Drafts Of Her Heartbeat

Raging Questions

I was in my way towards the venue of after party of inauguration ceremony when Jamie from team Clover Players, Ireland bumped into me, resulting in his cold-drink spilling over my white tee-shirt.
"Oops sorry sorry. I'll call you later" he said hanging up his call.
"I am really sorry Arohi, I didn't intended to spoil your tee" Jamie apologized.
"It's ok Jamie. I know you didn't meant to do this. It's fine. By the way what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in the party hall?" I asked him.
"Yes. It's just I received a call from my mum and there was so much commotion in there, so I just came out to attend the call and then this happened" he said pointing at my now spoiled tee.
"Hahaha.... It's fine. Seriously not a big deal. Probably I'll go back and change in my extra dress." I smiled at him.
"Ohh and you danced really great today. Didn't knew the female boss has some dancing skills too." He said playfully.
"You still don't know much about me. So be ready for surprises." I winked at him.
"It will be great to compete with you, Arohi. Excuse me, mg mum would probably be waiting for my call. See you in the party." He said moving away to call his mom.
I also went back in the green room. Thanks to Riddhi for always keeping change clothes for everyone with her. Taking out my white-n-pink full length dress I changed into it, shoving my hairs on left shoulder. I kept the same accessories as they matched perfectly.
Stepping inside the venue I saw Abhimanyu waving his hand and signaling me to come there. I slowly made my way towards them and of course He was there with them. Immediately I understood that this was introduction time and hence I introduced myself. I couldn't help but bringing a distance between me and him, thus moving closer to Abhimanyu, and I also saw a frown coming on his forehead as Abhimanyu's hand touched my back, a gesture stating he is there for me, from Abhimanyu.
"Hello myself Arohi, student of Literature. Captain of REBEL Angels, India. "
"Arohi, Arohi what?" Aviral asked Aviral, his best friend, how can I forget him? Always playful yet tactful. He knows how to dig in for information, also another reaskn why he kept Aviral with him.
I turned my head little bit to look at him, "Arohi. Just plain and simple Arohi." She said pointedly.
"What is your surname?" Aviral questioned again. I could feel the team squirming not feeling comfortable with the question and also Vidyut Sir's gaze, another task of him, judging me how I respond.
"As I said. Arohi. Just Arohi. No surname." I replied confidently. I could feel Uncle shocked at my revelation.
"How can it be? Everybody has a surname." Aviral said again, trying to test the waters.
"I am not everybody. I am my own individual. I don't need a surname to define me. My identity is built by my name, not by some surname. Why can't a girl has her own name as her identity? Why does she need to inherit her father or husband's name? I don't need a man to complete my identity. I am an individual, with my individuality." I replied sternly. My voice clipped yet polite.
My team standing behind me was now a bit comfortable, after my speech. Mh stance strong and straight. No hint of nervousness or guilt in it.
"But why this way?" The words rolled off his mouth. I can't believe he still has the nerves to ask me such a question in public.
"Well it's personal. And not a matter to be discussed publicly" I tried dodging the question.
"If I'm going to sponsor your team, I need to know everything about it. And what image do you think it will create if the team captain keeps a secret from me?" He said. I cannot believe how can a man be so shameless.
"It is a matter to be discussed within close doors. Secrets can be used as weapons by others. Still if you want to know so badly let me tell you. I had a past, my parents surname is not mine anymore and I am not ready to accept another man's surname, thus giving him a power over me. So I am on my own, Arohi. If it is still bothering you, help yourself. And yes I don't keep secrets, my team know the reasons, so does my mentor, so please be aware before you accuse me of being secretive again." I said looking directly into his eyes, making him know I am not afraid of a fight. He can never blackmail me. He has no power over me.
"That's Arohi for you. Polite and loveable if you are the same and straightforward stern if needed to be. She is the lady boss of our gang." Abhimanyu joked keeping his hand on my shoulder. The music started playing in the background.
"Dance with me, munchkin?" He asked forwarding his hand, I immediately slipped my hand in his , taking the escape away from Him.
"You can thank me later" Abhimanyu said winking at me.
"How could you guess I wanted to get away from them?" I asked.
"I am not your namesake best friend. I know when and how you react to situations. Your clipped voice was enough for me to know thatif I don't take you away from them, you would have bursted like a volcano. Though I still don't know what actually got you become so angry, like that was a question that has been asked to youu probably hundred of times, still I'm not going to force you to tell me, yet." He added. I nodded, I knew he would ask me, eventually.
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I watched as she started waltzing with him in the dance floor. His hands resting on her waist, her hand on his shoulder. The laughs they exchanged, the winks he sent her way.
She looked quite comfortable in his arms, laughing and dancing around.
And then came a foreigner guy, as far as I remember captain of Irish team, Jamie, I guess is his name. He slowly whispered something to them and then Arohi was in his arms, dancing with him.
I could see the look in his eyes. He had eyes for her, on her. My grip on the glass tightened. Anger pouring inside me.
"That is Arohi for you. Always friendly, until and unless you poke her to become your enemy. Her nature has already made her popular among our competitors. She knows how to keep personal and professional life apart." Piya, I guess is her name, said.
"She had a rough patch in her life, but she never allows it to decide her future. She has found that balance in her. That is the reason I prefer her as a captain and as a person. She has a balanced practical mindset. A fire that is yearning to but burn down everything in her way, to acheive what she wants. Nothing can stop her." Vidyut said, proudly.
I had enough for tonight. I kept the glass and said, "Dad, let's go. We're done here." And took angry steps towards my car, awaiting me.