Veronica came down the stairs in slow, measured steps, one elegant hand sliding down the banister. She had forsaken Tom Ford for the night and chosen Balenciaga - a glittering column of midnight blue satin draped over her slim form, an off shoulder number with a mile high slit up the left that scissored once for every step she took. Her hair was arranged on the crown of her head in lovely curls, a few wispy tendrils artfully escaping the bunch. her eyes were blue smoke.

She looked stunning, and she knew it. And she had used the family connection to her advantage, arrived early to set the stage. Coming down the stairs was a clich for a reason.

Heads would turn when she made her entrance. Already, some did, and it pleased her. Now where was the one person whose attention was the sole purpose of all these thoughts, efforts and priming? He had slipped right by her early in the evening. Slippery as an eal, she thought ruefully. Well, she had decided to charm him off his feet. And beauty was a weapon she had honed to perfection. Where was he?

Ah, there he was, by the door, as perfect as ever, the gracious and charming host. His name suited him to the T: Sanskaar. Getting to him would not be easy, there were a million people she had to go through for that. But she had the solution to that. Smiling, she descended the last flight of steps, drawing a bee line for the door even as she prepared to play hostess.

It was a black tie event. There were men dressed in three piece suits and women draped in glitter and glamour all around him. He wasn't aware of the appreciative and speculative glances he received from the female portion of the crowd, let alone that of the single-minded Ms.Verma.

He had a part to play, which he didn't mind. it was part of being a Maheswari. Duty calls. But even though it was all for a good cause, his mind kept wandering. Where was she? Even as he played the gracious host, charmed and cajoled patrons and media royalty and politicians, his eyes drifted to the doorway, and beyond the gravel drive flanked by acres of fairy lights. Where was she?

He managed to stay near the door somehow, so he would know. He hoped she would come. She wouldn't stand him up, would she? No she wouldn't. She was too loyal and steadfast to not keep her word. Every time a car scrunched up the gravel, he turned to look. He felt a tiny bit of disappointment for each time it wasn't her, and it took effort not to let it show.

Until a cab came up the drive, and a girl stepped out. He excused himself from his acquaintance and moved to the door, his heart thudding a little painfully as he waited for the newcomer to turn. He wanted to be sure...when she turned, he was sure his heart had stopped for one moment. And then it began to beat double time. It was indeed Swara...

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"Have you ever watched a leaf leave a tree? It falls upward first, and then it drifts toward the ground, just as I find myself drifting towards you."

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She had worn a simple gown in ivory satin, high backed, with just a little interest of encrusted stones below the prim Queen Anne neckline. The satin flowed over her delicate form like a second skin, the hem floating around her ankles in gentle waves with every move of hers. She had dressed up, just a little, because it was fun. Just played up her eyes, pearl dust, a sprinkle of fairy silver on her eyelids. And had picked the silly, sparkly silver heels on a whim, going with the mood. Then laughed at herself, and stopped there. She didn't want to go aboveboard. She only ever wanted fun, and had no use for vanity. So She let her hair be, and it framed her face in lovely loose curls. The effect was stunning, though she hardly noticed.

A simple pearl bracelet adorned her wrist, and she wore matching little drop earrings, marcasite and pearl. That was all the jewelry she wore, besides her smile.

There was grace even in her stillness, and when she smiled, she glowed.

He thought she had never looked lovelier than now.

She watched him walk up, slowly, like he was in a trance. Like he had eyes only for her; indeed, he was walking straight to her, paying no mind to the goings on and the people around him. Another late guest walked up and waved a hand in greeting; he never saw any of them. Swara filled his entire vision, standing there by the star-spangled tree, lovely as a dream.

She could feel his gaze, and the closer he came... Butterflies flitted inside her, a funny flutter in the pit of the stomach. Trying to ignore them, she smiled, shy and sweet.

Just a few steps more, and he'd reach her. Was she real?

Aa he watched, warm color flooded her cheeks. She was real, all cream skin and rosy cheeks and ivory silk-was it silk? She looked like an angel. He stood before her, searching for the right words.

"hi," she smiled again, dazzling him more than the bright lights did.

"You look beautiful," he said quietly, reverently. "Like a Princess," he added softly

Flattered by the reverence in his tone, a little shy under the intensity of the gaze, she tucked a lock of hair behind her ears. "Thank you," she returned quietly, looking up at him through those impossibly long lashes.

He found the innocent gesture as endearing as her unplanned, utterly feminine reaction; smiling, he took her hand to guide her inside.. "Chale?"

She nodded, looking away to hide the next blush. She couldn't seem to stop...neither that, nor the sweet pleasure in his appreciation.

Inside, Veronica fumed beneath the lovely smile she was bestowing upon one ageing news channel head-- she had lost her bead on Sanskaar. Exasperating man. Where did he go? All evening he was near the damn door or thereabouts, and now he had simply disappeared...

