Shekhar's gaze tore from the flyer and back to Swara who seemed busy. Piano recitals. As expected, his daughter was not the one to back out.

"Can you pull it off?"

"Yes. I'll notify the performance dates, if you wish to see."

Swara informed. Her aim didn't reside by a win or lose; for the real battle was against the fear that caged for several years. Tormented her so much. Now, it was her time to give back.

Of course, the process included the vow taken on her birthday night before him. So she wanted him there. To watch her touch those keys again in ease in that very space.

"Good." Shekhar sipped his tea, "Keep hold of yourself; neither too loose or too tight and see things get better your way."

For a minute, Swara did not react. Right hold he said. Melancholy graced her hazels as she whispered, enough to be heard that paused Shekhar,

"I hope you'll loosen your hold a little on him too, dad." It took a moment or two for Shekhar to realise what those words actually meant and for who it was targeted to.

"What if he's wrong?" Shekhar knew how his actions usually reflect on the unpleasant side. He was better off as a businessman than a family man.

Yet, he tried. The father instinct in him wanted to provide the best for his children. No matter what and most of the times the ways he chose were rough and raw.

Aditya always had choices. Different from the rest. It concerned him so much that often he took the liability of making decisions for him.

"But what if he's right?" Swara rebuked, "You entrusted the entire Gagodia Industries to him with faith and you don't trust him on personal aspects? Bhai sacrificed every little joy of life to be under your wing, to be judged like that?"

For all life Aditya and she remained under their father's noose, abided by every command- even if they disliked and were stuck to only a distance he allowed them. 

Although, it was Aditya who bared most of the wounds from their father. That control slashed the real self and reduced him to lead a mechanical life. He was lost.

"Don't hold him. For once. Because the tighter you hold, the farther he'll go away."

Swara had left long before, the half-sipped tea turned cold too, yet Shekhar remained fixed. His daughter's words echoed in his ears on loop.

People around him had advised to be easy on Aditya at times. He never did that. Such was the world they lived in; even a moment they guard down and there would be a hundred threats against them.

To every hard push he gave, Aditya took it all and attained success without a word of complaint. They had contrasting ways to view a particular thing. In spite of all, at the end they came up together as one. Always.

Shekhar wanted to keep his son close so he had gripped over him. But, was the hold too tight over him?

~

Sanskaar had accompanied Swara the other day and went for registration. It had been a while since he witnessed Swara visibly excited to work.

The qualifying round for the recital was a few days away.  Reema's professional cover as a piano instructor was back. She took in every comment and every mistake to mold the music for a better tone.

Demons of past trauma had kept Swara away despite the enormous love she harboured for piano. Back then, it took an ocean of strength to return back to that stage- where once she had everything and lost.

Regaining was a lost dream. If not for Sanskaar, this desire would have forever remained incomplete and achingly buried in the depths of her heart.

Since the agony had melted, Swara found herself more at peace. The thirst to learn and explore music prompted her to extend the rigorous practice sessions longer than planned.

It worried Sanskaar. He had seen her suffer so much; her love for the instrument but unable to play. But Swara promisedly assured that she was not pushing off limits but rather enjoyed.

Now that the day came, Swara was seated before a mirror in the backstage of the auditorium and phone pressed to her ears,

"Where are you?"

"I think I may run a bit late--" Late? Several musings rushed to her until Sanskaar continued, "Just a little but I'll be there." He assured.

"All okay?" Swara's grip over the phone tightened despite the assurance. Last time-- she waited for him and he did not make it here.

"Yes and hey, Focus!" Sanskaar remarked, "Of course I should be the one who's got your complete focus always but okay. You can lend some time for your recitals. I would not mind."

Swara grinned. That was the biggest grin she had from the morning and she couldn't possibly stop herself. Sunny boy and his words, "Taking the liberty to show you are more important?"

"Well yes! Aren't I?"

Though it was playful mischief, Swara knew for one thing - she would choose him. A thousand times more than anything because that was how important he was. To her.

"Shut up Sanskaar! Keep your self praises later and help me. I just have a little time and suddenly I feel a little nervous."

"The amount of trial sessions you did would help you so why are you nervous? Moreover, Music has been your element. It will not let you fall behind Swara. Not when you worked so hard for it."

He was right-- the grey thoughts had slowly been replaced by the warmth of his mellow words. Swara felt her spirits lighten up, it made her smile, "But if I fall?"

"You have me. To hold you." Flattery; Swara shook her head and watched her cheeks flush in a slight shade of red, "So stop your delusional musings and save your energy, princess."

"Swara."

She cranked her head behind, the phone in her hand. Ragini stood by the threshold of the dressing room, "We have to pick our numbers from the lot."

"Er! Give me a second." Swara retreated the phone back to her ears to excuse herself, but Sanskaar probably heard, "Now go and slay like a star that you are."

Swara kept the phone down on the dresser and took a glance of herself. Months ago, this place witnessed her fall weak because she was unsure how to pull off.

But this time, she was sure. The determination shone in her eyes unlike the last time. Swara joined Ragini and they went to pick their numbers from the lot.

