SWASAN OS – ITS ALWAYS YOU!!! (By Ashu)

Hello everyone!!! Ashu is back!! Remember me? I guess, no? Never mind!!! I’m back with another os on Swasan!! I hope you guys like it!
This oneshot is specially dedicated to my Sweet sister, ISHANI aka Laddoo!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDDO!! This is a small surprise for you!!! Hope you like it!!!
Let me tell you, this is a very common story, nothing much special, but with a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Please give your opinions, at the end, I’d be glad to know what you think of this!!!
Ignore Grammatical errors and typos…Not proof read!!!

Have Fun!!!

SWARA’S P.O.V

Ugghhh!! I’m fed up!! Seriously, fed up of him! What does he think of himself? Doesn’t bother to show up. Doesn’t even care to answer my call. And Doesn’t even have the sense to call back. Where the hell is he? He can be very careless at times, but its been almost a week since I last talked to him. He usually doesn’t stay much time away from us, but I guess something’s wrong.

Sanskaar is not the kind of person who gets angry easily, neither can he remain annoyed with us for a longer period. And that is what is bothering me now. Why in the world, is he behaving like this all of a sudden? I and Laksh had been trying to get in contact with him, since a week, but all in vain.

Sanskaar, I and Laksh had been friends, since the eleventh grade, as far as I remember. We have always been called as ‘THE THREE MUSKEETERS’ not just by the students, but by the staff of the school as well. We three were always partners in crime, starting from playing pranks on teachers and acting like we were the most innocent kids in the school. Like you know, the most innocent, sweet, little kids!!!

And if we were ever caught, it was always me and Lucky!! As for Sanskaar, he’s the masterplanner, behind every prank, but no one really suspects him, because of his innocent look on his not so innocent face. Don’t ever go on looks, people! Sanskaar is the most innocent looking yet the biggest prankster among us.

Sanskaar!!! Where the hell are you now? Don’t irritate me! Please, answer my call. I’m calling him for the umpteenth time now, but all I met with is the same silence. Frustrated, I called the next person, who by any chance would have got into contact with him.

Laksh attended my call, on the third ring. “Hello Swara!” Laksh’s voice came from the other side.

“Hey Lucky! Have you talked to Sanskaar?” I asked him, with a bit of hope.

“Nope. Have you?” He answered. I was confused, disappointed as well, on getting negative response from him. He has been trying to call Sanskaar since a week, just like I have been trying to get in contact with him, but he too failed.

“No! I think it’s high time. We have to find out what’s going on with him! Let’s go to his house. And that is the only place where we can find him.” I suggested. He must be home, and there is no way we are leaving him today. He has lot many questions to answer us today. He usually isn’t like this, so he has to be answerable for this weird behavior of his.

“I agree with you! I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.” He agreed, and I hung up, to change and get ready before Laksh is here.
***

Half an hour later, we were there, standing in front of Sankaar’s house, waiting for someone to open the door. And if by any chance, it was Sanskaar, who opens the door, we were ready to pounce upon him, like hungry lions, starving for days. But much to my disappointment, it was his mom, who opened the door.

His mom welcomed us, with her most cheerful smile, “Swara, Laksh! How have you both been? If not for your friend, you never come to meet me.” She complained. Did I tell you that Sujatha Maa is just like my mother. She loves me and Laksh, just as much as she loves Sanskaar. And she tends to be melodramatic at times, just like she is, at present.

“I’m sorry, Maa.” I said, holding my ears, making an innocent face, which I know, she cannot remain angry at, for a long time.

“Maa, you do know, you look a lot better when you smile, even better than the gorgeous divas of bollywood. And moreover, stress and anger can cause you wrinkles, so don’t get angry with us.” Laksh said, buttering her up.

“You sure know how to convince me. But, this time, I’m not going to fall for your charms.” She said, glaring at Laksh, and pulling me into a hug. I laughed at Laksh, who made his puppy dog face.

“Maa, Where is Sanskaar? Its been almost a week, since we last met him. He is at home, right?” I asked her. She looked confused. Why is she looking at us confused? Is there something we didn’t know?

“He sure needs to get ready for some thrashing from both of us.” Laksh said, as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, to his elbows. Sanskaar is gone! Looking at Laksh, I bet it’s the last day of his life today. Only god can save him from us, especially from Laksh. But I don’t get a good feeling, seeing the look on his Mom’s face.

“Didn’t Sanskaar inform you before leaving?” She asked, confused. Sanskaar left? But where? And without informing me and Laksh? This, in the whole world, is something really really impossible.

I looked at Laksh, who had the same confused expression mirrored on his face, just as me. He too was, unable to comprehend, what Sanskaar’s mom was speaking.

“He left? But where?” Laksh asked Sujatha Maa. “And without telling us?” I continued. She was confused even more.

“He didn’t tell me, where he was going. I thought he must have told you both, where he was going, and why, all of a sudden. I thought you knew it!!” Sujatha Maa spoke, perplexed.

“What?” I and Laksh, shouted, at the same time. Something is amiss. This is not the Sanskaar we knew! Sanskaar, leaving somewhere all of a sudden, without bothering to inform me, or Laksh, not even his Mom, left me bewildered.

“Yes! He packed his bags, and left five days ago. I was planning on talking to you both, about him.” She said. What’s going on with him?

“Ah! It all makes sense now!” She continued, as realization dawned upon her. She was clearly reminiscing something, which was for sure, related to Sanskaar’s abrupt departure.

“What happened Maa?” I asked her. “Wait here, you both, I’ll be back in a minute.” She said, and left the living room, where we were seated. She was in a hurry, and she didn’t give us a chance to ask her what the matter was.

“Laksh! This doesn’t sound like our Sanskaar.” I said, turning to him, who was already thinking something deeply.

