Either love or ego but not both can reside in the heart.

***************************

Saanjh Singhania- Bold, stylish, beautiful and full of attitude.

Sahil Khanna- Friendly, caring and most grounded person one could ever meet.

------------------------------------------

The chirping of the birds and the horns of the vehicles welcomed another beautiful yet busy day of July. After checking all the arrangements of breakfast, Mrs. Swathi Singhania made her way upstairs and entered in a dark room. She moved towards the window and moved the curtains allowing the bright sunlight to enlighten the room.

The sleeping figure on the bed squirmed from her sleep due to the sun rays which disturbed the sleeping beauty. "Mamma please close the curtains." She spoke in an irritated tone and covered her face with the pillow. Mrs. Singhania shook her head at her daughter's antique and made her way towards the bed.

"Wake up my princess. It's 7.30 already. Don't you have college today?" Mrs. Singhania spoke in a soft tone. Instead of replying, Saanjh placed her head in her mother's lap to continue her beauty sleep. Mrs. Singhania started running her fingers in Saanjh's hair and placed a kiss on her forehead.

Saanjh smiled at her mother's gesture and opened her eyes groggily. She rubbed her eyes like a baby and covered her mouth to stifle the yawn. She sat up and hugged her mother a little longer loving the feeling of being in her embrace. "Come on now, go and freshen up. Your dad and brother must be waiting for you." Mrs. Singhania said to which Saanjh just gave a nod.

A while later Saanjh joined her family for the breakfast. Mr. Singhania smiled at her daughter and embraced her in hug while kissing her forehead. She then side hugged her brother who in return ruffled her hair making her pout in annoyance.

"How is my princess this morning?" Mr. Singhania asked. She looked at her father and made a sad face. "I would have been much better if mornings begin in the afternoon." Saanjh replied. Everyone broke into laughter at her reply.

"Girls and their love for sleep." Saanjh's brother Aryan commented looking at her. She just shrugged her shoulders and resumed to have breakfast.

____________

"71, 72, 73, 74, 75....." Sahil couldn't continue further and laid on the floor flat feeling tired. "Just 25 more push ups and you would have completed a century." Sahil's 11 year old nephew Ridhaan replied with a frown. Sahil just smiled at him and got up from his place.

"Maybe tomorrow we can achieve it." Sahil replied picking up his nephew. "For now let's go and get ready. Today I will drop you to your school." Sahil continued further which brought a big smile on Ridhaan's face.

After half an hour, both the boys joined their family at the breakfast table. "Chachu (Uncle).." Little Riya chirped looking at Sahil. Sahil smiled at her and placed a kiss on her chubby cheeks. As usual Ridhaan started narrating about the early morning exercise which he does with Sahil.

"Chachu gave up at 75 push ups Dadu (grandpa), if not he would have completed his century." Ridhaan told his grandpa who was keenly listening to him. Sahil began to have his breakfast not before asking Ridhaan to do the same.

After dropping Ridhaan to his school, Sahil made his way to college. He was in his final year of business management and then he would join his father and brothers in business. He stopped his bike behind the car fully aware to whom it belonged.

A poor lady was sitting beside the car begging but as usual Saanjh ignored it and entered the college premises. Sahil felt bad seeing the lady and got down from his bike. He gave the lady some money and helped her to cross the road. He came back and entered the premises to park his bike.

Saanjh stood at her place after getting down from the car and looked at Sahil who was helping the lady. As soon as Sahil's eyes met hers she ignored him and made her way towards the classroom. Sahil shook his head at her lack of humanity and followed her behind to the classroom.

Poles apart- That's where love find its way and bind them together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saanjh tried to focus on her book avoiding the nuisance her classmates were doing especially Sneha who always try to seek boys attention through her silly talks. Sneha belonged to a middle class family but she always try to act like a rich brat.

Last night Saanjh stayed awake till late night to prepare for her presentation which they have to present tomorrow. Her head was aching due to lack of sleep and now Sneha's non stop banter was adding to it. Saanjh tried to maintain her calm and focus on her book but her loud voice was irritating her.

Unable to take up anymore she lost it on her. "Can you just shut your mouth for sometime. We all know you are pro in grabbing people's attention. You don't have to prove it daily. No matter how much you try to act classy and sophisticated, you can never do it. It isn't your cup of tea."

