Hello all,

So here is the next part..Next update would be delayed a bit , tied up a bit with personal commitments , but I will definitely try to see If I can work out a small part.

 I don't own any images used here. They belong to respective up loaders ; courtesy google.Please ignore errors and typos.This part marks a new point in Swasan's Journey .Like always do let me know your thoughts..through votes and comments generously.

Happy Reading .

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Engagement - The day when one would be officially bound to that 'someone special' in their life or the 'one' destined for them . Wasn't it supposed be the one of happiest days of life...but for Swara it seemed nothing less than bad dream.

It was a week after ,the proposal flew in from Maheshwari's adding much soreness to her wound.She refused." Nahi Baba, maine uss insaan se kabhi shaadi nahi karungi jisne mere saath,"and her pleas fell on deaf ears. She was told , she was being emotional , not practical..and this alliance was best for her in every possible way ..especially to salvage her tarnished reputation. Backed by Ragni too , Swara watched silently as her fate was sealed with Scion of Maheswari Group - Sanskaar Maheshwari against her wish.

Everything happened with a lightening speed . It was after 2 weeks the date for sagai was fixed ..and it was decided that marriage would take place in summer vacation ... 5 months after. And the day soon arrived. Today was the day .

Swara ...

Rgaini's voice jolted Swara out of her thoughts .

"Don't worry Ragini .. I will not ruin make up this time." Swara said and held back her tears stubbornly. Probably it was 3rd time Ragini gave a touch up covering her tear stained cheeks.Ragini watched Swara in silence wishing she could say .. Sanskaar is the best thing happening to her .Only if she knew how much he loved her.

From Laksh , She knew it hadn't been easy task to convince Sujata Maheshwari .. who was absolutely against this alliance .Her main concerns : Swara being 'bengali' and background as she had no family of her own.Neither she was rich nor is of unchi khandaan ..which would prove beneficial to Sanskaar, her main reason for compromising on Kavita.

But Sanskaar stood on his ground and made it clear.If anyone would be part of his life, it would be Swara and only her .Sanskaar's answer to his mom's concerns " Uss chori ke paas kuch nahi hain" had been simple and straight too.

" She holds my heart ...mera Dil hain uske pass" was all he said

That had put every discussion to rest.Sujata gave in finally .Her son's happiness mattered the most .. and she promised to put her prejudices away,give Swara a fair chance and try to accept her.

Sekhar didn't reveal the truth of Swara being his daughter stating he didn't want to complicate things at this moment, given the circumstances of Swara and Sanskaar alliance ,much to Ragini's disappointment. His promise he would do so soon...placed a little comfort in Ragini's heart. Maheshwari's didn't probe further when It was told Swara lost her loved ones in an accident... and moved to kolkata on Sekhar's insistence being family friends. " Swara meri beti jaise hi.., in fact aap ye sochiye meri beti hi hain .. humse jitna ho sake hum karenge ..koi kami nahi hone denge .. "Sekhar told Maheshwari's when alliance was fixed. It was decided Swara would step into college only after engagement to avoid further gossip. Swara was too disturbed to care about anything. She simply resigned to her fate , at that point.

One aid came in form of Anjana and Prakash as they flew in from Mumbai , after an invitation from Sekhar along with their younger son Sanjay. Anjana sensed something wrong quickly but Swara tried to brush it off saying ' kuch nahi aunty , sab theek hain."

Anjana looked at her for long ." You are just like Sharmistha.. She would never share her worries,but was always first one to share her happiness and be part of others happiness. Bilkul apni maa ki tarah ho.. She patted Swara's hair lovingly. " I will not insist Swara..but just remember .. we are always there for you, always ."Swara felt immensely thankful at that moment.

Ajay couldn't make it as he was in states for his Masters, this news came as shock to him. He had been in touch with Swara through mails .. and video calls. Swara never mentioned and now this sudden engagement , rang bells of something not being right.

He recalled their old conversations.

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After few initial months of Swara leaving to Kolkata ,one relief for him was Swara looked settled,happy, and sounded cheerful ." Kya baat hai shona.. Aaj kal bahut jyada smile kar rahi hain.. Wait! Are u planning to dump me, ruthless lady ...koi aur mila kya?' He teased her.

