We finally finished the recording.
But editing? Yeah… still left.
And guess who had to do it?
Obviously—our multi-talented guy.
Akaay.
He and Shubh spent hours working on the video. Later, he sent me a Google Meet link so I could check the progress. He sent it to Shree, too.
But Shree was late, and Shubh had already logged off. So it was just me… and him.
Awkward silence. The kind of silence that makes you hyper-aware of everything—the faint buzz of the fan, the click of my pen, even his breathing in the mic.
Finally, he broke it.
"So, this is what I've done in the last few hours," he said.
"Oh… okay. It's nice," I replied, nodding like I actually understood.
He kept explaining, his voice calm and steady, while I pretended to be some editing pro. Later, Shree joined for a few minutes, and then we wrapped up.
But even after the call ended, I couldn't shake that silence. The one we shared right before he spoke.
The next day was dance practice. The girls' group was led by two pros—our head girl, Di, and an international dancer from Class 9. Me and Shree? We just hid in the back, hoping the teacher wouldn't notice our tragic dance skills.
The boys' group, of course, was led by Akaay.
Like, how is he good at everything except studies? Maybe he's just too distracted to focus.
Later, we moved to race practice. It was winter, the sun blazing, and yet this menace was sitting there in full winter armor. Sweater. Coat. All buttoned up.
I couldn't help blurting out, "Are you not feeling hot? Looking at you is making me feel hot."
I said it without thinking.
And his reply?
"What's the connection between us that you're feeling hot because of me?"
BOOM. My cheeks turned red. He was sitting so close, way too close, and I quickly turned my head so he wouldn't notice the redness spreading across my face.
All I could manage was a flustered little, "Pssshh…"
Later, Shubh joined us too.
Akaay whispered something in his ear and then looked straight at me.
Why was he staring like that? Were they talking about me?
Then, he leaned closer, eyes serious, and said—
"I have a question for you."
My heart skipped. "Okay… then ask."
But instead of answering, he smirked.
"You'll know soon."
Excuse me??
Shubh just laughed when I asked him. And now I'm left stuck in this suspense, wondering what that question could be.
He's trapped me in a spell.
And only time will tell what he really meant.