Showtime

7. Thanksgiving

[Avni: I have Julliard auditions the day after Thanksgiving. Yeah, I don't have anything else to say, really.]

"I know, that something has changed, never felt this way..."

Ricky and Nini were honestly killing it. So were the dancers- the whole set up looked amazing. Steph was a revelation with the disco ball.

The bell rang, interrupting their song, followed immediately by- "Yes!" from EJ. "Sorry, I really love Thanksgiving."

That was adorable.

Miss Jenn complimented Ricky and Nini (then they complemented each other), asked everyone to practice, Mr. Mazara stopped by to give Ashlyn her binder- and then had a riveting conversation with Miss Jenn about yams and cobblers.

"They look cosy, huh?" EJ asked Avni.

"Yeah- total office enemies to lovers vibe."

"What- no, I meant Ricky and Nini."

"I suppose. It's not news to me- I mean did you see the way Nini kept laughing at all his corny ass jokes on picture day? And she looked totally jealous over whatever is happening between Ricky and Gina." She paused, "Which reminds me, we've had this conversation before."

He chuckled, "We need to stop obsessing over other people's love lives."

"Thanksgiving resolution?" Avni quirked an eyebrow.

EJ grinned, "I already have one."

"Oh yeah, the confessions," Avni said, wiggling her fingers spookily. "I'm surprised you don't have one for me."

A dark look crept on EJ's face. "Oh snap, do you?" Avni asked.

He was about to say something- "Party at Ashlyn's after Thanksgiving tomorrow! Everyone's invited!"

"Sorry, Ash," Avni said. "I'm leaving for New York tonight. I'm seeing my mom."

"Why's your mom in New York?" Seb asked.

"Oh, she's a lawyer- and she accepted this huge dream job at a big firm in New York at the start of term. We don't really celebrate Thanksgiving and she missed Diwali, so, my brother and I are going up there."

"Oh, well, you'll be missed," said EJ.

Avni smiled.

♡♡♡♡♡

Avni spent Thanksgiving Day on a plane and the evening sleeping off the weariness of air travel. The next morning was slow- she woke up late and clicked on her phone, adjusted the time zone.

Yesterday, 10:03 pm: Missed call from Ricky

Yesterday, 12:30 am: Missed call from Ricky

I'll call him later.

Afternoon was just lunch with her mom and brother- but she couldn't really keep her food down because of the audition later on. But her mum had cooked for them after so long, and Avni didn't want her to be disappointed, so she tried her best.

"Avni, pick up the pace, no, you're taking a bite a minute. And you've barely said anything," her mom said.

"Thought you didn't believe in talking while eating," Avni said, making it a point to have food in her mouth.

"Now I don't either," Aryan cringed. Avni smiled to herself.

"I think I can make an exception for today. You ready for your audition?"

Avni nodded slowly, "I suppose so."

"Hmm? What kind of an answer is that? Either you are, or you're not."