Abhedya was shocked. Did Swarnima just slap him? Abhedya touched his cheek which was still hot with the tight slap, to confirm. She did slap him.
Swarnima's eyes had tears and so did Abhedya's. No one spoke anything but the room was not silent. The noise of their hearts to stop all the drama and clear out the differences, the sound of tear drops and Kazu's soft woof's could be heard loud and clear.

Swarnima looked into Abhedya's eyes for one last time before leaving his room. Abhedya didn't stop her. He knew his actions today were unforgivable. After a while, he went out of his room and knocked Swarnima's door.

"Hmm," was just what Swarnima manage to say.

"Nim. I am not asking you to open the door. Just listen to me, please." Abhedya requested in a soft voice. But, his voice showed desperation.

"Hmm," Swarnima was still crying he could feel.

"Nim. I know even a thousand sorry will be insufficient for what I did today. I don't know why, but the thought of you getting close to anyone else other than me, makes me mad and I lose control. I guess, I have always wanted you for myself and I am damn possessive of my things. I know you are not a thing, but I want to own you. Nim, I felt jealous of Karanjeet, Survang and even Arya at times because they came too close to my possession. You are my most treasured and priced possession.
I know you think I flirt around and get cosy with every other girl. I do. Initially I did that because when puberty hit me and because of peer pressure and all I wanted to get hooked. I compared every girl to you. I know none could be you. Still, I tried and ended up getting close to every girl to find your closest substitute. Guess, God has created no variant of you and you are his masterpiece.
The 'kiss challenge' was a step to erase that little peck we shared, from my memory. I was a fool to think of erasing it because it was etched on my soul.
You were right when you told me that the peck we shared was filled with purity and love. Yes! I have kissed many girls and regretted every time. But, since the time you have walked into my life again, I have not kissed a single girl Nim.
Why? I didn't know the answer. I hated my ceasing capabilities to flirt and kiss and get cozy. I went to Mystic Grill after coming here because I hated the fact you lied to me. I tried and tried hard to find a perfect diversion but you and your thoughts wandered in me.
Nim, I have the answers to my refreshed possessiveness and jealousy. If you could let me in once, I would love to tell you what you mean to me." Abhedya spoke his heart out. He was a very expressive man! A trait not many men possess. Abhedya was rare. His honest confession and apology could melt anyone.

But, for the one it was meant to be, was quiet.
The boy she loved was pouring his heart out but she just didn't want his love today she wanted more...

Abhedya and Swarnima were on opposite sides of wooden piece of block with a metal lock. Years of separation, death, lies, mysteries, rules, regulations, mandates could not separate them but indecency, accusations and jealousy created a wall between them. Swarnima's heart was dying to open the door and hug Abhedya. Her duty and boundaries did not matter to her, anymore. But, what mattered to her was...

"Abhey," Swarnima whispered from the other side of the door.
Abhedya's eyes watered with happy tears. It had been days he heard his name and it was a total bliss. Now, Abhedya could just say a "hmm" because his throat had a lump.

"You may come in, when you promise to trust me. You have always doubted me. From smallest of the things to larger issues.
You say you want to own me then why do you keep complaining about the defects I have, like lack of expression and communication.
You say I am your treasure and priced possession, then why do you keep hurting me by saying mean words to me, accusing me, insulting me.
You say you hate anyone coming close to me, you feel jealous then why do you keep pushing me away at the slightest misunderstanding.
You say you went around with every girl to find my substitute but could find none then why didn't you stop your search when I came?
To you, I am a total weirdo and absolutely not your type. I don't know how to live and don't fit into modern world/your world.
You tell me flirting is like breathing.. then I swear on my parents, I should have been dead by now.
Abhey, I have lied and hid several secrets from you... for you. I have lived just so that no one can harm you... you were my solo motivation to live after my parents... still, you doubt my conscience? It breaks me Abhey. I don't want to know what I mean to you because honestly, I know the answer and you too." Swarnima's voice cracked at the end. Her patience gave up today.

Her dignity and sanity were her treasures and no one could rob it from her. She loved Abhedya but still they were not lovers to share that intimacy.

Abhedya knew his girl was hurt and the cut was deep. He would leave no stone unturned to heal her. Starting with a little attempt to stop her tear by singing from the other side of the door by playing guitar on his phone...

"Look into my eyes
You will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart
Search your soul
And when you find me there
You'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do
I do it for you

Look into your heart
You will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am
Take my life
I would give it all
I would sacrifice
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it, there's nothin' I want more
You know it's true
Everything I do
I do it for you

There's no love
Like your love
And no other
Could give more love
There's nowhere
Unless you're there
All the time
All the way, yeah

Look into your heart, baby
Oh you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it, there's nothin' I want more
Yeah, I would fight for you
I lie for you
Walk the wire for you
Yeah, I'd die for you
You know it's true
Everything I do
Oh
I do it for you"
Abhedya could not sing further. He didn't have the capacity to sing anymore. He just strummed the chords. To convey to her what he meant and felt.

Music is stronger than words and its chords just hit the soul if played with soul.

