SWASAN – THE AUTHOR’S LOVE (Chapter6) ~Ashu

Hello everyone! I’m here with the 6th chapter of TAL! I know it’s been a week since I last updated, but it’s been a busy week for me. I hope you understand!
I thank all the people who commented on the last chapter and also all the silent readers.

Not proof read. Ignore grammatical errors and typos.

Link to Chapter 5 : chapter 5

THE AUTHOR’S LOVE!!!

Chapter 6 ~The challenge

SWARA’S P.O.V.

I parked my car in the parking lot of the Central Library, and made my way inside. I was getting annoyed with the rising tension between my mom and dad, and I was not sure, how the things would turn out between the two of them in a few weeks time, with their constant fights.

I needed some peace of mind, and take my mind off things. Every time I see them fight, it breaks my heart, and I wanted to do nothing but run away far from them. At least I wouldn’t have to witness their arguments. But I didn’t want to stay away either.

All that I needed now, is to forget whatever is happening. And what else serves as a better distraction than books. Books are a better way to drift into a far off land, and escape reality. Reading calms my mind, and gives me a sense of peace and tranquility. I was always attached to books since I was a kid.

The Central Library was a very huge three storied building located in the heart of the city. It was one of the oldest libraries, but still among the best, with at least a hundred thousand books of all genres.

I entered the library through the familiar large wooden doors. The familiar smell of the books hit my nose, and I felt so at home. The scent of books was something very intoxicating, and hypnotizing. The silence of the library was soothing, and all I could hear was the sound of the papers turning, every now and then, and the quiet whispers of people. The library was filled with people of different age groups, engrossed in their own books.

The library had desks and chairs in the centre, and a few by the windows, allowing the natural bright sunlight to enter. The entire library had carpeted floor, to drown the sound of the footsteps of the people walking.

I walked to the chairs beside the window, and placed my bag there. I loved sitting by the window for reading, and relishing the fresh air through the window. Placing my bag on the table, I walked to the shelves of the books, and looked up for the mystery section. Mystery and mythology were my favourite genres, and I absolutely despise Romance.

Touching the bindings of the ancient and new books gave me some unique happiness. I looked around the books on the shelves, and picked up a book. As I walked to my table, to read the book I just picked up, I noticed someone very familiar near the shelves, exactly opposite to mine.

I walked to him, and greeted him, from behind. He turned back, on hearing me call his name, and gave me a smile, after a brief look of surprise. He was in his casual outfit, with black tee, and cargo pants, his silky hair brushed to one side, and slightly gelled up to put it in place.

“Swara? You here?” Sanskaar asked.

“Why? Am I not supposed to come to a library?” I asked him, keeping my voice low.

“Of course, you can.” He said, feeling a little uncomfortable. I felt like he was behaving a little weird, because everytime we met, he gave me a welcoming smile.

“By the way, which book are you reading?” I asked, pointing to the book in his hands. He noticed me looking at the book, and immediately hid it behind his back, giving me an awkward smile.

“Oh, that’s nothing.” He hesitated.

I looked at the shelf in front of me, and noticed that it was the romance section. I understood the reason behind his hesitancy. I grabbed the book from behind him, and noticed that it was one under that genre.

“Seriously, Sanskaar? Romance novel?” I asked him. He nodded, and gave me a smile. How does he manage to put on a smile on his face always?

“I didn’t know that guys read novels, let alone romance novels. Aren’t you irritated reading this cheesy stuff?” I asked him, slowly, not wanting to disturb the others around. He frowned a little, but his frown soon turned into a smile

“I love reading books. They give me a way to escape the reality. The turning pages of these books give me more happiness than partying.” He said, and I noticed that we were way too similar. I nodded in agreement.

“Coming to cheesy stuff, I don’t really go for cliché romance. I read stories close to reality.” He answered, and I blinked trying to understand.

“Sanskaar, these books are boring! Even if they are close to reality, the end isn’t appealing to me!” I said, showing him the book which he picked up. Placing it on the table, I added, “Try this book, you will find it more interesting.” I gave him the book in my hand, which I had picked up from the thriller section.

He looked at me for a moment, before turning back to the book shelf, and searching for something, some book I suppose. I wondered what he must be searching for. A moment later, he picked up a book, before turning to me. Grabbing the mystery book in my hand, he placed it on the table and handed me the book in his hand; I reached out to the book, and read the title, and the author.

Uh-Oh! Even Sanskaar? Why do I hear or see the same name everywhere? Can there be a day in my life, when I don’t hear this name?

“Don’t tell me even you are a fan of this Varun Kapoor guy!” I said, letting out a sigh.

“It doesn’t matter if I am a fan or not, but I’m sure you will like this book. No cliché stuff, and no unrealistic ends. It is said that whatever this author writes, is inspired from whatever he has come across in his life, from people around him.” He explained.

I thought for a moment, if I should give it a try. I still couldn’t bring myself to say yes, and give it a try. When I looked up at him, still in confused thoughts, I found him already staring right at me. His piercing gaze was studying me, and I squirmed a little under his gaze.

