Project Heart(h) ✓

Chapter Thirty One

"Priti is right." Grandma took a seat near the fire, next to Junak. Asha sat on a stool in front of her. "We can't keep dwelling on the past."

Except, Junak could. It was all he ever did. The past made him him and, with his record of fucking things up, it made him an absolute fuck-up.

It was good Dikhou left before he could see that side of Junak.

"Aiyo, kids, come on. It's not the end of the world."

Niribili mustered a small smile. "Thanks, aita."

"No, I mean it. How will you live if you give up every time someone says a few harsh words, huh?" Grandma realised Banhi did not understand so she said, in rusty Hindi, "Haar maat mano." Don't give up.

Banhi beamed. Even Niribili had an honest smile this time as she turned to look at Junak. He wasn't sure what she saw in him – her broken, pathetic, weak as fuck friend who was more of a burden than anything? Yet, when she spoke, it was like she was talking to a Junak who had his shit together. "We'll have to alter the script, but... do you think we can still do it?"

She asked him. Him. He, who had created this utter mess. He, who had dragged his friends here, then completely disregarded their work to chase after a whimsical romance with their lead musician. He, who had yelled at Niribili when she tried to talk sense into him. He, who did not deserve their kindness.

"Come on, Jun," Banhi added.

"I don't–" He had to clear his throat to steady his voice. "How?"

Niribili sat upright, her hair falling like a curtain behind her. "Let's do a damage check."

Lovely.

"We don't have dancers but we've still got Megha and Prapti," Niribili pointed at the two women who dipped their heads in acknowledgement.

"Who don't know how to dance Bihu," Junak pointed out.

Niribili bit her lower lip. "We need someone to teach them Bihu but–"

"Did you say teach Bihu?" Priti asked from where she sat on a low stool beside Grandma.

Niribili nodded.

"You mean, the general dance that we do?"

"Um. Yeah..."

Priti blinked at them, then laughed. "Bor-ma, they're having such a serious discussion over needing someone to teach them Bihu," she told Junak's grandmother who incredulously shook her head.

Junak frowned, as did his friends.

"Why, I can teach you!" Priti said.

Niribili lit up with excitement. "Really?"

"I'm offended you look so surprised. Back in my day, I was the best dancer around. Tell them, bor-ma."

"Oh yes," Grandma nodded enthusiastically.

"And," Priti smirked and rested a hand on the old woman's knee, "if you need women to dance Bihu, you can ask your aita too."

"Aiyo!" Grandma tried to hide behind her teacup, grinning and blushing.

Junak's jaw fell open. His brother chuckled.

"What are you laughing at, young man?" Priti challenged. "Ask your aita. I've heard stories about how all the men fell swooning at her feet."

Everyone let out a choked noise of approval. Niribili smiled behind her hands and translated it for Banhi who whooped and said, "Go, aita."

Grandma playfully hit Priti on the head but did not deny her claim.