The process went smoothly. Ragini took the number two and Swara had possession of the number five. Sanskaar could make up by then, possibly-- she hoped.

"This feels like before." Ragini brought Swara back to reality; she looked on, "Piano recitals caught my attention but no one knew, I looked more forward competing with you."

It was the way Ragini uttered, particularly her brutal confession of what she actually anticipated made both of them chuckle.

"Call it role reversal. I wait to see where our performance would lead us." The new phase seemed exciting and to add in, Ragini as a competitor was quite fun.

"So ready?"

Swara looked ahead to the door that parted them from the main stage. Star; he said-- Well, it was time to show the world and herself what she was actually capable of.

~

Asha's health had convincingly got better; far better that she was already back on foot. Only then Sanskaar found his lost breath catching up on him.

It was a normal flu- the doctor had informed and suggested an ample amount of rest, something Asha would never do. Sanskaar had to be forceful to get her to bed often.

Worse part? Now that she knew about the Piano recitals, Asha wanted to attend. Sanskaar had to remind that she was still a patient, for her giddiness still remained.

But again he promised to get her to the other recitals if she was in good health; just not this one. After what looked like eons; Asha seemed convinced, yet half- hearted.

Sanskaar ran; very well aware he'd be late and it was inevitable. Jay from the auditorium texted the competition had already started.

Twenty minutes late- Sanskaar took a vague glance of his wrist watch and back to the venue. The moment he stepped inside, rich piano music greeted him.

Jay and Reema were already seated and an empty seat waited for him. Sanskaar, with a heaving breath sat and Jay shared about Ragini's play and Swara's still on pending.

Another round of applaud to the person who played and the host called in for the next number. Sanskaar leaned back with eyes closed.

"Right on time." He sighed. Sanskaar assured her but promised himself to be present by the time Swara started the performance. Glad, he made it.

"She's here."

Sanskaar opened his eyes and seeked a view he much awaited. Swara stood there; in all grace and elegance as she bowed for a greeting.

Their eyes met. A vague moment but he knew-- she relaxed visibly. Sanskaar showed a thumbs up as Swara acknowledged with a smile and went ahead to her seat. 

Hardly a minute he watched her sleek fingers stretched to touch her keys and she had already started to play. The music Swara produced filled the silence in a sweet symphony.

This Swara and the piano, altogether was different in every aspect. Gone were those days where fear overtook her talent. She was there at present. So much in ease. So much in glee.

Sanskaar could tell, just by the smile that never wavered despite how her fingers shifted effortlessly no matter what. Swara was striking her demons and thriving in her dreams.

Dreams; she once had now found light. To be displayed to people and to cherish her talent not just by herself but by letting others cherish it too.

This Swara deserved to have a more proper setting to exhibit her passion. Out there in the world and let everyone gape for what a wonderful artist she would become.

Though she was away from him with all the lime light on her that she was worthy of, Sanskaar knew regardless, even if he stayed back in the shadows he'd be her number one fan.

Always.

To all his musings, Swara's rhythmic play of music added more sweetness to them. He was too lost to notice that she had completed her piece.

Swara bowed before the audience and received an applause. He saw her gaze drift to them. Reema and Jay seemed much delighted and hyped her.

And their eyes sealed again. Wide grins reflected on each other's lips as they witnessed together her accomplish what she thought had died within her.

Her first steady step towards her dreams.

And he was there.

Sanskaar was a proud boyfriend, very gladly.

~

Swara returned back to the backstage; quite satisfied with the show she managed to put up there. But it was Ragini's agitated expression that confused her.

"Ragini?"

"Good that you are back." She passed the mobile to her, "You have to see this." Ragini already felt her insides dance in anxiety.

"Results! Now?" Swara exclaimed. The actual date of results was postponed so none of them knew when. And it had to be today. Of all days.

"Confirmed news and this damned website would not open." Ragini stomped her foot in frustration. The count of reloading the website to check the result was endless and still it wouldn't load.

"Mine doesn't load either." Swara's gaze shifted to her phone and back to Ragini, "Let me call my mom." She rang up to her mother to check.

"Wait. I'll ask someone." Just as Swara was about to contact either of her friends, her whatsapp pinged with text notification from their group.

HIGH five

Arya: Tell me it's a nightmare. I did not sign for this today. Just not yet.

Jay: Welcome to reality. Glad the news broke your dreamy wings.

Arya: Shut up and help! Dad just took my roll no. Get me good flowers to keep them on my grave. See you in heaven #Rip

Sanskaar: It's only just results Arya, not your entire life verdict. You'll be still alive.

Arya: TOPPER LIKE YOU HAS NO RIGHT TO SPEAK ON THIS REGARD, GET OUT SANSKAAR.

Sanskaar: Nevertheless. It's a fact.

Jay: One word, just one more word and see yourself @Arya getting blocked from this group.

Arya: WHAT DID I JUST DO?

Jay: EVERYTHING!

Sanskaar: Can we focus, guys? We haven't seen our results yet. Anyone saw?