“I know!” Laksh said. He opened his mouth to say something more, but stopped, frowning.

We were lost in our thoughts, when Sujatha Maa returned back to the living room, with something in her hands. She had some envelopes in her hands, I guess.

“Here it is! These are for you!” She said, handling two envelopes to us. I took them in my hand, and glanced at the two envelopes. One had the name, Swara on it, while the other had, Laksh written on it.

“What are these envelopes?” I asked her, puzzled. Sure, these had something to do with Sanskaar.

“I don’t know! Sanskaar asked me to give it to both of you, when you come here for him. I had no idea, he left, without telling anyone. May be, he has something written in this letters, about where he was going.” She spoke, with uncertainity.

Strange! Letters? Why couldn’t he tell us directly? Is everything alright? I’m getting worried now! I looked towards Laksh, who was doing the same thing as me. Thinking and Worrying!!

“Just open it and see!” Laksh said, hoping we would get to know something.

I handed the envelope with his name, to him, and opened mine first. I started reading the contents of the letter, which left me with nothing but shock, surprise and confusion.

“What happened Swara? What did he write?” Laksh asked. I looked towards Sujatha Maa and Laksh, who were waiting for me to say something. Having no other option, I read the letter out aloud!

“MY DEAR SHONA,
FIRST OF ALL, STOP FROWNING!!! GIVE ME YOUR SWEET AND LOVELY SMILE, WHICH SPREADS YOUR CHARM. AND ASK THAT IDIOT, BESIDE YOU TO COOL DOWN AS WELL!!!

I’M SORRY FOR LEAVING WITHOUT INFORMING YOU AND LUCKY! I GUESS YOU MUST HAVE KNOWN, BY NOW, THAT MY MOM TOO DOESN’T KNOW WHERE I WENT! I KNOW YOU ARE CONFUSED WITH MY ABRUPT DEPARTURE! AND I ALSO KNOW YOU AND LUCKY ARE HELL ANGRY WITH ME, AND I WILL HAVE TO GET READY TO FACE THE WRATH OF YOUR ANGER, WHEN I RETURN BACK!!

I’M SORRY, BUT I NEED TIME SHONA. I NEED TIME FOR SOME THINGS TO SORT OUT. I’M IN THE MIDDLE OF A MESS RIGHT NOW! AND IT’S HURTING SHONA! IT’S HURTING SO BAD!! I WANT SOME PEACE OF MIND, WHICH I WOULD GET ONLY IF I LEAVE THIS PLACE. I KNOW, YOUR MIND IS FILLED WITH LOTS OF QUESTIONS RIGHT NOW, BUT TRUST ME, I’LL TELL YOU EVERYTHING WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT.

AND, HERE COMES THE MAIN PART!! TECHNICALLY SPEAKING, IT HAS TO BE ME, WHO SHOULD BE ANGRY WITH YOU AND LAKSH, AND NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND!! YOU TWO, HID THE FACT FROM ME, THAT YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER!! THINKING HOW I KNEW ABOUT THIS? WELL, I JUST KNEW IT!! SHONA, YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO ANSWER ME, WHEN I COME BACK. GET READY!!! AND, IF LAKSH EVER TROUBLES YOU, OR HURTS YOU, DON’T FORGET THAT YOU STILL HAVE YOUR OTHER BEST FRIEND BY YOUR SIDE. ALWAYS!!! JUST TELL ME, AND I’D TAKE CARE OF THAT IDIOT!!

NOW, PLEASE DON’T BE ANGRY WITH ME, FOR THIS!!! PLEASE, TRY AND UNDERSTAND!! I WILL BE BACK SOON!! I CAN’T STAY AWAY FROM YOU, FOR LONG!! MY WORLD IS THERE, AND I’D EVENTUALLY RETURN BACK THERE!! SO, DON’T WORRY. AND KNOWING YOU, BEING THE CARING PERSON YOU ARE, WHO CAN’T SEE ANYONE HURT, YOU SURELY ARE WORRYING ABOUT ME RIGHT NOW, ABOUT WHAT MUST HAVE HAPPENED. TRUST ME, I’M FINE. I JUST NEED TIME!!
KEEP SMILING MY LITTLE DEVIL!

LOVE,
YOUR CRAZY FRIEND, SANSKAAR.”

I folded the letter, as I finished reading it. His letter didn’t clear any of my confusions. I didn’t get the answers to any of my questions. All I knew is, Sanskaar is hurt. But why? What is the reason? And why is he trying to hide his pain from the people, who knew him inside out. He can’t leave like this all of a sudden, atleast not when he needs us beside him. All my anger vanished, after reading his letter. He is in pain, and anger would be the last thing on my list for him, at present. He needs us!!! But where is he?

I turned to look at Laksh, who was in a haste to open the envelope, with his name on it. He unfolded the letter, and started reading it.

“HEY LUCKY!!!
HOW ARE YOU BUDDY? HOW WAS THE INTERCOLLEGE FOOTBALL MATCH? DID WE WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP? I’M SURE WE WON IT, BECAUSE WITH LAKSH KAPOOR AS THE CAPTAIN, IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO LOSE A FOOTBALL MATCH!!! AREY IDIOT, STOP GIVING THAT ANGRY LOOK, AND GIVE ME A SMILE! I KNOW YOU ARE FRUSTRTED, WITH MY IDIOTIC BEHAVIOUR. YOU KNOW, THAT I DON’T DO ANYTHING WITHOUT A REASON. AND EVEN NOW, I HAVE MY REASONS FOR THIS ABRUPT DEPARTURE.

