Chapter 3

Some notes from last chapter: I originally had intended to have SwaRon's confrontation in the last chapter but I was too tired at night so I do apologize if people thought that the last part of part 3 was a bit dramatic. Also I do not plan on extending their MU but the concept is soo addicting to write and I end up writing more than I plan so I always have to go to next chapter. This chapter has a lot going on and I left a lot of clues in the way, for those who can read between the lines. I am hoping that the next chapter would be the last or the second to the last. Again, thank you to everyone who reads this FF because I simply love your comments and I try my best to address everyone's concern. Enjoy! 😳~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part 3:

Why is it that sometimes the people we trust the most, the people we care about the most, the people for whom our heart goes out to the most, are the very people who crush it mercilessly without a second thought?

Sharon woke up with a jolt as Swayam's nonchalant expression came in front of her eyes. She held her head as she groaned in pain. She had cried herself to sleep last night. It had been painful to grasp the revelation Swayam bestowed upon her. No! She was not going to think about that anymore. That was the chapter of her life that she had forever closed. Yet, it would not be an over exaggeration to say that it was the very chapter of her life that she had wanted to live over and over again from the day she had left her life behind in St. Louis.

She had always thought he would wait for her. Not thought, expected. However life had been cruel to her. What had she been expecting? She let him go years ago, hoping that he would find a way to let her go as well. Never in her dreams did she ever think that being freed by him would be this painful.

When she had seen him, she didn't know how to react. The first think she had wanted to do was to throw her arms around two of the most important people in her life. One ' Rey, and the other ' Swayam. But she didn't. Things weren't the same anymore. They didn't have a place for her in their lives. It was a very sad revelation. However, as painful as it was to deal with the agony, she had no choice. She chose this for herself, and she was not going to sit around to regret it.

They had given up searching for her, she knew. When she had seen Rey in France, she had been so happy to see that he's doing fine. She had made sure that his stay in France was satisfying because she knew that Rey wasn't familiar with the language or the culture. She knew that Karan had been more than help in that part. However she never realized what that would cause. She could never in her wildest dreams think that they would be at the engagement. Moreover, of all possible places for them to meet again, why the engagement? It was as if fate was taunting her with the happiness she doesn't have, but could have had if she had made a different choice.

Her thoughts were interrupted with a loud knock. She took a deep breath in an attempt to calm her inner turmoil. She couldn't show Karan her haggard mental state.

Karan peeked in to seek permission to come in. He smiled when he saw her smile. Looking at her eyes, he knew she had cried herself to sleep, however he also knew that she would never tell him if he interrogated. To others, he knew Sharon through and through. However, he never felt that. He always felt that there was some part of her that she was hiding - a part that she didn't want anyone to know. He knew that there was a different Sharon that had lived four years ago that he had no idea about. The only question remained was Why? What was she running away from? Who was she running away from? She had seemed so disturbed after last night, and he really wanted to find out why. however, he knew that that was not the time for questions. He smiled at her as he put down the breakfast. She looked too exhausted to come downstairs. He gestured her to finish eating as he made his way out of the room. He turned towards her before leaving, "don't forget to practice a little for the dance performance alright?"

She nodded as he exited the room. She sighed. Usually dance was her escape but her heart wasn't ready for a happy dance number right now. She shook herself up. No! She was Sharon Rai Prakash. This was her life. Dance was never to be compromised. That was the beauty of her performance. Each expression, each dance step, each hand gestures were woven with feelings. That's the reason people liked her performance. That's the reason she became who she was today.

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The workload was just too much. Swayam put down the paper work in exasperation as he moved away strands of hair from reaching his eyes. He was really wishing for that haircut that Rey was trying to talk him into in order to give him a new look. It was meant to symbolize the "new" and improved Swayam. He knew that Rey was just trying to see if what Swayam had said that night of Karan's engagement was actually meant as reality or it was just out of frustration. However, he still couldn't let go of the hairstyle.

He had argued with Rey that changing a hairstyle doesn't change the person and Rey had said a very meaningful thing to him, "Changes come from little things Swayam. Continuous drops of water can turn into an ocean, so why can't a small change lead to a changed you?"

Swayam was almost convinced. Almost. It was still too early to change the hairstyle. The hairstyle had become who he was today. He knew that he had kept that hairstyle due to her because she loved his hair. She would lightly massage his hair sometimes when she thought that he was sleeping during their duties at college. He knew how much she loved playing with his hairs when she thought that he wouldn't know. The truth was that Swayam would always pretend to sleep because he enjoyed the sensation he felt during that time. It was thrill of being aware of some deep, dark secret that only you are able to feel and have the knowledge of. And that too, about Sharon Rai Prakash. He absolutely adored her flustered expression when he would suddenly wake up while she was still very near to him. It was as if she had been caught while committing a forbidden act. And the truth was that it was. He would never let anyone else touch his hair, but she was an exception. Heck, if he had to become a caveman just so she would come near him, then he would because her one smile was enough for him.