Sneha's eyes filled with tears at her words and she lowered her head feeling insulted. Saanjh packed her bag to leave the classroom only to be stopped by Sahil who stood in front of her. No matter how much he try he can never understand her. They hardly talk to each other while their parents are best friends. The way they behave around each other, nobody could say they know each other from childhood.

"Just because you are born in a rich family, it doesn't give you right to insult others. Before pointing out others, peep in yourself first and know what kind of person you are. Humble, care, friendly you lack all these qualities. You are a self centered selfish girl who doesn't care about others." Sahil lashed on her.

His words hurt her deeply. Her eyes filled with tears but she blinked it away and moved out. Sahil realized his actions seeing the hurt in her eyes but before he could speak Saanjh moved out of the class.

Saanjh settled on one of the chairs present on the backside of college and relaxed herself. Sahil's words sting her deeply but she stopped herself from crying. She was a strong girl and doesn't let people effect her easily. She knows this world is cruel and she need to be arrogant to survive in it.

Two kids entered the campus from the back gate which was left open. They came and stood in front of Saanjh whose eyes were still closed. Sensing as if being watched she opened her eyes to look at the kids whose clothes were torn and they looked tired.

"Please help us didi. We haven't eaten for a day. Please give us something to eat." One of the kid started begging. Saanjh felt bad upon hearing that. She looked around to make sure that no one is watching her. She then took her bag and gave 500 rupees to each kid. She even offered them the sandwiches she bought for herself on her way.

The kids smiled and thanked her. Saanjh smiled in return and both the kids left the place while she resumed back to read her book. Unknown to her, there was someone who was standing behind the tree witnessing her kindness. It was none other than Sahil. His lips twitched into a huge smile seeing her helping the kids.

Suddenly guilt washed over his senses and he regretted his words. He confronted her for insulting Sneha but unknowingly he did the same to her. He insulted her in front of whole class. Even though Saanjh have attitude but she never shouted or insulted anyone in the class. He stood there looking at her who was lost in her own world not bothering about her surroundings.

Guilt- A small pinch to the heart where love resides.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All the students were settled in their respective places for the 9.30 lecture. The professor Mr. Bhatt always come late to the class but he make sure all the students are present at sharp 9.20 am. Sahil again looked at the door waiting for Saanjh who haven't arrived yet. It was 9.15 already and the peon might come anytime to check upon the students.

On the cue Saanjh entered the classroom with the straight face. Her face held no emotions and she looked around the classroom as if to find someone. She stood near the podium drawing everyone's attention.

"Attention everyone. I won't take much of your time, so please spare a minute and hear me out. I just want to talk about whatever happened yesterday. Sneha I am sorry for bursting out on you like that. I was having headache due to lack of sleep. I didn't mean to insult you in anyway. I apologize for my behaviour and hope you will forgive me."

She then moved to her seat not waiting for Sneha's reply and completely ignoring Sahil. Her move greatly effected Sahil and his guilt increased reminding her of his actions. He was even more ashamed when Saanjh apologized in front of whole class for her misbehaviour.

He looked at Saanjh who was busy writing something. He kept looking at her who didn't bother to even spare a glance to him. Seeing her engrossed and least affected, his guilt kept on increasing. His thoughts were broken by the peon who came to check upon the students.

-----------------------------

It was lunch time and the professor asked them to be prepared with the presentation which will be after recess. Saanjh left the classroom to prepare herself while whole class kept looking at her retreating figure. All were stunned at how easily she apologized this morning. Everyone think her as selfish brat who doesn't mingle with them or make friends. But her move have somewhat changed their opinion about her.

Saanjh came back to the same place where she sat yesterday and began going through important points she needed to speak during the presentation. She started eating sandwich while going through the presentation which she saved in her phone.

After about 30 minutes she came back to the classroom with same confidence and attitude. The professor entered behind her and started taking the attendance.

"Okay so I have a surprise for you all." The professor said gaining everyone's attention. He looked at everyone and continued, "Instead of seminar, I want to conduct a face off. Two people will come here and present their opinion on the topic. However marks will be allotted individually."

Though the students were surprised but it seemed fun. It would help them to know front person's point of view and also give them ideas how to tackle them. The professor divided the students who would compete against each other.

