"Swara ...Please darwaja kholo ...Swara " Ragini banged the door for umpteenth time, worried about turn of events. She expected a happy, bubbling Swara, on contrary it was a devastated and teary eyed Swara who walked into baadi .

"Sab khatam ho gaya Ragini ..Sab khatam hogaya," was all she said midst sobs and locked herself up.It's been 20 minutes since then.

"Ragini .. I want to be alone , please akela chhod do mujhe " Swara pleaded from inside .Ragini drew back. Her attempts had already attracted unnecessary attention from their neighbours. And she didn't want to create a scene.

Back in her room Ragini fidgeted nervously . It struck her then ,Swara is back, hence Sanskaar must be back too.With no further delay she dialed Laksh's number .

"I have no clue Ragini " Laksh sounded equally worried, " Bhai didn't say a word ..he locked himself up and Swara ?" He listened to other side and shook his head in dismay "God! Ye kya ho gaya yaar?..Ok ! Tum Swara ko handle karo ..I will try to see if I can get bhai talking. Now you don't worry.We will sort it out . Please khud ka dhyan rakho and of Swara too..Raktha hoon."

Its confirmed ,Laksh thought as he disconnected the call.His every Plan is capable of backfiring. Hence the bottom line is 'he should stop planning' . Laksh sighed,disappointed.

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Her tears seemed never ending.Swara clutched pillow hard and sobbed.

Maine aise ladki se Pyaar kiya who doesn't have a value for my feelings ...Aise ladki se who doesn't trust me .. "

Do you have any any clue what trust means ?

His every word felt like sharp prick , punching holes in her heart .She called this upon herself Didn't she ?

I don't trust you enough to place my heart in your hands again Swara .

How bad she hurt him...to bleed him enough . Now it's her turn to bleed.That little flicker of hope she held till this evening , seems to be dying. And here she is, helplessly watching her world collapse.

Is this how their relation was supposed to end.For one split of second ,the thought of Sanskaar being tied up with her just to save her reputation crossed her mind.Is she just an obligation and nothing more ?Is she turning out to be a burden on Maheshwari s....but then her thoughts took a new turn .

"Shona.. There will many a times when life will put you down , but you should never give up.Fight with all you have..Never say Why me ? Say Try me." Swara reminisced her Mom's words.

True, It is at tough times, We often find fighter within self.She might have given into her fears and insecurities for sometime , but she had been always taught to fight back .Is she going to give up on her love , let it go so easily? Sit here ,spill tears and do nothing ?

.

Kyunki Pyaar Karta hoon main tumse...

I love you .. and I will always do.

Mujhse dur jaane ki koshish bhi mat karna.I don't think I can take it Swara.It would be like hell without you.

His words.

He had not given up on her even in tough times , how much ever she hurt him.He didn't

And stood by her like rock.

Swara wiped her tears resolutely.Now it's her turn."I am not giving up on us Sanskaar ..I will win you back ...and your trust too."

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Sanskaar sat silently in his room .This night had been emotionally draining and the sight of Swara's tear stricken face was right before his eyes.How much he yearned to hold her in his hands.All he had been wishing was for Swara to be back in his life like before, all those happy playful times to be back.She was genuinely sorry and he could feel it .It would have been easy to forget everything..and start fresh. But...he didn't want to, not with apprehensions clouding his heart and mind.He had to voice it out, his fear of being broken.

It's his love for her , the power she held on his heart that scared him. They are bound officially and Swara would be in his life ..no matter what the equation is. He made sure of that, had put up enough fight for them till now ... Enough of one sided efforts and constant blame . Sanskaar sighed wearily .Not anymore.He needs a break and was glad match came in at right time , a much needed diversion to keep his mind off things, off Swara.

One more bang on door jerked him out of his thoughts . Must be Lucky,probably worried. Sanskaar got down the bed and opened the door slowly. And like expected, Laksh stood before him worry written all over his face.

" Lucky! I am fine .. Just needed to be alone.. Zyaada tension mat le.."Sanskaar assured him.."It's late..I am going to bed .Tu bhi so ja.. Good Night." He added. Laksh nodded in silence and left to his room realising his Bhai is not willing to share anything at this point..

Watching Laksh leave, Sanskaar closed​ the door walked back to his bed.

