SS: Alvida

Situation: Shortly after their Alvida performance.

1: Teased
"Kyunki tu meri kahaani, kyunki tu mera fazana, Abh kabhi phir na hai kehna, Alvida" the song played, and the danced. Intensity, Chemistry, passion was present, but something overpowered all of it. Something they felt all the while, evident on their faces evident in their moves. Something which surpassed all else in them. Their emotions. Pain. Love. That was what they felt. So strong it was that, it surpassed all other feeling in that 2-3 minutes. And that's what they felt too, as they sat with Rey and Kria, rewatching the annual day, sweet moments before it and bitter moments after. "OMG! OMG! This is so amazing! Seriously brilliant" kria squealed holding onto Swayam and Sharon's arms as she watched the dance. "Kaise nahi hoga? Its afterall a Swaron performance, naam rakh liya na audience ne tum dono ki" Rey said smirking. "I guess even they felt you guys are better together" he added making Swayam squirm in his chair. "Chemistry kamal hai aap dono ki,seriously...last time se achi hai, bohot hi kamal ka choreography bhi...wow!" Kria said choking up at the end as Swayam held Sharon's picture and looked at it longingly, Pain and love written all over his face. "Beautiful!" kria declared and clapped "Awesome chemistry,and you guys really looked in love...and pain" she said dabbing at her eyes. "pyaar aur jhoot chupayi nahi chupta" Rey quoted. "I want to see this part once more" kria said and rewinded the sequence. Watchingit again, Sharon looked at Swayam to see his gaze already fixed on her. Brooding, care and love was what she saw in that nanosecond before he turned his attention to the video. "Ooo Alvida" the song ended. 'Alvida...Alvida...it was all that she heard when he spoke to her about them. Everytime she tried doing something nice, something for him. All she got was a good bye...and all she felt was pain and love, love so intense that she didn't even know that she was capable of loving anyone so passionately, and hurt so painful that she couldn't bear it...she couldn't bear seeing the goodbye in his eyes, the alvida in his tone...' As she watched him look at her photo with the same brooding eyes, her eyes stung. 'Maybe maybe that's what he wants...for me to stay away...go away from him forever...to a place from where he could never reach her...but would it hurt there too, staying so far away from him, not being able to look at him...would it hurt? Would hurt as much as it had when she left after the dance camp? A million times worse? Would it hurt him if she went away? Will it hurt them?' she thought. She glanced at Swayam, who was again looking at her, but the ray of love in his eyes which melted her,hardened to indifference and he promptly stood up and walked away. Away from her, shattering her with every step he took away from her, treading on the broken pieces of her heart, her love, her faith. Unable to bear the pain she succumbed once again to her tears, her sole source of comfort.

"Sharon!" kria said shocked with both their behaviours. Sharon put out an arm for comfort and Kria leaned to hug her. And on her shoulders, Sharon sobbed. Holding onto kria for support. Rey held her arm and gave it a little squeeze to let her know if she ever wanted him, he was always there for her, reassuring her that someday everything will turn out to be fine. Asking her to stay strong, and not give up on her hope. Letting out a little sigh, he went after Swayam, leaving Sharon in good hands he knew and also because he knew, his friend needed support. His friend needed him.

Swayam stood leaning on the pillar. 'Why?! Why does it hurt?!' he thought as he punched the solid pillar with his bare fists. *I love you* her voice came to him, their confession, his wishes, their relationship, their break up...flashed before him and getting more frustrated he punched the pillar again. His knuckles hurt, but what was physical pain in of this pain he felt? For her? Burying his head in his arms he sat down, with her features, her and them flashing as he closed his eyes. Their promises, broken promises, ringing in his ears. He breathed heavily just as Rey came and stood next to him. Giving a tiny sympathetic pat on his back, he sat down as Swayam looked at him, agony in his eyes. "Agar itna pyaar karte ho usse, tho kyun kar rahe ho ye sab?" Rey asked him. "Nai Rey, I don't want to force myself onto her...mein ye nahi chahta ki wo unsure hokar mujhse pyaar kare...i want her to be happy" he said. "Mujhe tum dono ke Baath kabhi saman mein nahi aayega, dono ek dusre se pyaar karte ho, aur dard dete ho, and yet you want to see each other happy..." Rey said confused. "Aisa nahi hai ki mein usse dard dena chahta hoon...kabhi nahi chahta...par agar dard dene se hi sahi Rasta dikh ra hai..so be it...even if it kills me to see her hurt" Swayam said resolution resolute in his voice. "Wo bhi tujbse pyaar karti hai...n you know that" Rey said gently. "Love" Swayam laughed humorlessly"Usse sirf lagta hai ki she's in love...par sach ye hai ki, meine itna tang kiya ki she's lured herself into believing she's in love with me" Swayam said, regret and shame burning in his voice. Regret because he hadn't realized earlier, shame because he felt he'd forced her, though it was purely unintentional. Rey opened his mouth to say something when kriya called. Giving each other a shrug they headed back to the room.
She sat next to kriya, her head bowed down, playing with her fingers, as kriya held her hand. She sniffled and he could see her nose red. *pang* something shot through him, and it hurt where his heart was. "Sharon ko ghar Jana hai" kria said looking at sharon concerned. "Haan Swayam chod dega" Rey replied immediately. Swayam just shrugged his eyes fixed on Sharon. A drop of tear fell onto her hand as he watched her. *Pang* his heart crumbled at the sight. Never ever did he imagine in his worst nightmare that someday he would be the reason behind her tears. "Swayam?" rey called. "Huh, ha." he fumbled to reply just as sharon said "Nai its fine I'll manage". "Arrey aise kaise,itni der hi chuki hai, and its not safe" Rey protested. Sharon quickly blinked back her tears and told Rey. "I said I'll manage" she said trying to muster some attitude into her voice. Rey shrugged, knowingfully well Swayamwont leave her unprotected. "Teek hai, then bye?" sharon asked uncertainty in her voice. Red eyes, red nose, no smile, no attitude, no diva. Blank, empty, expressionless, dead was what she was. *pling pling pling* his heart shattered again. 'I guess this what is slow death, watching your love suffer and hurt. Watching what kills you the most, watching her hurt knowing the reason behind the pain she is in, and can't do anything about it, knowing that you are the reason behind her pain' he thought. For the slightest moment she dared to look at him and their eyes met. A moment for others but enough for them to feel each other.

" But after dinner?" kria asked hopefully. "Haan you both can leave after dinner" rey repeated looking at them. "Mujhe bhuk nahi hai" they replied together instantaneously. While Rey and Kria smiled encouragingly, Sharon and Swayam looked at each other. "Is it a sign?" they couldn't help but wonder. 'A sign for another chance at love' he thought 'A sign for me not to give up hope' she thought. 'A sign for us, we still love each other?' they wondered. "But no, it can't be..you hate now don't you? I'm not capable of handling your love na Swayam?" she asked him. "Its for the best Sharon, our best" he told her, trying to convince himself. "But why?!" she asked him. "Because I love you" he replied automatically. "I love you too Swayam, sach mein...then why does it hurt so much Swayam? Why are you hurting me?" she asked pain and longing ringing in her eyes. "Its all for the best...maybe we weren't meant to be" he said conflict raging in his eyes. Conflict between love and reality; conflict between the mind and heart. "If it makes you happy, I'll bear a million times more pain than this...but to see you share the pain, it kills me Swayam" she said tears forming on her lashes again. "And it kills me to know I'm hurting you, it kills me too Sharon, it kills me too" he said regret and pain reflecting in his brown orbs. "Then why..." they both wondered.

"Dinner?" Rey asked bringing them back to reality. "Huh? Umm" Swayam fumbled, breaking eye contact with sharon. "I have to leave" sharon insisted. Giving a hug to Rey and Kria and avoiding looking at Swayam she bolted for the door and out she went into the starry night. Hugging herself as if to hold her broken self together she walked along the lonely road. Feeling alone, rejected, broken and worst of all empty. Alvida, he said again.

***********************************************************
Swayam bid goodbye to Rey and Kria, and left. But instead of going home he traced Sharon's path to her house. Something told him, he was needed. Something told him Sharon was in trouble. He hurried down the recently Sharon-treaded path.

She walked hugging herself, thinking of all the recent happenings. So lost she was in her thoughts that she didn't notice the people waving from the side. Half drunk and spoilt brats who sat in a jeep, smoking and opening new bottles of wine. Little was she aware of them cat calling and whistling at her, checking her out with lust shining in their eyes. So it came as a surprise to her when the guy#1 suddenly pulled her arm.

Swayam meanwhile had run to catch up with her. Luckily for him, sharon hadn't gone far. A deserted road it was that night, with not even a hint of life. He walked at a distance away from her, watching her hug herself and walk down the road. Catching his breath he followed her, from a distance. So caught up he was in his thoughts he didn't really notice the jeep or the people in it. Sharon walked ahead, unaware of everything else but his presence that she felt strongly around her. But she dismissed the feeling as she she felt it was too good to be true. And so she walked, until she felt an unfamiliar wrist pulling at her elbow. "So pretty lady...boyfriend nahi hai tho kya? Hum hai na?" he drawled, breath stinking of liquor n smoke. She averted her face trying to free herself. "Arrey, aise kyu behave kar rahi hoon...me tumhe khush rakhna chahta hoon" he smirked. Sharon fought against his approach. "Swayam!! Kahan ho tum?" she thought terrified.

Swayam from a distance noticed a guy creep up stealthily on sharon and his heart raced. "Not good" it warned him. He quickened his pace towards her. While the guy caught hold of her a swiveled her round so that she faced him, fear written all of her face. Unable to pull herself away because she was shocked, she struggled in his arms, trying to free herself. She raised her fist to slap him, but a tad late, coz guy#1 had caught her arm. "Leave me" she yelled. He advanced closer. She struggled and thought of Swayam.

 *Pow* a fist came through, onto his cheeks, loosening a tooth which had been hurting. His grip loosened momentarily on Sharon, while she hid herself behind her protector's back. It was a familiar shoulder through which she peeped at the struggling rogue, whose nose mouth had a bit of blood dripping from the corner. She looked up to see Swayam standing protectively in front. His face gaunt and stern. The look he gave the guy was the look she feared the most. One of anger. But it felt nice too. "He cares for you...still" something told her. "Don't hope...any humane person would've done that, and Swayam is a gem of a human" she hushed the voice. The others in the jeep came to their struggling friend's aid. As they charged at Swayam. He caught hold of her hand and pulled her down, looking at her, he asked her "Do you trust me?" he asked looking at her. "yes" she nodded. Answer enough, Swayam clasped her hand properly and with one arm of hers slung over his shoulder, he said "Close your eyes n Let's tango"

Rising up pulling Sharon, who'd obeyed him, by her waist firmly, they stood in the waltz position. Exactly as they had in the rehearsal hall, 3 years back. Meanwhile the goons who'd charged blindly, all but crashed into each other, unable to stop the magic of inertia. Stumbling and cursing they got up, one after the other, anger written over their faces.

Sharon with her eyes closed gave a slight smile. How protective was this sphere. This sphere created by him. This sphere in which nothing but them and their love existed. She smiled at the feeling of his arms protective and soft around her waist. His hair which was soft and silky, which she felt on the tips of her fingers. His fingers, fitting in perfectly with the spaces between hers and hers in his, tailored for each other; clasped tightly and perfectly. Their poise, perfect like dancers. Like a bond, by which they were eternally tied together.
Swayam looked around him, calculating the perfect moment. Looking at sharon for his strength and courage. In spite of the situation he couldn't help but admire her. The hint of a smile playing on her lips. After the agony he'd seen in her eyes, the smile revived him. Like a dandelion in a meadow, ravaged by war. A thing of beauty is certainly a joy forever. Keats was right, and when she defined beauty, she certainly defined joy to him. Her in his arms, elegant and as pretty as ever, even in the midst of trouble. Lost in her thoughts, with closed eyes and the tiny smile, she looked ethereal. It was like an aura, a beautiful peaceful aura surrounded her when she thought, when she dreamt. But about what he didn't know, rather he wasn't sure...but was it him? He asked himself everytime, one of the million questions he'd never been able to figure out about her.

2: The Reset Waltz

And they charged this time one by one. Swayam looked away from her and firmly changed so as to not distract his thoughts. He let go of Sharon's waist and twirled her, finally towering over with his leg outstretched and which forcefully made contract with the gut of guy#1. Whimpering as he fell guy#2 charged towards sharon, walking with bringing her back to the same position he stretched their entwined hand out just as the guy#2 reached. *pow* n scrunch. Oops someone had a broken nose. Guy#3 was up next. He charged just as Swayam pulled sharon close. Letting go of her waist once again she twirled, moving away from Swayam, *Slap* her flew across the cheek of guy#3. Pulling towards him, and landing in a position were their arms were crossed across her waist and he breathed into the crook of her neck. Swayam moved swiftly to the left and right. Turning her around and hitching her legs around him, he lent forward while she lent back, her legs straightening as they bent. Guy#4 got hit hit in place it shouldn't have hit, courtesy Sharon's designer killer heels. Dazed he conked out. Guy#1 got pissed. He charged again. Swayam yet again held her in the breathing down her neck position. Lifting her up, she cycled. *smack stamp smack* three blows on the head of guy#1 rained and he too fell. Who wouldn't given sharon's designer heels were stilettos n not flays or platform heels. Twirling her once Swayam caught her and pulled her close, finishing the dance in their regular pose. *open your eyes* he whispered. And she did, like as if waking up from a dream. Their eyes met even as one of the bas***ds groaned in pain. Rising up slowly, they stood looking into each other's eyes, in the same position. It was like all else had perished in this world, what existed and mattered was just them, frozen in that moment.

*eye lock brake* Swayam still lost in her eyes, which reflected only love for him, stood in the same position not budging. Sharon broke out of her reverie, and noticing their entwined hands lying limply on the side, blushed a little. She shifted a little and Swayam came out of his trance as well. "oh"he said she looked at him from beneath her lashes and smiled a little. Quickly releasing his hold on her he stood away. He looked at her in between to see the effect he had on her. The blush that spread over her cheeks was lovely. The tiny smile adorning her face was to die for. He thought as he watched her tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear, wishing with all his heart he could be the one doing it. *slap* his mind slapped him. Stop. Sharon and you were never meant to be. Stop wishing and hoping. It'll only hurt you. It said. Maybe you're wrong. Maybe she still loves you his heart whispered slightly, spreading warmth through his body at the thought that Sharon loved him and they were meant to be. "chale?"Sharon asked hesitatingly. "Huh? Ha...haaan "he stammered breaking away from his thoughts. Gesturing her to take the lead he followed a little distance behind. Little did they know the trouble had not passed out entirely.

