My dance training was taking up a lot of time of my daily schedule. In the start, I was on cloud nine, but slowly, I was sliding down. I was sure I was on the verge of falling down from my cloud.

Akshay, on the other hand, seemed to be handling the situation pretty well. While I was the only helping hand for my mother, Akshay had three of his siblings looking after the house while his mother earned money. Akshay also helped financially as his night-delivery job had become faster due to his new scooter.

Sometimes, I wished that I was a boy too. I could have also done night jobs to support my family. Fortunately, we were satisfied with my family's earnings at the moment, but my niece, Srishti was growing up, and Mom wanted her granddaughter to have the best education.

Last month's expenses had gone a bit overboard thanks to me. Dad had to spend extra money on my extended train pass, auto fares, and new earphones. My sister, Dhara's hospital visits had also increased since there were no improvement in her health.

Last night, she was coughing almost every minute, and our parents spent the whole night looking after her. She had started resembling a stick - I was really worried for her. I wanted to stay up too, but Mom scolded me as I had to go to college today. After that, I had to attend my dance training also.

With thoughts of my family swirling in my mind, I scribbled my daily expenses in the back of my notebook. I had reached college early and attended the compulsory lectures. The exams were coming soon, and I had to find a way to manage my time.

After the last lecture, I exited the classroom and was on my way to the college gates. In my mind, I kept remembering the amount of money I had spent in the cafeteria. Suddenly, I was pulled back.

"What the-"

"Hello, Miss Ignorance." Hriaan waved his hand in front of my face.

"What do you want?" I asked.

Hriaan raised his eyebrows. "Looks like someone didn't have their breakfast on time."

I was in no mood to bother with Hriaan. Staying away from him was best for me. He only tried to investigate about Boomer every time he met me.

I moved my feet to escape, but Hriaan grabbed my backpack. I shot an invisible scowl at him. If he was going to play detective with me again, I would have hit him.

Hriaan's expression morphed into worry. "Are you okay?"

"Why are you asking?" I questioned suspiciously.

Did he hit his head? Why is he talking to me like we are friends? Why is his hold so strong? I can't move away!

"Because you would have hurt yourself because of me," Hriaan said. "I just want to make sure."

I scratched my head. "What are you talking about, Hriaan? Are you sure you haven't got the wrong person?"

Hriaan sighed. "Miss Devarkar, I am asking if you were hurt when I had crashed into the stairs you were sitting on. I would have asked that day only but you were busy ignoring me."

I widened my eyes in shock. He had recognised me?

Seeing my expression, Hriaan smiled. "It looks like you are good. Don't deny my existence the next time, okay? Not everyone gets Hriaan Viraje's attention that easily."

I darted my eyes on his face. I couldn't believe the level of confidence he had. He was basking in his self-praise, so I decided to take my leave. Again, Hriaan pulled me back. What does he want?!

"Hriaan, I have to leave for my dance training. I am getting late. Can you please let me go?" I asked in frustration.

Hriaan pondered for a bit. "Yes, you may, but before that I want to ask why you were working at my Roxie's party?"

"I needed money, that's why," I replied flatly.

Hriaan nodded. He didn't ask for further explanation, and finally, I took my leave. I cursed at my friends who had collectively bunked college. Since I was the least blessed in the brain department, I had no other choice than to attend the difficult subjects' lectures.

After exiting the college, I took a sharing auto. On the way, I kept replaying my earlier meeting with Hriaan. He wasn't a bad guy, though he seemed to be unaware with the concept of personal boundaries. I was glad he didn't bring up Boomer.

I reached the railway station and climbed the stairs. My train had just arrived, and I jumped inside it. I made myself comfortable in the small space between two aunties and held the handle above. I wondered about the upcoming dance session with Tejas, and instantly, Ayzere's face flashed in front of my eyes.

I tried to ignore the urge, but my hand automatically took out my phone from the bag. My fingers ran across the Instagram page, and I twisted my lips when I saw Tejas' latest post. He had taken a selfie with Ayzere from a top angle, and I didn't miss the small hands wrapped around his waist.

I read the caption: Look who is back in town? #bff

Tejas surely didn't like using emojis. My thumb hovered over the heart icon. It was the first post that I didn't like within a split-second. I clicked on the tagged link for Ayzere's account and pursed my lips.

She had posted a lot of pics, as expected, and in every picture, she was stuck to TJ. Her caption was more flowery than TJ's. I instantly shut off my phone and tortured myself with imaginary scenarios. Most of my energy was wasted thinking weird stuff only.

After getting down at my station, I moved towards the rickshaw stand. I walked slowly as I calculated the time it would have taken me to reach Sarthak's studio by foot. By auto, it would have taken me ₹20 and twenty-five minutes. I checked the time and opened the Google map.

I diverted myself and started walking. I took some shortcuts with the locals' help, and I had completed half the journey when I saw some people gathered around near an alley. The area was posh, a few expensive vehicles lined in front of the shops and hotels.

I had to cross that alley, so I decided to ask the people to give me some space. As I made my way through the crowd, I noticed an old man in white uniform crouched near a sewer. He looked panicked.

I stopped as I got curious. The old man looked a bit older than my father, and I felt bad seeing him distressed.

"What happened?" I asked a lady in the crowd.

"He dropped his madam's ring in the gutter," the lady said.

"Is the ring expensive?" I asked.

"Of course."

