After bidding Dev and Rohan farewell, Arvika and Kavya made their way back to their dorms, the excitement of the upcoming Bollywood Glam Night still buzzing in Kavya, whereas Arvika nevertheless was mulling over because Kavya had signed them up for the 'Bollywood Glam Night' without even consulting her, WhatsApping their names to the respective organizing committee. Her frustration bubbled up, and she was about to unleash a rant on her friend when Kavya held up her hands in surrender.
"Okay, okay, I know I messed up," Kavya said quickly, trying to pacify Arvika before she erupted. "But listen, we can make this work. We'll get the props and costumes from our hostel mates. You know the seniors always have tons of stuff lying around, and they'll be more than happy to help us out. Also, you are excellent at dramatics, babe. Those expressions! I know you'd kill it."
Gritting her teeth, Arvika vented out, "Kavya! That was ages ago! I was just a school-goer at that time when I used to mimic actresses and even some actors. People will laugh at me. GOD!".
Sighing, Kavya made her sit on her bed and kneeled in front of her, taking her hands in hers, "Arvika, that's what even I am saying, no? We'll have 2-3 minutes to enact whatever scene we like of our favourite Bollywood movies."
Arvika settled onto her bed, bringing Kavya also on it as she turned to face Kavya. "Kavya," she began, her tone gentle but firm, "You realise this is college. I used to mimic in front of our friends only. Both are different, no?".
Kavya pouted, taking a cushion to rest her elbows, and said, "Yaar. Then move your ass and make some progress, and explore what potential you have within you by participating in these activities. Please, Boo. Please? Come on, please. If you do not participate, even I will not participate. Huh". And here goes the best emotional blackmailer award.
Arvika's huff softened slightly at the emotional blackmailing threat of her best friend. She knew Kavya was right; she needed to explore what potential she had within herself other than her academic l' habileté.
After a moment of contemplation, Arvika sighed, "Fine, but you owe me big time for this, Kavya."
"Haha, you bet," Kavya flashed a triumphant grin and kissed Arvika's cheeks, her mind already racing with plans on how to make their Bollywood Glam Night appearance unforgettable. She had managed to turn the situation around with her shrewdness of persuasion and she couldn't help but laugh evilly in her mind at her brilliance.
"Eww, what was that for?" Arvika groaned at the sloppy kiss, glaring at Kavya yet again.
"I couldn't give my baby a kiss because of the presence of the third wheelers, so thought of adjusting with you," Kavya laughed with an evil glint in her eyes, earning a thump on her shoulder from Arvika. "Don't be hanky panky with me, you idiot. I am not Rohan sir. Eww. Your thoughts, Kavya. Just yuck," Arvika shouted, with a scowl marring her features, she rubbed her cheeks off with a kerchief.
"Haha. Why not baby? Let me pacify you!". With a dramatic move, Kavya had just stood up to give another sloppy kiss to her best friend when they heard a knock on their door, ending their idiotic romantic banter.
"Har jagah Kabab me Haddi". Kavya rattled and got up to receive the person at their dorm's door, receiving another attack of a cushion at her bum.
(Third wheelers)
To their surprise, a group of first-year girls burst into the room, their faces flushed with excitement and anticipation.
"Kavya! Arvika! We've been searching everywhere for you two! Where were you!" one of the girls exclaimed, her voice filled with frenzy. "We need to finalize our roles for the Bollywood Glam Night!"
"We were in the cafeteria," Kavya answered and then grinned, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she replied, "Oh, you'll just have to wait and see what role I'll be playing. It's going to be a surprise!"
The other girls groaned in frustration, but Kavya just winked playfully, enjoying the suspense she was creating.
Arvika, ever the peacekeeper, gestured for the girls to sit on their beds, calming their frenzied energy. "Alright, let's take a moment to discuss," she said with a reassuring smile. "What roles do you all have in mind? We can brainstorm together and figure out something fantastic for each of you."
One of the girls turned to Arvika with a curious expression. "Arvika, what role are you playing? This Kavya is not going to share? At least you tell?" she asked eagerly.
