Hello People,

Feels good to be back to the game. With no further delay, here I present next installment.This is a light-hearted chapter before we jump into some serious drama ..in next update.

Happy Reading.Please do let me know your thoughts.

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Parvati Gadodia stirred on bed ,restless. She couldn't get that diamond necklace out of her mind. " Kam se kam 4 ya 5 lakh ka tho hoga."she muttered under breath. She caught a glimpse of it accidentally post their return to baadi, on the night of Sangeet.

'It's a gift from Sanskaar,' Swara answered meekly, when probed.

It was such a sore sight, that necklace on that Bengali chori..only if it had been on her laado, It would have definitely looked prettier.Everything she dreamt for Ragini seems to be turning true for Swara .. like she snatched away her 'poti's' luck. Only if she never walked into their lives...

The sight of Laksh and Ragini gave a flight to her hopes of tying up Ragini to Maheshwari's ,but even then, that Bengali chori would be ruling over there. Didn't she notice how smitten Sanskaar was with her.

"abhi se itna luta raha hai..pata nahi shaadi ke baad kya karega?" she muttered another curse. If rumors are to be true, it will be Sanskaar who will be taking over business ..Laksh would be his second fiddle. He didn't seem to mind too. 'bhai ka chamcha'.Then her laado would suffer the same fate.That thought burned her from within.

But no worries, If things go as per plan, Swara will be out of their lives, she will be ruined. Patience is the call of the hour, just two more days to play her cards.

"Bas iss bengali chori ki saaya hat jaaye maare pariwar se...Maare khaatu shyamji,"Parvati Gadodia sighed and tried to get some sleep.

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Everything felt like a dream. A beautiful and lovely dream.Swara mused playing with her engagement ring. What a night it had been. Every little moment played before her eyes. The warm feel of his fingers when he held her hand..his smoldering gaze,'

"You have no right to look this gorgeous Miss Bose, "

A mere whisper from him turned her knees to jelly. She had been replaying the events again and again like a love lost teenager, gushing over her fiance. He sang for her, then their little escapade to the terrace, the gift, and their romance.Swara felt her cheeks turn warm...

just two more days for their 'big day'.Then it would be a happy ever after.

Swara lied back on the bed, pulled over covers and snuggled into soft quilt..ready to dream

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"2 days means 48 hours? Are they kidding me Lucky? I can't! Kal Mujhe Swara ko dekhna hai bas! Sanskaar declared adamantly pacing in the room.They were in his room to sort out a situation which was of a huge concern for Sanskaar.

All the plans he made to drop at baadi on the pretext of returning Swara's jewellery went for a toss.

He happened to catch up snippets of Annapurna and Sujata's discussion on 'shagun ki mehendi' and their plans to leave for baadi along with Uttara next morning.He enthusiastically volunteered to drop but his idea was met with protests.Sujata shot him I -know- why you -want- to- go- kind of look.It was Annapurna who smiled and asked him to wait for 48 hours.

It was Mehendi which was supposed to be only ladies function so there's no point of him joining them and next day it was haldi ceremony in morning, followed by the wedding at night. Bride and groom are not allowed to step out of the house and meet each other before the wedding, She explained for his benefit.

"Seeda Mandap pe dekh lena apni dulhan ko." She teased, joined by Uttara.Sanskaar knew he didn't stand a chance. He turned to Laksh for help.

"Will you say something? Kuch chakkar chala na yaar." Sanskaar settled one side of the bed facing Laksh who lounged himself comfortably on a couch.

Laksh gave a thoughtful look,"I was just thinking bhai what would these ladies do in mehndi function ..aisa kya karenge ki we are not allowed?"

"Yeah Like I know! I am getting married for the 10th time ..Right!"

Laksh laughed at his brother's remark .. "Sorry Bhai, wrong question .," He pondered for a little longer," Ok! You want to meet Swara.You will be meeting her."He told confidently.

"How ?" Sanskaar shot a question.

