M fashion brought stunning collections worthy to set new trend ways; always in  accordance to capture customers' tastes and needs.

Fourth year in a row- their designs managed to capture the hearts of people for its comfort and style that provide them. With love, expectations grew as well.

There, another fresh collection for summer was set to be released in the presence of the media and guests to make the event more glorious.

Media had some good time- with popular celebrities making entries, they managed to click pictures to treat their fans with exclusivity.

But one appearance changed the usual order with some chaos and lots of questions as they met Swara Gagodia- the prominent pianist and singer.

The one-shoulder draped pristine satin went flowy enough to cover her stilletto. Minimal jewels and soft glam of make-up managed to shimmer under those lights.

But amidst all, her warm smile stood out as she responded when the media asked her to look out to their respective cameras for perfect shots,

"Mam, when did you reach India?"

"Congratulations for your new album."

"Did you come exclusively because she's your aunt?"

Swara heard many more questions, all overlapped with a number of voices through which they tried to reach her,

"So many questions? By the time we finish the questions, the event itself will end." A small chuckle from her made everyone's tension break into ease.

"Let's enjoy the show and get back to this later." Swara steered away from the carpet without delay for she knew where to draw lines. The spotlight must be the show, not her.

Jatin continued to walk along with Swara to reach the main hall, "But who comes for a ramp show the very evening of their album release?"

"It's just a soft release and I need a break. If not for Bali, atleast a ramp should do." The tease from Swara rather made him gleam in delight, "Those were the best days of my life."

"Okay here we go." A small pat from Jatin had been the way of showing assurance, today was the same. Swara, with a subtle sigh entered the hall.

So many eyes fell upon her- Swara knew; she had been accustomed to having a spotlight from childhood and then, her career again brought her to light.

To engage with conversations and politely sliding away was another thing she mastered and it came along handy. Jatin managed to fill-in, as usual.

Autograph, selfies and congratulatory exchanges- Swara grew exhausted and the best part? The host seemed to be missing for quite some time.

"I'm going backstage to have a look." Jatin agreed, afterall he knew her social skills were draining. Anyways there was a call with investors to be finalized.

"Don't silence your phone." That was one warning Jatin gave and something Swara can never follow, "I'll try my best."

The constant calls and messages made her grateful but the phone, dealing with a crash definitely wasn't.

Never did she know finding her aunt could be such a tedious job. Swara had no idea that her presence could be enough to make one dumbstruck.

A group of girls nearly got into a visible shock when she asked about Shafali's whereabouts. Just one of them nervously pointed the way to the right side.

They were adorable- Swara stifled a grin; it wasn't the first time but every time these things made her happy. All those sleepless nights seemed so worth it.

How deeply must her work make an impact on them to give out such reactions?

Words crafted and weaved to the tunes only for her sake, once had now become a part shared with everyone. To share the same vibe with others; what blessed life.

Okay back to search- Shafali's phone remained unanswered and Swara walked further, often asking for directions to help her.

"Excuse me?"

Now that made her curious; neither did the person move nor turn but remained frozen. Who could it be? - Her neck tilted to the side for what she faced was just his back.

The moment he faced, Swara forgot to breathe.

This moment-- how many visions had she seen in her mind? Countless. Each in different various scenarios, varying emotions but none as this.

Can one day dream their desires so vividly to come before them, this alive?

Swara bore no answers- nothing at all and it did not matter either. The one before her looked more like a dream--- too good to be real.

Maybe it was someone else, someone she presumed to be him just like the last time in the streets of London. Stupid mind could still not see the difference.

No more of those fan pages to see or audio recordings to hear her; Sanskaar's gaze linger upon her, to savour her presence until he could.

All changed but Swara was still a beauty to behold; her hazels became warm and glittery- the glaring light or him? He didn't know.

Could the cause be of happiness? or Dread?

Sanskaar rooted more for the latter; the heartbreak and ache he inflicted on her. Yet, under the deepest layers where his own self was buried carried hopes for the former.

"Swara.."

The faint voice broke the musings. Time had come where this moment must end; for another to come by. Sanskaar spotted Shafali from the other side.