"Just the match Sanskaar .. Focus on Match nothing else." He told himself settled back on bed. He had an early practice session to catch up next day..And he need to get some sleep. Sanskaar pulled up the covers shutting down every other thought.

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Next day about to leave for college , Ragini walked into Swaras room apprehensive, worried about state of swara .Much to her surprise Swara seemed absolutely fine ..and was getting ready for her college.

Sighing with relief , "Swara .." Ragini approached her quickly." Thank god! You are fine. I was scared last night, jis haalat mein you came in ...darr gayi thi main" .Swara held her hand, gave her a hug and ..muttered a quick apology.After a while , as they settled down Swara gave a gist of last night events.

"I don't blame Sanskaar, Ragini. He is absolutely right in his place.Galati meri thi ..and I will set things right for us." Swara told her. Ragini smiled looking at her.. This was Swara ,who had been missing all these days, the brave and confident one , who would fight back .

Holding Swara's hand , " I am happy you didn't give up Swara .. and I am with you.Hum bhi dekhe jijaji kitne din tumse gussa karenge tumse. Sanskaar loves you a lot .. and I am sure you will melt his anger down soon."Ragini smiled further .

Swara nodded and picked her books ." Hopefully ...soon.But I don't intend to disturb him for next few days till match is over, Ragini. I know he would want the same " Ragini nodded in consent .Bidding bye to each other, they stepped out of room heading for respective colleges.

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On Day of Match

" Sanskaar.. I want you to understand ki my wishes are always with you ..I am with you and if I didn't turn up ..I would want you to give your best and win.Promise me." She told him

" I promise." He remembered his own words

That memory was still fresh in his mind .Few months back ,His restlessness when she didn't turn up for match ..her wishes,his promise and the kiss they shared, .Everything was going perfect then .

And Now Seated in locker room , 30 minutes to match, Sanskaar felt same restlessness . He would have loved having his lady luck besides him.There were messages from her , unanswered ones,A call probably to wish him good luck which he didn't attend.He didn't want to get distracted , That's what he told himself .After his lash out that night , it was natural for her to stay away from him . He had no complains .. He needed this time too.True , the practice sessions kept his thoughts at bay these two days ...but the truth is he missed her.

Anyways he will not let it affect him ..like he promised her. Sanskaar thought firmly.

Things would have been fine ..but Sahil who dropped in to catch up and wish one of his teammates turned out to be an irritator .The men's locker room of their college has a common room which he would deem to be very spacious . Each player has an assigned locker to keep their stuff .In addition they had separate changing rooms and shower too. It was in common room ,where they hanged out pre , post match and practice sessions.It usually only players who were permitted in, but Sahil had been part of few tournaments before ..hence he shared a rapport with few of team members and coach too. Sahil always knew how to use his connections for his advantage..and today he dropped in with a motive.

Though Sahil mellowed down a bit after engagement of Swara and Sanskaar , Kavita seemed in no mood to back off.She managed to get some inside photographs of Swara and Sanskaar's engagement, not the ones published in media and it was absolutely evident all is not fine between duo. ,Swara especially seemed very upset in few, they noted It wasn't tough for them to join 2 and 2 and conclude, Swara was not happy with this alliance..and she still held Sanskaar responsible for her plight.

To capitalise on Swara's hatred and break them apart is what they have planned.And the equation between Swara and Sanskaar seemed encouraging too. They no way looked like engaged couple so much in love as touted in all tabloids. In Fact they were not seen together post engagement as opposed to times when they couldn't keep their hands off each other and madly in love.

Sahil just couldn't wait to use this new piece of information ..rub on Sanskaar's wrong side , which he loved like always, provoking him .As planned , dropping on pretext of wishing the team he looked around for Sanskaar , caught him lost in thoughts. Starting off with a good wish , He diverted the discussion around to Sanskaar .

"Kya hua Sanskaar? You look upset. Are u waiting for someone? Oh ho.. Your fiancee isn't here to wish you isn't it ?" His taunt was clear.

Sanskaar threw a death glare at him"Sahil, you better stay off.I am in no mood to fight."He rose from the bench ..and walked towards his locker.

