Chapter 32:- Something New

New memories or unhealed wounds?

“I have an announcement to make.” My startling statement silenced the audience as I paved my way across the stage. Our fans; hoping for a RoSal dance, were in for a surprise to find me--just me--standing with a microphone in hand, under the glistening white spotlight. I gave a small smile before continuing,

“I am well aware of the fact that I might’ve shocked our fans with my unexpected actions. But a very interesting idea just flashed across my mind a few seconds ago. And so I thought, why not make this evening a memorable one for all our loyal PrAja fans!” I encouraged, receiving loud cheers in agreement.

I cleared my throat to silence the crowd once more and explained my idea, “You all have seen RoSal together at many occasions; whether it be celebrating our milestones, or our innumerable selfies that have unknowingly made your day.” I hesitated, trying to maintain my voice as indifferent as possible.

“So, how about an exuberant performance with a twist?” I proposed with a smirk. From the corner of my eyes, I could sense Faisal and Vishal gazing at me, with a predicted frown on their faces. I avoided Faisal and gave an assuring nod to Vishal, signaling him that everything was in control. Much as I hated, I still saw his reaction; hands balled into fists, expressing his anger and frustration.

“I have attended many such events, where Faisal and I are the only ones that are given significance and attention too. However, today we are celebrating a year dedicated to our show, to all its members and actors who put in so much effort to present something you would demand and like to see….we aren’t celebrating us….neither RoSal nor PrAja. So when we all have gathered to celebrate a show, why signify us?” I reasoned, getting surprised yet proud expressions from Vishal and…..him? He seemed unconvinced, yet there was this slight smirk on his face...as if he could foreshadow the chain of events. It didn’t take me the slightest second to realize the reason behind his annoying smirk…..he knew my secret, which was how he knew it wasn’t me talking to the audience, it was Maharani Ajabde…..addressing her ‘praja’! Why did I get him as my soulmate? Foolish and annoying stalker!  I cursed him under my breath.

‘Thank you for the compliment…’ His sarcastic smirk echoed in my head, making my head shoot at his direction in astonishment. To my disappointment, Faisal just greeted me with a sly smile. How could I hear his reaction…..or was this just a hallucination?’ I wondered.    

After pondering for a while, our beloved fans once again proved their loyalty by cheering and applauding at my suggestion.

“Aap sab ka bohot bohot dhanyawaad!” I gratefully thanked the audience. Continuing, I further added, “I would like to invite not only the cast of Bharat ka Veer  Putra Maharana Pratap, but also our chief cast members from the prospering show, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat. A round of applause, please!” I cheered, welcoming everyone on stage.

We arranged ourselves in a way so that a girl was partnered up with a boy. I tried to stay as far away from Faisal as possible, despite the fact that I knew we would eventually have to dance together; face to face.

I signaled the DJ to tune, anticipating a groovy song. To my despondency, the bass drum beats my ears had been waiting to hear were replaced by soft, melodious piano keys. One look, and I knew it was him…..the curse of my life who asked for this least favorable song. I rolled my eyes in annoyance but immediately smiled at Vishal, my first partner in our circular formation.

Aahatein kaisi yeh aahatein

Sunta hoon aaj kal, aye dil bataa

Vishal placed one hand on my waist and the other ready to join with my hand. I comfortably settled my other hand on his shoulder as we started waltzing to the beats. We both smiled at each other seeing our perfect synchronization with the slow beats of the music.

Dastakein dete hai dastakein

Kyun ajnabi se pal, aye dil bataa

Before he could start, I interfered by pleading, “I’ll answer all your questions, Vishal. But not right now….please?”

He, being the friendliest and most compatible friend I can ever have, understood the seriousness of the situation. With an assuring smile he twirled me around, sending me to my next partner.

Kuch toh hai jo neend aaye kam

Kuch toh hai jo aankhein hai num

“Hi….I’m Sidharth!” One of the best gymnasts welcomed me with a broad smile that flashed his teeth.. I could not help grinning back at this new friend.

“Hey….Roshni Walia here!” I introduced myself as we waltzed. His confidence showed his expertise in dance; a common trait between Sidharth and…..