And that was the reason it was so hard for him to believe that his life was playing such a cruel joke. The girl that he adored had left him without any answers. What had hurt him more than anything was the fact that his existence didn't seem to make a difference to her. If he hadn't meant anything then what was that? Why did he always affect her? This was probably the hundredth time he wondered this since the night of the engagement. He sighed again in frustration. He couldn't do this to himself. He wasn't getting anywhere with this. He wasn't planning on sitting in during the entertainment of the sponsors for his school because he was in no mood for festivities but that would still be more productive than pondering on the questions that he won't get the answer to.

Swayam entered the hall as the music danced in his ears. A thrill ran through as he restrained himself from dancing to it. He made his way to his chair, avoiding everyone's gaze. He didn't have the strength to force a smile on his face he felt fatigued.

He slowly slumped down his chair and made himself confortable. His gaze finally went towards the stage and he was awed by the site he saw. How long had it been since he had seen her dance? He restrained the urge to smile at her dance as he saw her sway effortlessly to the music. She had definitely improved. Not to say that she wasn't a good dancer before but he had known of her discomfort with dancing on a Bollywood number.

He tried to break away from the site in front of him but he was held captivated by her movements. She swirled as her hairs spun along with her. Her hairs were shorter now, so they moved along with her head gestures with more ease. She swayed her hips to the music and he was reminded of her hip hop dance during the dance camp. However her petite frame had grown skinnier and her sun-kissed skin seemed to have grown paler than what he had remembered. She seemed more fragile now than before.

He was just evaluating her when her eyes connected with his. His heart did somersaults again. He noticed the look of shock in her eyes as she registered him. He, however, pondered the idea of looking away but decided against it. He had to be professional about this and keep the discomfort level to the minimum. He would have to make sure that she never finds out how she still affected him. It had hurt him when she couldn't explain their past to Karan but it would hurt more if she laughed at him for his current feelings. Or worse ' pitied him for still holding onto the hope.

Swayam was interrupted by a hand around his shoulder. He turned to see Karan next to him.What were they doing here? He wondered. Were they the performance team that was to come at his school?

Karan laughed at Swayam's bewilderment. Things were going according to plan. After much insistence, Sharon had told him about some link of her life to St. Louis. Initially, he only knew little of her life. And that too, only Rey ' her best buddy. The reason she had told him about Rey was because he had put up a condition that if she wanted him to help Rey in France, then she had to reveal the reason behind it. He wanted to know more, however he knew that she didn't feel comfortable sharing. He also knew that that wouldn't solve anything. He wanted Sharon to face her fears instead of running away from them. He didn't really have an idea of the equation that went on between Swayam and Sharon because Sharon refused to mention anything even when he questioned her, but he knew that Swayam was someone who linked her to her past. She needed to face the past, and he would help her face it. He had made sure to arrange her performance at Swayam's newfound dance school. Just as soon as he thought his plan would fail, Swayam walked in the hall looking completely exhausted. Karan was shaken out of his reverie when he felt Swayam's head jerking back towards the stage.

The music flowed into her as she finished her dance steps effortlessly. She looked at the man who had captured her attention. He had come quietly from the back and sat down. He made no sound and yet her heart felt him. She felt him observing her. She couldn't break the eye contact even as she danced. She adjusted her steps just so she wouldn't need to break that moment. The dark orbs sent chills down her spine as it bore into her. The effect was soon broken when he turned to talk to Karan. To say that she was disappointed was an understatement. She focused on her dance moves. That wasn't her life anymore. This was. She kept on swirling as her dance came to a climax. She jumped gracefully to finish that sequence of steps when her world shook in front of her eyes. Though she had landed safely, she had to lighten her movements in order for her body to keep up. She twirled again, this time lightly in order to stabilize herself. She joined both of her hands to do a Kathak step, and her world spun again. She finished the move off weakly and attempted to continue on. However, her body was too overworked and she felt herself falling. She closed her eyes in an attempt to give in to the exhaustion and the pain that was to come from hitting the stage.

Strong arms engulfed her as he held onto her protectively. He straightened her onto her feet. Then he twirled her and lightly brought her closer to him in a smooth move.

She realized that it was his attempt to keep the performance going. Forgetting her fatigue, she attempted to put her remaining strength in improvisation. She had to let go of her inhibitions like he was doing for her.

He moved around the stage swiftly. He didn't let go of her hand even on individual moves. He held onto her to make sure that she doesn't fall. The Bollywood piece had suddenly evolved from Bollywood to couple dance to tango. It seemed as if it was the opposite. They weren't the ones following the music. The music was following them.

The hall erupted in applause as they took a bow. She felt him ease up in relief of their success. The curtain closed, and he was still holding onto her hands firmly. As soon as they were out of sight of the audience, he turned towards her. Without a word, he lifted her off her feet and started walking. She would say something to protest against that but her brain was still registering what had just happened. How could he behave this way? He had just danced so intimately with her. They were in their own world, weren't they? He had clearly cared for her, then why was he acting so cold? She knew what she had done to him was unforgivable, and he had full right to act indifferent towards her. But why had he come to her rescue then? It didn't make any sense.

After few minutes of awkward silence, and a quiet walk, they finally reached the nurse's office. He entered the room, knowing that it was still too early for any student to be consulting with the nurse. He placed Sharon gently on the bed, avoiding any eye contact. He knew that if he looked in her curious eyes, he wouldn't be in control. He turned to leave when her voice stopped him.

