The Nine Nights !

Chapter 1 : The first night!

She fastened the silver earing, smoothed her dupatta (a long scarf) and stepped back to look at herself. She bid goodbye to her parents and stepped out, excited for the night. Her friends came to pick her up in their car.

Every year there was a large celebration of garba at there university campus grounds. 

As they entered the campus, five of them - Era, Formi, Helly, Saniya, Anaya, the dhol (double headed drum) echoed through the air, syncing with the hum of voices, laughter and the sharp clink of dandiyas striking together. The air was alive with the sounds of dhol and laughter.

Nine nights of Navratri meant nine nights of music, colors and endless energy. Era had always loved this time of year - the chaos, the togetherness, the way everyone seemed to leave their worries at home. Soon the group spun to life. Swirling skirts, clapping hands, the rhythm of sticks striking in harmony. She lost herself  in the  steps, twirling, laughing, moving with the crowd.

And then it happened.

Across the circle, just for a moment, her eyes stopped on him. The music, the voices, even the rhythm - everything slowed down. She was so engrossed that she stepped on her friend's foot and lost her balance. She again looked up but he was gone out of her sight.

Chapter 2 : The second night!

On the second night of garba, as usual her group slipped into their circle clapping and stepping in sync. There were more people here than yesterday.

And just then, Anaya, from her group spotted her school friend who then called their group to play with them. And there he was walking towards them, the same guy from yesterday.

He was right there, closer than before.

Soon the groups merged, the circle wider now, their steps weaving together like threads in the same fabric. She found herself opposite him once, twice, then again. Each time she came opposite to him, her heart beat fastened, she got a little nervous.

And for the first time, she realized, Navratri wasn't just about playing garba, it was also about who you danced beside.

Chapter 3: The third night!

The campus ground looked softer tonight. The memory of yesterday's dance still lingered, it instantly brought a smile on her face. She was excited for today. Her eyes scanned the crowd and there he was standing among his group. He caught her looking. He smiled. Her smile grew wider.

The dhol (double-faced drum) picked up and soon the circle formed again. But unlike the first two nights, she found herself drawn across to his side, their steps syncing naturally.

Clap, turn and strike, his dandiya met hers in perfect rhythm, each strike carrying a playful edge, like an unspoken conversation.

"You are good at this", he said during a spin.

Surprised, she replied, "I should be saying that to you".

The circle pull them apart, then back again, and each time they met, the conversation continued.

"What's your name?" He asked.

"Era", she replied and then asked , "Yours?".

"Aman".

Chapter four: The fourth night!

The ground buzzed louder than ever. The group came together and moved along the beats. Era left the circle to get water. As she turned around holding the glass of water, she bumped onto Aman. All the water from the glass, splashed on her waters!

"I am so sorry" said Aman.

"Its fine! its fine!" said Era. She started wiping the water away with her hands.

"I will like to stand at the side for sometime" Era said.

"Why" asked Aman while filling up his cup with water.

"Maybe these clothes will dry in sometime, it seems windy tonight" said Era.

"Let me accompany you then" said Aman.

Both walked to the side until they spotted a place to sit, where they could see people dancing. They sat side by side, looking up at the sky. For a while neither of them spoke. The silence wasn't awkward but comforting.

"Garba (style of dancing) is more fun to watch sometimes" Aman said while looking at the crowd in front of them.

"True" she agreed.

They kept pointing out silly moments and laughed. Era realized in that moment that how easy it felt to talk with him.

Chapter five: The fifth night!

The night air was cooler and dust kicked up from the garba ground. The group had a blast. Today the girls didn't bring their cars, they came by train. So while leaving they got lifts from their friends. Era and her friend Formi got a ride from Aman. After dropping Formi it was just Era and Aman in the car. Half way through, he slowed down and stopped near a roadside stall where the steam of boiling milk and the smell of coffee beans filled the air.

"Lets have coffee, yeah?" asked Aman.

" Yeah, I guess" replied Era, quiet nervously.

