He was right! Absolutely.From the moment he caressed those pink tinted lips he knew they would be this soft , supple ..but this sweet?Never ever in faintest dreams he would have thought so. But What was it? Honey and Sugar ..Chocolate? No ! Must be of Some kind of Wine , Vodka or it's something else..because he's already feeling drunk,yet he wanted more of it ..the taste of her.Cupping her face in hands, he drank softly deeply from her lips lavishing enough attention savouring the feel and taste of them.

And she wanted ...more ..More of what his lips are doing to her. His scent was a mixture of mint , fresh air, and the taste of him,it made her heady ,clouding her senses.She slid arms over his shoulders and then wrapped them about his neck clinging to him ..kissing him hard responding with growing fervor. He drew her more firmly against his body and Heat shot right through her . He was furnace hot..and she burned under the heat. His one hand trailed down over her back, cupped her waist, pressing into her sleek feminine curves. And she gasped with pleasure at his touch.. Every rational thought vanished as she gave into sensations rampaging out of control as they took a turn.Fire blazed at deep press of open mouths and tangled tongues.He felt the nip of her teeth on his lips. And that drove him crazy. He groaned deep in his throat and shuddered aching with blazing need .

His mouth become hotter , heavier demanding complete surrender and she gave in willingly She sunk both hands into his hair and clung to the thick mass while his mouth grew more insistent against hers..And they kissed .. and kissed kissed hard , fast, urgent and desperate neither of them willing to let go .His lips left her mouth to stray the curve of her chin, moved over her cheeks, neck and a nip at her earlobe and she trembled beneath his sensual assault helplessly

San..s..kaar ........she gasped his name

And that jolted him out.He paused abruptly , went still for a minute and drew back . They were tangled up in some crazy position .Hands all over ,hair mussed ,lips swollen .. his heart beat madly against hers and his breath ,Its was burning hot just like hers . He took a step back releasing her ..and Swara's eyes flew open.They looked at each other still dazed, trying to catch hold of breath ..gather some sense . Then it hit them ,the intensity of what they just shared.

Silence hung in air, other than their ragged breaths.

Still feeling intoxicated Sanskaar muttered a curse .What the hell was wrong with him ?What the hell had he done.He took on her like some primitive man .It's like his senses had taken a leave ..and are in no mood to get back to him,at least with Miss Bose around. If he thought what they shared was crazy ..this is crazier and utterly mad .He could see she was equally shocked.Swara's eyes widened in horror as the realization stuck her. Did they just ?.Her fingers touched her lips almost trying to make sure ..they ..

"You kissed me ?"Swara spoke faintly brushing hair off her face..

Sanskaar couldn't make sense of anything Was she saying something?That damn lips are moving again..and he wanted his lips on them again .Reluctantly he pulled his eyes back to hers ...and now he could make out words.

"You kissed me ?" Swara found her voice back shooting an accusatory glance at Sanskaar.

Now with his senses in bit of hold , feeling much in control Sanskaar shook his head . What did he expect ? After such an earth shattering kiss.. They would go all lovey dovey ..and discuss on how to take things forward . If he thought Miss Bose would go all shy and demure ,though her flushed face and cheeks painted in all shades of red hinted the same but Miss Bose is not one of those to give in easily ..Sanskaar smiled. He knew he's up for a fight.This must be fun .He always loved their fights .. and how much he love her wild cat mode ...

"Small Correction Miss Bose .. We kissed" He said leaning casually back on table.His eyes teased her ...smiling.

It was clear that she is not immune to his advances .He could melt her with a teasing smile and a simple touch .....but the kiss .Swara had no clue how to handle all those chemical reactions going on in her body.It's like all her hormones came alive clashing like crazy .. and all she wanted to do was to grab his shirt and fight it out with .... Her mind gave the cue Another Kiss

Stunned by her own thoughts ..

"You stole my first Kiss, you moron .."Swara fought back . Probably best way to gain her shaken composure

Sanskaar smiled smugly.First? That filled him with strange sense of elation..and he wanted be her first, second ,third and ... last too.