"Thank you.." she whispered.

He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. His restrained emotions were flooding back again. He turned around and looked her in the eye. "You don't need to thank me. Please don't get me wrong. I am not doing anyone a favor. The guests sitting in that hall are sponsors for events for my school. If I don't show them that we offer the best, then they wouldn't be interested in investing anything. So you don't need to feel grateful."

Though it was a very polite answer, she knew the meaning behind it. It was Swayam's loud and clear declaration that his world doesn't revolve around her anymore. He has moved on.

Their brief interaction was interrupted as Karan rushed in the room. He went and engulfed Sharon in a hug. "Are you ok? I told you not to do steps that drain your strength! Remember what the doctors said? Sharon, you need to.." He was stopped by Sharon as she put her hands on his mouth in an attempt to interrupt him. "I am fine. Don't worry." She gestured towards Swayam, who had now averted his gaze from the couple already. Karan turned around and smiled at Swayam. He took Swayam in a friendly hug. "Thanks man! Thank a tons for taking care of my cousin!"

Swayam head shot up. Cousin? She was marrying her cousin? That didn't make any sense! It's not like there was ever a shortage of guys for her then why had she chosen her cousin?

"Cousin? You mean your fiance right?"

Karan narrowed his eyes, and made a weird face, "Why would she be my fiance? Sharanjeet is my fiance, not Sharon. Wait! Speaking of which, where is she Sharon? The last I remembered was that I had left her with you to do your makeup for the performance."

Sharon was shaken out of her thoughts. "Oh, actually her sister called and asked her to pick her up from her friend's house. She should be back by now. She said that she would be at the boutique in front of the school since she wanted to look at the dresses they have. You know? For your wedding and other ceremonies?" Karan nodded.

"Swayam could you please look after her until I am back? It won't take long. I promise! I just need to get my lovely fiance so we can all go home since Sharon isn't feeling so well." Before Swayam could even reply, Karan exited the room with a smirk.

Sharon rolled her eyes. He couldn't be more obvious. What was his stupid excuse? He could have just called Sharanjeet and told her to come back to school. What the heck was he planning anyways? As far as she remembered, she had never mentioned Swayam to him so how had he figured out their equation? Was she that obvious?

"So it wasn't you?.."

The question had left her throat dry. She nodded fully understanding that he had asked about the name he had seen on the board that night. "My name is Sharon. Just Sharon. I had changed it after I moved to Delhi.." She bit her lips as soon as those words left her mouth. She had never planned to bring this up. Not now. Not ever. She didn't have the answers he was looking for. There was an awkward silence that stretched in between them.

He really wanted to know the answers to his questions, but he knew that he needed to control himself. She needed medical attention. She seemed to frail right now that he couldn't bring himself to ask anything. He turned towards the door. "I will get the nurse. You stay here!"

"Swayam, it's ok. I don't need the nurse."

"Of course you do! You almost fainted. If it weren't for me then.."

"Then I would have fallen and made a dramatize ending to my performance. It wouldn't cost you anything. You didn't need to do any favors." Sharon gritted her teeth in an attempt to subdue her sudden anger because of his indiffernt behavior towards her.

Swayam smirked coldly. He stepped towards her, "You're right! You don't need the nurse! You don't need anyone! Just like you never needed me right? Because you are the great Sharon Rai Prakash who can do whatever she wants right? The great girl who can walk away from any commitments because she feels like it!"

She flinched at the harshness of his tone as she felt the proximity between them. He came dangerously close to her and his eyes bore into hers as he spoke, "I am sorry Ms. Rai Prakash but life doesn't work that way! You need medical attention right now and I am getting you a nurse so you better sit tight and wait!"

He turned around to exit out, when her hand stopped him. "Swayam please listen. You don't need to.."

Before she could finish, he freed his hands from her gentle grip. "Don't! Not another word Sharon." With that, he exited the room.

She looked at his back. His statement held so much meaning. It was not only his resolve of not listening to her protests but also his declaration that he wasn't planning to ask any explanation of why she had left him four years ago. A part of her wished that he did because her resolves of not telling him anything was weakening more and more as she saw his unforgiving behavior towards her. She couldn't take his hatred any longer.

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Whew, that was a looonngg chapter. It was more than 6 pages on Microsoft Word. I just got really fired up! It's sorta boring at the beginning but I tried my best to make it interesting towards the end. Don't worry, the next part will give the whole reason of why she had left. If i had added in this part then it would be too long and I am actually very tired right now. Again, it's 3:51 a.m. in the morning so I am sure that I have many typos so please just ignore it. Lastly, I have my finals coming up guys so the next update will probably be in ten to twelve or so days. I do apologize for this but I have college so what to do😭

Please do read and comment because I eagerly wait to hear from each and everyone I PM. Thank you for those who take their time and pick out details that they like. That really means a lot to me. Thanks again for reading this guys!

Will PM a little late 😭 and will surely reply individually after I wake up 😊

Enjoy,
Jiya 😳

act122012-11-17 05:48:42