There was more to come for the evening- he knew but Swara-- she still remained in daze, the confusion now evident and he had just one way,

"She's here."

"Huh?"

One second and Swara got tugged into Shafali's embrace. Gone was her sight of him but could a dream go far enough to speak now?

It stuck her-- no this-- She got out of her arms, two steps ahead and eyes all around in a frantic search. He was right there and how could he go missing?

There were people around her, so many of them but not the one she searched for.

"Swara? What's wrong?" Shafali could not understand the odd behaviour of her niece, stunned for a hug and her focus steered somewhere else.

"Shafali I--" Swara almost slipped her words in a want to complain but would it make sense if the question was about her daydream and reality?

His presence could be counted for a dream but that voice-- how can it be the same? How-- she sighed. Shafali's concern emitted enough for her to place a halt to the brainstorm.

"Where were you for so long? I couldn't reach you." That was all Swara could do, surrender from the fight her heart had set to put on.

"Last minute preparations. Come let me get you to your seating." Shafali moved ahead and so did Swara, yet a part of her stayed back in the very place.

Her mind might have been hazed. However the case of her heart wasn't the same, for it knew. Always.

~

Live feed of the runaway displayed on the monitors to execute preparations into performance. Sanskaar's gaze remained fixed upon it.

Just not on the stage; but on the figure beside. Stifled laughters from small exchanges with others- she looked so content, more happy.

Happier enough to have such radiant hazels, without a sun and not those red and hurting ones he gifted years ago. It was all for the better.

But was it better for him? - Sanskaar shrugged the thought. The knife he held, stained hers and stabbed his-- and it persisted to stay there for long.

"Cue!" A gentle tap on the shoulder made Sanskaar aware. His turn had come and with an assuring nod he stood on the edges of the shadows.

One move and he'd be under the spotlight, again before her eyes. It shouldn't hurt him much and even if it does; a little more ache would not kill him now, can it?

Take a video of this one - SG

A text from Shafali made Swara turn on the video mode. Her aunt always had the habit of getting recordings by someone just for her selective designs.

She steadied the camera, all set to record and what she saw on the screen... her head snapped up for the model who graced the walk cannot be a dream.

Everything swirl. Nine years, him and the worst part? This ramp. Swara could not abide by the information. Her eyes never left him.

He grew; in height and just the right amount of muscles. Black strands of hair with its upturned edges softly brush the collar and no lights could peer into his eyes.

What had he done to himself? Sanskaar loathed cameras then, enough to reject offers for his passion was only law. So how come...

Sanskaar faced the camera; much aware of a gaze from beside that burned for him, questions ready as daggers to be shot on him.

A blurred eye to the vision from the side can slack some pain- how easy he placed that conception, as if it could be a piece of cake to do.

Sanskaar turned to make his exit. Skin ablaze from all the flames; both in his heart and the woman to whom his eyes flickered to share a glance.

Their eyes met.

Eyes, so much to speak. So much in remembrance of a beauty shared and wreck made out of themselves. One instant and everything had gone.

He blinked, refused to look at her again and turned to look forward. Her breath rattled in a soft sigh, hazels' all teary as she couldn't look away.

The hardened heart had started to melt; perhaps she would always be enough to break his heart, whether it would be tender or steel.

It would be a fight against his own self he'd gladly take it; not that he wasn't aware of what a loser he was.

Swara's eyes stared at the exit. Can years of separation bring a change even to one's goals? She doubted that. There's so much to unfold.

Amidst all the disaster one thing was no more a dream,

She had finally seen him.

~

Rapid breaths. Shallow, rapid breaths.

Footsteps all around did not stop when he did. They moved on but can he? Sanskaar managed to slip off to the washroom after a change of costume.

Faucet turned on, the water gushed into the sink and Sanskaar stood there. Hands cold as the sink's marble after he swashed water  on his face.

Swara had become everything she dreamt of. A pianist, who found pleasure to press keys and make music. A singer, who lures people with her voice.

The devotion and love, she put in as efforts to create a career as a splendid artist brought fans all over the world. He was so very proud of her.

But his case was different. To lose everyone he loved, everything went for a toss. What came along was life, he had no idea what to do.

