SwaRon Creative Writing Voting Round-CLOSED!

Category 1 : Young Love







:: Entries ::






Entry 1 : Valentine Vexation

Valentine's Day.The day of the lovers.A day that celebrated love of every manner.Even the immature kind. Sharon scoffed at the horde of boys that thronged the corridors of the school trying to hand roses into the hands of every available girl around. She personally believed that a single day to celebrate an emotion that bonded every being on the planet was insufficient. The idea was juvenile, to say the least. She saw one of the guys in the horde heading towards her a rose in each hand. She threw an icy glare enough to freeze the desperado who had somehow gathered enough courage to approach her. That will teach him not to invest his bravado in stupid things.

"Whoa. Go easy on the glower, diva. You might accidentally burn someone." came a suave retort from behind her. She turned around and sure enough, it was him. She saw him trying to hide something behind his back. Her eyes narrowed at that. She had specifically warned him not to buy her anything. But yet she could not help the small bit of anticipation building in her gut. "No, it is not a gift for you." he said in a level tone. Wait, had she spoken her thoughts out loud???? No, she was pretty sure she didn't. She tried to voice her confusion. "No, you did not say anything out loud. It's just you have quite an expressive face, my lady." His reply came before she uttered a word. She never ceased to amaze at the ease with which he read her mind. This was why she did not believe in Valentine's Day. Because the feelings she had for this guy standing in front of her, feelings that threatened to encompass and overwhelm her entire being cannot be summed up in meager words or articulated in any inconsequential date quoted by the calendars.

Swayam watched the play of emotions on her face with wonder. Over the years, he had learnt to decipher the stories her face told. She scrunched up her nose when slightly perplexed, twisted her palms, when nervous. She blinked fast, three times in a row, when lying and cocked her head to the side if surprised. But the total adoration on her face at the moment, adoration for him made his heart halt. She encapsulated the grace of a swan and the self-indulgence of a cherub in her delicate frame. He had often sought adjectives to associate her with but never found any. And this Grecian goddess was his. Completely his.

Simmi broke his trance when she skipped her way to both of them. "Heya guys, so have you decided on it?" she inquired. Sharon was thoroughly confused. What were they supposed to decide exactly? Simmi caught the confused expression on her friend's face and turned to Swayam. "You haven't told her yet?" she asked. Sharon hated being kept out of the loop. She looked towards Swayam raising an eyebrow to know exactly what they were talking about. He produced two invitation cards from behind him and handed them over to her. "These are passes to a valentine's party. It is hosted in that new joint near our school." he said while gauging her reaction. "Yeah, all of us are going. So, you guys in?" Simmi quipped. Sharon saw Swayam fixating her with a gaze. Why had he agreed to the party in the first place? He hated alcoholic infested teenage parties. "This party is going to be pretty clean. The society organizing it is pretty respectable." He again answered her thoughts before she said a word. "And moreover, I won't risk your safety like that." he added in a quiet voice. Sharon smiled at the heartfelt concern in his voice. She was quite capable of handling herself in dire situations. But yet, Swayam with his soft apprehension never failed to make her feel precious. "I know." she said hoping to convey her complete trust in him by those two words. "Fine then."Simmi said excitedly, completely unaware of the mute exchange of words between the two. "We will meet up at six at the joint."

The party, as Swayam claimed was pretty clean. The decorations and theme were classy and suited her taste but none of these held her attention. The thing that engrossed her attention completely was the figure standing beside her. With a loose fitted white shirt draping his physique and wine red chinos hugging his legs, Swayam managed to leave the girls weak kneed and slack jawed. Armed with his endearing smile, impeccable manners and aristocratic features he was a charmer through and through. Someone out of an era when chivalry reigned supreme. Swayam led Sharon to a quiet corner. He had not yet wished her a happy valentine. But then he was aware of her skepticism on this regard.

Suddenly, commotion broke out in the hall as a group of guys entered the room started smashing everything in sight. One of them got up on the podium in front and started a lecture on how Valentine's Day was a western culture. How they would not tolerate the young celebrating something brought in by the English. Through the chaos prevailing, the only thing that reigned supreme in Swayam's mind was Sharon. She looked like a deer caught in headlights, stunned at the casual rudeness with which the troublemakers were handling their peers.

Sharon had never witnessed an act more outrageous in her whole life. These self-acclaimed "moral police" that wanted to safeguard the integrity of their "culture" were treating the girls in the room with utmost disregard. Bloody hypocrites. Sharon wanted to do something... anything to teach the losers a lesson. She made a move to go towards them but a firm grip on her hand prevented her from budging. "Not now. This isn't the place or time to create a scene." he whispered in her ears. Sharon shivered as his warm breath blew on her neck. She wanted to argue but the fear in his eyes stopped her short. Fear for her well-being. He did not care two cents for what happened to him. But if a hair on her head was harmed he would be out for blood. "For once, let it go. I want to get you out of here unharmed." the pleading in his voice made her stop struggling against his grip. Swayam was never one to compromise on his ethics but he was willing to do so. She knew he would curse himself later and his conscience would trouble him for not intervening. But he was willing to fight that battle with himself for her sake.

After what seemed to be an eternity of subdued tension, the police surrounded the hall and arrested the hoodlums. They were led out onto the street as Sharon saw the cops navigating the area. All the couples were seeking comfort in each other's arms. And amidst all this he stood, a silent vigilante canvassing her form for signs of discomfort. Sharon looked into his eyes to see them downcast. His mouth turned down into a frown. "I am sorry. I ruined your valentine." he said his face ridden with guilt. Sharon could not comprehend what he was talking about. "I brought you to this party. I compromised your safety." She could not believe he was beating himself about this.

It was a reflex reaction when she pressed her lips against his. It was an effort to bring the smile back on to his face. Swayam was at a loss as his diva claimed his lips in a kiss, in the hub of a busy street laden with cops and people. However, none of that mattered as she combed her hands through his hair. His hands shot out to grasp her petite waist and crush her soft form to his. Their lips danced in perfect sync as he tried to hold her closer still. Her hands made patterns on his nape as he drowned in the scent of wild roses surrounding her. He bit her lips lightly to coax her into parting her lips. She sighed softly and he took the opportunity to plunge into her hot mouth. She tasted of cinnamon and coffee, he noted. The noises in the background faded to an echo as they stood there engrossed in each other.