Guy#5 crept silently behind Swayam. Sharon after wrestling with her mind and heart on whether to thank Swayam or not, decided to thank him and make small talk. She turned and what she saw terrified her. The guy#5 was raising his hand to strike the fatal blow on Swayam. Lust shining greedily in his eyes, he raised and started bringing the log of wood he clutched towards Swayam. Swayam got confused as he saw Sharon turn toward him first with a smile and then it quickly changed to fear. Her terrified face was all he could register, and the next thing he registered was him hitting the ground with Sharon on top. Her arms around him and her lips on the nape of his neck, moving up and down and blowing out lungful's of air as she gasped for breath. The place where he'd stood a moment back saw a log of wood being bought as if attack. Guy#5 not listening to any yelp of pain opened his eyes to see Swayam down with Sharon on top of him. Her hands around his neck, gasping. Infuriated he raised his hand and bought it down again aiming for swayam's head. Swayam recovering from the shock reeled in his surroundings quickly and caught the log and struggled to push the guy#5 away. While they wrestled Sharon quickly put her hand into her bag, closing her fingers around a familiar small tiny bottle, she twisted on swayam's arms. Closing his eyes with one hand and shutting hers as well she took the tiny bottle of pepper spray and sprayed it into guy#5's eyes. Momentarily stunned, clutching his eyes and leaving his hold on the log of wood, he stumbled backwards. Swayam grabbing his opportunity got up quickly after Sharon got up. Fury and irritation clear in his eyes, he marched towards the guy who yelled in pain. Lifting his arms, he rained blows on him, mercilessly. "How dare you?! Himmat kaise aayi Sharon ko tang karne ke liye?!"he yelled as he beat him black and blue. The guy started bleeding a little. Sharon watched him, shocked and in a trance. Never was he so angry or violent except when shivam had come back. He raised his arms one last time to give a final blow.

He felt two pairs of hands stopping him. Turning around to see who it was, with fury still blazing in his eyes, the fire in his eyes quietened down upon contact with hers. She shook her head. "don't she said, before crashing into his chest. Letting go of the log in his hands, he hugged her back. Pulling her more closer, encircling her all the more tightly and possessively. He reached her in. she still was the same. Nothing had changed. The smell of her hair, her perfume desensitized him. And she, she enticed him. She held him to her. Burying herself in his arms which held her securely, possessively, she lets hers tears flow out. Onto his shoulders. Drop by drop as she clutched him tightly like she would never let go of him. Relief, happiness and hurt, all of it came out as tears. Relief he was save, happy he still cared, hurt coz of reality. As he breathed into  her hair, she felt her knees go weak. How long had she longed for this. This proximity, this security she felt in the proximity. She sighed. But time like a bitch poured reality on the couple. And reality slapped them out of this sphere of theirs. Like they say, time is a s**t, she screws people and their lives as she passes by. Reality bought along guilt. Guilt which washed swayam's soul. He loosened his grip and wrenched himself away. "I...I...I'm sorry "he said looking away. She didn't reply. She just walked ahead and he followed, burning with guilt, cursing himself and questioning himself. They reached her house a little while later. Opening the gates to go inside, she turned to look at him. "I'm sorry too "she said and went in without another word.

The next day rose bringing with it fresh hope, renewed energy and more joy, to all but the two confused souls. A typical day at St. Louis where one could hear the laughter and chatter of the dance team in the canteen. Swayam had work and hence was with the VP while Sharon was with the gang. Thoughtful and aloof. Swayam entered the canteen holding a file, going through it as he came. Spotting Sharon, he took his place next to her. Sharon re thought about her fright and the security she'd felt when Swayam came. Swayam nudged her a little. "Sharon? "he called. She didn't seem to hear. What if Swayam hadn't come? She thought. Fear coursed through her raw and fast. She tensed quickly and held Swayam's hand as she thought of what would've happened if he hadn't come. Swayam though initially confused, was quick to grasp the fact that she was thinking about yesterday. But all of this didn't go unnoticed by the gang, who stood there, looking confused. Simi nudged Sharon a little hard as Swayam called her again. "huh? What? What happened? "she asked, breaking away from her thoughts, confused as to why all their eyes were on her. "Sharon tum teek ho?"Swayam asked next to her. She flinched and she saw his concerned eyes. "haan haan mein teek hoon...mujhe kya hoga?"she asked. "Are you sure?"rey asked. "haan I'm fine"she smiled a little. The gang still looked at her a little taken aback. Deciding to let it pass she looked at Swayam. "Kya Hua? "she asked him. "VP sir ne kuch bola ye reports ke bare me..."he said, trying to free his ex-free hand to flip the file open. He paused, while Sharon looked at him curiously. "UhUmmm"he cleared his throat and glanced down at their hands. "Oh sorry..."she said, a little embarrassed as she let go of his hand. "yea...it's ok..."he said equally feeling hot around his neck. The boys raised their hands to do their signature "Chemistry "while the girls nudged and giggled. Rey smirked to himself. "kuch tho karna padega"he murmured and thought. Swayam finished with his work and went to stand next to rey. He didn't want more teasing to follow. "Sharon! Rey called. "what?" she asked. "Muja an humare bachpan ka bohot yaad aa ra hai...remember the word game?" he asked excitedly. "haan tu hamesha lose karta tha" she laughed. "What rubbish?! You used to lose it" he dismissed her arrogantly. "NO you did" she said pointing at him. "NO you"he said. And it continued for about five minutes, until rey said, "fine then prove it" he shrugged. "bring it on" she said and smirked. "fine, I'll start" she shrugged. "Hmm ok blue" "Sky" "Sky" "Clouds" "Clouds" "Cotton" "Cotton" "Candy" "Candy""Chocolate""Chocolate""Sweet""sweet""you"she smiled, and the gang went aww. "You""Diva""diva""attitude" Attitude""Sharon""Sharon""Raiprakash""Raiprakash""daddy" "Dad" "Care" "Care" "Affection" "Affection" "S...Trust" she caught herself. Rey smirked. "trust" "truth" "truth" "hurt" "hurt" "Love" "Love" "Swayam" she said, instantly, and then looked away to see his expression, saying sorry. Rey looked at Swayam with a told you so look "while the gang went from surprise to nudges and smiles. The boys nudged Swayam as he looked at Sharon. Instead of a happy smile, they were met with a hurt surprised look. "Excuse me" he said and left. Sharon looked after him longingly and then sat down, knowing he wanted to be alone.

He returned just in time for class. Answering with work when asked about his whereabouts, he made his way into class. The class was in full attendance and the only lace available was next to nilesh who sat behind Sharon and Simi. Nilesh took the seat across Simi and Swayam had no choice than to take the seat across Sharon, where he could see her, glancing at the back at him nervously. The class began, and a few minutes into the class...

"SWAYAM SHEKHAWAT!" the professor yelled. Swayam startled came out his thoughts which revolved only around Sharon of course and the incidents over a few days. "Ye...yes sir? "he asked politely. ap kahan kho gaye??!! Dhyan dijiya aapke padhai par...pariksha shuru honewala hai!!"he yelled at swaym, who glanced at Sharon, who glanced at him. Lost momentarily until the professor's voice cut through. "aap yahan baitye! Mere aankhon ke neeche!"he said tapping at Simi's table. "Correct choice sir! "nilesh supported the professor joyously, at the prospect of Simi having to sit with him. "yes sir swaym ko wahan hi baitna chahiye" Rey said smirking at swayam, as swayam protested a bit. The professor tapped the table impatiently as Simi gathered her stuff and let swaym come forward. Nilesh smiled and grinned and waved at simmi while she looked on straight ahead. Swayam settled himself next to Sharon, who looked at her book as the professor huffed and continued. And yet proximity. Swayam glanced at Sharon in between unnerved and unsettled, in thought. And Sharon would glance too to see him look away as she glanced at him from under her lashes. Fate played her charm and made both eyes meet. Locked in each one's thought revolving around the same issue, they fought with themselves and with each other as they looked into the depths of each others souls. Reading, fighting. Engrossed and caught up in their battle for love, they didn't notice the professor who, if it were possible would've spontaneously combusted with anger right there. "Swayam shekhawat and Sharon Rai Prakash!" he hollered. The class looked up from their books, to see the two get up, both red in face. "Agar itna pyaar hai ap dono ke beech ki aap dono ke aankhe ek dusre se hat nai ra, tho please class ke bahar jaa kar aapke romance continue kijiye" he said, folding his hands with a furious expression, behind them 5 pairs of hands shot up in the air and five heads nodded chemistry. Feeling hot and prickly at the cheeks and neck, without a word they left the class. Swayam glanced sternly at the boys who stopped and glared at rey.

Having nowhere else to go, they sat on a bench away from each other, looking away, and waiting for the class to get over. Swaym still felt guilty. "I...I...I'm sorry" he said looking straight as Sharon looked at  him. "Sorry for what swayam?" she asked. "For the hug or because you loved me?" she asked, her face blank. "I wll never ever be sorry that I loved you"he said tersely looking at hai. "kabhi nai...marte dum tak tumse pyaar karunga" he said. "tho break up kyun swayam?" she asked, her eyes brimming. "kyunki we're not meant to be Sharon" he said, questioning himself as he said it. "it's not coz we're not meant to be...its coz I do not love you isn't it?" she asked him. "yes "he said closing his eyes, telling himself he was right, trying to make it sound as true as possible. "you're wrong" she said softly. He opened his eyes and looked at her. "you're wrong swayam shekhawat" she repeated. "nai..."he started. "you kept your promise" she said tears flowing down her eyes. "You made me fall in love with you" she continued. "Kab kaise I do not know...par ye zarur pata hai ki I'm in love" she said looking at him. Damn he wanted to believe it. He wanted to hold her like he did yesterday, he wanted to wipe away her tears. He wanted to hold her close and never let go.  "you think you're in love Sharon...but you're not" he said. "Agar pyaar hota tho break nai hota" he said. "Agar pyaaar nai hota tho dard nai hota" she replied. He couldn't reply. And they were silent. His heart spoke again. "She's right...agar pyaar nai hota tho dard bhi nai hota n she is in pain...n she loves you" it said. His brain didn't have a reply, co it was true. He was in pain, she was in pain. Agony coz of love. Agony coz of the distance between them. "Muje ye kaafi nai hai" she said. "maybe you're right swayam...we shouldn't be together "she said. Pain again. "Not because I don't love you...marne ke baad bhi it will remain that way...i won't stop loving you, not because I can't, because I wouldn't want to stop loving you" she said. "how dare you?!"he said angry. "How dare you talk of death and that too yours?!"he said angrily shaking her. "Coz I'm dead swayam, tumhare bina I'm dead" she said looking at him. He let go of her. Sitting next to her he buried his face in his hands. "I love you Sharon" he said "I really really love you" he said looking at her. Slipping her hands over his arms and resting her head on his shoulders, she said "I Love you too swayam shekhawat, never stop believing that "she said and sighed. Resting his cheek over her hair, he sighed. "Forever?" he asked. "an eternity" she said. He kissed her forehead and the both stared at the wall consisting of all the notices. A little later the bell rang and they didn't even know. The gang came out, expecting to find their friends sitting aloof and angry but instead they smiled looking at them. Hand in hand, content and they smiled as they slept. Looking perfect as ever.

-Vaddy

Song Fiction: A Thousand Years

Background: the stage is set with an LED (LCD idk which) screen on which pictures of swaron are put on a slideshow. They've had a photo shoot before especially for this and have all the memories of dates, fights, dances etc on the slide show.

"Ready?" Swayam whispered. "With you I always am" Sharon replied smiling at him. Both of them clad in white, she looked angelic and he looked romantically handsome. His long hair sweeping his forehead just above his eyes which gazed steadily into hers. Taking and giving each other strength. She kept her hand on his shoulder as his hand wrapped around her waist, the other hand held hers in perfect waltz position.

play the link just before you go ahead :)Link:http://youtu.be/rtOvBOTyX00

One step backward, One step forward, a step to the side and Swayam twirled Sharon gracefully as the spotlight moved along with them, as he pulled her back to him to do the same routine. Clad in white he looked romantically handsome, and she angelic in a white dress which spread out into a little poofy skirt making her look graceful and agile like a pixie. His long hair swept just above his eyes, which reflected back the same level of love as the eyes which looked into his, transfixed on each other, with a sweet smile playing on their lips, their eyes conveying different memories just like the background behind them.
*Heart beats fast,
Colors and promises,
How to be brave, how can I love
When I'm afraid to fall, watching you stand alone
All of my doubt, suddenly goes away, somehow*
He froze and she continued a step further without him. She gasped as she opened her eyes, seeking his comfort. She arched sideways towards him, and slid her palm through the other closed to his, a promise. Kicking one leg outward, she jumped her hands forming into a heart, as she landed her hands in the form of a heart raised above her head. And then she dropped and did a roll. Landing in front of his frozen figure which still breathed life, like a star. She looked up at him and raised her arms towards him as if trying to reach him. And then came her signature step, she rose up, her hands still extended, through her knees and an arch of her back. She stood straight and hugging an invisible person, and shutting her eyes she twirled, and faced him.
*One step closer*
She took a step towards him and positioned herself in his arms.
*I have died every day
 waiting for you
 Darlin' don't be afraid
 I have loved you for a
 Thousand years
 I'll love you for a
 Thousand more*
One step forward, one step backward, he twirled her around, once and then twice before pulling her close and with a step to the side, he leaned over her, his eyes looking into hers. Love filling each other with warmth. Swaying her sideways, using the arms wrapped securely around her waist, they stood facing each other, her arms on his shoulders and then she was in the air, lifted her and slowly turned on the spot as she arched backward mid-air her legs and arms stretched in an incomplete bow, her face uplifted towards the bits of confetti which poured onto them, glimmering in the spotlight.

*music*
Lowering her down slowly, eyes still not losing contact he placed on the ground. Entwined hands snaked around her waist as he pulled her close to him. Raising their hands together swiftly but gracefully she lowered hers and smiled, as his lean, long fingers trailed down her arms, as she stood still like a statue.
*Time stands still
 beauty in all she is
 I will be brave
 I will not let anything
 Take away
 What's standing in front of me
 Every breath,
 Every hour has come to this*
She froze, and he filled the gap between her fingers with his, and twirled to stand in front of her and touched her face gently. Letting his fingers trail over her hair,her cheek, her jaw line, her lips. Tucking behind a loose strand of hair behind her ear, he arched backward and pulled something close to him, his heart. Coming back to his position he glided away from her, his move graceful, his arms out reaching towards her. A head spin later he stood a little more away from her but yet he faced her. He dropped to his knees and tried to pull her close, and landed on his chest, still looking at her. Rolling onto his back, he got up, with a powerful kick, his hands moving like a wave of air. And then he turned rigid, one hand moving a little up, like a clock's hand. Rigid yet graceful and powerful. His expression waas solemn like he was making an oath to himself.

*One Step Closer...*
A full 360 degree somersault later he stood next to her, just a step away. He took that step, closing the distance between them, and entwined his fingers with hers.

