(Kriya Ghai, played by Shakti Mohan... pic to the side.)

Chapter 1

Vaibhavi made a call after Kriya left. “I need your help. Can you meet me at Olive Café at 1:00 tomorrow?”

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Kriya was parking her car in the driveway and getting out. Inside the house, both fell on the bed facing the ceiling and lying next to each other. Sonia said, “Phew! Done.”

Nathan replied, “Yes. Now, clean the room.” She sat up to see what he was talking about. Certainly enough, her room was a mess. Book and clothes were all over the room. She knew that if Kriya saw that, she would lecture her despite the fact that she was younger than Sonia, even if the age different between them was just four months. She would go on about how Sonia should be careful and responsible since she was going to be a doctor.

Jumping out of bed, she took her clothes and piled them inside her drawer. She said out loud, “I’ll fold them later.” Nathan was putting the books in right place. She continued, “If Kriya saw this, I’ll be dead in no more than a second.”

“Saw what?” Kriya was standing by the door and Sonia froze. Recovering, she pushed the drawer shut.

“Nothing. Come, let’s have breakfast together.” She rushed out the door with Nathan before Kriya had the chance to say anything.

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Kriya, Nathan and Sonia were sitting at the dining table having breakfast. Toast, jam, pitcher of juice and milk were placed in middle of table. Breaking the silence, Sonia asked, "Did you see the news?"

Kriya replied, "I don't watch news. You know that."

Nathan announced, “Yes, but you would be interested if it were about dance."

Kriya nodded and Sonia explained. "Today, judges of All Star Dance Competition are in our city. You should try out for it. Give audition... you'll definitely get in."

Kriya stopped chewing momentarily to respond. "Sonia, please. I’m quite happy with my work at the academy. No auditions, competitions or anything. That’s it. Topic closed." Her tone was stern, making the end of discussion. Sonia knew the reason behind her reaction and thus didn't pressure on that topic any further.

Changing the topic, Nathan asked, "So what's the plan for tomorrow?"

Kriya asked non-chalantly, "Anything special tomorrow?"

Sonia glared at her. She dramatized, "How can you forget our anniversary?!" She was shocked and couldn't digest that from all people, Kriya had forgotten. She was the one who had introduced her to Nathan.

Kriya rolled her eyes. "Did you really think I would forget?" She got up and came back grabbing something from her purse. She forwarded two tickets and Sonia gave a puzzled look. Her expression changed to happiness and a big grin was on her face.

Covering Kriya in a tight hug, she cheered," Kriya! I love you. Thank you so much!!"

She had lost her appetite, for she was thrilled, and Nathan asked, “What is it?"

Sonia replied enthusiastically. “Two tickets to my favorite band. And that too front stage tickets!" Nathan grinned knowing she had been wanting to go to the concert ever since she had heard three months back that they were going to be performing in the city.

Kriya informed, "For both of you. Go and Enjoy."

Sonia asked, “What about you? Why'd you only buy two tickets?"

Kriya shook her head, “Your anniversary! I don't want to go. You both go have a nice time. Besides, I am not interested in third-wheeling you two.” She flashed them a smile while winking. Sonia shied and hit Kriya's elbow playfully.

Sonia looked the tickets again and gasped seeing the date, “It’s tonight.”

Kriya nodded, “Yeah, I don’t pick the date of the concert cousin. Seems you two will just have an early start at the celebration.”

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It was night time in India. Sharon wasn’t able to sleep. Sighing, she got up and pulled out an album. She opened the picture album that she and her friends made in their senior year. She touched them as if she could feel each story behind the photograph. Turning the page, she saw a picture of Kriya, Neha and Vishakha covered in cake, during one of their random food fights.

Her smile turned into a frown. “Kriya, why did you just leave without telling us anything? I miss you.”

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Kriya took out the album that was hidden underneath a pile of clothes. It was the same one that Sharon had. Today, she missed all of them more than ever before. She knew it was because it was Sharon’s birthday tomorrow. In India, it would have already been morning, but where she lived, it was still the night before. “I know where you are. I just don’t have the nerve to contact any of you.” The pictures brought tears in her eyes as the memories relived in her heart.