So which part would he tell her? Of what a blinded fool he became to fight a losing fate. Of what an anonymous person he had become to his own self with years of suffering and constant agony.

Another splash and the reflection of himself on the mirror, no more a facade as the raw real self was on the surface.

He missed her.

Much dearer. But this battle was his to fight, the mess was his to clean and not for Swara or anyone to look up to.

Outside, the crowd continued the rattle, food and booze quite a company now in the after event party. Sanskaar had to pass the hall to leave.

Swara was there; he could spot her. A smile for a picture- maybe a fan and gratitude on her face, her hand touched her heart as she said 'thank you'.

Did she still loathe parties?- he mused, she always used to look for an escape then and hoped it wasn't the same anymore. Swara tucked the filmsy locks behind her ears.

Or maybe it was. The frown on her eyebrows and haste to move had to disappear to receive another guest- polite smiles there yet the eyes, in search.

Sanskaar knew for whom the quest was set for and his lashes closed to rest from the view. Happiness looked better on her, something he could never give for happiness was never his to embrace.

He shouldn't miss her, not when she was right here yet he did and the worst part? He did not want to escape.

One last glimpse; he saw her again. Gorgeous in pristine and always amongst people to be cherished-- that convinced him, he need not be there.

Swara deserved better.

Sanskaar forced himself to tear his gaze away and started to move. Each step, heavy as a ton as he started to move away-- her, no more in sight.

She deserved much better than someone who had nothing to offer except a 'sorry' for all the misery he made her undergo and a coward to never speak another word.

The love was there. It didn’t change anything. It didn’t save anyone. But the love was there.

What was its use, though?

~

Grey clouds gathered above had started to tear; each drop fell on after another and eventually took the pace. Swara's head rested on the seat, gaze of the blurred window.

Too much for a day-- her brain had been hazed with events she never dreamt to happen this random. So similar as the mist glazed over the car's windscreen.

"We are here." Jatin halted before a seashore restaurant. The concern etched him for his boss looked oddly low since the ramp show and tagged it as a headache.

Swara got down, the sling properly positioned to place on her shoulder, "Get going Jatin. I'll be fine." Assurance was all she could give for him before he left.

Jay had come to meet from Pune-- Jatin informed her since the phone remained silent. Good thing, she was in need of an arm to lean and bring back her spirits.

The staff accompanied her to the lobby which had separate suites for dining. Again a good job by Jay- Swara strode to the instructed door.

Pop up blast colours upon a startled Swara and it took her a minute to process the happenings. 'Welcome Home' balloons, food spread on the table and her friends; all of them there.

"All of you?!" Swara exclaimed and it brought the biggest smiles on their faces. What else the day had stored for her, she didn't know. But this was a pure surprise.

"The Divine one has finally come to share some grace." Arya folded his hands aware of her coming near him, "Let me bless you." The sling became a weapon to hit.

However, he had faster instincts to dodge and eventually Swara got wrapped in a side hug, "I hate your reflexes. God bless, that saved you."

"How do you look so prettier on the offscreen?" Aditi could not stop being awed at her gorgeous friend; her hands extended and she went in for a tight bear hug.

"Mumbai, sure isn't our home but it was the easiest spot for a sudden plan to work." Jay suggested it and later Aditi had to fly from Delhi.

"Can we start eating? I'm hungry." Arya got everyone seated and had to be the first to start the dinner, definitely with stories.

Being an advocate came with cases that often came with interesting stories- series of clues set behind tagged with questions and it was all about finding answers.

However, Swara's focus rested back on the ramp-- him and barely gave words to the conversation. The scene kept reeling in a loop she couldn't find an escape.

The connection was everywhere, too jarring to be ignored. Her group of friends always left a chair for him even today- hope? or longing? Swara wasn't sure.

But the empty seat between Arya and Jay, untouched brought memories of those times where all five used to have great fun. They were still here, not complete though.

"Did anyone contact Sanskaar after I left?"

Arya and Aditi shared a glance and back to Swara, Jay almost had his food stuck in the throat at the sudden question. It was a topic none spoke with her for years.

"We did." Aditi answered, "He barely stayed in touch-- a week or two after you left? After that there was no word. Arya and I reached his apartment but it remained locked."