Arvika chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "Actually, I'm still undecided," she admitted. "But there are so many iconic characters we could choose from! How about Geet from 'Jab We Met,' or Kamli from 'Dhoom 3'? There's also Pooh from 'K3G,' or Rani Padmavati from 'Padmaavat,' and of course, Mastani from 'Bajirao Mastani.'"
Before Arvika could continue, the girls erupted into excited chatter, each expressing their obsession with the character of Mastani. Debates and arguments broke out among them, with everyone clamouring to claim the role for themselves.
Arvika and Kavya couldn't help but laugh at their friends' childishness, exchanging amused glances as they watched the scene unfold.
Finally, Arvika suggested a solution. "Alright, how about this?" she proposed. "We write down each character on a chit of paper, and then we'll draw randomly to decide who gets which role. That way, it's fair for everyone."
The girls agreed eagerly, and soon they were all gathered around, drawing chits from a makeshift bowl. With excitement in the air, they unfolded their chits one by one, revealing the roles they would be playing for the Bollywood Glam Night.
Amidst cheers and laughter, each girl discovered her character, and with newfound enthusiasm, they began planning their transformations for the upcoming event, grateful for Arvika and Kavya's creative solution to their dilemma.
But Arvika was still left undecided.
****
After dinner, as Arvika and Kavya settled on their beds, the room was filled with a comfortable silence before Kavya suddenly spoke up. "You know, I've decided on my look for the Bollywood Glam Night," she confessed, a hint of mischief in her voice. "I'm going to be Monjolika, the chudail from 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa.'"
Arvika's eyebrows shot up in surprise, followed by a burst of laughter. "Monjolika? Seriously?" she exclaimed between giggles, struggling to contain her amusement at Kavya's unexpected choice.
Kavya rolled her eyes playfully. "Hey, don't underestimate the power of Monjolika's charisma! I'll rock that look, you just wait and watch."
"Kamine Mujhase Pucch Raha Hai Main Kaun Hoon, Main Manjulika." Arvika laughed heartily imitating one of the revered dialogues of Queen Monjolika. She couldn't help but tease Kavya, "Well, I guess you do have a certain eerie charm already."
Grinning, Kavya fired back, "And what about you, Arvika? Maybe you could be the chudail from '1920'."
(Witch)
Arvika laughed, shaking her head. "No way! I want a role that actually fits me, thank you very much. Tu to bachpan se hi chudail hai. Monjolika Kahin ki!"
(You have been a witch since childhood)
"What! I am a chudail! You Dayan! Let me vamoose you with my chudail skills then". With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Kavya began to playfully chant a gibberish mantra, waving her hands in the air as if casting a spell to vamoose Arvika. "Oooohh laa laa loo loo, abracadabra, vamoose Arvika!" she chorused, feigning the role of a real chudail.
Arvika couldn't help but burst into laughter at Kavya's antics, her chortles echoing through the room. "Oh please, spare me your chudail magic, you Queen of Chudail!" she exclaimed between giggles, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Unbeknownst to Kavya, Arvika had meticulously planned out her role for the Bollywood Glam Night, keeping it a closely guarded secret. With each passing moment, her excitement grew, imagining the look of surprise and delight on Kavya's face when she would reveal her character on the big day. Arvika pumped her fists in the air with a silent cheer, relishing the anticipation of the grand reveal. She couldn't wait to see Kavya's reaction and share in the joy of their carefully crafted transformations.
With another funny banter, finally, they sashayed their eyes to sleep, ready to embrace a new tomorrow with new challenges and even the precarious task of arranging props for their roles.
****
Kavya was anxiously preparing for her role as Monjolika in the upcoming Bollywood glam night. She knew the importance of looking the part, and the right costume was crucial. So, she decided to ask her hostel mates for some advice and maybe even borrow a costume. Just after her classes, she had ventured out to knock at the doors of her super sweet hostel mates, expecting someone to help her with the prop as well as some makeup. Fortunately, one of the seniors had agreed to lend her one of her exquisite yellow sari. Relieved and grateful, Kavya had thanked her profusely, feeling a wave of excitement for her role.
