They say sometimes the best therapy is long drive and music,but Sanskaar was in no need of therapy, just a bit of wonderful time with his girl, on long drive, he planned for them. He already made a playlist of selected old hindi songs, which he thought they both would love... and decided on place too they would stop for a while before heading back.It was a weekend, hence there would be no hurry.

Last few days had been as easy as breeze.He had been basking in warmth of Swara's affection and attention, her efforts to set things right for them. Few surprises came his way...Fun and pleasant ones.

First was a 'rapid fire round' he had to play with Miss Bose ,an attempt to know his likes and dislikes.It was on one of evenings post college .She dragged him down to open air auditorium and they settled down at a corner.As Swara pulled out list of questions ,note pad and pen Sanskaar watched her smiling. Miss Bose and her ideas. In her usual college look a simple tee paired with denim,her hair pulled back into a messy ponytail, few flyaways loosely curling down her cheeks and with reading glasses on, she reminded him girl in library,the sight which he had been quite smitten in early days of their courtship period.Watching her ,he wondered , how effortlessly she always managed to take his breath away in any look.

He laughed out when she made him take a oath of "Jo bhi kahunga sirf sách kahunga..tweek nahi karuga." When he remarked how unfair it was, as opposed to her list which she tweaked , she gave him one of her charming smiles. ' Yaad hain kitne papad bele hain maine to figure out your list." He reminded her. Swara looked guilty immediately. She had put him through a lot of trouble then. Reading her state of mind,

" Don't worry Mis Bose..I enjoyed every bit of uncovering your secrets."He gave her one of his best smiles .She felt relieved.

Her lips slightly nibbled the pen as she shot him questions , favourites in every category.He answered quickly. Favourite chocolate she asked.

" You know ..recently I have taken liking for a certain strawberry candy...So.." Sanskaar paused grinning.Swara shook her head smiling ,Such a tease he is ." Mr.Maheshwari..when are you going to get over strawberry ?"She asked looking at next question.

"Not until I get to taste a new flavour Miss Bose." He replied instantly and loved the colour on her slightly flushed cheeks. He held her hand which was about to hit him playfully," I am thinking about Mango this time."A slight pull she was much closer to him, "you better get one soon" he murmured softly playing with loose strands .Blushing Swar looked around .Thankfully only few students were scattered here and there in groups of two three.None noticed them and Sanskaar didn't seem like he would care.

Swara gave him a slight push , drew back..and continued with her Q& A Session which went for long.Sanskaar had no complains as he was amply rewarded with vanilla flavoured kiss(es) afterwards.

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Recalling how breathless and craving they left him,Sanskaar reached out to his usual musk perfume. That brought back memory of one more surprise from Swara.

"I got this for you." She handed him gift wrapped box on another of evenings post college." I realised I didn't gift you anything all these days .Hence I thought of this." She told as he unwrapped gift,"It's a perfume." She added

Sanskar watched her amused as she struggled to explain why she chose this , "I thought you would like this one That doesn't mean your regular one is not good , that's good too.. Infact very good ,musk one .." Next minute Swara bit her tongue. Stupid kya bol rahi hain ? She is here to gift him ,not to discuss how he good he smelled and the effect his fragrance had on her, everytime they are close. Deciding to get over, she hurried " I had no clue about fragrances, hence I picked the one which I felt .."

"Would Turn you on?" Sanskaar remarked with a naughty smirk.Her eyes widened first ,Swara turned red at his remark "Is that your motive behind gifting me this, Miss Bose?" He pointed checking perfume and his smirk widened at bright red on her cheeks ,spreading down to her neck.What a beautiful sight it was. How much he loved teasing her.

Swara shot him a mock glare.He would never get tired of teasing her and look at him smirk."Don't get any ideas Mr.Maheshwari.I was about to say which would smell good on you." She huffed and walked off leaving him in all smiles.

This is what turned him crazy about her, prefect combination of shy and boldness.One minute she would be a demure ,pretty lass melting like liquid fire at his touch ,next minute she took on him like wild kitten,fiery enough to dare him.

"Aap se bhi hasi hain aapki ye aadyein.. Hum iss adaa pe kyu na mare." Rightly sung by someone.

