Hello everyone! I’m back with the fifth chapter of TAL! Hope you guys are enjoying the story! I thank everyone who has commented on the last chapter, and all the silent readers who are taking out your time to read this!
Not proof read, Ignore grammatical errors and typos!
Link to chapter 4: https://www.tellyupdates.com/swasan-authors-love-chapter-4-ashu/
THE AUTHOR’S LOVE!!!
Chapter 5 ~Emotions
SANSKAAR’S P.O.V.
The dinner tonight went well, and Swara and Ragini left a few minutes ago. Laksh decided to stay back for the night, and it was nothing new for the two of us to stay late nights talking about all the nonsense in the world.
The girls enjoyed the dinner, and I was glad they did. I was surprised when Swara asked me to teach her, and I also noticed that she had this passion for cooking, unlike me, who cooked just as a hobby, because I enjoy it. Swara was indeed a bubbly girl, and she was full of life.
I and Laksh were sitting on the couch in the living room talking, when Laksh asked all of a sudden, “Sanskaar, why the special dinner today?” He had this expression on his face which suggested that I wouldn’t like this conversation we were having.
“I just wanted to try something new.” I said, as if it is no big deal. But I think, I know what he wanted to ask. I just decided to play dumb.
“I’m not talking about the new recipe, Sanskaar, rather the new person!” Laksh smirked. That smirk, I’d love to wipe it off his face.
“What do you mean?” I asked, still playing innocent.
“Oh, you know what I mean,” He rolled his eyes, and continued, “Sanskaar, you never cooked for someone till today. Let alone someone, you never cooked for me.”
He was indeed right. No one has ever tasted the food I made, except for my mom and sister. Not even Laksh! This was the first time he has tasted ever.
“Are you my girlfriend that I will cook for you?” I asked him.
“I didn’t know that Swara is your girlfriend.” Laksh smirked. Damn this idiot! As much as I want to kill this idiot, I can’t, only because he is my best friend.
“Laksh! For God’s sake, I met her only once.” I said, exasperated.
“Love can happen in one meet, brother!” He laughed.
“Laksh, I don’t even know her, how do you expect me to love her?” I frowned.
“Even if you do, I’ve no problem. I like her already.” I turned back at the sound of the voice, and found my mom, walking upstairs, with a jug in her hand.
“Mom!” I rolled my eyes in exasperation. Wasn’t this Laksh enough that my Mom has decided to join him, in pulling my leg? She laughed and winked at me before leaving. Why do I get such people around me? Everyone’s a dramebaaz here.
“Sanskaar, see, you’ve got auntie’s approval as well.” Laksh teased.
“Laksh! See, I just met her at the supermarket and Mom invited her home, for dinner. I can’t say no. Besides, mom invited her saying that I would cook.” I explained him the entire thing, and he laughed on my face.
“I’m sure aunty is planning something.” Laksh suggested.
“I’ve no doubt in that either.” I laughed. Trust my mom, in this match making, and search for a bride.
“So, Varun Kapoor is soon going to get hitched.” He announced.
“No Laksh! Not now, not anytime soon.” I said, coldly. I had no interest in marriage or love, and I’ll never have. Everyone is not blessed enough to get love in their life, and I’m certainly not the lucky one.
“Anyways, what about your new book?” He asked me. Laksh probably sensed the coldness in my tone, and decided to change the topic.
“I’m suffering a serious writer’s block! I don’t know what to write.” I sighed. I’ve been trying to think of a proper storyline but I couldn’t.
“Dude, I wonder, how Swara will react if she knows it’s you.” He laughed, while I thought the extremes of Swara’s reaction. I wonder how a girl like her never believed in love stories or happy endings. I’ve seen girls dream about life, but never have I met a girl who is strongly averted to the idea of love. That girl is indeed unique.
“Everyone has their own perception of love, Laksh. What she believes is because what she must have experienced in her life. What I believe is what I’ve experienced.” I said. Laksh nodded in understanding.
“Sanskaar, it’s late, and we need to go to bed.” He said, and I nodded. He left to the guest room, leaving me to my thoughts.
THIRD PERSON’S P.O.V.
