The Beats Of My Heart | Meri Dil Ki Dhadkan

7

The man backstage guided the contestants back, as people bustled around. Khushi sighed and took deep breaths as they waited backstage.

Payal went back to her seat. She was about to sit down when she noticed that Mr. Ajnabi wasn't there.

Where did he go, she thought to herself.

"Alright," the host exclaimed. "The results are in! The judges had a tough decision to make but, in the end, one has been chosen! I'd like to thank our sponsors and..."

Payal noticed Mr. Ajnabi coming on stage from the other side of the stage.

"...I'd like to thank our main guest, or should I say host, for creating this competition! Ladies and gentlemen put your hands up for Mr. Raizada!"

Whoa, Payal thought to herself. Oh my gosh! Oh... so that's his name, she smirked.

"Okay no more waiting! And the winner is..."

Khushi closed her eyes, nervous.

"The winner is, drum roll please... is..."

He took out a card from an envelope in his hands and read it.

"The winner is... Khushi Kumari Gupta!!!"

Khushi's mind blanked out. "What?! No way!"

"Khushi Kumari Gupta come on out!"

Everyone clapped and whistled, cheering away.

Khushi came out on stage, smiling out to the crowd and judges. She turned to face the host when her smile dropped.

No way, she thought to herself.

There... there he was... standing right there.

No... no way, I'm just dreaming. Payal said he wouldn't be here. I'm just hyperventilating. Khus tried hard not to let her mind race, and she walked towards the host.

"So Khushi, how do you feel?" The host pointed the mic at her.

"I feel... I feel breathless." she laughed. "Um, if there is anyone to thank then it's definitely first to up there and my best friend Payal."

She pointed out at her and Payal smiled and waved.

"Payal you have a very talented friend," the host said. "Ready for your trophy?"

Khushi smiled. Someone came out from the other side of the stage and gave the trophy to Mr. Ajnabi.

"Mr. Raiazada will now give the trophy to our winner," the host announced

Oh so that's his name, er, last name at least. Hmm... Khushi Raizada- wait, whoa, what am I doing?!

He came up to her, not so far away - maybe 2 or 3 inches away, the trophy separating them. He handed Khushi the award and she reached out to get it. Their hands briefly touched and Khushi froze. She immediately looked up at him and saw that he was looking right at her. Khushi instantly felt tingles running up her spine.

Whoa!

Khushi quickly took the award before anyone noticed.

"Congratulations," he said.

Khushi blinked up at him - this was the first time he had ever spoken to her.

And she really hoped it wouldn't be the last.

"Thank you," she replied softly.

The host thanked everyone for coming and congratulated Khushi. as well as thanked 'Mr. Ajnabi' for coming unannounced - for Khushi, Mr. Ajnabi sounded better than Mr. Raiazada, especially since she really didn't know the man. With that they went backstage, Payal running back stage to congratulate her best friend.

~

I was on my way to the dressing room when I tripped on my lehenga, someone quickly catching me. I looked up and there he was again! Every time something embarrassing or stupid happened to me, Mr. Ajnabi always had to be there!

What is it that you want from me kismet?! ...why am I even getting mad?

He helped me back up on my feet. Thank goodness I didn't have my trophy and the crew backstage took it to put it in a case for protection. Otherwise who knows what would've happened.

Glancing up at him, I found him gazing away at me.

I wonder what he's thinking.

"Khushi!"

Both of us turned and saw Payal coming towards us. He let go of me then and he walked away.

Payal reached me. "Whoa! I truly didn't expect him to be here."

"Nor did I... nor did I."