Kuch toh hai jo tu keh de toh

Haste haste marr jaaye hum

“Your speech is worth praises, Ms. Walia!” He fervently complimented. “Though it very much contradicts your personality on social media…”

“Oh...I see, so someone has been secretly stalking me on Instagram. Should I take that as a compliment or as a taunt?” I expressed with mock anger.

“Not stalking….but following you….very legally.” He whispered in my ear, turning my grin into laughter. Right this moment, my intuition confirmed my prediction of becoming great friends with Sidharth.

“Nice meeting you, Sidharth…” I commented as soon as I realized I had to change my partner very soon.

“Same here Ms. Walia…” He smiled a warm one.

“Roshni please…” I corrected as he started twirling me.

“Roshni….call me Sid please...Sidharth sounds too old.” His helpless face made me laugh once more.

I congratulated myself and Maharani Ajabde Punwar for coming up with such a useful and brilliant idea. Who had thought that there would once be an occasion where every boy would get to dance with every girl? My idea not only filled the atmosphere with excitement, but also gave an opportunity for everyone to interact with each other. I made a new friend along with refreshing my friendships with other co-stars such as Yash and Niharika. Not to forget the eye clashes filled with hatred between her and me. I had changed back into my backless baby pink floral gown just after Faisal’s much awaited confrontation. I thanked the Lord for rewarding me with some time to get rid of that absurd looking dress.

We approached towards the end of the song when Amaal Malik’s sensational voice surrounded the room.

Jo hamaare darmiyaan hai

Isko hum kya kahein,

Ishq kya hai ik lehar hai

Aao ismein bahein

I bumped my back into a well built body as a cold hand slithered around my waist and swiftly turned me around to face the unknown stranger’s face. It was him...Mr. Faisal Khan. The proximity between us made me shiver.

“Don’t look so surprised, Roshni….after all this was your idea and I am the only one left.” He snickered, gazing into my eyes. I returned his gaze with a petulant stare.

“Yeah right...how could I forget my soulmate?” I retorted sarcastically.

“See, I understand you so well...I wasn’t expecting a ‘thank you’ for my brief idea.” I spoke as we sashayed to the beats together. He dominated his hand on my waist as I forcefully yet automatically adjusted my hand on his shoulder. From all these past experiences, I understood that arguing or having illogical conversations were a hundred times better than receiving his awkward and uncomfortable stares and dealing with the close proximity.

“You think I would fall for that? Roshni….I am not part of the crowd….not when it comes to you.” His voice turned grave.

“Excuse me?” I asked, trying to confirm my hallucination. He pulled me towards him, closing the distance between us.

“Earlier, I just knew you inside out, but now….I can hear you inside out too.” He whispered in my ear, making my eyes widen in shock. I guessed this to be some special trait which our auras ‘rewarded’ us with.

Kuch toh hai jo hum hai khoye

Kuch toh hai jo tum na soye

Kuch toh hai jo hum dono yun

Haste haste itna roye...

“You think you’re the only one with this extraordinary power? Well, in that case, I think you are suffering from some short term memory loss.” I taunted, digging my fingers into his shoulder in order to remind him of some of the past events.

“Really? Okay, tell me something I haven’t told you.”

“You thought I looked absolutely stunning today!” I started.

“Ha! You think I’ll believe that? This is purely your imagination, Roshni!” He laughed, angering me.

“ My prediction was absolutely right…..you are so unfathomable. Well, how can you prove your extraordinary power?”

“I don’t need to prove myself to anyone… but still…..you think I have a very well built body.” He rebutted.

“Ha! In your dreams!” I defended, looking away.

“You were proud of me, when I delivered that speech in front of everyone.” I turned serious now, speaking while staring at him. His sly grin vanished but tightened his grip on me.

“You get uncomfortable whenever I stare at you.” He stated.

“You’ll do anything for me...I mean for Ajabde.” I rephrased his thoughts.

“You’ll never leave me….I mean Pratap…” In that instance, his voice shattered some unlived  dreams.