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{The part where our leads try to fight it out }
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They drove back in silence and it wasn't the first time. They say, Silence speaks volumes … Swara wasn't sure of the volume's part, but it definitely did play a part in their story. 

Between them, sometimes it had been comforting, soothing, and even exciting at times, but not strained. He did not spare a glance at her and when she tried to initiate conversation, the music blasted into high notes so contrary to his favorite jazz.

.

Swara took the message. He was in no mood for conversation.

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The cold shoulder treatment continued when he opened the door for her and when they walked into Maheshwari Mansion. Annapurna definitely looked surprised as she wasn't expecting them so early. 

“We are done, Maa. I didn't see a point in staying back and I will have lunch in my room, please” which meant he was going be locked out of her reach, Swara thought grimly watching him leave and when Annapurna asked her for lunch …”Aunty , Mujhe bhook nahi hain ! I will go to my room.”

His feet halted for a minute. He was almost tempted to say, “Mera gussa khane pe nikalne ki zaroorat nahi.” then decided against it and strode off. Back in her room, Swara stared at lunch. Trust Annapurna aunty to send it across. But she was in no mood to eat but rather fight, scream or simply cry.. . why wouldn't he listen to her?

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Sanskaar looked at his lunch untouched. Oh! That reminded him he had reservations in place for them in one of the cozy restaurants. He had plans…a lot of them for the whole day, but No! She had to go and ruin it with her overthinking.

How could she even imply that he was bestowing some favor on her because of the intimacy they shared last night? How dare she think of him in such a way or about herself for that case.

It was a mere coincidence painted in the wrong way in her eyes. Then,  she had to throw a tantrum, skipping lunch. What did this woman think that he would eat in peace leaving her to starve, Sanskaar huffed impatiently.

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Annapurna decided she had a serious issue to deal with. Both lunches came back intact. It hasn't been tough for her to put one plus one. The change in moods and plans, from morning to noon, was all out there. Maybe her husband was right.

The volatile shifts would do no good to Swara and Sanskaar, if they intend to pursue a serious relationship. They need to know each other well. Passion makes it easy but patience, trust, and understanding are what make relationships work. And these kids will have to learn it their way. 

Perhaps she had been in a hurry given her fears stemming from her traditional mindset, but she carried no doubts about commitments from the side of Swara and Sanskaar. They would stick by but it was going to be a tough road ahead. 

Now she had some work to do.

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Smile in the morning, Sulk in the evening. A wonderful way to describe his day, Sanskaar thought grudgingly as they sat for dinner. He couldn't skip, as Annapurna insisted and no excuses worked. “Your dad is coming home early and he wants to have dinner with everyone in his presence. 

Everyone included Swara too. So here he is, trying not to look at her while her eyes are fixed on him. Damn it. He has a weakness for the beauty they are. Now he caught a glimpse of hurt in them, like a doe in pain. He turned away for fear he would melt in them

Swara didn't ignore the prick she felt. She didn’t want to.

“Swara Beta, “ The voice of Durgaprasad Maheshwari alerted her. “I hope ki tumhe ghar acha laga.” That was one more hit of realization.  Her eyes moved to Sanskaar who looked like he would burst out …any minute 

And he did. The force he rose from the chair had caught everyone's attention. “ I am done. Good night everyone .” He announced and was out of sight next. Holding her tears, Swara listened as Dp went on to explain how he wanted to gift her as a token of gratitude, but It was Sanskaar who insisted on adding EMI ..because…

Swara listened half-heartedly cos he knew her .. and well. She would have refused in other ways. He had been considerate of her feelings and she hadn’t been, jumping to conclusions.

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He wanted an outlet for anger simmering through him. The re-raise of the topic by his dad was just a fresh grate on his wound from the morning.  Why did it matter to him so much? He wasn't an idiot to assume everyone liked him. People love you and hate you for the reasons known to them ..not his concern. He could have simply dismissed or tossed off Swara's opinion of him….didn't brood on it all day and night …but he did.

Because... He bloody well knows the answer. That woman had gotten into his system …bad. Sanskaar paced restlessly. It made him furious not having a hold or say on it. He wished he could have skipped dinner and diverted some frustration to work out. He needs one  

The knock on the door was the last thing he wanted now. Get lost! He wanted to scream but didn't want surprises or further probings after his act at the dining table. He would pack however it was, then suffer alone. Vaguely irritated, he pulled open the door.

Swara Bose was the last one he would have wanted on the other side.

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He wasn't expecting her to show up,  wasn't happy and that made her angry. The surprise,  then the scowl on his features made it clear. What did he think of her? She knew when she made an error in judgment and wasn't the one to shy away from her mistake. Apology in the right place to the right people was a strength she felt,  as opposed to being painted as a weakness. And She was anything but weak. 

Enough of crying and nursing her tears back into the room.  She was here to put an end to this and she had no intention to give him a choice.

“We have to talk.”

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Sanskaar’s first instinct was to bang the door right in the face.  ‘I don't want to talk to you “. Ah!   That wouldn’t be a grown man’s act but rather a sulky petulant child in one of his bad moods. He simply stepped back … 

Get in,” He kept it clipped and to the point. Swara stepped in and the door closed behind her with a click.

“I was wrong.” Swara didn't waste any time as they stood facing each other “ and I am ..

“Sorry?” Sanskaar supplied with a  mock “ Is that why you are here Miss Bose? A sweet apology and you think I would fall at your feet. I bet you have been practicing all afternoon.” Her eyes snapped at him and the hurt was clear in them. Good! Sanskaar thought. He wasn't the only one suffering.

“Well, Maybe I should refresh your memory, Mr.Maheshwari,”.Swara tipped her chin up, “ I was trying from the morning, but you are the one who wanted to stay locked.”

“Yeah right! Wonderful… Now I am on the wrong side because I didn't let you say sorry?”  Furious,  He backed her step up step, “ You think you can hurt me and melt me at your choice? His hand fisted next to her on the wall, “Then let me make it clear, Swara Bose. You have the wrong expectations over there. You can keep your whims and fancies to yourself. Not working.” 

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The hard surface of the wall felt nothing before the heat in his eyes .. and coldness in his tone. It would take a minute to toss him aside and walk off or fight back.  She tried enough … Did she or didn't. It was hurt that was speaking, glossed by anger … and she caused it. 

No matter what, She wasn't stepping out of his room without sorting it out. 

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He was prepared for a fight, an exchange of heated words, but wasn't prepared for the tender touch of her fingers over his cheek … a gentle soothing touch, her eyes full of …

He didn't want to name the emotions he was reading in them. It angered him, his helplessness against her charms. One minute she infuriated him and next …she invoked something soft and something wild. The multitude of emotions, she managed to stir in him, with nothing but the touch was maddening.

He sighed when her lips touched his …. A gentle murmur of sorry over them before she pulled back. That was his undoing. The fire that simmered within, now burned...

“To hell with your sorry,”  his lips came crashing down on hers….

And the fire blazed.

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