*I have died every day waiting for you
 Darlin' don't be afraid
 I have loved you for a
 Thousand years
 I'll love you for a Thousand more One step forward, one step backward, he twirled her around, once and then twice before pulling her close and with a step to the side, he leaned over her, his eyes looking into hers. Love filling each other with warmth. Swaying her sideways, using the arms wrapped securely around her waist, they stood facing each other, her arms on his shoulders and then she was in the air, lifting her and slowly turned on the spot as she arched backward mid-air her legs and arms stretched in an incomplete bow, her face uplifted towards the bits of white thermocol which poured onto them, shimmering like snow in the spotlight. Her eyes closed with a smile and his looked at her with a smile.
*And all along I believed
 I would find you
 Time has brought
 Your heart to me
 I have loved you for a
 Thousand years
 I'll love you for a
 Thousand more*
He brought ber down and cradled her in his arms, as she wrapped herself loosely around him. He tossed her in the air, she spun gracefully and landed in his arms, secure and safe. Not a glint of fright shone in her eyes coz she trusted him so. She knew if he was around she was safe, always. Putting her back on ground they both swung their arms out into the void, one leg kicking out and their heads tilted. Landing lightly on their feet, one hand wrapped around each other's waists while the other hand held the other's hand in place, like a promise to be together forever. They circled on the spot, eyes locked and faces solemn. She loosened her grip on his waist and he pulled her close and leaned over her. She her hands around his neck and hugged him as they rose again, and the music continued like the photos behind.
They waltzed some more, just like they'd on pehla nasha. Graceful, elegant and with pride. Their poise was beautiful. They looked radiant and completely out of the world, together. Swayam let go of her hand gently, while she feigned an expression of confusion and he an naughty smirk. Gliding his hands into his pockets he retrieved a long piece of black satin. She looked utterly confused to others, but was in fact bemused, because Swayam had insisted on the step. He slid one leg at the back and like the peacock stood behind her.
*One Step Closer*
His hands gently tied the clothe over her eyes, temporarily blinding her. 
*Music*
He shuffled his way to a distance a little away from her, precisely the other end of the stage. Sharon stuttered a little in her walk, her arms slightly extended trying to touch Swayam.
*One Step Cloooser*
Swayam closed his eyes and called out to her mentally. She froze for a moment. "Sharon" he called again mentally. Turning in his direction, she ran as fast as she could. Right into Swayam's waiting arms, which hoisted her into the air, just like countless times before. Swayam looked at her eyes now covered by a black satin. Lowering her down slowly, he reached behind to pull the cloth away, to see her eyes, put before he could, she snatched away the cloth and let it drop to the floor while she reached for his face.
*I have died every day
 waiting for you
 Darlin' don't be afraid
 I have loved you for a
 Thousand years
 I'll love you for a
 Thousand more*
She treaded lightly onto his feet, wrapping her arms around his neck, as his wrapped around her waist. Foreheads together, their noses almost touching, not breaking eye contact, he took a step forward, taking her along with him. A step back a step to side and they half twirled together. And then she arched outwards, while he leaned over her, their eyes still looking at each other. Coming back, she stepped of his feet and hugged him, while he spun on the spot, along with her.  And then they slowed down.
*And all along I believed
 I would find you
 Time has brought
 Your heart to me
 I have loved you for a
 Thousand years
 I'll love you for a
 Thousand more*
Back in waltz position, they repeated their steps. Though they repeated, it still seemed and felt as unique as ever. One step forward, one step backward, he twirled her around, once and then twice before pulling her close and with a step to the side, he leaned over her, his eyes looking into hers. Love filling each other with warmth. Swaying her sideways, using the arms wrapped securely around her waist, they stood facing each other, her arms on his shoulders and then she was in the air, lifting her and slowly turned on the spot as she arched backward mid-air her legs and arms stretched in an incomplete bow, her face faced him, their eyes never losing contact, even as the water sprinkle, doused them. She placed her arms on his shoulders and bent forward, inching her face towards him, slowly but steadily. He brought her down slowly and faces were level as he still held her mid-way. She brought her face closer, and cupped his face in between her palms. Stretching her neck a bit, her lips trembling from the cold met his forehead, which radiated heat. He closed his eyes, taking in the feel of her cold lips on his forehead. She pulled away and looked at him, her eyes soft and gentle. "I love you" she said, her voice steady, echoing the depths of her love. He placed her on the ground and twirled her once and pulled her close. Cupping her face he kissed her on her forehead. "I love you" he said, his eyes soft yet intense while something in his voice made her blush and look away. Lifting a chin up, he gazed at her, his eyes intense and hers confused at first but clear, as she looked at his. Her cheeks burned as he inched closer, and she closed her eyes in anticipation, just like he did. They inched forward till their lips were only a breath apart.
"Bravo! Bravo!" an over enthusiastic white American man clad in a tux burst out into a standing ovation just as the men on his sides did. They untangled themselves and looked sheepish yet happy at the response. Entwined hands together they took a bow and left, the background showing a picture of both of them in white, their forheads meeting as lips turned into a smile.

-Vaddy

OS: Numb

A/N: Based on the 19th April 2014, precap of Dil Dosti Dance on Channel V. Dedicated to Nishie.kss 

Swaron OS: Numb
"I'm sorry, jab meine ruhi ko tumhare aur sharon ke care me diya, I should've told you that she's bipolar aur usse anxiety attacks aata hai" the VP sir apologized to me. I stood there, only partially listening to him. Kya farak padtha? Jo hona tha wo hogaya, Sharon, meri Sharon, uss galti ki wajah se bimar hai. I moved to Sharon. Even though we were separated by a glass wall I knew she could here me, she could sense me. She'll live right? I looked at her heaving, battling for her life. Battling because of me. My foolishness, my blind trust on the enemy! Why?! Why?! Did I judge her so harshly?! God, is this punishment? Agar punish karna hai, punish me! Take my life! Why are you playing with hers?! Sharon, Sharon please aajao. I need you Sharon. I'm sorry Sharon. Please mat jao. No response. The doctor came out again. "I'm sorry, but she's critical, her health is detoriating" he said.
*crash* Aisa nahi ho sakta, I will not let this happen. I rushed in, followed by the gang. Catching her hand, I rubbed it frantically. "Sharon, Sharon...please utho..dekho me aa gaya hoon, please Sharon" I cried. She gulped in a long gasp of oxygen. Looking at the monitor, I watched as her heartbeat faded. And she convulsed more. Her eyes fluttered and they were empty, no feelings, no emotions. Hollow and empty. Dead. "Tum muje chodkar nahi jaa sakti" I yelled, I commanded her to come back. "I'm sorry Sharon, I didn't trust you...mat jao Sharon" I persuaded her. She only gasped more. "Sharon sharon, dekho me yahan hoon...tumhe kuch nai hoga Sharon" I cooed my voice breaking. "Doctor! Please kuch kariye..." I asked frantically. I will not let her go! She is mine. She has to live! Aisa nahi jaa sakti wo, muje chodkar! "itna bada saza mat do sharon!" I pleaded. And then the monitor went blank. She slumped onto the pillow. "No!" I yelled. Someone took of the oxygen mask from her face. Revealing her beautiful angelic face, which was tranquil and at peace. Numb. That's what I felt. Numb. The others shook her.
"Leave." I said. The others looked at me. "I said leave!" I yelled.
****************************
Swayam looked at her face, steadily, his face passive. "Leave" he said quiet but loud enough for others to hear. "Swayam..." Rey said, consolingly. "I said leave!" Swayam said louder. Patting his back sympathetically they left, grief struck. Swayam looked at her sleep peacefully while he writhered in pain. She can't leave him like this! He was in pain, he needed her to keep him sane. He slowly stroked her face, running a finger along her cheek and jawline. He remembered her smile, her expression when he'd kissed her after NDC, her peeping through the pillars of his guest house, her descending from the stairs looking like an angel in a white chudi, her leaning on his shoulders laughing, sleeping, her face calm and peaceful as the first rays of sunlight of a new day touched her face, her confused face seeking his help. Unable to take in the rush of memories that overwhelmed him, he kneeled down, the weight of his grief and pain overpowering him. He held her hand and let the tears flow. "Sharon mat jao...please muje itna bada saza mat dho...please aao, I promise me iss baar koi galti karunga...i promise me tumge trust karunga...come back Sharon" he cried, holding her hands to his lips and then chest right where his heart beat, just for her. Her palms pressed to his heart, which yelled for her, yelled its grief. His heart which slowly broke, with grief and guilt. He bowed his head and let his tears fall not letting go of her hand. "I love you Sharon, tum meri hi ho...kal aaj aur kal" he said, his voice breaking. He still couldn't believe she was gone. How could he? Her presence still surrounded him, he could feel her presence. He knew she can't go leaving him behind. "Please wapas aao...please kahi mat jao...mere paas raho, you promised Sharon, I love you Sharon" he kept muttering, his voice breaking with grief and pain, his shoulders shaking a little, his figure slumped and broken.
****************************
"I love you Sharon" I heard, my eyes welled up with tears. "I can't leave him...he needs me...he is in pain he'll never forgive himself...he'll be in living hell" I thought as I saw his crumpled broken figure. Someone summoned me and tugged me gently. No, I can't leave him. I need him. I love him. I went through all this for him. I have to go back. To pain? My mind asked me. To love my heart answered. And yet something stopped me. I hesitated between life and death. And then I felt a rhythmic thud inside me. Starting from my palm, it coursed through me, the vibrations warming me with a tingly feeling. Sharon I heard him faintly, but he wasn't telling anything. Sharon I heard again a little louder. Sharon Sharon Sharon more louder voices rather voice called, its sound echoing. His voice. His voice, saying Sharon. The various volumes of his voices calling her. The space around me filled with it, entrapping me. In the distance, two figures emerged and then danced, like us. Pehla nasha played faintly in the background. Our pose, in an eyelock, happy to be in each others arms. He smiled at me his eyes radiating love as he held me in his protective clasp. I smiled at the memory. And then again we were dancing in the rain. Me in a blue and green dress and him in white. We came close and our lips met. Our first kiss, like he promised, special. Him creeping from behind, holding my arms, helping me make tea, kissing the nape of my neck, it tingled a little. Him in my arms, looking sullenly cute, holding his head while the egg on the stove was being cooked. His dreamy expression as he watched me become the dream he'd dreamt long ago. Him spinning me around in hapiness, hugging me tight after confession.
The warmth grew, making me feel light and happy, the warmth in me grew and grew, hotter to hottest. Particularly at one place. My heart, which stopped beating a few seconds back. And then suddenly i could feel wetness on my wrists. "I love you Sharon, tum meri hi ho...aaj kal aur kal" he said.
****************************
*Beep, beep* the straight green line on the monitor showed a tiny bump, and again a slightly bigger one. Swayam looked up, at the monitor recording her heartbeat. He watched as the beat became bigger and bigger towards the normal. Leaving her hand for a minute to call the others he turned. And the beats faltered. He sat in the original position, her palm held to his heart. Her fingers stirred a bit at his chest. And then grasped his shirt. She gasped, and drew in a long breath, her eyes fluttering open for a minute. And she slumped. A minute later she coughed and wheezed. Swayam looked at her his eyes wide with shock. He froze for a moment, immediately reaching into his pocket he drew her inhaler and pumped medicine into her. Her cough and wheeze subsided. She calmed down a little. Her lips parted and her fingers left his shirt. She jerked a little, unable to sit up. Swayam sensing what was happening, he caught hold of the nearest tray he found, making her carefully sit up and holding her head and hair, he held the tray on her lap, she jerked a little and puked out white liquid. Again and again, until she could no more. "Swayam" she mumbled. "Haan Sharon" he said. "Sleep" she said weakly. And then her head slumped. He got rid of the tray and carefully laid her head on the pillows. She slipped into a slumber, as Swayamcleaned her mouth using a hanky. Her heart beat steadied. Faltering here and there, Swayam smiled through his tears unable to believe or register what happened. He called out for Rey who came in with the gang and the doctor. "She's back...Sharon's back" he said happily, looking at Sharon. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, normal. The doctor came around and checked her pulse. "How?" he asked speechless. Swayam didn't understand. He recounted what had happened, how she'd puked and then had gone into a sleep. "The antidote must've worked and the blood must've helped..." the doctor said nodding his head, "Would've happened earlier, but she seemed like she'd lost the the will to live" he said, looking utterly speechless. He saw Swayam patting her hair and then rubbing his thumb on Sharon's hand, soothing it would be. Sharon let out a little sigh and slept, a smile slightly forming on her face. Swayam looked at her with a soft expression, his eyes never leaving her face. The doctor had a bemused smile and a lot of deep thoughts running through his mind when he left the hospital that day after sending a blood sample of Sharon's to be tested. She would have to be under observation and then could go home. Her blood results were fine. She was fine too. Love does make all the difference in this world. It binds you to this earth. The bond is strong and pure. True. The doctor thought as he took one last look at Sharon and Swayam before he left. She was smiling at him, and he smiled back. They weren't verbally talking, but it seemed like they were talking, in a special way. And there was some invisible force that bonded them. An invisible force called Love, he concluded as he walked through the hallways of the hospital to his car, to head back home.

-Vaddy

SS: Only Just A Dream

1: Promises
Sharon'he yelled as he pushed her away, not bothering to see where she fell. Simmi caught hold of a frightened Sharon, while the others watched as the entire row of lights fell on him. Him. She watched in horror as the block hit his head and he stuttered, letting out a moan in pain. She watched stunned into silence, as he took a step and then crumpled to the floor, clutching his head. The spot where she'd been moments back, now had broken shards of glass and a block of wood, one of its corners dripping red.  the gang watched him with a horrified hush, as their friend fell. One of the strongest people they'd known fell. Unable to move a muscle. "Sharon"his voice echoed in her ears and she flinched.

Moments ago she'd watched him perform, admiring him, falling in love with his dance all over again. Admist all the cheering she performed. His eyes were on her the entire time, just as she knew they would. And then she'd watched rey and kria once again prove they liked each other as they danced. Cheering for her friends she'd stood there, happy. And then she felt herself being pushed away, his voice yelling "Sharon". The next thing, he fell, his face pale and a moan of pain shot through his lips. Clutching his head trying to stop the blood oozing out of his head and onto his face and neck.  Simmi left her hold on Sharon and rushed to Swayam, she staggered and looked at him. His eyes were on her. Hers on his. "Swayam Swayam" they yelled panicking. And she stood there too numb to respond. She watched the blood flow across the floor, staining it red as it went. Rey and Vicky lifted him, while simmi held onto his head, trying to stop the blood flow. She followed simmi her heart beating unevenly, her mind unable to register what was happening. Rey and Vicky hauled him into the car gently as simmi held his head, trying to stop the blood. Kriya and rey went to the front, while Sharon stood outside watching them settle him in. "Sharon" she heard him call, but his lips hadn't moved. She watched him quietly. Silent coz she was talking to him. They were talking. The world was quiet and only they existed.

Swayam could only register pain. "Swayam Swayam" he heard them yell. He saw Sharon, safe but stunned. He knew what she was going through. She was blank. And then their eyes met and the chaos reduced. His pain reduced. And then she vanished. Her blank face replaced by rey, Vicky, simmi and kriya's panicked faces. The pain swept over his head once again, as he felt something warm flow onto his face, neck and shirt. "Swayam sona mat" rey kept calling out. He got frustrated. "where was she??? And why couldn't he sleep?? Sleep...aah that would be nice...but wait there's Sharon again" he thought happily as she came into his view. "Sharon" he thought happily. She looked at him questioningly. His eyes softened as he met her brown ones. The eyes he'd fallen for. Genuine, soft and deep.

Words aren't needed when two souls could converse by eyes , aint it?