To Sahil's bad luck he was asked to compete against Saanjh. Both started presenting their views but Sahil's whole concentration was on Saanjh who showed no sign of hurt. His guilt resurfaced and he lost his speech. He kept looking at her who was confidently putting forth her points while Sahil stood numb with guilt overpowering him.

The professor was disappointed with Sahil and asked him to prepare himself for the next presentation. He was awarded lowest marks for not presenting well. Saanjh glanced at him once after the face off and turned her back making her way back to her seat. Sahil too came back to his place thinking of ways on how to apologize to her.

Ignorance- The most difficult punishment in the journey of love

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sahil reached Mr. Singhania's bungalow to apologize to Saanjh. The guilt was consuming him with every passing minute and he needed to get rid of it.

"Oh my God Sahil. How are you my son?" Mrs. Singhania's excited voice reached his ears. He went towards her and touched her feet to take her blessings.

"I am good aunty. How are you?" Sahil asked.

"I am good too. So how come you forgot your way?" Mrs. Singhania asked raising her brow.

Sahil just smiled at her and said, " I am here to meet Saanjh. I have to collect some notes from her."

Mrs. Singhania gave an understanding nod and guided him towards the study room where Saanjh was reading a novel. Saanjh looked up when the door opened and found Sahil standing next to her mother. She removed her reading glasses and placed them in the book as a bookmark.

"Princess, Sahil came to see you. He needs your help with some notes. You both continue, I will send snacks for you two." Saying so Mrs. Singhania left leaving the two behind.

Saanjh maintained her composure and spoke, "What notes do you need?" Sahil looked at her whose face was void of any emotion. He felt a punch in his gut seeing her.

"I need to talk to you Saanjh. Please hear me out for once." Sahil spoke in a guilty tone. Saanjh looked at him whose face was etched with guilt. She just gave a nod and looked away from him.

"I am extremely sorry for my misbehaviour the other day. I know it was not my place to speak but don't know what have gotten into me that day. I didn't mean to insult you in front of everyone. Please forgive me. Please." Sahil apologized looking at her.

Saanjh accessed him for a brief moment and said, "it's okay." Sahil was taken aback with her reply and looked at her to confirm whether she really accepted his apology.

She had a straight face as always making it difficult for him to understand what's going on through her mind.

"Saanjh we know each other since childhood but still we are strangers. Our parents are best friends but we hardly know each other." Sahil said to which Saanjh looked at him.

"Can we be friends?" Sahil asked in a low tone. Saanjh absorbed his words and took a deep breath. She again looked at him and said, "I don't make friends. I accept your apology but I can't be your friend."

Sahil's face fell at her words and an unknown pain developed in his heart. She looked at the girl standing in front of him. The girl who is extremely alluring and beautiful. Her chocolate brown eyes void of emotions and her pretty face which never carry a smile on it.

He only saw her smiling on the day when she helped the kids which lasted for about 15 seconds. An urge to be her friend developed in him.

"I know you don't make friends. But I want to be your friend. I want to know you. I want to know the reason why you can't befriend me. I want to know why you act emotionless?" Sahil shot her with questions.

Saanjh glared at him and said, "Because I am a self centered selfish girl who only think about herself. Humble, care and friendly, I lack in these qualities. I hope you got your answer."

Saanjh was about to move when Sahil caught her wrist and kneel down in front of her. Saanjh was taken aback by his move and step backwards in response.

"I am sorry Saanjh. Please forgive me. I want to be your friend. I will think you forgave me if you accept my friendship. Please." Sahil said with hope in his eyes.

For the first time Saanjh felt her heartbeat rising. She always shielded herself from the selfish world and this move of Sahil increased her heart's pace. Her mind was yelling at her to free her wrist and throw him out but her heart was humming to a new tune.

Without realizing, she accepted his friendship and for the very first time smiled genuinely.

Friendship- A relation which always lead to the path of love

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Following days were totally different for both. On one hand Sahil was trying his best to make Saanjh open up to him while on the other hand Saanjh became conscious after her decision.

She decided never to befriend anyone. The only thing that was always on her mind is to be a successful business women. She wanted to join her father's business and take it to another level of success.

