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Chapter 10
Sharon's POV
It had been a few days since my birthday, and the national fest was closing in.
I was sitting in the rehearsal hall. It was early in the morning, and there was
no one there. The peace made me relax. There were two things constantly in my
head. One, the house which my parents had left for me and two, Swayam. He
hadn't talked to me since my birthday, nor had he been present for my birthday
celebration. He hadn't even given me a gift! That hurt. I knew I was being
childish, but it disturbed me.
I wanted to meet him, and talk to him and tell him what dad had told me.
Somehow I felt that he should know, he should be a part of things that went on
in my life.
"Sharon?" I heard a voice behind me. I turned around. "Swayam?
What are you doing here? That too so early in the morning?" He raised his
eyebrows at me. "I should ask you that." he said, keeping his sack on
the side bench. "I always come here in the mornings. It helps me
relax." he said after a pause. "But if you want to use the hall, I'll
go."
So we had something in common. "No, that's fine. You continue." he
shrugged and started warming up. I wanted to talk to him, but I didn't know how
to start. A few minutes later music started playing, and I looked at Swayam. It
seemed as if he'd forgotten the world outside. He moved as if he was made for
dance, his steps in perfect rhythm. I saw him as never before as he moved
around the hall, dancing. Suddenly he stopped. He couldn't do a step perfectly.
He kept on to it, his brow furrowed, wondering what he was doing wrong. He
looked so cute, like a young kid, who keeps falling while trying to learn how
to ride a cycle. He finally got it, and completed his dance. "Sharon, do
you want to practice?" he said, as he picked up his bag and got ready to
leave. "I mean, you've been sitting here just like that, doing nothing. I
hope everything is okay." His concern was noticeable in his voice, though
he tried his best to hide it.
"No. I mean.. I'll practice later."
"Okay."
"Umm. Swayam. I wanted to talk to you. Just for a minute."
"Sure. What happened?" he sat down beside me. In a few words I told
him everything dad had told me on my birthday. I felt better talking to him. He
smiled at me. "See, I'd told you. Your dad is a wonderful person."
"Yeah. And Swayam, thanks. I mean.. You helped me that day.. And well,
because of you I understand my father.."
"I didnt do anything," he said, a little embarrassed. "by the
way, why are you telling me all this?"
"Well.. I just thought.. I mean.. You knew the truth in the first place,
so umm..you should know the whole story.." I replied, a little awkward.
Even I didn't know the answer to his question.
"Okay, well, thanks. Bye."
"Bye." I didn't want him to go. But I had no reason to stop him. He
reached the door, and then looked back. "Sharon..."
"Yes?" I said hoping he'd stay back.
"Umm.. I think you should try and find out about Gautam Sir's wife and
daughter. I mean..his daughter didn't have a father for all these years. You
never know, she may hate him for leaving her. I think you should try and find
out about them. That'll make your father happy too. And you'll probably have a
whole family, who knows." I smiled at him. I was impressed by his
selflessness. He was a wonderful human being, always the one to think about
someone else before him. "But what if his wife has remarried, and is happy
with her new life?"
"Well then you don't interfere. But if she's not, you'll be doing
something good for your father."
I nodded.
"Okay, bye then."
"Bye"
I thought over what he said for a long time. I guess it was time I started
searching for my sister.
*Swayam's POV*
I was surprised at her behavior. Sharon had changed, that was for sure. But I
didn't melt. I knew this was only a phase. I had stopped hoping that we would
ever be together. That she would ever accept me. I loved her, and would always
love her, but to expect her to do the same was asking a lot.
I was pleased however that she chose to let me know what her father had told
her, I thought as I got busy in the national Fest decorations. "Hey
Swayam," Rey called me. "Make sure you make the stage arrangements
soon. Take someone for your help."
"Yup! Don't worry. It'll be done."
"Cool. I'll go see the other stuff."
"Sure." Rey was still hurting I knew it. Taani and I had tried so
much to get him out of his pain, but his smile was only superficial and only we
knew the tears behind his facade.
*National Dance Fest, Pune*
Kria's POV
"Welcome one and all to the Indian National Dance Fest 2012!!!" the
anchor shouted as we all went down the aisle towards the stage. The campus was
huge, and the preparation was awesome.