As she turned a page, she saw a picture of Swayam and her dancing during Rose day. She smiled lightly, saying, “I hope you have told her by now. And hopefully she has realized her feelings towards you already.”

Knowing who the next picture was of for she had seen the album hundreds of times, she closed the album giving a low sigh and wiping away her tears.

Past is best left in the past.

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As scheduled, Vaibhavi met up with the one she’d called. “I need you to find out as much as you can on this girl.” She then showed the picture to him.

He smirked, “Ah! Another Indian chick?”

“Be serious.” She scolded. “There’s something about her. Have a look at this.” She pulled out her mobile and showed him the video she had secretly takes while she was mesmerized looking her dance the following morning.

He sat back in his chair taking a bite of his sandwich as he watched it. He stopped chewing midway as he was struck watching her talent. Vaibhavi giggled at his expression when he finally gulped down the piece. As the video ended, he was fumbling for adjectives to describe her talent.

Vaibhavi commented, “Exactly my reaction. There’s more to come.”

Giving her mobile back, he asked, ‘Which is?”

“I asked her if she was going to audition and she said something like ‘I don’t audition anymore’. I don’t know what that means! Seriously, someone with such a talent would want the world to see it, but she... she instead wants to stay hidden.”

“Huh!” He let out a surprised laugh and then warned her, “You do know this would mean digging into her personal life?”

“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have called you! This is why you’re a detective Arjun!” She retorted back.

Arjun defended, “I know my job very well!” He was surely offended when Vaibhavi pointed a finger at his profession.

She gave him a sorry look and informed, “This morning she was talking to someone named Sonia. She must be someone important. I know it’s not much given no last name, but you can start with that.”

He nodded, “I’ll let you know as soon as I learn something. How long are you in town?”

“Just three days, as long as the auditions run. You have my number.” Vaibhavi informed. Arjun nodded and left as if on cue.

He entered his small, cozy office and called his assistant in. He informed him, “New personal case. Find what you can on this girl while I make a few calls.” The guy nodded and started working. Arjun pulled up the ‘Phone book’ and searched for a name he had found from Kriya’s phone call list he had gotten hold of, thanks to his connections.

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Kriya left to do grocery shopping while Nathan left for his shift at the hospital. They planned on completing all the work before it would be evening so they could celebrate early, given Sonia and Nathan also had a concert to get to.

Sonia was alone at home watching a movie. Her cell rang eventually and looking at the caller id, she spoke with uncertainty as the number was displayed as private number, “Hello?”

“Hi, is this Sonia?” Arjun asked.

“Yes, who is this?”

“I’m Arjun. You don’t know me, but I wanted to talk to you about Kriya.”

She sat up straight and asked, “Kriya? How do you know her? She’s fine right?”

“Relax.” He chuckled. “I don’t know her. And I’m sure she’s fine wherever she is.”

“Then?” Sonia was confused.

“Firstly, let me tell you who I am. I’m a detective and …” There really was no need to tell Sonia that he was a detective. But he surely did not believe in lying for his benefit. She listened to him with interest as this was about Kriya.

When he finished, she replied, “Surely I’ll help. Anything I can do. Just tell me.”

“For starters, you can try to convince her.”

“I tried this morning already... It’ll be hard, but I can give it one more try. She will never say no to anything I ask for. Besides, she owes me big time.”

Arjun chuckled listening to Sonia’s confidence. “As you say! Call me once it’s done?”

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He held a bouquet in his hands and standing in front of a big house door nervously, reached for the doorbell hesitantly, only to pull his hand back instantly. He felt the need to give himself a pep-talk, “Swayam, you can do it. It’s not like she’ll murder you.” He remembered the time when ‘she’ had slapped him right across his check during their junior year of college.

