SS: The Synchronizing Forces (Chp 2)

Chapter 2

            Arnav was flushed with relief when he made his way to the main hall. He was lead to a plush seat at the front row, giving him a clear view of the whole stage. The performance was to start in 15minutes. Making him comfortable in his seat, he started fidgeting with his mobile. He promised himself that he would never avert his concentration from his mobile to the stage. If at all they wanted an ambassador, he decided, he’d let Varsha decide ‘cause she had been the one nudging him for an ambassador. Just then he realized that she had not reached yet. Feeling the anger rising in him, he decided to give her a call. Pressing the call button, he was waiting for her to answer. But, all that came in response was ‘The network you’re trying to reach is currently unreachable. Please try again later. Thank you’

         “Damn these phones” he muttered. Having no other way, he was staring at the curtains on the stage. He was wondering what the theme of the performance was. He was cursing himself for not even bothering to know the name of the performer or the theme. He was about to ask the person seated beside him. But he changed his mind. He decided to go to the backstage and see the name for himself. Just then he got a call. “Yeah, Aman…. Yes, I’ve been trying to finalise….” And *bump* “CAN’T YOU WATCH WHERE YOU’RE WALKING?” Arnav beamed.

       Just then he was stunned. He had never seen such beautiful eyes. And suddenly, they were filled with tears. Nothing had ever hurt him more. He was about to apologise but just then another lady came between them and blocked his view. He was shaken from his stance and realized what he was about to do and dropped the idea immediately. He was ASR. And ASR doesn’t apologise. The girl was not exactly crying but it was clear that she was angry. The lady was saying something to her. Even though the lady was talking to her, he noticed that the girl’s eyes never left him.

  

     Mehul asked her in a concerned voice “Khushi, how many times I must tell you not to cry. See, I can’t be running behind you every time with a tissue in my hand. The act is about to start and you’re ruining your make-up now? ARE YOU LISTENING?” she shook her to get her attention. “Yeah Mehul, I was just… hurt a bit. You know some people don’t watch where they are walking, bump into others and accuse them of not ‘watching where they’re walking’…” said Khushi stressing the phrase he had just used. Mehul saw that Khushi was seeing someone else standing behind her and turned back to see who it was.

            “Excuse me? Are you saying it was ME who was careless? Unbelievable!” exclaimed a frustrated Arnav.

          Realizing who Khushi was talking to, Mehul was utterly shocked. Instantly she gestured Khushi to keep quiet and introduced herself to Arnav.

“Hello Mr Raizada. I’m Mehul, and this is Khushi. I’m afraid there’s a small misunderstanding here. I apologise on her behalf if you were hurt in any way. I’m so glad that you’re giving everyone who’s talented a fair opportunity. This can help many people like Khushi. I’m sure you’ll be impressed by her performance today. Your search will end today!” chirped Mehul cheerfully trying to repair the damage Khushi had caused, at the same time giving glaring glances to Khushi for her behaviour.

       “But you must very badly teach her some manners, if not she’ll not make It.” said Arnav in a matter of fact tone.

              “It’s YOU who-”  Khushi was cut off by the compere before she could complete. “It’s time. Get ready. You’re going on stage by 30seconds. And sir, I think you must be seated in your seat by now”

     “Fine” said Arnav smirking at Khushi who was throwing murderous glances at him.

             “It’s decided” Arnav thought “I’m no way selecting her”