The yellow tube light flickered above them as the vendor poured frothy coffee into steel tumblers. He got a call and he moves away to attend the call. When he came back he seemed a little tense.

"Are you okay?" asked Era, concerned.

"Yeah" he murmured. 

He stared at the steam rising from his cup, his voice lower when he spoke,

"You know people think I'm always happy. Like I don't care about anything. But that is just because I don't talk about the hard stuff" his voice rising at the end.

She turned towards him, sensing the shift. He continued, fingers tightening around the cup,

"Whenever something goes wrong I shut down. I stop talking. I start ghosting people till I figure out my shit and my girlfriend, she doesn't understands it. She thinks I am pushing her out because i don't trust her enough or that I don't love her enough to share my life with her. And now she wants to break up with me, like its so easy for her to say that" he kept on rambling out this frustration.

But Era was shocked, she stopped listening after hearing the word girlfriend. He has a girlfriend! A freaking girlfriend ! 

"You have a girlfriend" she asked without any emotions, very slowly.

" Yeah, her name is Evara. We are in a long distance relationship" he said.

His phone lit up again, he ignored it and kept staring at the sky and sipped his coffee.

"What do you think, Era, of all this" he asked.

Era didn't know what she should be saying right now. Just a few moments ago she was happy that he was sharing his struggles with her, sharing a side of his. Her mind went back to today's garba and the all the other nights they have played garba together. All those moments. Suddenly she grew jealous of the girlfriend she didn't even knew.

Honestly she wanted to say that, " You think hiding your struggles from the person you love makes you seem like a good man. But no , buddy you are so wrong here. If you care, show it. Communication is everything in a relationship. Its totally your fault that you made her feel so left out from your life".

But no. For the first time in her life she doesn't speak her mind. Jealousy makes you nasty man! Sometimes even good people need a break from their goodness.

" I think she is overreacting, She should be a little considerate towards you and respect your choices sometimes" she said without looking into his eyes.

"Exactly" he said, looking really very tried.

"Sorry to rant out all my problems to you , so not cool" he said, feeling sorry.

"I don't mind, really " she replied, smiling slightly.

"Thank you. Lets drop you home" he said while smiling.

She nodded.

That night when she got home, she slammed the door shut, collapsed on her bed and stared at the ceiling. The smile she had worn all day broke apart.

Chapter six: The sixth night!

The next morning, Era had just woken up, having breakfast. A knock at the door at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. When she opened the door, she was surprised.

"You!" Era gasped. 

"Yay! me !" replied the person standing in front of Era.

Era smiled , " God! you are here at the perfect time. I really needed my best-friend with me right now" Era hugged her best-friend.

Evara, her best-friend, greets everyone and then both the girls rush to Era's room. 

Before Era could say anything, Evara spoke,

"I...I just don't think my relationship is going to last. I am really very tried from fighting with him all the time" muttered Evara.

"God! this is awful" thought Era. She had never seen Evara more happy and their relationship was also so perfect. That's what she could think after hearing all the time their stories and how they met.

 

"Honey, tell me in detail, I want to hear everything" said Era, giving her full attention to her best-friend.

"So this way, its like he is never there with me. Like I don't matter. I want to be a part of his life. Man, i am so screwed !" Evara said on the verge of tears.

"No! No! Honey! God forget everything. You just need a break and then we will talk about your shitty boyfriend who made you cry!" said Era while hugging her best-friend.

"But he is not shitty" said Evara while crying.

"God! girl you are really screwed" said Era and both the girls started laughing and with that laughter, for sometime at least, they forgot their problems.

The garba ground was alive with colors and music, dhols beating, laughter echoing under the festival lights. She tugged at Evara's hand, eager to distract her best-friend from her sadness.

"See" Era shouted over the music, " this is exactly what you needed."

For a while it worked. They danced, spun, clapped and laughed, their worries dissolving into the rhythm of the crowd.

"Hey, you told me you were gonna make me meet someone special" said Evara while clapping and moving forward.

"Yeah, he is running a bit late, I guess" replied Era, while looking around.