His hand went to his check, as if the slap still stung. He pampered his cheek. “Oh, she’ll surely kick you out mercilessly - if not murder you.” He concluded out loud and turned away from the door to leave, when he remembered a word of advice from his friend.

“Don’t hesitate. Do what your heart tells you to. Never worry about the consequence. If you hesitate, you’ll always regret what could have been.”

To which, he had asked, “And how will I know what my heart is saying?

His friend had kept his hand across Swayam’s shoulder and chuckled, resuming their walk. “Close your eyes, touch your heart and let it speak to you. It’ll give you the right answer.”

At that time Swayam had brushed off the advice thinking it wouldn’t work, thinking his friend was just pulling his leg. After that, he had tried it few times and he started believing it too. He tried it this time as well. He did the process as his friend’s last word of steps came back to him.

Without control over his thoughts, images of a girl blinded his reasoning.  Her pretty smile, expressive fudge colored eyes, graceful walk and brown wavy hair were enough to kill, without adding her flawless complexion – the color and smoothness of a butter.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Sharon smiled coming out of the washroom dressed in blue top and short jeans. What she’d done was cut one of the pair of jeans and turned it into short shorts. She dried her hair as always and applied gloss followed by eye liner. She walked down the stairs, running down the last few, and as she stepped her foot on the floor, her white colored puppy backed and jumped up and down as if to say “Pick me up and cuddle me.”

She laughed. “Aww! Come here Ginger, you sweet nothing! What are we up to this morning, huh?” She cooed as she ruffled her forehead and kissed it as she tried to lick her hand but was unsuccessful. At the end, she simply nuzzled in her arms.

Outside, Swayam came out of his thoughts and opened his eyes as he heard Ginger bark. He smiled fully confident now and went to ring the bell. The girl opened the door holding Ginger in her hand. His face was covered with flowers as if hiding himself behind them as his protection.

She laughed and said, “Hello Swayam!”

He showed his face and said, “Sharon! How did you know it’s me?”

“Only you would dare to knock at my door this early in morning. Come in.” She pointed out. They went towards living room after closing the door. She asked, ‘Who are those for?”

He replied, “Flowers? They’re for Ginger.” She frowned and he continued to hand it to Ginger. He chuckled seeing her frown, “Just kidding. They’re for you. Happy birthday.” A sweet smile replaced her frown as she accepted them and inhaled their fragrance once Ginger had jumped from her to Swayam.

Walking towards the kitchen she asked, “Coffee?” She pulled the flowers out of the bouquet and in the vase

Swayam put Ginger down on the couch. “Allow me.” He followed her inside the kitchen and Sharon got the coffee jar and worked the coffee machine. When the cup was filled with steaming brewed coffee, they reached for the jar at the same time and his hand touched her. Her hand trembled under his touch. They looked into the deepness of each other’s eyes and got lost for a brief moment. They seemed to have forgotten the coffee.

Sharon was first to blink away and pull her hands back. Absentmindedly, Sharon rushed into picking up the jar so she could keep herself busy in pouring out the coffee from the jar into mugs.

Instead of holding the handle, she picked up from the other end and ended up burning her fingers. Putting it down on the counter fast, she jumped on her toes due to the burn. She did know how she could have made such a careless mistake. She told herself that it was because she wasn’t thinking straight with him standing right next to her. She flinched back in pain and shook her hand back and forth as if to fan it.

As if on cue, Swayam took her hand and brought it over to the sink and turned the tap on. Cold water flowed through, dimming Sharon's pain but not completely. He took some ice out of freezer while Sharon stood there numb, looking at Swayam’s actions. She was hurt but he seemed more in pain than her. Yet, he knew exactly what to do. Then again, she told herself. He always knows what to do. He wrapped it in his handkerchief so her fingers wouldn’t go numb and yet send relief to her fingers.

Turning the tap shut, he handed it to her while he got antiseptic burn cream and white bandage from the first-aid box. Again, she was stunned knowing he knew where she kept the first-aid box. Yes, Rey & he came over a lot at her house given they were part of the same dance group. But she couldn’t recall an incident whereby he would have known where she kept it.

