Swept Away - Page 3

(Update 11)
Simran found Shaam practicing his shooting in the basement of the shabby structure that was once a building. She knocked on the door, and waved when he turned around. He smiled and motioned for her to enter. For a few minutes, she allowed him to finish off his shots, and then greeted him with a cheerful smile.
Simran: Hey! Howz it going?
Shaam: I'd say pretty good. How about you?
Simran: Yeah, just getting to know this place a lil better, you know?
Shaam nodded in agreement, and led her to the side where a few chairs were set up. She sat down and looked around the place, taking in every detail as if she could store it in her memory. Finally, Shaam initiated the converstation

Shaam: So, what brings you down here?

Simran: Oh nothing. Since I was learning more about the place, I decided to come down here to learn more about the people, that's all.

Simran caught a playful glint in Shaam's eyes before he masked it with an understanding expression.

Shaam: I see, so any one…PARTICULAR that you want to know about?

Simran (sensing his hint): No, just…you know. Just anyone.

Shaam: Arright, so I came here when I was around five years old…

Simran: Umm…not you Shaam. I'm sorry, but I think..you know, I already know a lot abt you. You being my buddy and all (embarrassed)

Shaam: Uh huh…really? Well, how abt Kundan? Wanna know more abt him?

Simran: Not exactly.

Shaam: Not Kundan, eh? Ajit?

She shook her head and he named a few others, enjoying her look of impatience. Finally, she lost her calm posture and said it out right.

Simran: Arun! Tell me more about Arun!

This time his grin was an outright expression. She felt her cheeks burning and shrugged her shoulders, trying to act casual.

Simran: Just coz I know him more, so just wanted to find out some..uhh…stuff.

Shaam (chuckles): Arright .Well, Arun came here when he was just a kid. His parents had abandoned him at birth, so his childhood was spent as a struggling orphan, just straining to survive. Our leader took him in when he was around 9 years old and gave him food and shelter; but more than that, he gave him a family, something Arun had been longing for since birth. That's why Arun respects him so much. He may not agree with his policies…or profession, but he feels that he owes boss for whatever he's done for him.

Simran (completely engrossed): Wow…Arun had…quite a life. Has he ever…umm…(looking for the right words)…killed?
Arun paused for a few seconds, as if contemplating on how to answer that question, finally he averted his eyes, and answered softly.

Shaam: Yes.

Simran (stunned): Ohh…

Shaam (quickly adding on):Never intentionally tho; all that's happened so far is part of the profession. It was all part of self defense. He did what he did to survive. He's not cold Simran; he hates what he has to do sometimes. You've seen him. You think a man who couldn't even stand to watch someone else get killed would commit that act himself?

This question made an instant impact, and she remembered those gentle eyes, those gentle eyes filled with compassion. She couldn't imagine them holding cold hatred, not matter how hard she tried. The more she learned about him, the more she found herself thinking about him. Hearing about his life had just enhanced the respect and admiration she held towards him. Her feelings towards him bloomed into a whole new level, if that was possible.

Shaam (continuing): He's had it tough, poor chap. But now he's adjusting well. He's quite an inspiration and idol to many of the guys out there, the ones that aren't jerks, at least. Yeah, he's happy. But you know, he does tend to get…lonely sometimes (glancing at Simran).

Simran was caught in her own thoughts while he spoke, till she heard that last part and felt her attention riveting on Shaam once again. Despite herself, she couldn't keep her curiosity from speaking.

Simran: Huh? What do you mean?

Shaam (suppressing laughter): Well you know. I'm his buddy, but a guy needs more than that. And I think Arun's really starting to feel the lack of…a companion. (winks at Simran)

Simran (clearly embarrassed): Shaam! Why are u looking at me like that? Anyway…never mind. But…umm..waht do you mean by companion.

She pretended to sip her drink, which she had finished a few minutes ago, just to feign disinterest. It didn't work. She could sense his knowing expression prodding her.

Shaam (enjoying himself): You know! Someone to confide in, to care for, to come home and talk about work with. You know, share how many arms he broke, or how many fractured legs he caused. Just the usual.

Simran laughed and jabbed him on the arm playfully.
Simran (in between laughs): Ur crazy, u know that?