*EYE LOCK TALK*

"You're safe..." (happy)

"Yes I am thanks to you"(grateful)

"Pyaar me no sorry no thank you remember?" (light)

"Life ka sabse best moments, when we were together"(happy dreamy)

"Buh bye Sharon" (Calm)

"Kahan jaa rahe ho?"([anic)

"I'm going to sleep" (confused)

"Utne ke baad mere paas aaoge?" (hopeful)

"Of Course! Tumhare bina kahin nahi jaaunga" (Surprised, reassuring)

"tum sach me muje chodkar kahin nahi jaoge na?" (tears)

"Sach"(solemn) "Abh ro mat, you know I hate it" (Pleading)

"Teek hai, tho promise me Swayam" (solemn)

"Kya?"(confused, curious)

"Promise me ki tum muje chodkar kahin nahi jaooge" (choked)

"I Promise" (solemn)                                                     "good..."(weak relieved)

"Abh so jaun" (questioning)

 "Hmmm sleep" (soft)

"You'll be here?"(hope ful)

"Yes me yahan rahungi tmhare paas" (solemn)

"Promise?" (hopeful)                                                   "Promise" (solemn)

 

His eyes fluttered slowly, sleep taking over him, but he fought against it and looked at her, his eyes intense, soft and full of love. She looked at him, her eyes filling up again, fighting against the fear of losing him forever.

 

"Ek aur baat, I love you Sharon" (loving, soft)

 "I love you Swayam" (loving soft)

"hamesha yaad rakhna" (soft)

 "Hamesha se zyada" (soft)

And with that his eyes shut and he slept, as she looked at him, tears making their way out.

 

His eyes didn't flicker after that. They remain shut, peacefully so. Tears made their way out, and the calmness she'd felt was replaced by fright. Fright bubbled through her and she fought against it, because she knew, her  Swayam was a man of his words.  She knew he was sleeping just as he'd promised. And like he'd promised he'll come back to her. The others panicked and yelled for him to wake up. She heard it and she was angry, and yet she was frightened too. Frightened that if they stop, he wont come back.

 

Rey hit the accelerator, and they sped even faster to the hospital. While rey and simmi held Swayam, the Vicky and nill went to get the stretcher while rinni and amar went to fill in the formalities. Placing him on the stretcher and asking Sharon to take care of him, they sped to fetch the doctor. She held his hands and whispered "I'm here, hamesha ke liye...tumhare saath" she said meekly, just as ruhi dashed in between them, sobbing as though he were dying. "don't you dare" Sharon roared, as ruhi reached to hug him, crying. Rey came back just then to see Sharon holding Swayam and ruhi watching it stunned. The sight though endearing was scary as well. The doctor, immediately got swaym into the OT. Emerging outside a few minutes later, he said, "We'll stitch up the wound...but that's all we can do...the rest depends on him and his will." While rey and kria looked aghast at the answer, Sharon smiled. She knew. She knew he'll keep up his promise. He always did. He was a man of his words.

 

But what if he didn't, what if this time he chose to break his promise, because she'd broken their previous ones. Her smile faltered. He wouldn't come back. She would be left alone. Alone, to be swallowed by oblivion. Tears made their way out again, as she imagined herself without him. A world without him. Empty, dark, cold and unhappy. She shuddered and cried. "its my fault" she cried. Rey held her and consoled her as she cried, while the others watched wondering why was Sharon so affected. Ruhi watched as well, more out of jealousy and glee than out of sympathy and wonder.

She watched as the doctors treated him, putting an oxygen mask carefully over his head. Plucking at the shards of glass pierced in the wound.  Sewing it up neatly using a needle and thread. She winced. It hurt. It hurt a lot. But his eyes were closed. Peacefully in a slumber, while she watched him, agony rippeling through her each time they jabbed at him. She spent the entire night outside the OT, standing now and then to greet the doctor. Rey stayed the night as well. But he slept, not peacefuly coz he woke up every now and then to pat her head n check on Swayam, his eyes full of sympathy for her. She would look at him every now and then. "Utho Swayam, its time to wake up" she would urge him.

 

She thought about their promise at the dance camp. Their promise on dance. To never leave their passion. She'd broken it and he held it. He drew her back to their promise, their dance. And then their promise to be frank to each other, to never hide anything fromm each other. Again she broke it, he held it. Their promises, broken and sealed. She broke him. She loved him. He loved her. He was the one who healed her. He was hers. She was his. No matter what happened. She stood at the glass and watched him. Remembering his charming smile, as he made the heart and sealed it to his heart, telling her she and she alone resided there. She kissed her palm, formed a heart and blew it towards him, smiling as he imagined his reaction. Rey watched her, in silent admiration, Sharon, whom he'd thought he knew so well. Sharon whose attitude and ego came first whom he'd always thought of as strong, now stood in front him, vulnerable and weak yet strong because of Swayam.

Ruhi came and went in, not seeking permission from anyone. She watched as ruhi advanced towards Swayam and stroked his head. It hurt. She deserved it she thought. Swayam tilted his head a little away, mumbling "Sharon". Ruhi was irritated and she came out, a sour expression on his face as rey looked at her quizzically. "Sharon" she said. "I know" Sharon replied softly. Needing no further permission, she walked as rey and ruhi watched. She sat by his bed side and held his hand. He turned, his face softened in satisfaction and he mumbled "Sharon" relieved and content while she smiled. Rey looked on happily while ruhi watched envious. And Swayam spoke no more. It hurt her to see him like that, almost lifeless and wan. But she lived the hurt. It was her moment of epiphany. She was swayam's Sharon, they were meant tofall in love. Maybe they weren't meant to be together, but that isn't going to stop them from loving each other.

 

Doctors came and went, their friends visited often. Ruhi came too with only one intention of keeping Sharon away from Swayam, but no that wasn't gonna work. Sharon knew her epiphany. He needed her, now. And she was gonna stay until he needed her. Even if it meant forever.

2: Epiphany

Swayam stirred a little. Sharon had gone out to freshen up leaving Swayam in rey's care. Blinking a lot to get rid of the blur that clouded his eyes, he scanned the faces around him. His head throbbed and hurt. He saw rey's smiling face and the gang's anxious worried ones. Ruhi was present too and she watched him, smiling through her tears, but where was Sharon? She promised she would be there. He looked around. Hoping to catch glimpse of her the second time he scanned. Vicky, nil, simmi, rinni, amar, ruhi, rey...where was she?! "Sh...sharon" he mumbled. "Kya?" rey asked, his forehead creasing a bit as he strained to hear Swayam. "Sharon" he said again a little louder and clearer. He noticed confusion on others faces and disapproval on ruhi's. or was it hatred? He wondered. Rey grinned wider, "Abhay dho din se yehi tho keh rahe ho" rey said slapping his shoulder friendly, while kria shot him a glare. "Haan dho din se ye hi thiwo...she went to freshen up" simmi said when he looked at her questioningly. Wishing him well and asking him to rest the gang left. Ruhi was forcefully taken outside and this wasn't unnoticed by Swayam. Rey adjusted his pillows, and sat by his bed side, updating him of all that had happened since his accident. He told Swayam about Sharon's state. How she'd refused to budge. "ruhi  bohot hi weird hai..."Rey said thoughtful. "Wo aati thi and would say something to Sharon, and uske baad Sharon would cry, saying she's not worth it...and it was like she was speaking to you" rey said. "Ruhi?!" Swayam asked confused. "Sharon ko rula deti?" he asked. "I don't know if it was ruhi or you or what, wo bohot sensitive ban gayi...the slightest comment and tears would come" rey said, looking worried. "Simmi hai kya wahan?" Swayam asked rey. "Haan, ek minute bulata hoon" rey said and went to call simmi.

Meanwhile, seeing her chance ruhi entered the room, Swayam lay with his eyes closed. Thinking he was asleep, ruhi entered and sat by his side. Reaching an arm out, she caressed his head. Swayam jolted up straight, and looked at ruhi, who looked terrified. "Oh its you" Swayam said. Ruhi watched terrified of what would come next, but to her surprise, Swayam didn't say anything, he on the other hand relaxed. iska matlab...he's fine with me around' she noted. "Aap kaise ho?" she asked over concerned for his well being. Swayam smiled and said "haan me teek hoon...lagta hai Sharon teek nahi hai" Swayam said worriedly. "Aapke liye teek nahi hai" ruhi mumbled looking away. "Kuch kaha tumne?" Swayam asked politely. "mere liye kyat eek nahi hai?" he asked. Ruhi bit her toungue. "mera matlab...aapko aise betne nahi chahiye...aapko aaram ke zarurat hai" she stammered. "haan par agar tum yahan ho tho Swayam kaise aaram karega?" a voice said icily.

Sharon sat on a bench on the terrace of the hospital. Bloodshot eyes and red nose which sniffled, as the image replayed in her head. Ruhi stroking swayam's head. Softly maybe even softer than she did. Maybe Swayam was right, they weren't meant to be, they could never be a couple. Maybe it was just fantasy. Rey called out to her to which she replied without looking at him that she wanted to be left alone. Rey looked confused at the bouquet of flowers in his hand and a card peeping out addressed to Swayam. He'd come to tell her Swayam was awake, seeing Sharon come freshened up with a bouquet of flowers. A tiny peep into the room, she'd paled, shoving the flowers in his hand, she walked away. And now she wanted to be alone. "Great!" he thought exasperated. "both of them like each other and yet hurt themselves and hurt each other...does love always hurt?" he wondered thinking of his two friends and his own life. Kria came, broke his heart and left only to return again. Taani was a like a silver cloud that'd come into his life to strength him and weaken him with love. Strange he thought. Strength and weakness, hurt and concern, truth and lies all of them came because of love. With these thoughts he left the terrace, wondering what to do with the bouquet and gang.

Rey went down to check on Swayam. Seeing ruhi talking to Swayam about something he placed sharon's bouquet on the counter and closed the door, and went on to call simmi mainly for two reasons, coz Swayam wanted to see simmi and to drive away ruhi from Swayam. Ruhi noticed the bouquet and reading the card, she threw it into the bin not noticing the little card fly out of the trash. Leaving in a huff, closing the door behind simmi.

"haan par agar tum yahan ho tho Swayam kaise aaram karega?"simmi asked icily glaring at ruhi. Swayam looked up, and so did ruhi. "Sorry I should have knocked" simmi smiled at Swayam apologetically. "Arrey aisa nahi...it's ok, I'm sure ruhi didn't mind" Swayam said looking uncertainly at ruhi. "bilkul nahi, me kyun mind karungi...muje aadat pad gayi" she said looking down sadly. "aadat...matlab?" Swayam asked her. "Jab me choti thi, tab bhi kisiko meri parvah nahi tha...aur abh bhi nahi..." she said looking down at her fingers. "Arrey...aisa mat kaho...we care for you...dont we?" Swayam said sympathetically. "par abh muje Swayam se baat karni hai..." simmi said. "Haan...muje tumse kuch poochna hai...ruhi..."he looked at her apologetic and a little uncomfortable. "its ok Swayam...me jaa rahi hoon...waise aapko aaram karni chahiye...aise baat nahi karni chahiye"ruhi said standing up to leave. "Sharon ke bare me hai kya?" simmi asked. Swayam's eyes darted from simmi's face to ruhi's unsure of what to reply. Ruhi's face turned irritated again hearing sharon's name. "Get well soon Swayam"she said quietly and left.

Simmi came and sat at a friendly distance unlike ruhi. "Rey ne bataya ki you wanted to talk to me?"she said confused. "haan...coz sirf tuje Sharon ka...you know...Sharon ka...aasthma ke bare me pata hai" he said, with difficulty. It still hurt him that Sharon had astma. He still couldn't digest the fact that she had asthma. Not that it showed up, neither did she show that she had it. But he knew, and he always carried her medicines, who knew when she might need it? Simmi smiled knowingly. Sharon was so lucky to have him in her life. Though they weren't together, they were always there for each other. Of course she was happy too, she had nilesh...the one guy on whom she'd a crush and now was her true love. "Sharon teek hai..." She said smiling at him. "Oh...good"he said content with the reply. Simmi continued, "But she wasn't good the past two days..." she said worriedly. "Matlab?" Swayam asked concerned. "Matlab, she was scared...i don't know of what...and she was sad, she was crying every now and then, but mostly after ruhi's visits" simmi said looking at Swayam. "Aap dono ke break up ke baad bhi aisi thi...guilty, depressed" simmi said. "Tumhe pata hai?" Swayam  asked shocked. "Haan Sharon ne bataya...after ur break up..." simmi said warily. "Aur kya bataya Sharon ne?"Swayam asked. "She said she loves you..." simmi said looking away. Swayam looked at her, "Kab?" he asked. "Everyday..." Simmi replied wary of his reaction. Swayam was speechless as he thought of them, their past and their present. He tried imagining a world without Sharon and he shuddered. Wanting to be left alone he told simmi he wanted to rest for sometime. Simmi taking it as her cue to leave, left him alone with his thoughts.
Sharon steeled herself and came down yet again. Reaching for swayam's door, and looking at him patiently breathing calmly, eyes closed. But he wasn't asleep, he was thinking, she knew that. She approached him, "Finally tum aayi" Swayam murmered. Sharon stopped in her tracks, was she making noise? She looked down at her shoes. "Ruk kyun gayi ho Sharon?" he asked. She looked at him in shock, his eyes were open, watching her approach with an amused expression. His hand, unhooked to the tubes, forming half a heart which slowly extended towards her. Her eyes shifted gaze from his mesmerising eyes to the half heart he'd formed. Though she knew what he meant, she stopped herself with difficulty from completing it. "Swayam, me tujse kuch baat karna chahti hoon" she said, looking steadily into his eyes. "hmmm...can it wait?" he asked thoughtful and warily. She shook her head. He sighed, "I thought so...tum super ziddi ho Sharon" he said half smiling. "I know..." She said her lips curving into a smile at the memory of taani's surprise party day. "tho...baat kya hai?" he asked, wary again. "Swayam...tum sahi the...tum aur me kabhi hum nahi ban sakte...maybe we weren't meant to be...i don't deserve you"she said, her voice empty devoid of any emotion. He looked at her, "maybe ruhi is the right person for you...she likes you and you do so too I guess...n you will and you can replace me with her..." Sharon continued. "why?" he asked after a pause. "coz you deserve better...you deserve someone who loves you...truly and wholly...someone youu can trust...someone whom you'll love just as you loved me" Sharon said, her voice steady, as her heart shattered into fragments with every word she spoke. "I'm sorry I interrupted...i hope you'll be happier" she said, getting up before the tears could escape her eyes. "Sharon...wait..." he said just as the door closed behind her. Unable to go after her and unable to heal her he kicked the bed in frustration, a yelp of pain and rey entered looking tensed and confused. Walking into the room to face a frustrated Swayam only made him more tensed.

The card stuck to his shoe as he walked. Bemding to pick it up, he wondered where was the bouquet. "Dude Sharon gave this" he said, giving him the card. Get well soon Swayam; I kept my promise and you kept yours, now its time for us to say good bye...ily hamesha se zyada-sharon' the card read. He looked at rey distraught and forlorn. He was hurt coz he'd hurt her again. All he did was hurt her. By loving her. Anguish agony rippled through him as he looked at rey for answers.  "Why?"he asked again. Rey looked at his friend, sympathetically. But he didn't want sympathy, he wanted answers. Sharon knew it. And she'd gone. Leaving him alone. Rey looked around helpless. "muje akela cho do..." Swayam said. Rey protested, "please" Swayam said finality in his tone. Helpless, rey went out and went to check on Sharon, who'd disappeared again.