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Leaving his regular fragrance Sanskaar splashed perfume Swara got him. He usually opted for oriental fragrances which are a bit heavy and would last longer .Amber wood and white musk was his 'always to go' option.But this seemed light and refreshing .He could smell zesty notes of lemon, grapefruit with spicy woody undertones ,sensual and fresh.

He checked his reflection in mirror.

When they started off challenge, He had no clue Swara would make him fall for her, this hard .So what was it?Win or Loss? Did it really matter when they are together now?

Long drive was his plan. He wanted to do something special for her, for the best surprise she gave him in form of his fav sweet dish Gaajar ka halwa( Carrot halwa) which he absolutely loved. It was on one of days he couldn't attend college owing to a meeting in Maheshwari Industries where his presence was called for,a meeting with foreign delegates who dealt with them abroad. Durgaprasad Maheshwari wanted Sanskaar to be formally introduced to team as successor. Incidentally It was on same day Swara got him halwa.

Disappointed first Swara didn't let it reflect in her voice during a brief call they had. She didn't mention the halwa too..Hence it was Laksh who turned delivery agent for them

Back in pent house, that evening

"Bhai .. here.." Laksh handed over the dabba

"What's this lucky? " Sanskaar asked checking the box.

"Woh kisi ne bahut pyaar se aap ke liye bheja hai aur kaha ki Its first time I tried something . I am not sure how it turned out to be .Please Sanskaar ko de dena, These are exact words" Looking at Sanskaar's question mark face,"Arey bhai Swara ne bheja hain tere liye..Kuch banaya usne . I Swear I didn't open the box."

Ignoring Laksh ramblings Sanskaar opened up box, thrilled.

" Wow ..aapka Fav," Laksh exclaimed peeking into box ,"Halwa and its look yummy." Next minute he snatched it from Sanskaar's hand . It was after a bit of chasing, lot of teasing and a nice thrashing Laksh handed over box back to Sanskaar ."Fine Bhai..Halwa in tho Bhai out , Bhalayi ka zamana hi nahi raha,kaise din aagaye." In his usual dramebaaz style Laksh made an exit.

She cooked for him.Sanskaar couldn't name what he felt then. He took a spoonful.

It may not be the best of ones he tasted, but it was sweetest one he would ever taste again. One always need not declare in big bold words about loving .It can be spelled out with little gestures too ,which would speak volumes.

" Not bad , Miss Bose." Sanskaar smiled taking another spoonful.

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Swara excitedly picked up Sanskaar's call.

"Hi Sanskaar.."

She checked on meeting and listened as Sanskaar gave her a brief of same.She waited for him to say something about Halwa but nothing came in, unable to hold back any longer

"Tumne Halwa Khaaya?' she asked.

Ah! He had been waiting for her to broach topic. About to answer his eyes moved towards Laksh,who was hogging on rest of halwa."Halwa? What Halwa?"Sanskaar brought out his most innocent tone.

"Didn't Laksh tell you anything ? I mean he didn't give you dabba?" Swara asked all alert . May be Laksh missed it out.

"Are u talking about dabba which Laksh is eating from right now! Kya tha uss main?" Sanskaar continued his act ,smiled listening as Swara fumed and passed over phone to Laksh

" Swara wants to talk to you."He took over box from Laksh settled comfortably in sofa ,stretching his legs on table before him. Now it's gonna be fun.

Laksh who took the phone ,expecting thanks for his timely delivery ..got a shock " Kya? Ya, I am eating Halwa right now! Arey Swara ..listen to me.Swara.I swear,Bhai ko diya maine.Arrey Sachi ..."Laksh diverted his murderous gaze to Sanskaar who oblivious to his dhulai was concentrating on finishing halwa.Laksh threw him "please save me" look still holding the phone and was at receiving end of Swaras trashing Smiling further Sanskaar took over " Hey Swara ..Relax . Lucky ne mujhe de diya .I was just ..ok I am sorry.I was just pulling his leg.Haan I will pass your sorry too.Mazaq tha..."

Talking ,Sanskaar slowly stepped in balcony " Waise Halwa acha tha!" he told and could hear her smile.Then they talked for a while." What's plan for tomorrow?Weekend right! Mere saath chaloge,if you don't have other plans?"

He waited.

"When should we leave? Do I need to pack ?" Swara 's question surprised him.

"Are u not going to ask where we would be going Miss Bose?" He questioned back.

