Swayam stepped out of the Academy mentally thanking his friends for giving him this off.. Somewhere even he knew that their friends had gauged the tension between him and Sharon.. He was grinning like an idiot as he can now make up to his lady love.. without thinking twice he grabbed his cycle and left for St.Louis.. He knew she would be there trying to keep herself as busy as possible so the thought of him not giving her time doesn't pounder her.. He was still guilty over it.. The tears he noticed the other day after the dance still haunted him.. Though she was being all cheerful and happy around him, he could still see the hint of sadness in her eyes.. The longing of having him just to her.. She missed him and it was the same with him.. But it was also be wrong for him to blame it all on his work.. Anyways he ignored all of it at the moment because now he was surely in to spend the rest of the evening with his lady..
On the other hand, Sharon was sitting in her cabin busy with a few files.. Though she had enough time to submit it but still she had to keep herself occupied atleast till dinner time cause that's when Swayam gets free.. And that's the time they get together when he drops her back home.. Tired sitting on the chair, she was wandering with a file in her hand..
While scanning the file she had this frown on her face that Swayam was adoring from the outside.. It had been about 10 minute he had been standing there lost in looking at her.. He slowly sneaked in as Sharon turned to take a pen kept on the table.. He took a few light steps towards her and slowly snaked his hand around her waist hugging her from behind.. Sharon was startled at first when she suddenly felt someone's torso lean over her back but as she felt him nuzzle closer she relaxed with a wide grin appearing on her face..
Swayam (nuzzling): Hey..
Sharon (leaning back): Tum yahan?
Swayam (huskily): hmmm.. Main yahan?
Swayam slowly opened his eyes and started waltzing in the same position.. Both hard a hearty smile plastered on their faces.. Sharon rested her hands upon his that were on her stomach enjoying the feeling of having him so close.. There were a few minute of a comforting silence as they were absorbing the feeling of having the other right near them..
Swayam (resting his chin over her shoulder): Actually woh baarish ki wajah se Academy main leakage ho raha hai.. Nil aur Vicky usse theek kara rahe hai iss liye fir mujhe chutti de di..
Sharon (smiling): Accha toh phir tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?
Swayam (resting his head over hers): Main apni girlfriend ko apne saath leke jaane aaya hu.. Woh kya hai na lately main ek accha boyfriend nahi bann pa raha tha.. Toh bas woh jo time miss out ho gaya hai, ussi ke liye I'm trying to make up..
Sharon: Accha! Toh Mr.Shekhawat what's the plan?
Swayam stepped back turning Sharon to face him.. He pulled her closer wrapping his one hand around her waist and the other holding her hand.. Her heart surely skipped a beat as he pulled her so close that their faces were just half an inch away.. Both their gaze locked at each other's eyes.. Their hot breath adding on to the temperature..
Swayam (huskily): Whatever you say.. ummm Dinner (looking at her lips) and then.. dessert..
Her cheeks immediately turned red hot as he inched a bit more closer.. He smirking as he saw his effect on her.. He loved the colour her cheeks got when he said or did something for her.. It just was a feeling of pride for him.. He jerked her a bit so that she looked at him.. As she looked up, her hand that was on his shoulder travelled to the nape massaging it a bit..
Sharon: Ummm.. But mujhe kahin bahar nahi jaana.. I want complete attention..
Swayam: Your wish is my command..
Saying this he took her into another step pushed their body backwards, twirling her and as he pulled her closer, he bent down and the next second her feet swept up from the floor and she was in his arms.. As a reflex she wrapped her arms around his neck and kept looking at him as he walked out of her cabin..
At Swayam's House..
Sharon and Swayam had just reached and where grabbing some water for themselves..
Swayam: So.. Kya khaaogi?
Sharon: Actually you know what.. Lets not order.. Tum baitho aaj main khaana banaugi..
Swayam (pleasantly shocked): What!
Sharon: Oh please don't look so shocked.. Tum toh aise baat kar rahe ho jaise ki aaj tak mere haath ka khaana khaaya hi na ho..
Swayam ruffled the back of his head with a goofy smile as he realised he had been caught having the food Sharon had cooked for him when he was actually angry and ignoring her.. Sharon chuckled looking at his reaction and moved closer to him..
Sharon (lightly pushing him): Tum jao.. I'll prepare dinner..