"Wow.." Prithvi said with excitement. "Look at this place! Its
awesome!!"
"Yeah! And the decorations, too good!" said Sam.
"When is the inauguration guys?" asked Avni.
"In the evening at 6, today." said Prithvi. "Which means we need
to go get ready, and practice a bit before the performance." Damini
reminded him.
"Yup, lets go! Guys, hang around here for sometime. We'll meet you at 6!
Bye!"
"Bye!" we all said in unison.
I wasn't interested in the campus, nor in it's decorations. All I could
look at was the name of "Gautam Raiprakash" printed on every banner
as the chief judge and chairperson.
"Sam, Avni!" I said finally. "I need to do a few things alone.
I'll meet you at around 5.45 near the stage? What say?"
"Okay Kria. But take care." they were a little hesitant to leave me
alone, but I knew they would understand.
I walked around the campus till I came near the biggest stage where the
inauguration and all the dance competitions would be. A crowd had started
gathering. It was impossible to talk to Gautam Raiprakash I realized. He would
come with a truckload of body guards. Suddenly a banner caught my attention. On
it was written,
"On the spot registration! Solo dance competion! Winner gets a chance to
meet Gautam Raiprakash Sir, and gets to perform a dance choreographed by him!
Come on dance aspirants, live your dream!!"
Kria.. This is your chance. This is how you can meet him!!
Without thinking I registered for the competion. I started walking back towards
the entrance when something caught my attention. A lean, yet well-built guy,
with wavy hair was giving instructions calmly to the people. They were
decorating the stage. The boy turned and I was in for a shock. He was none
other than Swayam! Tears came to my eyes, but I quickly put them at bay. What
was he doing here???? Damz had told me that St Louis wasn't performing! That's
why I had come here. I hid myself behind the seats in front of the stage. Suddenly
I found the dance Fest brochure lying on the chair. I took it and went through
the participating team list. St Louis wasn't there. So then what was Swayam
doing here?? I flipped the pages, my heart filled with emotions. Suddenly I
noticed something on the inside page of the brochure. "Organizing Student
Team- St Louis College. Headed by GS Reyaansh Singhania, ACS Swayam Shekhawat
and CS Sharon Raiprakash. That explained everything. Because they were the
student organizers, they couldn't participate. No wonder Damz thought St Louis
wasn't there. But then, that meant.. If Swayam was here, Rey would be here too.
I knew I wouldn't be able to face him. I controlled my tears. My first thought
was to go back. But then I wouldn't get to meet Gautam Raiprakash. I was caught
in a dilemma. My mind oscillated between my love and my father. Suddenly a loud
voice shook me. "Come on dancers and dance lovers!!! It's time for the
inauguration!! Come on!!!!" I looked at the stage, and it was all set and
ready. Swayam waited in the wing, Sharon by his side. Rey was not to be seen. I
looked here and there and found a person giving out party masks to those who
wanted them. I quickly wore a mask so that no one would recognize me and stood
in the crowd. I noticed Sam and Avni and texted them to be where they were, as
their seats were pretty far away. As the clock struck 6, Gautam Raiprakash came
with much pomp and splendor. Had I been the earlier Kria, I would have whooped
and jumped to see my idol in real life, just like the crowd was doing. But
after knowing that he was my father, my feelings were submerged somewhere in
the bottommost recesses of my mind. I stared at him, as he walked on the stage,
and sat there. Formalities were completed and Prithvi and Damini came on the stage
to perform. They sung a beautiful prayer and then the song
"Aashayein" from the movie Iqbal, representing the desire of all the
youngsters present there. I cheered for them, and after they were done, and all
the formalities ended, Gautam Raiprakash cut the ribbon. I saw Sharon smile at
him, and deep down, I was jealous. Jealous that I could never have a father,
jealous that Sharon got all what I had wanted. I envied her, and the family she
had. For the first time in my life, I Kria Ghai, thought that I had less than
Sharon Raiprakash.
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*Rey's POV*
The inauguration had been great. All the competitions were taking place. So
much dance reminded me of Kria again. They say time heals all wounds. Mine
hadn't healed, if nothing else, they were not seen, but rooted deep inside me,
leaving permanent marks. "Rey, is all okay?" Taani asked me quietly.
She'd been a wonderful friend over the past few weeks. "Yes Taani. Thanks.