Swayam was discharged the next day, and went home. Ruhi, rey and kria were present, helping out whenever needed. Kria left for her house, declining rey's offer to drop her home. Rey and ruhi stayed behind. "Swayam...muje aapse kuch baat karni hai" ruhi said. Enough was enough...if she let Sharon any closer, Swayam will not be there for her she thought. Deciding to tell him everything at the first chance, she'd decided this was the right moment. Though rey was present. Sharon wasn't around. "kya?"Swayam said. "Umm...wo akele me baat kar sakte hum?"she asked. Rey shrugged and left. "Hmmm bolo" Swayam said. "Me...aapse..." she started looking at him, nervously. "mujse?" Swayam asked. "wo...me aapse ye bohot pehele hi batanewali thi...phir aapka accident hua...aur...Sharon..."  Ruhi stammered. "Sharon...sharon ko kya?"swayamn asked, immediately getting worried. "Sharon hume dhamki de rehi thi..."ruhi said pretending to be frightened. "Sharon aur dhamki?!" Swayam asked shocked. As far as he knew Sharon, she could never threaten or taunt anyone, unless absolutely necessary. "Keh rahi thi ki...agar me aapse sach bolun tho...tho...tho muje college se nikal wayenge" she said, her eyes downcast faking fright and sorrow. "Sach? Kaisa sach?" Swayam asked. "Ye...ki me aapse pyaar karti hoon" ruhi said hesitant but quick. "What?!" Swayam yelled shocked. "Haan Swayam, me aapse..." Ruhi started again a little more confident. Swaym held out a hand looking down thinking of what had happened. "Bas ruhi...pyaar mat kaho..." He said, his mind racing. "Par Swayam kyun? Aap Sharon se pyaar karte ho...par ye sacha pyaar nahi hai...pyaar aapko khush rakhni chahiye dukh aur dard nahi deni chahiye..." she said viciously. "I said enough!" Swayam raised his voice as the contemptuous look on ruhi's face faltered back to fright. "Tumhe kaise pata ki sacha pyaar kya hota hai? Huh? Pyaar me log selfish ni selfless hote hai...ye muje Sharon ne sikhaya" he said, furious, remembering how she'd justified her acts indirectly. "mene aaj tak tumhe sirk taani jaise dekha. Me sirf Sharon se pyaar karta hoon aur karta rahunga, marte dum tak!" he said, watching as ruhi sat frozen in fright at the anger in his eyes. "Par wo aapse pyaar nahi karti!" ruhi yelled. "agar pyaar karti tho, wo yahan hoti, me ni" ruhi said, her eyes full of angry tears. "Pyaar karti, sachi pyaar karti...isliye she left, she went for my happiness, she went away so that I would be happy" Swayam said, his voice lowering as he realised the truth in his words. "Ni...aisa ni ho sakta...me aisa hone ni doongi...aap sirf mere ho..." ruhi said, her neck switching a little, her eyes serious with a certain amount of madness. Looking up at Swayam she advanced towards him, and hugged him by his neck, choking him slowly and Swayam couldnt do anything because he was weak, mentally drained out and unprepared for this attack. Rey slammed the door open, while Swayam struggled at her clasp. Rey held ruhi by her arms and wrenched it off from swayam's neck a little so that he could hold her firmly, he dragged her out. He entered a while later. Swayam looked at him in shock and wonder. "Ruhi is mentally ill"rey said simply. "What?!"Swayam spat, "mentally ill as in?"Swayam asked. "usse OCD  hai..."Rey said looking at swayam his brows wriknkling a bit. "Par...tumhe kaise pata?" Swayam asked. "Sharon ne bataya...aaj hi batatya" rey added. "Iska matlab...sharon ko pehle hi pata tha...aur hume se kisiko ni bataya..."Swayam murmered. "haan...par isliye kyunki wo concerned thi...tumhare liye" rey said carefully as more confusion prevailed. "Muje kuch samaj me nai aa ra..."Swayam said utterly confused. Rey explained patiently and cautiously about how ruhi had OCD aka obsessive compulsive disorder. How she could easily get obsessed with a particular object or person and could do anything to get what she wanted. "isme me kahan aa raha hoon?" Swayam asked. "She was obsessed with you, aur iss obsession ko wo pyaar kehti...sharon samaj li ki kuch odd hai, waise bhi jealous thi pehle and then  she found ruhi odd" rey explained. "and Ruhi ne Sharon ko threaten ki...that wo tumhe paane ke liye kuch bhi kar sakti aur agar Sharon ne tujhse kuch bhi bataya iski bare me tho wo tuje hurt karegi...and Sharon ko tu jaanta hai na? wo kabhi ni chahti ki tuje kuch ho...aur isliye usne tujse dur jaane ki koshish ki par tu..."Rey trailed away. "Par me?" Swayam asked rey to continue. "Par tu respond ni kar ra tha...agar Sharon yahan ni  hi...aur tumhari iss halat me wo tuje chodkar jaa bhi ni sakti thi...and isliye ruhi ka obsession kuch zyada hua...aur...ye..." rey explained. Swayam listened, in a horrific silence. "Abh samaj me aa ra hai ki Sharon kya bata rahi thi...n mene...mene...what the heck have I done?!" Swayam said. Remembering the time Sharon told him about ruhi, at least tried to... "abh Sharon kahan hai?"he asked after sometime, calming down. "Ghar chali gayi...and ek boquet bheji thi...mila kya?"rey asked. "Bouquet?"Swayam asked "Nahi tho"he said looking confused. Rey frowned looking at the empty table counter. He walked towards pretty sure he'd seen something. "Stop!" Swayam cried. Rey froze and then turned to see Swayam, pointing at something near his feet. He bent down to pick it up. Swayam, get well soon ily, yours sharon' it read. Sharon aayi kya? He wondered.  "Ye ruhi ko tho..."Rey said sounding extremely pissed off. "she threw away the boquet" he said when Swayam looked at him confused. Swayam looked extremely weak. "Tu rest kar...i'll make sure Sharon comes to see you tomorrow" rey said and bidding him goodnight he left. Swayam slumped onto his pillows and as one thought merged with another he fell asleep.

NEXT DAY
*sound of door opening* Swayam smiled in his sleep. Sharon crept in little by little careful not to wake him up. Leaving an unadressed bouquet near his bed, she slowly kept her hand on his head and slid her fingers through his hair, her eyes soft. "Sharon"he mumbled. And then she leant forward, her hair falling on either side of his face. And closing her eyes she bent in to reach her lips to his forehead. Inches away she stopped and looked at his shut eyes, peaceful, calm and sweet with a smile playing on his lips. Her eyes welled up, thinking he would never be hers no matter how much she wished. And she pulled back, a tear escaping her eye on to his cheek. He twisted a bit but didn't wake up. Pulling herself away she turned to leave only to be stopped by a tug. She turned to see his hand clasping her wrist, refusing to let go. She smiled. Mat jao" he mumbled, and then turned to his side. Sharon looked at him gently and then released her hand from his clasp, getting his hand on his side gently, she turned and closed the door behind her. Swayam opened his eyes and smiled, grimaced rather, rolling over onto his back he looked at the boquet next to him. Carefully taking it into his arms, he fondled it lovingly and hugged it close, taking in the smell of orchids and the lilies which smelled just like her.

She went into the kitchen and set to work, remembering the disaster she'd made in her own kitchen last night, and careful not to make the same mistakes she cut the vegetables carefully. Searching the spick and span kitchen was easy, his kitchen was neat and tidy. Setting up a vessel of water she boiled the vegetables with salt, wiping the tiny drops of sweat with a tiny cloth that she found in the kitchen. Slowly and tediously she worked, using her memory of the recipe she'd learnt off the internet. Kaka meanwhile came to the kitchen to get Swayam his tea. Heating up the milk and adding the tea powder and sugar reminded her of their date, their proximity. She smiled at the thought. The sight of the milk rising to the brim, she hurriedly came out of her reverie and filtered the tea and gave it to kaka. he'll be up soon'she thought and hurried with her work. Setting the table neatly and leaving a tiffin box with cheese sandwiches on the counter she left, after instructing kaka not to let Swayam know she'd come. But unknown to her she was being watched. Her every move was shadowed, by none other than her lover boy, Swayam.

He wasn't allowed to go to college that day, and Sharon visited him again in the evening only after making sure he was asleep did she come in. the gang threw a party for which she'd made all arrangements but she herself hadn't come. Swayam knew why and he was hurt not because she hadn't come, but because he knew the reason behind it, him.

The next day at college, he saw his friends. And then he went to the VP sir. The vp sir apologised saying he shouldn't have hid it from them, that ruhi had OCD and could get pretty violent if she wanted to. On enquiring about ruhi, the vp sir said she was in rehabilitation. Taking treatment.
Then he was dismissed and he went to the canteen hoping to see her, to thank her and if possible make up for his mistakes, to make up for his judgements.
She sat with the gang, laughing and smiling. Talking and being her usual self. The glint in her eye, her smile, her voice, her laugh; Swayam stood in the doorway, looking at her,his head leaning onto the wall with a content smile as he looked at her. "Arrey Swayam! Tu wahan kya kar rahe ho? Yahan aja na!" Nilesh called out in the middle, alerting Swayam who'd shamelessly stared at Sharon. She caught his eye and smiled warmly, her eyes tightening a little. The casualness she had was gone. Soon they went about their merry making and classes. Talking and laughing, always together,he didn't get a chance to talk to her alone. And soon it was time to leave. Swayam stayed back though, he'd to catch up on his lost work and so he excused himself while Rey offered to drop the gang home. Sharon had excused herself saying she'd go in her car and had gone in to call her driver. Swayam went about his work, finishing it off neatly and perfectly. He collected his things together and then packing his bag he left. The college was empty, and a little dark too, except for the corridors. Coming down the stairs, thinking to himself how to thank Sharon and how to apologize and make her feel special he came down, lost in thoughts. Well until a soft music trailed to his ears, disturbing his concentration. He followed the music and it led him to the rehearsal hall, whose lights were on but dim. Curious he went to see who was there.
Standing at the doorway he was astounded by what he saw, sharon stood there facing the mirror, her eyes blindfolded. The music played and she moved to it.

*Implosive silence (Highway) ARR* she moved gracefully to the tune, letting the music engulf her, letting the fire of passion burn bright. She swayed to the side and arched into a bow, extending her hand into nothingness, trying to grab something out of her reach. And then she fell tired, exhausted, and tears flew down her cheeks wetting the cloth that blinded her. She groped mid-air, trying to find something trying to pull someone, and then she rose and pulled of her blindfold. He stood there, smiling. That smile which made him look angelic and sweet. She reached out to touch him and he vanished. She twirled around and saw him again, arms crossed smirking. She reached out again and he vanished. EA cartwheel later he stood in front of her again, and she saw them, her pinned to the wall while he skimmed her jawline and the crook of her neck making her desensitized, that amused smile of his and it was gone, again.  Clutching her hair she jumped, doing a split as she jumped. Landing gracefully she twirled and saw him below the chandelier which had hurt him because of her. And it took place again, her underneath with the chandelier shaking, him noticing it, him running, his voice yelling Sharon, her shock as he pushed her away and the chandelier falling on him, him falling to the ground, him unresponsive, his eyes on her. Too much to take in she slid to her knees, tears flowing down her eyes as she curled herself into a ball, her shoulders shaking.
He stood there transfixed. Watching her dance, graceful, passionate and those feelings he felt too. Guilt, Hurt and pain. He'd promised to never hurt her and here was hurting her. If anything he didn't want to be the source of her pain. He wanted her to be happy. He wanted her to be her. He slowly walked in, kicking off his shoes and leaving his bag. It was gonna be a long night. And a crucial night too. "Go for it" his heart urged. He complied. Happily. Coz he'd been wanting to, he'd waited for his dil to speak.

The tune that surrounded the room changed. It changed to their song, their pehla nasha. She looked up, surprised and he stood in front of her. His palm outstretched with "May I?" written on it. She looked him, questioning and wondering if it was real. He looked at her and blinked reassuringly. Extending her hand slowly into his, she kept her palm on his. Clasping it tightly he tugged her and then pulled her up. Unsteady at first she fell, his arm around her waist supporting her, his face close to hers, his eyes boring into hers, showing her the endless depths of his love. He smiled and pulled her up. Holding her closer and standing in the waltz position, precisely on the same spot where they had their first waltz together, he turned, taking her with him. They swayed to the music, and the tune flowed through their veins fueling their passion setting fire in every move. And then gradually they drew closer, closer and closer. Sharon rested her head against his heart, listening to it beat as they moved slowly. He placed his chin on her hair. "I'm sorry" he said, into her hair, looking straight. "For what?" she asked into his chest. "Sab ke liye...sab...meri" he was unable to say more cuz her finger shushed him. "No sorry, no thank you" she said quietly, looking into his eyes steadily. He looked at her intently and then blinked his eyes in agreement. "Good" she said and resumed her place on his chest as they moved slowly from side to side. "I love you" he said, she said simultaneously together. They stopped pulled back and after a minute of silence burst out laughing. And then he stopped, and pulled her close. "Ek aur nayi shuruwat?" he asked. She stretched onto her toes and whispered "You made me fall in love Mr. Shekhawat" he grinned. Clasping her around her waist and pulling her close, she wrapped her arms around his neck and they twirled on the spot, when they stopped they were in their position, his lean frame towering over her and she secure in his arms, gazing into his eyes.

*beep beep* he heard. He opened his eyes, blinded by the white light he shut it again. Adjusting to the intense white light, he blinked a few times to remove the blur and then he smiled. It was the most epiphanical dream he had yet. A beautiful epiphany on love.

A/N:Let's just say, that his dream did come true, shall we? :)

-Vaddy

SS: Impressive Impression

"Bye" she said, grinning from ear to ear as she looked up at him from between his arms. Seated on his cycle, wearing a red halter dress, she beamed at the most perfect person in the world. "I said bye" she repeated, when he didn't respond, rather he looked at her, into her eyes, smiling as if she were the most precious thing he'd seen. Swayam took off a hand from one of the handles and she smiled as she got off. Smiling happily with the day's happenings she turned her back on him and walked towards her house, a happy spring in her step. A firm grip on her hand, halted her to a stop, a tiny tug later she hit his chest, "Kya kar rahe ho Swayam?" she asked, her face flushed with surprise. "Wahi jo humari exclusive romantic jagah pe nahi kar sakta tha" he murmured, loosening his grip on her hands and cupping her face. "Romance" he whispered as he felt her cheeks get hotter beneath his palms. "Acha?" she asked her arms wrapping themselves around his neck, pulling him closer and increasing her heartbeat. "Haan, so where were we?" he asked, leaning in closer to her, his arms slowly winding around her waist. She leaned in closer and breathed "Yahan pe I think" her breath falling on his lips as she spoke. He closed his eyes and leaned in a little more. She turned her face slightly and closed the distance between them. He smiled as he felt her lips touch his cheek and linger there. A little later she pulled away and said "Predictable is so boring" smiling mischievously with a glint in her eyes. He opened his smiling at the dialogue. "Oh really, Ms.Raiprakash?" he asked leaning in closer. Cupping her face between his hands he kissed her forehead making her feel special and belonged. "I love you" he said, his fingers gently caressing her face. "I love you too" she said, her eyes enraptured and shining with all the love she held for him. And with that they bid a final goodbye as she walked to her house, feeling deliciously loved while he looked on at her, his mind a haven of peace.
While inside Sharon's house, roamed a soul whose mind was confused and plotting. "Hi mom" Sharon said brightly as she entered. "Aap abhi tak soye nahi?" she asked hugging her. Her mom patted her head and said "Meri beti ka fikr hai muje...maa hoon tumhari" Sharon let go of her and faced her. "Aap ko tension lene ki zaroorat nahi, jab tak Swayam hai mere paas aap fikr mat kijiye, Me safe hoon when he's around" she promised her mom. "Swayam, Swayam Swayam, jab se aayi hoon tum ussi ke baare me hi bolti ho! Aise kya hai uss ladka me jo aur koi me ni?!" her mom asked getting irritated. "Sab kuch..." Sharon said at once, thoughtful. "Sab kuch hai uske paas, par in sabse khaas, pyaar hai, mere liye, exclusive, unconditional pyaar sirf aur sirf mere liye" Sharon said. "Sirf unconditional pyaar me life ni chalta Sharon" her mom replied, caressing her cheek. "I know mom, par humare liye sirf wo hi kaafi hai" she replied earnestly. "Abhi ke liye...uske baad kya karoge? Khair chodo, I don't know what you see in him, but I'm too tired to argue" her mom said in an indifferent tone, she'd enough of Swayam and his unconditional pyaar for Sharon for the day. "Aap usse teek se jaante nahi ho...anyways me bhi kaafi tired hoon freshers party ke baad, good night mom" she said hugging her mum before heading off to bed. "Goodnight beta" her mom said pulling on a fake smile, while her mind plotted on how to keep Sharon away from her friends especially Swayam. Little did Avantika Raiprakash know then that, her daughter's choice was the best.