Laksh got up from the couch and smirked, " Leave that to me... "

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Next Day

"Are you sure this plan would work Lucky? Sanskaar asked as they drove to baadi. They waited till the Maheswari ladies left ..and got into the plan of action.

"Of Course It would. Lucky ka plan is 100% full proof .." Laksh gave a proud look first, then looking at Sanskaar expressions, "I mean there are few glitches here and there ..but bhai you have to admit ..My plans do work."

"Yes with very good chances of backfiring and why the hell are we driving in burkha?'" Sanskaar tried to focus on the road. As per lucky's plan they had to slip on a black cloak over shirt and shots with little relaxation given to eyes ..through mesh cloth.

"Trust me bhai...This is the safest option "Laksh replied from under burkha." Just not the woman, their clothes are complicated too. Saree, salwar ,chudidhar and the list goes on. This is the easiest one .But ye heels .."He threw a disgusting look to golden colored shiny heels on his feet.

 "God !How do they even walk in this? Just pray that I don't stumble and fall off... Chachi will kill me even if she got a whiff I have laid hands on her much-loved designer Sandals."

"You were so excited to try them right! Ab bhugto," Sanskaar laughed at Laksh's plight,"Thank God! I chose badi maa's flats... They are much easier to handle.By the way, did you call Ragini?"

Laksh shook in negative "Surprise! "

Sanskaar took the car to a side , turned off the engine and took veil off his face and lucky's too. " Mind telling me what's cooking between you both.Don't give me that stupid smile.I am not buying it,"He said with a mock stern. That's when Laksh slowly revealed how his equation with Ragini has changed over time and how they have planned to reveal it after Swara and Sanskaar's marriage.

"I knew it .." A smile took over Sanskaar's stern glare. "Duffer, You could have told me before." He gave a playful pat on Lucky's head who looked relieved than guilty. " Don't worry, I will break the news to bade papa when you feel its right time. "

"I love you bhai ,'Laksh hugged Sanskaar with a beaming smile. They could always count on each other without an ounce of doubt.

"Let's save this for our girls.." Sanskaar replied with a smile and reached to car keys.

"I just hope that Dadi doesn't come into the picture," Laksh mumbled covering the veil back. This time he's all prepared ..to face that devil dadi.

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Like the luck would have it ..they encountered Parvati Gadodia in the baadi right at the entrance. Sanskaar stayed mum as per instructions letting Laksh take over.

"Aap?"Parvati Gadodia shot a suspicious look moving her eyes back and forth from one to another.Laksh cleared his throat. Time for some drama.shuru hoja beta

"Woh Hum Ragini ke dost hain dadi ji.. He replied in girls voice which was one of his hidden talents. "Kaha hain woh?"

Sanskaar had to bit back his giggles. It was no secret to him Laksh loved mimicking people's voice but had no clue he could pull off girls voice like a pro.

Parvati was still not convinced.Just then Ragini walked out holding a thali of flowers and walked to Dadi as she was called "Ji dadi.." and shot a confused look at Ladies in burkas as dadi introduced them to be her friends.

"Mere Dost?" Ragini looked equally suspicious scanning them tip to toe and Dadi was quick to catch the puzzled expression of Ragini , strengthening her suspicion.Before She could utter a word Laksh grasped the situation.He cant let the beans spill out, not until mission is accomplished

"Haye Ragini ..Tu mujhe bhool gaye .main tumhari jaan jangiri."Laksh was quick to pull Ragini into a hug shocking her for a minute .He quickly murmured something into her ear and drew back, "Zara batavo apni dadi ko"

Stilled first, Ragini took a minute to grasp the scenario. Laksh and Sanskaar, God! She had a major covering up to do. She instantly brought up a smile "Haan dadi..woh ..woh mere dost hain ..woh college ke ..maine hi bulaya inhe.. "She muttered in a low voice and pointed at Laksh ,"Ye ..ye salma hai or ye .." she turned to Sanskaar trying to figure out a name.

"Zalima," Laksh supplied.

"Ye kaisa naam hai?" Dadi drawled her words," Aur ye chup kyu hain? " she cast a doubtful look at Sanskaar.

