The annual Valentine’s Gala at St. Xavier’s College was the highlight of the academic calendar. The campus buzzed with excitement as students filled the grand auditorium, decorated in hues of red and gold. Glittering lights hung from the ceiling, and the air was thick with anticipation. This year, the organizers had introduced a new feature—a surprise romantic couple dance.
Jhanak Chatterjee, the queen bee herself, was the center of attention as usual. She walked into the auditorium dressed in a striking crimson gown, her confidence radiating like a beacon. Whispers and admiring glances followed her as she made her way to her seat. Aniruddh Bose, on the other hand, quietly lingered near the back of the room, blending into the shadows as he always did. But tonight, his eyes couldn’t help but follow Jhanak.
As the event unfolded, the host grabbed the mic with an air of excitement. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for our most awaited moment—the romantic couple dance!” Cheers erupted from the crowd.
The host grinned mischievously. “But here’s the twist! The couples will not be pre-selected. Instead, our most popular fresher will choose their dance partner first. And who else could that be but Jhanak Chatterjee!”
The crowd erupted into applause, and Jhanak gracefully stood, smirking. Everyone leaned in, eager to see who she would choose. Surely, she would pick one of the college’s heartthrobs—maybe a senior football player or a fellow fresher with a reputation as big as hers.
Jhanak scanned the crowd, her eyes searching for the one person who truly mattered. The auditorium hushed in anticipation. Finally, her gaze landed on Aniruddh, who stood frozen at the back of the room, clearly caught off guard.
A playful yet sincere smile spread across her lips as she pointed at him. “I choose Aniruddh Bose,” she announced, her voice echoing through the hall.
The silence that followed was deafening. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as every head turned toward Aniruddh. Whispers broke out like wildfire.
“Aniruddh? The quiet psychology nerd?”
“Did she just pick him over everyone else?”
But Jhanak didn’t waver. Her gaze remained fixed on Aniruddh, daring him to join her. Slowly, he walked forward, his face a mix of surprise, disbelief, and something far deeper.
As he reached the dance floor, Jhanak held out her hand. “Dance with me?” she asked, her voice softer now, meant only for him.
Aniruddh took her hand, his confidence growing as he looked into her eyes. “Always.”
The music began—a soft, romantic melody that seemed to echo their unspoken connection. As they moved together, their steps perfectly in sync, the crowd watched in awe. Jhanak’s fiery grace and Aniruddh’s quiet strength blended seamlessly, creating a performance that was as mesmerizing as it was unexpected.
For Jhanak, this wasn’t just a dance—it was a declaration. She had chosen Aniruddh, not because of what others thought, but because he had seen her for who she truly was. And for Aniruddh, this was a moment of validation—a chance to stand beside the girl who had taught him to believe in himself.
As the music swelled, the two lost themselves in the rhythm, their movements speaking volumes about the bond they had forged. When the song ended, the audience erupted into applause, but Jhanak and Aniruddh didn’t seem to notice.
They stood on the dance floor, their foreheads touching, their smiles saying everything they didn’t need to say aloud. In that moment, they weren’t just Jhanak Chatterjee and Aniruddh Bose, the queen bee and the loner. They were equals, partners, and something more—two souls who had found a home in each other.