"Don't worry bro .. I am here to cheer you up.So what if your girl doesn't give you a damn..hum sab hain na " He threw an other. Sanskaar held back his reigning angry.Not before match. Sahil didn't deserve his attention at this point .. so he chose to ignore. But Sahil took so much fun in Sanskaar's silence..and continued.

"Kya hua Sanskaar? Sách hain kya? Ki tum dono ke beech ...you guys are so much in love, isnt it? Like all media was screaming..lekin yaha toh..tck tck..

That's when Swara stormed in fuming. She didn't care if it was Men's locker room and entry was restricted .She would have never known if not for Laksh , who came in meet his brother caught on Sahil's taunts and his brother's silence . He walked off simmering with anger ..vented out to Swara whom he met midway who was on her way to stadium .It riled her up.How dare he taunt Sanskaar?

"Sanskaar .." Swara 's voice caught everyone's' attention as her eyes looked around for him and caught him near locker. Not saying a word Swara walked towards him in quick steps.Before Sanskaar could say a word, her hands grabbed his vest ..dragged him down, her lips pressed to his.

Stunned silence ruled the room at jaw dropping act of Swara.Stunned, confused ..Sanskaar tried to make sense of surroundings .. but he could make out none, other than thoughts and sensations racing through him.All he could think of was how good her  lipsfelt  moving against his, how perfectly they moulded on his. Her very smell was flooding his senses now... and the taste of her which always drove him crazy. One more minute he would have grabbed her right there and God knows! What he could have done.But she pulled away next minute thankfully ,leaving him dazed and drugged .Sanskaar stared at her wide eyed. Swara drew a deep breath and turned back facing rest of team in a cool composed manner.

"So this is how I wish him all the best." Swara tipped her chin upwards ,"Any more questions?"Shunned silence continued .Now Swara directed her fiery gaze towards Sahil, " And you Sahil sen Gupta ..Hamare beech jo kuch bhi hain.You are none to interfere or pass any comments and we don't owe any explanation to anyone. Next time, You better get your facts right. And Mind you, I will not bear word against Sanskaar."

Sahil turned pale.The trump card they seemed to be holding just slipped away in most unexpected turn of events.Ignoring them Swara turned to Sanskaar who still looked lost.The Kiss ,It was not intentional, but an impromptu one.Her fire spitting eyes turned softer gazing into his deep black eyes.Her fingers gently held his cheek, breaking Sanskaar's trance.The slight brush of her fingers over his short stubble evoked nerves beneath him , but her eyes were what captivated him. They gazed at him with love which he had been yearning to see and feel from long.

Swara rose on her feet a little . Her palms pressed lightly against his cheeks.Sanskaar closed his eyes with sigh at brush of her lips opened back at her soft murmur..."Your lady luck is always with you Mr.Maheshwari... All the best.Get me the cup." Their eyes met for a flicker of second .All Sanskaar could do was to nod ,still utterly lost." I will stay close" she whispered again ,then walked off silently

Sanskaar stood watching her .. and every bit of restlessness he felt no longer troubled him.She remembered too, the same moment of theirs .She was here to wish him.It was such a warm feeling. His eyes moved around..stopped at Sahil. Swara gave him an answer well enough to shut the mouth. He need not waste his words anymore.

Just then announcement was made calling the teams in. As he walked out , "Get me the cup" Those words of Swara were only words he tried to fix in his mind.

And ..........he got her the cup.

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"Did you see the last shot Sanskaar played ..It was breathtaking, isn't it?." Swara excitedly told one of her classmates as they walked down the corridor post match." I swear Anu , whenever Sanskaar plays ..I just can't take my eyes of him.He is so good." She added. The excitement of their college winning the tournament ..and Sanskaar winning it for team was too much to take.She cheered up like crazy for him and always loved watching him play.

"And he had eyes only for you through whole match .." Anu pointed out

"It's not like that ,"Swara told meekly.. Yes , he looked at her quite a few times midst the breaks .. and while lifting the cup, his eyes were fixed on her. But Swara didn't want to decode anything and give flight to her hopes..not so soon. She had a long way to win Sansaar back

"I thought you would be with him post match."