Shaam: I've been told (looking honored). But he's such a shy guy! He'll never get a girl like that! I mean, girls chase after him, and he runs the other way! Can you believe that? He doesn't even talk to them properly.
Tho…he cant stop chatting with you (winks)

This one hit the mark, and she blushed instantly. She didn't even bother covering up her shy smile, but just laughed.

Simran: Shaam…its not what you think.

Shaam: Really? Its not? Then why do your eyes always sparkle when he's around? Why do you start glowing when ur near him? Don't lie to me! I've seen the way you look at him.

Simran: Shaam! We're just friends!

Shaam: Just?

Simran: Ok fine, more than friends, but not in that way. It's a really deep relationship.

Shaam: Really? Fine, then if you don't look at him "that way", then I don't suppose u'll mind if I get you a raakhi and you can tie it on him the next time you see him.

Her grin fell away the instant those words left his mouth, and the mortified look on her face sent Shaam into another hysterical episode of laughter.

Shaam: Omg! That was classic! You should've seen ur face Simran! Hahahah! Wow! So, you don't want to make him ur Arun BHAIYA?

Simran (wincing): eww…plz don't say that again.

Shaam (smiles): He's a great guy Simran, and he definitively feels something special towards you. I know him since we were kids, I can sense it. I've never seen him react that way to any other woman. From the time we brought you in, I could sense his possessiveness. Wouldn't stand any guy even looking at you, let alone touch.

Simran (beyond words): Shaam…

Shaam: Hey, I look at you as my kid sister, and I would never want u to get hurt. But Arun's a gem. Not many guys like him out there.

Simran remained silent for a few seconds; just letting these words toss around and echo in her head, feeling fluttering sensations blossoming in the pit of her stomach.
Simran (gently): Shaam, how do I know if he feels the same way?

Shaam: You'll never know till you ask, now will you?

Simran: What if he…what if he doesn't feel the same way?

Shaam: I doubt that, but even if he doesn't, it wont be long before he does. (whispers) He's kinda slow sometimes (laughs)

Simran stood up and hugged Shaam, surprising him with him with her affectionate action. It wasn't long before he embraced her back in a joyful hug filled with excitement.

(Update 12)

Simran made her way out of the basement and ascended the stairs two at a time in anxiousness. Having that talk with sham had definitely cleared her internal conflicts. She now realized exactly what she felt towards Arun, and just how strong. "I love him…" she realized with unspoken surprise. Simran was definitely not the one to keep her feelings bottled up for long, especially after knowing how strong they had become. Plus, she had a pretty good hunch that Arun felt the same way as she did, and didn't mind approaching and confessing first. She entered the common room and slowed down as she scanned around for Arun. She spotted him looking over some papers on the other side of the room. His body profile stood out against the light filtering from the opposite side, making him appear like a dream. She didn't realize how muscular he was before this, but now took in meticulous details about his body as she moved closer. How she wanted to be held in those arms, to feel his chest muscles rippling under her palms when she caressed him. She shivered and scolded herself for fantasizing. "They'll be plenty of time to do that later" she reminded herself shyly.
When she finally reached him, she cleared her throat to capture his attention. He turned around, and smiled in pleasant surprise upon seeing her.
Arun: Hey!
Simran (shyly): Hi
She suddenly felt extremely shy to meet his eyes. Never had her heart beaten so rapidly when confronted with him, but now she felt she would pass out from excitement.
ARun (noticing the change in her behavior): Ok ok? You seem a little…flushed (smiling)
Simran (blushing): Hahaha, yeah…its just, umm…can I talk to you for a moment?
Arun: Yeah, sure.
He put down the papers and waited for her to continue, but found her looking around at the people around them. Everyone had stopped doing what they had been occupied with and had their attention centered on them.
Simran: Umm…in private, if you don't mind…
Arun (a glint going through his eyes): Ohh…yeah, no problem
As he lead Simran to the side, her blood pressure soared up and she felt dizzy on her feet. "ok, calm down simran, you can do this," she consoled herself. She just had to tell him exactly how she felt and then wait for his response; how tough was that, right? She began to rehearse how she would confess in her head. "We've been through so much together. You've basically given my life new meaning. I don't think I can live without you by my side…" Her thoughts were interrupted when Arun waved his hand in front of her face, trying to grab her attention.

