Srisha Ahuja POV:
The adrenaline from the dance battle courses through my veins, mingling with the lingering thrill of Ayaan's gaze. I can still feel the warmth of the spotlight on my skin, and the cheers of the crowd echo in my ears. Myra dances around me, bubbling with excitement, but my thoughts drift back to Rohan.
“Did you see how I nailed those moves?” Myra beams, her eyes sparkling. “You were incredible, Sri! We have to do this more often! Forget about Rohan; he doesn’t deserve you!”
I force a smile, but inside, I’m still grappling with my feelings. “I know, I just... I don’t get why he doesn’t want to be a part of this. It’s like he doesn’t care.”
“Let him be. You’re on a different level now. Plus, have you noticed Ayaan? He’s been watching you like a hawk!” Myra winks, nudging me playfully.
“Ayaan?” I echo, trying to mask the flurry of emotions that his name stirs within me. I quickly scan the crowd, searching for him. There he is, laughing with his friends but his gaze flickers back to me. Something about his presence makes my heart race.
“Yeah! You should totally talk to him!” Myra insists, her enthusiasm infectious. “He’s got this air of mystery, and I can tell he’s interested. Plus, he’s a senior! Think about the popularity boost!”
Before I can respond, the announcer steps up to the microphone again. “We’re about to start the next round of the dance battle! First-years, get ready for a group performance!”
My heart races again, but this time it’s not just from the excitement. I glance at Myra. “Are we doing this?”
“Hell yes! We’re going to slay!” she exclaims, pulling me toward the stage.
As we gather with our fellow first-years, I can’t shake the feeling of Ayaan’s eyes on me, weighing my movements, studying me. The music starts, and we all fall into rhythm together. I dance, but every now and then, I catch a glimpse of Ayaan’s grin from the sidelines. It fuels my energy, pushing me to give it everything I have.
When the performance ends, the applause is thunderous, and I find myself smiling uncontrollably. But amid the cheers, my gaze instinctively drifts to Rohan, who stands with his friends, his expression indifferent. The contrast between his lack of enthusiasm and the exhilarating joy I feel sends a wave of frustration through me.
As the event winds down, Myra and I take a moment to catch our breath. “You were on fire today!” she exclaims, her excitement still palpable.
“Thanks, Myra. I felt alive,” I admit, but I can’t shake the sense of emptiness that comes from Rohan’s absence in all of this.
“Let’s grab some food and celebrate! You need to enjoy this moment!” she insists, dragging me toward the food stalls.
As we make our way through the crowd, I spot Ayaan again, his friends surrounding him, but he seems to be looking for someone. I try to ignore the flutter in my stomach, but when our eyes meet, it’s electric. He strolls over, his confidence radiating.
“Hey, I didn’t get your name during your performance,” he says, leaning in slightly, his voice low and inviting.
“It’s Srisha,” I reply, feeling the warmth creep to my cheeks. “And you’re Ayaan, right?”
“Guilty as charged,” he chuckles. “You have a great energy on stage. It’s refreshing.”
“Thanks! I—” I pause, feeling the weight of Rohan’s indifference again. “I just wanted to have fun.”
“Fun is what it’s all about,” he replies, his eyes sparkling. “You should join the dance club. We have auditions coming up, and I think you’d be amazing.”
The offer hangs in the air, and I feel the tide of possibilities shift. “I’ll think about it,” I say, trying to hold onto my composure.
“Think fast,” he grins, “because I’d love to see you shine even more.” Just as he turns to leave, Myra rushes over, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Did I just see you talking to Ayaan?! You should totally go for it!” she exclaims, clasping her hands together.
A part of me wants to scream in frustration. Rohan is still on my mind, but Ayaan’s presence is intoxicating. It’s a confusing mix of emotions, and I can’t help but feel torn.
As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the campus, I know this day has changed something within me. I’m standing at a crossroads, and the choices ahead of me are filled with uncertainty.
“Let’s grab food,” I finally say to Myra, who nods eagerly. But as we walk, I can’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of a journey that will lead me to decisions I never saw coming.
And as I look back at Ayaan one last time, I wonder if I’m ready to embrace whatever comes next. The thrill of the unknown calls to me, and I can’t help but feel that my past with Rohan is about to unravel in ways I never expected.
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