That night, a campfire was arranged by the home stay staff. Games added to the fun followed by dance. Melodious music started after all peppy songs...
"Punya, can I have a dance??" asked Thrishul standing in front of her a he held her hand...
"I'm so sorry Thrishul, I can't"
"Why don't you like to dance??" he asked.
"I love to... But I hurt my knee badly... I can't" she said.
Thrishul was disappointed, "Jyoti can dance" Punya suggested. Jyoti pinched Punya for suggesting.
Thrishul didn't want to hurt her so he agreed and took Jyoti's hand who sat next to Punya. Thrishul wore a white formal shirt with black jeans, Jyoti was wearing a knee length yellow frock... They made fantastic graceful movements according to the music. They were so good at their ballroom styled steps that other couples stopped and started looking at them. Punya observed Jyoti to be so comfortable and happy in Thrishul's arms. Everyone in the gathering would easily agree that they made a great pair. Thrishul held her finger and gave three spins and at last spin, she bent backwards so he could hold her to complete dance move. Everyone applauded this move.
"You're a great dancer Jyoti" complimented Thrishul.
"Thanks.. Even you're a great guide" she chuckled as she bowed. Her eyes were twinkling....
"Would you like to continue so we can add some lifts and glides????" he asked.
"Yes of course" she agreed happily.
Punya watched their expressions carefully... Thrishul was plain but Jyoti's eyes were showing up her attraction towards him. A mysterious happy smile spread over Punya's face without her knowledge.
Thrishul and Jyoti continued to dance... He made lifts according to the music and she used to be so light on her feet that'd help him lift easily.... He made a rock and roll move, where he lifted and tossed her in air, she landed in his arms as she came down. He gracefully helped on her feet which looked very beautiful pose to end the dance. Thrishul and Jyoti bowed at their friends.
"Awesome" yelled Punya applauding in appreciation.... Tarak and Vedant hooted in exclamation.... Girls came and lifted Jyoti into air. Punya came and hugged her.
"You were so good Jyoti" complimented Punya.
"He's a good dancer, I just followed him" said Jyoti looking at Thrishul.
"To follow me, you must also be equally good dear... You were awesome" said Thrishul. "I've never had a partner like you" he added.
Jyoti's cheeks turned from pink to red....
Punya observed the unexplained desire in Jyoti's eyes.... Her thoughts went dramatic...
That night at the room after dinner... Punya called Prakruth to tell about her investigation.
"Hello my angel" said Prakruth
Punya chuckled...."I found something special today"
"Oh is it... I'm listening"...
"Tonight at campfire, Jyoti danced with Thrishul and it was epic" she said.
"Is it....? Did you miss me seeing them??" he asked.
"No...I saw"
Prakruth interrupted... "No... You didn't miss me???" he asked.
"That's not the matter.... I couldn't dance even if I wanted to..."
"Why? What happened??" he asked anxiously. Punya realized that she can't tell that she hurt her knee, she didn't want him to get tensed...hence she hid that and scowled... "Don't divert the topic, it's not about me or you... Listen"
"Ok.... Tell me"
"Thrishul and Jyoti were so comfortable with each other... Their moves were so perfect, I just couldn't take my eyes off them... They're like made for each other..." Punya went on explaining the way they danced....
Prakruth just hummed to her words...
"What do you think about them??" she asked at the end.
"What should I think??" he asked.
"Jyoti has some feelings for him, I want to encourage her to express them..." said Punya. Prakruth was shocked by her words.... He remembered Jyoti's request an year ago.... He couldn't respond immediately.
"Hello you there??" she asked.
"Yes I'm listening...." he said
"React idiot... I'm telling you about my friend's feelings and you don't want to react.... Thrishul needs a girl like her so he won't trouble me..." she sounded troubled.
"He troubles you?? Like what??" he asked.
Punya hesitated to tell the fact.... "Just Cousin trouble" she hushed.
"Punya you're hiding something from me..." blamed Prakruth.
"No nothing like that" she replied.
"Listen dear... Some things are better left untold... Don't try to replace Jyoti in your place" said Prakruth.
"In my place?? What do you mean???" asked Punya taken aback.
"Punya I know Thrishul loves you.... He can't find anyone else attractive when you're around, he'll hurt that person if forced. So leave the future to unfold itself..."
"You knew it??" asked Punya shocked.
"Yes... Jyoti also knows.... If not she would've approached him long back.."
"You mean she loves him and you know it....?? You've more secrets than me" she said.
"She told me long time ago but she doesn't want him now as he has feelings for you... And it's obvious right???" he asked
"Yes..." she sighed sadly.
Prakruth didn't want to disappoint her... "Punya we can do one thing, we can help Thrishul to grow feelings for her but gradually.... It will take time... It should look natural so she'll be able to get him herself. If she knows that we're trying to get them closer she'll go away from us too.. We'll lose a friend. She doesn't like pity... You know" he explained.
"You're right.... I like the way you analyze things and keep secrets.... But you should've told me" she lurked.
Prakruth chuckled "Is it a compliment or complaint???" he asked.
"Punya what are you doing?? Whom are you talking to??" asked Jyoti who walked in.
"Prakruth...." she blushed..
"You both patched up??" asked Jyoti.
"Yeah... How many more days should we fight...??" asked Punya.
"I didn't expect you to stay away this long too" said Jyoti grabbing her cellphone. "Hello Senior" she spoke over the phone..
"Hi Jyoti... How are you? How's trip?" asked Prakruth.
"So far so good" she smiled.
"Punya told me you danced with the most important person of your life" he teased.
Jyoti gave a stare at Punya and her cheeks turned red as she imagined the warmth of Thrishul's arms.... Punya shrugged.
"Jyoti are you dreaming???" asked Prakruth.
"No senior.... I'm here... Tell me"
"You should tell me how was it??" he teased her again.
"It was just a fire camp dance... Don't make a mountain out of a mole" she said.
"Salsa, Ballet and ball room style is casual fire camp dance huh???" he tossed questions at her....
"You've updated him completely... Take your phone... I won't talk to you both" she threw the phone at Punya and ran away....
Punya and Prakruth both burst out laughing.....