Posted:
Hey just red all the chapters, its amazing and wonderful. Please do continue...Your way of expressing is too good. Also the observation n elaboration of the incident was subtle and beautiful. Please update soon.
Understanding the unspoken
In Punit's car, after dinner
"Thanks for giving me a lift home. I am sooo tired. But you know what? Today was a real good and fun day.
"Funday.. Is that the eighth day of the week?
"Fundays are Dance Plus Days! Oh!..That could be a slogan of ours.
She stared at him, expecting a response. But unfortunately, he remained silent.
So far, only the pale orange dimmed streetlights reached in, through the windshields of the car. Punit always had an eye for the perfect setting, a feel for the perfect timing. Aesthetics. It was almost as if he had a hand in this. As if he was calling the shots and directing this particular scene.
The dark clouds had partially cleared up, allowing the white silvery moonlight to magically shine in and grant her a glimpse of of his white glistening teeth. He was smiling, staring straight ahead, his eyes fixated on the road.
I bet his eyes are twinkling right now. And his eye wrinkles must be showing.' she thought and continued to elaborate.
"But seriously, I had so much fun shooting with you all. The contestants are full of energy. I feel really inspired. There is just so much talent! And then.. The food..! Oh..! It was just.. YUMMY!! CarbLess Dimsum! Thanks to Raghav I now know another good restaurant with healthy options. Honestly.. I am so happy he joined today. It is just not the same without him, isn't?
Punit was still smiling. He loved to hear her talk. She was full of energy. Bubbly even. Maybe this was because of the new talents, impressions and inspirations, the tasty food or perhaps... The company she was with. He had his own theory about this. One he chose to keep to himself. But he knew deep down his theory was correct. He had always been able to read her well. The poor girl probably did not even know the truth herself.
Whatever the reason might be, he just loved her excitement. He loved talking to her, but even more so, he enjoyed listening to her.
"Yeah, I am happy that Raghav joined as well. I am even happier that you managed to persuade him. He seemed a bit low on energy before you talked to him. What did you say to him? D and I tried but... No luck...
She smiled.
"Just send in a woman to accomplish what two men could not achieve!
"Of course! I would never underestimate the power of a common woman!
His smile was even bigger than hers. Still, he continued on a serious note:
"But.. Please do tell.. What did you say to him? I think he did cheer up from it.
"I just called him an idiot. That did the trick.
Punit just looked at her sideways, lifting his eyebrow.
She understood very well, he did not want to hear jokes right now. Sincere concern for his dear friend spoke loudly through his silence.
Shakti had always appreciated Punit's serious and hard working attitude. He handled and took care of his friendships with even more patience and dedication. His personality matched so much with hers.
Slowly, bit by bit, as the years had passed by, she had felt comfortable enough with him, to let down her guard and open up more. Actually, they both did. But still, neither of them had allowed themselves to open up completely for some reason. Hopefully, one day, they would be able to do so.
"We didn't really talk actually. He seemed fine the whole evening. But I will talk to him. Let's see if we can find out or not...
But she knew him too well. Raghav would not talk or confess so easily. Not because of distrust but because of a false sense of heroism.
Raghav has always been that guy you could turn to, regardless the time or the issue. He would be there for you, no matter what. Talking to him has always been so easy. His eyes are so soothing, so sincere and inviting to speak your mind freely. Such a sweet, reliable and caring friend. Most definitely, compassionate and empathic, with a heart of gold.
Shakti thought of her conversation with Raghav earlier today. She knew something was bothering him and yet she had allowed him to pretend and put on a happy face. One she could see right through.
She did not want to pressurize him, but why would he not open up to them? To her? They are all such good friends. That was actually an annoying trait of his! He would carry the weight of the world but he would not want to bother anyone with his own struggles.
Tomorrow she would talk to him. No more pretending, no more acting. She had decided: She would put her foot down, be determined and make him talk to her. If not to her, then to Dharmesh for sure.
Punit had turned down the volume of the radio. The song had just ended. The RJ announced to stay tuned. After commercials his guests would come on air for an interview.
"Punit, I really like your car. It is beautiful. I am so happy for you.
"Yes, I am happy too. Finally, I did it. I am afraid I might not drive much though. Hectic schedule, not enough sleep. You know how that is. I mean, I love my new car but I love my life more.
"Hmmm.. Is that so? But tell me Mr. Punit J. Pathak..."
"Oh God, Shakti.. My full name? That means I must be in trouble or there is danger on the prowl, doesn't it?
"Do you scare so easily? I just wanted to ask you... What.. Or whom do you love the most?
Punit was silent. His face blushing. His lips curling up slowly in a shy smile.
"Has she seen your new car already? Gone for a little test drive?
"What do you mean Shakti? Whom are you talking about? You speak in riddles.
Shakti had been observing him while asking him these questions.
I can't believe people gave the ladies man or womanizer tag to him. Mr. Shy Guy is not going to answer me so easily. Well.. Let's try the direct approach then!'