Swara looked taken back for a minute at Anu's statement. She would have loved too .Their post match discussions, celebration with choclate had always been fun .. just two of them.Those warm snuggles,ardent passionate kisses..long walks.. She missed them all." Woh .. You know team celebrations and all that ...it's their time right!. iss liye I stayed away." Swara covered it up forcing a smile. The truth was otherwise. she didn't want to ruin this winning day for him, upset him .He would have wanted her to stay away.

" But I guess he cant stay away from you." Anu smiled and pointed at Sanskaar who was walking towards them. Swara stopped in tracks at sight of him. He was coming straight for her.

"I will see you later ..Bye Swara .." Anu left excusing herself .

--------------------------

Swara didn't protest when Sanskaar grabbed her hand.She followed him quietly with no questions as he dragged her down to locker room. After few minutes she found herself backed to one of lockers, his hands on her either sides.Swara lowered her eyes at his intense gaze already feeling the heat of it ,then slowly she lifted her lashes to meet his eyes . His gaze was intact, deep .

"Con..congrats Sanskaar, "Her voice faltered.The faint heartbeat of hers now picked up speed as he leaned closer, then it fluttered wildly at brush of his hot breath on her cheeks. His much familiar musk fragrance with woody notes felt like an intoxicating swirl of scent filling her with a sense of nostalgia. It had been long time they shared such proximity..this close to each other, feeling each other's heart beat.

"Miss Bose.. "His lips brushed her ears murmuring softly .Swara trembled at touch of them"Thanks for the wishes.." He drew back, his face close to hers " But would you mind explaining reason behind your inappropriate entry and act today morning?"

" I just wanted to wish you all the best ... I .."Swara looked for words

"And the kiss?"

"It was .. It ...I meant..I didn't mean..I" Her words stumbled. Damn Swara !kuch toh bolo. Swara tried to compose herself back. She didn't realise he would have this hypnotic effect on her even after all these days.She's finding herself at loss of words and he's not making it any easier being this close.

"Let me guess." Sanskaar drew back little more getting a clear view of her face, " Is this one of tricks to lure me back? A sorry didn't work ..so are you trying it out with a kiss?"He shot at her and Swara's face fell at his rude remark. So that's what he thinks of her ..She is that cheap to resort to such measures. Her eyes turned misty.

Sanskaar didn't fail to notice..and felt pain in her eyes.He shouldn't have said that ,but his frustration needed a way out. Only he knew what effort it took him to gain sanity and focus back after her kiss, just few minutes before match.But he was much bothered about his feelings. How fair it is for her to walk in and crack the walls he built around in defense of his heart .All it took was a kiss and a loving gaze. He's already crumbling. It frustrated him to no end.The power she holds on him which can make him go down on his knees. His helplessness being drawn to her despite his resolve to stay away, his own yearning for her. She managed to mess him up again, totally.

Swara held back her tears. 'Enough of crying Swara! You have shed enough tears Not any more 'she told herself , "That was mean Mr.Maheshwari ,"She told him looking straight into his eyes and Sanskaar forget to blink.He always loved her eyes..which at this moment blazed at him. " About the kiss, it was neither intentional , nor calculated move like you seem to assume. I know you hate to see my face..that's the reason I chose to stay away in spite of my longing to wish you .My miss, I couldn't hold back, called and messaged you. I will make sure it won't be repeated...but regarding my inappropriate action this morning. When Laksh told me how Sahil was uttering rubbish about us ..Gussa aaya tha mujhe .I realised why you chose to stay silent too .. you were trying to ignore him but someone needed to give him an answer. "Swara tipped her chin up proudly, " I may not able to give dhamki or kick someone .. but I have my own ways to shut idiots down. It was on a impulse I kissed you ..aur jaroorat pade tho dobara bhi kiss karungi ..I have no regrets." Swara drew a deep breath,such a long retort..She badly needed to catch up on her breath.

Sanskaar looked at her awe stuck. Damn! He missed this girl ..his firebrand.. lady Gabbar Singh. Sanskaar held back his smile as Swara pushed him aside and started to leave. It wasn't tough for him to guess, she was furious at his remark which was totally uncalled her .

He held her hand .. " Sorry ..I shouldn't have said that." he told apologetically .Swara didn't turn back .His remark was not intentional. He would never hurt her purposefully.She have learnt that lesson

" Sorry" his voice came in again more softer.