She tried to avoid Sahil but his gestures always melted her. Last weekend he forcefully tagged her along to watch animated movie. Though she protested at first but ended up loving the movie. His every single effort was melting her without her own knowledge.

Sitting in the park, both were preparing notes for their semester exams. There was a small park a few minutes away from college. It was afternoon and hence they won't be many people around which gave them enough peace to prepare their notes.

While preparing notes, Saanjh realized she forgot to issue one book from library.

"Oh God! I forgot to issue the book about entrepreneurship. What will we do now?" Saanjh panicked.

Sahil just shook his head and caught holding of her wrist. "Relax Saanjh. I have laptop and photon +. We can prepare it from internet. So stop panicking." Saying so he reached for his bag and removed a chocolate from it. He forwarded it to Saanjh who looked at him with shock written in his face.

"I know you eat chocolate when you are stressed. So stop giving me those looks and have it." Sahil answered her unasked question.

Saanjh took the chocolate and started eating it. She suddenly choked and started coughing badly. Sahil rubbed her back to relieve her. After a minute she got controlled over her cough but Sahil was still worried.

He ran to get water for her from the car even after her protest. Saanjh took deep breathes to calm herself. After composing herself, Saanjh looked up to find Sahil but instead her eyes fell on a old woman who was trying to rise onto her feet.

Saanjh looked around to check if anyone is watching her and was relieved to know no one was around. She quickly got up from her seat and helped the old woman. The woman blessed her and placed a kiss on her hand.

Saanjh turned to go back only to stop seeing Sahil. She panicked again seeing Sahil who witnessed everything. He had a tender smile on his face and respect for her reflecting in his eyes. She looked at the ground feeling exposed in front of him.

Sahil walked towards her and stood in front of her. He placed his right hand on her chin and raised her head to look in her eyes.

"You don't have to hide your good deeds Saanjh. It's okay to help people openly. Why do you hide your true side from people?" Sahil asked.

Saanjh didn't reply to him and instead went back to her place to prepare notes. Sahil smiled at her innocence which she masks behind her attitude.

Innocence- Most beautiful characteristic of love

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As days passed, Sahil realized that he has fallen for Saanjh. She was a different person which she always hide from people. She is insecure, scared of being hurt. And the only thing that can save her from getting hurt is arrogance. That's what she chose to be, an Arrogant Selfish girl.

Sahil decided to break her walls and let her know his feelings. He was sure she too love him somewhere. But in her case, realization was far away.

Saanjh looked at the girl in the mirror who was completely different. She realized she isn't the same girl she was before.

'Don't be a fool Saanjh. You will end up getting hurt. Love isn't meant for you.' Her brain screamed at her.

"Yes Saanjh. This world is fake. It will hurt you. Don't fall in this trap. Remember you are a girl of high standards and ego. You are heartless. Remember that always." Saanjh reminded herself.

She received a message from Sahil stating he is waiting for her at the park near the college. She decided to end everything between them. Love is not for her. She is not made to fall in love.

She dressed up in a knee length frock and tied her hair in a low pony placing them in her left shoulder. She took her bag and left to meet Sahil.

When she entered the park, she was shocked to see the decorations. The gate was covered with red balloons and whole path which lead inside was covered with rose petals. And candles were placed all along to guide her towards her destination.

She reached a Gazebo which was beautifully decorated with yellow and white daffodils. There was a table for two in the centre of the Gazebo. Sahil stood at one corner waiting for her.

His eyes landed on her who was looking extremely beautiful in red frock. He forwarded his hand towards her which she hesitantly accepted.

"You look beautiful Saanjh." Sahil complimented. Saanjh's heartbeat raised at his words and she felt her stomach churned at it. She looked down feeling shy at the compliment.

Without wasting much time, Sahil got on his knees to propose her. "Saanjh today I want to tell you what I feel about you." Sahil said.

He took out a rose from his jacket and forwarded it to her saying, "I Love You Saanjh."

Fear crept in Saanjh and she took two steps back. Her heart was screaming to profess her love for him but her mind overshadowed it.

"I don't love you. We are just friends or to be precise forces friends. I am a self centered selfish girl who lack any emotions. How can you love me?" Saanjh lashed out.

Sahil was taken aback with her outburst and got up on his feet. He took a step towards her but she stopped him by showing her hand.