Sanskaar went back to his room, and opened the cupboard to get his night clothes. As he took out his clothes, his eyes fell on a black wrist watch, with the letter S visible through the glass on the dial of the watch. He took the watch in his hands, and a tear escaped his eye, reminiscing the person who presented this. It was his Dad’s gift on his birthday eight years ago.
He remembered his Dad’s words, whenever he saw this watch, “Sanskaar, always remember that time doesn’t wait for you. Time once lost is lost forever. Your life should never stop for someone, you should move on. Follow your passion, achieve your dreams, and make us proud.”
It was his Dad who always encouraged him to follow his passion, and the only person, who knows about his passion for writing. His Dad was his role model, his only inspiration, and he adored him so much. They were never father and son, but best friends. Together they teamed up against his Mom, and irritate her.
But after his death, he lost everything. He lost his passion, his dreams, and his ambitions, along with his Dad. He took over his Dad’s company at a young age, and worked hard to bring it to great heights, just like his father dreamt. He forgot his passion while looking after the business. He worked hard to make his father proud, keeping his dreams aside.
He was almost living like a dead person, until she entered his life. The only person who brought happiness in his otherwise boring life. He met Kavitha in one of the social events, organized by his company, and they turned out to be good friends.
Her company mattered to him, and she helped him forget the pain of losing his father. She brought his dreams back, his passion back, and his life back. Though the pain of losing his father was something which would always remain there, she taught him to deal with the pain and move on.
He heard the same words from her, “Follow your passion, achieve your dreams, and make your parents proud. I’ll be the happiest person on earth if you achieve your dreams.”
Sanskaar started loving her more than his life, and he knew she had feelings for him too. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. But God had something else planned for them. They were not destined together, and were meant to be separated forever.
The day he planned to confess his feelings, and propose her for marriage, he lost her. She met with an accident, and couldn’t make it. He lost his life again. He almost died for the second time in his life.
He cursed his fate for being so cruel to him, for snatching the two people he loved the most. If it was not for Laksh, he would have been dead today. Sanskaar went into depression after Kavitha’s death, but Laksh supported him, reminding him of his promises to his Dad and Kavitha.
He remembered her last words, “Sanskaar, I want you to follow your dreams, and be a great author. This is my only wish. I love you!”
He was determined to fulfill her wish, and that was what his father wanted too, didn’t he? He knew he could only give them peace by achieving his dreams. He started writing since then, and except for Laksh no one knew it. He wanted to remain anonymous. He didn’t want the limelight that came along. He didn’t want the limelight which he couldn’t share with anyone.
He often wanted to tell his mom and sister about his writings, but he knew it’d no longer remain a secret as his mother and sister couldn’t keep things longer. That was the reason he was opposed to the idea of telling them.
He stood in his balcony, staring into the darkness, thinking about the game his fate has played with him. The cold winter air hit him hard on his face, and he shivered a little. He looked at the watch in his hand, and Kavitha’s charm bracelet, which had all the charms of their past and future life. They had expected to spend their lives together, but they were not destined to be together.
Sanskaar closed his eyes, and let the tears flow. He has moved on in his life, but not by leaving them behind; he has moved on by carrying their memories with him. If he has become one of the bestselling authors today, it was because of his father’s blessings, and Kavitha’s love.
Sanskaar had been standing in the balcony for about an hour, and relished the cold and fresh air. It calmed his mind, and the air today brought him a sense of peace, unlike the clouded thoughts he struggled with, every time. His mind was calm, and his heart assured that everything was going to be alright now.
—
Sanskaar was working in his office, when Laksh barged into his office. Sanskaar looked at his friend, as if he had grown two horns. Laksh dragged Sanskaar out of his chair, and out of his office, despite Sanskaar’s attempts to stop him. Much to Sankaar’s annoyance, the entire staff in the office was giving weird looks to the two of them.
‘What’s wrong with this idiot?’ Sanskaar wondered.
“Laksh!” Sanskaar tried to stop him but Laksh didn’t pay any attention, and continued dragging him to his car. Once inside the car, Laksh drove off.
“Laksh, What’s going on? Where are we going?” Sanskaar asked him.
“To meet Ragini and Swara.” He answered with a shrug. Sanskaar looked at him baffled.
“Wh..What? Are you crazy? Laksh, you didn’t have to drag me out like this. Besides, I’ve work in the office.” Sanskaar said annoyed.
