Warrior - Chapter Eighty Three

I arrived at the office early and got straight to work. With all the... fucky-ness that's going on, I just need something that's grounded and rooted, and doesn't require me to make up some stupid term to describe it. Some time later, everybody else started to come in, including Ivy. The both of us got right down to work, going over things. The morning went on by quite well, my mind absolutely clear with no jumble whatsoever, solely focused on work.

Sigh... when was the last time I had a calm-

Suddenly my phone began to ring, taking my attention to it. Looking at the caller ID, my eyes widened.

What-! So much for a calm moment! ...why am I getting a call from here anyways?

With a frown, I picked up the call. "Hello?"

As I went to lean back in my chair, I immediately stopped, unable to help the groan from my lips as I hear the caller from the other side.

Fuck my life!

*~*

The last place I ever expected myself to be in was this fucking place. Ever.

But no! Here I am once again at the Youth Dance Academy, glaring Payal down.

"Di, don't look at me like that," Payal frowned.

I only glared at her even more.

"What," she said innocently.

Seriously? "Really squirt? You still have me as your emergency contact?"

"Well, what other choice do I have? You know how Amma freaks out!"

Ain't that the fucking truth. Anytime either of us got hurt while dancing, Amma would always freak the fuck out and cause her own blood pressure to go up! Mind you, most of the times it was cause we sprained an ankle or something, but leave it to Amma to make it seem like it was something bigger! Then again, because it prevented us from performing, in her mind it definitely was something to consider as a big deal.

And right now, as Payal sat on the side with an ice pack over her sprain, you can bet that if Amma was here, she'd be freaking the fuck out!

"How's your leg?"

Turning around, I see my old dance teacher, Radhika.

"Elevated and unable to be used to dance with," Payal frowned.

"So long as you take care of it properly, you'll be back on your feet in no time."

"Fingers crossed," Payal grumbled.

Radhika let out a chuckle and turned to me. "Long time no see, Khushi. How are you?"

"Better than squirt."

Payal scowled at me and I scowled at her in return.

Radhika looked between the two of us and started to laugh. "Oh, you're not still upset about her having you as her emergency contact?"

I squinted at Payal, which gave her the answer.

"Come on Khushi, we're not that bad are we?"

"No."

No, it wasn't this place that was bad. Nor was it the people that was bad. No, none of it was bad at all. What was bad, however, was that it reminded me of the stupid naive girl I once used to be.

Radhika opened her mouth to say something, when someone interrupted.

"Radhika, the- oh, hey! Khushi!"

All of us turned to see Vikrant, Radhika's partner and someone who was also once my teacher.

"How are you," he beamed.

"Swell," I replied.

He tilted his head with a frown. "Come on, we're not that bad are we?"

I rolled my eyes, making him chuckle. 

"Still got that spunk in you."

"Times a million," Payal muttered.

I glared at her once more and baby sis flashed her teeth at me.

This girl, I swear! "You do realize that you still have to go home, right? Amma will find out and she will make a mountain out of a molehill either ways."

"Yeah, but at least she won't be driving everyone else here insane," she retorted.

Well-! Actually, good point... but still!

I really had hoped I would never have to come back to this place. Coming here just... it brings back too many old memories.

"Hey, what's going on?"

What the fuck-?

Looking behind Vikrant, I see Akash Singh Raizada.

What in the world?!

"Hey Bhabi," he smiled at me.

"Sup? What brings you here?"

"I was hired to record some of the rehearsals so that they could put it on their site."

Huh?

"We're redoing the site," Vikrant clarified. "Trying to get more people to join."

I couldn't help but to frown at him. "Most of the kids in town already come here."

"Yeah, but we'd like for the children in the nearby towns to join as well," Radhika said.

Ah! Gotcha!

"Payal was the one who introduced us to Akash."

Oh? You don't say....

I glanced over at Payal, who pursed her lips with a smile.

Hmm....

"He's been a great help," Vikrant said. "Your brother in-law is quite good at his craft."

Akash Singh Raizada smiled while I could only pinch my lips together.

I mean I've seen his photographs and they're amazing, but I've never actually seen his editing skills when it comes to videos.

"But it looks like we won't be able to do what we planned," Radhika sighed.

"But you have to," baby sis said from behind me. 

"How? Since you've sprained your ankle, we don't have our lead anymore."

I'm so confused.

"Well can't you find someone else," Payal asked. "You can't cancel the performance."

Ah! So there's a show coming up. 

I remember the days when I used to them, and Amma would always get emotional at the sight of us performing because she was so proud of us. Of course, she didn't like it much when I transitioned from classical to hip hop, but when the crowd would go crazy, she would definitely feel proud.

"Payal, there just isn't enough time for someone to learn the entire choreography," Vikrant sighed.

Tough luck-

"Wait! Di knows it!"

Come again?

Payal grabbed my hand. "Di, you can do it!"

What-?

"We used several moves from your performance, you could easily and quickly pick up the rest!"

Whoa, hold up! "Squirt-"

"She can do it, right," Payal asked hopefully, looking back at the others.

Radhika and Vikrant looked at each other before Radhika spoke.

"Well... I mean if Khushi-"

"Di, please do it," Payal exclaimed, cutting Radhika off. "You'd be doing us such a huge favor!"

I can't help but to look at squirt, completely bewildered. "In case you forgot squirt, I don't dance anymore!"

"I know, but you're the only one who could help us! We really need your help!"

"Payal-!"

"Besides, people have already bought tickets! Some of the girls are performing for the first time, and you know how most first timers only to do one song. Imagine how disappointed they'll be when they learn they won't be able to perform."

 I couldn't help but to frown. "I think most would be relieved that they don't have to perform in front of a crowd."

Payal rolled her eyes. "Oh come on Di! You know that's not the case," she scowled.

I'd beg to differ- wait, getting off topic! "I don't dance anymore, Payal, and that's that. Now stop fussing so I can get you home quick, I have an appointment-"

"No, I'll manage," she huffed, looking away.

Seriously? "Squirt-"

"I said I'll manage."

Little girl, are you raising your tone at me?

Before I could even scold at her, Akash Singh Raizada cut in.

"I can drop her off, Bhabi."

I couldn't help but to arch my brow at him. "You?"

"Sure, why not? That way you won't run late to your appointment and Payal will still get a ride home."

Hmm.... "Fine," and I looked back at Payal. "And I expect you to fix your fucking attitude," I glared.

Grabbing my bag, I headed out. Many old memories played in my head as I walked through the halls, but I tried hard to forget about them.

Dancing was in my past - I don't do that shit anymore. I'm not that person anymore who cares for dancing. Even if I did, I hated the classical shit! So Payal is expecting way too much!

This day is becoming more and more of a pain in my butt as it passes by! Can it just stop? For fuck's sake?!

Schiesse!