2:
The next day at St. Louis was pretty eventful. It all started when Sharon sat in her cabin going through her work, while her mom sat in hers, busy with a few college related works now that the VP wasn't around. Mrs.Avantika Raiprakash was busy signing the certificates of the year's graduates. Going through the names of her daughter's classmates, batchmates and friends. 'This is to certify that Swayam Shekhawat has successfully completed his course in Commerce at St. Louis College of Arts,Science and Commerce' the certificate read. She frowned at it, aisa kya hai iss ladka mein, ki sab log usse pasand karte hai? She thought as she remembered the goof ups, he'd done since she'd arrived; how devastatingly irritating it had become to hear his tales from Sharon and everyone she met. How hard it was for her to believe that the Swayam she heard of and the Swayam she'd met were the same. But he behaved like a perfect gentleman yesterday at the freshers party, her mind pointed out. Nervous he was, it was clear, but was nervousness the sole reason he goofed up? Or was it because he is like that? Petty, DM lad who loved the diva? Frustrated with these thoughts invading her mind, she signed the certificates furiously. "Madam" the peon knocked on her door, invading her thoughts. She took a look at the files and let out a tiny groan. "Kya hai ye sab?" she asked the peon irritated by the look of the files. "Memsaab ye VP sir ka kaam tha, unhe ye student records ko check karke, kuch karna tha...kuch recommendation letter bol rahe the, aur kuch special certificates ke baare me bhi bol rahe the" the peon stammered trying to remember all that the VP had told him. "Teek hai, tum jao me sir se baat karne ke baad ye karungi...madad chahiye tho bulaungi" she ordered her voice cold and looking at the peon like scum. "Abh ye bhi?" she thought eyeing the files with distaste at the work it held.
Swayam sat in the canteen, revolving around a mug of coffee around, slowly as he went through his behaviour and the conversation with saasu maa the previous night. "I had big dreams for my daughter" he remembered her telling him, insulting him indirectly, disapproval dripping in her voice and eyes. He'd taken utmost care not to screw up. He made sure everything was prim and proper. And in spite of that...well if girls are difficult to understand their moms are worse,he concluded. "Abh me kya karoon?" he thought hard, thinking of ways to impress Sharon's mom, to show that he was not what she thought. "Wait a minute, kahin mere wajah se tho...kahin Sharon ko ye influence...? No Swayam, what are you even thinking, wo Sharon ki mom hai, wo kyun Sharon se uski khushi cheena chahti hogi? Every mom wants the best for her child, and so does Sharon's mom. It's just that her mom is ignorant of the fact that Sharon loves simplicity. Wo dikhati hai ki she is complex, she's the diva and all par andar se she is simple, she is beautiful, she is khoobsurat" Swayam went from suspicion to chiding himself to his dreamland. Elbow on the table, face resting on his palm, coffee forgotten, with a huge grin plastered on his face, he sat there, looking into no where specific as his mind replayed the different moments spent with Sharon, the different faces of Sharon and Sharon. "Siren" he murmured. "Tune wo naam bhula nahi abhi tak?!" a voice he cherished bought him back to earth. "Huh?" he asked confused for an instant. "Aur itna akele bait kar hasso mat, log pagal samjoge tuje" she continued as she signalled to the waiter. "Ek cold coffee" she ordered and the waiter left, while Swayam recollected his thoughts. "Tum kab aayi?" he asked surprised. "Hmmm let's see, jab tum akele iss tarah baite the" she said, mimicking his pose. "Kuch ghair soch tho chal raha tha, tumhare uss unbelievable dimaag me" she teased him. "Ghair nahi pyaari" he corrected,reaching out to take her hand in his. "Itna pyaari soch...muje bhi jaani hai" she replied. "Haan jab wo insaan ho itni sweet, khoobsurat aur pyaari, tho soch bhi utna hi pyaari aur khoobsurat hote hai" he said looking at her. "And jab tum itni romantic baatein karte ho na? Muje kuch exclusive romance karne ka mood karta hai" she replied beaming at him, reaching out to pull his cheeks. "Tum dono lovebirds ka baatein ho gaya tho, thoda padhai bhi kartein?" Rey asked as he walked towards them. "Tu kab se padhai mein itna interested hogaya?" Swayam asked,looking at him surprised but with a little irritation. "Tab se jab extra classes shuru hone ke liye sirf dho minute bachi Hui hai, and agar late gaye tho..." Rey trailed of looking at his watch and then tilting his head to the side. "Oh freak! Class hai abhi?" Swayam panicked. "Chalo phir, chalo chalo" he said, hurriedly getting up from his chair and picking up his bag, all else forgotten. Sharon coughed. "Sharon? Tum wahan kya kar rahi ho? Chalo! Class ke liye late ho ra hai" Swayam said hurriedly. Sharon stood up and glared at Rey. "I hate you for this" she whispered as she passed by him to take Swayam's hand. And off they went to attend their class, two of them exasperated and a little irritated their romance had to stop halfway and one who was inventing ways to tease the mickey out of his two best friends.

*sigh* "Ek break leti hoon, Sharon ke saath thoda time spend kar leti hoon" MRP thought as she walked out of her cabin and went to Sharon's. On finding it empty she frowned. She went to the canteen and she wasn't there either. On enquiring she is told that Sharon had gone for classes. Smiling, she strolled over by the classes, looking at how the professors taught. She then passed by the class where Sharon was attending a lecture. Swayam sat next to her ("Again!" she thought exasperated) listening intently to the lecture taking notes while the others either yawned or fiddled with the pages with glassy eyes. All but the two who sat in the front. Sharon whose face was droopy and bored suddenly brightened up with a smile. She quickly scribbled something onto her notebook ("Such a studious child" she thought proudly) and silently tore of the pages crumpled it into a ball and stealthily threw it onto the next desk, where Swayam sat, studiously taking down notes. Swayam paused for a while to look at Sharon, his eyebrows raised. Sharon gave a inconspicuous shrug and tilted her head towards the ball of paper on his desk smiling. Swayam ignored it for a while as the professor looked up from his book. *Stamp* Swayam had to bite his tongue to keep himself from shouting. While Sharon tried to muffle a giggle at his expression. "Swayam Shekhawat!" the professor called out, while Swayam stood with a solemn expression as the professor barked a few questions at him to which he answered correctly. Dumbfounded the professor had no option than to make him sit. Sharon gave him a nudge beneath the table forcing him to look up. What happened next made him surprised and sent him into Lala land. Sharon smirked at the effect of her flying kiss, while he sat there a huge smile plastered on his face. ("What the hell is happening?!" she thought) A nudge in the ribs just when the professor seemed to look up bought him to his senses. He nudged her back beneath the table a little later, she looked up at him surprised. *Blush* ("How come I didn't know my daughter could blush!" she thought) As Swayam returned her flying kiss with a wink. Shaking her head and blushing a little Sharon looked at her book not able to meet his eyes. A minute later the ball of paper landed on her desk.("Oh the nerve of this boy!" she thought and then walked away sulking)
The crumpled ball of paper held:
- Romance? Love, Siren
- Your wish is my command my love...
Ps: me sab kuch interest ke saath deta hoon ;) yours forever, Swayam
She smiled as she read his reply and then clutching it tightly, went along with Simmi's urgent tugs.

3:

uss ladka me?" her mom asked. "Don't say pyaar, pyaar se sab kuch nahi chalta...uski class aur background ke baare me kya pata hai tumhe...wo tumhe khush rakh pa sakta? Have you thought about it all Sharon? Have you thought through all this clearly?" her mom asked, with cold sympathy. Sharon stood up, her face turning angry a little. No one, she meant, NO ONE  had any right to talk about Swayam like that in that manner. "Aap jis class aaur background ke baare me baat kar rahe ho na? Wo humare paas bhi aur din rehne nahi wale, and agar ye sab gaye tho bhi ek cheez kabhi nahi jaayega, Swayam ka pyaar, mere liye." she said firmly. "Itnaa sure kaise ho tum?" her mom asked her challengingly "Tumhe kaise pata ki, wo sirf tumhe pyaar karta hai and tumhare status ko nahi?" he mom asked her. That does it. She thought. No one, not even her mom could ask her questions about his love for her. Time had proved again and again Swayam's worth and necessity in her life and she needed no more proof. "Aap Swayam ke baare me kya jaante ho?" she asked, her voice steely cold. "Sab kuch pata kar liya mene...with his talks and behaviour...itna pata hai ki he does not deserve you" Her mom said, standing up and folding her arms, as if challenging Sharon to disagree. "Ye hi hai aap ki problem mom, aap kuch jaane ke bina judge karte ho...jaane ke liye try bhi nahi karte ho..." Sharon said letting out a humourless laugh. "What do you mean?" her mom asked, eyebrows raised. "I meant ki, agar aap thoda logon ko jaane ke liye khoshish karte tho aap mujse aaj aise baat nahi karoge, and that includes me also" she said, turning to face her mom. "What are you saying Sharon? Me tumhe nahi jaanti...tum meri beti ho, my only daughter, of course I know you well" she retorted back, defensively. "Aapse zyada wo muje jaanta hai, sirf aapse zyada nahi..shayad mujhse bhi zyada" Sharon said. "Matlab?" her mom asked confused with the way the conversation was going. "Meri favourite flowers kaunsi hai?" Sharon shot. Her mom thought for a while and replied "Red roses" confidently. "Orchids" Sharon corrected with a smirk. "Oh come on Sharon! Sirf ye sab silly questions ke baare me jaan kar, you cannot love a person "unconditionally"" her mom scoffed. "You still don't get the point mom! Wo mujhe jaanta hai, inside out, usse koi farq nahi padtha ki me kaun hoon, meri class kya hai background kya hai.  He loves Me bas. Apart from that, khayal rakhta hai mera, khush rakhta hai muje, ek smile laane ke liye kuch bhi karega wo, he keeps me intact! Agar koi deserve nahi karta tho wo mein hoon..i don't deserve a person like him!" she said just as Swayam came inside the cabin to hear her last sentence after a knock. "Tum?" her mom asked him coldly while Sharon turned away from him to dab at her eyes. Talking about their relationship always bought tears to her eyes, sad ones and happy ones too. "Ha...haan ma'am, wo umm..." Swayam stammered wondering what was going on and looking for a reason for his being there. "Swayam! Thank God, tumne wo files le aaya? Freshers party ke files, hume submit karni hai na aaj?" Sharon asked him with a bright smile turning to face him. "Wo...wo..." He stammered. "please" her eyes, pleaded. "Haan...files...files tho me bhool gaya, mene socha presentation kare?" Swayam asked her. "Reports hume aaj hi submit karna hoga, VP sir tho yahan nahi hai...and Avantika Ma'am ko late submissions pasand nahi hai, right Ma'am?" she asked stressing on the word Ma'am. "Sharon...ye kya.." her mom began with a sigh just as Swayam nodded his head and said "Haan fine, me lekar aata hoon yahan" "Yahan nahi, ye jagah thoda suffocating si lag raha hai muje" Sharon said. "Tho phir?" Swayam asked warily. "Text karti hoon 5 minutes me..." then a moment later just before Swayam went out she continued "Ni, me tumhare saath hi aati hoon, time bachega, aur pareshan bhi dur ho jayenge" she said with a smile. Her mom looked on flabbergasted as Sharon walked away, shutting the door behind her with Swayam. "What does she mean by she doesn't deserve him? Aisa bhi kya hai uss ladka me?" Her mom mulled over their conversation.
Once outside, Sharon held Swayam's hand and rested her head on his shoulder. "Jagda hua phir se?" Swayam asked as they made their way to the rehearsal hall. "Yahan nahi Swayam" she replied, lifting her head up and walking a bit faster towards their destination.
 They reached the rehearsal hall and sat down, Sharon on one of the cubes and Swayam on the other. Taking her hands in his, he said "Me sunn raha tha" apologetically. "Kya?!" Sharon asked getting up and a little scared. "Sab kuch nahi, sirf wo last part...jahan tum..." he trailed of his eyes sad. "Mein...mein kya?" she asked getting tensed looking at his face as she rewound her conversation. "That I don't deserve you?" she asked softly. Swayam nodded in agreement, looking at her wistfully and a bit hurt. "Sach hai" she said looking away. "No..." he said gently. "I do not deserve so much love Swayam, unconditional pyaar care concern, I don't feel like it" she said, looking away from him, thinking about it. "Rubbish" he said a little stern but gentle at the same time, as he knelt down before her. "Tumhe kaise pata?" she asked him. "Tumhe kaise pata ki tum muje deserve nahi karti? You chose me Sharon, shayad mera pyaar ka haath bhi hai iss choice mein, but in the end it was your choice and Sharon Raiprakash ki choices kabhi galat nahi hote" he said tryingto lighten her mood. "Par mene tumhe itna hurt kiya, itna...itna rudely behave kiya tumhare saath phir bhi tumne kuch nahi kiya, sirf pyaar kiya muje" she said. "Same Sharon, you know ek quote hai 'You do not choose to get hurt in this world, but you do have a choice in who gets to hurt you'; and my choice was you, mene ye pehle bhi kaha, its not that I didn't try to stop loving you Sharon, par jab mera dil maan hi nahi ra tho?" Swayam paused, looking at her and holding her hands firmly as he said it. "Tho?" she asked. "Me kuch nahi kar sakta, jab dil karta hai Sharon, tho dimaag bhi karta hai Sharon, ek farq hai in dono me...dil sirf ek choice karta hai, the right choice" he said as he placed her hands on his chest, just over his heart. She smiled as she felt it thud. "Tumhe koi idea bhi hai tum kitni lovable hote ho, jab itni philosophical baate karte ho?" she asked smiling at him. He shook his head with a pout. "Itna" she said spreading her arms out wide and then wrapping it around him, surprising him a little but nevertheless getting hugged back. "I love you" she said her voice muffled by his shirt. "I love you too" he said engulfing her in his arms, warmly and tightly. As they broke apart, and stood, he kissed her forehead making her feel all the more secure and loved.
Meanwhile Aavantika Raiprakash retreated into her cabin, feeling all the more confused and unsettled. Sharon's words kept ringing in her ears. Looking at the files stacked up neatly on her table she sighed and set about her work. After about an hour or two of mindless work, she decided to call it a day and go home. Taking around 2-3 files along with her, she left. Making herself comfortable at home, she set about finishing the little work she'd brought home whilst waiting for Sharon. She opened the file and skimmed through the pages. Three years, pass percentage in distinction; scholarship student, meaning this person was an academician. Extra curriculars not much, dedicated to books she decided on seeing the person was a part of the literary club. Hmmm not bad, won a few prizes too. Taking a note of the achievements and the name of the student she went on to the next file. Exam marks were pretty good, not bad; attendance wasn't all that regular but it could be dismissed; part of the dazzlers in the first year; appointed cultural secretary of the college along with Swayam Shekhawat (phir se?!), part of the St.Louis dance team, taken part in various dance fests and won the NDC group championship; resigned from CS post, appointed as General secretary of St.Louis, etc etc part of the affiliation struggle, now appointed in the St.Louis Dance Academy. She smiled as she saw the name, Sharon Raiprakash. Her daughter and her achievements, she thought proudly. On to the next file, she thought as she put away the file she held safely. Opening the next file, she was pretty surprised. So many achievements and a clean record, a rarity she thought in this generation. Part of the weaklings troupe; part of the St.Louis dance team later; captain of the team during NDC group championships, national level freestyle winner, Appointed Assistant Cultural Secretary of St.Louis along with Sharon Raiprakash and Aashi Gupta; Part and winner of the basketball match held between St.Louis and rival college, captain of the basketball team and scholarship student. All rounder she thought as she flipped through the file to see who was it. Swayam Shekhawat, the name read and she was shocked. These are Swayam's records?! She thought and tried to match the Swayam whom she'd first met and the Swayam she is learning about. She went to the attendance page and voil, attendance rate was higher than Sharon's but also nearly the same. His marks in exams were perfect as well, perfect as in good grades. Impressive she thought. "But kuch na kuch tho honi chahiye, some flaw, somewhere, a fatal flaw" she thought about his behaviour on their first meet and their last. "Gentlemanly behaviour, good etiquette and taste, he pacifies Sharon and is apparently in love...par background ?" she questioned. "Scholarship student, matlab background mein kuch kami hai?" she questioned before she called it a night and went to bed.
The next morning rose in all its glory, bringing forth more positivity. "Mom...Mom, aap ready ho?" Sharon called out as she fastened a bracelet around her wrist and slung her bag on. "Haan haan, aa rahi hoon" her mom called out as she descended the stairs in her lofty manner. "Ye smell kahan se aa raha hai?" she asked taking in a whiff of a very familiar perfume. "Acha ya bura?" Sharon asked off hand. "Acha..perfume ka...you know, the one I use in Delhi" her mom said. "Me tho bhool hi gayi Swayam ko batane ke liye" Sharon exclaimed clasping a palm to her forehead. "Huh? Kya?" her mom asked confusedly feeling left out. "Ye ki aapki aur uski taste similar hai..." she said exasperated, "Well thoda sa..." she added as an after thought. "Tumhe aisa kyun laga?" she asked incredulous. "Haan coz he got me the same perfume that you like...usse bhi acha lagta hai ye perfume" she said smiling at the thought. "Par wo perfume tho bohot mehenga hai..." her mom thought but the diverted the topic by asking for breakfast. "Aaj mene socha me aapko surprise karungi, mene breakfast banayi" Sharon said excitedly as she led the way to the dining table where a meal fit for feast awaited them. "Ye sab tumne ki? Without any help?" her mom asked, her eyebrows raised in surprise. "Well, actually help tha...Swayam ne help kiya...wo subah subah, jogging ke baad aaya and helped" Sharon said looking at her mom, but blushing a little over the morning incidents that had happened whilst they cooked breakfast. "Phir se?" her mom asked getting irritated with Swayam's mention again. "Aap shuru kijiye na mom..." Sharon said in a hurriedly as she served her mom. Post breakfast the two ladies left for college, each one in their own thoughts. *beep beep* Sharon's mobile rang; 
- On my way to recieve dad, will be late to college. Luv,Swayam. 
-pehle kyun nahi bataya, I would've come too...
-uski zaroorat nahi, n waise bhi, I just got to know...
-Fine. See you in college?
-later but mostly yes.
- love you :)
-love you too :)
She let out a sigh, as she finished reading the text. "Kya hua beta?" her mom asked. "Kuch nahi..." she replied off beat, rescheduling her day.