“Come on, Sanskaar. You always have work! I just wanted the four of us to hang out for sometime; may be a coffee?” Laksh said. Sanskaar rolled his eyes, and wondered if his friend has lost his mind. It was true that they didn’t meet after the dinner at Sanskaar’s house two weeks ago, but that didn’t mean Laksh had to drag Sanskaar out to meet them.
“I asked Ragini to bring Swara too.” Laksh said, while Sanskaar gave a slight nod. If Laksh was waiting for some reaction from Sanskaar on hearing Swara’s name, he didn’t show it. He kept on a blank expression, while Laksh was driving.
Laksh and Sanskaar arrived at the coffee house, where Swara and Ragini were waiting for them. The girls were arguing about something when they reached their table.
“Hello Ladies, What’s going on?” Laksh asked her, getting seated on the chair across them. Laksh and Sanskaar looked at them confused, while the girls were embarrassed.
“Laksh, just understand that, if we ever argue, there’s only one topic in the world,” Swara answered. Laksh looked at her with a questioning glance, asking what that topic was, when Ragini cleared his confusion, “And that is Love.”
Sanskaar and Laksh looked at each other and shook their heads defeated. “Swara, why are you so aversed to the idea of love?” Laksh asked her.
“Not again, Laksh! Let’s not talk about it.” Swara let out a sigh. Laksh gave up his attempt to talk to Swara.
“Laksh, Sanskaar, aren’t you supposed to be at the working?” Swara asked the two of them, and Sanskaar gave Laksh a hard glare.
“Oh yes, Swara. Actually, we are supposed to be. But this idiot dragged me out of my own office as if there’s an emergency.” Sanskaar mocked while Laksh gave a sheepish smile.
“Laksh?” Ragini gave him a questioning glance.
“I thought we should meet for coffee. I wanted to meet Swara anyway.” Laksh said, scratching his head which made Swara and Ragini to burst out laughing.
“Me? Why me?” Swara asked him.
“You are my girlfriend’s best friend. So, I should be on good terms with you as well.” Laksh said, while Swara and Ragini looked at each other confused. Sanskaar looked at Laksh and tried to guess what’s going on.
They were talking, when Laksh excused himself, and grabbed Ragini aside for a moment. Swara and Sanskaar gave him weird looks, when Laksh answered their questioning glance, “Can’t u give the love birds some privacy? She’s my girlfriend.”
Swara and Sanskaar rolled their eyes, which Laksh ignored and dragged Ragini to another corner. Swara and Sanskaar were left alone, when Sanskaar asked, “Swara, can I ask you something?”
Swara nodded, asking him to continue. “Are you okay with Laksh and Ragini?” Sanskaar asked her, pointing to the couple who were sitting in another corner talking something.
“Of course. Why do you ask?” Swara replied, when Sanskaar gave her a slight smile.
“May be because I’ve noticed you enough that you are completely against love!” He stated.
“That is because I’ve my personal reasons to.” She justified herself.
“What if you ever fall in love?” He asked her. Swara looked at him blankly. If she was trying to mask her emotions, she was doing it well.
“Never, Sanskaar. It’s something not possible even in my dreams.” She answered, with a weak smile.
Sanskaar noticed the pain in her eyes and voice, when she talked about it. He was a good observant, and the hurt in her voice was something he didn’t miss. He decided that he should let this topic go, and talk something else. Something which didn’t involve too many emotions.
“Okay, so tell me, what else do you like besides cooking?” He asked her.
—
“Laksh, why did you drag me here?” Ragini asked him annoyed that Laksh had pulled her away from their friends.
“What? Can’t I get to talk to my girlfriend?” He asked her. Before, she could say something, Laksh pecked her on the cheek. Ragini looked at him astonished.
“Why did you have to bring them here, when all you wanted was to romance with me?” She asked him, pointing to Swara and Sanskaar. She was still annoyed.
“Miss Ragini Mehra, I want Swara and Sanskaar to meet.” He answered, grinning like he had a hidden secret.
“What’s cooking in your head, Laksh?” Ragini asked, raising her eyebrows.
“Just look there, sweetheart!” Laksh said, before turning to Swara and Sanskaar who were laughing, and having fun while talking. Ragini looked at him confused.
“Ragini, I think they are perfect for each other.” Laksh told her, pointing to Swara and Sanskaar.
