Hello all

Here is the next update.
Happy reading 💕💕
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{ The part where our leads yearn for each other }
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"I called Ma and told her we are coming," Sanskaar said in a low tone. Swara simply nodded. She wouldn't want to stay alone tonight. And being with ones who cared for her, She didn't want to ask for more.

Sanskaar had his thoughts. There is no way he is letting Swara stay out of his sight, tonight or for the next few days. He might have put up a brave face but his mind was clouded with fears.

What if he didn't take that back turn or decided to check on her? Sanskaar shuddered at the thought. He would have never forgiven himself ... never. How could they dare to lay a finger on her? And he wasn't there. He wasn't.

He didn't notice his grip turning deathly on the steering wheel. Swara did. Maybe she understood where the anger stemmed from. She wanted to say a lot that it wasn't his fault, he wasn't early. If anyone has to be blamed, it's her and only her for being idiotic. If it weren't for him, she wouldn't be here, safe. He didn't have to beat himself up and much more. But all she managed to say

" I am sorry, Sanskaar"

Sanskaar pulled the car aside with a sudden screech. He was mad, he wanted to break something. He didn't want an apology. He wanted to scream and shout and how could she be so careless? Why did she have to be stubborn? Why did she have to get down before the few stops? Is she mad? Or was this some sort of revenge on him for the morning fiasco? Either way, he wanted to give a nice lecture, but after one look at her, he dropped all his plans. She looked delicate and fragile and only deserved to be loved and cared for.

Refraining from his need to lash out, "You do have an idea what could have happened, right ?" He asked. He couldn't mask the rough edge of his tone.

Swara nodded, feeling every bit of his anger. Wasn't she familiar by now, at least of his moods and his varied tones. This wasn't exactly her favorite.

"Good that you do ", Sanskaar drew in a deep breath and raced the car again.

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Back at Maheshwari Mansion, as they walked in, the Maheswari' stood in the hall, worry clearly etched on their faces. It was Annapurna Maheswari who reached out first, taking them both into a hug. Swara lingered for a bit longer, biting her tears back.

Next was Durgaprasad Maheswari who placed a hand on her head, a gesture full of affection. "Swara beta, You have nothing to fear. Hum sab hain." Swara nodded in silence, her tears threatening to spill out. Then it was Laksh's turn who stood at a side and gave her a small smile full of understanding.

But there was only one Swara's eyes fixed on and he wasn't bothered. At Least it felt so. He made it clear already he was angry but did he have to carry it on further? He wasn't looking at her, busy having some conversation with his dad. Even when Annapurna led her to the guest room, Swara turned back, hoping for once to meet his eyes .... Only to be disappointed.

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"Today, It happened with Swara, tomorrow it could be anyone, Dad. You will have to do something. That area might be underdeveloped but it didn't have to be unguarded."

Sanskaar didn't hide his frustration as he shared details with his dad. They had enough connections and his dad is powerful enough to pull some strings of higher authorities.

DP nodded in understanding. "You are right, Sanskaar. I will speak to the commissioner to see what can be done."

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Back in his room, Sanskaar recalled his dad's parting words." Sanskaar, You just didn't save Swara. You saved my friend's honor. Thank you beta.Agar usse kuch hota tho ..

"And his own words, "Dad, you don't have to worry. I will never let anything happen to Swara. It's a promise."

A promise he made to himself that night. Standing under the shower, Sanskaar curled his fists as Swara's tear-stricken face crossed his mind. A fresh trickle of blood streaked his hand. He let it flow with water.

That red stain on her cheek ... How could someone lift a hand on a woman? Treat her this way. Aren't they supposed to tend with love, care, and respect? He didn't know about others. The only person who mattered to him now was ... Swara and only Swara

And his need to ensure she is alright.

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A hot water shower washed away her tears, as did the fatigue . She was given a fresh pair of t-shirts and Pajamas. Swara ate a little on the insistence of Annapurna. And gently refused Annapurna's offer to stay back.

"Nahi aunty. Main theek hoon. Aap tension mat lo." She assured.

Annapurna didn't insist on understanding the need for Swara to be alone and process things. And she knew they are yet to develop a deep bond. she gently nodded. "If you need something, don't hesitate at all, Swara."

Swara nodded in silence and watched her leave. Maheswari's are the best thing that could have happened to her. Dp uncle and Annapurna aunty. The love and their consideration ... she should have been happy, but she wasn't.

Locking the door, she sank onto the bed and curled into a ball and all she thought of was that one person . Sanskaar Maheswari. She was a mere responsibility for him which was taken care of. Done and dusted. Dropped off. And she had been expecting ...may be a kind word, a gentle treatment or...

Swara wiped her misty eyes. She didn't have a clue why she was pining for this man, hoping he would be there...for her. For a little longer.

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It was a dream fluttering behind her eyes as she drifted off to sleep.

He was next to her, his fingers twined with hers. "Don't be angry with me," She said softly,

"I am not," He said with a gentle trace on her cheek. He had a small smile on his lips. It felt so calming and serene and it settled on her like a thin veil.

"Then why are you not here with me? " She asked, her eyes meeting his. "I need you, Sanskaar, only you." She added silently.

He leaned forward, brushing loose strands of her hair. " Trust me, There isn't a place I want to be other than next to you. At this moment or any given time, Swara." His lips touched her forehead, sealing those words.

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Swara woke up and found herself in an alien room. Scared at first, she took a few minutes to calm herself. Then she felt like crying. The dream felt so real, She didn't want to wake up to the reality which was hurting. She had no clue one word could eat her up this way.

"I feel responsible for you."

She wished she never asked that question and she didn't have to hear this. She didn't want to be one. Maybe he was right too. Maheswari's felt the same way. Yes, they treated her with love & care but in the end, she was a stranger, she will always be one. This is not her place. Not her home.

And they felt they owed something to her because of her parents. Sanskaar would have definitely known the part of her dad helping out Maheswari to get a start. Wasn't that the reason she was offered a job in the first place? Is that the way Sanskaar cared for her .. because he didn't want to disappoint his dad?

What about all those passions they shared? The heat of a few moments faded away and nothing more. The room suddenly felt like her thoughts, suffocating.

With the need for air, Swara opened the doors only to find Sanskaar Maheswari ...standing right before her on the other side.
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Thanks for reading
Next update ! 🤔 Wed / thu
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Lucky 💕💕