"Do I need to? I am going with you. I have no questions Mr.Maheshwari" Swara stated straight.She wanted to add " I trust you" but held back . She didn't want them to be just words but actions. These little gestures are what matters. But her message was given and taken

She trusts him.It was a good feeling .But didn't he feel same w

on that night too when he got her here.In Fact he was elated then. It was right next day ,She accused him of scandal.He didn't need such trust which would flicker with time and situations,but the one which would go strong in most worst situations.A trust which would move mountains.That is what he expected.

Trust develops over time, He is aware. Was he wrong in assuming they know each other well enough to trust.Where did he fail to win her trust? He had no clue.He intended to find out and clarify few aspects.

"You need not pack. It's for a kind of long drive. We will be back by night.I will pick you up in morning from baadi , say around 10.00 am, if that's fine" he resumed conversation.

" I will be ready by then." Swara replied.After few minutes of casual talk, Swara placed back the phone.The call somewhere left her restless. It seemed like a formal grounded talk towards end. He seemed withdrawn suddenly.What was troubling him?Would he tell her? Should she ask him? What is this unspoken gap all about.True, Their relation had mostly been passion driven and frenzy not the one which would develop slowly over time. It started off as whirlwind, had been on and off. May be that's where it went wrong.

They didn't have a steady relation which she wants to turn around this time.She will.

Pushing thoughts aside, Swara reached to her wardrobe.She needs to decide on a dress for tomorrow.

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Swara opted for a simple peach colour salwar with a very little embroidery around neckline and hands. She let her hair loose. Though never mentioned, she knew he liked it that way. She lovingly picked ear rings, he got for her during shopping trip. Would he notice? Let's see.A watch and a matching bracelet were other accessories to chose to pair it up with. A basic makeup routine taught by Ragini completed the look.

Swara checked her reflection in mirror. Just the way she wanted to look. Simple and elegant.Though Dadi sulked, Sekhar readily agreed with not many questions.Ragini seemed more than happy. Swara herself had been looking forward for their outing.It's been long, they had one.

Buzz of horn, He's here. Smiling, Swara picked her handbag and stepped out.

Leaning onto his Suv,Sanskaar watched Swara walking out of baadi who looked like a dream.The peach coloured salwar went well with her creamy complexion .Peaches and Cream,Sanskaar smiled. Swara caught his smile as she walked closer. And her heart did a double take. A lazy grin or wise ass smirk, a teasing smile or hearty laugh,his smile always charmed her. In a striped t shirt,paired with jacket and navy chinos ,he looked no less stylish

"Chale?" He asked opening the door for her. Swara nodded with a smile and got into the car.After few minutes , they were on road.

" I thought we would go on bike."'Swara started the conversation.

"I would love to have you wrap around me,"Sanskaar answered smiling "but since it's a long drive , I didn't want us to get tired.Iss liye.." He focused back on road." Btw are u not going to ask where are we going, not even now?"

Swara considered a him silently for a minute " Not where ..But Just wanted to ask why all of sudden. I mean kuch special hain kya?" Their last two outings had been well planned This seemed like a bit of surprise,which was equally exciting.

"Of Course it's special . First time you cooked for me. Celebrate karna tho banta hai " He noted her smile fading at his reply. Silence followed.It was after a while Swara spoke

"Sanskaar ,I didn't cook for you expecting something in return.I did it because.." Sanskaar held her hand and Swara eyes met his.

"Sorry, I didn't mean it that way Swara ,but you have no clue how much it meant to me. Just think it's my way of saying you a thank you ," Sanskaar drew back his hand,"aur waise Miss Bose... Let me remind you about charming, handsome guide we discussed at our first outing plan.He's with you . I don't think you should complain."

"Ok ..Mr. Charming and handsome." Her smile was back.He definitely know how to put her at ease.The thought he loved her little surprise for him definitely lifted up her spirits.

"Any ways I will not keep you in suspense." Sanskaar checked on route. " We are going to Raichak."