Swayam (resisting): Nah! (inching closer to her) Main bhi toh dekhu Sharon Rai Prakash ke cooking skills..
Sharon (pushing him again): Ok fine!!
Swayam had excused himself for a few minutes as he had some work.. Sharon on the other hand was scanning the shelves trying to guess where can she start from..
Sharon (confused): Kya banau?.. Ummm.. Swayam ko Indian pasand hai toh wohi bana leti hu.. (looking at the book shelf) Woh last time wali Indian cuisine ki recipe book kahan gayi?
As she found it she opened to something she could easily cook and something that was fast enough.. She decided on the menu and thought of starting with getting the dough ready so that she could keep it aside for fermentation.. She took a bit of flour, salt and oil.. Now she was slowly pouring out the water and when she thought it was enough she stopped.. She started mixing it trying to mould it right.. Getting irritated with her hair falling all over her face she tried to move them in the process rubbing some flour on her cheek.. She got back to the dough trying to mix it.. But there was something funny about it.. Maybe the texture of it.. Or maybe the mix.. She had a doubt as to was the proportion of all the ingredients right.. Just as she was thinking a cute yet confused frown settled on her face..
Swayam just then entered the kitchen finishing the work he had and as soon as he entered he saw the most adorable sight.. His Sharon standing all confused staring at the poor bowl having the dough with a frown as if warning it to just mix right.. He walked to her clearing his throat and getting her attention.. She looked at him with the same expression..
Swayam (romantically): Tum aaj se pehle kabhi itni cute nahi lagi..
Sharon at first continued staring at him as if trying to understand what exactly was he saying and as soon as she realised blood rushed up to her cheeks making their colour even more prominent and she smiled.. As he moved closer the colour of her cheek just wanted to flaunt itself.. He slowly raised his hand to her cheek.. Carefully brushing the back of his fingers on her cheek to clear the flour.. His fingers lingered there for a few extra seconds as if taking in the feeling of her smooth skin which felt as soft as a cotton.. She sucked in a breath which wasn't all that audible.. Her skin burning under his touch.. She herself rubbing her cheek against his fingers telling them to stay there.. Her fist was tightly closed and the flour mashed between her palms..
Sharon (trying to control): Tum.. Tumhe romance ki padi hai.. dekho yahan yeh pata nahi kya bann gaya hai.. (cribbing) dekho na kuch toh ho gaya hai isse..
Swayam (chuckling): Accha chalo main help kar deta hoon..
Sharon (stepping back): Tum help karoge?
Swayam (after thinking for a moment): Ummm.. Nahi.. Main tumhe seekhaunga..
Sharon (doubtful): Ok..
Swayam (instructing her): Chalo yeh acchi tarah se mix karna chalu karo..
Sharon (mixing the dough): Kabse woh hi toh kar rahi hu Swayam..
Swayam (standing behind her): Aare aise nahi.. Aao main dikhata hoon..
He slowly traced his fingers from her shoulder to her arm and settling down near her fingers.. All the way down her eyes closed as she felt the tingle yet again.. Goosebumps rose all over her body electrifying her like always.. Her heart fluttering like a mad bird trapped in a cage.. The fragrance of her shampoo playing havoc with his senses.. He took a step forward so that now Sharon was trapped between him and the counter.. Both were lost in the moment..
Swayam (huskily): Abhi isse (intertwining their fingers) aise mix karna hai..
He started mixing the dough more like holding her hand and playing with the dough.. Sharon was so lost in the intimacy that she just let Swayam's word falling on her ears.. His hot breath on her neck was doing it work as well.. As he started instructing her she snapped out of her trance and realised their position..
Sharon (cutely): Swayam agar hum aise hi kaam kharte rahe toh aaj shayad mujhe yahan se bhooka hi jaana padega..
Swayam suddenly came out of the trance as he heard her giving her a quizzed looked..
Swayam: huh??
Sharon (smirking): Uuuhh hhaaa.. (pushing him a bit behind) Cahlo haato! Khaana toh kuch bana na nahi hai bas badmaashi karni hai..
Swayam (moving closer): Sharon isse badmaashi nahi Romance kehte hai..
Sharon: Rehne do! Bade aaye romance wale.. (cutely pouting) Swayam mujhe bhook lagi hai na?!