I’M SORRY LAKSH!! I KNOW YOU PEOPLE ARE WORRIED FOR ME, BUT I WANT SOME ALONE TIME NOW! I REALLY FEEL LIKE A JERK FOR NOT INFORMING YOU BOTH, BUT I KNOW YOU WILL NOT LET ME GO, IF I TELL YOU, OR MAY BE, YOU WOULD INSIST ON COMING ALONG. I KNOW YOU WILL NOT LET ME STAY ALONE, ESPECIALLY WHEN I’M HURT!! I KNOW MY IDIOT FRIENDS!!!

OKAY! NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT YOU AND YOUR LOVE. SAALE!! IDIOT! WHY DIDN’T YOU EVER TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE SHONA? YOU CALL ME YOUR BEST FRIEND, AND YOU HID THIS MATTER FROM ME? HOW COULD YOU?? REMEMBER, YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO ANSWER ME WHEN I’M BACK! YOU KNOW I’M SO HAPPY FOR YOU. BUT YOU IDIOT, DON’T DESERVE A SWEET GIRL LIKE SHONA! I KNOW SHE IS FIESTY, AND THE LITTLE DEVIL OF OUR GROUP, BUT EVEN YOU CAN’T DENY THE FACT THAT SHE IS VERY GOOD AT HEART!! SO, YOU ARE REALLY LUCKY THAT SHE ACCEPTED YOU. ALWAYS KEEP HER HAPPY, AND NEVER EVER TRY TO HURT HER! IF YOU EVER BREAK HER HEART, I’D NOT THINK TWICE BEFORE BREAKING YOUR BONES!! I’D FORGET THAT YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND!!! I CAN NEVER SEE MY TWO BEST FRIENDS IN PAIN! I GUESS YOU UNDERSTOOD WHAT I WANT TO SAY!!

LUCKY, DON’T WORRY. I’LL BE BACK SOON. I MAY HAVE LEFT WITHOUT TELLING YOU, BUT YOU KNOW, WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME. EVENTUALLY, SOONER OR LATER, I’LL COME BACK THERE!! UNTIL THEN, GIVE ME TIME! MAY BE I’LL CALL YOU, AS SOON AS I CAN. AND I PROMISE I’LL ANSWER EVERYTHING WHEN I’M BACK!!! I KNOW, YOU PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE I AM, BUT ITS BETTER IF YOU DON’T, BECAUSE I MYSELF AM NOT SURE WHERE I’M GOING.

LOVE,
YOUR BEST BUDDY EVER, SANSKAAR.”

Just as he finished reading the letter, I plopped down on the couch, confused. My knees felt weak, and I couldn’t support myself, after listening to those words. Laksh was still staring at the letter in his hands. Everything is so damn confusing.

I turned to my side, and noticed his mom, who was hell worried about him now. “Maa! It’s okay!! He’ll be fine. And he’ll come back soon. You know him, he can’t stay away from us long, as he said.” I tried comforting her with my words, but they sounded so unconvincing to my own ears, because we’ve never seen Sanskaar so vulnerable.

“Don’t know what is going on in that stupid, idiotic mind of his. He is never like this!” Sanskaar’s mom said, tensed. She was worried, for her son, and I don’t blame her.

“Don’t worry Maa!” I said softly, hugging her. As I looked at Laksh, I noticed the frown on his face. He was totally blank. He didn’t speak a thing after reading the letter. He was sitting in complete silence, trying to sort out Sanskaar’s words. And that reminds me, Laksh!! Laksh and I are in love with each other? Who told this to Sanskaar? From where did he get all this information? My head is spinning at the moment, with everything that is going on at present!!

To say that I’m happy, would be an understatement, after seeing Sanskaar’s concern for me. My heart skipped a beat, when he said, ‘I’d not think twice before breaking your bones, if you break her heart’. I was more than glad to see my two best friends, who care so much for me. But who told this to Sanskaar?

I guess Laksh is thinking the same thing as me! Now I understand, what must have caused the frown lines on his face.

“Laksh!!” I called out, and he looked at me with blank face. “What’s going on Shona? What has happened to him?” Laksh asked me softly.

“I don’t know what’s hurting him. All that I know is he needs us now!! He might say that he needs some time alone, but the fact is that, he needs us! He can’t deny the fact that we know him very well, so well that we can read what is going on, in his mind” I said. Laksh nodded, agreeing with my words.

“Shona! But there’s something, that’s disturbing me!” Laksh said, and I nodded, asking him to continue. “Who told Sanskaar, that we are in love with each other? I mean, there is no way, either of us might have said anything about this to him. But then, how did he know? And why didn’t he talk to us, after he knew? Why did he write it in this letters, instead of talking to us directly?” He asked, puzzled.

“Lucky!! That is what I’ve been thinking as well. There is something we are missing. And only Sanskaar can answer our questions. Where on earth would he go, without telling us??” I said, thinking, of all the places where he would have gone.
~*~

SANSKAAR’S POV

Why on earth is this happening to me? What have I ever done to deserve this heartbreak. It is hurting! Hurting like hell, when I think about her.

It’s been two weeks. A good two weeks, since I left Delhi, since I left my home, since I left my two best friends, since I left everyone, without informing where I am going. Swara and Laksh, must still be angry with me, for leaving all of a sudden. They would surely be worried about me.

And here I’m, away from them, in a far off place, some thousands of miles away, in Mumbai, drinking in one of the pubs, trying to heal the pain in my heart. Frankly speaking, I didn’t think I’d come to Mumbai, when I left home. I didn’t have any idea where I’m going. All I knew was that, I had to leave that place!! I need to start afresh. I need to go back like the old Sanskaar, everyone knew, not the broken Sanskaar.