"Raichak?" Swara gazed at him curiously. She still had half of Kolkata to cover.This place ,She never heard of it. Reading her thoughts, Sanskaar decided to make it easy for her." It's around 50 km from Kolkata . Would take around 2 hours for us to reach. Raichak is riverside town located on the banks of River Hooghly. It has a fort built by Dutch which ruined with time , but they have renovated it into a resort few years back .Ffort Raichak. They have some amazing restaurants,good food .I heard the view of Ganges from Fort is breath taking Oh! There's a boat ride too. Best of all ,We can take a walk on river side like you would love."

"Sounds exciting" Swara beamed listening to him ".A walk on river side with Sanskaar.Her mind immediately conjured images of them walking hand in hand ,talking heart out,playing around with water. " I guess it's gonna be lovely, this trip "

Sanskaar smiled at her excitement, "And you know there's a story too..related to fort. Interested?" He asked .Swara nodded eagerly.

"This fort you know ..is located at bend of river. 1780 main Reginald Watson naam ka general , apne family ke saath yaha rehta tha with around 65 soldiers. Their mandate was to save cargo ships from pirate attacks.He had a beautiful daughter Caroline.She fell in love with Sergeant named James. They both planned to elope, in a ship named Sea Queen on a night , but unfortunately there was torrential downpour and they were attacked by pirates too same night. Caroline left a note behind about elopement.Uski maa ko mili. Usne General ko bataya. They tried to save the ship midst pirates attack but ..it didn't work out.Barish itni jyada tha ki , fort was flooded and ship was wrecked too with no survivors."

"Dead? All of them?" Swara who had been holding her breath back,let it out.

"Sab nahi . but both the lovers, family of general and few soldiers. Phir World war ke waqt, remains of fort were ruined too , Japanese ki aerial attack se.They renovated it ,some 20 years back .Now it's one of happening weekend getaways".Sanskaar finished and checked on time. They should be reaching in sometime.

The ride went absolutely smooth on NH 117. The greenery on either sides was a refreshing sight to watch.But Swara's mind was far away from all this as she gazed out of car window . Her thoughts wandered around ill fated love story. She never liked tragic endings especially in love stories. Happy Ever Afters always made her smile, but not all stories are destined for one.What about their story?They will have a happy ending ,Right!

"Kaha khogayi ?" with Sanskaar's words giving a break to her thoughts Swara turned to him, " Kuch nahi .. bas aise hi.." .

"We reached" At his words ,Swara peeked out of car window.

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Her eyes met sight of magnificent citadel towering above ground ,overlooking river .Set midst lush greenery ,it just looked like perfect hideout one would seek after a tiring week.

"It's beautiful Sanskaar " Swara looked around as they walked down

"Just wait for night to fall, all lighted up, I heard it would just take your breath away."

"So what's plan?"

"Hmm ..I was thinking about a nice lunch followed by a boat ride, nice coffee, some yummy snacks ,a walk down the river .Then we will check the fort,phir dinner karenge, then we will drive back.How does that sound?"

"Lovely...I can't wait it to start "Swara held Sanskaar hand.Sanskaar smiled and drew her close.After few deliberations, they decided on Sonar Tori , A Bengali restaurant .

When Sanskaar asked, if she had plans to make him eat ,Maas Machi like his mom would name it. "Mr.Maheshwari,please get out of your misconception that Bengali cuisine just means fish.We have some amazing vegetarian dishes too.Wait until I make you taste them."Swara told as they took their seats in restaurants .And true to her word ,they started off with Shukto, a bitter sweet broth,followed by starters .Alu bhaja: shredded fried potatoes and Postor Bora: poppy seed fritters Which Sanskaar couldn't stop munching on.Then they had rice and roti with Labda, A mixed vegetable curry and a delicious jackfruit curry ,Echorer Dalna and few more .As they tasted Swara explained Sanskaar about each dish " We were in Mumbai ,lekin ghar main Bengali khana hi banta than mostly. My Dida ..She's an amazing cook."

They finished with Misti Doi and Rasgullas.By the end Sanskaar concluded he's just not in love with his Bengali fiancee but the food too.

May be, he should let his mom taste few of these.She would have a change of opinion as well. When Sanskaar mentioned same to Swara " I am learning to cook..Mom ko main khud banake khilaunga." she told fondly.

"Aur mujhe Miss Bose?"

"aap ko tho zindagi bhar mere haath se khaana hoga Mr.Maheswari ." Smiling Swara tossed a spoon of sweet curd into Sanskaar's mouth, which had him smiling too.