“Is that why you were probing Swara about love?” she asked him, and he nodded in agreement.
Ragini let out a sigh, “Laksh, you don’t know Swara. She isn’t going to accept.” As much as Ragini wanted Swara to be happy, she knew Swara would never believe in love.
“Who said Sanskaar is okay with this? He won’t accept either.” Laksh said, which surprised Ragini.
“Sanskaar has gone through so much Ragini, which I can’t tell you, but, trust me; I’ve seen him happy when he talks to Swara.” Laksh said.
“I don’t want Swara to be hurt anymore, Laksh.” She said, fiddling with her fingers. Laksh grasped the reason behind her anxiousness.
He held her by her shoulders, and looked straight in her eyes, “Sanskaar will never hurt her. Trust me!” He said, softly. Ragini thought for a moment, and nodded. She didn’t know Sanskaar much, but from what she had heard about him from Laksh, she knew that she could trust Sanskaar.
“But, how are they even going to fall in love?” She questioned.
“What are we here for?” He asked her, and winked. Ragini frowned but later understood his words.
“So, are we playing the cupid here Mr. Maheshwari?” She asked him, a silent smile on her lips.
“I guess.” He replied, before taking her hand in his, and kissing her knuckles.
—
Laksh and Ragini walked back to their table after a good ten minutes, giving enough time to Swara and Sanskaar to talk. They seemed to be engrossed in some conversation when Laksh and Ragini joined them.
“Are you done talking to your girlfriend?” Sanskaar asked his friend, who nodded.
“Why do you have to bring us here, when all you wanted was to talk to Ragini?” Swara asked him.
“Ouch! You hurt me.” Laksh said dramatically, placing his hand on his chest. Swara rolled her eyes, while Sanskaar slapped him on his head.
After talking for some time, and annoying Laksh, Swara and Ragini decided to leave. Sanskaar got up to leave when Laksh held him back. He made up an excuse to Swara and Ragini that they’d something to talk about work before leaving. The girls nodded in understanding, while Swara was confused.
She had been observing Laksh and Ragini ever since they came back after whatever they had talked. Ragini was not her usual self, while Laksh seemed excited about something. The two of them were behaving strange. She decided to ask Ragini what the matter was, once they left the place.
Once the girls left, Sanskaar turned to Laksh, who had a wide grin on his face. “What’s the grin for?” He frowned. Laksh immediately stopped grinning, and kept on a straight face.
“You won’t understand!” Laksh shook his head, and continued to grin. Sanskaar rolled his eyes.
“What did you want to talk about?” Sanskaar asked him.
“Nothing. Sanskaar, If life gives you one more chance to find love, what would you do?” Laksh asked Sanskaar.
Sanskaar was confused listening to Laksh. He was even more confused with Laksh’s expressions. Laksh was in a mood to have some serious talks about life. Sanskaar’s life to be more specific. On the other side, Sanskaar was in mood to talk about this topic. Sanskaar stayed silent, haunted by the very same painful moments.
“Sanskaar!” Laksh’s voice brought him back to the present. Sanskaar looked at Laksh and shrugged, having a defeated look on his face. Laksh felt bad for bringing up this topic in front of Sanskaar, in spite of knowing that it’d hurt him, but he needed to know Sanskaar’s answer as well.
“How does it matter, Laksh? I don’t have any more strength left to withstand the loss of another person close to me. I just can’t love anyone Laksh!” Sanskaar said, defeated.
“But Sanskaar, what if you…?” Laksh began, but was immediately cut off by Sanskaar.
“Laksh, I don’t want to talk anymore on this topic, please.” Sanskaar requested. Laksh nodded, understanding that he wasn’t interested to talk about this topic.
Sanskaar looked vulnerable, lost and defeated. Laksh was determined to bring back the old Sanskaar he first met, and he knew that it was only possible when he finds love back in his life. He said nothing, but silently prayed to God to relieve Sanskaar of his pain, and give him the happiness he deserved.
****
A/N:
How’s the fifth chapter? Emotional, is it? For everyone, who wanted to know about Sanskaar, here it is! I didn’t plan to reveal Sanskaar’s past so soon initially, but later changed my mind. I hope you like this chapter! Drop down your comments, and let me know. Criticism is welcome!
Thank you!!
Love,
Ashu