But right now, Kavya was on the brink of going berserk. Despite her relentless pestering, Arvika remained tight-lipped about her role in the upcoming college event. Each passing minute only fueled Kavya's frustration and curiosity further.
"Please tell? Why have you kept it a secret, man? Tell me? I am your best friend for god's sake!". Kavya exclaimed, her voice laced with desperation and plead, nonetheless, she got no attention from Arvika who was as nonchalant as a donkey. "Wait, are you going to play Barfi? A deaf and mute Darjeeling boy from the Barfi movie? Are you even hearing what am I saying? At least reply to me?" Kavya exclaimed for the second time and sighed heavily, feeling tired of her best friend's pigheadedness.
Kavya whispered, "Okay bye. I am going out. Don't tell me," her face crestfallen and voice choked, displaying her finest acting skills of a lone girl.
Arvika's next words halted her steps and sent Kavya's mind spiralling into chaos. "I need a golden-coloured shimmery dress for tomorrow. Do you think we could borrow one from one of our hostelmates?" she inquired casually.
Golden disco dress? Kavya's thoughts raced as she tried to make sense of the request. But then, it hit her like a lightning bolt. Laila! Arvika must be playing the iconic Laila from "Laila Main Laila" the sizzling item number that had taken the nation by storm.
The realization left Kavya dumbfounded, her mouth hanging open in shock. "Wait... are you... are you going to play that role? Laila?" she stammered, her mind struggling to comprehend the implications.
Arvika burst into laughter at Kavya's incredulous reaction, shaking her head in amusement. "Oh, Kavya, you crack me up! No, I'm not playing Laila," she replied, still chuckling at the misunderstanding, "Do you think the college would let me stay here anymore if I sashay my hips like a stripper! God!".
Relief flooded through Kavya, mixed with lingering bewilderment. "Phew! You really had me going there for a moment," she admitted, laughing at her own fervid imagination.
Arvika grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sorry to disappoint you, but my role is still a secret," she teased, leaving Kavya both exasperated and intrigued to ponder over the mystery once again.
"Okay, Arvika, how about this?" Kavya suggested, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "If you tell me your secret role, I'll give you the golden dress you need for the play. I actually have a golden shimmery dress."
Arvika's lips curled into an evil smile, her eyes filled with amusement. "Nice try, Kavya," she chuckled, shaking her head. "But remember, you owe me big time for convincing me to take part in this competition yesterday"
Kavya groaned, remembering the prolonged ordeal she had endured for Arvika's participation. "Fine, fine, you win," she relented, rolling her eyes. "But seriously, tell me your role already!"
With a playful wink, Arvika assured Kavya that all would be revealed in due time. "Patience, my dear friend. All in good time," she teased, before disappearing into the washroom, leaving Kavya to stew in anticipation once again.
****
The auditorium was transformed into a dazzling spectacle for the much-anticipated "Bollywood Glam Night." Colourful drapes adorned the walls, twinkling fairy lights cast a warm glow over the stage, and intricate floral arrangements added a touch of elegance to the venue. Excitement buzzed in the air as students eagerly gathered, their eyes sparkling with anticipation for a night filled with music, dance, and drama.
As this event wasn't a typical school function where strict supervision was required, there was a noticeable absence of professors in the audience. Instead, the cultural committee and student heads had taken charge, assuring a night of youthful exuberance and creativity. A select group of seniors from the cultural committee and the student body took on the important role of judges for the event. With their experience and expertise in various aspects of performing arts, they were entrusted with the task of evaluating the performances and selecting the most outstanding talents of the night.
For many freshers, the "Bollywood Glam Night" presented a golden opportunity to showcase their talents and make a lasting impression on their peers. It was a chance to step out of their comfort zones, unleash their inner performers, and perhaps even catch the eye of various extracurricular activity clubs scouting for new members.
Inside the green room, a lively atmosphere enveloped the girls and boys as they prepared for their performances. Laughter mingled with excitement as they exchanged compliments and admired each other's outfits and props. Some of the boys had chosen the most hilarious roles and props, which elicited uproarious laughter from everyone present.