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Paddle boating turned out to be fun ,followed by snacks and hot chai.

By the time they took walk down the river side, enjoying the calm and serene sight, the breeze chilled by few degrees. Sanskaar was quick to lend his jacket to Swara ..

" Kuch filmy nahi hogaya Mr.Maheshwari," Swara teased drawing his jacket more closer, feeling warm.

" Exactly, Miss Bose. Aaj maine jacket pehna bhi toh iss liye.I was waiting to recreate some bollywood magic where heroine waits for hero to lend his jacket ,aise thande mausam main . I swear only if we had a hut and some fire.. ..tho ..maza aa jata Right!."Sanskaar was quick to tease back ."Ouch ..That hurts. Dheere se.." He broke into smile as Swara hit him playfully and they continued their walk. It was just before night fall , they caught sight of magnificent Ganges from top of fort flowing tirelessly by its side. The sight indeed was breathtaking.

"Do you trust me Swara?" Sanskaar asked all of sudden which took Swara by surprise. He was serious and he needed an answer. It was clear . They stood at one end of fort next to each other "Do you ?" He turned to her.

"I do ,Sanskaar "Looking straight into in his eyes ,with absolute confidence Swara answered. She faltered once , not again.

" Do you trust me enough to share your darkest deepest secrets , if I ask you to?' He asked again , his voice laced with a depth. His eyes held her in place. Swara nodded.

"Why did you ignore me sometime back ?Remember when we had our first fight.I still don't have a clue why? Did I wrong you somewhere ? Don't tell me it's all of sudden . I know something triggered it ."His hand held her elbow." I need an answer today , Swara. I want to understand where did I fail ..you..I

"You didn't, "her voice came in between .Sanskaar paused. "You didn't fail me Sanskaar . I did then."

Swara...

"Sanskaar.."Swara pressed his hand slightly ," You wanted an answer. Please listen to me with no questions ..Please " Sanskaar nodded.Swara stepped back and directed her gaze towards river and drew a deep breath. She should have done this before , but better late than never. He should know " You know Sanskaar. I always found concept of love very fascinating. Love was never enough for me. I wanted more and more ..Maa loved me enough for both, But the gap had always been there whenever I watched kids with a complete family .I watched my mom shed tears every night for that one person, whom she loved assuming I was asleep. As a kid , I had no clue why .As time passed, I realised its because she loved someone more than herself. Then I knew Love hurts too.It holds the power to break you .I grew up with confusing stance, the need of being loved , scared of losing it and pain it would give "

"Jab Maa ka accident hua ..My whole world collapsed kyunki Maa hi meri duniya thi.Then I stepped into Kolkata , new place new people. Baba , Ragini , Dadi .. and then ." Swara faced Sanskaar who was watching her intently. She inched a bit closer, her hands slightly places on his shirt.She looked up and met his eyes " You happened to me,Sanskaar" The admiration in her eyes tugged his heart." You walked into my life , swept me off my feet ..and before I could realise , you have become part of my life.I knew I was falling for you, hard and fast ,getting drawn to you helplessly.I was scared too."

His hands drew her close, instinctively " You remember the keychain ,you gifted me , the guitar one..And Swara told him rest of events that followed, Simran's remark on key chain , gossips around class, how her deep rooted fears took over,and inner struggle to handle them " You were right ! I was insecure, which my ego didn't let me admit when you confronted. I avoided you because the minute you would come closer, I would crumble Sanskaar.I don't have power to resist you. " Her helpless admission made him reflect on his own state . So he's not the only one.

"I was scared I would be left heartbroken, scared of pain it would give.I guess, I handled it in wrong way .Tumhe itna hurt kiya khud ko hurt kiya..I am sorry. "Her eyes turned misty , his hands reached before those drops slid down the cheeks." And the scandal..I didn't get over my fears yet , my state of mind didn't let me think straight.May be I could have, agar uss raat baadi main woh sab nahi hota. lekin ab ..Believe me ,I Trust ..."

"Ssssh..."He placed a finger on her lips, " Aur kuch mat kaho..." His fingers moved to her cheeks in soft strokes .She didn't have to spell it out. She trusts him with all her heart but he had one more question.

" What if I would have gifted keychain to Simran?"

