Chapter 25 Dance and Glances
Gotcha. Gotcha. Nayan shouted his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Aarav immediately let go of Kiyan's hand as if it were a burning coal. His face turned slightly red. Yaar you people. I am leaving from here.
Karishma laughed. Hey wait wait. We were just pulling your leg. Come on now prepare for the dance because only one day is left for our performance.
Aarav exhaled. Fine.
Karishma commanded Come on now everyone stand in your positions.
Aarav and Kiyan stood facing each other. Karishma and Nayan also stood face to face. Karishma's eyes kept shifting between Nayan and Aarav's gaze toward Kiyan filled with a smiling curiosity.
Karishma held Nayan's hand and Kiyan held Aarav's. With the touch Kiyan's eyes glowed faintly a soft golden light that only Aarav could see. Both Kiyan and Nayan lifted their respective partners in their arms raising them up in the air. Karishma and Aarav spread their arms upward in the air full of confidence and trust.
Kiyan and Nayan started spinning Karishma and Aarav around in a rhythmic powerful circle. Then slowly Nayan began to lower Karishma. Karishma placed one leg in the air and one on the ground a beautiful balanced pose. Aarav did exactly the same one leg in the air one on the ground. Karishma's eyes were locked in Nayan's and Kiyan's eyes were locked in Aarav's.
Then they slowly descended. Karishma moved away from Nayan but Kiyan and Aarav were still lost in each other's eyes. Nayan gestured toward Karishma and both of them watched Kiyan and Aarav smiling. Kiyan still had his hand on Aarav's waist and both were immersed in each other's eyes as if the entire world around them had blurred.
Karishma clapped and said Yes. This is exactly the chemistry we need in our dance.
Aarav suddenly moved away from Kiyan and started avoiding his gaze. Kiyan also coughed slightly a hint of embarrassment on his face.
Aarav said Friends the dance is done. We should leave now.
Nayan grabbed Aarav's hand and said Hey why are you both so shy. As if you have fallen in love with each other and we have caught you red handed.
Aarav quickly said No nothing like that. I was just
Karishma interrupted Leave it Nayan is crazy. Do not pay attention to his words. If you are saying so then fine we will do it later. Anyway there is no time now. The next time we dance will be directly at the annual function. Okay friends. So let us go now.
Nayan said Karishma go home safely. One minute here is your bag take it. And go carefully. Nayan looked into Karishma's eyes and said Take care of yourself.
Karishma smiled.
Aarav joked Oh really we are also here. Tell us to take care too.
Nayan said Yes yes you also take care go safely understand. I was saying that because you all are crazy might drive fast and something could happen that is why I said it.
Everyone laughed.
Aarav said Alright then I am leaving. Karishma and Aarav started to leave. Then Aarav said Kiyan will you come with me.
Kiyan smiled and nodded. Nayan gestured with his eyes toward Karishma to look at Aarav. Both Karishma and Nayan started smiling.
Nayan said Okay. I will come downstairs to drop you all.
Everyone came downstairs. Everyone said Bye Aunty.
Nayan's mother said Take care of yourselves go safely.
Everyone said Okay Aunty.
Nayan said Bye Karishma go safely.
Karishma said Bye and started her scooter and left for her home.
Nayan put his hand on Aarav's shoulder and said Take care of yourself. And drive slowly otherwise Kiyan might fall from behind while you are driving lost in your own world.
Aarav laughed Okay you are so worried about Kiyan.
Nayan said Oh brother you are the one who has taken the responsibility of worrying about everyone are not you And he laughed.
Aarav said Alright we are leaving. Kiyan sat behind Aarav and Aarav started his bike and left. Nayan kept smiling watching them and then went inside his house.
While riding the bike Aarav said to Kiyan Kiyan I need to ask you something.
Kiyan said Yes ask.
Aarav stopped the bike at one side and got off. In front of them was a small park with some benches. Both sat down at a table nearby.
Aarav said Do you know about the Girgit Raj (Chameleon King).
Girgit Raj
Hearing the name Kiyan suddenly stood up with a jolt. The color drained from his face in an instant. His golden eyes which had been calm until now suddenly filled with a wild terrified glow as if some ancient and fearsome ghost had suddenly awakened. He placed his hands on the table as if losing his balance. A strange electricity ran through the air.
He looked toward Aarav and this time there was no love or shyness in his gaze. There was a deep black fear. A fear that seemed centuries old.
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