4:

Papa!" Swayam called, waving his hand a little to catch his dad's attention. His dad smiled and came towards him, and gripped him in a tight embrace. "I've missed you" his dad said pulling away. "me too" Swayam replied, a bit choked because these kinda meetings were a first in a very long time. Mr. Shekhawat's eyes wandered to swayam's sides and then a bit beyond. Swayam noticed it, but decided to ignore it. "Ghar chale?" he asked. getting a nod they walked to his car, silently "Sharon kahi pe dikh nai rahi?" his dad questioned upon reaching the car. "Wo...meine hi kaha tha, zarurat nahi...wo aana chahthi thi..." Swayam replied apologetically. "Muje usse milna hai..." His dad said as they sat in their car and were on their way back home. "Aap mere dad ho ya uski?" Swayam mocked. "Dono ki..." his dad replied in a light tone. "Huh?" Swayam asked confused. "Tum mere bte ho, aur sharon tumhari girlfriend...so meri hone wali bahu?" his dad teased him. Swayam hit the brakes, lurching the car to a stop and a few more cars behind them leading to a series of angry honks behind them. Stepping on the accelerator hurriedly, the car moved again, while his dad resumed, "Waise, tum uski acha khayal rakte ho na?" he asked concerned, while Swayam let out a little sigh. 'Aa gaye hai Sharon ki advocate' he thought as he drove back home,pleased with the fact his family liked Sharon.

"What?!" Avantika Rai Prakash stood up, holding the phone next to her ear, in her cabin at St. Louis. "Par itna jaldi, without any prior notice?!" She asked in disbelief getting tensed. "This is not possible! Ye college hai, We can't just send out students..." she retorted coldly, feeling all the nervous. "I'll see what Ican do" she said and cut the cal. tapping the phone slightly but a little quickly she thought of what could be done, seeing no way out, she called Sharon. "Sharon beta, ek problem hai" she started into the phone and quickly told her about the issue. "Don't worry mom, i'll handle it...we'll handle it, me sab ko inform karti hoon" She said convincingly. "Tumhari friends aayenge na?" MRP asked slightly nervous. "Pucca aayenge...afterall college ka sawaal hai; aap please tension mat lo" Sharon calmed her mom down and cut the call. "Rehearsal hall in 15 minutes" she texted the gang and walked out out of her cabin.

"15 minutes?!" Swayam looked at his phone in disbelief. "Aisa kya zaruri kaam hoga, ki sharon ne bulaya?" he thought as he stood at the entrance of his house, carring his dad's suitcase inside. "Kya hua Swayam?" his dad asked puzzled to see him stand like a statue with a confused expression. "Kuch ni papa...wo bas sharon bula rahi hai sab ko...kuch kaam hoga..." he sai looking at his dad apologetically. "Sharon ne? Kuch zaruri kaam hoga...tum jao, me thodi der aaram karunga" His dad replied, taking his briefcase from Swayam. "Aap ko bura nahi laga na...I mean aap abhi abhi aaye..." Swayam said cautiously. "Muje kyun bura lagega, me teek hoon...tu nikal abhi nahi tho Sharon bura manegi" his dad said, rushing Swayam outside. Swayam shrugged and turned to leave, a bit surprised when his dad called out to him. "Sharon ko aaj raat dinner ke liye bulao..." he reminded swayam and then shut the door.

Reaching the college he headed straight to the rehearsal hall, where sharon waited in her rehearsal clothes. "Sab log kahan hai?" he asked as he left his bag in the corner and walked towards her. "aate honge...Tumhare dad kaise hai?" she replied calmly. "Teek hai...aate hai tumhari baare me hi pooche" he sai rolling his eyes with a slight smile. "Tumhare dad bohot sensible hai" she said looking up at him from the corner of her eyes, folding her hands. "Acha, aur me?" he asked raising his eyebrows. "Tum unke insensible beta ho," she said smiling at him as she faced him. "Wo insensible beta tujhpe fida hai" he said leaning inside towards her a little. "Aur me uspe" she said as he leant in closer. *Ahem...cough sniff* the gang made their presence felt as they stood at the entrance of the rehearsal hall grinning as they looked at their two friends romancing away. Swayam and Sharon straightened out and looked at their friends embarresed a little. "Tum log kab aaye?" Swayam asked trying to start the conversation as the gang entered and made themselves comfortable. Vicky and nil sprang into action mimicking them "Tujhpe fida hoon" Vicky said while Nil fluttered his eyelashes and simmi let out a small clap of laughter. "Mein bhi" Nil squeaked and pouted. "Shut up ok, aur galat bhi kya hai agar me apni boyfriend ke saath romance karoon tho?" Sharon asked jestfully stern, while Swayam looke at her a bit surprised just like the others. Simmi walked over to where Sharon stood and poked her "Tum Sharon hi tho ho na?" she asked incredulously. "haan! acha, kaam ki baat karte..." Sharon replied and changed the topic. "Guys ek problem hai..." Sharon began looking a bit nervous.

"Guys ek problem hai..." Sharon began looking a bit nervous. Bharat let out a huff of anger. "Ek problem solve bhi nahi hui aur dusri problem chalu" Nil muttered looking irritated. "Sharon, kya hua?" Swayam asked her, wanting to know what was the problem for which sharon had called them. "Wo, KR college se call aaya, abhi abhi...and..." she hesitated to go further. "And?" Swayam asked his eyebrows shooting up, thinking of Shivam his antics and his his help and wondering if he'd gone back to his old ways. "Unke college me ek dance fest hai, they've challenged us for a face-off" Sharon said and looked at her friends with questioning eyes, wondering if they'll help. ''So...?'' Vicky questioned Sharon. ''College chahte hai ki hum jaaye...as in college ki dance team jaaye" sharon said hesitating, as she knew ethically this was wrong. "College ka team tho abh badal chuka hai na?" Bharat said  sarcastically while the others agreed mentally. "Dont forget hum abhi bhi college ke hisse hai" Swayam reminded them curtly. "Par hum dance team ke part nahi hai na?" Simmi retorted. "Who says? I mean haan St. Louis ka dance academy khula hai and they've got students and we're D3 Academy, wo academy ki baat hai, college ki ni" Swayam said patiently. "Par baat tho wahi hai na?" Amar muttered. "Nahi, college ki academy aur college ki team me farq hai" Swayam said firmly. "Kaise?'' Vicky asked him. "Academy me people are untrained and aren't united, teams are trained and united, aur hum abhi bhi ek team hai na? D3 se pehle we were known as the Louisans aur abh bhi, dusre colleges ke hisaab se" Swayam said strongly, while Sharon loked at him thankfully for making her feel less guilty. "So What say?" Swayam asked and looked aroun, putting out his hand. The gang hesitated. "Come on guys, college ke liye?" he pleaded getting no response "Humare liye? Dosti ke liye? Dance ke liye?" he shot one after the other. The gang looked at each other trying to figure out what to do. Then one by one each of them stepped forward and kept their hands on Swayam's with a slight yet confident smile. "It's time for..." Swayam started "Dil Dosti Dance!" the gang yelled together, raising their hands upward and cheered. "Rehearsal kare?" Swayam aske, glad that this was resolved without a fight. "Thank you" Sharon whispered sidling up to him with a smile, later after rehearsals. "I'm impressed" she said beaming at him. "Acha, kitna impressed?" He asked smirking playfully. ''Itna" she said throwing her arms around him tightly and giving him a peck on his cheek. Swayam stood still surprised as he let go of her. "Aisa ho tho roz KR ke saath face off karne ke liye tayaar hoon me" he mumbled looking at her flabbergasted while she beame at him a bit shyly.

5:

Later that night:

"Papa?" Swayam called out as he entered his house. "Yaha hoon" his dad called out from the living room. "Sharon kaha hai?" his da asked eagerly. "Aur tum itni late kyun aaye ho?" his dad asked, not letting him reply. "Wo, papa...wo actually kaam tha college me, kal ek dance fest hai...ek rival college mein and uske liye hum prepare kar rahe the so isliys late hogaya..." swayam explained. "Oh...Sharon bhi thi tumhare saath?" his dad asked. "Haan papa" Swayam said going inside to fetch himself some water. "Koi baat nahi, kal tum apne saare friends ko dinner ke liye bulao...khushi ka mahol hai, celebrate karni chahiye ni?" his dad said with a grin on his face. "Khushi ka maho...?" swayam asked confused. "Haan tumhare jeet ki...kal ke fest me" his dad replied happily. "humare jeet, humne abhi tak perform bhi nahi kiya" Swayam said incredulous. "Mujhe pura yakeen hai ki tum log jeet jayenge kal, after all tum kiske beta ho" his dad said proudly. Swayam looked at his dad, surprised at the change he'd undergone in the span of a few months since their last meet.  Here's presenting papa shekhawat post meeting siren sharon' he said mentally to his pre-meeting Sharon dad happily, as he hugged him.

 

"Mooom!" Sharon said happily as she entered the house and hugged her mom. "Tum bohot khush lag rahi ho..." her mom said hugging her back.  "Haan bohot khush hoon mein aaj" she said happily thinking of the days events and their rehearsals together after a long time. "Koi khaas reason?" her mom asked. "Dance" she breathed a sigh. "I danced mom...dance kiya itni dino ke baad...aur wo bhi meri friends ke saath..." she said happily. "Sab ya sirf Swayam" her mom asked her intrusively. "Aap har baath mein Swayam ko kyun lathe ho?" she asked irritated. "Kyunki tumhari sab ka matlab sirf Swayam hi hota" she retorted. "Matlab aap hamesha muje misunderstand karte ho" Sharon retorted. "Aise koi baat nahi beta, muje bhi teri attention chahiye..." Her mom said faking a sorrowful expression. "Khair wo chodo, kal ke liye tayar ho kya?" her mom asked her changing the topic. "Haan, thank god sab maan gaye kal aane ke liye, nahi tho I don't know what I would've done" Sharon said with a sigh of relief. "I knew you could convince your friends to do it" her mo chirped in proudly. "meni, swayam" she told her mom rlieved. "Swayam?" her mom asked exasperated. "Haan, usne baki sab ko convince kar li" Sharon said happily. "Haan...mene end me thoda bohot sunn rahi thi..." her mom said thinking about how she'd come to check on how the preparations were going on and how swayam ha stood in the middle with a palm outstretched talking about something. "Aap?! Kab?" Sharon aske surprised. " Haan, me check karne aayi thi" her mom said absent mindedly. "Khair chodo, kal subah jaldi utna hai, they've asked me to come as well" her mom replied. "Aap bhi aa rahe ho? Great! Kyunki use baad hume Swayam ki ghar  jana hoga...dinner ke liye bulaya uncle ne" Sharon replied excitedly. "Uncle...?" Sharon's mom asked. "I mean dad, Swayam ke dad aaye hai..." Sharon explained. "Oh..." her mom sai disinterested with the conversation. "Chalo abh me sone jaa rahi hoon, good night beta" her mom said, getting up and leaving for her room. "Good night mom" Sharon replied, whilst Swayam bade his father good night in his house and went to bed.