"Woh ghungi hain ..bol nahi sakti' Laksh came up with an answer.

Oh Great! Sanskaar sighed from behind, now's he's mute as well, besides that He has a fancy name too. Zalima.. Like really.! He rolled his eyes.

"Aur dadi ji,aap ne woh srk ka movie nahi dekha? woh gaana ,O Zalima.. O Zalima.. "Laksh did a small dance .Ragini giggled while Dadi looked perplexed .

"Haan haan le chalo inhe ..aur maare se dur rakho." She told Ragini in a low tone

The trio sighed with relief. Thank God!

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Ignoring the mumblings of Ragini complaining about not being informed and Laksh trying to pacify her , Sanskaar's eyes looked around for Swara. He caught sight of an excited Uttara , his mother and badi maa at one end engaged in a conversation with other ladies. There were songs and dances going on all around , making it tough for him to figure her out. He carefully made his way between ladies and caught a glimpse of 'her' 

Seated in the center ,on a little stage-like setting, decorated with colorful drapes and floral hangings,In a simple ,pink and gold embroidered sleeveless anarkali, her hair pulled to a side .. with a little hint of blush as she was being teased and that beautiful smile..she looked .....

"Hayee.. Ye ladki meri jaan le legi ek din.." He sighed dreamily

How much he wished to kick all these people out and be the one next to her. Like his prayers were heard Ragini rushed to his side.

" Jiju .. "she muttered slowly and guided him to Swara's side. Sanskaar followed silently. (s)He was introduced by Ragini.

"She's a very good friend of mine .. she's a bit shy types, Please issey apne saath bitavo. I will be back in sometime .." Swara nodded, looked at the lady in Burkha and smiled. 'She cant talk' Ragini added.Concern crossed Swara's features but she was quick to smile back People seldom expect sympathy on such scenarios ..at least a few of them hated it. She has no intentions to offend their guest anyway.

"Keep her close," Ragini hinted smiling and left.

"You can sit here .." Swara moved a little offering the place,"Please make yourself comfortable.. and please feel free to ask me anything you need."Swara added. Sanskaar nodded. His girl never fails to amaze him. She has a warm aura which made people feel valued and loved. All it takes is a little smile, few gestures and few more kind words ...and Miss Bose have them in abundance.

Sanskaar settled just behind Swara and watched as she stretched out for palms for mehndi.Soon her delicate palms were filled with intricate lines of henna, turning out to be a beautiful design.When one of the elderly ladies teased asking her to take would be husband's name,Swara lowered her eyes, gave a shy smile, her cheeks blushing with a lovely shade of deep red...

Sanskaar..she murmured equally shy.

Sanskaar felt his heart would burst out of happiness, the way she took his name in such a loving way, filled him with an aching joy, tender feeling of love. All he wanted was to haul her up into his arms, cradle her close, kiss her crazily and murmur soft endearments of his love ..and he can't wait for longer.He needs to have her now, at this very moment.

Thankfully the moment came sooner. Done with her mehendi, tired of long sitting hours,Swara decided to take a stroll around. As She carefully stepped down from the stage, her dupatta slid off. Sanskaar was quick to hold it.Their fingers brushed accidentally.Swara felt jolted with a familiar sensation.She looked up at lady before her for a minute.

No, it can't be ...

Brushing away he thoughts Swara muttered a quick thank you, turned away from him and made her way in between crowd.

She felt the need for a short break, at least a few minutes of solitude from hustle bustle and buzz around.She caught hold of Ragini midway ..and murmured into her ear for which Ragini nodded in consent. Sanskaar who stood little away ..followed her keeping a safe distance in order to avoid any unnecessary attention.

Swara moved to another side of baadi leading to her room. The arrangements were made in Gadodia residence which left her room considerably empty .. other than storing some marriage stuff. Thankfully!

Though pre-wedding functions were fun ..nothing can beat few snatched moments for self in between. About to open the door the sound of footsteps behind caught her attention. She turned back, to be greeted with the sight of Ragini's friend.