"Haan mila koi .. My prince charming, ab tum koi gori mem ko dhoond lo waha.. " Swara teased him in return.

"Hmmm... Theek hain...Now you have decided..Ajay gave a sad look and wiped imaginary tears ," Hey shona photo dikhna ..acha haina , I mean is he caring and loving right!... and I need to approve him ok!"

"Photo ... nahi,.. tum kolkata aavo .. phir milaungi .. haan baba ,you will like him.He's very sweet aur thoda paagal bhi ." Swara replied smiling. Those were days when Sanskaar wooed her...and she never get tired of thinking of him.

Swara tried sounding happy when Ajay called her after date of engagement was fixed ..."Is this your same prince charming whom you mentioned?" he asked

"Haan wohi ," Swara said .. and it wasn't tough for Ajay to sense the change in her voice, not her usual cheerful disposition. In Spite of his continuous budging Swara assured him of everything being fine .. that's when he decided .. it's time to pay a visit to kolkata soon ...to Shona .. and this prince charming . He better be good for Swara ..very good.

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Days flew by ...and today was day.

"Sab theek hojayega Swara..."Ragini assured her. Swara simply stared at her reflection in mirror which stared back at her blankly. " Hume nikalna hoga..." Ragini further added. Swara simply nodded.

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"Sab theek hojayega bhai ... dont worry"

Sanskaar simply nodded at Laksh's words . "Kaash ... " This is not how he wanted to get engaged to love of his life,not under dire circumstances ..but he hoped it would turnaround for the good. True, he proposed marriage to save Swara's reputation ..but that's only half truth .He loved her and it's for his own selfish need..to have her in his life, is biggest truth of all.

" I hope so Lucky ... Main bas Swara ke liye sab teek karna chahta hoon." He said checking on ring he chose for Swara. 

He wanted it to be simple...yet special, something of her favorite .So he chose a diamond ring of white gold ..which resembled rose flower and he knew it would be equally pretty on Swara's hand.He wished she would like it. He still held the dream of proposing her under real stars,close to his heart.May be one day ...He hoped again.

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After declaration of his love for Swara , that day .. as expected it drew mixed reactions. Sujata was not happy and strided off to her room in huff. Ram patted on Sanskaar's shoulder , a simple gesture in support ..and followed his wife to have a word . His badimaa like always stood by him.Laksh watched in brother in more awe..and felt happy . Now Swara and Sanskaar would be together always . With his 'bhai' in picture no Kavita would be able to touch Swara .. and she won't dare if she had any clue of his brothers protective stance for his loved ones ..and menace he can be. If any wiser , she would stay away.

Durgaprasad sat in silence for a while... and rose ,

" Sanskaar ... I would like to have a word with you alone .." Sanskaar nodded and followed his bade papa to study room.

After a brief silence....

"Hum poora sách jaana na chahthe hai Sanskaar...I know you wouldn't be free to share it with everyone , Mind telling your bade papa .." He asked watching Sanskaar intently .Sanskaar nodded and narrated events keeping few details aside.

" Bade Papa .. Please lucky ko kuch mat kahiye ,he is aware of his mistake .. and is repenting it ...and Kavita .. I don't have any words left for her."

"Should I have word with Siddhant about this ...He should know too ,what his daughter is up to ? " DP asked and Sanskaar nodded in negative. His engagement with Swara would be a tight slap on her face.That was enough.

" I don't think we always need words to win war, Bade papa.. Ye maine aap se seekha hai" Sanskaar replied . Dp smiled and nodded in consent at his reference.

" I will set the talks going...with her elders.I just want you to be happy." A loving pat on his shoulder had Sanskaar smiling too .Hugging his bade papa, he muttered a thank you. His family always stood by him like anchor ... and with them around this tough times would pass too.About to leave ,He turned back as his name was taken .

"Ji Bade Papa..."

DurgaPrasad watched him for a minute ."You love her .. does she love you too?"

And Sanskaar felt a tight knot in his heart. How much he wished to declare with same confidence, say Yes , she loves me too..but he had no clue. Does she? He had seen it in her eyes, felt in her hands..that night , the same passion and love.Only if things didn't turn around, May be .... " Woh ... I mean Swara ko lagta hai ki maine hi ye sab ... iss liye ..abhi woh..I .. " Sanskaar paused feeling troubled . He couldn't deny it totally that Swara held feelings for him, though she never been vocal about same. If actions speak louder than words,he knew she loved him deep down. His heart knows .

