Trials of Love - Swasan

Chapter 4

As Swara went inside Sanskar's house, she felt amazed to see the house changed so much. The walls were no longer the same colour and all the furniture had swapped places. The dining table was no longer next to the kitchen but in the middle, the television was no longer at the far right but instead in front of the chairs in the living room. As she was observing the house, she didn't realise when Sujata came in front of her. Sanskar nudged her to gain her attention and she saw that Sujata was standing in front of her. "Oh sorry Aunty. I didn't realise when you came." Swara said apologetically while Sujata replied with a smile.

"That's alright Swara. No need to be sorry. It's always great to have you here! What would you like to eat?" Sujata asked as she dragged Swara to the living room leaving Sanskar behind. 

"No Aunty there's no need for all that. I just came to see you and besides I need to go back soon otherwise Mom will get worried." Swara replied denying her which made Sujata sad. Swara noticed this and said " But I surely would love to have a chat with you. It's been so long since we've done that." 

They continued talking for about an hour when Swara realised that she was getting late and Ragini would've been home by now. She excused herself from there and left immediately bidding good bye to them as she went. The day passed by like any ordinary day with the same routine and the night came, the sky filled with darkness but stars to light it up. The moon was a waning crescent, though it looked small but carried immense light. 

Soon it was morning and the sun shone brightly, the rays disturbing Swara's sleep. She moved in her sleep and put a pillow on her face to avoid the sunlight from coming on to her face which was beaming through her window. Her mother, Shamishta, came wearing a baby pink chiffon sari with her hair straightened and left out. She pulled away the curtains, much to Swara's irritation, and pulled the pillow away from her face. Swara opened her eyes and looked up at her with a frown. She then put her blanket over her face which Shamishta again removed. "Swara have you seen the time?" Shamishta said with annoyance in her voice. She could not understand how in a family of early birds, Swara slept till late. "You know what? I was thinking. If sleeping was a sport in the Olympics, you would get a ton of gold medals."

"Was it nescessary to taunt me so early in the morning? It's only been 3 days since I came back and you've already upset me. I'm not going to talk to you." Swara said turning the other way and making a face whilst Shamishta laughed at her childish behaivour.

"Aww I'm sorry. So what can I do to cheer you up?" Shamishta turned Swara around and held her hand asking her.

"Actually you can do something! I need some money as of now, I'll tell you later why." Swara said with hopeful eyes

"Oh so all that drama was for this?" Shamishta asked suspiciously and held Swara's ear whilst she made a pout. Shamishta left her and Swara went to the bathroom and got all ready for the day. She picked up her phone and texted Prerna that she was coming before putting it into her bag and running downstairs. 

The next day started of as any other day. The bell rang indicating for break time but as Sanskar was about to leave, he stopped his tracks and turned to the teacher. " I'm sorry Miss, but I wanted to tell you I can't come to the trip." Sanskar said as he lowered his gaze.

"Oh, but why so?" replied the teacher confused. 

"I don't have enough money to pay for it so I won't be able to make it. I'm sorry." Sanskar said and was about leave when the teacher called out to him and said, " But Sanskar, your payment has already been done." which shocked him to the core because he hadn't made any payment.

"Are you sure? I didn't make any payment" Sanskar said shockingly. Suddenly a thought struck his mind and he went straight out of the classroom and into the field where Swara was with her friends and dragged her from there into seclusion. 

"Sanskar?! What are you doing?" a bewildered Swara asked him, unsure of his actions at the present moment. 

"Why did you do this?" Sanskar asked, ignoring her question. Swara looked at him even more confused than before. She didn't understand a single thing he was on about.

"What are you saying Sanskar? What did I do?" Swara asked back.

"Oh so you're saying that you know nothing about you paying for the trip for me?" Sanskar asked sarcastically as Swara's gaze lowered, her eyes trying to conceal the truth even though she knew that there was no point as Sanskar had figured everything about but a part of her was hoping he hadn't. 

"I-I don't know what you're talking about." She stammered whilst she spoke which made it more obvious. 

"Swara the reason I told you wasn't because I wanted you to pay for me! I told you thinking you are my childhood friend and I can share everything with you! Besides don't even try to lie anymore. There is no point." Sanskar said with a soft tone which somewhat was surprising to Swara as she was expecting his anger. She looked up at him confused by his calm tone whilst he just smiled. 

"Ok yes I'm sorry, I did it out of friendship. I didn't want you to think I was sympathizing your helplessness as I know you hate sympathy. That's the reason I didn't want to tell you but now you know anyways. I am so sorry. But I won't take the money back. Think of it as a gift from me to you or a loan that you can repay back, but I'm not letting you miss this trip. You love Kolkata and I want you to go." Swara replied but seeing him still smiling baffled her. "Now will you tell me why you are smiling?"

"I'm just thinking how lucky I am to have a friend like you. Your favour will never be forgotten. I don't even know if I will be able to repay you back for this. Thank you so much!" Sanskar said pulling Swara into a tight hug which shocked her. After some seconds she smiled and reciprocated. After a moment they both pulled back and smiled at each other. 

"I better get going. See you later." Sanskar said as he gave one last smile before turning around and started walking but stopped in his tracks as Swara called out to him.

"It's not a favour Sanskar. It's my right as a friend." Swara said standing in her place as Sanskar turned around. They both waved at each other before turning around once again to leave for their respective places. Swara reached back to her friends and Prerna pulled her aside after noticing her.

"Swara where did you go?" asked Prerna concerned. "Sanskar just dragged you out of here. Would you like to tell me what's cooking between you two?"

"Relax Prerna! Nothing's cooking. I actually payed for his trip and he just wanted to talk to me." answered Swara calmly as if it was no big deal how he just hauled her in front of everyone.

"You what?!" Prerna had her eyes wide open at Swara's statement. "Hold on what did you say?! You payed for his trip? Do you know how mad your Dad will be when he finds this out?"

"I know but what's the use of a friend which can't even help." 

"I'm warning you Swara. It's not safe. You know how far your Dad can go. You're friends with him, that's fine but if you end up falling for him..." Prerna warned Swara knowing the consequences.

"Prerna what are you talking about?! We're just friends. Nothing like that will happen." replied Swara before pondering over a thought.

End of Chapter 14

I hope you all liked this chapter! I'm sorry this is very late but I had exams and then I never got the time. I hope you all enjoyed this!