“But Sanskaar…” I started to say, when he interrupted me, “Swara, Are you afraid that you will reconsider your thinking on Love, once you read these books?” He said, sounding it like a challenge. I bit my lip, and thought about his words. Am I afraid, of getting my hopes up about love?

“Why should I be afraid? Whatever I do, my opinion on love or romantic novels isn’t going to change.” I stated with confidence.

“So, are you afraid, you’ll turn out to be an admirer of ‘Varun Kapoor’?” He asked me with a mischievous grin.

“That’d be like the last thing on earth to happen.” I said, rolling my eyes, and brushed off his words.

“Good! Prove it to me!” He challenged. I saw the challenging look in his eyes, and the smirk on his lips. Sanskaar is different though! I can’t believe he was going to make me do something I don’t like.

“But, I’m going to kill you, if this book is cliché.” I warned him.

“You are more than welcome to do so, if you find it cliché. Give me your mobile!” He said, forwading his hand.

“Huh?” I was perplexed, as to why he was asking my mobile.

“Your mobile, Swara!” He asked again. I placed it in his hand, and looked at him confused. He was typing something, and I tried to see what he was doing.

“Here,” He handed me the mobile, after doing something, “I saved my number in your phone. You are more than welcome to call and yell at me.” He said, earning a chuckle from me.

I looked at the book in my hand, and nodded slightly. I was still unsure about it, but wouldn’t it be rude to not take the book after he spoke so much.

“And, don’t worry, I’ll read this book which you suggested.” He said, holding up the book I first gave him. I smiled, and he returned my smile, with the very heart warming Sanskaar Kapoor’s charming smile.

Looking into his hypnotizing brown eyes, I found myself drowning in them. He waved his hand a few times, and I was brought to my senses. Why? Why am I getting attracted to him? I’ve no place for such things in my life. He has been nothing but a good friend ever since we met, but should I let my heart loose?

Disregarding all my confusing thoughts aside, I gave him a small smile, before bidding him bye and leaving the library, along with the book he gave me.
—

I reached home, and went back to my room. I laid down on the bed, and without my notice, my thoughts drifted to Sanskaar. There was something in him that was pulling me towards him. I closed my eyes, and put my headphones on, playing some soothing music, trying to distract myself. But even with the loud music playing through the headphones, the thoughts of Sanskaar came rushing to my mind, without even attempting to think about him.

Taking out the headphones, I prepared myself to get a cold shower. After getting a cold shower, I put on some comfortable pajamas, and fished out the novel that Sanskaar asked me to go through.

I looked at the book, and debated if I should read it or not. I was not sure, about reading this book. The name of the author itself is intimidating, and I didn’t know how the content inside would be. Sanskaar said it wouldn’t be cliché, but it’s just not what I am comfortable reading.

Letting out a sigh, I opened the first page of the book. I decided I’d give it a try! I don’t know if it was out of my interest or just to keep my mind off Sanskaar, but in the end, I was actually reading it.

SANSKAAR’S P.O.V.

I drove back home from the library, after my mysterious meet with Swara. I was surprised when I saw her at the library today; every meet of ours till today was unexpected, and what was embarrassing was getting caught with a love story. Her hazel brown eyes looked up in surprise when she saw the book in my hand, and I gave her a sheepish smile.

I didn’t know why I had suggested her to read a love story, and on top of it, I suggested my own novel. It just happened in a split second, from meeting her to suggesting my book. I knew she wouldn’t read it, if I asked her directly, and I thought a challenge would work better. She needed to start believing in love; she needed to know that even when there are heartbreaks, love still exists. Even with the pain it brings, love is not something you’ll regret.

I was not sure if she’d like the book, but I just wanted to try bringing her out of her little cocoon. I wanted her to leave her insecurities behind, and move on. It’s not that I’m proud of what I write or how I write, but I think I know what books she’d prefer reading. No cliché story; No Unrealistic things; It’s all about love! I prefer writing books with an open end, where every reader imagines the story as per their comfort levels. I write tragic ends, with heartbreaks, what I’ve seen in my life!

I was not hoping that she’d like the book, or she’d change her perspective, but this would leave her thinking about what love actually is. I really hoped she’d give it a try. I gave her my number, so that I’d at least know if she read it. She rewarded me with one of her smiles, and every time I see her smile, my lips curve up into a smile.

A smile made its way on my lips, as I thought about her. Her hazel brown eyes held so many emotions, which she wanted to hide from everyone. She hated showing she was vulnerable, but her eyes, they were a reflection of her heart. I knew one thing for sure; she was a girl with smile on her face and pain in her heart.

I curtailed my thoughts, and opened my laptop to finish off my pending work from office. As I pressed the keys on the keypad, my mind still wandered around one particular girl. There was a strange aura around her, which kept drawing my thoughts to her, whatever I do. After struggling for some time trying to work, I kept my laptop aside, and pulled out a few sheets of white paper to write something about the new novel I was planning.

