Young Love

The Waltzy Ball Room

Six months later.

We cordially invite you to the Annual School Ball to be held on the 30th of October. You are allowed to bring a date with you.

Niel clutched the card in one hand while the other was entangled in her's. Wearing a black tuxedo with a contrasting shirt, he looked nothing like his nerdy self, more like a rich spoilt handsome brat. Her beautiful figure just gave an impetus to the above image. An elegant blue dress stretched till above her knees, but what made them glow with beauty was the happiness of being with the other on this occasion.

They entered the dimly lit room packed with kids in a similar attire, beauty and hapiness, but one of them stood out for Niel. Quickly locating her from across the room, he rushed towards.

"I don't believe this." Sakshi yelped as she saw Niel coming, he was holding someone's hand. Eager to know more she started in his direction but stopped mid-step, realising who the she was.

"Tanisha!" she exclaimed louder. Unable to believe her, she rubbed them once or twice. Still standing in front was her best friend. Actually, best friends. And what more, they were together.

"How the hell did this happened." Sakshi caught Tanisha's hand, pulling her away from Niel.

"Tell me," she asked, "The thing which I couldn't do."

"We actually bonded over a book, PJO," Tanisha explained, "You see, Niel really was pro Percabeth and I really liked Caleo and so we really hit it off."

She kept staring in Niel's eyes while explaining it. A clear look of confusion was starting to form on Sakshi's face.

"What?" she asked.

"I told you she was hopeless." Niel smirked, which made Tanisha giggle.

Both were happily laughing in each other's care while Sakshi stood confused. Their hands entangled while their eyes never fretted away from the other's, Sakshi couldn't but feel a tinge of jealousy. Jealousy - not because Niel was with someone else but the kind of love the two shared. She had been in a relationship longer than them both - combined - yet she had felt nothing like Tanisha felt for Niel or Niel cared for Tanisha.

"Where is Vivek?" Niel asked, disturbing her from those thoughts.

She glanced around to find her better half but to no avail. "Must be somewhere nearby."

Niel was about to enquiry further when Tanisha swept him towards the dance floor. Leaving behind Sakshi alone; without even a goodbye.

Tanisha led the way to the dance floor, and Niel followed without reluctance. She had changed so had Niel. What baffled Sakshi was why and when did it happen. She clearly remembers the incident six months ago, when Niel said those three words. It kept ringing in her mind for many days that followed. Days that were spent in confusion and the nights which never came to the rescue. She barely saw Niel after that but now watching him dance with her best friend made her well up with emotions. Somehow they weren't of the happy kind, but had a tinge of bitterness in them like coffee. It sure is bitter sometimes and also the reason for our insomnia, but that is exactly reason we consume it.

She scanned the room for Vivek but the scarcity of light benefited the man who seldom was there for her. You could say the loneliness was creeping up to her but that was not the case.

Tanisha emerged out from the overflowing crowd and dragged her best friend to the dance floor. All of them, all three of them, enjoyed this night. Sakshi even managed to forget about Niel's confession though she still wondered what he thought about it.

"I'm famished. Going to have some food. Toddles." Just a hand was visible when Tanisha's words reached their ears. Sakshi couldn't even protest about being left alone with Niel.

To make matters worse, the DJ started playing a slow romantic song, but that was not the worst for her. Niel caught hold of her hand and spinning her caught hold of her hips. In perfect waltz position. What baffled Sakshi more than anything was that Niel was able to do that.

She tried to protest a little but her half-heart attempt at it melted as soon as she saw him smile.

"This means nothing," Niel explained.

"Why should it?" Came the sarcastic reply.

They danced in that position for a couple of seconds - for a couple of awkward seconds.

Breaking the silence Sakshi said, "You know I have to ask..."

"Forget about it, " He said cutting her off, "It was a mistake and a long time ago. I have moved on. You do the same."

Sakshi was hoping to hear those same words but now that they were said, it didn't feel any different. Actually it felt worse; and she had no idea why.

"You know what," she said, "Its the past. If we keep living in the past, we may forget the present."

Then she simply rested her head on his chest. The same way she had done on the grey staircase. This was a new beginning in their life - maybe.