"Ahem!!" Sharon registered a throat clearing in the back ground. She reluctantly let go of Swayam to look into the face of an elderly looking cop. "Public kissing is not allowed." Sharon felt herself flush and heard Swayam chuckle in the background. They had attracted a lot of whooping viewers, it seemed. "I am sorry. But I have to take you two in custody for the moment." the cop said apologetically.For all the sins comprehensible to them, they had never thought they would find themselves in police custody for this particular one. Yet sometimes the unanticipated events turn out to be the most wonderful experiences ever.

Entry 2 : Treatise Love

THAP THAP'

The only sound breaking the tranquility of the library was the stamping of books by Mrs. Braganza, the librarian, fondly called as Barmy Braganza' by my fellow sophomores. With me, that was not the case. However barmy she may be, she was still the caretaker of my heaven, the library.

I sat in the library, for god knows how much time, poring over books of my favourite subject, biology, more specifically genetics. It was fascinating how tiny strands of inconspicuous material could determine the characters of a person. Interesting ain't it? Lock me in a room with some books for company, I'll survive.

You would probably take me for a nerd now. But honestly I was not a nerd. At least not like the people around me now, with the typical thick rimmed glasses which were pushed up too often, greasy flattened hair, crisp and clean uniform and so on. I was poles apart with being a nerd.

My tie was never in place, the corner of my shirt always stayed outside my pants and I had the habit of ruffling my neck length brown hair frequently. So no one in their right minds would call me a nerd. On the contrary the girls had given me the title of Charmer'. Till today I couldn't make heads or tails of the reason behind it.

Being Swayam Shekawat, the charmer' of the high school had its own pros and cons. My charm' is what stopped the teachers from persuading me to cut my hair or punishing me when I forgot my HW (well that's what people say). The irritating part was the frequent giggling of the stupid girls I had to endure while walking through the corridors. The shrill voice and the irritating noise always made wish to bang my head on the nearest corridor available.

The best reward my charm' offered me was Sharon. My brain went all misty at her name. Sharon Rai Prakash, my girlfriend, my love, my life. Because of her the giggling had reduced drastically. The girls now knew that Swayam Shekawat was taken. If not for anything else, I owe her big time for this.

Our story is not one of the typical sorts where if the boy was famous than the girl was a nerd and vice-versa. For all I know I was supposedly the charmer' but Sharon, she was the real Diva of the high school. We were like two poles of a magnet. I loved books, she hated them. Library was my heaven, library was her hell. We had just ONE thing in common- we loved each other.

Library was my heaven from childhood but one incident made it even more special- this was the place where I, for the first time, had actually noticed Sharon.

The incident had taken place almost a year ago. I was searching for my father, rather the father of genetics, Mendel. I was informed by Mrs. Braganza that the book about him and his works was in one of the top rack. I dragged a ladder to the rack and started searching for it. I had been getting odd vibes that day as if some miracle was going to occur and it did. Sharon had come to the library.

By god's grace she had to take a book from the same shelf. On my quest for Mendel, I lost my grip and slipped from the ladder. I shut my eyes waiting for the impact of the collision, wondering how ghastly I would look while bleeding. But nothing happened of that sort. I opened my eyes to find myself in Sharon's arms, her eyes wide open that they threatened to pop out any second. It was really embarrassing for me. I slowly moved my feet to the ground and the next second Sharon withdrew her arms. I couldn't help but gape at her and found her doing the same.

As realization struck I gave her an awkward smile and made my way without a backward glance, my ears red due to embarrassment.

This was how we met. Then gradually looks changed into smiles, smiles into talks and finally we ended up proposing each other, that too on the same day. I found myself shamelessly in love, a feeling which I didn't believe I was mature enough to handle at the age of 15. As we sailed through our relationship I thanked god that I wasn't a nerd. Because then Sharon could be officially passed off as the boyfriend and I as the girlfriend in the relationship.

"SWAYAM SHAKE-AWE-AT"

I exited my thoughts as the monotonous soporific voice mixed with anger reached me. I looked up at Mrs. Braganza in confusion and quickly glued a sombre expression as she looked ready to skin me alive.

"That's a book! Not an armrest for your dreams!"

I looked down and understood. I had rested my hands on the book while drooling over Sharon. I sighed. Sharon had won the battle over genetics for my thoughts. I walked up to the shelf to keep the book when I felt myself turned and pinned against the shelf.

My eyes connected themselves with the familiar greenish hazel ones and the next second my vision was obscured by a huge quantity of black, shiny and fragrant hair as Sharon kissed me on the cheek. I smiled and saw Sharon blush. Bagging this chance I pulled Sharon by her arm and interchanged our positions. Now it was Sharon who was trapped between me and the shelf. Her eyes widened and she looked into my eyes. Even I could feel the heat as blood gushed into her cheeks. I grinned at her. She looked to endearing when she blushed.

"What are you doing here Sharon? Isn't this your restricted area?" I asked faking confusion.

Sharon gave a dry laugh.

"I know I would have completely driven out genetics from your mind so I came here to drag you out of the library." She winked an eye at me.

I chuckled. That was the best thing about us. However complicated a maze we were as individuals we were that straight a road when together. All the antagonistic teenage hormones simply failed in front of our love. The other students did call our love puppy love' but I knew deep down that our love would last forever come what may. With these unnatural heavy thoughts in my mind I leaned forward, hiding our faces with the book and kissed Sharon. She responded passionately and I pressed myself more onto her, diminishing the gap between and savoured each and every moment of our kiss with only the treatise of genetics as the witness of our young love'.

Entry 3 : Majnu and His Siren

I'm the pauper to her princess. The day to her night. The geek to her diva. If you're wondering what kind of a weirdo would say something cheesy like this, it would be me: Swayam Shekawat.

Now moving on.

We're like that cheesy idiotic movie she loves almost as much as me. I look around to make sure that she's not around, and the fact that she isn't proves that there really is an almighty god in this world just like my baby sister says there is. Ah my baby sister. I remember her first day at this school, it was just this year in fact. The wonderful love of my life didn't know who she was and saw the two of us hug. My poor baby sister. My Siren, oops, Sharon, lashed out all of her anger on both of us, but mainly my Princess. God, she can get so jealous sometimes. But her face was just priceless when she found out that she's my baby sister. I really wish she hadn't though. Now those two crazy girls are always ganging up on me, especially if it's about shopping or chocolates. I swear if there's a sequel to the movie Nautanki Saala called Nautanki Saali, one of them should definitely be the lead actress.