" I can say the same .This was my first one too." He replied with same smile.

Swara raised an eyebrow .. and cast a doubtful look at him. First ?

Sanskaar caught her expression.. " "What!" he stood up

Swara scanned him from tip to toe . Is he serious given his record of all those gooey eyed fangirls?

"Oye Hello Madam ..Don't get any ideas ok" Sanskaar shot back knowing which direction her thoughts were heading and he felt the need to clear it up." Just because I dated few ,you think I go around kissing girls. I don't ok . This is my first and I was saving it for my someone special and you ..."he charged back for the sake of it "You stole it." He's gonna give tough fight to Miss bose though he was absolutely sure that no one would ever be as special as Swara for him.

Someone special ..That word hit her . Just like her. Right from childhood Swara never believed nor was fed with fairy tales. They were too good to be true . She had been brought up being a witness to ugly truth of society, How it wouldn't mind ripping apart people , if given chance. She never wanted prince charming nor she did consider herself to be any damsel in distress. She can fend for herself .But there's no denial ..she had dreams of her own ..about the one for her . She didn't dream of white horses, Dark knights or starry night proposals , kissing her mistletoe .. but rather for someone .. who would sweep her off feet , love her unconditionally ,Make her feel treasured and cherished ...and move heaven and earth for her if she asked for ...He would be her Prince.And the Kiss ,She never thought about it ..but she knew it would be with that someone special .. .. and all she could see was Sanskaar ..standing before her. For a second her thoughts drifted how he would look on white horse ....Absolutely dashing ... charming ..Ok! How about bike over a horse ..like he looked on their outing day .. waiting for her ..

Is he the one ? She could have , slapped him, pushed him away .. he warned her too, but she let him ...and ...Hold On Swara! You are supposed to fight .. not dream about Sanskaar on horse or bike .. however tempting the picture might be....

"You started the Kiss" Swara stood on her ground inched a bit further.

"You didn't stop me ..and you kissed me back " Sanskaar countered taking a step forward.Swara opened her mouth to protest but .. he was right! She kissed him back.Watching her turn silent Sanskaar grabbed the chance "And btw Miss Bose , If anyone should be complaining its me .. ...I was trying to be soft ...You are one who went wild .. and you bit my lip."He pointed at sharp bite on his lip " You See this..."

Shock would be understatement of Swara's expression as she caught mark on his lips .What .. she bit his ? No!No! this is not true . she can't do that .. did she ? really? But ... when ...how ..

" I would never do that .. you are lying ." Swara cried in disbelief .

Taking too much fun in their silly fight ..Sanskaar's smile widened. He leaned closer bringing his face down. Step Back Swara ! Her instinct screamed but she tossed it aside ..and stood rooted trying to ignore the effects of his proximity.

"Miss Bose .."His voice came in low husky tone .. which always trembled her ."We can always fight it out . Perhaps an another kiss." His eyes shone with mischief , " I wouldn't mind getting another love bite from you." His gaze dropped down to her lips .Swara gulped following his gaze " Shall we?" He whispered softly and she caught the glint in his eyes .. Teaser.

"In your dreams Mr.Maheshwari .." Pushing him aside Swara smoothed her hair ,rushed out . Sanskaar sighed . Dreams..Of course . Little did she know ..how she conquered his dreams every night . " Wahi tho problem hain Miss Bose.Sapno mein bhi akela kaha chodti ho mujhe ....." He ran his hand through his tousled hair ...and rushed behind her .

He caught sight of her down the corridor ..." I will send you roses tomorrow." He shouted from behind which had Swara stopping in tracks . Roses? Did he say Roses? Did he figure out that too .But how? She no way gave any clue .. not even an hint.

"Miss Bose"His words jerked Swara out .Swara jumped and spun around to find him close to her. Her heart pounded again.Swara quickly stepped back to recover her personal space. This close to him ....after that kiss ...Not a good idea.

"Yahi soch rahi ho na ki mujhe kaise pata chala?" He wriggled his eyebrows. "Don't bother and your list Madam ,You can fool lucky, not me."