The lady pointed at the jewellery shop in front of us, and informed me that the ring's price must have been in crores. My eyes almost popped out. I asked her why no one was helping the old man, and she looked horrified.

"Why will anyone get their hands dirty? It is not our fault," the lady said.

I glanced around and noticed that almost everyone seemed to be from well-off families. While some men tried to help the old man, others looked upon like audience. The gutter had some gaps in its metal cover, and unfortunately, no was able to get their hands through it or reach the end.

Just as I was wondering about how I could help, a woman passed from beside me. Her perfume was so strong that I felt my senses go numb for a minute. The woman was clad in a beautifully embroidered white saree with golden borders.

When she glanced around, I properly saw her face - she was really beautiful. Her dark hair were tied in a neat bun, supported by a silver clutcher. Her fair skin glistened in the sun, and her big eyes reminded me of yester-year heroines.

"Aren't you done yet, Tambe?" that woman said, her voice having a tinge of annoyance.

The old man near the gutter looked at the woman in horror. "Just a minute, Jaiswal Madam."

"You better find my ring."

That woman, Jaiswal Madam, stormed off after warning the old man. I saw her sliding inside an Audi and banging the door forcefully shut.

"I will lose my job," the old man mumbled.

Calling the BMC for help or finding any other alternative would have taken a lot of time, and the old man didn't seem to have much time. His Jaiswal Madam kept ordering him to hurry up, her patience running thin.

I checked the gaps of the gutter's cover. I glanced at my hands and wondered if they could fit inside the gaps. I didn't waste much time thinking as only doing it practically was the best option.

Fortunately, the gutter was mostly dry. I crouched beside the old man and asked him to show me where the ring was. He shook his head vigorously.

"No, beta, you don't have to do it," he said.

"Don't worry, uncle. I don't mind it." I smiled.

"But, you will get yourself dirty."

"I know."

I slid my hand through one of the gaps and tried to reach the ring. After a few minutes, my arm started hurting. I took my hand out and massaged my shoulder. My right hand was covered with garbage. I tried again, the crowd encouraging me.

"Got it!" I yelled in joy.

After fifteen minutes, my hardwork paid off. I showed the ring to the old man; his eyes were filled with unshed tears. He thanked me and told me to give the ring to his madam myself.

I followed behind him, and when his madam heard the news, she nodded and glanced at me. I smiled and extended my hand towards her. She opened the car's door but closed it instantly. I waited for her to take the ring, but her eyes kept roaming on me.

Slowly, her gaze shifted from the ring in my hand to my face, and then towards my legs. I realised that she was checking my appearance.

"Your ring," I said.

The woman, Jaiswal madam, scrunched her nose. "Tambe, take the ring from this girl."

The old man, who was actually her driver, looked at me in guilt and told me to put the ring on a tissue paper.

"It stinks here. Hurry up," Jaiswal aunty scolded her driver after glancing at me.

"I am sorry, beta. Thank you for your help," Tambe Uncle said to me.

I nodded at him, but my eyes were stuck to his employee. A lot of thoughts were emerging at the top of my mind, but my introverted ass couldn't form any words. Tambe uncle gave me a water bottle to wash my hands and got inside the car with a sad look.

Even after he drove off, I was standing at my spot like a statue.

How can someone be so inconsiderate? I understand that woman didn't want to lose her expensive ring, but didn't she have any sense also?

You should have said something to her, Bhoomi. What's the use of blabbering now?

I know. I seriously need to work on my speaking skills. Why do my mind stops working during situations like these?

I cleaned my hands and continued on my way to Sarthak's studio. That woman's words and the way she was looking at me made me cringe.

I know I am not from a financially well family, but who cares about other's clothes? I even helped her and the only thing she saw was my appearance? Even if I get rich, I won't treat anyone like she did.

Just as I was thinking about earning lots of money, my phone rang. I picked Mom's call.

"Bhoomi, come to Santa Cruz instantly!" Mom said.

"Why?" I asked even though I deduced what the call was about.

"I have work for you. Just hurry up."

"Mom, yaar, I am about to reach my studio. Don't you think you are calling me to work a lot these days?"

"Shut up and come soon. One of the workers couldn't make it, so I have suggested you to the employer. The venue is closer to your studio, so you can reach on time."

"But, maa, where are you working so hard and dragging me in this too? I am tired. We already have enough!"

"Enough is never enough, beta. Even if people like us work till our bones get eroded, we still won't have enough."

I didn't say anything as Mom's words drilled themselves in my mind.

Mom asked me again. "It is the last time, beta. I won't trouble you again. The pay is higher than we usually get."

"Just how much are we getting for you to request me so much? We should learn to be satisfied with what we have, Maa," I complained.

"When you have family's responsibilities on you, these words are meaningless. It is okay; you are young to understand. I will drop the plan."

I sighed. "What's the pay?"

"₹2000," Mom replied instantly.

"What? ₹2000? Isn't that a lot?"

Mom chuckled. "That's why I am telling you to hurry up, or we will miss this chance. This is the last time, I promise."

"You always say that, Maa." I laughed.

I cut the call. I was going to miss Tejas' dance session; with a heavy heart, I took a U-turn towards the railway station. I messaged Yukta to inform our team and team leader about my absence. I decided to catch up on the training by reaching early the next day.

On my way, I glanced at the birds flying freely in the sky. "Let's get done with this responsibility first. Then, I can spare some time for my own dreams."