Among them, Kavya's Monjolika look became an instant highlight, drawing amused chuckles and playful teasing from her friends. With exaggerated gestures and a comically serious expression, Kavya hammed it up, fully embracing the absurdity of her character. Even she couldn't help but dissolve into laughter at her own over-the-top portrayal, her silly antics filling the room.
Meanwhile, Arvika remained focused on her own preparations, her attention divided between donning her dress and perfecting her performance. As she meticulously adjusted her outfit and rehearsed her lines one final time, Arvika couldn't help but feel a rush of nerves mingled with exhilaration. Tonight was their moment to shine, and she was determined to make it count.
As Arvika emerged from the girls' makeup room, dazzling in the golden disco dress that Kavya had provided, with her hair styled in glamorous waves and her makeup flawlessly done, she looked every bit the Bollywood diva. Kavya couldn't help but stare in awe along with other students as Arvika twirled around, a radiant smile lighting up her face. "Wow, Arvika, you look amazing!" she exclaimed, genuinely impressed by her friend's transformation.
"Ab to bata de," Kavya pleaded to Arvika for the last time but again got defeated, her mind going berserk over Arvika's obstinacy once again. "You call Dev Bhaiya a Pig, you unquestionably are a Pig because of your pigheadedness," Kavya whispered to herself and sat on the sofa, anticipating the event while Arvika chuckled beside her.
****
With cheerful voices, the anchors announced the start of the Bollywood Glam Night. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the most awaited event of the year, the Bollywood glam night!" Their words echoed through the auditorium, signalling the beginning of an evening filled with music, dance, and fun. The audience erupted in excitement, hooting and clapping enthusiastically, eager for the festivities to commence.
As they continued to speak, their words became a melody, dancing through the air and igniting the audience's imagination. "Get ready to be dazzled by the shimmering outfits, mesmerized by the enchanting performances, and swept away by the allure of the silver screen," they exclaimed, their excitement sky-rocketing.
With each word, they built anticipation, teasing the delights that lay ahead and promising a night to remember. "So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to a world where dreams take flight and the stars shine brighter than ever before. Here comes our first performer of the night, Ritika Singh from ECE 1st year as Kamli from Dhoom 3, please give a huge round of applause to her," they finished, their voices loud and exciting.
As the anchors' voices faded into the background, the spotlight spun with precision, converging on the centre of the stage where Ritika stood poised like a queen. In a synchronized dance with the music, the lights dimmed gradually in the rest of the auditorium, creating an aura of intimacy and eagerness. The opening notes of "Kamli" pierced the air, and Ritika's body became a shaking source of allurement, her hips swaying in perfect rhythm, each movement a symphony of grace and precision. Hoots and cheers erupted from the spectators, particularly the boys, whose admiration echoed through the auditorium like thunder.
"Woah, that was one hell of a performance. If Katrina Kaif were here tonight, even she would be green with envy witnessing Ritika's electrifying execution of 'Kamli'! Ritika's moves are setting the stage on fire!" the anchor commented, his words, laced with humour and admiration, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience.
Following Ritika's captivating performance, the stage continued to be a canvas for Bollywood magic as other participants took their turn to shine. From the endearing charm of Barfi to the comedic antics of Munna Bhai and his loyal Circuit, laughter and applause filled the air. The stage was then illuminated by the comedic brilliance of Babu Rao from 'Phir Hera Pheri' with his world-famous punch line, "Ye Babu Rao ka style hai", followed by the stoic presence of Thakur from 'Sholay' who commanded respect with his unwavering resolve. The dynamic duo of Jai and Veeru from the same classic film brought nostalgia and excitement, their "Ye Dosti hum nahi todenge" lighting up the stage, followed by the regal elegance of Akbar from 'Jodha Akbar' and the unearthly beauty of Mastani from 'Bajirao Mastani', along with a plethora of different characters from the history of Bollywood.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for a performance like no other! Please join us in welcoming the enchanting Kavya as she graces the stage in the bewitching avatar of....! Let's just see it already!" The words echoed with anticipation, drawing all eyes to the entrance, where Kavya stood poised in the darkness to captivate the audience with her portrayal.
