CHAPTER 4-
Swayam looked back at Sharon and followed her out. He was still confused at the only 2 words that came out of her mouth; I'm sorry. What was that supposed to mean?
He brushed it off and joined Rey. They all sat on the big sofas in the main room. The apartment was small but it was big enough for 2 girls to live in. "So, Sharon," spoke Rinni. "We really missed you! Why in New York? And why didn't you come back?" Sharon looked at her with a sorry look.
Sharon spoke, "I missed you too!"
Swayam couldn't bear Sharon's ignorance towards him. "Promise. Promise Sharon that you will come back to Mumbai with us." Sharon couldn't answer. She couldn't even look him directly in the eye. She felt so bad about leaving them all without a notice that she felt she wasn't worthy of even looking them in the eye.
"I can't," Sharon said. Rey and Swayam exchanged looks. Everyone stared at her with boggled eyes. "I mean, guys, I have a dance academy here and I can't just leave. You know, they need me."
Simmi spoke, "Ya but-"
She was cut off by Sharon, "Simmi, I'm sorry babes. But all the students here, they look up to me and I really can't just leave." Sharon noticed how everyone became glum on her comment. "After all guys, you have your D3 dance group to manage! I'm sure you guys will do great! And you can come visit me anytime you want!"
Swayam commented before Sharon was even done. "But we need you. Everyone here is incomplete without you, especially me." Sharon finally looked Swayam in the eye and blushed. Aashi exchanged gazes, from Swayam to Sharon. She felt bad about this, of course because she has like Swayam ever since their college years. Swayam knew but her love was only one sided.
Swayam's comment caused the usual Vicky and Nilesh to hum in unison. "Hmmm, chemistry!" The whole gang chuckled while Sharon broke off from Swayam's gaze. Everyone munched on the crackers and chips that Sharon had brought out for them while Sharon, herself, was lost in her thoughts. She wasn't able to focus, as to why Krishna ji was bringing them all back to her life. She wanted to move on but she wasn't able to and now she knew that the presence of her friends would make things harder for her.
Sharon had asked Rey where they were staying and he replied that they were staying at Hotel Marriot, which was about 1 hour from her apartment. The gang was about to leave from her apartment at around 5:00. Just as they all were about to leave, Swayam spoke again. "Sharon, can I have a word with you?"
Sharon said "No Swayam. You will get late."
"No I will not! Sharon may I talk to you, please?" He tried to stay as calm as he can. he held back all his anger and pain. Sharon gave her consent and took him to her bedroom. The apartment had only one bedroom. The bedroom had white walls and pictures of both Sharon and Jennifer.
"What, Swayam?" She was scared that he would compel her reveal the truth.
"Why did you leave Mumbai for the US?"
"I wanted to start a career in dance."
"Oh really?" Swayam said with a sarcastic but hurtful tone. Sharon had lied and Swayam knew it too. "You were part of our PROFESSIONAL dance team Sharon." Swayam had emphasized his tone on the word professional which affected Sharon. "Isn't that considered a dance career? We earn money by dancing in different occasions for different people, Sharon. That's like a career in dance! You did not leave for this reason." He realized that he started to raise his tone so he took a deep breath. He calmed himself down before speaking again. "Look, Sharon. I know that there is another reason that you left Mumbai and I just want to know what it is."
"Swayam, I really mean it. About my dance career!"
"No you don't Sharon! Stop lying to yourself! Just tell me the truth will you?"
Sharon didn't know what to say. She was surprised to what came out of her mouth. "Okay Swayam. Fine that's not the real reason!" Sharon stopped herself,realizing that she shouldn't.
"Then what is?" Swayam walked over to Sharon and held her by the shoulders. He looked her in the eye. "Tell me Sharon. Then what is?"
Sharon turned around, leaving Swayam's hands hanging in the air. "I...I can't tell you."
"Why not, Sharon? Please, just tell me and I will leave forever." Sharon didn't want him to leave but she also didn't want him to stay. She didn't want to lose the place she had in his heart. She loved him, loves him, and always will love him.
"Please, Swayam, don't say that." Sharon took a deep breath and heard Swayam backing up. He was about to leave. Not knowing what to do next, Sharon turned back around to face Swayam who was walking slowly, backwards. "Wait, Swayam." She took a deep breath trying to recollect her thoughts. She didn't know what to say next. Sharon was afraid that what if something she said hurts Swayam's sensitive and delicate heart. She didn't want him to break. "Swayam, what is your dad like?" Sharon had no clue to what she said until Swayam came up to her. He looked at her with confusion and pain filled eyes. Sharon didn't know what the pain resembled.
Swayam just stared at her, not knowing what to say, speechless. 'My dad?' Swayam was confused but he didn't want to upset Sharon. He began...
Shiv Shakti
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