Aathiya's POV
As we approached the Garba pandal, the explosion of colors and lights drew me in. The vibrant reds, yellows, and greens, adorned with intricate patterns and sparkling mirrors, were unlike anything I had seen before. Inside, the rhythmic beats of Gujarati music and joyful laughter filled the air. People in swirling ghagras and cholis moved in perfect harmony, their steps a beautiful echo of traditions new to me. The central stage pulsed with energy, guiding the graceful circles. The scent of incense mingled with the cool night air, adding to the magic. Faces glowed with happiness and unity, the spirit of Navratri filling the pandal with warmth. It felt like a piece of India brought to life, and I was part of this beautiful celebration.
"Let's go, Aathiii. My friend should be inside," Aarohi said, taking my hand and leading me inside. We soon met her college mate, Riya, who was enthusiastically showing us how to do garba because she was a Guajarati herself. As a non-dancer, I struggled to keep up, while Aaru moved gracefully, mastering the steps with ease. Just as I was about to record her, she stopped and came over to inform me she had to take an urgent call. She headed towards the exit of the Pandal, leaving me standing in a corner, observing the crowd in an attempt to learn the dance steps that everyone seemed to perform so effortlessly.
Riya tried to include me, but her pace was too fast, seamlessly blending in with the other people. I stood there waiting for Aaru when I heard a voice behind me.
"Hi."
I turned around to find a guy—no, a man—a handsome man standing before me. He was tall, almost 6'3", with a body like a fitness trainer. The shape of his abs was visible through his body-hugging sherwani. He had coal-black eyes framed by long lashes that any girl would crave for. He wore a pastel pink sherwani adorned with white floral patterns.
"Hey," I replied.
We exchanged greetings, and he asked why I was standing alone. I explained that I was waiting for my friend. When he asked me to dance, I was taken aback. I couldn't tell if he was flirting or genuinely wanted to help learn it. Initially, I hesitated, but then I remembered Aaru's words: we were here to have fun, and nobody knew us, so we could enjoy ourselves. Standing in the corner wasn't doing me any good, so I nodded in agreement.
As we stood opposite each other, I noticed the significant height difference between us. He was so tall, making me feel timid. But I wanted to make the most of the night, so I pushed aside my pathetic thoughts and focused on the dance. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed it. I felt happy, and it seemed like he was a genuine man. However, when he said, "It's my pleasure to bring a smile to your face," I realized he might just be like every other man, trying his luck with a random girl. I hate such men. How do I always end up in these awkward situations?
I danced with him and didn't even know his name—how idiotic was that?
His name was Reyansh. Cool. I asked where he was from, believe me, I don't know what should I even ask, I was at a loss for words. Fortunately, Aaru returned, and I felt relieved. Bythe end, I felt even though he flirted a little bit, he is a gentleman. He clicked pictures of us and even took a video of Aaru and me. Everything was going fine until he requested a picture of just the two of us. Why did he want a photo with just me? He could take a group picture . I wanted to say no but refusing might seem rude.
From the moment we met, he had been nothing but kind to me. I couldn't deny him a simple photo. Come on, Aathiya, I told myself, I'm not a celebrity; he won't gain anything from a photo with me. After much overthinking, I decided to take a selfie with him. I smiled internally when he politely asked if he could put his hand on my shoulder. I always appreciate people who value consent. As he placed his hand on my shoulder, goosebumps erupted on my skin. We were so close that I could smell his cologne. He bent towards me to fit into the selfie, and I stood motionless, nervous. After we parted, I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding all this time.
It turned out to be a memorable night. I left with Aaru, giving Reyansh my Snap ID to get the photos and videos.
Aarohi's POV
I was trying to imitate Riya and learn a few steps when my phone buzzed. It was Mom. She never calls me at this time; it must be early morning in India now. I exited the venue to answer the call.
"Radhasoami, Mumma."
(Greetings)
"Radhasoami, Aaru. How are you?"
"I'm good, Mumma. Why did you call me this early in the morning? Is everything alright?"
"Yes, yes, beta, everything is alright. I just had a bad dream, so I thought of calling you."
"Aww, Mumma, don't worry. I'm okay. By the way, what were you dreaming about?"
"I dreamt that you married someone and didn't even tell us."
"What?"
"Yeah, we were in our home, and suddenly you come in wearing choorha (Punjabi wedding bangles), vermillion, and nuptial thread, holding hands with a man. Then you say, 'Mumma, I got married.'"
"Woah, Mumma, your dreams are getting wild these days. Although I wish to fulfill all your dreams, this one...nope."
"Oh please, I don't even want that to happen like this. I mean, I want you to get married but not like this."
"Chill, Mumma, I'm not getting married anytime soon. Well, I am at an event with my friends, should I call you later?"
"Sure, sure beta, I just wanted to talk to you. Now, I'm okay."
"Hahaha, okay Mumma, take care, don't think too much." I ended the call and made my way towards the pandal. There was a food stall at the corner, so I thought of eating something. I went to the stall and saw there were mostly Gujarati dishes. I took something named Khichu and started walking towards the pandal while eating it. But with the very first spoon, I realized it's not something that I can eat. It was so bland with no spices or salt. I threw the leftover at the back, knowing there was a bin. I was just checking my aiming skills, but when I turned around, I cursed myself for this decision. Instead of the dustbin, that khichu landed on someone, and that someone was so tall with a giant appealing physique—not that I'm complaining about it, but still, his abs made him look more muscular. He would crush me for soiling his sherwani.
"Aaj to tu Gai Aarohi."
Today you are gone, Aarohi.
I went towards him to apologize, but to my bad luck, I slipped. I tried to prevent my fall by holding onto him, but we both ended up falling on the floor, with me being under him. Babaji, why is it getting worse? I was trying to apologize, and here I made myself even more embarrassed. I apologized to him, and he said it's okay.
It's okay. How can someone say that so easily? It seems that he is just entering the pandal, and I spoiled his clothes, and he is okay with that. Wow, I should learn some patience from this man because if it were me, I would break the face of the person who dared to spoil my dress. I tried to move, but I think my ankle got twisted. I had terrible pain in the ankle. When he asked me if he could take me to the chair, I was startled and flattered. How can someone be so nice? Instead of caring about his clothes, he was caring about me, but no, a random handsome man cannot lift me like that, so I said no.
His next line, "Don't worry, I won't do anything inappropriate," made me speechless, and I could only nod. Butterflies danced in my stomach when he held me in a bridal style. He was looking straight while I was looking at his jawline, which was just perfect. Stop drooling over him, Aarohi. I mentally slapped myself. He must have ample girls ready to be at his mercy. He made me sit on the chair, and we introduced ourselves and talked about some basic things while he was holding my ankle. I couldn't stop myself from ogling at his eyes. He had bright blue eyes, deep as the ocean, and I felt as if I would drown in them. I was so lost in ogling that I didn't realize when he fixed my ankle. He stood up and was about to leave when I stopped him. How could he go like that with that stained sherwani? I brought a water bottle from the food court and cleaned the food remains with the end of my dupatta. I cleaned the stain, but in return, his sherwani got wet. Well, what else could I do? There was no other way. I bid him goodbye and left. I returned to the pandal where Aathiii was talking with a guy. She introduced me to him. He was also tall and good-looking, but I couldn't stop myself from thinking about those deep blue eyes. I wished I could see them—I wished I could see him again.
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I thought to show the scene from Aathiya and Aarohi POV as well. I hope you like it Janemans. Please share your feedback
Happy Reading!😊
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