I close my journal and put it in my bag since I'm supposed to go to the library. I stand up and my phone beeps. It's a text from Sharon.

Swayam, where the hell are you?! I've been waiting in the library for fifteen minutes you moron! You know I hate waiting na?

I'm so dead. Don't laugh at me people, everyone's scared of my Siren, fine, Sharon's anger. She's like a lioness who can eat your head off if she's angry enough. My lioness, my Siren, my Sharon.

"Bhai, get out of Sharon land and run!" a high voice screams into my ear. How does my baby sister do that? Oh right, she's Sharon's chamchi now. "Traitor" I mutter as I run.

Where is that idiot?! He's dead to me if he doesn't get here in the next tirty seconds. Probably talking to that chipku bimbo Aashi. Or maybe his "best friend" Neha. Or maybe our stupid teacher Nicole mam, that chudail. Why can't she find guys her own age?! I swear, I'm not going to talk to Swayam unless he gets here in the next ten seconds. I close my eyes and start counting. Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four. Three. Two.

"One" I hear a familiar voice whisper into my ear. I open my eyes and see a rose in my hand. "Swayam, how-" I begin, but he puts his index finger on my lips and says "Sh! I'm used to your anger, so I'm used to keeping roses and chocolates with me on a regular basis." I blush as I come forward and give him a peck on the cheek. "You're the sweetest boyfriend ever! Thank you" I say. He had a cute expression on his face which made him look like he was on cloud nine. Is his hobby to make me blush? "By the way, aren't we here to study?" he asks, as he starts getting his books out of his bag. I think that this idiot's other hobby is to ruin a perfectly good romantic moment. "Right, studying" I say, as I unwillingly sit down and open my text book. I was about to start reading when Swayam asks "Hey, do you understand this stupid n term thing?" "How should I know? You're the smart one" I say bitterly, hoping that he'll get the hint that I don't want to freaking study. "Oh please Sharon. You might pretend to be a bimbo in front of the whole school, but you have the best math, chemistry, andphysics marks in our grade. And besides, you got a much better mark than me on the quiz" he says. "Guess not" I mutter."You say something?" he asks. "No" I say. I start to explain the n term thing to him, but that chipku bimbo Aashi comes in."Saali kabab mein haddi kahiki!" I mutter.

"Hi Swayam. Can you help me with that stupid n term thing? I kind of failed the quiz" she says, coming extremely close to him, but NO, Swayam Shekawat doesn't notice. I seriously have the urge to face palm - not myself, but that stupid Aashi."For you information Swayam also failed the quiz, and he doesn't get it either" I say, wanting to get that witch away from mySwayam. "So? He probably did better than you Miss Bimbo" she says in a way which makes me want to strangle her. The nerve! "You of all people shouldn't be calling me a bimbo Aashi!" I yell. Yes, I know that this is a library. Aashi just stomps her foot and walks away, while I smirk and sit back down. Swayam throws me a confused look, but then goes back to his books. Honestly, I want to burn every single book, test, quiz, exam and school in the whole world right now.

I go back to studying, while taking quick glances at Swayam. God, he looks so cute while studying. He's the ideal boyfriend, perfect in every way. Maybe I should tell him that more often... I was so happy in Swayam land until that stupid Neha came in and ruined it.

"Swayam, Neha needing your help" says Neha, in her weird Hindi-English fusion. Or is it English-Hindi? Anyways, I could tell she came running because she was panting.

"Neha, breathe" says Swayam. She stared at him as if he was a snake charmer. I cough to break her out of her trance."Swayam, looking at this billi. Neha thinking bukhaar it has. Swayam bike Neha to animal shelter?" she asks. What?! Other than me, only Swayam's baby sister gets to ride on that bike with him. "Neha, you know how to ride a bike na?" I ask sweetly. Neha nod "yes." "Then place the damn cat in the bike's basket and put the pedal to the medal woman" I shout. With that, she's gone like the wind. I can tell that Swayam's about to say something to me, but that's when Nicole mam interrupts. God, do you have something against me and my happiness?

"Swayam, I'm very sorry to bother you, but can you help me with the basketball class? My assistant bailed on me. Oh, and you promised me that you'd clean the blackboard and the test tubes" says Nicole mam, coming really close to him, but as usual that idiot Swayam doesn't realize it. I notice that the chudail is getting a bit too close to Swayam, my Swayam, so I step in between them and say "Mam, Swayam has to tutor me for certain subjects and if he doesn't, he'll get suspended.Princi's orders you know" I say sweetly and she walks off looking irritated. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if she was related to Aashi. I'm about to go back to my books when I feel a strong grip on my arm.

God, what's wrong with Sharon today? "Sharon, why'd you lie to Nicole mam?" I ask. Damn, she looks angry. She starts hitting me but I grab her hands and ask "Sharon what's wrong with you?! This is a library for god's sake!" Shit, now she looks like she's about to cry. "You know what Swayam? You stay here with you precious books. Or maybe you can go help that Aashi, or Nicole mam" she says. The hell?! She's about to leave when I grab her arm again. "God Sharon, seedhe seedhe baat karo na!" I yell. Sharon looks shocked for a second since I normally don't yell, especially not at her, but the anger wouldn't leave her. "First of all you came late! Then you ruined a perfectly good romantic moment. And when Aashi and Nicole mam came? Why couldn't you see that they were trying to get close to you?!" she says in one go. Shit, I'm so stupid. I cup my hands on her face and say "Because you're only one I see."

"Because you're only one I see" he says. I can't believe he said that. I'm so stupid. I let the little green monster take over me. Of course he doesn't see or notice any other girl, he loves me. "Swayam, I'm so-" I begin but cuts me off by putting his lips on mine. I can't remember the last time we kissed, or even went out on a date. All I know is that this feels amazing. He pushes me against the shelves and grabs a book. Now?! I think. He opens the book and uses it to cover our faces. Now we really are like that cheesy movie I love almost as much as my Majnu.