I was trying ways to kill my feelings for her. And running away from her was one of them. But staying away from her, only added to my misery. My feelings for her, only grew stronger, by staying away. As much as I tried to tell my heart that she is already in love with someone else, it just wouldn’t listen to me. My heart broke into millions of pieces, seeing my love, in love with someone else, and each piece of my heart still has her name engraved on it. And that someone else, being my best friend, is hurting me worse. I had to keep up the façade of being very happy for my two best friends.

I had to go back to them, sooner or later. I promised I’d come back soon, as soon as I can. But can I see Swara and Laksh together, and not get hurt, when I go back? I may put on a mask of being very happy, in front of them, but can I ever be like the old Sanskaar? I don’t know!! I don’t know, if I can ever stop loving her, and that too when she is right in front of my eyes.

When I saw Laksh and Swara together, to say that I was hurt, would be a understatement. I was shattered.

***Flashback***

I was searching for Shona and Lucky, in the whole college. There was no trace of either of them. I searched for them in the canteen, which is Laksh’s favourite place in the college, and then in the library, which is Shona’s favourite place, and then the music room, but there was no sign of either of them. Finally, after a thorough hunt, I found the two of them, in the college grounds. It was strange!! Strange to see them in the college grounds, at this hour of the day, when there are very few people around.

I moved closer to them, and was about to join them, when I saw Swara jumping in excitement and hugging Laksh. This was not something surprising, knowing how close the three of us are. But what Swara and Laksh spoke next, broke my heart.

“Laksh!!! You don’t know how confused I was, about my feelings, but finally I realized it’s love!! I never thought I’d fall in love with my best friend!! And I’m so happy you understood me. You know me very well, don’t you? I’m still surprised, as to how you knew about my love. But I guess, that is what friendship means?” Swara said, beaming. She was excited. Too much excited, she was literally jumping, while I stood frozen to the spot.

I stood there thinking, if Swara was joking, or may be I had heard something wrong. I still had a hope, that Swara would say something like I’m just kidding, but Laksh’s words, confirmed that they were serious. “I know!! It’s in your eyes. That love, for someone special, especially when that someone special is right beside you, you just know it. And only a fool would not see, how crazy you were acting, all these days. I love this little devil, so much, that I can read what’s going on in her mind. So, what next?” Laksh chuckled.

“What next??” Swara asked confused.

“I mean…this!!” Laksh said, searching around. He plucked a rose from the plant, beside him, and got down on his knees, “Swara, I love you. Will you give me a chance to hold your hand forever? Will you be with me always?”

This was it!!! Laksh has proposed Swara, a sight which has snatched the sleep of my eyes, a sight which has pulled the ground beneath my feet. There were lots of questions going on my mind, and I left the place, without giving a second thought, and without waiting for My Shona’s answer. Wait!! She is no more mine. She is just my best friend, like always.
***Flashback ends***

That was the last time, the last time I saw them. I went home, cried my heart out. After a day or so, I made my decision. I made my decision to go far away from them. It’s the worst decision of my life, I know I can never stay away from them, but I had to do it. I needed a break, after what all happened.

I needed to leave Delhi, and then I remembered Ragini, my cousin!!! Ragini is the closest to me, after Laksh and Swara. She is like the sister, I never had. And that is how I ended up coming to Mumbai!!!

Ragini immediately knew, there was something wrong, when she saw me at her doorstep. One look at me, and she knew, I was going through a rough phase. She tried persuading me, to tell her what’s wrong. But I didn’t want to, and I didn’t tell her.

I never drink, but this time, I had to…. to forget the pain. Sure, it would still be there, when I wake up tomorrow, but I want a peaceful sleep tonight. And alcohol would be my companion tonight.

I was still sober, considering the amount of drinks I had.I was a little tipsy, yet in my senses, or so I thought. As I drank, I realized that, no amount of alcohol, would make me forget her. I was drinking, and cursing my fate, when I noticed someone familiar.

Yes, very familiar. The face I would never forget, not even in my wildest dreams. I’m sure, I’m dreaming. The alcohol had gotten into my system, and I’m imagining her. Yes I’m sure, It’s all my imagination. Otherwise, there is no way, she would be here.

She was walking towards me, with a frown on her face, and her hands folded across her chest. The piercing look in her eyes, sure does say that, it’s not going to be a good day for me. But since she is just a creation of my mind, I mean my imagination, I’m fine, and safe.

But, You know what? She does look cute, even when she is angry!!! I guess this is the Shona, I have to face, when I go back. Sure, I wrote letters, for the two of them, but knowing them, I guess, I’d regret my decision of running away, when I go back. Those two devils are going to make me regret it!!!

Why am I so mad in her love, that I just can’t stop thinking about her? The very familiar face, My Shona, she was heading towards me, glaring at me. I couldn’t help, but admire her. I guess, it would never be easy for me, to come out of her thoughts. She stood directly in front of me, still glaring.

“Shona!!! You know how much I love you? You don’t know right!! Wait, I’ll show you.” I said, giggling, like a mad person. She was still having that glaring look in her eyes. If looks could kill, I’d have died a thousand times now. But this is just my imagination, right? I shouldn’t have drunk!! But in a way this is better, I could at least confess to her, about my love, even if she’s just my imagination.

“I love you this much.” I said, spreading my arms wide open, as much as I can. “May be more than I can show it with my hands. You know, I love you so much, that I started imagining you right in front of me, here in Mumbai, when you are still in Delhi, may be with Laksh!!” I said, with a disappointment in my voice, as I said the last words. Sure, I’m happy for them, but I’m hurt!! She still had the anger in her eyes, but there is something else, which I couldn’t quite understand.

I expected her to just come running into my arms, and I wanted to hold her tight, never letting her go, even if that is the last thing to happen in reality. But, contrary to my expectations, she just lifted her hand, and it touched my cheek, in just a matter of seconds, before I could even understand what is going on. Yes, she slapped me!!!