"You need something ? Do you want me to call Ragini? "She looked over his shoulder trying to find Ragini. Sanskaar nodded no and stepped forward and in reflex action, Swara stepped backward stumbling into the room followed by Sanskaar.In a matter of few seconds, the room was locked leaving a bewildered Swara behind.

"Ye aap.."Her shocked murmurs died down the minute Sanskaar took veil off his face and pushed it back. Swara took more than few minutes to sync in. Standing before her was ...Sanskaar in a. ..Burka?

Swara broke into fits of laughter as Sanskaar watched her amused.

"Haso Haso aur Haso .. "Sanskaar stepped forward and drew her firmly against him.Her laugh subdued taken over the awareness of his strong taut body pressed on to her.Their gazes met and held  each other.

"Ek tho main tumhare liye itna papad bhel raha hoon aur tum has rahi ho.. Not fair Miss Bose, " He murmured in a low husky tone teasingly which had her heart fluttering, but soon his the teasing look was taken over by an acute longing ..spelled in his eyes.

."I missed you .."

Was all he said gathering her close. She had her answers.

He leaned his forehead slightly against hers and breathed in her familiar fragrance. Swara threaded her hands carefully around his neck making sure her half-dried Mehendi is not smudged...and they just stayed holding each other for few minutes.

"Badi Maa bol rahi thi .. I can't see you for next 24 hours.. I went crazy with the thought itself .."he kissed her softly on the forehead

She looked up at him with a trace of worry. "Dadi bhi Keh rahi hain aisa milne se koi apshagun hota hai."

His thumb brushed over cheek in simple caresses "Koi bhi apshagun tumhe mujhse dur nahi Kar sakta ,Swara ." He told with sheer confidence fading away her every fear.She nestled close and sighed softly at the touch of his lips

"You could have told me.."She whispered breathily as his kisses trailed over her face.

"There's something called surprise ,Miss Bose .." He kissed her cheek,"And I had something of yours which you left behind last night on terrace"Holding her close with one hand ,Sanskaar reached out to his back pocket and pulled out her jewellery. "Bhool gayi thi tum" he placed them on the table next to them.

Swara smiled, "Bhool nahi gayi thi..chod ke aayi thi ,Mr.Maheshwari "Her eyes sparkled with mischief.

Sanskaar raised his eyebrows ."Aha! "He nodded smiling back and leaned forward,"Look your plan worked...Very smart..' He nuzzled her neck teasingly drawing shaky laughter from her." I would have dropped in any way.." He pressed his lips to her neck.They moved languidly over her skin pleasuring her.

"Dadi might come in ..or someone else..." Swara murmured drawing in sharp breath wishing she could tangle her fingers into his sleek dark locks drawing him more closely, but she can't take chances with her Mehendi.

"Better .." his lips now moved to her ears," We don't have to wait till tomorrow.." he whispered faintly placing feathery kisses at the back of ear "They will get us married right away..." Swara smiled at the hint of mischief in his tone.Teaser.

"You already know where your name's hidden, Cheater," Swara murmured referring to him being next to her during mehendi ceremony.

"I will act like I have no clue and trace it on our wedding night..Promise." His lips touched a corner of her lips drawing a gasp from her.

"Swara.... "Dadi's voice came in interrupting them followed by a bang on the door.

"Aayi Dadi..bas 5 minute .." Swara replied back and looked at Sanskaar ".Dadi aagayi.. Jaane do na,"Swara gave a pleading look.Sanskaar nodded no holding her more tightly with a naughty grin.

"If you get caught...Gadbad ho jayegi" Swara wriggled to free herself "Sanskaar ...Please "

"Not before I kiss you properly... " His grin widened.In one quick movement he lowered his head and captured her lips ..and she couldn't think of a thing next...