Swara turned back this time.," It's ok .I should be the one to say sorry. I know I have hurt you bad Sanskaar. I am trying to make it up and I know It's not that easy but I am not giving up. " Before he could sync in her words, She inched a bit closer closing the distance between them .Sanskaar held back his breath as she leaned closer and like always he found himself lost in her eyes which sparkled with glint of tease ."If You would be mine with just a kiss Mr.Maheshwari ..I would have kissed you thousand times by now."She whispered straight on his lips..His breath hitched.His hand went around her waist, pulling her more closer. Swara nestled comfortably in her safe abode..in warmth of his hands.

"You shouldn't give such tempting offers Miss Bose."  His gaze dropped down to her lips, back to her eyes ,"I might say Yes," He whispered in low husky tone .Her breath quickened. " The morning kiss Miss Bose...It was just for sake of show off right!No other intentions? " He wanted her to say no. He wanted her to say It was not for benefit of spectators but for him.

"Its was on impulse.."Swara answered and caught hint of disappointment in his eyes".She didn't like it ..and it's no hidden secret for either of them, they loved kissing each other. "I was talking about first one Mr.Maheshwari."Her hands reached up and tangled around his neck ..that seemed right place " And the second one was just for you." Swara could bet his lips curved a little upwards." And the third one..." She paused ,her hands playing around his nape.

"Third?" Sanskaar frowned trying to ignoring all those tingling sensations her fingers were shooting up."Did he miss one?" They were just two ,right!Where did this third come from.?" Sanskaar's thoughts raced.

Guessing his trail of thoughts Swara smiled, "Jyada sochiye mat Mr.Maheshwari , sirf do the ,aur ab ," ,Her lips met his for brief kiss shutting his every thought..and they moved against each other in perfect sync for a long time.It was soft, teasing..which would leave one craving for more.They parted with a deep sigh still feeling each other's breath .Their eyes met beholding each other.

"Congrats again. You were brilliant in court like always.."She murmured softly and stepped back. Sanskaar tried to gather back his breath. Her kisses always turned him crazy. After a minute ,Feeling much more composed he leaned casually onto locker .

"Are u trying to woo me by any chance Miss Bose?Shower of kisses and compliments," Sanskaar teased her with a smile "Well I must say that's a good start but you have to try harder."

"That's Very generous of you Mr.Maheshwari ..very encouraging "Swara smiled playfully taking back steps facing him." I will try my best to meet your expectations." That widened Sanskaar's smile.

"I am gonna make it tough for you ." He threw in a subtle warning.

"Try with all you have.."She accepted the challenge, turned back to leave.

A challenge, that's how it all started,tangling them both when they were total strangers..It soon turned into a enticing exciting bond ,made him fall for her and now "Is this some challenge you are posing or some new game we are going to play along?"He asked amused.

Swara turned back at entrance of the door, " It's A game Mr.Maheshwari .A.game called love"

"Love." Sanskaar felt sudden thrill and excitement .That word sounded so sweet for him at that moment. She never mentioned love before .It had always been him proclaiming his love, being absolutely vocal about his feelings. Now Love from her was giving flight to his hopes. ...But he is not gonna assume things.He will wait for her to say those words.But for now,they had a game to play "And if you lose Miss Bose?" He shot one more question at her, his eyebrows raised in question.

Swara considered him for a minute.That was a question posed ..and she knew answer right from the moment she decided to win him back " Win or loose Mr.Maheshwari." Her voice came in slow sure and confident ."By the end I will make sure you will be all mine ..and I am all yours." Smiling she just vanished out of sight, leaving him all alone to muse.

"I am already yours Swara ..and I will make you mine..soon."Sanskaar murmured running hand through his hair.A smile played on his lips. It would be interesting and damn fun to be wooed by his love and he's gonna love every bit of their time from this moment.

" Ek kiss se teri halat itni kharab hain ...aage madam bose se kaise bachega tu? "Sanskaar sighed "Nah..you have to Buck up Sanskaar.Thod mehnet tho madam ko bhi karne do." Smiling further Sanskaar reached to his bag in locker. What a day it had been..Full of surprises and it felt like start of something new........... for them.

May be it is...

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Thanks for reading.Hope you enjoyed this part. Do drop your thoughts...A vote and few words if time permits.

Love

Lucky