“Ouch, You were not supposed to slap me!” I said, rubbing my cheek. Why is it paining, when she is just my imagination, and I’m just imagining her slapping me.

“You were supposed to hug me, and comfort me.” I continued, looking at her, who is still raging with anger. There again, as soon as I said these words, she slapped me!! Again!! I just stood there speechless, holding my cheek, afraid to speak another word. I guess, she is really standing in front of me, and I’m not imagining her. I was debating to myself, if she is still a part of my imagination, when she took a glass of water, from the side table, and threw it on my face.

I was brought to my senses, my eyes widened, as I realized that all this is real! She is here!!! Guess, I drank too much! “You are here? I’m sorry, I’m not saying I don’t deserve this! Anything else?” I said, looking at her. What was I speaking to her, just before I came in my senses. I remember, thinking about her, but I hope I didn’t say something wrong. I hope I didn’t mess up things. I hope I didn’t say, anything that would spoil our friendship. I hope, I didn’t say that I love her. Aaahhh! I don’t remember. I mentally cursed myself for drinking so much, that I don’t remember, what I was speaking to her.

“Care to explain, Mr. Maheshwari?” She asked, gritting her teeth. She is annoyed, right now. I know, its my stupid behavior, because of which she is annoyed with me, but I didn’t think of anything else, then.

I was searching for the right words to say to her. I never felt so helpless, in all my life, and I wish there was someone who could help me today, to speak in front of her. I was fumbling with my words, not letting them out completely.

Before, I could say something clearly, so that she could understand, I felt someone punch me hard. I stumbled on my feet, and finally after I regained my balance, I looked up to see, who the blo*dy hell was that idiot, who punched me, right in my face. And, Guess who it was? Of course, who else would it be, other than, my other idiot best friend!!

He was fuming like hell!!! And I could make it out, from his face. God, I screwed it up completely!!! Both, Swara and Laksh were annoyed with me.

“Is this the way was to greet your best friend?” I asked him sarcastically.

“Of course not! But, someone like you deserves this greeting.” Laksh replied, in a serious tone. He was more like controlling his anger, and stopping himself from yelling at me.

“Oh! So you do remember, we are best friends! Because, frankly speaking, I forgot the fact, that we are best friends!” Swara mocked, still glaring at me. Oh god!!! This is not going good.

“Shona…” I started to say, but before I could proceed further, she interrupted me.

“Forget it Mr. Maheshwari, that name is reserved only for my best friends, and people dear to me. Others can call me Swara, or Miss Roy.”

To say that it hurt, listening to Swara’s words, would be an understatement. I never expected her to say these words to me. Laksh was equally baffled by her statement, though he was angry. Why are you doing this Shona? But then, I don’t blame her, it’s my fault!!

“I’m sorry!” I apologized.

“Ohh! You don’t have to be!! We are nothing to you, otherwise you wouldn’t have left, without a word. Of course, with a stupid letter, which didn’t have any information. Okay! Forget about me, forget about Laksh, but what about your mom? You didn’t tell her too? At least, a phone call, saying you are fine, would have been better. You know how worried she was? How would you know, when all you did was think about yourself?” She was literally yelling at me.

She is right!! I’m selfish! All I thought about, was me! Mom would have been worried, for I had not even informed her. Okay! I asked them not to get worried, but knowing that they love me to bits, it was natural for them to get worried. I didn’t have any answers to her questions, as I’m the one at fault, and every word she said is nothing but truth.

“Swara…” I started to speak, I wanted to call her Shona, like I always do. But, now is not the time, when she is so angry, and when she has already warned me. All I wanted to do, was hug both of them, and cry my heart out. But then, I can’t actually tell either of them, what is actually hurting me.

“I’m not done yet!!” She yelled, before I could say something. I closed my mouth, and looked at Laksh, who was standing beside her. The expressions on his face showed that he was shocked as well, seeing Swara’s anger.

“Sanskaar!! Did you even check your mobile in the past ten days? Did you see the number of messages we sent, the numbers of times, we called. And for once, you didn’t feel like answering back? Okay, I get it, that you are hurt, and there is something you didn’t want to share it with us, right now. But you can’t just run away. You should have told us, before leaving! We would have never forced you to say something, which you didn’t want to. You know, we would always be there for you.” She said, ruefully.

Her voice had softened, as she was saying those words, and as she said the last lines, her eyes welled up. Tears were something, I never wanted to see in her eyes. But, I feel guilty, for being the reason, behind her tears. Her eyes displayed the sadness, and hurt in them, but there was some other emotion, I couldn’t point out. I just want to hug her tight, and never let her go.

“Shh Shona!! Take it easy!! Stop crying.” Laksh said,as he placed his hand on her shoulder, and rubbed her arm, calming her down, while she composed herself. How could I forget, that they are together now?

“Sanskaar! You didn’t do the right thing this time, buddy.” Laksh said, upset.

“I know Lucky! I screwed it up completely. I made a mistake, and I’m regretting it. I know, my actions are not justified, but I was not in my right mind, when I left. Sorry is just a small word, but I’m really sorry. I know, that you would have given me my space, if I had told you, but instead I was an idiot to think the other way. ” I said, feeling guilty, for putting them through all this.

Laksh nodded, and gave me a reassuring smile, while Swara who was crying, few minutes back, was back in her angry mode.

“Swara, I’m sorry. I’m a fool to have done this, and I’m never ever going to repeat it. Please talk to me, like you used to. Please forgive me.” I said, holding my ears. Unknowingly, tears started flowing from my eyes too. I choked on my words, as I apologized to her.