Did he figure out ..all of it ?How come he's so sure about her tweaking the list .. and especially roses?Whatever .She will not let him win this easy ." Oh really?..Mr .Maheshwari ..May be you are mistaken .. ho sakta hain mujhe sách main roses bilkul pasand nahi .. Infact I have an allergy to them...So don't think you are smart and you figured out something."

A grin flashed on his sensual lips."Of Course I figured it out ...and I know I am smart, you know it too, Miss Bose " The grin widened.

"Look Mr.Maheswari .. "Swara raised her hand trying to counter and in an instant she found herself backed to wall his hands locking her on sides.He stood close and she found herself staring into dark intense black eyes ..just like ...the day in library

That was from where all of it started and today she's tangled in this game badly, being drawn to him helplessly .He leaned towards her, she felt his breath .. his words now turning into a low whisper ..like he's breathing some secret into her ears " I had taken liking for your perfume right from our first meet in library .. Its roses, isn't it?" and Swara eyes widened in surprise. Damn! That's how he knew . If she had an allergy she wouldn't probably go around wearing a floral perfume with notes of rose .Hogaya satyanash ..she's lost it again. And swear she heard his smile probably basking in his victory on scoring over her.

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Swara paced in her room troubled and restless. Why is it he manages to get away winning over her. Whatever her plan was tweaking the list it's not gonna work out . His parting notes saying he will uncover all her secrets in and out was enough sign for her . a danger sign .

Best way is to stay away from him ...or ask him to stay away from her . Of course Swara ,He did stay away , you were the one who lunged onto him ..went behind him just like he wanted.Inner voice sprang up again. Great! Very good ..khud peeche pado aur phir socho ye mere peeche kyu pada hain .When he doesn't socho ki ye mere peeche kyu nahi pada hain . paagal hogayi hain tu paagal ..confirm" Swara settled on bed tired.

Why is it sometimes it feels they are over game ..and equation between them is much more way beyond game but then suddenly it feels like they are back to taking on each other ..like it's just a game .Whatever it is Mr .Maheshwari is messing up her mind totally

She leaned back closing her eyes.And kiss came rushing to her.Swara's fingers touched her lips ..and it still tingled with feel of his lips. Her fingers moved over her cheeks , chin recalling his soft murmurs in between.She drew her knees closer ... and felt the warmth of his strong hands enveloping her . She leaned her face on knees ..and wished she could get over it. Would she ever?

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'No doubt ..tere dimaag kharab hogaya hain ,'Sanskaar tossed on bed ...like he had been doing from past 30 minutes trying to get some sleep ..but all he could see was flashes of their kiss.. eyes closed and open too. Miss Bose has kidnapped all his senses .... and this Lucky

Damn him and his songs ...

Mujhe neend na aaye...neend na aaye..neend na aaye

Like really ..ek line ko teen baar repeat karna jaroori hain? Sanskaar rolled his eyes

Mujhe chain na aaye ...chain na aaye... the song played again ...

Na jaane kaha dil kho gaye ..

Of course he knew the answer, straight and clear ... It's with Miss Swara Bose .Sanskaar covered his face with pillow trying to gain some sleep ..if Madam would permit.

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Roses ..

Swara's eyes moved around the living room where blooming roses greeted her sight in vibrant colours of Red , white ,cream white and pink .. more than half a dozen bouquets

She would have preferred not to accept them owing to her determination to put a hold on her feelings but Mr.Maheshwari was not the one to give up. When she refused the first bouquet ..trying to fight her temptation to grab those beautiful ones ..and feel those delicate petals with her fingers .It was returned with two .. and number just doubled with her every refusal .This entire fiasco has already grabbed enough eyeballs in baadi, for this was kind of rare sight ... in such an orthodox setting. And She had to give in finally.

Swara picked the greeting card and a note that came along with bouquet ..and it read

The red rose whispers of passion,
And the white rose breathes of love;
O, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove.

But I send you a cream-white rosebud
With a flush on its petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips.

