Illicit Affairs

(12)*

its been almost a week since they have been practicing the dance performance, for Ishaani and Ajey, they had to stay back for an extra hour for their special practice

and all this time all the college has been gossiping about their relationship, some say they are secretly dating, some actually ship them while others which are mostly their 'aashiq's' refuse to believe any rumor. Some just think Ajey is doing it to get back on Ishaani. There are plenty of laugh worthy rumors going around the campus. 

Their dance concept is quite difficult from the one they were doing with others in group, Ishaani had to infact wear heels everyday to practice, with which she not so intentionally step on Ajey's feet. 'I know it's cheap but I like the way he tries to avoid me everytime I am in heels' she laughed at her own thought

Their dance was quite touchy, and to be honest at first she was uncomfortable just by seeing the teachers do it, it took her all the courage to start it with Ajey but when she did, her discomfort as if vanished in thin air.
He was so delicate and careful with her, to not touch her in any ways she could feel uncomfortable, he would even crack a couple of jokes in between just to lighten up the atmosphere, for the first few days she was keen not to talk to him if it's not absolutely necessary but it's almost impossible to ignore this little ball of sunshine he is. 
She found herself laughing on his jokes, she started to believe he is actually sorry and maybe it was enough... to be honest for the first time in 3 months since they met, they weren't on each others throat........maybe something around friends?

They didn't talk about that day again but his actions spoke louder than any words can, that's how sorry he was, his gentleman-ish ways were something that Ishaani appreciated the most. 

"yaaaar Ishaani tu ab jaan bhuj kar mere per pe per rakh rhi hai woh bhi in BC heels ke sath, yaar chhed karke manegi kya??" Ajey whined holding his leg as he sat down on the floor rubbing his foot like a child. Ishaani bit back her devilish laugh and made the most innocent face she could gather

"nahi nahiii Ajey ji it was a 'mistake'" she said emphasizing on the word 'mistake', 
"ROZ HOTI HAI TERI YEH MISTAKE! MAI NAHI KAR RHA AISE TOH JA KOI AUR PARTNER DHOONDH LE JAKAR" he shouted as if about to cry for his injured foot and Ishaani just laughed 'what is he so freaking cute for'. 

"you guys remind me of our old times" Mr. Fernandez remarked as they were about to leave the practice hall, he looked at his wife adoringly "we were just like that in our younger days, ham hamesha ladte rehte the lekin kabhi ek dusre se dur reh hi nahi paye" Mrs Fernandez chuckled 

"but seriously there can be nothing more than hate between us" Ishaani stated simply, it wasn't even a taunt.. its just something they both believe "I have to agree to this" Ajey supported.
Their heart ached a little at this but it was true whatsoever, there cannot be any such thing like 'love' that exists in their world

"love just happens sweetie, without a warning"

~

"ishaaaaaa" a loud cheerful voice called her from behind making both Ishaani and Ajey -who was walking beside her- stop in their tracks. Khushi casually approached her and flung her arm around the former's shoulder

"agar tujhe pure din usse ghurne se fursat mil gayi ho toh in gareeb dosto ke sath bhi thoda time spend karle" she teased but instantly received a punch on her belly, Ishaani blushed at realizing she was actually  looking at him all day. 
Ajey chuckled awkwardly

"z-zyada nahi bol rahi tu kuch Khushi" she glared at her with 'college-ke-bahar-mil' look

"chal thik hai fir lets take a stroll around the college! poolside chalte hai Harsh bhi wahi hai"  she suggested and Ishaani nodded. Ajey didn't want to disturb so he was just quietly about to leave when Khushi elbowed Ishaani and whispered in her ears
"Ajey ko bhi bula le na" she looked at her suspiciously
"mujhe laga you don't like him" Ishaani retorted
"aisa toh kuch nahi hai" Khushi rolled her eyes innocently.