Category 2 : Painful Love

"The court believes in an individual's right to life and liberty. Keeping the plaintiff's suffering in mind, the jury rules in the favour of the plaintiff, Sharon Shekhawat. The court is hereby adjourned." The judge spoke haltingly, unsure of his own verdict. In all his years of expertise, he had never encountered a case so very complicated.

Swayam Shekhawat heard the ruling of the judge in pronounced clarity. Bile rose in his throat as the words registered in his mind. The man spoke tall words about life and liberty. And yet here he was mocking its sanctity. He had never been a violent person before, however at the moment the thought of bashing the skull of the judge was very appealing. But then the judge was not the real culprit in this scenario after all. He looked across the aisle and his eyes landed on the actual perpetrator. The girl who had once been the sole source of happiness in his life and now was causing him immeasurable grief.

Sharon felt his gaze on her and her head turned towards him mechanically, an integral part of her reflex. She shuddered at the look in his eyes. If five years ago, someone told her that Swayam Shekhawat was capable of hating her, she would have laughed in their faces. But now she knew better. There it was in his eyes, clear as day, evident for all to see. Utter loathing and raw hatred for her emanated from his very being. She despised herself for doing this to him. She had robbed him of the light in his soul. And replaced it with a pit of darkness. Darkness that mirrored the one in her life.

After college ended, Sharon believed herself the luckiest girl on planet earth. Unlike her mates, she had not known struggle as offers to join world renowned dance troupes landed directly in her lap. Life had never been gloomy. Perhaps, because the only one she needed to be happy was always by her side. Swayam was a constant companion of hers in her path to her dreams. At the age of twenty five, she had a promising career ahead. Until it ended. Like dreams always do. Abruptly. They said it was a loose harness that made Sharon Rai Prakash plummet to the ground. The doctors had pronounced her a miracle. She had lived after all. Only now she was paralysed from the neck down. It was ironic really. Her acrobatics in air had robbed Sharon off her flight forever.

Assisted suicide. Mercy kill. Swayam loathed both the terms. A killer could not have mercy. Suicide should never be assisted. He knew he was biased. Perhaps he would have had a different opinion of it elsewhere. Prior to the accident, maybe. He never really gave thought to such things. He was an uncomplicated guy steering clear of topics like this. But now, she had compelled him to think about it. And he had concluded that he hated it. This very idea had made the judge deliver the verdict. A verdict that gave her permission to kill herself. A verdict that threatened to extinguish the light in his life forever.

Swayam went over to where Sharon was sitting in the opposite aisle. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her outside. She had averted her face from him. This is how it had been since the case started. They would fight all day refusing to give up. And then he would carry her back home. He understood her plight. He was not indifferent to her suffering. She was fiercely independent and hated leaning on others. But he was not an other, was he??? Was it so insufferable for her to lean on him? So very intolerable that she would want to kill herself? He remembered the day one of those medics had dropped in at the house and declared her wish of a peaceful death. Swayam's world went dark and then crimson red. He had chased the medic out of his house threatening to kill him if he ever entered again. And he knew he would. There was nothing he won't do for her.

Sharon was quite as he carried her to the sidewalk. He was looking straight ahead. Her life came to a screeching halt when the disaster happened. But he should not be made to face the repercussions of it. . She had made his life a living hell. She had been a silent witness as he had cut off ties with the outside world and devoted himself to her care. He had stopped living for her. The day he was fired for his "unprofessionalism" was the day she had decided to end her cursed existence. Romeo had died because Juliet had not lived. She wanted to die because she wanted her love to live. And live the way he was supposed to.

"I will not let it happen in a thousand years , you know.", Sharon was brought out of her reverie by him talking. His voice was hoarse yet determined. "I will carry this as far as it can go. And then I will carry it further still. It will be a cold day in hell before I let them kill you. And maybe not even then."

Sharon was momentarily happy. It had been weeks since he had spoken to her directly. He had not spoken to her from the moment the medic left their home. He had crashed his room and then had gone silent. And now here he was, telling her he would never let go.

"I never expected your easy compliance. I know you will fight me. But I won't give up.", she said quietly. "It is my life, you know. I can end it whenever I want. Had I not been disabled? Only a hand moving would have been enough." She added in a hopeful tone. The look Swayam gave her was enough to make her blood curdle. She quivered at his murderous gaze.

"Why must you do this?" Swayam had never asked this before. He had just arrived at his own conclusions. Thought he was not enough to make her want to live. Had cursed his disability at making her happy. But now he was tired. Exhausted. He wanted answers from her.

The vulnerable look in his eyes made Sharon smile. She knew this was not the driven man she had been fighting with. This was her Swayam. And so she dropped her shields. To let him see the emotions that engulfed her whole being.

"The same reason you are fighting me. Because, I love you, Swayam Shekhawat..."

Entry 5 : Its Love

A beautiful girl near 22 years and A handsome boy near 24 years are standing on the bridge and they are about to go away from one another. The boy wants to see the girl he loves one last time so that he can frame her in his memories for lifetime and on the other way around girl is happy that she will be returning to love of her life.

"It was very nice knowing you Sharon, thank you for all the time you spent with me and I promise you that your daughter is safe with me and she will never find out who her mother is" Swayam said

"Thank you Swayam for everything you did for me just to save me from humiliation and now you are bringing me back to my love, there is nothing more I can ask. And you know I never wanted the child but you promised me that you will take care of her that's why I brought her in this world" Sharon said

"I really thought you feel something for the child but you still are at the same place where you were a year ago but never mind she is my daughter from the day she was born it doesn't matter if I am not her biological parent" Swayam said

"I never changed Swayam. I loved Rohit and he never wanted a child it was mistake but then you came and resolved it so we are coming back together now and that's the only thing I wanted" Sharon said

"OK I wish you a very happy life and god bless you" said Swayam with smile and turned around to leave and started walking off from bridge. Sharon just saw him disappearing from her eyes, she did feel a strange pain in her when she saw Swayam walking out without even hearing her reply.

Yes that was Swayam "The Romeo" Shekhawat, he was called Romeo in the medical college he studied, people believed any girl will be ready to be his Juliet but Swayam always imagined one girl as his Juliet and that was Sharon Rai Prakash his childhood love and a popular RJ in town. But the pain in the story is that Sharon never loved Swayam, She loved this guy Rohit who was bada**, she and Rohit made a mistake and the result of which was Sharon got pregnant and Rohit left her because he never wanted a child. She went to the hospital where Swayam was intern to abort the child but seeing her condition Swayam didn't allow her to do it, instead he married Sharon so that she can have that baby and is safe & her reputation stays as it is. Now after a year because of Swayam's efforts Rohit is back in her life and they will start new journey and daughter Sharon gave birth to is with Swayam, this was the time where Swayam came to drop her at the place where she was to meet Rohit.