"The neighbours were also unaware and his phone was always out of reach... We tried but later, life caught on all of us." Arya added.

Everyone fell silent. Swara only gave a nod as she took a sip of water, her mind trying to connect dots with whatever information she had.

"Why all of a sudden?" Jay posed a question, suspicion already in his eyes.

"It isn't a forbidden topic to talk." Her gaze shifted to the empty seat and that alone made everyone understand. All the unsaid conveyed.

"You already had a lot in your plate- settling in a foreign country to build a career. We did not want to add more things." Clearly, she won at having good friends.

If Swara had lost someone special to her, others lost their friend too. Not for once did they make a mention about it. Instead, it was kept aside only for her.

"Someday sounds so good! Where did you compose?" Arya was back again with a topic shift, much visible yet Swara went with the flow.

Conversations became lighter again. A bit of laughter and all smiles but Jay had things on his mind; his best friend wasn't in the element, that much he knew.

As Arya and Aditi set off their leave to continue their normal drill, it left Swara and Jay behind in an odd silence with more empty chairs now.

"I'm listening." Jay shifted seats to sit beside her and curious eyes waited for some answers. When nothing came, he had to nudge her a bit.

"I saw him." A meek whisper left from her, fingers tightly woven on her lap as the memory once again flashed before her. Dream-- she had though.

"Who?" The reference did not strike him first and later a vague idea formed before Jay. It can't be him? Can it be? But the moment Swara showed the video, he was stunned.

Sanskaar... ramp... What was going on? Jay looked at her and partly back to the recorded video. Suddenly he could connect all the dots.

"Your aunt's surprise was this?" Heads down but she did give a nod. Shafali had termed it surprise but what was it for her? Swara couldn't pick one exact word.

None uttered another word for a few minutes. The information was too big to sink into for them, "How are you feeling?" Jay posed a question.

"I don't know?" Swara had started to choke, "This is just-- too much. Happy to see him or shocked to see him do a job he never wanted or the ache from our memories... I can't pick one."

Jay's arms came around her for a gentle support. Swara refused to look up further and the traitor of tears moved down her cheeks.

"It was him yet he didn't feel the same." Not because of the shift in career, no, it was not that. The way he looked-- so distant unlike what he was then.

The gawning questions that looped inside did not seek rest. Despite all, she wanted to prioritise herself-- atleast recover and strengthen enough to ask. Someday.

Today wasn't that for sure. But what could she do with this grief?

It was all hers to keep; just like her love. So many things required for attention- her upcoming concert, rehearsals and ofcourse family.

So the grief shouldn't be weighing her down. Even if it left her breathless and aching, she had to manage them all.

Nevertheless, did she have another choice? Swara brushed the tears in a swift, "One eventful day it was." Her voice, still heavy from the lump inside.

Jay passed on a few tissues and gave soft pats on her back. Times as these made her want to confess how grateful she was to have him.

"Are you returning to Pune?"  Swara asked instead looking for sling, clearly not in favour of feeding him content for a tease.

Jay stood up, "Home it is with a bun obsessed woman." Swara, whose hands had been half a way in the air to slide the hair stick in her messy bun, paused.

"Grow a length to fight Mister." She passed a scowl but moved forward with a small curl on her lips. That annoying bestie of her life- Jay Sharma.

Jay gladly accompanied Swara back home. There were no immediate matches for a while. But his heart wavered to Sanskaar who might not have one to do that for him.

Swara did require time to face him but he doesn't. Jay knew he was late yet he hoped that it wasn't too late to catch up with this lost one.

~

Mall Street in Shimla, glazed by the evening rain resumed to bore customers after an hour's break due to heavy lash. Shop lights gleamed in contrast to the chill weather.

Aditya took a brief look over his wrist watch. Exactly six- she had texted him being in the particular boutique ten minutes ago and hopefully she was still inside.

And yes, more clothed as her saree would barely keep her warm. Anyways, he'd still wait outside to surprise her; it had been so long since he did that.

Until then he could probably savour a few minutes of solitude without a rush of thoughts about work. Aditya took in a good view of his surroundings at random.