"Sanskaar .. shaadi zindagi bhar ka saath hota hain .. are you sure you want to go ahead when you are not clear if She loves you? What if she never reciprocates ?" Durgaprasad posed a question. He didn't want his son's happiness to be at stake ..being in loveless relation. But Sanskaar's next words took his every doubt away.

" I don't think we will ever fall short of love badepapa.I love her enough for both of us" he told firmly.

And that was end of discussion.

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"Bhai ,its time... Ragini ne kaha woh sab baadi se nikal chuke hain." Laksh's words jolted Sanskaar out of his thoughts. He didn't get a chance neither to see or talk to Swara after their last meet. He didn't get to meet her in college too .He tried calling her few times, left few messages ..but when nothing came in, It was clear Swara was in no mood to talk to him. He drew back not intending to disturb her any further and watched their alliance proceed at faster pace ..silently.

And after 3 weeks .. they would be face to face today, on day of 'Sagai - their engagement". It was decided engagement would be close knit affair .

Maheshwari Mansion looked no less than palace ..as Gadodia's stepped in.Every arrangement right from flower decors , drapes to seating arrangements , screamed of lavishness .. and Hall of Maheshwari Mansion looked no less than dream. Parvati Gadodia had her mouth open as they walked in...followed by Sekhar, Anjana, Prakash, Sanjay then Swara alongside Ragini.

Standing in Hall with his family ,Sanskaar eyes moved towards entrance... and when Swara stepped in , He was struck .. by the sight before him.It was his choice, her lehenga. An imperial blue net floral embellished lehenga with scattered sequin work paired with sheer net cream blouse with sequins and a matching dupatta. The minute he saw ... all he could think of was Swara . He didn't want to go for usual red , pink, coral, hence he chose cream and blue.

As she walked down .. there were murmurs of admiration all around.With side swept hair ...which flowed down like waves down the shoulder , blue kundan pearl maang teeka adorning her side partition, matching accessories...she looked.... Ravishing.

Breathless for a minute, his heart raced madly, his eyes filling in image of her ....Swara, soon to be his. He moved almost like in trance towards stairs...ignoring every eye that followed him and Swara halted at end of stairs as her eyes met his.Dressed in midnight blue sherwani, with rich intricate  work , he looked no less dreamy, like prince straight out of dreams ... 

But Swara's eyes spelled out no admiration. She stared at him blankly .As he extended his hand,Ragini stepped away smiling .Swara glanced it for while..and took it with no questions. Did she have right too?Was her opinion asked? ...It was decided..and she have to comply. How much ever anger and bitterness brewed within her ... she can't spew it before families.

Family .. she knew the value of it because she didn't have one . Her anger was for Sanskaar .. his family didn't wrong her..Hence she would never cause them pain ...never . They had been nice to her , all of them .. sweet and genuine, especially Annapurna and Uttara . Sanskaar's mom Sujata looked troubled, yet her efforts to be nice, were visible. Durgaprasad Maheshwari and Sanskaar's Dad Ram Prasad had been equally warm in their approach.She met them for the first time for Mudda tikka ceremony .. a marwari pre wedding ritual where groom's family go to the bride's home taking with them on a silver platter, puja items for the tikka : rice, jaggery, dry fruits, mithai (sweets) and also outfits/sarees, other gifts for the bride. Maheshwari's mentioned , they would want to have official ring ceremony too with close family friends and chosen media , for which Sekhar agreed.

That's when Swara was gifted lehenga which she would have loved in other circumstances "Pata hai Bhabhi .. Bhai na ..Uff.. He took me go around some dozen boutiques to chose this one ....Dekhna .. iss main aapko dekh ke woh lattoo ho jayega " Uttara , told her excitedly . Swara recalled Sanskaar mentioning her on their outing ..and true to his words , She was full of life and crazy too. Swara simply smiled.

Swara knew in other circumstances Maheswari's might never have agreed for this alliance which is of no match to their stature but still they didn't have a need to .They are influential enough to brush it aside .. leave her on her own but they didn't .It puzzled her.How much does a reputation of normal girl must mean to them...Did it really ? ...and she had her answer soon. Sanskaar ... only he could have managed this feat ,who at this moment held her hand and was gazing at her admiringly.