Arun (playfully): Hello? We're here, anyone in there?
Simran (surprised): Oh..right (grins sheepishly)
Arun: So, we're alone. What do you want to tell me?
SImran: Oh…oh god. Ok…Arun, I don't know how to say this. I mean, well, I DO know what I want to say, but I don't know how to say it. I mean, I have the words, but I don't…
Arun (cutting in): Simran! Relax, what is it? (laughs) You can tell me anything, you know that.
Simran: Right, I can. Ahem, so Arun (moving closer) we've known each other for so long now.
Arun (smiling): Yup, for an entire four weeks and three days
Simran: Hahahah, well I guess not too long, but still. Well, Arun, what I'm trying to say is that, well, I'm starting to…uhh…fell things.
Arun: Uhh…fell THINGS? (confused)
Simran: Well not things exactly, more like emotions and feelings.
He nodded, trying to keep up with her words, which made no sense at all sometimes. She was pretty much blabbering about some philosophical saying when Arun grabbed her shoulders and gave her a slight shake.
Arun: Simran! Get to the point! Hahaha, I have no clue what ur talking about.
Simran: Fine I'll say it! Arun…I…I love you…uhh…talking to me! (to herself) Damn! So close!
Arun: Umm, I always talk to you.
Simran (sighs): Arun, fine, these past days, I feel a lot closer to you then I've felt with anyone before.
Arun (catching her hint): Ohh…really?
Simran: Yeah…and now I just wanted to say that I lo…
She had barely uttered the second word when the windows around the room shattered in an explosion. Everyone fell to the ground in defense, putting their hands above their heads. Arun took Simran down with him, shielding her with his body on top. When the smoke cleared, chaos erupted. Everyone ran around, helter skelter, picking up guns and any weapons they could get their hands on. Completely shook up and pale, Simran allowed for Arun to help her to her feet and looked at the frenzy taking place all around her. There were shouts and screams, and then in the distance, the sound of gunshots.
One guy: We're under attack! Grab ur guns! Quickly! They've gone to kill Sir jee!
The minute he said this, everyone ran towards the south side of the building where their revered leader was situated. Arun ran as well, then paused and looked back. Simran stood alone in the midst of chaos, looking lost and frightened. He was about to double back to get her when another guy grabbed him, pulling him to the other side.
Guy: Hurry ARun! What are you waiting for!? Sir jee's under attack! We have to save him!
Arun stood rooted to the spot, looking one way then the other. The sounds of gunshots grew louder and closer, meaning they were inside by now. His duty told him to protect the man that was the closest fatherly figure he had. His heart on the other hand triumphed, pulling him towards Simran. With a curse, he wrenched free of the guy and ran towards Simran.
Guy: Arun nooo!! Where are you going? Come back here traitor!

Ignoring the angry cries, he reached Simran and started to pull her towards the other side. Finally, somewhere down the line, her feet kicked in and she ran with him through the winding hallways towards safety. Arun kicked doors open, looking for a place where Simran would be safe. He was running out of options when he heard a welcoming voice.
Shaam: Arun!
Arun ran towards his friend, Simran's hand clenched tightly in his. He handed her over to SHaam, breathing heard, perspiration lining his forhead.
Arun: Shaam, take care of her! Take her outside to the back wing, you'll be safe there!
With that, he turned around to the run the other way when Simran grabbed his hand, holding him back.
Simran: Arun no! Don't leave, plz!
Whipping around, he held her face tenderly in his hands, gazing at her deeply, eyes flashing from a storm of emotions.
Arun: I'll be back, I promise! Till then, go with SHaam, he'll take care of you!
Simran (tears escaping eyes): No…plz don't leave Arun, I'm not gonna let you go, I cant lose you.
She clutched his shirt with desperate fingers, attempting to hold him back with all she had. Reluctantly, lips trembling with sorrow, he wrenched free of her grip, caressed her cheek one last time, promising his return with his eyes, and ran towards his doomed leader.

hey i just read the 3 parts grt job cont soon

wow just finished reading ur ff, its just too good, can't wait for the nxt part, i hope they don't turn on arun calling him a traitor