Swayam: Ufff!Yeh ladki! (chuckling) Accha chalo phir khaana banate hai
Sharon grinned at him and went to wash her hands.. Swayam decided that he would make the roti and dal whereas Sharon would prepare the rice and curry.. She immediately got on to cooking as she didn't have to chop much.. Kaka had already chopped some vegetables so her work was fast enough.. Swayam on the other hand had to start mixing the dough from the started as his romance had ruined the previous mix.. She was almost done and helped him in preparing for the rest of the things..
Sharon: Swayam tum haath dho lo tab tak main table laga deti hu..
Before Swayam could say Ok' his phone started blaring in his pocket.. Sharon too turned as his hands were still filled with dough and he would need help.. Both wondered would could it be at this hour..
Swayam: Sharon please dekho na kiska call hai.. Piche ki pocket main ha phone..
Sharon (removing his phone): Mujhe bhi dekhna hai ki iss waqt tumhe kaun yaad kar raha hai?!
As she saw who the caller was the smile on her face dropped.. Swayam too looked at who the caller was and waited looking at her from the corner of his eye.. This was surely not nice.. It had taken him great efforts to get Sharon back to normal and now this.. It was Huma.. The last person's call Swayam would want to answer in front of Sharon.. He was in a fix as to what to do.. Here he was having his personal time with his girlfriend and now he suddenly is interrupted by his student.. Keeping the time in mind he somewhere thought that it must be something important if Huma had called him up this late.. But he had to also keep in mind that right now he was with Sharon after all the ups and downs they had been through in these few days..
On the other hand Sharon was furious as to why is Huma calling Swayam so late.. She wasn't doubting Swayam, that would be the last thing on Earth she would do.. But she just didn't like this girl and her luck was so back that she had to be Swayam's student.. But whatever it may be.. this was no time for a student to call her instructor..
Swayam: Sharon woh..
Sharon (cutting him): Swayam tum apna haath dho lo.. Call important hoga..
Before he could reply back to her she kept the phone on the counter and walked out of the kitchen.. She knew it would have been an important call for work so she thought she should leave him there.. She just came out and started organising the table.. The hurt and longing that she had been feeling in the past few days rushed back to her.. She didn't want to be selfish or immature.. But at times its ok to be selfish in a relationship.. There is no harm in wanting to have your boyfriend's complete attention to you for once.. In fact she was so use to it that even if Swayam right said he had to leave she would be all that surprised things had gone down to this level now.. She lay the table neatly and as that was done she walked into Swayam's room wanting some alone time for herself.. She stood by the window looking out at the moon..
Swayam on the other hand stood at the spot looking at her retreating figure.. He couldn't help but curse his fate that always had such a terrible timing.. Just when he is about to get things back to normal something has to go wrong to mess everything up.. He washed his hand in a haste as Huma was continuously calling him.. He so wanted to go behind Sharon but if he didn't pick up the call then Huma wouldn't stop calling.. So he thought of just answering it..
Swayam: Hello
Huma: Hi Swayam.. I hope maine disturb nahi kiya.. Sorry itna late call karne ke liye..
Swayam: Its ok.. Waise bolo kyun call kiya? Kuch important tha?
Huma: Haan woh actually Swayam meri ammi ko yeh nahi pata ke main D3 Dance Academy main hoon.. Unke hisaab se main St.Louis Dance Academy ki student hoon..
Swayam (cutting her): Huma.. Kya hum iss bare main kal academy main baat kar sakte hai..
Huma: Par woh..
Swayam: Huma please.. kaafi late ho gaya hai aur mujhe lagta hai tumhe bhi so jaana chahiye..
Huma: Ok.. Good Night..
Swayam: Good Night..
He immediately walked out of the kitchen wanting to clear out stuff to Sharon.. But as he didn't find her in the dinning area he proceeded towards his room.. There he saw he standing by the window looking into thin air.. Lost in her thoughts.. This didn't help in easing the pain.. His guilt just increased more as he could feel the distance that was being created between him and Sharon.. And he surely wasn't liking it..
Swayam: Hey.. chalo.. Dinner kar lete hai.. Tumhe bhook lagi hai na..
Sharon (looking at him): Main toh tumhara hi wait kar rahi hoon..