Swara totally ignored warmth of his fingers wrapping around hers...and jolt of sensation coursing through her ,as they brushed them slightly. Mused smiles followed as Sanskaar led her silently towards center of decorated stage .

Sujata sighed " Abhi se chore ka ye haal hai tho jiji...aage tho ..." Annapurna smiled in return. She had taken liking for Swara instantly ..simple straight and beautiful too, above all she is choice of Sanskaar ... a perfect one, she could say looking at them. Dressed in shades of blue, gold ...they looked .....

"Bhaiya bhabhi kitne ache lag rahe hain saath main badi maa ... ek dum rab ne banadi jodi types ... made for each other." Uttara echoed Annapurna's thoughts. Annapurna couldn't agree more ." Kahi meri nazar na lag jaaye.." Annapurna quickly called in for kaala teeka to wade off any buri nazar ..

Sanskaar made no attempts to hide his open admiration and Swara flushed red under his smoldering gaze ..helplessly.She wasn't supposed to feel those tingling sensations,the rushing warmth of her cheeks ,spreading down the neck..and her heart .. beat so fast. It was wrong when she nursed hate for him. Did she really hate him ?Did she? She didn't want to hear her chiding inner voice which answered in negative . Yes, I don't like him ... Swara told herself again and again in defense , as if trying to convince herself .Her heart and body never had a say around him , never... traitors, Swara thought.

A Marwadi traditional dance performance marked the beginning of ceremony...followed by exchange of rings.As Swara placed ring on Sanskaar's finger , a simple gold one with S on it , Sanskaar felt a strange sense of pleasure filling his heart. All yours ..he told her that night under stars..and now he wanted to look into her eyes and say he had kept his promise...officially he was hers from this moment ..and he would be forever . He lifted his eyes from ring...but Swara looked lost , her eyes seemingly blank. That little hope he had flaring in his heart deep down that Swara still held feelings for him seemed to die down slowly . She's not happy with this alliance .. she didn't want to be with him . As it hit him, Sanskaar felt sharp pang of pain

Only if anything could be more painful ..than unrequited love

It was his turn, he was reminded .Sanskaar picked ring from thali ..." Ye maine tumhare liye khaas select kiya hain ..." He wanted to say , a token of his love for her, but he stayed silent. He held her hand ..and slipped the ring slowly watching her . Swara simply looked downwards in silence.She didn't want to meet his eyes.

Applause and cheers ringing around ..was acknowledged by newly engaged couple with forced smiles.Blessings were showered in abundance...and gifts too.

"Khush raho".. Sekhar patted Swara's hair lovingly and hugged Sanskaar .Parvati Gadodia who stood next to them burned .All this was supposed to right of her laado.This is what she dreamt for her poti but this bengali chori...God knows how she managed to trap this Sanskaar.

Sanskaar had to leave for a minute before seeking Dadi's blessings, as Durgaprasad wanted him to meet someone . As Swara bent down to seek blessings .. " Chalo kam se kam ek bhala tho tali hamare sar se.. "Parvati Gadodia muttered angrily in low voice , "Warna kahi muh chupna ki layak nahi choda iss ladki ne , Pata nahi aur kya kya kiya iss chori ne .. aise ameer ladke ko phasane ke liye .." and Swara didn't want to hear one more word . She dashed upstairs holding back her tears,citing the need to use the wash room . Uttara led her to Sanskaar's room .. and the minute Uttara left , Swara sank down on floor behind closed doors and broke into silent sobs.

"Maine kya kiya hain .. what's my mistake ? kyu? Mere saath hi kyu ?" she questioned looking upwards.

A knock on door alerted her. Might be Uttara. Wiping her tears quickly ... Swara forced a smile,opened the door and froze.Sanskaar stood before her . " Woh, I was looking for you , I came back .. tum nahi thi .... Uttara told ..you were here .So ..." He paused.

Tears brimmed through Swara's eyes recalling dadi's hurtful words and she turned back .

She didn't want to see him too. Sanskaar tried to downplay the hurt he felt at that moment.

He walked in, closing the door gently. He could sense ,she was sobbing silently .. his heart lurched in pain.

