The next morning, Sharon found herself standing in front of the mirror, her fingers absentmindedly touching the delicate heart-shaped locket hanging around her neck. It was Swayam’s gift, and though she hadn’t said much when he had given it to her, she had felt something deep inside her shift.
Last night, under the golden hues of the setting sun, she had told him—maybe not in the most direct words, but enough for him to understand—that she was willing to explore what lay between them. And Swayam, being the patient, gentle force that he was, had simply smiled and held her hand, as if to say, Take your time, I’ll be right here.
A soft smile played on her lips as she sighed, shaking her head. "Ye ladka mujhe pagal kar dega," she murmured to herself before grabbing her bag and heading to college.
By the time Sharon arrived at the college, the corridors were bustling with the excitement of Promise Day. Couples were exchanging sweet vows, friends were making silly commitments, and everywhere she looked, there was an air of warmth and affection.
She wasn’t the type to indulge in all these cheesy, over-the-top love gestures, but somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered—would Swayam do something today? Would he want to make a promise to her?
As she walked past the rehearsal hall, she heard the familiar sound of music playing inside. Her feet instinctively stopped, her heart beating just a little faster. She peeked inside and saw him.
Swayam was standing in front of the mirror, lost in his own world, his body moving fluidly with the rhythm of a soft instrumental tune. There was something incredibly captivating about watching him dance—his grace, his control, and the way he poured his emotions into every step.
For a moment, she simply watched.
Then, as if sensing her presence, he suddenly stopped and turned. Their eyes met through the mirror, and Sharon’s breath hitched. He didn’t look surprised to see her. In fact, he looked like he had been waiting.
"Sharon," he said, his voice soft but firm. "Tum andar aogi ya door se hi dekhogi?"
She smirked, pushing the door open as she stepped inside. "Maybe I just like watching you dance."
Swayam tilted his head, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "Agar aisa hai toh main roz perform kar sakta hoon, sirf tumhare liye."
She rolled her eyes, but there was no real irritation in her expression. "Tumhara drama kabhi khatam nahi hoga, na?"
He stepped closer, the teasing glint in his eyes softening into something more intense. "Jab baat tumhari hoti hai, toh nahi."
Her breath caught for a second, but she quickly masked it with a raised eyebrow. "Toh, Swayam Shekhawat. Aaj Promise Day hai. Tum mujhe koi vaada karne wale ho?"
A slow smile spread across his face, but instead of answering immediately, he extended his hand toward her.
"Ek dance karein?"
She hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his. He pulled her closer, his touch featherlight yet firm, guiding her effortlessly as the music changed into a slow, mesmerizing tune.
They swayed together, their movements in sync, their bodies speaking a language words never could. Sharon felt something deep within her settle—like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
As they danced, Swayam finally spoke.
"Mujhe pata hai ki tum commitments pasand nahi karti, Sharon. Tumhe vaadon se dar lagta hai. But today, main tumse ek promise karna chahta hoon."
Sharon’s fingers tightened slightly around his as she looked up at him. "Kaisa promise?"
Swayam twirled her slowly, bringing her back into his arms before whispering, "Main hamesha tumhare saath rahunga. Chahe kuch bhi ho jaaye."
Her heart skipped a beat.
He wasn’t making some grand, over-the-top romantic promise. He wasn’t saying he would never let her go, or that he would fight the world for her. Instead, he was promising something real—something steady.
That he would be there. No matter what.
For someone like Sharon, who had spent most of her life guarding her heart, afraid of emotional vulnerability, this promise meant everything.
She swallowed, looking away for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "Aur agar main tumse door jaana chahoon toh?"
Swayam’s smile didn’t falter. "Tab bhi main tumhara intezaar karunga."
Sharon exhaled softly. "Tumhe pata hai, Swayam… kabhi kabhi tum bahut irritating ho."
He grinned. "Main jaanta hoon."
A small silence stretched between them before Sharon finally whispered, "Toh, main bhi tumse ek promise karti hoon."
Swayam looked at her expectantly. "Kya?"
Sharon took a deep breath. "Ki main try karungi. Apne emotions se bhaagna band karne ki. Tumse bhaagna band karne ki."
For the first time, Sharon saw something in Swayam’s eyes that she rarely saw—pure, unfiltered happiness.
"That’s enough for me," he murmured.
And with that, he gently pulled her into a slow spin, letting their dance continue under the soft glow of the setting sun filtering through the windows.
A silent promise. A whispered vow. A moment neither of them would ever forget.
9