Then she saw him walking in. With that girl. Holding hands! Her smile chilled by several degrees, and Bob Armand, the news channel head she was charming, took one mental step back from the exotic female who looked a little like a time bomb at the moment. In reality, he took her arm solicitously. "Ronnie, are you alright?"

She bit back the hiss, returned her attention to the man, fixing a more proper smile as she wound up the conversation with care. Impressions mattered, always.

Bob relaxed as he saw the battle light go out of her eyes; he could get on with enjoying the evening without bloodshed. Not that it would hurt; make for interesting press. Cat fights at a charity gala. He had seen their charming host walk in with a girl who looked like a fairy princess just then, following Veronica's line of sight. Smiling to himself, he picked up a champagne flute excused himself from Veronica. He might go check out his own media team and be prepared, just in case.

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Still holding her hand sanskaar guided swara towards DP, who was busy in business talks with Verma and others .DP excused himself from the group as sanskaar wanted him to meet some one.He cast a look behind sanskaar found a young pretty girl...not a familiar face ..who is she??

"Dad ..ye swara hain." ..Sanskaar introduced her

"Namaste Uncle" ..swara greeted him

Dp greeted her back and as Sanskaar introduced her to be his best friend and an active volunteer of little flowers, he frowned.

Little flowers' - the same orphanage over which the media ruckus happened ..but what caught his attention was... a volunteer and Sanskaar's best friend ?

Swara was quick to notice the frown but Dp was back to his usual self in blink of an eye .He mastered that art from years. In world of corporate ..a much need one .He chatted few more minutes with swara about her where abouts and he didn't seem impressed. Not from any influential family and a Bengali .Doesn't quite fit the parameters though girl looked sweet and innocent ... He was quick to excuse himself giving a courteous smile and asking them to enjoy the party

As he approached his group his thoughts wavered around how Sanskaar seemed to be smitten by this young lass .Perhaps he is reading too much between lines. .. A friend invited to a party ,had been part of NGO along with Sanskaar and it's a charity gala event ...makes sense .. Brushing his thoughts off he joined back the group.

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"Hey!.. kya hua ?? Sanskaar noticed swara had been lost in thoughts post meeting his dad..He handed over her a glass of juice and getting himself a glass of wine.

"Kuch nahi ..woh main bas.."..Swara tried cheering herself

And Sanskaar exactly know what her line of thought was...the stark contrast between his mom and dad must be bothering her. Not a surprise.

"Dad aise hi hain swara ..mom se bilkul alag ..kam baat karte hain and very serious ..tumhe thoda ajeeb laga hoga.".

Swara looked at him surprised ...how did he know what she was thinking ?

"Itna tho jaanta hoon main tumhe .." Sanskaar answered bringing her smile back .

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The minute Sanskaar excused himself from swara to receive one of the guests Veronica moved towards swara .Just the opportunity she has been looking for...She didn't know much about this girl swara then ,when she met her at office but now, she posed a serious threat to her especially in case of Sanskaar .She observed how Sanskaar was doting her, not leaving her side for a second and whenever he left ,he would find his way back to her in next few min ,like he's drawn towards her and this irked her more .Dp was dismissive of this what so ever volunteer . ...well that's one good thing, she doesn't belong here ..not their class but sanskaar? when would he realise?..Very soon ..she would make sure of same.

But now it's time for some fun...

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Hey !

Swara turned around at that voice.A strong whiff channel perfume ,arrogance and attitude coupled with very obvious style statement... she knew this lady...Encounter in Sanskaar's office few days back ,didn't leave her with a good impression.

Veronica stepped closer ," I think we met before but not formally .Hi.. I am Veronica..Veronica Verma ,- Media Relations Manager -Maheswari Group.

"Swara Bose"

Their hands met for a brief ...very brief handshake

"Nice..Hey swara...Tum karte kya ho ? I mean ..I didn't see u much around you know in our circle...so ..I hope you don't mind me asking that." Veronica sounded all curious ...She had to ..Though she dug in all the information she could about this PYT .She can't let her have clue of it and above all making her say it ... what is she ? Nothing before Veronica Verma.

" I am a student of social work and I work for an NGO" swara answered

Look at that veronica thought ..her voice sounded confident and like she's proud of her social service ...whatever.

"Wow ..sounds great!.. Well Swara! Are u enjoying the party ...such a GRAND' one ?

Swara frowned slightly .She didn't like the sound of word GRAND' ,the way veronica took it and next minute her voice came in, venomous coated with hint of honey.

"How do u feel attending it? I am sure you wouldn't be getting much chances to.. u know.." she paused .Good note to start an insult. Veroinca took a sip of her red wine ..her eyes away from swara for a minute.