Both looked at each other for a silent moment.. One's eyes emoting the longing.. And the others traces of guilt and love.. She broke the eye-lock not wanting to show all her feeling as she didn't want him to feel more guilty about this situation.. For the first time she was unsure if such an evening would come anytime soon so she was trying to make the best of it.. She just wanted to be with him and she couldn't afford spoiling this one chance.. She tried to walk passed him but he held her wrist before she went too far.. He waited before he turned as if gathering the courage before he faced her..
Sharon (turning): Kya hua? Chalo.. Khaana khaane jaana hai..
Swayam (turning to her): Woh Huma ko kuch important baat karni thi..
Sharon (cutting him): Swayam tumhe yeh sab bolne ki zarurat nahi hai.. I understand!
Swayam: I know! I know you understand.. But ab mujhe hum dono ke beech yeh jo distance hai woh accha nahi lag raha hai.. (cupping her face with one hand and caressing her cheek with the thumb) Main tumhare saath aur nahi jhagadna chahta.. Tumhe aur ghusse main nahi dekhna chahta.. Main tumhe hurt nahi kar sakta..
Sharon (holding his hand): Swayam tum..
Swayam (cutting her): Nahi Sharon.. Aaj please mujhe bolne do.. Main janta hoon pichle kuch dino main I have hurt you.. And believe me Sharon main aisa kabhi karna nahi chahta tha.. Main kabhi tumhe hurt karne ka soch bhi nahi sakta..
Sharon (a tear trickles down her orbs): I know Swayam.. Main jaanti hoon..
Swayam: I know lately main tumhe utna time nahi de pa raha hoon.. But please just give me a chance.. I promise aisa kabhi nahi hoga.. Main khud din main tumhara chehra nahi dekhu toh mera din accha nahi jaata..
Sharon (smiling through her tears): Jaise ki mera bohot accha jaata hai..
He rests his forehead over hers with his eyes closed..
Swayam (guilty): I'm sorry.. Sorry..
Sharon (cupping his face with both her hands): Shhh.. It's ok..
Swayam (with his eyes tightly closed): Nahi dekh sakta tumhe aise.. I'm Sorry..
Sharon didn't say anything further but just pressed her lips against his forehead trying to sooth his mind.. His eyes that were tightly shut relaxed.. He still felt the warmth after she inched back a bit.. She then pulled him into a hug as he kept mumbling Sorry' to her.. She knew he was in the need of this hug to relax him.. The thought that she was hurt cause of him had killed him a hundred deaths in these hours and she was aware of it.. She knew he was Sorry for what he did and also knew that they both wouldn't let such a situation come between them ever again.. He held her tight as if his life was dependent on this hug.. He just needed this comfort.. This assurance that things were fine between them.. He needed her.. And so did she.. that's all that mattered at the moment..
Sharon (softly): Swayam..
Swayam (with his eyes yet closed): hmm..
Sharon: Sab theek hai..
Swayam (nuzzling closer): Hmmm..
She loosened her grip a bit in an attempt to break the hug..
Swayam: Please stay..
Sharon smiled and wrapped her hands into a tight grip once again absorbing the warmth.. They stood there.. Just like that for what felt like eternity.. As they broke apart the moved back but didn't get out of each others grip.. He tucked in a lose strand cupping her face.. He kept looking at her with all the love.. She smiled at him as she saw that intensity.. that love in those eyes after a while.. How she missed getting lost in them.. Both stood silent not wanting to disturb this perfect moment..
Swayam (softly): I Love you..
Sharon (smiling): I know..
Swayam (creasing her cheek with the thumb): Khaana?
Sharon (nodding positively): hmm..
Their dinner was finally ready so both of them got it to the table all ready to indulge into some good food.. Sharon served a plate for both and before Swayam a bite himself, she popped in a bite in his mouth surprising him.. He closed his eyes severing the taste of the curry Sharon had made.. It was truly delicious and that could clearly be seen by the way he ate it.. Then Swayam fed a bite with the dal to Sharon waiting for her response.. She immediately made a weird face, smiling awkwardly at him as if it taste really bad which made him pout like a cute kid.. She couldn't help but giggle and gestured him that it was actually damn tasty.. Both continued feeding each other.. Chatting.. Laughing.. And enjoying their dinner.. And more over cherishing these moments of Togetherness..
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