The Beats Of My Heart | Meri Dil Ki Dhadkan

51

I told Arnav the news when I was finally able to meet up with him. It was after work, though, and everyone else had already left. He was happy for me and he kissed me. He let go but I pulled him back in. I hadn't felt his kisses in a while, and I wasn't letting go that easily.

We spent some time together and I didn't want to leave him so fast. But seeing the time, I knew that I had to, as I had practice early the entire week. Now every week, one person would be eliminated, and I hoped that Payal and I wouldn't have to leave any time soon.

Arnav dropped me off and I went home. Amma and Babuji were tired so they had fallen asleep. I went to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I don't know why but I was just plain anxious.

The week passed by just like that. I practiced whenever I had the chance. Then we would practice on stage so that we would be comfortable with it.

It was the night of our performance and I was nervous. It turned out that I'd be going second, and I was scared. When it was time for me to go, Payal hugged me and I went on stage. I danced my heart out and gave it my all!

I went backstage after performing and getting my comments. I just hope that I can advance to the next round. Gehna went and she came back with a huge grin on her face. Payal went last today and she was going crazy. Once again Akash was here, and she wanted to perform already. She went and came back smiling like crazy!

Both of us were going to the next round, as well as Gehna. This continued on for two more weeks, leaving five contestants left. The finals would be held the week after, and even though I hated it, Gehna was still here with us.

The judges were choosing the top five. When they called my name first, oh my gosh, I was ecstatic! Payal shook me from excitement and I was about to walk over when one of the judges said "don't go alone. Take your friend with you."

Payal stared blankly.

"Payal, you're going to the next round," the judge said.

Oh my gosh! If you had seen Payal, you would think she were a little kid who had just won a lifetime supply of chocolate. She jumped up and down and went crazy! We walked over to the other side and were curious to know who we'd compete against. Two girls we didn't know were advancing and we waited for the final.

When they said Gehna's name, I got upset. I mean I know its mean, but I just couldn't stand her rude and obnoxious statements. She walked over with a smug look. I took in a deep breath, calming myself down and looked out to the crowd.

The people were clapping and cheering our names. It felt so nice to have fans like this. But one thing was missing - Arnav. It would have been nice for him to be here. This way I'd have his support and I'd see him but given that I would freeze up....

Why did I have to be like this?

They told us to go backstage and we went. As soon I got out of my performance clothes and into my regular clothes, I quickly ran out and went to the office. When I got there, everybody had already left. I went up the stairs and saw Arnav about to leave.

He was about to put his coat on when he saw me. I ran over to him and hugged him. I missed him so much! He held me and kissed me. I smiled as I let go and he looked at me curiously.

"I made it to the finals," I grinned.

"Really? Wow! Congratulations!"

He hugged me and I reached up and kissed him. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah?"

"Well I was thinking..."

"Uh huh?"

"Well... I was wondering... if you'd... come to the finals?"

"What the?" His eyebrows met in the middle, though I couldn't blame him.

"For once can you leave your 'what the' out of this," I frowned.

"I'm sorry, I'm just surprised you actually want me there."

"Well... I miss you," I said, looking away, feeling shy. "And I want you there. Please?"

He caressed my cheek and made me look at him. "If you say so, then I will."

I smiled like crazy and hugged him. This is one of the reasons why I love him.

"Oh wait," Arnav said. "It's next week on Friday right? I'm sorry. I can't go - I have a conference to go to."

I take back what I said.

I looked up at him and frowned. "Really? Really?!"

"I'm sorry but-"

I turned away. For once - once! - I'm asking him to be there for me and he can't make it.

He held me around my waist and placed his chin on my shoulder. "I'm sorry."

I looked away from him.

"I really wish I could go but this deal-"

I put a hand up. Knowing him, I knew there had to be defects like this. I turned to look at him. "Fine, you're off the hook... for now."

He kissed me and then I looked at him. I just realized something.

"Wait a minute," I said. "You just apologized to me so many times."

"So?"

"Arnav Singh Raizada doesn't apologize to anyone," I said, mimicking him. I remembered the time I had heard him say that on the phone when I was working.

"Well you know me pretty well," he teased.

"It's so cute that you're trying to avoid the topic," I smirked.

He cocked his eyebrow and I reflected his expression back.

"I don't do cute. I'm sexy," and he kissed me, ridding me off all of my anger.