One scene, nothing out of the ordinary caught his entire attention and brought an instant smile on him. Maybe some nostalgia too.

A little boy ran a little distant each time the man, certainly his father closed off the distance with an umbrella. Each time he entered a puddle; the father sneered gently in concern.

Yet the particular softness on his face spoke louder- he wanted the little one to enjoy the heart content. And the young boy, sure did.

Just like how he did decades before.

Mall Street was one of the places the little Aditya demanded his father to take him to at his leisure. Colourful things in the shops fascinated him.

He'd run a marathon and every time his father would reach out for him; not a single scolding when he got caught. When Swara came to the picture, there were two kids in the run.

He took her to show around all his favourite shops and yes, those small treats of candies they have from the money he used to save.

Aditya had a nostalgic smile. The small boy giggled further when the man scooped him in his arms as they shared an identical smile before they walked away.

For a long time, Aditya had wondered what made his father not be angry when he always took a plight in the crowd as a child.

The answer was clear. Because he was the child and never thought of an angle from his father's.

Shekhar disliked unruly behaviour and somehow this act of his was an exception, always. Maybe he was like any normal father who loved his offspring.

There had been times when Aditya enjoyed the company of his father, despite him being the man of few words and stern actions.

Until all of his world shattered.

Until he let it all shatter.

Broken did hurt. However the fact it never went for repair by the person who started it all hurted the most. Aditya's grip on the umbrella's handle hardened.

Futile hopes and barren dreams was the only thing left for him. Nevertheless, these shards would never stain such memories-- those happy times and all.

They did sound as daydreams; half an oblivion and half a reality and yet, the urge to live them again became only intense. Aditya would love it.

Now that he'd revisit all of them soon, just not as the child but as a father, Aditya had a belief- to walk on the steps his own father did but not entirely.

He'd be everything the little Aditya once had, lost and yearned for.

"Aditya?"

A second was all Aditya required to shun the musings away to bring the reality for him. The reality he chose for himself, definitely the happiest than dreams.

"Why didn't you call me? I would have come out." Pavithra had walked to him, relatively surprised by the abrupt appearance of her dear husband right before her.

"It wasn't a long wait." He enclosed an arm around her to press a soft kiss on her temple. Warmth- Aditya did not realise he was cold until she came.

"I have so much to tell you!---" She began to narrate stories from her class, a usual routine they followed. All of his attention was only for her.

The rain started to catch pace which led to chaos as people again looked out for shelters from being drenched.

Aditya held an umbrella for them, more of a tilt to her side as they walked towards the car. Cold droplets of rain blotched upon his right shoulder blade.

Yet, Aditya had never felt this warm.

~

Gold beams filtered through the window curtains, Gold enough to brighten the room that had mostly seen only darkness. Sanskaar sprawled on the bed, could not look away.

The curtains weren't made of sheer or slim material for the light to penetrate inside so easily. Infact, he could not recollect the memory of seeing light settle upon his room.

Or did he care about its presence before?

Anyways, Sanskaar wasn't a fan of intrusion. Not for its abrupt appearance but the sweet reminiscence that comes all along only to leave bigger bruises.

For not holding something you once held so dear and close; and the fact you still do-- yet nothing can be altered nor can it fill the void.

Sanskaar pressed the cold palm over his face. Four days since they had a word, shared gazes in a hectic circle yet so very loud only for them to hear.

And just that. Gladly, there was no step ahead from her side to reach out. Isn't this what he wanted? A space from her so why did his chest felt unbearably heavy?

The painful plunge inside still urged and longed to meet her-- what was he supposed to do with this battered heart which would never understand?

Sanskaar removed his hand, eyes fluttered to view the brightened room yet again. He rose to feet to follow the light and stared until it started to blind him.

It burned Sanskaar. Those memories had become fuel to his fire of yearning that set his heart ablaze and he could spot only one escape.

Something he had done once; in the hope he could achieve it again. Granny would be displeased for what he was going to pull out but it was for the best.

For her.

With eyes shut close, Sanskaar stretched out to blot the open windows. The curtains were clipped so tight that it cannot be removed without effort.

This was it. The room, no longer had the way for the rays of beams to enter. Dark shade managed to cast its shadow upon everything, him, as before.