“Sanskaar. I can’t forgive you.” She said, and I glanced at her, when she continued, “ I can never forgive you, for calling me Swara. Call me Shona, and I’ll think about your apology.” She smirked.

“You gave me a minor heart attack! You were the one, who asked me not to call you Shona.” I complained, wiping my tears.

The next thing, I knew, she was hugging me. “So, you will stop calling me, if I ask you to?” She asked.

“I had to, for now! Otherwise, I’d have ended up in some hospital, right now. I was frightened, seeing your anger.” I said, releasing her from the hug. Laksh was chuckling, while Swara glared at me causing me to shut up.

“Okay then! The next time you call me Swara, you would probably end up in hospital.” She warned me. I gulped.

“Okay! I’ll call you as Shona.” I said, rising my hands up, in surrender. “But,I have a request, please don’t be annoyed with me, in future. I can face everything, but I can’t face you anger. I can’t be at peace, when you are angry with me.” I continued.

“You know what, I was annoyed with you in the beginning. But then, after reading your letter, I was no more angry, instead, I was sorry, for not being there for you, when you needed us. But when I’m here, I was upset, seeing you drinking, and your careless attitude, and I just got carried away by emotions. I know, I’m such a bad friend.” She said.

“Are you crazy? You must be!! Otherwise, you wouldn’t say you were a bad friend. I’m glad to have you someone like you, by my side.” I stated, while she smiled.

“So, all good now?” Laksh asked, smiling at the two of us. Swara and I looked at each other, and nodded.

“How about we go and sit in one of the tables, away from the chaos, and talk?” Laksh suggested, and Swara agreed with him.

“You guys go, I’ll be back in a minute.” I said. Swara raised her eyebrows questioningly.

“Shona! I’m going to call my mom!! Trust me, I’m not running away again!” I answered her unasked question.

“You better not!” She warned me, before the two of them left to get seated, in one of the tables.

I called my mom, and informed her, that I’m fine, and in Mumbai, and also Laksh, and Swara are with me. She was crying, and I felt bad, for putting her through this. I apologized, and once I finished talking, I walked back to my idiot best friends.

I spotted them, sitting in one of the corner tables, and talking. Swara’s hand is placed on the table, and Laksh’s hand was placed on top of hers, and they were laughing. They looked good together.

I walked to them, and joined their conversation. But there was something, nagging me, since a long time. How did they even know I was here? Hell, I myself was not sure, I would come here, but how did they guess?

“Wait a minute!” I said, interrupting, whatever they were talking, while they looked confused at me. “How did you two, even know that I’m here?” I asked swapping gazes between the two of them.

“You think we are fools, Sanskaar?” Laksh asked laughing. He continued, when I looked at them confused, “Of course, it was Shona, who guessed it.” He said, smirking. I looked at Swara, who was smiling, proudly at her achievement.

“You mean, you came her, just on the basis of her guess?” I asked, surprised.

“No!!! It’s not just because of my guess, or intuition. Okay, let me tell you from the start!” Swara said. I nodded, asking her to continue. “After we got your letter, I was thinking of all the places, where you could go. And then I remembered, Ragini! I know that she is the closest to you, after us. You consider her, as your sister. It was just my guess, and to confirm my doubts, I called her.” She paused, to see my reaction.

Ragini? Swara is smart!! I never thought, she would guess right away. “But I asked Ragini, not to tell anything to mom, or you both, in case you called.” I said, not believing Ragini would have told everything.

“You are right! She didn’t, at first! When I was talking to her, about how you left without telling anyone, I heard your voice in the background, I guess you were saying something to her, not realizing she was talking to me.” My eyes widened, listening to her words, nevertheless, I asked her to continue. “And then, I requested her to tell the truth. She was reluctant at first, but then she gave in and told us everything, when I told her, how worried everyone was. She said, she had no idea, why you were here, all of a sudden, but all she knew was, that you were gloomy and upset, all the time. That’s it!! And we landed here, to find you by all means.”

Okay! I get it!! Ragini was also with them. But the best thing is, these people never leave me, no matter what.

“So, Ragini told you, in spite of me saying not to.” I asked. They nodded, with a winning smile.

“What did you think, Sanskaar? You will leave, and we’ll let you go. Heaven or hell, we will follow you, even if you don’t want us to.” Laksh chuckled.

“The moment, we read the letter, we understood that you needed us, even if you deny it, and see, here we are!” Swara said, smiling.

I opened my mouth to say, that I was not ready to tell them anything now, and that I needed time, when Swara spoke, “It’s okay Sanskaar! You don’t need to say anything now! You can tell us when you are comfortable. We’ll wait till then.” I nodded, and thanked her for understanding me. She is one gem of a person.

“But Sanskaar, I’ve something to ask you.” Laksh said, confused. I nodded, asking him to continue. “Who told you that we love each other? I mean, from where did you get the news of me, and Shona, being together?” Laksh asked, and Swara had a questioning look too.

I didn’t want to speak about that, but I can’t avoid it either. “Doesn’t matter, who told me, but the thing is you people are together, and you didn’t tell me, and I’m hurt!!” I complained, while Swara and Laksh exchanged questioning glances.

“But Sanskaar…” Swara started to say, but I cut her off, “Shona!! See, I’m hurt that you didn’t tell me about it, but, I forgive you for that. Now, let me tell you, I meant it when I wrote, that I’ll always be on your side. So, you can tell me, if this idiot hurts you ever!! I hope, he didn’t trouble you, or hurt you in anyway.” I gave Laksh a threatening glare, asking him to be careful. He gulped, in fear.

I looked back at Shona, who still had that confused expression on her face, and the next thing I knew, she slapped me hard, and left the place. I saw her walking out through the front door, fuming, and I was rubbing my cheek. Oh my God! She really is a fiesty little devil. I turned to Laksh, who was laughing like an idiot. Why is he laughing now? I sometimes fail to understand these two.

