The Convenience Theory

9. A Bollywood Song

I was in 9th when I completed reading The Catching Fire. And I absolutely wanted to know right at that moment what happens to District 12 and how does District 13 even exist.

And just because the friend from whom I was going to borrow Mockingjay from had lent it to somebody else I had to wait for almost a month before I got my hands on it.

I became very impatient, inching towards the Mockingjay Wikipedia page just to know what happened. That's how much I don't like it, if cliff hangers aren't immediately resolved.

So, when Arjun hinted that he is interested in me and then zoomed off saying 'Break a leg!' I actually wanted to break his. Suspense is nice in films with immediate sequels not in real life when I have to wait for six hours before I can go off on him with my questions.

Although that was pretty momentary because I would be lying if I say that, it was the only thing I could think of every break I got from seeing the dance numbers to helping paint King Dushyant's throne and running lines with the cast while Prerna Akka worked on the other scenes.

Because I didn't.

One, because theatre group is a lot of hard work. And second, I am not a complete unprofessional idiot.

I had honestly forgotten about it, until Anamika and Ritwik had teased me when I locked the door after practice. Thankfully, they left early because they were very tired. Poor kids, had been travelling all around the city the whole day.

"Is it possible? Or is it just a prank? I hope it's not. I really hope it's not. If it is, it's in really bad taste." I ramble to Nadira and Anaita on the phone as I stand at the main gate waiting for Arjun.

I kick small stones towards the gate. Making them cross it is the aim.

"Relax. I told you my instincts are amazing. Of course, he likes you." Nadira says.

"And isn't he coming to pick you up right now? Talk to him then." Anaita advices.

"But should I say yes? I mean we have met like a month back. Isn't it too soon?" I ask.

"No bro! He is a nice guy. So, it's okay." Nadira says.

"I know. And it's just dating. But still." I say spotting his black bike "Okay wait, he is coming I will call you after. Bye."

I hang up trying to maintain some semblance, the key word being try.

"Hey" He says getting off his bike.

He looks tired. His hair is even more tousled than before as if he had run his hand through them a lot. I notice a bandage covering his index finger.

"Hard practice?" I ask pointing at it.

He nods, "Only a month to go. The nerves are crazy right now. I haven't ever felt this bad, not even during my first show."

"When was it?"

I am extremely torn between listening to him talk or making him answer me.

"When I was 9. I mean it was just a little gathering of sorts of the tuition kids but I never liked performing in front of people. Still don't but have to because I love playing guitar too much."

"Really?" I ask "I love performing in front of people. I used to always participate in the public speaking competitions in school."

"And won?"

"Duh of course." I roll my eyes "Well except for debate. That is ND's thing, Nadira's that is. She won every single inter-house debate trophy for four years straight."