Chapter 1

'How cute is she' Swayam said caressing the photos from one of his childhood albums.. They were pictures with his best friend then and now girlfriend Sharon Rai Prakash'

He turned it to another picture 'But she looks more cute with an angry look'

Good old memories.. Hmph! It had so been that he planned to remove the suitcase having all his childhood albums and video tape.. His childhood, ever since he remembers had only one thing in common till date.. Her.. He had been with other girls on causal dates but never had something special to share with them.. But with her it was completely different.. He had always asked her for tips while dating those girls but he remembered the one thing he said when she was into tears during their confession..

Sharon (with happy tears): Itna time leta hai koi apni dil ki baat batane ke liye?!

Swayam (pouting): Aaj tak jitni bhi ladkiyon ko maine date kiya hai.. Unkopropose karne ke tips maine tumse liye.. Ab tumhe propose karne ke tips kis se leta?!

And she had burst out laughing looking at his innocent pout.. A wide grin spread on his face as he remembered that incident and all the moments they had spent together ever since they were a couple.. He took his phone n started admiring her pic that was the wallpaper.. He fell on the bed dreaming about his Siren

Sharon: Swayammm! give it to me

Sharon shouted running behind him.. They were running all around the house throwing all the things that came in their way.. Swayam turned n showed his tongue to her thus making her more angry on him..

Swayam: Take it if you can.. SSIIRREENN!

Sharon (even more angry): Haaawww! How dare you call me that! I hate you!.. Go! I don't want to talk to you.. Katti!

Swayam's face fell when she said she wouldn't talk to him.. A 7 year old Swayam jumped onto the sofa and sat next to his best friend who was way too angry with him and was trying to put on an expression which she thought was the sternest.. She sat there crossing her chubby hands over her chest and was looking in the opposite direction.. Swayam with a sad pout sat next to her with the two bars of chocolate that they were fighting for.. He tapped her shoulder but she jerked off.. He again tapped her shoulder..

Sharon (angry): Don't disturb me!

Swayam (confused): But you are not busy..

Sharon: I am..

Swayam: What are you doing?

Sharon: I'm angry with my best friend who is not sharing the chocolates with me and he is calling me Siren.. You are a bad boy.. I don't want to talk to you..

Swayam (holding his ears): I'm sorry Sharon.. Please talk to me! (pouts)

He takes both the chocolates and holds it in front of her..

Swayam: You have the chocolates.. I don't want it.. But please talk to me..

Sharon turns trying to maintain the same angry face.. Swayam's eyes had started brimming as he was feeling very guilty for hurting her.. When Sharon looked at him, his head dropped even lower..

Sharon: I can have both the chocolates?

Swayam without looking at her nods positively.. Sharon's face lights up as she was way too happy now.. She immediately grabbed one chocolate from his hand and Swayam's head shot up..

Swayam (worried): No! You have both otherwise you will not talk to me..

Sharon (while eating her chocolate): No you have that.. You know chocolate has so many calories.. I'll put on weight if I have two.. So you can have it..

Swayam just wondered why was she always so obsessed with her weight as she was already so chubby and cute.. But ignoring his thoughts he focused on how would the chocolate taste and both the best friends were enjoying their small chocolate treat..

PRESENT

Swayam (to himself): Tum aur tumhara chocolate obsession main aaj tak nahi samjh paya.. Chocolate ke saamne toh tum mujhe bhi bhul jaati ho.. but anyways I love You for all your craziness.. And this is one of them..

Just then his phone started ringing and singing out a melody.. Without looking at the caller id he picked up the phone..

Swayam (grinning): Hey My Love!

Sharon: Hi baby! What are you up to?

Swayam: Kuch nahi bas purani pics dekh raha tha aur..

Sharon (cutting him): Bas ab aage bolne ki zarurat nahi hai.. Tum pics dekhte dekhte mere khayalo main khoye hue the aur maine call kar diya.. Hai na?!

Swayam: Oh please! I have better things to do.. Main toh yeh yaad kar raha tha ke bachpan main bhi main kitna handsome tha.. Aur kitni ladkiyan marti thi mujhpe.. And nothing has changed still.. Aaj bhi utna hi handsome hoon aur aaj bhi kitni ladkiyan marti hai mujhpe.. Woh toh main tumhare saath hoon iss liye koi approach nahi karta.. nahi toh ab tak meri half-century complete ho gayi hoti..