Lines of John Boyle O'Reilly ,in neatly carved writing of Mr.Maheswari ...

An involuntary smile crept on her lips ...as she traced those petals feeling the fresh dew sprinkled on them like little pearls. She picked a single flower from bouquet of Red roses, and inhaled the fragrance and it filled her with sense of joy ...

A kiss of desire on the lips ..

She smiled .. Mr.Maheshwari definitely knows which lines goes with what and her lips touched the petals softly.

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" Tu dekhna Sekhar ye ladki jaroor kuch bada kaandh karegi ..Maare kaatu shyamji aaj poora baadi baat kar raha tha ,, unn gulabon ke baare main.. Kya pata kis ladke ke saath chakkar chal rahi hain ... "

"Maa... Please .."Sekhar tried to halt his mother ..her constant bickering about Swara from past 20 minutes had been irritating .Ragini felt irritated too with her dadi's remarks . Sometimes she felt her Dadi hated Swara for no reason .. tried to put her down at every single opportunity .Now ... trying to malign her name . For God sake, Can't someone send a girl roses .. she knew who it is.

"Pata nahi kaunse ladke ko phasa rahi hain .. aise ladkiyon ko ache se jaante hain hum ... aur "

And Sekhar had enough. But before he could say word

"Bas Dadi ..."Ragini stood up with a force startling the audience at scene. " Aap bina kuch jaane aise kisi ki baare main kuch bhi kaise bolsakthi hain .. Swara bahut achi ladki hain ..aur hum jaante hain uske dost bhi ache hain ...aur ji ladko se unski dosti hain woh bhi ache gaharane ke hain .Maheswari ka naam suna hoga na aapne .."her voice hit a note of sarcasm

Stunned silence ruled Gadodia house for while.

"Baba, Hum college ke liye nikal rahe hain .. " Ragini looked at Sekhar and he nodded in silence, Parvati Gadodia watched her laado storm off furiously out of house followed by Her Son who shot her a condemned look .

But what caught her attention was the name Maheswari.

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That evening Swara went around looking for Sanskaar . The call from Ragini today morning asking her to be bit cautious especially in Baadi alarmed her. She didn't give in full details but Swara got the jist. She had seen those curious and doubtful gazes at delivery of those bouquets.

She didn't dare much then .. but Ragini's call was alert for her . She can't draw unnecessary attention.

And she decided it's time to have a word with Mr.Maheswari. But strangely he was nowhere to be found neither in canteen nor in library. And a call to him ..there was no response.That's when she called up Laksh ... and here she is ..in Basketball court watching Sanskaar glide smoothly in court handling ball.. Too engrossed in game oblivious of being watched . Swara noted His passes were accurate his dribbles were good too. He bounced the ball with good speed and was quick in the court moving with grace ,probably must be a point guard .. who's more focus is on passing the ball through court to his teammates than scoring, assisting them in steals .. but the minute Swara witnessed a jump shot , where Sanskaar effortlessly shooted ball into basket with a sharp leap .. She couldn't help but clap in glee ..which caught Sanskaar's attention .That's how he saw her.

Dressed in a simple off shoulder top and jeans ,Her hair bouncing , lips curved into full blooming smile as she clapped for him , This was best sight he ever caught in his basketball practice sessions. Right from childhood Basketball fascinated like no other game .Shooting the Ball into hoop had been fun then, but as years passed h realized there's much more to it . Probably a height of 5'9 may not be a ideal for game like basketball ..but that never stopped him.He always believed in turning the game around in his favour. He had proved his mettle as valuable player in school and college matches too. His ball handling skills and accurate shots..were too good to ignore and earned him place of point guard in team which he enjoyed.He had been part of few winning tournaments too.

Now with an inter college tournament coming up in period of 2 months, he had to be at his best and their team too. The sight of Swara was such a pleasant surprise. He was glad she came in by the end of practice session.Excusing himself from the team , he rushed to her.

"Hey!" he greeted trying to catch his breath." Tum yaha?"

"You play well....very well, Mr.Maheshwari" Swara replied smiling, her admiration evident in her voice and eyes.