After that four years passed by Swayam became a reputed Doctor in one of the biggest hospitals in town, Sharon never contacted him in those four years but Swayam knew that she won't even contact him. Her daughter who was with him was named ZEEL because she brought the waves of peace in Swayam's life, she was growing up to be as cute, pretty and adorable as her mother was the sole reason for Swayam's existence and she was the perfect gift that Swayam could have got form the girl he loved, she was just like her and Swayam gave his life to raise her and make her happy.

But little did Swayam know one day while returning from hospital in night he found a girl fainted on the road and her clothes were scratched. She was conscious so he went to there to check and to his utter surprise it was Sharon who was found in that state. He was shocked to see her and he wondered what could be the reason behind this because she never contacted him and she was with the person she loved. He took her home to avoid police case and gave her the medical attention needed. After 2 whole days Sharon woke up to find herself in familiar surroundings of Swayam's house. Swayam knew while he was treating her that she was gang raped and beaten up badly. He asked her if she wanted to call cops but she denied and didn't tell him anything. Looking at her condition Swayam didn't even ask her the reason just to avoid stressing her.

He took care of her and gave her proper medical attention. Days passed by she recovered and was just elated to see how Swayam was happy with her daughter and they led a perfect life. She was amazed to see that how can a guy be so selfless. One day when Swayam was out at hospital and Zeel was at her play school Sharon thought of cleaning the house and she went to Swayam's room to clean up but there she found a cupboard which was filled with her pictures and letters where Swayam wrote the whole story how he saw her from childhood and feel in unconditional love with her. There were pictures attached with every letter which described her events which made her realize that those were the times Swayam cherished most.

She began to realize that how she left a guy who loved her and did everything to make her happy in life for a person who never cared for her yet claimed to be in love with her. What he did to her was nothing but constant assaults and rapes by him and his friends just to fulfill their lust. Sharon lived in hell for four years leaving the heaven which Swayam could have given her if she hadn't chosen to be with the guy who left her when she needed her the most. Now she knew who loved her but guilt of betraying the person who loved her started killing her more and more because now she didn't know how to face Swayam? She felt some feelings creeping up for Swayam but how can she just admit and make Swayam believe that it was true and she felt that. She was just cursing her life and her destiny which took her at this point.

On other side in hospital Swayam was just thinking about Sharon and how he again started to fall in love with her. But he knows Sharon just never loved him in fact he was nothing in her life not even a friend. He had no idea where his life was leading him and why he was falling in love again for the same girl who he knows doesn't love him and more than that how can he think that she will be with him when he knows he has her daughter whom she hates most in the world. Questions started rising in his mind that will Sharon ever realize that Zeel was never a mistake and she had nothing to do with life brought her in? Will he ever be able to say Sharon that he loves her? But how can he just admit that when he knows she doesn't love him and will never love him?

On the other hand back home Sharon was also thinking the same how she can make up to Swayam. Questions were rising in her head too like what will Swayam think if confesses that she has started feeling something for him? Will he ever believe her? Will he ever allow me to tell my daughter that I have realized what mistake I made by leaving her behind? Will he ever come out the shell he has gone into? Will he just throw her away thinking that she will snatch Zeel away from him?

That is Love for you where you care for the person you love most in this world, no matter how much pain you have bare to see that person happy. Love is about sacrificing but love is something more than sacrifice. Love is something that makes you happy and you cherish things that are attached to the person you love. Love is always not bound with the condition that you will get the person you love. What could Swayam and Sharon have done is a point I leave to you all readers to think about if you were there in that position what you should probably have done? Think about that and enjoy the feeling of love if you really are in love.

Entry 6 : Our Tree

I clung onto the rutted rope of the old swing set precariously perched on the sturdy branch of our tree. The tree was positioned on a beach with sand as white as a sheet and as soft as feathers littered on its surface.

It was our tree for many reasons.

It was where we had first met.

It was where he had first proposed to me.

It was where we had our first kiss.

It was where he had told me that he loved me deeply, irretrievably and always.

I glanced at our names permanently etched onto our tree.

Sharon+Swayam always

It was a huge clich. Our names were engulfed in a heart and all that jazz but I loved it with all my heart, pun intended.

I looked at him expectantly. He always gave me a gentle push as I sat on the swing set telling him about my day and he would listen patiently. A word here and there to show that he was still listening and then he would tell me about his day and I would breathe him in all is normalcy and think of how lucky I am to have him.

But he didn't come to me. He stared into the distance with his mind occupied. He was so close yet so far.

I, of course, knew why.

I knew it I the beginning. From the moment I fell head over heels from him.

When Swayam had told me the story of Romeo and Juliet I had not known why.

Now I knew the message he was desperately trying to send to me like it was the last beacon of hope he would ever have.

Like Romeo and Juliet, the story of two star-crossed lovers, I knew ours' was a love story not meant to last.

My Romeo was about to leave me.

Swayam was boy from a Hindu family. A pure vegetarian Hindu family. A family with no tolerance for anyone outside their world.

I was a girl from a Christian family. A family which could lay a smack down on any meal with meat in it. A family with no tolerance of anything outside their world.

At least our families had something in common.

Swayam had told me that he was betrothed to a girl who was his father's best friend's daughter before we fell in love.

Yet I loved him.

I knew we were doomed.

But I didn't want to know.

So I did just that. I remained blissfully oblivious to the truth. I knew that one day it would come hurdling towards me and smack me right in the face one day.

I realized at that moment that today was the day.

I clutched the scathing rope even harder as I felt it sear my skin.

It couldn't be happening. Could it?

Suddenly I felt as if our tree was suffocating me.

Its shade blistered my skin leaving every fiber of my being open, raw and vulnerable.

I leapt out of the swing set as the momentum of my sudden awakening caused it to swing further.

Towards our tree and then towards me again.

I watched it swinging like a foreboding pendulum.

It hypnotized me as I felt myself growing weaker and weaker.