Sharon (sarcastically): Yeah right! Mr.Self Obsessed Shekhawat agar half century complete karni hi hai toh kisne roka hai? Jao kar lo.. Meri bala se!

Swayam (excited): You sure? Main mera woh ek sapna jee sakta hai hu? of dating 50 girls one after the other??!

Sharon: Correction.. To get dumped by 50 girls one after the other..*laughs* Admit it Swayam.. Tum jaise sarr dard ko mere alawa aur koi bhi nahi jhel sakta.. *laughs*

Swayam (pouting): Main tumhare liye sarr dard hoon?

Sharon (giggling): Haan!

Swayam (mocking hurt): How rude is that.. Yeh sunne se pehle main marr kun nahi gaya?.. Yeh zameen phat kyun nahi gayi?.. Yeh aasman mujhe nigal kyun nahi gaya?

Sharon: Oh Hello Mr. Drama Queen.. Aapki nautanki ho gayi ho toh can we get to the point?

Swayam: Which is?

Sharon: Aaj shaam hum sab.. I mean sab college friends club jaa rahe hai to party!

Swayam (shocked): What! Par aaj kyun?

Sharon: Aare par aaj kyun nahi?

Swayam: Sharon.. My love.. Aaj Valentine's Day hai! I had special plans for US!

Sharon: You never told me we have plan?!

Swayam: Baby surprise tha toh kaise batata?!

Sharon: Ab bata diya toh kya surprise aur plan already bann chukka hai..

Swayam: But..

Sharon (cutting him): Come on Swayam! Valentine's day sirf couples thodi na celebrate karte hai.. Friends ke saath bhi celebrate kar sakte hai.. hai na?!

Swayam: Ya but..

Sharon (cutting him): We can go out some other time.. Ab plan bann gaya hai toh we can't cancel it because we have plans..

Swayam: But..

Sharon (cutting him): No ifs! No buts! I want you to pick me up at 8:30pm sharp..

*No response*

Sharon: Hello! Swayam! Kuch toh bolo!

Swayam: Tum bolne ka mauka do tab na!

Sharon: Ok bolo..

Swayam (irritated): Ab kya bolu? Tumne toh saare plans bana liye hai! Do I have a choice? No! So forget it! Main aa jaunga tumhe lene.. Bye!

Before Sharon could reply Swayam had cut the phone.. He was pissed because he had made some special plans for the special girl in his life.. He threw his phone on the bed out of irritation.. Then he again took it and called a few people cancelling all that he had booked.. Sharon had gone a long way spoiling all his plan.. He had no plans to talk to her now..

Evening at 8:30pm..

Sharon was ready in her deep purple cocktail dress that ended a few inches down her hip from the front where as it had a longer netted silk falling till her feet at the back giving the dress a perfect chef's cut.. She didn't where any accessories except for the one heart shaped pendant he had gifted her and the delicate Calvin-Klein watch her dad had gifted her a few days back.. Her shoulder left bare giving her a sensuous yet classy look.. Her hair neatly blow-dried and minimal make-up.. She was done putting on her stilettos when she heard a knock on her room door..

Sharon: Who's it?

She got no response and she gauged who it was..

Sharon: Tum kabse knock karne lage? Come in baba..

Swayam walked in while Sharon was just touching up the kajal.. She stopped her action as she noticed what her dearest boyfriend was wearing.. Nothing OTT but simple and yet handsome.. Skin fitted deep blue denims.. A simple black v-neck t-shirt showing off his toned physique and a decent black party blazer whose sleeves were folded till his mid-arms, flaunting away the inner purple silky fabric.. She was ogling at him through the mirror as she always found him hot and sexy with his hair gelled backward and a tiny-winy pony at the bottom.. Thank god! She had stopped him from cutting his hair the other day..

But she also noticed that he wasn't looking at her.. She could see him standing sideways with a frown on his face..

Sharon (turning back): Hey! Kya hua?

Swayam (sternly): Agar tum tyaar ho.. Then let's leave..

