Xavier College was buzzing.

Posters on every wall.

Seniors running around.

Music echoing from every block.

> The Annual Function Week had officially started.

Zoya had never participated in anything like this before — not in school, not at home.

But Aarfa?

Aarfa had already signed up for two performances before the forms even opened.

And before Zoya could even think, she was added into a duo performance.

> “We’re doing a fusion piece. You’re doing it with me. You don’t get to argue.”

Zoya blinked. “I’ve never danced on stage in my life.”

Aarfa grinned. “Then you’re about to live.”

---

Meanwhile, Ayaan was chilling on the football bleachers when Aarfa walked by in rehearsal clothes — hair tied up, confidence radiating off her like perfume.

He stood up so fast he nearly fell over.

> “You’re performing?!”

She smirked. “Why do you sound shocked?”

> “I’m signing up.”

> “Can you even dance?”

> “No. But I can stand near you and look hot.”

She laughed. “You’ll need a miracle for that.”

But Ayaan had already pulled out his phone and messaged the coordinator.

> Add me to the performance crew. I’m in.

---

Back in the rehearsal hall…

Zoya was stretching quietly when Aarfa leaned over and whispered:

> “Guess what.”

> “Hmm?”

> “Ayaan’s performing. Because of me.”

Zoya raised an eyebrow. “Obviously.”

> “AND I may have accidentally told him you’re in too.”

> “What—?!”

And before Zoya could even process, the door creaked open.

Akif walked in.

In black joggers. Hoodie. Expression = annoyed.

> “This is not my thing.”

> “Too late,” Ayaan grinned. “I already submitted your name.”

Akif gave him a deadly glare.

Ayaan threw his arm around him dramatically. “Come on, bro. Help me survive this. Aarfa’s here. Zoya’s here. It’s destiny.”

Akif’s eyes flicked to Zoya.

She quickly looked away.

But not before he noticed the little smile on her face.

---

The rehearsals were chaos.

Zoya kept missing steps.

Ayaan kept making jokes.

Aarfa kept bossing everyone like a director.

And Akif… just stood there. Quiet. Brooding. Perfectly on beat.

One day, the choreographer called out:

> “Zoya and Akif — pair dance. Slow part.”

Zoya froze.

Akif looked up.

Neither spoke.

But when the music started… their bodies moved in sync.

No words.

No eye contact.

Just… understanding.

Everyone else vanished.

Even Jiya, standing outside the door, saw it.

---

Yes — Jiya had tried.

She signed up too. Wore tight practice outfits. Laughed too loud. Bumped into Akif twice and said “oops” like she was five.

But nothing worked.

Because Akif didn’t even see her.

> He only looked when Zoya danced.

---

Out from story a little suggestion - (Listen to Rataan lambiyan by jubin nautiyal, from here to get the vibe)

Back to story!

The night of the function arrived.

Lights. Crowd. Music booming.

Backstage, Zoya’s hands were shaking.

Akif walked by, glanced at her trembling fingers, and whispered,

> “You’ve survived worse. This stage is nothing.”

And somehow… that was enough.

---

When they performed, the crowd cheered.

But when Zoya and Akif’s part came — it felt like the world paused.

He spun her gently.

She moved with him like she belonged in that rhythm.

It wasn’t perfect.

But it was real.

And raw.

And beautiful.

---

After the final bow, Aarfa ran over and hugged Zoya so hard they almost fell off stage.

Ayaan high-fived them both — and looked at Aarfa like she had just created fireworks.

Even Akif… smiled.

Not a smirk.

A soft, rare one.

Just for her.

And Jiya?

Jiya watched from the side.

Unapplauded. Unnoticed.

And utterly… defeated.

---

To be continued...

_______

Did I slayed here?

Byeee💜🌷💌