Suddenly, her best-friend froze looking past her. Her steps faltered and her smile faded.

"Aman " said Evara, somewhat confused. Era got confused and turned around. Era had a smile on her face when she saw Aman coming. She turned towards Evara to tell her about Aman being the "special one " but before she could say anything she saw Evara walking towards Aman while telling " He is my boyfriend Aman , what is he doing here."

Aman also walked towards Evara looking confused and surprised seeing his girlfriend here. They both hugged each other , then they went aside , away from Era's sight. At that moment Era realized that her best-friend's boyfriend "Aman" and her "Aman " are same . 

Her chest tightened, the voice of garba fading into a dull roar in her ears. She felt dizzy, like ground had shift from under her feet's. Just then Era heard her friends calling her over to continue playing garba.

Era was standing with her friends at the beverage stands when Evara came rushing towards her.

"Lets go" said Evara.

"Wait , what happened" asked Era.

"I just want to go home" replied Evara.

"But what happened" once again Era asked.

"I will tell you everything but first lets just go from here" said Evara and Era couldnt deny anymore looking at the desperation in her best-friend's eyes. Evara took Era's hand and started fast-walking towards Era's car. 

Era heard Aman's voice shouting Evara's name. Evara didn't stop or turn around. But Era did and saw how defeated Aman looked. And her jealousy came back.

When they came home, they went straight to Era's room. Evara sat on the bed and Era followed behind.

"What happened there?" asked Era.

"He was being very difficult. He started to say how I am over-reacting and being inconsiderate towards him. Like , oh my god! I cant take this anymore, how can he say such things." Evara started crying.

Era hugged her best-friend, she was feeling a bit guilty. Those words he uttered to Evara were somewhere her fault, thought Era. Evara's phone rang, it was Aman. Evara went aside to talk with him. When she came back she seemed somewhat better than before.

" He said he is sorry" said Evara, " I guess if we just talk it all out it will get better but talking has become so difficult for us" Evara heaved a sign.

Era nodded. She didn't know how to feel. Her evil side was overpowering on her and she was somewhere hoping that they would break it off and then she might get her chance but feeling this way was making her feel a lot more worse. 

Both went to bed that night ,  each having their own chaos of thoughts.

Chapter seven : The seventh night!

The garba ground glittered brighter than ever - rows of diyas flickering, the beats faster, the air charged with celebration.

Era came alone today. Evara stayed at home. She had also cancelled initially but then Evara persuaded her. So now here she was.

Somewhere in between the night, her eyes found Aman, who was standing at sides, lost in this own thoughts. She went near him,

"Hey!" said Era.

"Hey" said Aman coming out of his thoughts.

"She didn't come?" said Aman after a pause.

"Yeah ....she was exhausted you know" said Era, unsure of what to say.

"Who would have thought Evara would turn out to be your best-friend" said Aman after a long pause.

"Yeah " said Era.

" Honestly, I don't know how much longer this can go on. Everytime we talk, its just another fight!" said Aman.

She swallowed, her jealousy rising like fire in her chest. She wanted to say," Good. Leave her. Be with me"

"Maybe ......maybe that's a sign, you know?" she said, " if it feels like more pain than happiness......maybe it is not meant to last" said Era.

He frowned, glancing at her, "You think so?"

Her stomach twisted. She wasn't this person, she wasn't the kind to push wedges between two people!

She smile faintly, " Sometimes letting go is better than holding onto something broken. I mean I don't want to see Evara anymore in this state. And even you, Aman. I want all good things for both of you."

He fell silent, watching the dancers spin around them. But then he signed and said quietly,

"Maybe you're right."

Chapter eight : The eighth night!

Era came home late last night. Without uttering a word to anyone she went straight to bed. When she woke up in the morning, She saw Evara sitting on her desk chair - eyes swollen, cheeks stained with dried tears.

"Evara! ..... what happened?" said Era, rubbing her eyes and going beside Evara, instantly. The moment Era asked, the dam broke.

