Hello all

Here is the next update
Happy reading ❤️
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{ The part where our leads pick a new game }
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Sanskaar categorised himself as a coffee lover. He loved the kick of caffeine and often fell back on that delicious cup during work hours. He definitely has a special love for his mother Annapurna Maheswari’s adrak wali chai.  Nothing like a hint of ginger and the magic touch of his mother’s hands. 

And what made it more special? It marked the start of his day.  Those minutes when he caught up with his close confidant, his mother. That day, however, he didn't expect the question directed toward him.

“I saw you walking out of Swara’s room this morning. What is happening between you and Swara?”  The question was sharp and direct. Annapurna Maheswari might be the sweetest one on the block, but underneath was a woman of steel. The years of support she lent to his dad, taking care of every household responsibility, so he could focus on building a future for them were always helmed. His Dad held his mother in high regard and Sanskaar and Laksh were no less.

 For Sanskaar, a shy nerdy kid, his mother had been his best friend. The first person he shared his every little moment with, good or bad.  That was only till Kavita happened. The invisible walls he built around in defense  were formidable and even his mother couldn't get through. 

And she never complained, though he knew it hurt her, how he pushed everyone away and suffered in silence then. She waited and has been waiting for him to come around. Sanskaar knew his silence wasn't going to work today. His mother needed answers and he had to give them.

“Maa, aap jaise soch rahe waisa nahi.”  Sanskaar said slowly, “ I really didn't get a chance to talk to Swara after the incident.  I just wanted to check, if she is alright. Isliye main chala gaya.”

“And it couldn’t wait till morning? “Annapurna asked the next question, quietly stirring the sugar. 

Sanskaar pressed his hands together. It was a simple question. And it was not wrong from his mother’s view . Stepping out of Swara’s room at an inappropriate hour is definitely bound to raise questions. How could he explain his equation with Swara when he is tangled in his own feelings toward her? He was being drawn to Swara and it was a crazy unexplainable feeling.  The rush and restless Swara evoked him was new to him, but how could he …

Annapurna noticed her son’s silence. “Don’t think for a second I am doubting your intentions, Sanskaar,”  She said,  gently handing over the cup to him.  “ I know my Son. But, If there is anything you would like to share, I am always here.”

Only Sanskaar knew the tension that left his body. “Thanks, Ma,”  He sighed, grateful his mother understood his silence, and took a sip of tea. 

“Maa, please don't ask Swara about this.” Sanskaar threw in a word of caution to his mother who stood to leave. He didn't want Swara to feel uncomfortable. Annapurna smiled and walked up to Sanskaar and gently placed a hand on his hair.  “You like her. Don’t you?”

Sanskaar took a minute and nodded in yes. He was past denial stage. 

“Well! I like her too '' Annapurna smiled. “But don't sneak into her room at odd hours.” She added.

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Swara woke up with a huge smile, feeling bright, and couldn't wait to see Sanskaar, wish him a good morning and if the stars are in her favor, a cup of coffee too. She didn't want to barge into his room. As she loitered around and checked with one of household, he hinted to her about Sanskaar and his love for the terrace in the morning. Swara didn't wait any longer … 

Her feet halted as she caught the duo of mom and son in a serious discussion. And when she heard Annapurna Maheswari questioning Sanskaar, at first hint she stepped down and walked back to her room.

What was she thinking? Why was she acting like this as if she and Sanskaar are the only ones in this house with no regard for others? She woke up in a dream and expected it to be carried on…

True, Sanskaar was here, but it was equally her fault. She let him in. She insisted that he stay. And she can't sit and watch on the sidelines letting Sanskaar be the culprit. Swara decided she had a few confessions to make to Annpurna Maheswari.

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Annapurna watched in silence as Swara came in hesitant and went on to explain last night's events

“Sanskaar is not wrong. I should be the one in question, aunty. I know it is not right but that moment, I … “ Swara looked up in doubt  and admitted, “ I wanted to be with Sanskaar.” 