Even with the white papers, I couldn’t get my thoughts together. Damn, this writer’s block! I hated it when I couldn’t put my words on paper. Every time I face a similar situation, I think about Kavitha, and every moment we had. Even without being by my side, she never left my side.

I ran my hands through my hair, and let out a sigh. Keeping the pen and the papers aside, I walked back and forth in the room, thinking about how my life would have been if Kavitha was with me today, to help me, support me, and encourage me. She was a carefree girl, and I think I saw the same carefree nature in Swara apart from whatever that is hurting her.

I looked at the clock, and noticed that it was eight in the evening. I had no idea what to do, and I finally decided to go and read the book Swara asked me to read.

Once I started reading, I lost the track of time, and it was about three-thirty in the morning, when I finally noticed that I had skipped my dinner, and also my half sleep. The book was filled with so much of suspense, and I couldn’t keep it aside. As much as I wanted to complete the book, I was tired, and had a long day the next day. Keeping the book aside, and covering myself with the duvet, I dozed off.

I stirred in my sleep to the sound of my phone ringing. I searched for my phone on the side table, with my eyes still closed. My eyelids felt heavy, and I was still tired from sleeping late last night.

“Hello!” I answered the phone, in a drowsy voice.

“Sanskaar…” I heard a female voice on the other side. I looked at the caller ID and found an unknown number. It was six-thirty in the morning, and why would someone call me so early in the morning.

“It’s me, Swara!” I heard her say. Swara? I barely registered the name in my head, and I wondered who it is.

“Who Swara?” I asked, half asleep.

“Really Sanskaar? You are asking me who I am? Ragini’s friend! Do I tell you who Ragini is?” I heard her ask. My eyes shot open, when I realized its Swara! I mentally slapped myself for asking her who she was. Why did she call me so early in the morning, and how did she get my number? But then my mind started working, and I recollected that I had given her my number the day before.

“I’m sorry! I was sleeping, and…But why did you call me at six-thirty in the morning?” I asked her, in a low and drowsy voice.

“About the book, you gave me…” She trailed off. I instantly remembered about giving her number to yell at me, if she didn’t like the book. I felt awkward all of a sudden.

“You didn’t like it?” I asked her, keeping my voice low. Why else would she call so early in the morning?

“No…I mean I think I like it.” She answered hesitating. If I was still drowsy, hearing her words shot up the adrenaline levels in my body, and I was completely alert. My heart leapt up in happiness, and I didn’t know why. May be because, even the girl who seemed to dislike my books liked it.

“Really?” I asked her, to which she replied, “Yes! It isn’t like what I expected it to be. Something different!”

“So, you called me this early in the morning to tell me that you actually liked this book?” I asked her. I can’t believe she actually called to tell me this.

“I’m sorry, I woke you up, but I just completed the book, and I had to tell someone how it was.” She replied, and I chuckled lightly.

“What do you mean by just completed?” I asked her.

“I started in the evening yesterday, as soon as I returned from the library. And I was reading it since then. It was just half an hour ago, I finished reading.” She answered.

“You didn’t sleep last night?” I was surprised that she read it all through the night.

“Nope! I found the book too good to keep it aside and sleep.” She said, and I smiled at her words. She did like my books, after all.

“I thought you had to work today.” I said.

“Of course, but I think I can catch some sleep before I go.” She answered.

“You know we are alike. I lose track of the time when I read books, and it’s usually during the early hours I sleep, just like last night, I slept at four in the morning, reading the book you gave me.” I said, and heard her laugh.

“That explains ‘who Swara?’” She laughed, and I was embarrassed. We both remained silent for a minute, when she added, “I’m sorry I disturbed you.”

“You don’t need to be sorry! I’m glad you called up to say that you liked my book.” I assured her.

“Your book?” she sounded confused, and that was when I realized my slip of tongue. I face palmed myself for being so stupid.

“I…I mean the book I suggested.” I replied with a quick answer. “Oh, yes.” I heard her say. I was relieved and satisfied with myself at giving a good answer.

“Umm…okay then, I think you need to sleep before going for work!” She said, after a moment. As much as I wanted to talk to her, I was still tired from the lack of sleep last night. “So do you!” I replied and we laughed before we hung up.

I went back to sleep thinking about Swara. I was glad she liked it. This should at least change her perspective about love and love stories. But it isn’t that easy, considering the fact that she is still hurt.
*****

A/N:
The end of sixth chapter!! Swara read Sanskaar’s book! Yayyy!! How many of you wanted this to happen? Reading one such book is surely a great thing for someone like Swara! Don’t you agree?
So, guys, tell me how do you find this chapter? Please comment, and give your views. Criticism is welcome!

And, I also want to let you know that, I honestly don’t get enough time to write and update. Besides, my internship starts tomorrow, and I’ll be working even on Sundays. It’ll take time to write the chapters. So the updates now will be weekly once. I hope you understand. If you can put up with my irregular updates, I think I can continue writing this.

Thank you!!
Love,
Ashu