Abhedya slept on Swarnima's room's doorstep  and Swarnima slept on the other side. She was elated with the song Abhedya sang but felt miserable because she could not reciprocate to his feelings.
She wanted the trust and respect that every girl deserved in a relation.

Cupid must have not thought that the bow he struck on two beautiful hearts will never have a normal moment in their life. Abhedya confessed his love when he and his sweetheart were separated by a door and unable to see each other.

When Swarnima got up in the morning and opened her door Abhedya fell on the side because he was resting his back on the door. Swarnima kept her hand under his head to prevent it from hitting the floor.

Abhedya opened his eyes and saw those enigmatic and captivating eyes. He lost hope last night that he would see her, but as if God was on his side and heard his prayers, he saw the girl who was born to be his. Abhedya got up and touched her cheek and refrained his hand immediately. He breathed a sigh of relief. Swarnima found his action weird but she kept quiet.

"I thought I would never see you again." Abhedya accepted his fear.

"I am bound by my duties." Swarnima reasoned.

"Is that it?" Abhedya questioned her. Her answer broke him.

"I guess so." Swarnima answered without looking into his eyes.

"I shall change your motive then and I am sorry about everything that happened yesterday. I will keep apologising till you forgive me." Abhedya sounded determined.

At breakfast, Mayuri and Karanjeet joined them.
"Nim please sit with us for breakfast." Abhedya requested her.

Swarnima looked at him. It was against rules for protectors to sit with the royals for meals on same table and they had guests today.

"Yes Miss Nim, you must join us." Karanjeet pitched.

"The name is Swarnima, Prince." Swarnima corrected him and Abhedya kissed her in his thoughts.

Abhedya got up and pulled out a chair for her. She sat down and served herself. Mayuri was suspicious of her diverted 'target'. But, practice and focus was the key to achieve success.

Mayuri started training Abhedya. Swarnima was busy with her laptop. Abhedya lacked concentration and cursed himself for his wrong decision. Karanjeet felt neglected but like his sister he didn't give up and sat next to Swarnima.

"Miss Swarnima what are your thoughts about relationships? Are you single or committed? Please don't say to your duties. You know what I mean." Karanjeet smirked.

"I am single but do not intend to commit myself in any sort of relationships other than my job, anytime soon." Swarnima answered him politely. No matter how irritated she felt she had to follow the code of conduct.

"So, if someone wants to approach you for... you know, is there a scope of a yes.. or may be..?" Karanjeet wanted all his doubts cleared.

"If 'no' is an option.. that is my answer." Swarnima replied.

"Brother what is your point? I have never seen you talk in a twisted manner. If you wish to court her, ask directly. She won't deny. In fact which girl can decline the offer of a prince? She will be on cloud nine. Just be sure before asking though... she is not a royal." Mayuri suggested her brother.

"She is more than royal Mayuri. So, as my sister suggested Miss Swarnima would you like us to travel together and explore the journey of life?" Karanjeet proposed to Swarnima directly.

"Karanjeet, dude, just avoid okay. You are trespassing the boundaries. So, just avoid." Abhedya warned him.

"Boundaries? Abhedya dude, she is a girl and free to choose. I am just offering her a life where I dream of us being together. Let her decide." Karanjeet faced Swarnima and asked her again.

"Prince Karanjeet, I already have answered your question before. Still if you want in clear words.. I am sorry but I wish to explore the journey called life with myself and no other." Swarnima answered Karanjeet but the message was clear enough for Abhedya.

"I respect your decision Miss Swarnima. In fact if you would have accepted my proposal I would have been a little suspicious. My sources were right, you are one of a kind?" Karanjeet patted her hand and smiled.

"One of a kind? Wow! Brother I don't think so. There are girls who love the chase game and if a prince is chasing a 'nobody', well that happens only in fairy tales." Mayuri formed an instant dislike for Swarnima.

"Mayuri, grow up. Not all girls are barbie dolls waiting for their Ken. This girl here is definitely not. Take care miss aloof beauty." Karanjeet left from the safe house.

Abhedya smiled and felt relieved. After a few more lessons of absolute boredom Mayuri headed to the kitchen where Swarnima was plating the lunch.

"Swarnima, what's your plan?" Mayuri questioned her.

"Princess, you want something? I am just giving finishing touches to the lunch." Swarnima answered her.

"I want you to stay away from Abhedya. He is a royal and will look good only with someone of his stature. You must understand you stand no chance with him. So, before that heart break occurs, give up. You see, life is very unfair with people who are not fortunate. So, why do you want your misfortunes to become a hindrance in your king's life? I suggest stay away and stop dreaming to become his queen. Because in this race, you will only lose." Mayuri showed Swarnima her anger filled eyes.

"Pardon my saying so princess Mayuri, but if, Prince Abhedya was the trophy to any race, there will be just one qualifier on the race track and that is standing right infront of you. And trust me, I won't let anyone come an inch closer to my trophy."

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Dear Readers
I hope you like some honest confessions from our sweethearts. Lover boy Abhedya chose 'Bryan Adams' to confess his love and lover girl Swarnima chose 'dramaticaurora's words' to reject his confession.
Who can stand a chance infront of Bryan Adams? No one! Swarnima is about to loose, soon.
Stay hooked!
Lots of love