Chapter 20: Practice and Unspoken Feelings
The ground felt different that day.
Not like a normal college day.
There was energy.
Noise.
Excitement.
And somewhere—
a little tension too.
Because today was the first day of practice.
Group A
Abhi reached early.
He looked around.
Then saw her.
Swati.
She was already there.
For a moment, both just stood.
Not knowing how to start.
Then Abhi took a step forward.
"Hi."
Swati looked at him.
"Hi."
Simple.
But not distant.
That itself felt like progress.
Soon, Priyanka and Aditya joined.
"Looks like we're all on time," Priyanka said.
Aditya smirked slightly.
"That's rare."
They all smiled a little.
The awkwardness slowly started fading.
Practice Begins
"Let's decide roles first," Aditya said.
Everyone agreed.
They started discussing.
Moving.
Trying.
Messing up.
Laughing.
At one point, Swati almost lost balance—
and Abhi quickly held her.
"Careful."
For a second—
they froze.
Eye contact.
Then Swati slowly stepped back.
"I'm fine."
But her voice was softer now.
Not cold.
Small Moments
Priyanka and Aditya were practicing together.
Coordinated.
Natural.
Like they already understood each other.
"Left," Aditya said.
"I know," Priyanka replied.
"You're still late."
"You're annoying."
But she smiled.
And he noticed.
From a distance, Abhi saw them.
Then looked at Swati.
Something in his mind connected.
But he stayed quiet.
A Comment
On the other side, Group B was also practicing nearby.
Lavesh looked at Priyanka and Aditya.
Then grinned.
"Don't you think they already look like a couple?"
Aditi followed his gaze.
"Kind of… yeah."
Poonam smiled lightly.
Ayush didn't say anything.
But he noticed.
Everyone did.
Priyanka heard it.
Got slightly awkward.
Aditya didn't react.
But inside—
something shifted.
Group B
"Focus here," Aditi said.
Lavesh saluted dramatically.
"Yes, ma'am."
She rolled her eyes.
But smiled.
They practiced together.
Argued.
Helped each other.
And somewhere—
got comfortable.
Ayush's Side
Poonam was discussing something with Upendra.
Laughing.
Explaining.
Ayush watched.
Again.
Same feeling.
But this time—
he didn't walk away.
He stepped closer.
"We should divide tasks properly," he said.
All three looked at him.
Poonam smiled.
"Yeah, that makes sense."
That one smile—
was enough to keep him there.
Even if it hurt a little.
Ending Scene
Practice ended.
Everyone was tired.
But it felt good.
Like something had started.
As they were leaving—
Priyanka was talking to Abhi.
Just casually.
Laughing at something.
Aditya saw it.
His expression changed slightly.
Not obvious.
But enough.
He looked away.
But his jaw tightened.
Because something inside him—
didn't like it.
Not at all.
And for the first time—
he felt it clearly.
Jealousy.