Drafts Of Her Heartbeat

Blown-Out

"Sitting through these boring speeches is probably the only thing I hate in this job" Aviral complained as the International Competition representative, Mr. Richard, kept going on and in with his speech.
Dhruv just gave a pointed look at Aviral, while Yash added, "I can feel you, son. They do speak some useless shit for so long" . Dhruv gave a disbelieving look to his father and his friend's antics.
"Well get used to it because it is your job" he said to Aviral "and dad you are the one who actually runner a multi-millionare company for over two decades, you have sat through thousands of meetings, and attended lots of nonsense speeches, moreover it was your decision to come here, so now suck it up." Dhruv said in a playful manner.
"Yes dad." Both Aviral and Yash replied in unison.
"After this amazing speech from Mr. Richard, it is time for us to move on with the program. This is the first time in the history of I.C. that India has got the chance to play the host. Hence, our team Rebel Angels has decided to make our guests with Indian tradition and culture, so I hereby proudly announce 'Colors of India's as the theme of this year. And to begin with I request our team to come up on stage and begin with their act." The announced announced and left the stage.
The lights of the hall were dimmed, the whole auditorium was quiet, as if awaiting something special. And then there was voice of ghungroos, and a figure walked in on the stage, touched the stage and kissed her hand as a form of respect, thereby taking her stance.
"India, India is land of colors, various cultures and traditions." A female voice rang throughout the place, giving it a different aura, "India has been represented on many levels and many pictures, but from today till the end of this competition, I am going to show you all a different depiction of my country, my pride. I, an Indian girl, is going to show you all India from my eyes. It is our basic ritual to begin any task with prayer of our God, Lord Ganesha. So let us pray and ask for his blessings and hope that the best wins the word."
Dhruv felt anxious on hearing the voice. It is as if some old memory suddenly came knocking back on his door. He tried pushing it down but couldn't help it, "we should begin any good work with the name of Ganpati Bappa, it is considered a good omen. It helps us to attain success"
"I don't need any God to give me success. All this beliefs and superstition, keep it to yourself and dare you cross my path."
And his trance was broken as the lights in the hall started to brighten a bit, making it easy to see the figure on stage. It was a girl, clad in ghaghara and traditional jewellery, the way her hand moved and her body took each and every poise, was enough to grab everyone's attention.
The music of 'Shree Ganeshaaye Dheemaye' playing in th background, the girl knew very well what she was doing. Just the movement of her body had made Dhruv curious to see her face. There was something familiar about her, which he couldn't point out exactly. That 40 seconds of music was like a puzzle for him, he being unable to fit the pieces together. And then she turned around and all his senses were blown away. He couldn't understand what he was seeing. Shock etched on his face, he could not bring himself to believe what his eyes were showing him.
"Dhruv, son..... Are you seeing..." Yash's words were left hanging in the air.
"I don't understand anything dad. What is happening?" Dhruv said.
Those 7 minute of dance, were the longest and the most confusing 7 minutes of their life.
None of them knew how to respond. It was like they were frozen in the moment. Her expressions, her grace, her steps, everything was taking away his breathe with every movement. Finally, the dance came to an end. Bowing down to the audience, she left the stage. It took every thing in Dhruv to not follow her. He knew first he needed to get a grip on himself, before he does anything foolish.
"Now I will ask the Indian team sponsor, Mr. Dhruv Khaitan and his father, Mr. Yash Khaitan, to come up on stage, and greet the teams and their captains." The announcer said.
Getting up, buttoning up his coat, Dhruv was successful in wearing a disguise of being professional. His calm face hid his inner turmoils. He took sharp and confident steps towards the stage. Getting g up, he greeted the audience with a smile, while Yash made a short speech on his behalf.
"And now it's time for us to invite the teams one by one. First up on stage is team from the USA , FIGHTING ALLSTARS and leading their way is the captain, Ryder Hails." Ryder came up on stage greeted Mr.Richard, Mr. Yash and then Mr. Dhruv. "Next we have team from Australia, AUSSIE CADS, and leading them is their captain, Andrew. Next we have team from the UK, DEVIL RACERS, being led by their captain Wills. Up next we have team from Ireland, CLOVE PLAYERS, being led by their captain Jamie." All the team followed the same routine of greeting each and every person on stage, then signing the pledge and finally going down the stage.
Greeting everyone with a smile, his eyes were searching for that one face. That one face that had caused a storm to grow in him. A fight between believing what mind saw and what heart believed.
'Damn you.' he cursed in his mind.
Maybe it was just an illusion. Maybe I was hallucinating' he thought.
'But how can both I and dad hallucinate at the same time? Surely there is something wrong, but what?' he was contemplating his options.
"And finally, it's time to introduce the host team, Rebel Angels, led by the first female captain in the history of I.C." the announcer announced with a certain jiy in his voice, and the auditorium cheered loudly.
One after another seven boys and girls walked on the stage, all befitted in crisp formals.
"Where is your captain?" Announcer asked.
And then she entered. Wearing blue jeans, white top and pink jacket, a junk neck-piece in her neck, watch in one hand, bracelet in another, wearing shoes, she spoke of class and confidence. Her head held high, a certain rhythm in her walk and demeanour demanding respect. She greeted Vidyut with a nod and moved forward to greet Mr. Richard. But her steps stopped in middle as she had to move to the next person.