Sharon understood why was he angry.. She smiled to herself and stood in front of him..

Sharon (pouting): Mujhse baat bhi nahi karoge?

Swayam (turning back): Let's go!

Sharon holds his hand and stands in front of him.. She puts her hand around his neck and locks her fingered at the back..

Sharon: So mere Mr.Shekhawat mujhse ghussa hai?

Swayam (looking sideways): None of your business..

Sharon steps closer to him.. Her face slowly starts approaching his.. He looked at her coming close from the corner of his eyes.. Though he showed he was angry all of it had melted as soon as he had seen her.. But waiting to see what is his Sharon upto he continued wearing the stern face but had turned to look in her direction.. She was way too close by now.. He slowly slid his hands around her waist and pulled her closer.. She had got her lips closer to his ears while brushing her cheek against his and breathing in the cologne fragrance that had already started playing havoc with he senses.. Swayam was lost in the closeness.. His eyes were closed and he was a step away from embracing her in his arms..

Sharon (whispering): Hey! We don't need a special day to celebrate our love.. We can do that any day right?! For me every day that I'm with you is special.. I don't need any fancy dinner or a romantic atmosphere.. I just need You around me and that moment is special.. I'm sorry if I hurt you by cancelling our special time together.. I thought that we can spend time with each other whenever we like but we might not get all the time to spend with our friends.. So..

Swayam (cutting her): Shhh.. You know you are the best right?!

Sharon (smiling): I love you.. Happy Valentine's day

Swayam: Happy Valentine's day My love.. Love you too!

And both embraced each other promising to stay together forever.. After a while both broke the hug but not moving much away..

Swayam: Chale?

Sharon: Hmm..

Both left her house hand in hand to celebrate this day with their friends.. After an hour or so, all thanks to the Mumbai traffic they had finally reached the club where they were supposed to meet.. The drive had been quite romantic as both of them where surely in the mood today.. After all love was in the air.. Giving the car keys to the valet Swayam and Sharon entered the club hand-in-hand.. They saw their friends seated in one of the gazebo's on the garden side.. They walked through the dance floor and joined their friends..

Rey: So here come the love-birds!

SwaRon: Hey guys!

Vicky: Mujhe toh laga tum dono last minute cancel kar doge.. for obvious reason..

Swayam: Oh come on Vicky! We love being..

All (union): Unpredictable.. Predictable is so boring!

Swayam: Exactly!

Swayam and Sharon get a seat and sit continuing their chat with all their friends.. Swayam was standing behind Sharon after a while and had his hands yet holding her by her shoulder.. Sharon pulled him down and told him to get her something to drink and Swayam like a good boyfriend kissed her on her cheek and left to get something for his lady love.. Rey joined him and soon both where standing by the bar..

Rey: Tune bola?

Swayam: Nahi yaar! Aaj bolne wala tha par usne yeh plan bana diya..

Rey: Yaar tu pichle ek mahine se koi na koi bahane bana raha hai..

Swayam: Yaar kya karu! Tu jaanta hai na Sharon ke saamne meri bolti band ho jaati hai!

Rey: Abbey woh toh harr boyfriend ki kahani hai.. But come on aur kitna delay karega.. Jaa bol de usse..

Swayam: Haan tu sahi bol raha hai.. Kab tak delay karta rahunga?! Kabhi na kabhi sach toh saamne aana hi hai.. But I just hope she will be able to take it..

Rey: Haan yaar woh toh hai..

Swayam: Chal tu jaa main aata hoon..

Rey moves to the table where everyone was..

Sharon: Swayam kahan hai?

Rey: Woh aa rah hai.. Restroom gaya hai..

Just then the music suddenly went off and everyone looked towards the DJ just to find Swayam standing there with a mic in his hand..

Swayam: Sorry! Sorry guys! I know you all were enjoying but this is kinda important.. I'm sorry Sharon..

Sharon was shocked as to why was he sorry? All of them walked in and stood near the dance floor..

Swayam: I have found my life partner.. That's why I'm sorry Sharon.. Main ab tumhara boyfriend bann kar nahi reh sakta..

Sharon was taken aback by this sudden confession of Swayam.. A fear started clouding around her heart as her heart-beat rose..