“Do you like Sanskaar ?” Annapurna asked.

Swara lowered her head. Here comes the moment of truth. “I like him a lot … Being around him makes me happy and he makes me feel at home. I don't know if he … feels“ She paused, not sure of Annapurna’s reaction.

“Then you should let him know ..”  Annapurna smiled, “My son might be a tough nut but I am sure you have your ways. “ 

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What should she make out of it?  Did she get a free license to pursue Sanskar? Swara wandered back to her room. That would be wonderful, she smiled rushing to shower. Thanks to Maheswari, they managed to get her a mini wardrobe  to survive the next few days.

Dressing up, Swara checked her reflection in the mirror. A simple kurta and jeans looked good for the day.. She has no idea of her length of stay in the mansion. Would she go back to her old place? Not even in her wildest dreams. Maheswari's might be generous but she has no intentions of taking them for granted. She needs to check with Mr. Maheswari on when she would be allocated a new place to shift.

At the knock on the door, she knew it's time for breakfast.

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Sanskaar eyed Swara in between breakfast.How come everything looks good on her and she didn't have to try hard? 

She gave him a nice, sweet smile with a good morning, and took blessings of his dad who made a quick exit owing to some meetings. She deliberately picked the seat next to Laksh and after 15 minutes,  he watched them act like best friends for life. Heads together, giggling like some school going kids.  He shook his head and finished his juice in a gulp.

“Maa, I am leaving for the office “.Sanskaar announced loud enough to gain the attention of Missy who looked alert instantly. Got you!

“I am done, too'' Swara stood up tossing the last piece of apple into their mouth, “Just need to pick up my bag.”

“You are not coming with me,” Sanskaar declared, “I gave you a day off. Rest well and have fun, Miss Bose. I am sure you have good company. “ He threw a mock glare at Laksh.

Swara narrowed her eyes. This man and his mood swings. “How sweet ! she batted her eyelashes next. “I am wonderful,  Mr.Maheswari.  I don't need an off and I am coming to the office. I am not asking. I am saying.” She added with all attitude.

Laksh stared at the exchange in disbelief. This woman just snubbed the famous Maheshwari who doesn't take  a no for an answer “Did you just say no to him ?” He burst into laughter. This was a jaw-dropping moment, “ Omg! Hail Swara Bose. He gave a mock bow, “ The savior from the atrocities of Mr. Sanskaar Maheswari.” 

 “You are not coming,” Sanskaar inched a bit closer to the table, his tone low and edgy, his eyes a shade darker.

‘Oh Yes, I am! “ Swara took a step further, closing more distance, her eyes throwing a dare. “Well! If not with you, there is no dearth of public transport, Mr.Maheshwari.  I will be there on time,” She gave a mock smile. “ Now if you will, please excuse me. I have a khadoos boss.” And started to leave.

 It was then that Laksh generously offered to drop Swara on his bike. “ I have a sexy bike, Swara Bose and I am sure it can afford a pretty woman like you.” 

Swara wasn't listening anymore. Not at least from the moment Sanskar grabbed her hand, and pinned her with his eyes. Her eyes and feet refused to listen to her. Her fingers laced with his under the table, and all she could feel was heat in his eyes. This man can burn her just with a glance.

“No!” Sanskaar gave an answer, his eyes directed towards Laksh for a minute.  “ You are getting late. You should leave.” Then his gaze met Swara’s, “ I will take care of Miss Bose.” He added his lips curving up.

Swara ignored that shot of thrill. They both didn't notice Laksh sliding off in silence as their eyes played a game. The air crackled around and Swara swore she could feel it. 

The hint of danger and excitement ….

"Can you stop acting as you own me?" Swara found her voice back, thankful none of them were in close earshot , the witness of their exchange. 

“ Well !” Sanskaar stepped close, his voice falling low to a sexy, husky whisper.

" Guess we will have to work on that” 

And Swara had no clue what was about to hit her next. She wasn’t definitely prepared.

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Thanks for reading .

Love
Lucky 💕