“Now, what was that for?” I shouted, in confusion, only to find Laksh laughing more, instead of answering me.

“Stop laughing!” I yelled at him. Laksh controlled his laughter, and finally answered, “Sanskaar, are you mad? Why don’t you listen to her completely, and let her say what she wants to.” Laksh asked.

“Okay, I’m sorry for interrupting her. But, what did I do now, that I deserved this slap?” I asked, still not able to understand, why she slapped me.

“Sanskaar, seriously man? You thought she loves me?” He asked. I nodded.

“You are a stupid, not to see how much she loves you. And here, you are asking her, if I’m troubling her? You didn’t see her fiddling with her fingers, when she started to speak. She was about to say that she loves you, after clearing all the confusion, when you stepped in between, and spoke the most irrelevant words. Obviously, she slapped you.” He said, and I gasped. What? Shona loves me? Am I dreaming right now? Laksh must be joking, but he was dead serious, when I looked at him.

“Did u just say, what I heard?” I asked. He nodded, “I just said that, and you are not dreaming.”

“But, I saw you, and Shona…” I trailed off, recollecting, their confession.

“What did you see?” Laksh asked confused. I was hesitant at first to say, what I had seen, but then I narrated him everything. Laksh started laughing. What happened to this idiot today? Can’t he stop laughing, for once and tell me everything.

“Sanskaar, you are mistaken.” Laksh said, and explained the whole thing.

***Flashback***
(THIRD PERSON’S P.O.V)

Swara was in love, with Sanskaar, for a long time now. She didn’t know, when her friendship with him, has turned to something more. She used to get conscious around Sanskaar, yet she tried to act normal around him, for the fear of losing him, if the feelings were not mutual. She tried hard, not to blush, whenever Sanskaar complemented her. She never wanted Sanskaar or Laksh , to know about it! But, Laksh being a keen observer, and having a lot of experience with girls, unlike Sanskaar, sensed something fishy, and confronted her.

Laksh dragged Swara to the college grounds, to confront her. He knew, there would be very less people around, in the ground, at this hour, and there is no way Sanskaar would find them here.

“Swara… I love you!!” Laksh said with a smile, while Swara was shocked. She didn’t know what to say to him. She loves Sanskaar, and Laksh loves her?

“Laksh! Listen, I’m sorry, but your just a friend.” Swara said, shaking her head.

“You love someone?” he asked her.
“No! I don’t.” She said, not wanting to say about Sanskaar, and hurt Laksh more.

“Then, why don’t you love me?” Laksh asked.

“Lucky, You can’t force anyone to love you! Love just happens. And you are always a good friend to me.” Swara said.

“Swara, tell me the truth!” Laksh, asked, folding his hands, across his chest. Swara looked at him confused, “What truth?”

“About you and Sanskaar?” Laksh smirked. Her eyes widened in surprise.

“Wh…What about me and Sanskaar?” She stammered.

“You know what I’m talking about? I know what is going on. You better tell me, else, I’ll this to Sanskaar.” Laksh said, in a serious tone.

“No no no!! Don’t do that! I agree that I…I…” She stammered, while Laksh silently smiled.

“You what?” Laksh asked. “That I love him!!” Swara said, her eyes closed, waiting for Laksh to say something. When she didn’t get any answer from Laksh, she slowly opened her eyes to find Laksh smiling.

“I know!! I just wanted you to say it aloud.” Laksh gave her a victorious look.

“What?” Swara asked in disbelief.

“Chill!! I know you love him, and I was just acting all along.” Laksh chuckled.

“You are such an idiot! You gave me a shock!” She complained, like a kid.

“All is fair in love and war! And I’m happy for you both!!” Laksh said, when Swara, was jumped in excitement and hugged him.

“Laksh!!! You don’t know how confused I was, about my feelings, but finally I realized it’s love!! I never thought I’d fall in love with my best friend!! And I’m so happy you understood me. You know me very well, don’t you? I’m still surprised, as to how you knew about my love. But I guess, that is what friendship means?” Swara said, beaming. She was excited. Too much excited, she was literally jumping.

“I know!! It’s in your eyes. That love, for someone special, especially when that someone special is right beside you, you just know it. And only a fool would not see, how crazy you were acting, all these days. I love this little devil, so much, that I can read what’s going on in her mind. So, what next?” Laksh asked chuckling.

“What next??” Swara asked confused.

“I mean…this!!” Laksh said, searching around. He plucked a rose from the plant, beside him, and got down on his knees, “Swara, I love you. Will you give me a chance to hold your hand forever? Will you be with me always?”

Swara blushed at the thought of Sanskaar proposing her. “I know! But that idiot doesn’t even know about my love!” Swara said, upset.

“Then, tell him!” Laksh suggested. “What if he rejects?” Swara asked, assuming the worst.

“What if he accepts?” Laksh asked. Swara blushed. “Tell him soon! As much as I know, seeing how he cares for you, how protective he is, when you are around, I think he loves you too!!!” Laksh smiled.

“You think so?” Swara asked uncertain. Laksh nodded, and made up her mind to tell Sanskaar, as soon as she can. Laksh’s words, gave her the strength to tell Sanskaar everything.

“I’ll tell him soon!!” Swara said determined, while Laksh smiled.
**Flashback ends**

SANSKAAR’S P.O.V(continued)
I can’t believe my ears!! What an idiot I was, to no see that I was the one she is in love with. What a fool I was to come to a conclusion, without talking to either of them.

“Lucky! You are not joking right?” I asked him, coming out of my thoughts.