"I am glad you are impressed..Miss Bose."Sanskaar smiled and settled next to hear reaching for his bag.Swara watched him intently for a minute. She had been right about him .Not an ounce of extra fat on his lean, muscular and well toned body .She would have termed him utterly sexy ...masculine in that navy blue and orange jersey and shorts.His sleek black hair clung to his sweaty forehead .. which she felt an urge to run her fingertips and brush them off . Her mind instantly reeled in image of how soft it felt in her hands when they kissed .He had strong arms .. and she knew how it felt to be held in them .. engulfed into the warmth of them and ...

"Miss Bose .. "

She jerked out at his voice and found him looking at her amused.Now she is daydreaming too. Great!

" Be careful ..aise dekho gena.. Pyar hojayega." He warned her smiling.Swara smiled too." Mind If I join you back in two minutes ..I will just freshen up a bit." he asked.Swara nodded as he picked his bag .

" I will wait for you." She said simply .It was a simple statement yet Sanskaar felt a sweet tug in his heart.

" I won't make you wait for long " he replied in soft tone, his warm gaze fixed on her ..and this time it was Swara's turn.They gazed at each other in silence losing themselves in cocoon of warmth surrounding them .It was just two of them at that moment. The sound in background broke their reverie. They tore away the gaze from each other. Sanskaar gave a quick nod , Swara acknowledged . After few minutes ..they both walked in silence next to each other.Sanskaar felt glad that court was little away from their class rooms.A long walk ..meaning more time with Swara other than their whirlwind encounters in library , empty class rooms and corridors.

" I am glad you came .. Acha laga .." Sanskaar broke the ice.They walked in slow measured steps.

"Woh..I wanted to talk to you ... "Swara started hesitantly . She didn't want to make him feel bad anyway but she need to put across her point ."If you are planning to send me any more roses .. I don't want you to." and that halted their walk

"You didn't like them ?" was immediate reaction of Sanskaar .He probably mulled an hour in morning over them deciding on colours to be sent.

Swara didn't like the frown and how his face fell at her statement .She would prefer his cute smile and dimple any time.

" No ..I ..I ...."She wanted to say she loved them ..but she held back , " They were beautiful ,the roses and the note too .Thank you, lekin jaha par main rehti hoon na ... it's kind of very conservative and they probably got a shock this morning."

" Why should that bother you anyway..I mean ..?" Sanskaar wondered that for someone fiery like Swara all this mattered ..and anyways it's none of others business if he sent her roses or diamonds.

" Sanskaar ..please ..I can't explain .. but ...." Swara paused looking at him. She didn't want to feed him unnecessary details .. and her complicated life at least on family front .. and she didn't intend to be talk of colony.

Watching her in silence Sanskaar nodded and they resumed the walk.

" Unko lag raha hain Mere boy friend ne bheja hoga ya kisi ke saath mere chakkar chla raha hain ...and all that " Swara chuckled recalling the reactions of her over conservative neighbourhood.

"Sahi to Keh rahe hain .. You and me ,Kuch toh chal raha hain hamare beech "Sanskaar replied casually .Swara halted turning to him .He smiled down at her , his gaze holding her eyes.

" Kya hain Hamare beech Mr.Maheshwari ?" she asked transfixed staring into them .She loved the shades his eyes reflected ..Sometimes they teased her playfully ..Sometimes gazed at her warmly sometimes they burned into her with flaring passion ...and sometimes in awe but most of times she felt treasured.They made her feel special.

Her eyes .He loved reading them..it's like they have language of their own.They resembled a deep pool of molten chocolate ,all warm and alive and he could stay drowned in them forever. Hypnotised he stepped close , feeling the need to be closer to her. " Abhi tho ye doori hai Miss Bose .. jo mujhe pasand nahi." He waited for her to make move ..and she did . She inched a bit further ,right into his arms, closing the distance between them. His hand snaked around her instinctively holding her tight.Her hands rested on his shoulders.

"We both know it's just a game ,Mr.Maheshwari"her voice turned into a soft murmur.

