Every step Together

11. Blissful

Tripthi's PoV :

'You are going by a cab and that's final' Annayya declared to stop all my bickering.

"No Annayya, I don't want to travel in a cab, I am happy to catch a bus, I should change only 2 buses to reach the destination, I can reach Natyamandali without getting lost. You know that I don't like anyone spending money on me for unnecessary things, no more talks now,I am going by bus and that's final", I said to Annayya.

'Fine, when did you ever listened to anyone by the way, but be careful, call me anytime if you have any doubts', Annayya said.

'Here take this', Bhabhi handed over me a lunch box and cookies packet warning me to eat on time and asked me call her anytime.

'Ok, I should not be late the first day itself, I will start now', I bid bye to them with that.

"Take this money and don't say no to it",Annayya said seriously.

''No Anna, Dad already gave me enough money, I will surely ask you if I need any, now let me go", I came out of the house not listening anymore to what he is saying.

I went to bus stop and boarded the bus which came after 10 minutes, Luckily I got a window seat. I am really looking forward for the dance performances. Dancing my heart out gives me much peace.I love losing myself in dance.

I got down when I reached the stop, waited for another bus which takes me to my destination, boarded the bus and I approximately reached the place after 30 minutes. I then walked to "Natraj Natyamandali" which is just few minutes away from bus stop by asking directions from people.

I reached 10 minutes before the mentioned time. There are some people already waiting there. The doors opened at 9 am exactly and we all are welcomed inside. It is really huge. Then we are made to stand in rows, if my calculation is right there are more than 150 people present in the hall.

A senior lady entered the stage and introduced herself as Meenakshi, one of the founding members of Natyamandali, she again explained why we are invited and how the programme will be conducted. She said that dancers will be divided based on their dance forms. Soon they formed dance groups of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi and Kuchipudi.

Our Bharatanatyam totally have 36 members, we are taken to a seperate room and Vishal Srinivasan Sir is appointed as our head.

'A very Good Morning people, Welcome to Natraj Natyamandali, for today and tomorrow we will practice the songs we will be presenting in the "Natyanivedan program", we should practise hard to avoid mistakes, you all are trained dancers, we will just teach you how to have coordination and I am sure this program will surely benefit you as everyone participating in this will be getting appreciation certificates which will help you further' Srinivasan sir spoke giving us a smile.

Soon some trainers came and started teaching us, we followed them diligently, I enjoyed every bit of it. We are given a lunch break at 1:00 pm, I made a call to Mom and assured her about my safety and all that took place from morning.

I am joined with other batch mates in lunch break, we spoke between us, Some are from Hyderabad itself but Some people came from various places even from other states. We spoke about many things, after lunch we again continued our practise.

Our dance session stopped at evening 5, I packed everything back and few girls from my batch came to bus stop with me. Neha, Rishabh, Anita and Pakhi are going the same way as me. So we boarded the bus together, I reached home by 7:15, hail the worst traffic.

Bhabhi welcomed me by saying that she just came from her office 15 minutes back and asked me to fresh up. I followed her words and came back after having a hot shower, I spoke to Bhabhi about everything. I received a call from Dad, i spoke to him and said that I am being a really good girl.

Bhabhi started cooking, I joined her in Kitchen to speak more and the doorbell rang. I welcomed Annayya, he got freshen up and we had dinner where I mostly spoke relishing the Chole Bhature Bhabhi prepared, where both listened to whatever I said.

The next day mostly went the same way, we practiced more, By evening we got our costumes altered, they said us to reach Natyamandali by morning 9, then we can practise upto afternoon and they will take us to the Place where program is organised in a special bus.

I am really looking forward to the next day,for the first time ever in my life I am going to perform standing in first row, I am very happy as they saw my talent and didn't judge me by my dark complexion and pushed me to the last row like every others did upto now.

I reached home happily informed everything to parents, Warned Bhabhi to wake me up early the next day for the 100th time as I want to practice for one more time and hit the bed.

'Now, wake up it's been half an hour I am trying to wake you up now get out', with that Annayya dragged me out of bed.

I am really lazy, I sat like a panda for 10 more minutes and saw the time dreaming 6:20, Shit, I have only 40 minutes left to get ready and reach the bus stop. I have no time for practice. I ran into bathroom showered as fast as I can, I literally ran here and there to pack my bag with all necessary things.

Bhabhi and Annayya wished me all the luck and assured me that they will attend my programme on saturday and sunday as they have off on both days. I ran into the pooja room to get greeted by My Krishna smiling at me.

'Thank you for always being there for me, you may have many devotees but make sure you take time out for me', I spoke to Lord Krishna's smiling portrait and took my Ghungroo(Dancing bells) placed there at his feet, placed them in my backpack and ran to catch the bus bidding a bye to both of them.

My days are going really wonderful. I just wish everyday goes this Blissful and I achieve all my dreams and stand in a position I always wanted to be. I leaned close to the bus window and lost myself in my thoughts....

Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi,Odissi and Kathak - The major forms of Indian classical Dance. They upheld and showcase the vibrant Indian culture. 

If this chapter is boring for you, I am sorry for that, As you know everything is important for a story. Even I am eager to show both leads and their moments, but I want you people to connect with Tripthi and Armaan. I want you all to know how they are, how they think so that you will know their flaw, their behaviour and can connect well wit their journey.

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