"He ended it Era.....Aman.......broke up with me" Evara looked at Era with tears in her eyes. Era froze. Seeing her bestfriend so broken, guilt clawed at her chest. Evara clutched her hand, desperate, " He said we don't work anymore. That we'd just hurting each other. I tried....Era, I tried so hard" Evara's voice cracked.

 Era's throat tightened. The sight of her bestfriend breaking apart was unbearable. She slid closer, wrapping an arm around Evara, " Listen to me" Era said firmly, though her own heart was trembling, " If he couldn't see your worth then maybe he was never meant for you. You don't deserve to cry like this. You deserve someone who chooses you, always!" 

Evara shook her head, tears spilling faster, " But I love him, Era. I don't know how to stop !"

"Then you'll learn. Sometimes......sometimes letting go is the only way to protect yourself. Forget him, Evara" Era held Evara tight, staring at the wall with eyes that betrayed her own choice - choice of becoming selfish.

The garba ground glowed brighter than ever - lanterns swaying in the breeze, the crowd alive with claps and twirls. But Era felt no joy in the air, her mind was heavy with Evara's tears from the morning.

She stood at the edge of the crowd, lost in her own thoughts.

"Era?" She turned....and there he was. Aman. His face carried a tried smile, but his eyes looked restless.

"Why you standing here?" asked Aman.

"Hey!" said Era, " How have yo...."

"I'm fine" he cut in quickly, "c'mon, lets dance!" he went and joined the circle.

But Era doesn't follow him. Standing at the edge of the crowd, Era watched Aman dance half-heartedly - the sparkle in his eyes was gone, every spin looked heavy, forced.

Aman and Evara , both of them were crumbling right in front of her eyes.

A small selfish voice inside whispered, " This is what you wanted! He'll be free soon! He'll turn to you!" 

But in that moment, when she looked at Aman, the look he had, it wasn't the look of someone ready to leave. Their love, Aman and Evara's love, was - raw, desperate and painful.

Her chest tightened. For first time, guilt swallowed her whole. 

Every subtle nod when her bestfriend said , " Maybe he doesn't care anymore"

Every hint she dropped when she told him, "Maybe its time to let go"

It all came back to her, heavier than the dhol beats pounding in the night.

She had tried to break them. But no matter how much she wanted him, she couldn't deny it anymore that he wasn't hers to keep. He still loved her bestfriend and she knew her bestfriend still loved him too.

Era blinked hard, but her vision still blurred. The traffic lights ahead glowed red, and as she stopped, a couple crossed the street, laughing and holding hands. This sight pierced through her chest like a blade. Her fingers clenched tighter around the wheel. She hated herself for hoping to push them apart. For once, she had been selfish and now she could see how much damage it had caused.

The green light blinked on. She pressed the acceleration, the car gliding through empty roads. By the time she pulled into her driveway, her chest felt heavier than the night sky itself. She shut the car door, locked it and trudged upstairs.

She pushed open her bedroom door and paused. On the floor near the cupboard, two suitcases stood zipped and ready. A handbag perched on top. On her bed, Evara lay curled up under the blanket.

Era's throat tightened. She closed the door behind her gently, not wanting to disturb her. For a long moment, she just stood there, staring at the packed bags.

Era slowly sat on the edge of the bed, and glanced at her bestfriend. A wave of guilt swept through her. She knew, at least in part, that she had helped push them further apart. Her jealousy and her silence at the wrong moments.....all of it had chipped away something that was never hers to break.

She lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Her mind not filled with just guilt but a decision.

She couldn't let Evara leave like this. 

Not without trying to fix what she had broken.  

Chapter nine - The last night!

Era hadn't slept a wink all night. She couldn't sit still anymore. So she drove aimlessly until she found herself parked near Aman's house. She called Aman, " Hey, come down right now." and before Aman could say anything, she disconnected the call.

Aman came running towards her, "What the he.."

"You're stupid." said Era. 

Aman blinked taken aback, "What!"

"You're stupid" she repeated," You love her and you're just letting her go, without fighting, without proving, without holding on. Do you even know what you're losing!"

Aman looked away, his jaw tightening, "She doesn't want me anymore."