Among the eager crowd, Dev was noticeably absent. He was invested in a mountain of paperwork; the documents before him were the bond agreements from Intel, the culmination of his aspirations to work at his dream company. The "Bollywood Glam Night" awaited, a celebration of talent and enthusiasm, yet Dev was hitched to his desk, pen in hand. As his phone buzzed incessantly with missed calls and urgent messages from Rohan, Dev's heart sank. Arvika's and Kavya's performances, moments he wouldn't dare miss, were nearing, but he remained trapped in the grip of paperwork. With a determined resolve, Dev hastily completed the final signature and dashed towards the auditorium, hoping to make it in time to witness the magic unfold on stage.
As the captivating melody of 'Ami Je Tomar"' filled the auditorium, suddenly, from the shadows emerged Kavya, her presence exuding an ethereal aura as she mirrored the exact look as well as graceful classical steps of Monjolika from 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'. Gasps of admiration and even horror filled the air as the crowd witnessed her uncanny resemblance to the iconic character.
Rohan gawked in astonishment as Kavya appeared on stage, mirroring the ghostly look of Monjolika. His heart raced with a mix of fear and fascination, his grip tightening on his phone, ready to shatter it in panic. Only his reflexes prevented disaster as he nearly dropped the device in shock at the sight before him. "Damn Kavya," he cursed under his breath, capturing his Bhootni girlfriend's graceful steps on his device, breathing in awe.
The audience erupted into hoots and cheers, their excitement blatant as Kavya embarked on her mesmerizing performance. With each graceful step, she transported the audience into the mystical world of Monjolika, her portrayal met with thunderous applause and adoration.
As Kavya's performance reached its end, even the experienced anchors found themselves spellbound by her mesmerizing portrayal of Monjolika. Their eyes widened in awe as if they were watching the real Monjolika, Kavya's every movement weaving a spell over the audience. The crowd, caught in the reins of her enchantment, erupted into a frenzy of excitement, chanting "Once more, once more!" in unison, their voices echoing throughout the auditorium.
Unable to contain their admiration, the anchors joined in the applause, their voices resonating through the microphone as they hailed Kavya's performance. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up once again for the incredible Kavya! What an absolutely breathtaking performance! I really believed for once that Monjolika has come to life once again!" The audience erupted into a thunderous applause, their cheers reverberating throughout the auditorium.
****
As the night drew to a close, the anticipation in the auditorium reached a fever pitch. With a sense of finality hanging in the air, the anchors stepped forward, their voices carrying a mix of excitement and nostalgia. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the grand finale, the last performance of this unforgettable evening, the last but not the least. Please give a huge round of applause for Arvika Arya, from ECE 1st year," they announced, their words resonating with the crowd.
With a mischievous twinkle in their eye, the anchor couldn't resist a playful jab, teasing the crowd with a well-timed joke. "Yes, folks, it's the same Arvika who once had the privilege of dancing with our esteemed college's student president, Dev Kapoor!" The mention of Dev's name sparked a flurry of hoots, applause, and whistles from the crowd, who delighted in the playful banter.
Just then, from the rear stairs, Dev emerged, having finally completed all the paperwork, his eyes scanning the stage with curiosity. As Arvika stepped into the spotlight, adorned in a ravishing golden shimmer dress and holding a prop in her hands, the atmosphere crackled with excitement.
Dev's breath caught in his throat as he beheld Arvika in such a stunning guise for the first time. Shock and awe mingled in his expression, a sense of disbelief washing over him. It felt as though she had dressed solely to enchant him, each detail was meticulously chosen to allure him. At that moment, he felt a simmering fire surge around him, as if the universe had conspired to bring them together under......
"Fuck," Dev swore as his gaze lingered on her figure, his eyes inadvertently drawn to her cleavage, visible even from a distance. A momentary shock registered on his face as he realized that the revealing attire was not just for him, but for the entire audience to witness.
****
So....?
*giving a sheepish smile*
What do you think is going to happen?
Will Dev stop the performance and pull her towards a corner to reprimand her for her alluring attire? Or, will he let the onlookers stare at his beloved?