After a long pause, his voice came in "Swara .. agar tum iss rishte se khush nahi ho...you are free to walk away..Na koi tumse sawaal karega ,..naa tumhari family se ...I will make sure of that ,but please ,apne aap ko aise takleef mat do .." He waited for a while and started to leave.

Swara fumed midst tears and turned back " Don't you think its little late Mr Sanskaar Maheswari .. to say this ..".That stopped Sanskaar in his tracks and he turned to face her .

"ab pooch rahe ho..You want me to walkway and then what? Aur sharminda karu apne parivaar ko. First you ruin me ... then you send proposal posing to be saviour .. Mahaan ban na tha tha tumne .' The great Sanskaar Maheshwari .'The anger, pain and hurt , she had been holding back erupted at that moment ... and she didn't care , if her words sliced him.

"Kyu sanskaar? Kyu? Why did you do this to me?"Swara grabbed his collar, " Gussa the na tum that I avoided you . Badla lena tha mujh se ..issliye .. ye ring .Swara held it up ..". jo tumne mere haath mein daala hai ,I feel suffocated .. like someone hanged noose around my neck . You left me with no option ...kyu ? kyu kiya aisa tumne ?" Sanskaar stood silent letting her vent out "Kya bigada tha maine tumhara ..chathe kya ho tum ...haan .. motive kya hain tumhara?yahi na .. you wanted to ruin me, prove me characterless....aur..phir.."

And that moment ...Sanskaar's restrain broke .

"Enough Swara ..."his voice roared with fury .. and Swara found herself backed to his wardrobe almost with a force knocking her breath out .. "Don't you dare Swara ..Don't you dare..to utter that word again."His eyes emitted rage in waves ...putting her to silence as he grabbed her shoulders into painful hold." I will not tolerate any word against you or about you ..chahe woh tum khud kyu na kaho..samjhi ."

Swara stared at him in confusion.His outburst was when she termed herself 'characterless' ..not when she was hurling accusations at him.

"Pehli baat Swara,Main Sun raha hoon ,that doesn't mean you can say anything ..everything Get that straight Miss Swara Bose... " and Swara got the point. His icy tone was deadly enough to put it across. " .. Zabardasti rishta jodna ka koi shauk nahi hai mujhe .I called you ..messaged you ,yahi poochne ke liye if you are willing for this alliance, lekin tumhe tho mujhse baat hi nahi karni thi .I am repeating .. You were free to throw that ring , reject this proposal and walk away ..You are..at any point."

He didn't want to tie her up, force her into this match ...which she had been assuming.

His voice rang again ...furiosly

"Aur kya kaha tumne ?kya poocha ?Motive ? Right!.. tho suno .. Haan ,I was the one who proposed marriage , issliye nahi kyunki mujhe mahaan ban na tha , iss liye kyunki.. I love you damn it ....Suna tumhe ...I ....love.. you .

And then everything went still for a minute with silence hanging around .Swara teary eyes widened at his declaration. He loves her? Love?

"This is what I wanted to share with you that day Swara ,Lekin itna Sab hogaya.Even If you chose not to believe me ...The truth is .."His hold on her softened just like his eyes ..".Pyaar Karta hoon tumse,Swara ..I love you"

His eyes ...Swara gazed into them at loss of words. His eyes, They never lied .He loves her. A myriad of emotions flooded her, and she couldn't name even one ...

"After that night under stars , what we shared that night,If you still feel I would stoop down to such low levels... I don't know what to say.I just don't..." Sanskaar closed his eyes sighing in defeat .This time when he opened them...Hurt was clearly visible .

"Neither I am going to plead my innocence nor will offer you any explanations or justifications .You are free to believe what you wish to, Miss Bose..because I care a damn now."

His hands dropped down releasing her and Sanskaar walked backwards step by step.

"And ,If you will now ...Please ..."he pointed at door asking her to leave .

Swara stared at him for long , before her feet led her towards door, but her eyes kept drifting back to him again and again. Sanskaar didn't even glance at her once, stood rigid and rooted to spot masking his hurt.For one last time ..Swara turned to face him at door step. His eyes met hers for a split of second .. before she walked out of his sight , his words reverberating through her head and heart.

I Love you ....

And that point of confusion ..it hit her ...a moment of realisation, a moment of truth

He loves her ....

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