"Wouldn't matter .It was before I stepped into your life. I can't change past Sanskaar .It's present that matters to me, with you.You accepted me with my past , Can't I do the same?"

Overwhelmed In silence, he gathered her close, she hid herself in warmth of his embrace.She no longer felt chilled as his hands wrapped her in a hold, which made it clear, he had no intentions to let her go.Never.Her cheek pressed on to his heart , she could hear its beat ..her own beat matching its rhythm, calm and steady.

" Next time Miss Bose.aisa kuch hua tho.You better talk to me ",he tightened his hold .Swara nodded and snuggled closer ,relaxing herself into state of warm bliss.

"I will.."

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After a quick dinner , about to leave Swara took one last turn from car .All lighted up,The fort stood tall , high and picturesque.

As they drove back .. Swara felt relieved of a burden she harboured somewhere deep down. As Songs floated in , she smiled realising he hand picked old hindi songs for her.

"Yeh Raat bheegi Bheegi .."Manna dey's voice came in. Swara leaned on Sanskaar's shoulder, felt his lips pressed to her forehead."Kyu aag si laga ke ghum hum hain chandni.."Lata's voice followed. Such a lovely song.Sighing contentedly, closing her eyes, Swara slowly drifted off to sleep, a peaceful one.

Sanskaar glanced at her sleeping form in between drive.He had his answers..and he knew what it would have taken her to confess fears and insecurities.But she did. Trust was no longer a question , but his mind reeled in the key chain incident. He never gifted Simran one..and the gossips surfacing like all of sudden,around same time .They are definitely ringing bells.It was a planned move..and he knew where to get his answers. He had some scores to settle.

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It was around night 10.30 they reached .Swara drowsily opened her eyes , as Sanskaar patted her cheek gently .

" We reached " He pointed at baadi.Reluctantly Swara made herself straight .The warmth was already missing ." Good night Sanskaar ..I loved our day out." A little smile played around her lips,her tone soft and low

"I loved it too !" Sanskaar leaned closer kissed her lightly on cheek ," Goodnight Swara." He murmured softly and drew back.

" Itni chotu se kiss?" Swara complained in her sleepy voice,still feeling dozy.Their faces still close.. Sanskaar smiled at cute pout on her lips. He had this sudden urge to kiss it away and take care of her complaint in best possible way.His fingers feathered over her cheeks lightly,

" Don't tempt me Swara ..you know ,I can't resist you either" He leaned bit closer unconsciously.

"You don't have to " She murmured and leaned more closer. Her eyes fluttered shut just like light in car as their lips met for a tender passionate kiss. Suffused with warmth and gentleness his lips traced hers in light strokes.Her hands found way around his neck as he drew her more closer lost in sweet taste of her...and he kissed her with all felt ,every unspoken word poured into the kiss..and she let him take the lead.She just reveled in warm feel of his hands, one curved around her shoulders,other tangled in her curls, his hot mouth insistent against hers.Her lips parted when he sought entrance very willingly, letting him taste every bit her.The tangy fragrance of his cologne she noted was the one she gifted him and was definitely turning her on.The kiss, It soon turned deep..every cold chill melting away in heat of their fused lips.

He drew back slowly,feeling heady and intoxicated.Her state was no different." Is this long enough, Miss Bose?" He whispered softly,with a lazy loving grin and smiled as she snuggled into crook of his neck with a shy smile, her breath brushing his neck. " Don't go .." She held his hand. She didn't want this dream ride to end.

"Just few more months Swara.We will always be together then,"he lifted their joined hands to his lips.."I promise". They stayed holding each other for long.

"My jacket, Miss Bose ?" He asked as she stepped down.

"Not coming back to you any sooner Mr.Maheshwari," Swara pulled jacket more closer which had him smiling.

She watched him drive away.Those words danced on tip of her tongue when they parted after kiss..Those 3 words. But she didn't voice them out.She still felt guilt ridden for all the pain she gave him.She still have to win him back completely.She would tell him ....soon.

Bidding her bye..he drove back. He was almost tempted to say I love u .. but he didn't.He told her once. Not at right place and time. Those 3 words .That was last piece of him he was holding back from her.The minute he would say those words.. He would be enslaved with all he have to her. He didn't want to be ..not at this moment.His wounds ran deep..and they are healing, He needed more time. But he would tell her ..soon.

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