Swayam: I know ke tum shocked ho yeh sab suddenly sunke.. But it's the truth.. Main tumhara boyfriend bann kar nahi reh sakta..

There was total silence in the entire club.. People were continuously starring at Sharon who was now in the spotlight and Swayam who had started descending towards the dance floor..

Swayam: Hum bachpan se saath hai.. Humne harr ek din.. Haar ek pal ek dusre ke saath bitaya.. Ladhe.. Manaya.. Khele.. Saath diya.. Aur jab bhi roye saath roye.. Phir college saath gaye.. Maine bahut ladkiyon ko date kiya par special koi nahi tha.. Phir jab tumhe uss Shivam ke saath dekha toh main khud ko sambhal na saka.. Tab realise kiya ke main kitna bada bewakuf tha..

By now Swayam had reached Sharon and was standing in the spotlight a few steps away from her.. Both were looking deep into each other's orbs which had nothing but endless love for one another.. Sharon's eyes had started brimming already..

Swayam: Mera woh special someone hamesha se hi mere saath tha.. Par main kabhi dekh nahi paya.. Hum pichle 3 saal se ek saath hai.. Inn teen saalon main humne ek relationship ka harr ek phase dekha.. Ab it's time for another step forward..

Swayam put his right hand into his pocket and removes a red velvet box.. He opens it and stands out a platinum diamond ring shining away to glory.. He slowly got down on his knees..

Swayam: Miss Sharon Rai Prakash.. I cannot promise you the moon or the stars cause they belong to all.. I want to give you something that will belong only to you.. That's my Love.. I may not be the handsomest or the richest guy in this world.. But if I have you by my side I would surely be the richest in the whole wide world.. I don't promise to give you all the luxuries in the life but I promise to give you all my love.. I don't want you for my seven life cause no one knows if we would get that.. But I just want to grow old with you in this life.. Will you be mine? Forever?

Sharon was speechless.. Her eyes had already started streaming when Swayam sat down on his knees.. She was just grinning like an idiot living the most special moment of her life.. Swayam got up and walked close to her.. Rey came forward and took the mic from his hand.. He removed the ring from the box and held it in front of Sharon.. She couldn't stop herself anymore.. She rushed into his arms as she just couldn't express her happiness in words.. Swayam caught her close to him as tightly as he could.. The entire club started hooting and cheering for them.. Swayam smiling and laughed at the same time looking at the crowd.. He stood up straight in an intention to break the hug but Sharon was in no mood to do so.. She was way to over-whelmed with this sudden surprise and her heart beat had yet not got into a steady pace.. Swayam wrapped his one arm around her protectively as she hid herself in him nuzzling closer..

Swayam (whispering): Open your eyes my love.. You are not dreaming..

Sharon (mumbling in his chest): I just want to stay like this.. I don't want to leave you..

Swayam placed a tight kiss on her head and slowly started walking along with Sharon yet hugging him.. They reached a silent corner of the club and he rested his back against the wall getting her to lean over him.. He tighten his grip around her..

Swayam: I love you..

Sharon: Love you too..

Swayam: Ab toh meri taraf dekho..

Sharon slowly looked up losing her grip around him.. Her face was flushed and she just couldn't look into his eyes.. He support her chin and got her to look into his eyes.. He creased her cheek with his thumb..

Swayam (huskily): So ready to be Future Mrs. Swayam Shekhawat?

Sharon (looking into his eyes): Always was! It was you who took this long..

Swayam: Ab kya kare.. The Sharon Rai Prakash ko propose karna koi choti-moti baat nahi hai..

Sharon moved a bit closer to him..

Sharon: Tumhare liye sirf Sharon.. Tumari Siren Sharon..

Both giggled..

Swayam (showing the ring): Pehnogi nahi?

Sharon: Pehnaoge nahi?!

Swayam slid the ring into the ring finger of the left hand.. And Sharon's eyes sparkled with happiness like the diamond on finger.. Swayam leaned forward and slowly kissed her forehead.. Sharon's eyes closed in reflex and she smiled whole-heartedly..

Swayam: Love you My Future Mrs. Shekhawat..

Sharon: Love you too Mere Mr.Shekhawat..