven't danced from a year.I don't feel like dancing anymore and it's something I can't force to come out at such level of such competition. It's not normal."

"You are crazy, I know and that's normal for you. You just danced not a few hours ago and.."

"That was as easy as waltzing. We'll be jumping and hanging and skipping, doing stunts and aerobics and all. It's not only about shaking your booty and calling it dance. It is more tiring, to a point of breaking one's body and stamina and hopes, literally in my case. .Besides, I don't think we have enough time to practice as the auditions are starting this month! "

"We don't need to audition. They asked us to go and take part after a few episodes as wild card entrants. We have enough time." A bit relieved to see her giving in, Nikhil tried to clear her queries.

But she shook her head vehemently.

At that point Nikhil wanted to pull his hair out of the scalp but losing his temper was equal to losing the  chance to change her mind.
"Every blessing ignored becomes a curse, you said that yourself."

She scoffed before more silence lingered between them, "Do you think I can do all that with a steel joint?"

Nikhil kept staring at her, trying to reach to her brain and give it a shake. He knew how determined she was and he knew she was running away from someone, not from something like dance. If she had any idea of this or not, he wasn't sure but he knew better not to pull the ends farther.

He sighed, giving up by throwing his hands in air, "I am going back tomorrow. I don't know what I am gonna do now that you've made your mind, but if you want to be in touch then you know where to call." He stopped in his way to exit and turned back to see her looking dazedly at ground, prodding.
"Remember Nya, I believe in you. You do the same before it's late."

Without waiting for her reaction he pivoted back towards the gate, leaving her stunned and confused and somehow,disheartened.

****

Hello everyone,
It's a short update but I had to show that the story continues.
Please vote and leave comments. I'll love to hear from you guys.

Have lovely day!