She could be the only prayer he'd mumble about to a god he barely holds belief in. She could be the only vision who becomes the saviour from the haunts of his nightmares.

Swara could be anything and everything to him in the distance-- just that alone. Nothing more; nothing else. It was the only safe bait, Sanskaar sighed.

The door bell brought him back from the musings. A ring for him? Sanskaar never had visitors except for food delivery and he did not make orders yet.

He paced to the entrance to answer the door and the sight in view of Sanskaar had never been even a part of his solemn good dreams.

Jay Sharma stood before him.

A cap, deliberately lowered to hide his identity but to him- the eyes were clear. The gleam that enchanted all back then had survived from his otherwise bluff physique.

The promising Indian football captain for the season, a friend who bore secrets meant only to his grave and yet, the same friend he abandoned. One amongst all.

Jay was right here.

However, hadn't he just closed the door on anything with prospects of the cherished yet buried memories?

So why now?

~

Ice between them had been so thick to break despite all the love they carried for each other for years.

Seated on the couch, they faced each other yet eyes refused to settle on their faces. Jay had a quick gauge of the apartment and knew he was alone, still.

Trace of black under the eyes spoke of things Jay had wanted to confront. Guilt much visible as he often shifted on the seat.

And right away, Jay understood Swara's words. It was him yet not him-- Sanskaar had become a mere shell from the constant agony of his life.

There remained nothing from what he used to be. He survived but he wasn't sure if he ever lived a life after that and the very thought broke Jay's heart even more.

"How's everyone?"

Sanskaar tried to initiate. The overwhelmed silence was never them; strong cheer ups and cracks of plans for the future was all they did when they were together.

Indeed, another cruel twist life presented him.

Jay leaned forward, hands in a tight tangle as he finally caught his gaze, "You should have seen it by yourself." There was anger added to the tone.

"You said you'll be with us and what did you do?" Abandon them. Sanskaar took a small sip of the chai he made for them, "I didn't mean to."

He really didn't.

Sanskaar had a clear memory of his actions until Asha's funeral. Then, nothing at all. An empty house and everything else became a residing echo.

He lost entirely; unaware of others, of himself for that mattered, "I was too late, Jay. Before I could reach none of you were there."

"One call would have brought us to you, Sanskaar. Just one." Exhaustion usually helps Jay to sleep fast but at unusual times, often it came to him.

Jay did not know grandeur stuff to help-- he sucked at that. However, he knew what a mere companion itself would do for a beaten person.

"I know, Jay." Sanskaar had tried. Sometimes it was from phone booths; silence from his just to hear their voices on colder days of life.

Other times, Jay's re-telecast of matches, her concert clippings and a bunch full of photos from their high school had been his source of solace.

Aditi and Arya had been totally out of findings but Sanskaar knew Jay could uphold everyone like a mother hen, all safe and united.

So he convinced his self- They were all better. Yes, better without him. Chaos from his life ran too deep and nasty; definitely unworthy of sharing.

"Aditi became a literary agent and Arya, well that fool is full of surprises. Find it for yourself." Jay looked away, aware of the smile of him.

That didn't weaken his stance. Anger, just a little remained unhinged when Sanskaar refused to reach anyone and chose self- exile.

Sanskaar had two questions. First, Jay reaching out to him but the dots did connect with Shafali in the picture. He was quite close to her.

The second, he fumbled. So many questions and it was all in regards to her-- "Does she know? and--- is she angry?" The latter question became barely a whisper.

"Nobody knows." Jay leaned on the couch. A part of him eased to know how both had been equally affected by mere presence. It spoke more,

"About her," He took the saucer, "You'll find it yourself, soon." Not a word more or less, Jay sipped on the chai with a smirk hidden by the cup.

Will he?

The logic side did not want it to happen. Yet, the traitor of his heart lit up right away with the idea.

"Now should everything be about her?" Sanskaar nodded otherwise to what Jay had asked. Not everything was about her yet to him, everything had links to her.

Be it Jay nor the chai he now stared at.

______

A/N: The scene that I have witnessed in my mind so many times, is all yours now ❤️

Do let me know what you'll think about it✨