INEXPLICABLE - Phase 3: Colliding Worlds_ Chapter 9

 

Phase 3: Colliding Worlds

Chapter 9

Her: 'Rat'tled

A whole six days had passed without seeing each other. In this past week of texting and talking over the phone, he had taken it upon himself to know more about me because I had more than a decade's worth of information on him. To be honest, most of them were about his music or the gossip from social media. So, in a way, we were tied but he didn't seem to think that. He was a lot like me in being competitive but also knew when to stop. His background in showbiz molded him to become diplomatic whereas I was professionally trained not to give up and that rubbed off on my personality too. But, with him, I made it a point to be more accommodating. He genuinely cared for me and thoughtfully made efforts in our interactions. On some mental level, I still hadn't come to terms with the fact that I was dating the Ady Dheenan. But, he was so relaxed about dating a commoner. Maybe, it was what celebrities yearn for - a normal life or a normal partner. I decided to try being that solid reality anchor for him. My phone dinged and distracted me from my thoughts.

Señorita, don't even think about skipping the concert tomorrow. Here is the passcode (**@*@&#) to the backstage door. Come at 4pm sharp and get your pass personally from me <3 xo Ady

I was not ready to meet him in a public setting yet and a concert was just too public. It felt like our worlds would collide after tomorrow. I began freaking out.

I was dressed to go unnoticed at the concert. Black shirt, black jeans, and a black face mask. I got to the arena and used the passcode to enter the backstage door. The code didn't work and I kept trying again and again. That was when I noticed a suspicious-looking man behind me with a pulled-down cap. I got anxious as he took slow, decisive steps toward me. I imagined he was a fan looking to enter backstage and moved away from the door. He didn't stop walking, instead turned his direction toward me. His hand snaked behind his back, trying to reach something. My heart thundered imagining the worst. It could be a taser or a knife. I froze and stood like a rock. He was a mere meter away when he suddenly reached to push me back against the wall and pulled the mask off my face. Immediately, a series of camera flashes blinded my eyes. Before I could recover from the shock, he jumped over the nearby fence and ran away. I sat paralyzed near the door and felt helpless. At that very instant, miraculously the back door opened ajar with a loud thud, and Ady's bandmate, Sajay came out lighting a smoke. One look by my side and he understood something was off. He scooped me up and checked if I was hurt.

Are you alright, Adithya? What happened?

Some guy.. pushed me. Took photos and ran. I got scared, Sajay. I feel so...so..

Oh god! Come here. Let's go inside first.

He gave me a warm hug and pushed away the haphazard hairs from my face. He sat me inside and gave me a bottle of water. He took his phone and texted security.

Are you good to walk?

Yeah, I am okay.

Let's not sit here. Come, let me take you to Ady.

He held me by my shoulder to walk and I limped very slightly due to a muscle pull. He opened the door to Ady's green room and let me in. Ady turned smiling and all the air left his lungs seeing me soiled with dirt like that.

What the hell happened? Are you okay, sweetie?

His endearment made me a bit better. I gave him a weak smile and Sajay spoke.

It was the paps, bro.

Son of a.. how did they know? Only I knew she was coming through that door at that time.

I'm not sure. I texted security. They are on him. Ady, leave that to me. Take her. She is kind of shaken up.

Geez! Yeah, ok. I got you. Slowly! Sit here, sweetie.

Sajay left and we were alone. He looked at me, half angry about the incident and half gooey about seeing me after a week. He was in the most shiny, extravagant jacket, and in complete hair and make-up, all set for his show. I had seen him like this only in pictures and videos. It all suddenly flooded into my system how big a star and deal he actually was. He sensed my wandering mind and gave me a long hug. His phone beeped and he saw a text.

Sh*t! It was Riya. She told the paps about you. Security found footage of her changing the door passcode. She has been pretty mad at me since I started dating you. Sajay is going to freak out if he knows she did that.

His eyes were pleadingly considerate and he struggled between his feelings for me and the girl who he sees as a little sister gone rogue. I wanted to move on and make it easy on him. He had a concert to go to. I stood up and limped two steps toward him.

There is no need for a rat trap. Text your security to let it go.

There was immediate relief in his eyes. He hugged me really tight. I moaned in pain from the bruises on my back. He held me gently and swallowed my moans.

Him: Serendipity

The unrest in my heart wouldn't go away. I had to keep her safe after that scare. I made arrangements to situate her on the side stage and readied myself for the opening song. She kept assuring me that she was okay and kept pushing me to give my all on the stage. She was my own personal cheerleader and she braved the incident like an iron lady. She got friendly with the band and dancers in no time. She helped them with energy drinks and aided the backstage manager with logistics. No one knew who she was and she knew no one, but that didn't stop her. She was a natural task master and she couldn't sit still without getting hands-on. I pinched myself on numerous occasions to remind my brain that this intelligent and sexy woman was my girlfriend. How did I get this lucky?

It was T minus one minute for sound check and I closed my eyes for my trifecta ritual. I thanked my gods, pulled up the mental image of my parents, and huddled with my team. Today there was a fourth. I turned back to look at my woman and blew a kiss at her. She went all wobbly and winked at me with a shy smile. She was the one and I knew it at that precise moment. One week into knowing her was all I needed. But I was going to give her time to accept me, get to know her, and grow alongside her until she was ready. My heart was full and I was ready to explode.

Twelve thousand fans going berserk was an extremely dope way to start. I began with my usual song from my first movie album. The crowd erupted into a blazing volcano. I went into an alternate dimension and melded into the atmosphere. Once in between, I accidentally saw her way. She was a woman obsessed, dancing and singing along, drunk with energy and being my number one fan. I hadn't realized I had sung so many tracks but we were already halfway into the show. I took fifteen and went for a bathroom break. When I came back, she was waiting with warm water and an energy drink. While I drank, she whipped out her handkerchief and pat my neck dry. It was such a small, simple gesture, yet, not one person except my make-up assistant even offered me a paper towel for that. Her fireworks began, then.

OH MY GOD, Ady. You were unbelievable. Mad energy, mad mad singing. I have not had this much fun ever in my life.

She kept talking animatedly in a high pitch. Everyone around was watching and laughing at her burst of expressions, including myself.

I saw you mid-performance, señorita. You were dancing possessed.

I love, love this concert. I can't hold myself right now.

Okay, Okay! Pace yourself.

I cannot keep calm. This is just crazy. Thank you for bringing me here, Ady.

She jumped wanting to hug me but stopped herself. I edged her two feet backward and we were quickly between tarped scaffolds. She followed my train of thought and realized why. She jumped again and caught my neck tight. She kissed all over my sweat-sheened face.

Stop! I am all sweaty.

Does it matter? It's just you who matters.

I stood riveted and let my explosive woman take over my heart.