He nudged her upper lip softly, then a sweet tug at lower lip had Swara gasping with pleasure..and she gave into his demands willingly. She inched more close pressing into him welcoming heat of his silken tongue, the feel of his fingers curling around her nape as kiss turned deeper and hotter. Heat enveloped around them as he teased her with flirtatious kisses short, quick ones and drawing her in for a long deep one..

She wouldn't care if 1000 people barged in at this moment and watched them kiss.He invaded her senses in every way and she clung to him in need of more, responded back with equal fervor.A little nibble on his lip had him groaning and soon kiss turned into a searing need, setting them on fire.

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When Swara and Sanskaar were busy with their romance Laksh found himself caught midst ladies. He went around Ragini for some time but ...They didn't get to have few minutes for themselves.He settled down at one corner .and scanned around. Uttara was busy with mehndi.His badi maa ,chachi were happily chatting over with ladies.He also noticed how Dadi had been trying so hard to impress his mom showering her 'special khatirdari'.

God knows what is running in this devil Dadi's mind.And the heels ..God! His feet.They are aching like hell. As Laksh checked on them Sujata eyes caught the Sandals. She narrowed her eyes trying to focus on them for a better view.

"Jiji ..she tugged Annapurna's hand , Aapne woh heels dekhe ..she pointed out .Bilkul mere waali jaise haina."

"Ho sakta hai uske paas bhi honge," Annapurna brushed off.

"Nahi Jiji .. I have got them exclusively done by order..lagta hai uss jhoote waale na kisi aur bhi de diya.." Sujata expressed her disappointment over her heels being no longer exclusive like she had been taking pride of and had ideas of flaunting around. " Let me check where did she get them... Kasam se jiji agar usne uss designer ka naam liya na" Ignoring Annapurna who tried to stop her

"Behenji... "She called out Laksh .

Laksh went still for a minute .Chachi's voice Damn! ..Ab kya hogaya! Ignore Ignore aur nikal yaha se," Laksh got up to move.

"Arey, burkhe waali behnji .." Sujata quickly caught up

Laksh closed his eyes .. Phas gaya!

"Aap ke heels bahut ache hain aapne kaha se liya," Sujata started off with her inquiry.

"Aap hi se tho liya.."Laksh mumbled and cleared his throat." Woh paas main market haina ..woh new market auntyji," he replied in a girls voice.

Sujata almost dropped her jaw. Market?So they are not as exclusive as she imagined them to be. Before she could worry further Annapurna called her saying They should probably take a leave now. They had a jeweller coming in.Sujata hurried back.

Oh no! Laksh was alert next minute.They should get out as well and reach before Maheshwari ladies.Laksh took out his mobile, quickly typed a message to Sanskaar.

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A beep on phone... Sanskaar knew it's time for him to leave. With utmost difficulty, He drew back trying to restrain himself from taking it further .. midst ragged breaths their eyes met.

"I will see you at altar tomorrow..as my bride" he whispered shakily trying to gain his lost composure. She nodded still dazed in the heat of kiss. "My gorgeous bride .." He smiled softly his fingers tracing her cheek lightly."I will be waiting for you , Shona.."

Swara smiled shyly and sank into the warm embrace for a minute .. and watched him leave.

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That night Sanskaar had his bachelors. He smiled reading a message from Swara asking to drive back safely. Well! He had to be sober anyway since Lucky is gonna get sloshed.He typed a message back saying he would call her once they reach .. he's already missing her and counting minutes for their wedding.

Swara smiled lying on the bed reading his message. She lovingly traced 'Shaadi ka jodha' next to her. It's a beautiful one, in a stunning color of red and gold , a silk based , ornate with all-over zardosi floral embroidery.It's pairing with dual dupattas in red and yellow colour embroidered border just gave it a more trendy look. Almost on an impulse she picked it up ..and stood before mirror checking her reflection.

My Gorgeous bride.

Swara lowered her eyes and smiled dreamily recalling his words.

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Maybe she would have been if only Sujata Maheshwari didn't receive a parcel next day just before the wedding, If only Parvati Gadodia had not played her cards as planned by Kavita ...if only Fate didn't throw in a twist in the tale...

If only ...

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