I finally fell on my knees. The once soft sand pricked my knees torturously.

Swayam ran towards me with the same unwavering concern and love in his eyes he had always had.

"Sharon, what's wrong?"

He grasped me by shoulders with such a fear that I have never seen before.

"It's time isn't it?"

I asked in an almost inaudible voice.

He immersed me in his arms as I felt his tears stain my dress. I swallowed my tears for a moment. It took only a moment to realize that I couldn't hold them in anymore.

I let them flow as I surrendered myself in his arms.

Suddenly a crazy thought flashed through my head.

So crazy, I couldn't say it out loud.

What if we ran away? Swayam could find another job. I could complete my degree elsewhere. We could outrun our parents. We could move from house to house. From city to city. We didn't need any one else. We had each other.

But I knew he would never agree. I would never agree.

We owed our lives to our parents. We could never betray them.

I might be able to live without Swayam, but how could I live with myself knowing that I separated him from his parents.

I felt his muscles tense. I realized he was thinking of the same.

"Sharon?"

He whispered.

I tore myself from his embrace and looked him the eyes.

"I love you Sharon."

At that moment I realized what real pain was. I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces which left me wondering if I would ever be able to pick them up again.

"I know Swayam."

His eyes pierced me in the heart like it did when I first met him.

I looked towards the sea like Swayam did a while ago.

The sun was setting into the sea as the sky turned an inky violet ad the sea burned an awe-inspiring orange.

I brought myself to my feet and picked Swayam up too.

"See that sunset Swayam? I am going to kiss you till the sun sets and when it does we won't say our goodbyes. We will just leave. Okay?"

I didn't wait for him to consent. I kissed him.

His lips tasted like the salt of the sea and the tears we had shed. Our tears mixed as I shut my eyes praying that this moment would never end. I was praying for a miracle.

But slowly and surely the sun had set giving the sea deep ominous black shade. The rainbow colors of the sky had turned into utter nothingness.

I pulled away but the pain was mind numbingly ghastly.

I turned away and walked away from our tree. I heard his footsteps getting further and further away.

It was all I could do from falling to the ground and bursting into a puddle of tears.

I hoped I would love again. I hoped I would smile again. I hoped I would be happy again.

I hoped the same for Swayam.

But somewhere deep down I knew that I would still love him deeply, irretrievably and always.

Our tree was proof of that.

Entry 7 : La belle dame sans merci

Siren! Swayam smiled at himself as he watched Sharon play with the water like a five year old. Swayam was attending Bharat's call when Sharon had walked ahead. Swayam and Sharon had to come to the local MLA's house, whom Swayam's dad knew, to help Sharon build her dream dance academy- SKI. But upon return Sharon's car broke down, and while her driver went to find a mechanic the two of them decided to spend some time on the beach, which was nearby. Bharat had called to find out if why Swayam was taking this long, and if things were fine between the two of them. Swayam had assured him that it was all under control. They even had vada pao from Bharat's favourite Romeo Chaat Sentar'.

"Hey!"

Sharon turned to find Swayam standing behind her, smirking.

"Tum!!" she tried to yell at him but stopped midway as she watched his eyes grow large with amusement. She controlled her temper as she spoke softly, as if complaining, "tum... kahaan chale gaye the? I was looking for you."

"Darr lag raha tha?" Swayam chuckled.

"Oh please. Darr my foot! aur agar darr lagta bhi to main tumhe nahi bulati. Apne driver ko bulati." Sharon said rolling her eyes.

She walked towards the swing, perhaps to talk to the two slum kids who were riding it, but they ran away. She was quick to take their place on the swing and soon she was rocking it higher and higher.

"Really now?" exclaimed Swayam.

"What? Just cuz I'm nearing my 26^th birthday, doesn't mean I'm not allowed to ride a swing!" glared Sharon.

"Okay that's a nice way to remind me of your birthday," smiled Swayam.

"Like you wouldn't remember it otherwise!"

Sharon immediately regretted letting that out, and blushed hard. Swayam on the other hand was pleasantly surprised. True, that she had broken his heart more than once and no man with an iota of self-respect would ever speak to that woman again, who holds a record of publicly insulting him the most number of times. But how can anybody not admire her?

"I know main, sometimes, bahat rude ho jati hoon, us din phone pe bhi... tumse... rudely baat kii..." she stuttered as she spoke, "I don't know why... but I just wanted you to know that, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just wanna say thanks' for helping me with the dance academy." she said sincerely.

"You're welcome... I know," said Swayam, "Even when we were in college, I knew that most of the times you didn't mean what you said. You feel compelled to say those things."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean most of the times tum kehna kuchh aur chahti thi, but your Dazzler ego intervened, aur phir tumhe apne image ko justify karne ke liye wo sab kehna pada. It's easy to figure out you know," said Swayam.

Sharon's face was red with anger now.

"You're insane!" said Sharon was busy draining the sand from her shoe, when Swayam abruptly asked her:

"Tumhe sach mein yaad nahi uss raat RDX Sir ki party mein kya hua tha?" Sharon looked at Swayam as her eyes were still in disbelief that he actually brought it up, now, in spite of her asking him to forget all about it.

"That... that was a long time back and I don't wanna talk about it," yelled Sharon as she walked away.

Swayam was frustrated. Both the heat and Sharon's escapist tendencies were getting on his nerves now. Why would she not talk about it, if it didn't matter to her! It had been eight long years! Why would she not acknowledge it, at least now?

He dragged her next to huge boulder and pinned her against it. "You are not walking away, not this time. Bolo Sharon, tumhe kuchh yaad nai hai? Ya phir tumhare friends tum pe haste agar unhe ye pata chal jata ki tum Swayam Shekhawat ke saath thi?"

She didn't want to hear those questions, not from Swayam, not from anyone. Even she herself was not allowed to ask those questions. She wanted to drown those questions in the depths of the sea. But Swayam was unforgiving as he inflicted his sharp, chiselled questions on her.

"Why couldn't you accept the fact that there was something between us? Still is and would be. Why didn't you just give US a chance Sharon? Why? Because I'm a weakling?"

Weakling, Dazzling- Swayam was surprised to realise that these two terms were still tearing his whole life apart! He wanted to laugh at himself.

"Haan tum aur kuchh ho bhi nai sakte!" shouted Sharon, tears rolling from her eyes.