The questions dissolved into thin air as he started applying the cream while also making sure he didn’t hurt Sharon. He started scolding her, “Sharon what do you think you were doing? Do you have any idea of how bad it’ll affect your fingers? You should be more…” she kept looking at his face full of concern and mixed feelings.

She was happy to see it but also wondered. How can someone love anyone to this depth? Yes, she knew he loved her. He had ever since freshman year of college. He never hid the fact nor did he deny it either. Neither did he ask her to return his feelings. He was happy simply loving her without expecting anything in return. His scolding made the pain go away more than the help from the cream he was applying. Whether Sharon was ready to accept or not, in the 6 years she’d known him, she had started falling for him too.

She moved her face closer to his and he was so busy scolding her that he didn’t notice. She gave him a peck on his cheek.

That was it.

It was all that was needed to stop him and also shock him to a great extent. Beyond stunned would be perfect expression for his reaction. He jerked his face up and looked at her. She shied registering her action and looked down. She had just been thinking about his feelings for her that she hadn’t registered she’d given him a butterfly kiss, until his reaction sunk in. Not knowing what to do or say next. She turned abruptly to leave.

Swayam held her wrist to stop her. She closed her eyes trying to stabilize her erratic breathing. She stood close to him as her back faced him. He spoke, almost a whisper in her ears, making her move her shoulder closer to her ear and shiver. “What was that for?”

She was on the verge of portraying her emotions and feelings for him. Composing herself, she turned around, “To shut you up.”

She wanted to say, “You looked too cute to resist.” She didn’t say that, but what she did, she hoped it didn’t sound too harsh to him. The last thing she wanted to do by hiding her feelings was to hurt his in the process. She had already hurt him enough to last him a life-time by being beyond mean and harsh towards him when she was immature and just in college. Back then, she gave a hoot to anyone’s feelings or what the impact of her words were. However, she soon did realize that tongue was the deadliest weapon one can possess, for the words once said can never be taken back.

He wouldn’t take that as an answer though and persisted another question. “You could have said ‘shut up’ like you always do.”

She was caught off guard. No answer. Fumbling, she said, “I… um… you… It was the best way. I have some work to do. You should leave.” He gave her a look, knowing too well that she had no pending work left. She had told him yesterday itself that she’d completed everything. She continued, “Besides, coffee’s all burnt up…”

He agreed to that. “You’re right. See you at night.” He turned to leave.

“Night?” she asked.

“Yea! Remember we’re having rehearsals today?” She had forgotten. “Even if it is your birthday. Rey might not be here, but we still have a deadline.”

They were choreographing a song for a movie, along-side their stage performance which was coming up in a month’s time. “Oh yea. Right. See you then.” He left with a smile, thus knowing that Sharon wasn’t able to resist it but had lied to cover up. After all, no one knew her better than he did. Not even her best friend knew as much about her. He knew all about her mood swings, deepest wishes, feelings, who she was deep down.

No, he wasn’t a stalker. He just knew her that well, understood her, always gave her a benefit of doubt, supported her in her dark times and had just gotten to know her more than she realized.

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Author's Note: Yelllooowwww! Since I'm updating after long time, I made the chapter longer :D It might be going slow... but it's only the first chapter. To all those who have read this before, it's probably the same. I haven't made much changes here. Changes happen once Reyansh enters. So sit tight (: And do notice that I have changed the character name of Rahul to Nathan. No reason why we can't have a Canadian-Indian couple. Anyone else excited for them? :D

Next update: Saturday

(I think I'm going to make up an updating schedule.. mostly to keep myself on track and update according to it. Will let you all know by next update!)

Dedicated to steorra for reading this despite the... yeah, you know what I'm talking about. So dedicated to you. You don't know how much it means to me that you're going to read this. A BUNCH OF LOVE! <3 

Vote, Comment, Fan pleasee!! 

Love, 

-Araina.