"Don't. There is nothing called love. This world will ruin you if you act all soft. I am not a fool to fall in such trap. And now I end our friendship as well. Good bye." Saying so Saanjh ran away leaving a broken Sahil behind.

Ego- Three letter word which can damage every relationship.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saanjh maintained her distance from Sahil and mostly avoided him as if he doesn't exist.

She was trying to fight her feelings but whenever he saw Sneha clinging on to Sahil, her heart burn with jealousy.

She missed the gestures which were only for her. His efforts to make her laugh. The way he carried chocolate in emergency if she is stressed out. All this was hurting her and he so badly wanted to hug him and hide in his arms.

Today was one such night where she felt she couldn't live without him. She was lazily scrolling her social networking site when she came across a poem.

Its really strange..
This heart can never change..

As if it has taken a vow..
To love you then, to love you now..

Its still don't accept the defeat..
Even after paying a forfeit..

Its the Perfect example for savage..
Still beating for you inside the cage..

Her heart twisted in pain reading those lines. She felt short of breath and needed fresh air immediately. She got up from her place and ran to the balcony. She started taking deep breaths to compose herself.

Saanjh looked at the night sky which was so beautiful. The twinkling stars adding beauty to the night sky. The moon light fading away the darkness, just like Sahil who always fade away her loneliness.

She realized what he meant for her. It took her so much time to realize that she cannot live without him. She needs me just like the heart which needs heartbeat. A lone tear slipped from her eye, her heart pained for the love she lost.

Realization- It comes only after experiencing what pain is

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sahil was observing the changes in Saanjh. He understood that she is being affected with the proximity he shared with Sneha which he did in purpose.

He had no other way to make her realize her feelings for him. He wanted to break the shell in which she enclosed herself. She have a loving family who treated her as princess but she developed insecurities out of nowhere.

Maybe she have seen people suffering and hence started to stop feeling. The only way to prevent from getting hurt is staying alone. And that's what she did to herself. She have developed a phobia of losing happiness, losing loved ones and so she became arrogant. She made her ego priority and with this ego she secured herself from getting hurt.

If she is egocentric then he is stubborn too. He would break all her walls and make her fall for him. To love him so hard that it becomes difficult for her to stay away from him even for a second.

It was lunch time when Sahil saw Saanjh moving towards the backside of college. He took out his phone and put it on silent mode. He then placed it on his ear and pretended as if he is on call.

"I hope the park is decorated completely. I will be there in 5 minutes and to my knowledge Sneha will be there within 20 minutes. So hurry up. I am coming now." Saying so he moved towards the exit while Saanjh stood numb at her place.

She couldn't believe what she heard. Her heart broke thinking Sahil is going to propose Sneha. Unable to take it up anymore she followed Sahil to the park.

She reached the park and was shocked to see the same decorations. Instead of candles, pebbles were lined all along the way. She moved towards the gazebo which was beautifully decorated with daffodils.

Tears started forming in her eyes and a painful sob escaped her lips. The thought that she lost his love was stabbing her heart. She never imagined that he could move on so easily.

"Always stay happy Sahil." She mumbled looking at nothing in particular.

"I will be if you are with me by my side." Came a voice from behind. She turned to look at the person and it was none other than Sahil. He smiled at her and walked to stand in front of her.

"No matter at what level your ego is, my love is fatal enough to kill that ego of yours." Sahil said in a confident tone. Saanjh smiled brightly with tears continuously dripping out from her eyes.

Sahil wiped her tears and said, "I Love You Ms. Self centered selfish Singhania. And no matter what I won't let you go away from me."

Saanjh took in a sharp breath and spoke, "I Love You too my forceful friend." Sahil smiled brightly at her words and she almost jumped on him engulfing in a tight hug.

Love- Four letter word which doesn't spare anyone

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No matter how big of a ego person have, love is fatal for it.

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Assalamualaikum wa rehmatullahi wa barkatahu..

Hey people..

Another fatal love story with a twist in a tale..

I know I said all the stories in this book will have sad ending and this story too had a very sad end when I planned it.

But I didn't want to break your heart in the last few hours of 2017. So I changed the whole climax of this story.

Do vote comment and share.

And lemme know your views too..

Take care..

Allah Hafiz..