Nobody was allowed to make her feel this weak, not even Swayam Shekhawat! Swayam tried to speak, but his eyes too were moist. They watered profusely drenching his shirt collar as he struggled to find words. "Tum sirf ek desperate stalker ho, the, aur wohi rahoge," said Sharon in her one last attempt to break Swayam from within. Their intermittent sobs drowned in the roar of the sea as they grappled with each other's wounded egos.

"Baby... Sharon baby, aap idhar hai?" a voice was heard in the vicinity. It was Sharon's driver. Even before Sharon could let a sound escape her voice, Swayam pressed his palm against her mouth shutting her up. In an attempt to kick him she flung her legs but it only caused her more trouble as Swayam thrust himself against her petite frame leaving little space for any movement. Sharon, exhausted gave in. He slowly removed his palm from her mouth. He watched her with an impassiveness that terrified her. He didn't blink. The man was still calling out. Swayam looked at her, her quivering lips, her hazel eyes full of condescension and some fear, and then her lips again, that would let out a scream any moment now. He lowered his face to seal her lips with his. He didn't wait for her to respond or retaliate. His right hand was holding her gently, fingers dug into her hair, as his lips moved on hers- defiant, obstinate, tenacious. He thrust his unscrupulous, exacting lips onto hers as she felt incredibly airy inside her head- as if she had a porous skull. She definitely hated Swayam and despised this act of his- forcing him upon her, but in that moment, all rationality seemed to wipe out and she closed her eyes. Be it his persistent violation of her lips, her abject inability to resist him, his utter disregard of her volition or her unfed yearning for him that had been there since the beginning of time, he felt her lips part. He let her hands go as he intensified the kiss. The very next moment Sharon was clutching onto his shirt kissing him back with equal passion if not more. He almost lost his balance as she was pulling him onto her. He held her waist and tried to balance her against him pulling her closer. His senses were inflamed by the knowledge that Sharon was responding to his spontaneity, though in a manner he had never imagined, not even in his fantasies.

"Sharon baby..." the man was far now, but his voice was distinctly audible. Her trance was over in a snap. Sharon pulled apart and pushed Swayam away with all her strength. The love struck girl passionately asserting her love was back to being the sadistic, unrelenting Olympian goddess. Her fiery eyes were suddenly full of contempt with tears seeping through.

"This is what you wanted right? To see me like this?" She lunged forth and grabbed his shirt collar as she shouted, "Helpless, weak, servile- someone who has to bow down to your wishes? You're just like the rest of them. Tum sirf deep baatein kar sakte ho. In reality, you are also one of those shallow creeps who love to impose themselves on women." She spoke as she cried.

"Impose. Wow! I imposed myself on you. Is that why you were kissing me back?" shouted Swayam.

"Oh shut up just shut up shut up!" yelled Sharon as she cried profusely. "I hate you. I hate you, I hate you..." she kept repeating the words while tearing down Swayam's shirt. Swayam stood still as Sharon mutilated his white shirt in mad frenzy, shredding it into pieces.

She then turned her back at him and ran towards the other side of the beach, and soon disappeared in the crowd. He watched the love of his life move further away from him, once again.

It was dusk. The sun no longer retained its fury. The halo around it was dim. The sea was growing wild now, the tides becoming more restless as darkness gradually descended on this side of the world. Swayam sat on a rock listening to the ebb and flow of the tides. He waited to be absorbed by the all-encompassing darkness in its entirety.

Entry 8 : Heartbreak Warfare

She promises herself she wouldn't look back. She's been promising herself that for the last two hours.

People always said she had a big heart, an all-encompassing soul. She has never wished for it to be truer than she does at this minute. She hopes the repercussions of the last two days get absorbed within the confines of her being and don't reach out. She feels shaken to the core, and she wishes to contain it all within. Contain him within because outside, in her real world, there is no place for him. Not that he's asking for one either.

She would never be able to fully understand the whys and hows for the rest of her life. She'll stay up for nights to come, wake up from a restless sleep at 3am next to a man she was convinced she loved until he came along and curse him for not wanting to stay, for not demanding to be included in her life. But right now, as she sits on the steps of the bridge, she is grateful he's gone. Relieved he's left without making any demands, asking for promises, for time, commitment, acknowledgement.

She's desperate enough to convinced herself it doesn't really matter. That it wouldn't really count in the long run. That's it's still too fresh, too recent, too now. With time, wounds heal and memories blur - but what she doesn't realise, the lesson she'll learn soon, is that with time some events become the cornerstone of one's life and some memories shine so bright, the present seems pale in comparison. But she's too shaken to stop and analyse, to question and fight, too taken by the instant relief to realise the lifelong trauma she has just incurred.

Two days ago she had been pleased with her life. Admittedly, while there was nothing exceptional about it, she had been comfortable with it. She had grown up in an affluent family, had a close knit circle of friends with whom she had gone to school, college, tours and vacations. On graduating, her father had helped her turn her passion into a career and she's spent the next three years working with a leading fashion magazine.

Then she'd met her father's business associate's son, Abhinav Roy, one of the most eligible bachelors in town and one of the youngest district managers in the MNC he worked in. Handsome, a hotshot and romantic, her friends had teased her mercilessly when he'd proposed to her after a whirlwind romance of two months. They had been married in six. After a weeklong honeymoon in Cape Town, life had been a series of business parties, social dinners and quiet movie nights. And she'd been satisfied. And then everything changed.

Destiny has a strange way about her. Sometimes, she showers blessings without saying a word and sometimes, she rips it all away without lifting a finger.

--

Sharon Abhinav Roy should have seen the signs. It wasn't everyday that lightening struck in the middle of the bright and sunny month of March. Or like her driver to take the day off without notice. But she had been deadlines to meet and promises to keep. Arusha had booked a weekend of pampering at one of the most exclusive Resort & Spa in the country for all the bridesmaids. And there was no way she wasn't going to make it on account of some surprise rain and a missing man.

It was a six hour drive to the resort by road and as she backed her car out of the garage, she left a quick message on Abhi's voicemail letting him know about the change of plans. He had a regional meeting today but she couldn't wait until he was free. Besides he knew how important this was for her anyway. She opened the sun roof, put on some music and adjusting her glasses prepared for the long drive ahead.

