“Then what is?” His tone wasn't aggressive, but it was piercingly direct.
“This isn’t just about dancing, Abhiraj.”
He stepped closer, not too close. “Then what is it about?” he asked softly. “You need the money.”
I stayed silent.
“You need a partner.”
Still, I couldn't find the words.
“And you are running out of time.”
Every word hit like a physical weight. I closed my eyes. He was right, and that was the most terrifying part.
“I don’t mix my personal and professional life,” I said, a last-ditch effort to regain control.
Abhiraj let out a short, almost amused breath. “This isn’t personal.”
“It *will* become personal.”
His gaze sharpened. “Only if you make it so.”
“You’re very sure of yourself,” I whispered.
“I don't make offers unless I'm certain of the outcome.” He paused, then added casually, “I’ve won multiple international titles, Kavya. We won’t lose.”
I couldn't tell if it was confidence or pure arrogance. Probably both. My grip tightened on my phone as my mind spun. Saurav. Kirti. The ticking clock. The money. It was all colliding. This wasn't just a signature on a contract; it was a line in the sand. And I knew that once I crossed it, there was no turning back.
“...I need time,” I said quietly.
Abhiraj nodded once, releasing my hand. “Take it. But don’t take too long. Your sister doesn't have the luxury of waiting.”
_______
Chapter 32
KAVYA
The night returned, heavy and suffocating. I sat on the edge of my bed, phone clutched in my hand, staring at the competition page. My mind was a chaotic blur of heart surgery, donors, and a relentless three-month deadline. I felt a desperate urge to rip the thoughts from my head and throw them away.
My gaze shifted to the screen. Saurav’s name stared back at me. All it would take was one call. One conversation to tell him the truth. I could tell him how my father had abused me since childhood, how he’d forced me to file that complaint against him, and how he’d threatened my sister’s life. I could explain her heart condition and the crushing weight of the medical bills.
Surely, he would understand. But the "what-ifs" surged like a tide. What if he didn't believe me? What if he called me a gold digger again? What if the truth only pushed him further away? Worst of all, if my father found out I’d spoken, he would hurt my sister.
“God!” I groaned. “I don’t have time to explain this pain,” I whispered to the empty room.
The phone buzzed, vibrating against my palm. It was Saurav. I took a breath and accepted the video call, forcing a smile onto my face.
“Did I disturb you?” He frowned, studying my expression. “Wait…” He leaned closer to the camera. “Have you been crying, Kavya?”
“No. Why would you think that?” I said, rolling my eyes to hide the sting in them.
“You don’t look like yourself,” he said, his voice dropping. “Are you worried about me going on the mission tomorrow?”
“No,” I snapped, my irritation a shield for my fear.
“Don’t worry, I’m not leaving you for good. I’ll be back soon, cutie.” He smiled, and for a moment, a flicker of warmth touched my heart.