Swara wondered why this lady despised her. They hardly know each other. As she followed Veronica's line of sight ..she knew her answer.

'SANSKAAR'

Swara felt an odd sting of discomfort and she didn't like the way veronica's eyes were stuck on Sanskaar. Her eyes spelled out prey and hunt' .Swara felt an protective instinct and urge to ask her to stay away from him ,but for time being an answer would do ..

"Well Veronica"... Ronnie moved her eyes back to swara .."You know , I am not here for party but for a dear friend and a very very close one and on his insistence ..I don't think I need to spell out name for you or should I?"

Veronica fumed. How dare she imply that Sanskaar is more closer to her ..Well, we would see ..She excused herself as she saw Sanskaar walking towards them .

The minute Sanskaar noticed swara with veronica he rushed back to them. If veronica was planning to throw any insults and comments under her polished statements ,he very well knew which she is capable of. Swara is too precious and pure too be involved in corporate games and politics. He intended keep Ms.Verma off his swara.

As he approached her swara gave him a warm smile .

"Did she trouble you ?" he asked her in a measured low tone..It sounded like he would pounce on Veronica if she said yes .Swara was amused ,so Sanskaar is well aware of Ms.Verma .

"Don't worry Sanskaar ..Not much ..I managed and I can handle those kind."

Now it was Sanksaar's turn to be amused .He should have known that.

" I know that Miss Bose ...dekha maine uss din little flowers main media par sherni banke khudne waali thi tum ..I should have known you might be dangerous sometimes .Its healthy for Ms. Verma to stay away from you."

"Sanskaar"...swara hit him playfully and they shared a laugh

It was sore sight to watch from the other end , veronica walked off in huff. Time to show some moves and she exactly knew the way to do it

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Playing pseudo hostess had its points for Veronica, even if the Sanskaar part of her plan didn't work out the way she hadn't planned. There was always another solution: Durga Prasad Maheswari. It was a simple matter to let DP know how essential she was for Maheswari Inc, she just had to be everywhere doing everything- in his line of sight, and otherwise, so it would be genuine. Besides, she didn't mind, considering all this would be her responsibility someday. Already, she had received praise from DP for the way she had handled the press meets and releases over Sanskaar's pet project, the NGOs. Next, she had to show him what a good match she would make for the younger Maheswari. She knew which cards to play. It took minimal amount of effort to get the family connection rolling. Her dad approved of her choice of course, and had set talks going. So she was the model of every modern businessman's dream daughter-in-law: intelligent, classy, smart, charming and efficient, already running things without seeming to do so. DP was impressed, as he told Verma sometime during the evening when they spotted Veronica huddled with the floor manager checking arrangements, then hurrying off to the next place to check something else.

As the evening progressed, the crowd thinned a little. DP left with Verma and a few other board members. They had big plans for the next day, early meetings. The revelry was left to their next generation.

Other guests remained. It was a good party. Wine and champagne flowed from fountains, and sloshed within some of the guests, because it was a good party.

Veronica, a column of blue fire in her glittery gown, was seen by the DJ's station for a moment, as she was seen in several other places that evening, checking things. Nobody thought anything to it.

Soon after, activity began around the periphery of the dance floor, and the atmosphere was charged. Strains of the first song fluted out; a sweet Argentine number. Sanskaar leant in to ask Swara if she did tango, ever. She shook her head no, smiling. As always, he lost himself a little in her eyes as he smiled back.

"Hey," Veronica's voice cut into their little moment. "Can I borrow him for the first dance?" she asked sweetly, smiling at Swara, in a voice that was light but strong enough to carry over to the onlookers.

Recognizing the warning and threat, Swara gave a shrug. ", sure." She answered coolly. Sanskaar knew why her tone had cooled a little, but was trapped by manners. A woman, his coworker at that, had asked him to dance, within earshot of all their guests and colleagues. He couldn't insult her by saying no, even though there was only one girl he had wanted to dance with tonight-Swara.

Reluctantly, he offered a hand to Veronica. "I'll be right back," he told Swara softly, in a tone that set Veronica's hackles up-it was much too intimate. Swara smiled at him, nodded. Her smile slipped a little as he led Veronica to the center of the dance floor and took the stance for dance, then she let it go on a long sigh. He wasn't hers. She couldn't claim him anyway. So she decided she didn't mind the obvious Ms.Verma and turf wars. Then she smiled again, as she saw he was still looking over at her, a little worried about her, even when he held another woman in his arms. She gestured an I'm-okay to him. Content with his company and concern, Swara leaned back against the wall to watch the show.

It was an Argentine tango, Por Una Cabeza. A sensuous number, and Veronica was thrilled to have some ideas working at the least. She was dressed for the part, and she liked to tango. She was the center of attention, dancing with Sanskaar Maheswari. And they danced well. Those were the plus points. Because what she was doing, was staking her territory; mine, the the dance shouted out. She would show that nobody, that little social worker who wore off-the-rack mass produced gowns, she would show her.