*Good night love, see you tonight* Swayam texted Sharon. *in your dreams* she texted back with a smile, thinking he was gonna visit her like he did previously. *exactly!* he texted back. *Huh? What the hell Swayam?!* she retorted. *Predictable is so boring my love, visits are a surprise for you* he sent with a wink. Sharon blushed an wondered how come he almost always knew what she thought. *I wish I could see you blush, n I will dreams me hi sahi* her phone beeped with his text. *Stop it now and sleep, good night* she texted back smiling. *Good night...aise? Mera good night kiss ka kya?* he asked smirking. *Besharam...* before she could send it, her phone beeped and his name flashed on the caller id. "Tuje abh kuch nahi milne wala hai, so good night" she said upon picking up the phone. "Swayam ko kya milne wala tha?" his dad's voice came through the line. Oh freak!' she thought horrified. "Wo...wo...sorry uncle muje laga ki Swayam tha..." she stammered. "Boyfriend se Uncle?! Seriously Sharon? Haan mene kaha ki tum jo kahogi me wo banuga...par uncle?" Swayam asked in a playful tone before erupting into fistfuls of laughter. "You...You...How dare you?!" Sharon asked angry that he'd pranked her. Swayam tried to control his laugh unsuccessfully as he replied "Chill baba...tumhe sach me laga wo mere dad ki awaaz..." And he laughed some more, while she got angrier and lost in his laughter. "Good night, aaj me dreams me bhi nahi aaungi!" She threatened and the laughter stopped at once. "Awww siren, itna bhi gussa mat karo mujpe..." he pleaded. "I hate the fact I love you so much" she replied curtly. "Hai na, gussa zyada der tak rukhta nahi" he said thoughtful. "In fact jitna gussa karne ke liye chahu, use bhi zyada pyaar karta hoon tumse" He said, his voice deliciously romantic. "And tum aise ishq wala love baatein karte ho, me aur bhi chahti hoon ki me tumhe kiss ya hug karoon" she said sweetly. "Roka kaun?" he asked, his sounding a little too close. "hug tho mein bhi kar sakta hoon" he said just a two hands pulled her close from behind. She turned back in shock, whilst he stood there, hugging and smiling at her surprised look, his hair wind blown and him clad in a black hoodie and track pants. "Swayam? Tum yahan iss waqt?!" she asked as she turned to face him in his arms while he loosened his grip. "Haan tumne wish kiya an me yahan aaya...simple" he sai shrugging casually. "Of course me itna bhi selfless nahi hoon ki me yahan sirf aur sirf tumhare liye aaya, me yahan mere neend ke liye bhi aaya hoon" he replied seriously while she looked at him wondering if this was a dream. "Neend ke liye? What do you mean?" she asked wondering if he was gonna stay the night like h''d done once when she'd been sick. He pulled her closer and looking at her lips, he leaned in a little making himself clear. "Mom aa jayegi..." Sharon replie nervously. "Aane do" he replied softly leaning in a bit more. She threw her arms around him and pulled in closer, sticking to him as tight as she could, for a hug. "Good night" she said huskily and pulled away, giving a peck on his cheek. "Not fair" he whispered, his voice husky and eyes a little too mesmerizing. "Everything is fair in love and war" she replied angelically. "Abh jao..." She said, struggling to get out of his iron grip. "Mera good night bhi baki hai" he said cheekily. "Mom aap?" she asked all of a sudden, her face solemn and serious. A horrified Swayam immediately let go while Sharon seized her opportunity to steady herself and giggle, while Swayam whipped around to face her mom. "you...How dare you?!" he asked mock angrily, while he chased her around her room, before cornering her on a wall. His eyes intensified at the proximity and he came closer and more closer. She closed her eyes and anticipated his lips on hers as she felt him close the distance. "Good night Siren" he said quietly, his voice full of deep emotions as he tilted her face upward, cupped her face gently, caressing her cheeks softly as he placed his lips on her forehead. Time would've frozen, if it were possible, freezing the two souls in their perfect moment where they felt and knew they belonged to each other no matter what in every sense. Later that night, whilst they slept, cupid struck their dreams too, continuing their love and romance into little infinities they may or may not remember once they wake up.

6:

looking at her with amused expressions on their faces. "Don't you dare." he said, pulling Sharon behind him protectively, his face rigid with anger and his muscles tensed, ready to throw a punch if the need arose. The boys stepped away a little, caught by surprise at Swayam's entry. "She said move, so move." Swayam said his voice cold yet fiery with anger. "Tum hume bologe ki kya karni hai aur kya nahi?" one of the boys stepped forward slightly menacingly. Swayam clenched his fist, while Sharon gripped his arm. Not wantingto create a scene or pick a fight again he relaxed it, walking over to the guy who seemed like the gang leader, he smiled a threatening smile and said, "Zyaada awaaz, mat uda...kahin aisa na ho ki thodi der ke baad Teri awaaz hamesha ke liye bandh ho jaaye" he said firmly still smiling, patting his shoulders softly but firmly enough for him to get the message. Swayam Shekhawat wasn't joking. The guys looked at their leader awaiting directions while the leader quickly calculated what were his chances against this lean guy with anger blazing in his eyes standing in front of him. But before confidence washed over him, a picture flashed in his mind which sent fear coursing through his system. The same guy had thrashed Shivam and a few others black and blue, so hard that those people didn't attend college for a week or so. Unwise to pick a fight, retreat; his mind told him and retreat he did, taking his gang alongside him.
"Tum teek ho?" Swayam asked Sharon, turning to face her. Sharon pulled him into a hug, sniffing a little but with a huge grin. "Jab tum saath ho, sab kuch teek hi hoga mere saath" she murmured into his chest. Startled initially by the hug, he smiled and hugged her back. Kissing her hair, he said "I love you" and hugged her more closely. "I love you too" she said into his chest, the vibrations of her voice sending infinite arcs of pleasant vibrations through him. Her voice n the three words echoing through him. 
Later at the Shekhawat's:
"Sab kuch taiyar hai?" Mr. Shekhawat asked excited at the prospect of meeting Sharon and her mom. "Haan papa...Sharon aati hogi" Swayam said adding finishing touches to the table and looking at his watch. *Ting tong* the bell rang. "Aa gayi..." Swayam said happily going to recieve them. He opened the door, and there stood Sharon, dressed up neatly in a semi-Indian salwar, a bright but nervous smile dazzling Swayam. She gave a shrug and pulled him into a hug, seeking reassurance and he hugged her back tightly making her feel reassured. "Ahem...Swayam ko hug karte rahogi ya phir mujhse bhi miloge?" His dad's voice came from behind, teasing them some and then laughing while the blushed, smiling sheepishly. "Uncle.." Sharon said and stepped inside. He stopped her from touching his feet but blessed her, "Bohot achi lag rahi ho tum aaj" he said. "Thanks uncle" she replied happily. "Uncle nahi..papa bula sakti ho" he said merrily ignorant of the surprise and chagrin his one sentence bought along to the couple. "Dinner kare...?" Swayam asked meekly. "Haan..chalo, khana khate hai...Sharon beta tumhari mom ..?" his dad asked. "Wo..wo..mom aati honge..kuch kaam tha unhe college mein...hum start karte? Mom hume join kar lenge" Sharon replied, her cheeks a bit flushed. "Chalo phir...?" Swayam said brusquely, leading the way to the dining table. *Ting tong* the bell rang for the second time. "Mein dekhta hoon..." Swayam said excusing himself to get the door. And there stood Sharon's mom, looking...nervous? Like mother, like daughter; Swayam mumbled internally as he tried to gauge her actions next, relating them to Sharon's way of reaction. Nervous, anxious but more than any of this regret was what she felt. Regret that she'd judged too early, fear that she'd judged too harshly. Maybe Sharon was right, she doesn't know Swayam, at least not as well as Sharon did. But he never left an opportunity to goof up. What would she think? Maybe because of the pressure...the nerves...of impressing his girlfriend's mom. She'd heard a lot about Swayam in the 3-4 years Sharon had been in college. Most of it from Sharon though, during their occasional phone calls and sometimes from her husband, Sharon was, more of daddy's lil princess. Her first hero, and her best confidante. Her mum smiled at the memory. Tiny little Sharon, clambering on top of the dining table using the chairs, taking the table to be her stage as she danced to the songs played on TV, her dad watching..his face mirroring her exhilaration, while she'd watch on terrified about what if something were to happen. The song stopped and she clapped her hands excitedly bobbing up and down merrily, her tiny face full of happiness and pride as her dad cheered her on. "Sharon! Off the table abhi ke abhi" she would yell startling the poor innocent child, but she was her mother; and mothers can't help but be overprotective of their little babies. He would distract her then "Come to pappa my little princess" he would say happily lifting her off the table, lifting the fear and tension off her as well. But her daughter would squirm, and hug her by her legs coz that's where she could reach, "I'm shorry mumma" she would say, her innocent face melting her heart. "Its okay darling" she would reply scooping her up to give her kiss on her forehead while her husband gazed on smiling. "Aunty...? Aap andar aayiye na? Hum dinner abhi abhi shuru karne wale the" Swayam's voice broke through her reverie. "Huh..huh? Haan, sorry" she fumbled and made her entry, astonished by what she saw. A well off living room; Sophisticated, but humble and classy. 'Impressive' she thought. Swayam lead the way to the dining area and she followed. "Sorry I'm late..." Mrs.Raiprakash said as she entered and took her place at the table. "Aah, you're right on time" his dad replied smiling and gesturing for her to sit. Dinner was served and they ate in silence. Swayam was the last to enter the kitchen, where sharon stood washing her hands. Their parents moved to the living room, while Swayam quickly washed his hands and pulled sharon back into the kitchen and had her pinned against the wall. "Tum ye kya kar rahe ho?" Sharon asked, her cheeks reddening looking at him. "Shhh..." he hushed her. Moving a stray strand of hair and tucking it into place, he leaned forward; pecked her forehead and said "Khoobsurat" he murmered looking intensely into her eyes, while her cheeks mirrored his intensity.
"Swayam! Sharon! Kya kar rahe ho dono?" his dad called from the living room. Swayam let out a little groan while Sharon laughed. Together they stepped out of the kitchen and went to the living room. "Aah, Abh aaram se ye batao ki Swayam Tera khayal rakhta hai na?" his dad asked once they'd taken their place in the living room. "Haan uncle...sorry dad, wo world ki sabse best boyfriend hai" Sharon said happily. "Haan, and Tu bhi kuch kam nahi ho, wo uska kyal nahi rakhta...uski mumma ne uska pictures kuch dekhi aur wo bohot kush Thi...thoda sa healthy lag raha tha wo pictures mei" his dad said. "Aur nahi tho kya, mein hoon na?" Sharon replied mock haughtily and burst out laughing. While Swayam shifted uncomfortably and her mom watched the camaraderie between them. "Swayam bhi kam nahi hai, usne Sharon ka bohot acha khayal rakha...jab mei Delhi mein Thi" she suddenly said, her mind thinking of the numerous times Sharon had mentioned Swayam helping her; taking her to the doctor's to check on asthma and everything else. "Haan, wo uska apno ka bahot khayal rakhta hai" his dad said proudly. "Par kuch log der se hi sahi, usse samajte hai..." his dad said. Swayam smiled at his dad reassuringly. "Muje laga ki abh tak tum Sharon ko lekar ice cream ya kuch ke liye le gaya hoga" His dad said suddenly. Sharon and Swayam exchanged glances, feeling awkward. "Pappa...abhi...aap log..." he fumbled for words. "Excuse us for a minute" his dad said pleasantly and took Swayam to the kitchen. "Boyfriend girlfriend ho na?" his dad asked him. Swayam nodded his head awkwardly, it is awkward when your dad, himself casually uses boyfriend girlfriend with an accent. "Tho...wo kya karte hai aaj kal? Haan wo date...haan sharon ko date mei le jaana" his dad said simply. "Uh...haan...agar aap keh rahe tho..." Swayam hesitated. "Teri maa ko patane ke liye, mene kya kuch nahi kiya...aur uske baad bhi...aur Tum ho, Jo itna sochta hai! Rule 1: Apne pyaar ko hamesha khush rakhna chahiye...kaise? Surprise de kar" his dad said and winked. Swayam would've fainted out of shock and embarrassment right there, had it not been for Sharon who entered to see what was happening. "Un..dad, mom ghar jaana chahti hai..." she said apologetic. "Oh, kyun kya hua achanak?" his dad asked concerned. "Kuch nahi...wo bas tired hai..." she said, and looked at Swayam, her eyes shining happily. "Oh..teek hai phir, Swayam tum logon ko ghar drop kar dega...yaad hai na Swayam?" his dad told Sharon and then added the last bit in an undertone. Swayam could do nothing but nod, feeling very awkward having such conversations with his dad.
Swayam got the car going, Sharon in the passenger seat while her mom sat at the back, a serene smile on her face. Sharon fidgeted with the edge of her salwar, while biting back a grin. Swayam noticed it from the corner of his eye, getting curious by the minute. They arrived at Sharon's house and all of them got off. "Uh aunty?" Swayam called out and Mrs. Raiprakash stopped to look at him, smiling. That's a first, he noted. "Uhm...kya mei Sharon bahar le ja sakta hoon? Hum bohot der der bahar nahi rukhne wale..." he said. "Of course! Poochne ki koi baat hai? She's all yours now" her mom replied brightly and left to go inside the house. Swayam looked at Sharon...wondering what to make of her mom's statement. They got into the car and set off on a drive. Swayam caught her hand, his eyes not wavering from the road. "Kya hua Sharon? What's bothering you?" he asked calmly, his voice having a subtle edge of curiosity. "Hum kahan jaa rahe hai?" she asked instantly. "Jahan tum chaho.." Swayam said, giving her the option. "Park! Park chalte!" sharon said immediately, her voice a pitch high, like it was when she was excited. They drove to the park, each in their own thoughts. They walked hand in hand, down the stone pathway, Sharon's head resting on his shoulder, a smile so wide but calm plastered on her lips. They sat down on the bench and gazed at the scenery for sometime, not talking, just happy in each other's embrace. "Sharon..." Swayam said. "Abh bato kya hua?" he asked, curiosity burning in his voice. "Aunty ne aisa kyun kaha?" he asked. "Coz she meant it" Sharon replied. "Matlab?" Swayam asked, his mind refusing to believe what Sharon said. "Matlab, my charming boyfriend, Tera charm mom par bhi kaam kar Li...mom ne hume accept kar liya...as a couple" Sharon said inching close to his cheek, telling each word slowly, emphasizing each word. ""Well done Mr.Shekhawat" she murmured and kissed his cheek, prolonging it. "Sach?" he asked, his eyes mirroring the same happiness and excitement as hers. The realizations, came on so fast...their life. Together. One. Forever. "I love you Sharon!" Swayam declared, getting up suddenly, pulling her up as well and launched into a happy waltz. Pulling her into his arms the swayed on the spot, forheads meeting, their smiles exuberant and happy. Eyes closed, "I love you, I really really do, every moment of my existence" Swayam breathed as they slowly swayed. "I love you" Sharon breathed back and Swayam pressed his lips to her forehead hence claiming her informally as his.