“Why would I? You know something Sanskaar, that day, when she read your letter, and found that you left, without telling anyone, she cried for hours together. Not because, you left, But just because you left without telling us. She was determined to find you at any cost. And when she was about to tell you, you had to interrupt.” Laksh explained.

“What an idiot I was? I should have known this! I should have talked to you both, instead of running away.” I said, frustrated with myself.

“Better late than never. Go apologise to her, and tell her what she means to you. ” Lash said, giving me a smile.

I got up, realizing I had to tell her, this very moment, and apologise. I walked a few steps, but then turned back and engulfed Laksh in a tight hug, “Thank you so much Lucky! You are the best buddy ever! I love you! Thank you again.”

“Eww Sanskaar! I’m a straight guy!! Stay away!!” He said, pulling away, in disgust. I rolled my eyes at him, but didn’t bother to answer him back. I had better things to do, than answer this idiot!

I left the place, and came out into the lawn outside, where I saw my love pacing back and forth, muttering something to herself, in frustration. As I went near her, I heard she was cursing me.

“What does he think of himself? Idiot! Stupid! I hate him now!! How can he assume that I love Laksh? If there was something of that sort, I’d have told him, right? No, he doesn’t want to talk about it! He assumes everything, as he likes! Good for nothing! He loves me, yet he is trying to hide it from me?” She was muttering to herself.

I raised my eyebrows, in confusion. How did she even know, that I love her? I never told her!!! But her next words, gave me the answer for my questions.

“He just confessed everything! It is true, when people are drunk, they spill out the truth! He just said that he loves me, at least when he is not in his senses, but still acting like, he is all okay with me and Laksh, being together. Why doesn’t he try to talk to us, or listen to us for once, instead of running away?” She muttered, while my eyes widened, in surprise, listening to her words.

Did I just do that? Oh god! Why did I have to drink so much, and why did I have to blabber so much? Sanskaar! Now go, and pacify your Devil!! That’s going to be one hell of a task for me!!

I went to her, and stood straight in front of her, until she bumped into me. She was looking straight at me, with that piercing look. She was fuming!!!

“I’m sorry, Shona!!” I apologized.

“For what?” She asked.

“For running away! For coming to stupid conclusions! For not talking to you earlier! For not telling you earlier, that I love you! For being an idiot! For everything!!” I said. She was still glaring.

“You make mistakes, and just say sorry! But, did you even think of me, once in all this?” She asked, hitting on my chest, with her soft hands.

“Shona! I’m sorry! What should I do, when I come to know, that the girl I love, loves someone else?” I said, hoping she would understand.

“You don’t have the minimum sense to talked to me or Lucky, before taking any step!” She said, still hitting on my chest.

I caught her hands, and stopped her from hitting me, and looked straight into her eyes. I could find, nothing but love in them. I was damn lucky to have her in my life!

“I know! But you know something? God sent you to give some sense to me, which he forgot, when he sent me on earth.” I said, still looking into her eyes. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink, as I said those words.

“Flirting with me, Mr. Maheshwari…Are you?” She said.

“Why should I, when you are already mine?” She blushed more.

“Shona! I’m really sorry, It’s just because of one stupid misunderstanding, on my part.” I explained her everything. She didn’t speak anything.

“Sanskaar, do you have any problem, in listening to people patiently. Why do you listen a part of the conversations, and come to a conclusion, all by yourself?” She asked me, while I grinned sheepishly.

“I can’t help it! But you are there, with me now, to clear all my confusions.” I said, giving her, my best smile.

“Sanskaar! You are an idiot!”

“I know! But you love this idiot, right!”

“Do I have an option there?” She asked raising her eyebrows.

“No! Swara…” I started to say, but when I noticed her glaring, I corrected myself, “Okay Okay, Shona!!! I love you! You were always the one, I have loved, for a long time now. Every moment I spent with you is magical! Every second, with you is special to me! Without Swara, Sanskaar has no meaning! And my life would not be, as it is now, if it were not for you! My life has got its meaning, only because you are in it! Together we are SWASAN. But, I know, I screwed it up, completely! I made many mistakes. But all I want is your forgiveness, and a second chance. Will you give me another chance, to prove my love for you?” I confessed, looking straight into her eyes, holding her by her shoulders.

I waited for her to say something, but she stood there silent. She didn’t say a word. I was nervous, waiting for her to open her mouth, but she didn’t.

“Say Something, Shona.” I said, as I shook her by her shoulders. Before she could say something, tears made their way out from her eyes. I was worried now. I knew, she loves me, then why is she not speaking up. The next instant, she hugged me tight, and started weeping like a baby.

“I Love you too Sanskaar!!! And I trust you! You don’t need to prove anyone, anything!! I know you will love me, more than I can imagine!” She said, with tears, in her eyes, still hugging me.

“You know what? You can’t shed these tears, because I have all my rights on them. You are mine, and your tears are mine as well. So, don’t dare waste them!!” I said, wiping her tears. She smiled.

“Cheesy!!” She said, smiling.

“I can’t help it! I love you, and thank you for giving me a second chance!!” I kissed her, on her forehead.

“Sanskaar! I love you, and will always love you! You were always the one, in my life! Its always you!!!” She said with her million dollar smile. We had an eyelock, and before, I knew it, I was leaning, towards her, and Swara closed her eyes, in acceptance. I softly pecked her lips, and pulled myself back, gave her a smile, while she blushed.

~*~THE END~*~

A/N:
So, what do you think? Well this one was not as good as my other works, but I can’t help it! And, kiddo, did you like it? I hope so!!! This one is specially for you, as a gift, from me!!
Leave your comments! I’d like to know what you felt about this oneshot, because I was really confused whether to post this or not! I’m sorry, if I disappointed you!

Love you all!!!