"That's not true." Era's voice broke, "She cried herself to sleep last night. Maybe....maybe you're just too blind to see that  she still wants you." Era continued after a pause, "You think hiding away, ghosting everyone when things get hard is the only way to deal with problems! But no Aman. When you love someone, you don't hide yourself from them. All your perfections and imperfections are there's. They have the right to be part of them....of your struggles." Era took a deep breath and continued, "Once you let people in, Aman, you will be stunned to see how problems don't even look like problems. Because may whatever happen, you will always have your people with you. And if people leave you at your worst than they aren't your people and I know Evara wont leave you at your lowest. I can promise you that, if you're scared about that."

He stared at her stunned. And then Era laughed bitterly, shaking her head, "You know what the worst part is...? I.....I liked you. I kept telling myself maybe, maybe if things were different....but I know. You'll never look at me that way. You never could. Because your heart, it always belonged to her!"

The words hung in the air. Aman stared at her, speechless. His eyes softened, guilt and sympathy flickering in them......but no spark of love. Era saw it clearly and for once .....she didn't rum away.

After their charged conversation, Aman followed Era to her car without a word. The silence between them was thick, heavy with what she had just confessed.

They reached Era's house. She pushed open the door quickly, her heart racing, "Evara!" she called, rushing towards her room.

The suitcases that had sat by the cupboard last night were gone!

"Mom!" shouted Era, " Where is Evara?"

"She left already. She was looking for you. Where had you gone so early in the morning?" said her mother, coming out of the kitchen.

Just then, Era's phone pinged!

"Mom I will tell you everything later, promise....bye !" said Era.

"Era wait....!" shouted her mother but Era kept running. Going back to her car, she started the engine. Aman, from the passenger seat, asked Era, "Where.....what are you doing, where is Evara?"

"She had already left for the airport, I just got her msg!" 

Aman's eyes met hers. In that brief exchange, they both knew what had to be done now.

Era parked her car and both rushed towards the entrance. They spotted Evara in the crowd.

"Evara!" Aman's voice rang out, desperate.

Evara turned. Her suitcase slipped from her hand as Aman reached her and pulled her into his arms.

 They lung to each other, talking, apologizing, relief spilling out in tears and trembling smiles!

Era stopped a few steps away. The scene stabbed at her heart. She wanted to cry, wanted to run, wanted to scream........anything but stand there and watch.

"You should look away"

Era turned startled. A boy stood there, hands in his pockets, a travel bag slunged across his shoulders. His gaze calming and knowing.

"What?" she whispered, blinking back tears. 

He nodded towards the couple, "Somethings.......they're not yours to hold. The longer you watch , the more it will hurt!"

Era was offended by this stranger. She scoffed and said, "You should mind your own business! You don't know anything!"

The boy smiled like he knew everything, turned around and went his own way before turning back once more, "Take care, stranger" while saluting with his two fingers.

In that moment she forgot about the couple in front of her and her emotional turmoil and got irritated at this stranger.

The final night of Navratri blazed brighter than ever, lights shimmered overhead, the circle of dancers whirling like a festival of colors.

Era stood with her little group of friends near the edge - laughing, teasing, clicking hurried selfies before running into the crowd. Her friends tugged at her hand, pulling her into the circle. 

Between the twirls, Era's eyes found Aman and Evara dancing together. Her smile grew wider looking at them. They weren't just dancing....they were glowing. Their steps matched, their laughter rose above the beats, their eyes never strayed too far from each other. A satisfaction spread through her heart.

"Maybe someday" she thought, "I'll find this too. The kind of love that makes you fight, break and still come back stronger."

Era grinned and continued moving along her friends in a circle. For the first time in days, she felt light. She had made things right!

Navratri isn't just about colors, music and dance .....its about burning away darker parts of ourselves -jealousy, anger, ego, pain. Every night reminds us to rise above these emotions and choose love, courage and truth instead. Just like the goddess conquers the demon, we too learn to conquer the battles within and emerge lighter, stronger and brighter!  

The End.