Are the group dance competitions on stage 2 over?"
"Yes. Even the duets are done. It's now the solo ones. Come, we'll watch
them. They are on stage one."
"No.. I'm not in the mood. You go on."
"Please Rey. Stop hurting yourself over Kria. Atleast come for my
sake."
"Fine. I'm coming."
"Thank you."
I smiled at her.
She smiled back. "Let's go." Together, we were walking to stage one,
when a girl with a mask amost banged into me. "Shit, I'm so sorry"
she started, and then our eyes met. Beautiful, brown eyes stared back at me.
But they looked full of pain, and guilt and sadness. They stared at me and the
glanced at Taani, and then ran away at full speed. "Rey, come on!!" I
hadn't moved from my place. "Kria..?" I questioned my own self
softly. "That was Kria."
Taani looked at me, her eyes soft. "Rey, stop thinking about her. What would
Kria be doing here anyways? She's left you all for good, and she's not coming
back. So the sooner you accept this fact, the better. Come on, let's go. The
competition is starting."
I nodded at her, and we walked on. I knew she was right, what would Kria be
doing here? But somewhere, deep down, those brown eyes covered by the party
mask brought back Kria's memory.
*Kria's POV*
I had almost given myself away when I banged on him. He was with a beautiful
girl, and I felt jealousy rising within me. I tried to keep it at bay, with not
so successful results. It was my turn for the dance, and I remembered the times
when Rey had encouraged me. It was a good thing I saw his face before the dance
I thought. Even his face could make me all dansical.
I went on stage, the mask still on my face. I was dancing again, after a long
time, that too almost on the spot. I saw Sameer, Avni, Prithvi and Damini
cheering for me in the crowd. I even saw Swayam and Sharon, standing together.
They looked comfortable. So much had changed after I'd gone. My eyes searched
him however. He was there with the girl, his eyes subdued, thinking about
something. "Contestant number 23, your time starts now." I saw Gautam
Raiprakash sitting in the judge's seat. And i knew I would win. The song
started, it was O re piya, from Aaja Nachle.
*Rey's POV*
The first thing that caught my attention was her fluid movement. She was the
same girl who had banged into me. I recognized her by her mask. Her flow was
amazing. Even her dance reminded me of Kria. The beauty, the grace, the
perfection, no one had it except Kria. I knew it. I was sure now. Her stance
told me everything. "Taani, I know this is Kria. I can forget everything,
not her dance. I am sure it's her. I'm going backstage to meet her."
"Rey... Should I come with you?"
"No, I'll be fine alone."
"Okay. Let me know if you need anything."
"Yeah, thanks."
I reached backstage, and the dance was over. She received the biggest cheer
from the crowd. She was the last participant so she was asked to wait on stage
for the result, and the other participants were called on stage. I couldn't
meet her. I saw Gautam Sir come up on stage and give a little speech about how
everyone performed and all. Then finally it was time to announce the winners.
*Kria's POV*
Results. Something that had always spooked me. Every time, it was more for the
dance, and less for competition. This time my win was necessary.
"And the winner is," the anchor said, and I waited with bated breath,
"Contestant number 23!!!!" I tried to control my tear. Me and dad
were finally face to face. He gave me the award, and congratulated me. The
anchor blabbered about how beautiful my dance was, the crowd shouted out and
asked me to remove my mask. But I was oblivious to the world. All I knew was
that I was receiving an award from a person who was my father. Who had been my
idol, the person who ha left me. "Congratulations dear, you danced
wonderfully. It was a pleasure to see you dance. And it would be an honor to
choreograph a dance for someone as wonderful as you. But what's your
name?"
My voice broke. I couldn't speak anything. Tears rushed out of my eyes.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked me. I wiped my tears, and came off
stage. He followed. The competition was over, and a crowd had started gathering
around Gautam Raiprakash. I had lost my chance. More tears engulfed me as I ran
to the changing room behind the stage. I removed my mask and sat there
wondering why I hadn't talked to him when I had the chance. Suddenly the door
behind me opened, and Gautam Sir walked in. He instructed some one to stand
outside to keep off the crowd. He closed the door, and came near me. His eyes
the same color as mine. "I can never see tears in a dancer's eyes. And you
didn't even tell me your name." he smiled at me. All my emotions came
staggering up this time. In a broken voice, I said, "I'm Kria, Kria Ghai.