Sanskaar did the dips, turns and lifts on automatic. It might have been fun in some circumstances, a nice song and dance with a friend. But he was holding the wrong woman. Even as he dipped Veronica in a neck drop, his eyes drifted to Swara. Every time he looked at her, she smiled, sweet and soft. And his heart stuttered. From across the dance floor, he felt that familiar pull - which he had stopped questioning -- that connect with her, even though he was twirling another woman around the dance floor...

When the dance was over and he straightened up, drawing Veronica with him, people were clapping. He had to make an effort to tear his gaze from Swara, and smile down at his dance partner for courtesy's sake.

The next song began; couples moved to the floor.

Duty done, he left the floor and walked straight to Swara.

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Swara had a small smile on her lips. The knowledge that he cared, that he had his eyes on hers all through that dance to make sure she was alright, was enough for her. Veronica didn't exist, for all her exquisite beauty and sophistication.

When Sanskaar reached her, she was still smiling, serene. Serenity lent an ethereal grace to her, so different from the bundle of energy she normally was... She was so lovely as she stood there, hands folded neatly at her waist, that demure smile on her lips. Achingly lovely... his heart took a long, slow roll.

"Dance with me," he said as she took his outstretched hand. He said it with such quiet intensity, that she didn't have the heart to refuse. She went with him willingly as he slipped one arm around her waist and led her towards the crowded dance floor. They glided forward on the jazzy opening notes of the Bollywood song the DJ chose.

She placed a hand on his shoulder; he took the other in his hand, drew her just a fraction of an inch closer with the hand at her waist. The first lines floated out through the speakers...

https://youtu.be/vsXS_7DGwws

Kuch khas hai...

Kuch paas hai...

Her eyes snapped up to his, caught and held.

Kuch ajnabi ehsas hai...

Instinctively he brought her closer; her eyes widened a little. His hand was warm at the base of her spine, warm through the satin of her gown.

kuchh duriyaan ... najdikiyaan

He spun her out, and back in just as quickly so that she was nestled against him, soft and warm...

The song, the dance, the people whirling a round them, everything slowed down, so it seemed to be just them, just the two of them, moving to the beat of their hearts. She could feel his warm breath, hear him draw it in slowly. She closed her eyes...

He turned her around so he could look into them...they were veiled by those lashes, an endearing mix of sweet and shy and aware. He twirled her around, dipped her gently. Her fragrance...unable to resist, he leaned in closer.

She seemed to melt into his arms as he drew her up, her eyes on his, trust added to the confusing mix as he lifted her, in time with the music that floated back to them slowly.

Kuch saaz hai...

Jaage se jo the soye...

Alfaaz hai...chup ke nashe me khoye...

He heard the lines now, they seemed to be mocking them gently. Yes, their eyes spoke, and even they didn't understand.. it was all new, almost like a new language...every time he touched her, she seemed to come alive...currents ran through skin as smooth as the satin she wore, as he slid his arms down hers for a turn and dip. For every lift, every dip, hearts sped, and breathes...

Kya ye khumaar hai...

Oh, the words mocked at him. It was indeed intoxication of a form, this intense burning he felt with her in his arms, pressed so close he could feel her heart pound against his, this feeling of rightness, this aching joy...

Kehna hi kya.. tera dakhal na koi..

No, it wasn't her fault that his blood was on fire, simply for touching her..

Dil ko dikha... dil ki shakal ka koi...

Her hand caressed his face as he raised her from a drop, and his eyes closed involuntarily.

He couldn't not feel all of what he was feeling...he was losing the battle with himself, Everytime she touched him...with her eyes, with her hands...

Kya ye pukaar hai...kyun bekarar hai...

He didn't know, but perhaps blood called to blood, and it was only primitive...but was it souls...it couldn't be, could it...

Jaadu sawaar hai...

In some corner of her mind she was aware of the pull...man to woman, elemental, powerful...and in his arms...God, in his arms...

Na ikhtiyaar hai...

She couldn't help feeling this way with him...his eyes burned into hers as he brought her down, his hands gliding over the satin, down the sides, singing her...on her toes, poised on the cusp of knowledge...for the space of one heartbeat, no several, she knew...and she reveled in the glory of it...of their own volition, eyelids fluttered closed...

He spun her again, and again, and again...

Shayad ye pyaar hai, pyaar hai Shayad...

The music ended slowly, and she was clasped close, eyes closed, his brow resting on hers...

Pyaar hai Shayad...yahi...

Applause rang from all around them, loud cheers. They broke apart slowly, hands still held, not wanting to let go...

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Quote ** , ;Song - Kuch Khaas hain - Fashion

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