He brushed strand of hair from her face stroked her cheek gently."Nothing more Miss Bose? Just a game?"

Drawn by his loving touch, she nestled closer "Should it be? ..Is it for you Mr.Maheshwari ?"Nothing mattered to her at that moment. She wanted an answer. She wanted to know if there is more between them.

The kiss .It could be easy to brush it off as heat of moment..but the intensity of it. It could be their first ..but it shook him to the core. It's like they branded themselves to each other with just a kiss. Everything said and done . And it hit him with a jolt at that moment, There could be no one else for him. It has to be her ..only her. But did she feel the same that he could be the one for her .

"Didn't we have an answer yesterday ?" He asked softly.

The kiss ,They crossed most of boundaries deemed to be sane..It may be moment of madness but he touched her in a way no one else could. And she knew for sure it would be only him ..no one else. Only him..but did he feel the same?

What was it for him? Just a moment that came and went ..or much more " I thought It's ..just ..just a moment of insanity Mr. Maheshwari.". She waited with bated breath.

"If it is insanity Miss Bose , " His eyes turned more deep, as he held her cheek ," I wouldn't mind being insane for my whole life." and that took her breath away

Sanskaar...

"Sshh .."his finger brushed her lips. " Swara... .." He took her name and her name never felt sweeter ," We are way beyond game.Don't you think it's time for us to figure it out ki Hamare beech kya hain..Between you and me..between us ." He waited for her to say something.

Us? He said us? That filled her with sense of warmth. Enough of running around.Maybe it's time. There's no doubt they are drawn to each other helplessly like moths to flame between them

Swara slowly nodded in consent " How do you suggest we do that?"

Hmm .".Sanskaar thought for a while , ,"Well I have some ideas ..but I am just wondering if you would accuse me of working my charms on you .." he smiled teasingly.

"Well that depends on your ideas Mr.Maheshwari..Pehle aap batayiye tho sahi ,phir kahungi na" Swara smiled equally teasing. She loved how they switched modes with ease .

"If you say so ... "His hold tightened around her , "I think We should meet more often other than our usual hangouts .Stop chasing each other around classrooms, corridors and library. Go for more dinner dates ..and outings .Try to get to know each other.. And most important, you should stop fighting with me .. ..Ok!"

"But I love fighting with you Mr.Maheshwari..I won't compromise on that " Swara objected with a chuckle.

"Oh! Then You always can . Didn't we figure out better way to fight yesterday."His thumb touched her lower lip suggestively.His smile turned naughty .And Swara looked away trying to hide rush warmth on her cheeks. " I ..I have to go..I am getting late." She muttered faintly stepped back glad that curls farming her cheeks came to aid . As she rushed to leave he held her hand .

Abhi na jao chodkar ki dil abhi bhara nahi ...he hummed the lines of song .Swara's eye widened

"No 3 on list ...Miss Bose , ."He took a step forward, his breath touched her ears softly."Old hindi songs. I have been listening to them recently . Since you love music I assumed that was not tweaked." His voice had hint of playfulness. " Kuch tho bolo.." his words brushed her ears ..just like his lips.Swara smiled She released her hand from his hold and stepped back ...Achha tho hum chalte hain.She replied and Sanskaar had his answer.

Phir kab miloge? He asked reciting the lines of song . Jab tum kahoge. Swara replied taking steps backwards facing him

Kahaan? He asked again .. following the lines of song. This is much fun ..

. Her eyes shined with full of mischief as she said ,"Wahi jahaan koi aata jaata hi nahi"Figure out and meet me at 4.30 pm tomorrow Mr. Smart." Swara winked at him playfully rushed hiding her smile leaving a confused Sanskaar behind.

Caught up in his own game " Ho Gayi Tassali.." Sanskaar muttered to himself in confusion Swara leave . "Bada smart ban raha tha na ..gaana gaake .. ab phas gaya na .Chalo beta lag jao kaam pe."He walked to parking space trying to solve the riddle Miss bose managed to tangled him cleverly .He had a place to figure out but what would it be?

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