"Riddles? It is quite easy Pathak.. It starts with your' and ends with girlfriend'!
They looked at each other, their eyes locked for a second. She raised her eyebrows a couple of times. An invitation to speak up.
Punit replied without a word by raising an eyebrow. Pretending to be extremely focused on the traffic, he quickly thought on what to answer, what to say?
Where is Raghav, when you need him? He always has the best replies within seconds, crack a joke and divert the topic.' he thought.
He heard the voice of the RJ on the radio again. Ahaa, lifesaver! If not Raghav himself but they had the same initials for sure, RJ.'
He smiled again.
"Shakti.. You already know who I love the most.. My mom! And you also know that you are my girlfriend. Everyone knows that. We are ShaNit, right? he winked at her, on which she giggled.
"Oh shut up! Ssst... The interview is about to start. Listen..
They both listened to the radio with full attention, pride and excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, here they are.. Live, to promote The Gentlemen's Club'!
Shakti looked at him sideways.
Poor fellow.. He does not know that I know the truth! But I know.. I know everything..
~~~~
In D's car, after dinner
Without a word of hesitation, Raghav choose to keep Dharmesh company. He would spend the night at his place. These two were inseparable anyway. They were brothers united by the hands of fate. A blessing through dance. Two young men from different backgrounds, who had hit it off so well from the get-go. Their souls had instantly connected. Soul brothers might best describe their bond.
They understood each other, even without a single word. Dharmesh could sense something was disturbing Raghav but he would not push him to talk about it. Raghav would let him know in his own time. Whenever he was ready to share, Dharmesh would be ready to listen.
Raghav thought the exact same. He knew something was bothering Dharmesh. In fact, he knew exactly what was on his brother's mind. Or better yet, whom.. But he would not force him to speak about it.
An unspoken understanding, which worked perfectly well for both young gentlemen. For now, small talk and the songs on the radio would keep them company.
"Did you like the food bhai?
"Yes, it was very tasty! By the way, how do you know all these places? You don't even go out for dinner much right? You are always traveling.
"Bhaiya, I have my smart phone and my smart friend, Google is always with me! Raghav pointed proudly at his phone.
Dharmesh laughed sheepishly.
"For a second there I thought you meant me when you said your smart friend'.
Raghav laughed as well.
"It's good to see you smile bhai.
"Hmm.. It's good to see you smile too Raghav.
Raghav knew, this was Dharmesh's way of letting him know that he knew something was up. And that it was up to him to take on his invitation to talk. He would do so, but not yet. He needed to collect his thoughts first. And for that, he needed to be alone.
"You know, I was wondering, after this season, why don't we all make time and go on a trip. If the others can't go, we could go together, right? I can plan the whole thing, no worries. You my brother, you only have to pack your bags.
"Sounds good.. Who all did you have in mind?
Dharmesh had an idea, obviously, but was just continuing the small talk.
"My friends will go for sure! Punit, you, me..
"Oh ok, boys trip? Cool!
"No, no.. You know right? I mean, my girl-friends will come too.. And of course Shakti. Mukti. In fact, all the Mohan sisters should come along. It will be one big happy family trip.
Dharmesh got excited by hearing Raghav's enthusiastic plans. He was blessed with such an adventurous down to earth friend.
"Hmmm.. Raghav, I am wondering.. I want to invite someone.
Dharmesh looked at Raghav, meaningful.
"Yeah.. Sure.. Of course bhai, I would love it if she joins us. Have you heard from her yet?
Dharmesh shook his head and answered with delay: "No..
Raghav was trying to get a good reception for the radio channel in the meantime. He didn't have a lot time for radio or TV. Usually he would listen to all his favorite music on his phone. But this evening was special. One of his best friends would be on the radio for an interview. Their friend.
"It's ok bhai. Just give it some time. Besides, the next months you will be lucky if you have time to sleep.
Raghav was referring to all the work and time which would be invested in the contestants and promotional interviews.
"Ladies and gentlemen, here they are.. Live, to promote The Gentlemen's Club'!
"Bhai, it's about to start!
Raghav right away turned up the volume and sent a message in their WhatsApp group:
"Our girl is on air guys! Feel so proud!
Raghav looked at Dharmesh. His brother, his best friend. One of the kindest souls he had ever met. His heart suddenly felt heavy.
He sent out an invitation message:
"... I am inviting you to some relaxation and enjoyment, amidst of the pure beauty of nature. Rejection is not an option, unless you want to break my poor sensitive heart..."
Unknowingly, both guys had the same thought in mind:
Originally posted by: RishuDarling
Thank you for taking the time to read these fragments of my imagination.Whether you liked it or not, it was something new for me to write fiction on real life characters (and then also such amazing personalities) and I am happy I could use this forum for it.
Season has ended.. Forum will be closed soon.. So an update here will not be possible..So maybe next season I could continue this or in Dance Champions forum.
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