--

She came to a halt with a screech. There were tires burning in the middle of the road. She looked around at the dense forest on both sides. This seemed to be the right road but this was unexpected. She must've taken a wrong turn. That was the only logical explanation.

She was backing out when something came crashing at the car through the woods. She slammed the breaks even as she let out a scream. Her heart pounding in her chest, she looked up to see a young man holding on to the hood of the car. All she could make out were his startled eyes staring at her through strands of hair.

Every instinct in her screamed at her to zoom away but she found herself immobile. They stared at each other. It must have been merely a few seconds. It felt like eons. Then he straightened up, fixed his jacket and casually walked up to the passenger door, opened it and sat down.

Drive', he said. The city is burning. There's been a lockdown.'

Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel as she continued to look at the spot he had appeared from.

Drive!' he yelled and and as if broken out of her trance, she did.

--

Her voice is the first thing to go.

They have been driving in silence for three hours now with the static from the radio the only sound reverberating around. From whatever little she had managed to gather before the signal gave out, the rural Naxal tribes had gunned down a government official and riots had broken out. She wonders if he's one of them. Which side he belong to. Who he was and what he was doing in her car. Where he came from. But finds all her questions meaningless as the silence stretches on.

The first time she touches him, she sees her first mauled body.

It is near the third road block. She had been backing up when he had sat up straighter and told her curtly to not look around and just zoom out. So of course she had stopped and turned her head to look at him. He was bending forward now and she couldn't see past him. So she reached out and pushed him aside and immediately reached out blindly for her door handle. When she bends down and heaves, he is there soothing her back. It was the first time he physically touched her.

By the time they reach the fifth road block, the conditions have worsened. They're heading towards the city she realises, as she follows his directions. He's in a hurry, like he knows. As if he can tell what is going to happen next. Like he wants to outrun it somehow.

They spot people this time, and cars. Tarnished, ashen cars and people with torches. They see them first and back away. But they're not quick enough and before she knows it, his hands are on the steering wheel and they are zooming towards them.

It is not until they are past the barricades and walking out of the car, heading deeper into the forest that she realises the nightmare is far from over.

--

He holds her hand as he makes his way through the woods. Logically, rationally, she knows she should be screaming right now, panicking, freaking out but she isn't. She's walking along behind him placidly.

When they reach an abandoned cottage, he shows her to a room and closes the door. Once alone, she finally lets the tremors take over her body. It is only when he rushes in and cocoons her body with his that she notices she had started to cry. The sobs that wreck her body get louder then and later as she lays in bed staring at the ceiling, she wonders how long she had been holding them in.

--

The next day, she wakes up feeling different. As they make their way out, she fills her camera with moments. Too bewildered to understand but wanting to preserve what she could. Even though they have been hungry for a day, she's never felt more alive. She'd always heard that it takes a brush with death to appreciate life.

--

It is only when they're sitting in the police patrol car and heading towards the city that she first hears him utter his name. Romeo' he says, as she catches his eye. Automatically she knows it's a lie.

--

He never says goodbye. Just picks up her camera, removes the roll, opens it (ruins it) and places it in her hand.

Swayam' he says. An apology, an identity, an explanation, a confession. Then with a smile and a tilt of his head, he puts his hands in his pockets and walks away.

--

She finally gives into the urge and watches him until he disappears through blurry eyes. Then she reaches for her phone and redials her husband's number.

--

She sees him again three days later during a news update about the missing Naxal leader, Swayam Shekhawat.

Entry 9 : The Appointment

I keep seeing her.

Again and again. Over and over. Its like someone has played a video in a continuous loop in my mind.

Her face.

Framed in billowing hair---and wind blowing her tresses in a perfect halo of gold cocooning her prettiness.

She calls to me. Urges me toward her . Beckons with her fingers.

But at the very next moment when i try to run to her---she suddenly makes a gesture---the same gesture she made that night.

Sharon and i had been returning home. We had been to London to visit her family. Our marriage was in a few days...and we were coming back to india for the same. Her family and friends would be coming on the day of the ceremony.

We were as happy as could be.. the soon to be married mr and mrs swayam shekhawat.

She was fast asleep on the seat next to me...her head lolling on my shoulder. She enjoys making me her pillow.

8 hours of jet lag---my sharon hated planes----but there was nothing for it. She probably would have travelled by any other mode of transport if any had been available for a distance that huge between London and delhi.

Now in the bus from delhi to Chandigarh, my hometown...trust Punjabis to keep funny names"the bus is called romeo. it was full of snoring people---sharon one of them----but her's were cute. Not like the sardarji's on the seat across the aisle.

I rested my cheek carefully on the golden head cosily bolstered on my shoulder---and closed my eyes.

An almighty crash tore them open again.

It was like seeing a nightmare with open eyes.

The bus fell over ---as if in slow motion---unable to keep traction on the road----and into the river Sutlej---which had seemed so serene a few happy moments ago.

The black waters reflecting the night gobbled up the bus greedily.

18 people drowned. Mom told me---when i could hear anything more than a strange buzzing and the last moments of my sharon ringing in my ears.

We had all tried to live. But we could not.

We died.

We fell----and those who did not die from the impact tried swimming out.

Me and sharon included. But she never knew how to swim.

I tried holding on to her---and fighting our way out of the strangely magnetic vortex of water trying to gulp us.

But i could not.

When sharon realised it she made that gesture----a gesture to push me away---an action which ensured that i lost her somewhere in that black hell---and i lived.

I lived. Mainly because all through that night i had to live---trying to fing her hand again and pull her along with me. to live together or die together.

I died the next day.

When collapsed on the banks---the rescue party found me and four other people on that cursed bus.

Sharon was not among us five. She was among the 18 who were lost to the depths forever.

I keep seeing her----and in the past two years---i have had therapy---and returned to an everyday life---a life---or maybe death.

I am a living corpse. Hollow.

Every day i go to the banks of that river before going home for the day. i have an appointment.

Everyday i go to see her. I see her sitting on the stairs of the cemented area of the bank.

She beckons---i run to join her in the depths of the strangely deceptive waters---and then she pushes me away-----and i turn back.

To go home.

And everytime i look back---i find her staring at me with her big green eyes mournfully fixed on my retreating figure----yet, she is strangely glad---that we would not be together in death---that i would not join her yet.

I would live another day---to keep my appointment with my fiance.