Shobhna Ghai's daughter... Your daughter..." I tried to sound accusatory,
but I couldn't. He just stared at me, in shock. "Kria...?"
"Yes! Kria!" my anger came out. All those pent up feelings rushed
out. "I'm Kria. And I'm ashamed to call you my father. You left us, how
could you? Not even once, not even once did you come and ask me if I wanted a
father? Didn't you ever think that mom wanted you, that I may want a father,
someone who'd be there for me at all times? But no, it does not matter to you.
You are happy, that's it. You moved on; we were struck at the same place.
Didn't you ever think about me? Oh but why would you? You have a daughter
right? And you must have a second wife too! It was easy for you I'm sure. Well
I'd like to tell you that it hasn't been that easy for us. But we have fought
our circumstances. Like today, I've always won my prize. I entered the
competition to meet you. And tell you that I'm proud I don't have a father who
changes his wives and daughters like he changes his dance styles!!" I knew
I had been a whole lot mean, and spoken much more than I had intended to. But I
couldn't control my anger. He listened to every thing calmly, though anger
blazed in his eyes. He spoke, his voice steel, "Kria! I'm sorry about
leaving you, but that does not give you the right to speak what you want!! Do
not speak unless you know the whole truth!"
"Truth? What truth? That you have another daughter? I know Sharon. She is
your daughter!!"
"Kria, listen to me!"
"No! I won't! Im going!! Bye!" I shouted and ran out of the room.
Someone was standing at the door, and I was sure he must have heard everything,
but it didn't matter. My tears fell as I ran, and ran, around the campus,
wishing my pain would reduce.
*Rey's POV*
I was a little surprised when the masked girl whom I thought was Kria, ran away
in the dressing room before I could even meet her. Something was wrong. I went
near the room. Gautam Sir called me form behind, "Hey Rey! Do me a favor
please kid. Stand outside the room, and keep the crowd at bay. I want to talk
to the winner of the competition."
"Sure Sir."
"thanks," he said and went inside. I liked Sharon's father. The first
time Sharon had introduced me to him, he'd thought I was her boyfriend. We'd
all had a good laugh over it later on.
I could hear the conversation inside. I knew it was bad manners to interfere,
so I was going to move away from the door, when I heard the girl shouting out
her name, "Kria Ghai!" so I had been right! But their conversation
shocked me. Kria ran out of the room without noticing. Her mask was off, and I
saw her, her face showing pain all over it.
Kria was Gautam Sir's daughter? Why didn't she ever tell me? Or even she didn't
know before? That meant Sharon was her sister? I was shocked, my mind had
stopped working. I left from there as Gautam Sir's bodyguards arrived and he
went with them, his face showing nothing. I was dumbstruck. Kria mist be in so
much pain I thought. My heart ached for her. I tried searching for her, but she
was nowhere to be seen. I walked up towards a beautiful garden in the middle of
the campus. The dance Fest was over, and the crowd was almost gone. Tomorrow
would be the last day. It was evening, and the sky was a magnificent shade of
blue. I sat on the bench, holding my head in my hands. Was this the reason Kria
left Mumbai?
"Rey!!" I heard Swayam sitting beside me. He kept a hand on my
shoulder. "Is everything okay?"
"No."
"Taani told me you met Kria. Did you?"
"I saw her. She was there. But I couldn't meet her."
"Why?"
"She was talking with Gautam Sir.. And.."
"And..?"
"Kria is his daughter."
"What??!!"
"Yes." in a few words I told him the conversation I'd overheard.
"That means..Sharon and Kria.."
"Yeah, they are sisters. And Kria was hurt. She said a lot many mean
things to Gautam Sir, you know.. About getting remarried and all. And you know
how she is. Only a lot of pain can make make her talk this way."
"But Gautam Sir never got remarried."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning Sharon is adopted!"
"What?!"
"Yeah. She told me a few days before her birthday." now I told him
everything about Sharon and her dad.
A smile lit up my face. "So we know what we are supposed to do, don't
we?" I looked at Swayam. His eyes glazed. "I'm with you!!"
We both shook hands. Mission Kria-Sharon Family Union!
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*to be continued*
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