Aditi: Attention! I just saw mine, it's 89% now share me your roll numbers everyone.

Arya: 85%. Saved from being throttled or poisoned by my parents. Little mercies of life. Everyone, my treat today.

Aditi: Should we actually meet? Now? I'll bring my mom's phone to see the results.

Sanskaar: Can we?

Jay: Swara's recital got over not so long ago, Sanskaar and I are still at the Richards Auditorium. Is it possible for both of you to come?

Arya: Late. I'm already on the way. Let's meet up by the coffee house nearby?

Aditi: Your only brain cell is working, great! Now give me a lift on the way.

Arya: I'm too generous to be offended today. So I'll overlook this factor. Be ready.

Sanskaar: Perfect! We three will be off to the cafe by then. @Swara we are waiting outside.

And that's how the chat had ended. Eight minutes ago.

A huge grin was on her face; her friends were one real chaotic of a kind. Swara realised, amidst the results tension they managed to lighten her.

Ragini took her mobile down and called for Swara, "I got 92%. Did you check yours?"

"Congratulations! We are meeting in the coffee house, my friends to check it out. You want to join?" Swara started to pack her things, an eye still on Ragini as she waited for her answer.

Ragini knew her friends and how close knit they were. It would possibly intrude on them, "Thanks and nah! You should go then. I'll notify you of the selection list."

"Sure?" Swara looked up after gathering her things. Her friends would welcome her with open arms but again, she does not want to insist more beyond force.

"Yeah." Ragini's phone rang up and Swara noticed the stars in her eyes as she picked the call. A loud voice from the other side boomed in. Since Ragini stood close to her, she heard it.

That voice.

She knew who it was. Laksh and Ragini- her lips stretched into a smile. Swara left, humming a love song.

Things were turning out for the best.

~

"Okay, Jay got 82%" Aditi forwarded the mobile to Jay but he seemed least interested to look at his marks

"Sports quota is doing the talk for him." Arya pointed out for the matter why Jay hardly had worries about results.

"Jealous aren't we?" Jay said, munching his fries, "Anyways, my original results are the football selection list that may come out any time. This one is not my concern."

The other day he gave in for trail matches with national coaching staff being the jury judging or rather, hand picking players for the next level.

"I should have gotten into sports. My bad." Arya left a dramatic remark, still loading out the result page for Swara.

"He literally lives by the rules, Arya. You and rules reside in the parallel lines." Sanskaar teased and that earned a good amount of chuckles from the rest.

"Oh between, how did your recital go? Arya and I would have come if you had not stopped us from coming." Aditi glanced at Swara and back to her mobile.

"It's only a preliminary round Aditi. You both can come if I go to the finale." Swara said, "What's with that 'if's and but's? You are surely going to make it there." She cheered.

"Breaking news! I got my hands on Swara's results." Arya stated. His eyes stuck to the mobile screen but he wouldn't let Swara look at it.

"And I, on Sanskaar's." Aditi announced too. Jay dusted his hands and leaned forward, quite attentive, "Reveal it already. I can't wait to see who leads who."

Sanskaar and Swara shared a glimpse of each other. Tensed expressions but calm composure, "Okay! Aditi, let's say it together."

"Make haste?" Already the suspense had kept Sanskaar on the edge. He could not wait any longer.

"98%"

To their surprise, Aditi and Arya spoke at the same time, the same percentage and everyone seemed amused.

"No way!" Jay gasped and snatched both of their phones, an eye to and fro to one another, "This is impossible!"

"I call it highlights. Both of you, congratulations." Aditi beamed, "But I guess, this suits them. After all they started as academic rivals."

Academic rivals- Sanskaar remembered the past, of days he thought her to be as one. The first exam where she topped him with marks of differences. Good old days, he smiled.

Swara had never thought Sanskaar to be one, not even at the slightest. It was funny how they shared sarcastic banter and in one minute, they became friends.

Life took turns; sometimes mellow, sometimes drastic but they stood by it all. They became a definition of each other's happiness.

Sanskaar and Swara had their eyes on each other. Conversing so much even when they did not speak words, well they never needed one.

What a long journey they have gone through.

"Shall we order a cake?" Arya suggested that broke their trance. A cake party would definitely be great for the occasion, "This calls for what we just saw."

"Cake for--" Swara looked confused. Not until she saw Aditi who giggled the whole time. Arya's smug face screamed to her and Jay, the 'You-know' face.

"So you'll know, don't you."

"I was holding my tongue for god knew how many days. You both were so obvious. Glad you both grew up kids, finally!" Arya wiped away the dramatic tear.

"So yes! We are celebrating Swara and Sanskaar." Jay beamed, "It calls for a double celebration, to our toppers and lovers!" Aditi raised her coffee mug for a toast.

While the others raised their mugs for the toast, Swara wanted to hide somewhere. God! This was so embarrassing-- but guilty as charged, happiness glittered on her.

Sanskaar could feel his ears flush but he managed to keep them at bay, "Keep it on my tab everyone, my treat."

They held hands as equals. Together and visible.

So damn clear.