Hi All.. Here Comes the next Chapter. Sorry for the delay.Happy Reading and Do let me know your thoughts..Please Ignore any errors and typos.

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I Love you because 'I Love you' . It would be impossible for me not to love you.I Love you without question, without calculation, without reason, good or bad, faithfully with my heart and soul.Believe it , For it is true.**

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"Marry me, Swara"

She stepped back abruptly as if his words jolted her.Silence hung in the air as they stood facing each other. There was a world of confusion in his eyes.He knew it was abrupt..out of nowhere but he didn't want to delay it any further. He didn't expect her to bounce and say yes ..but her sudden withdrawal was not expected either. But her eyes,played myriad of emotions .. ranging from shock to confusion .. a kind of inner struggle.. And that instant he knew what was running through her mind.

"Sanskaar ye tum ...Shaadi .. Nahi.I mean .. ye ..main," her words scrambled just like her thoughts.

"Kyu?"

Swara met his eyes. His eyes watched her intently ..now all calm..not a slight frown or confusion.It was a simple straight question but she found herself speechless. Didn't she ruin him enough ..does she need to pave way for more of his destruction.

" I mean ..,"she turned away unable to face his piercing gaze. "Hum saath hain na Sanskaar aur khush hain .. tho phir...?"

"Woh mere sawaal ka jawaab nahi hai Swara," He walked up to her held her hand turning her to face him. " Kyu?" She didn't meet his eyes and When nothing came in " Meri taraf dekho Swara," he held her chin ... and now she faced him eye to eye. Those eyes held same love for her which have weakened her every resolve.. And if only everything was normal this could be best moment of her life . A proposal .. a promise of lifetime to stand by in every step by love of your life ...but ..

"Swara ?" his voice broke the chain of her thoughts. He is waiting for an answer..she braced herself.

" Aur kitna barbaad hona chahthe ho tum .. aur kitna selfish banana chahthe ho tum mujhe?" She released his hold and stepped back" Jhoot nahi kahungi Sanskaar .. Haan main chathi thi ki mere sch jaane ne ke baad bhi tum mujhe apnavo ..mujse pyaar karo and I didn't mind being selfish then . Tumne kaha tum barbaad hone ke liye tayyar ho .. aur main khushi khusi maan gayi .. "her voice was filled with self contempt like she hated herself .That didn't go well with him .But he choose to stay silent and let her spill out all her fears and apprehensions.

" Mujhe tho tum milgaye .. tumhara pyaar milgaya ,.lekin tumhe .."A tear spilled out of her eyes "mere wajah se tumhe apna ghar chodna pada ..apni mom dad ..aur ab tumhara career ...aur ye sab kyu ? Uss insaan ke liye jo kuch dino main ..."she paused , took a deep breath and then walked up to him " Sanskaar , shaadi zindagi bhar ka saath hota haina .. lekin mere paas tho zindagi hain hi nahi. Tumhare saath dene ke liye , " That one line tugged his heart . He held back tears that threatened to spill out but she couldn't.

" Nahi Sanskaar .. ab aur nahi sekh sakthi main .. ye jaante huye bhi ki main tumhari liye zindagi bahr ka dhukh chodkar jaavungi ...nahi ..nahi .. "Swara muttered to herself .She already caused enough damage..no more leading .. this dream ride has to stop .

"Swara ... agar tumhe lag raha hain ki meri zindagi main kabhi bhi kisi aur ke liye jagah hogi .."

" Jagah banani padegi tumhe .. " She told him firmly to his shock .Why can't he understand ,she promised herself that she would never bring in topic of her death between them but sometimes light needs to be shed on bitter truth ,If that's way to make him understand she will not mind breaking few " janti hoon tumhe achha nahi lagega ye sunke lekin .. sach yahi hain ki main marne waali hoon sanskaar .. suna tumne .. I am going to die."

"Swara ..." Sanskaar turned back . He didn't want to hear.

"Kyu bura laga .. sachayi bardaasht nahi hoti , "Swara grabbed his hand turned back"Kya karoge tum mere jaane ke baad ..rote rahoge .. barbaad kar doge khud ko, ya apni jaan de doge ya shaarab pete rahoge .. .. zinagi ka saath chod doge ?kya karoge tum? ..bolo .. hain jawaab? Bolo Sanskaar, "She shook him .. She wanted some answers desperately

" Nahi hain Jawaab " he freed himself and stepped back " Nahi hain .. kyunki main nahi jaanta ..aur naa mujhe jaan na hai , naa sochna hain ..kya chahte ho tum Swara ..aage jo hoga woh soch kar ..abhi hamare paas jo bhi pal hain usse jeena chod de. " His question startled her .. her own words rushed back to her just like him . Now he was close to her , his hands held her cheeks, his palms wet with her tears " Yaad hain .. "he reminded her softly "yaad hain tumhe kaha tha .. ki jo bhi pal abhi hain ..we have live that moment ... wahi kar raha hoon Swara...Nahi jaanta kal kya hoga .. main jiyunga ,marunga .. I don't know .. I might try to move on in life .. but from you ... never ..Don't even expect." He concluded.

"Aur ye kya selfish selfish laga rakhe ho tum ? haan ? "His tone scolded her gently, " Miss Swara Bose .. Get this straight ok!agar tumhe lag raha hain ki main ye sab tumhare liye kar raha hoon .. galat fhemi hain tumhari ..Tumhare saath rehne ka faisla mera tha Swara and its a selfish one.."

Her eyes frowned in confusion. Selfish ?

" Main ye sab apne liye kar raha hoon .Tumne tho mujhse pehle hi kaha tha na .. ki tumhara pyaar mujhe taklif degi ..jhoot ..Barbaad kardegi ... jhoot."

"Sanskaar ... "Swara tried to find her voice back.That is the truth, isn't it?

"Shh shhh. chup .. ek dum chup .. "he leaned closer ,pressing forehead against hers .He needed a moment..and he knew she needed too.

Then he spoke...

" Jab maine tumse kaha ki maine tumse pyaar karta hoon , Tumne mujhse naa kaha, kyunki tum mujhe dard se bachana chahthi thi . Haina? "Swara nodded midst tears. "Lekin phir aayi na tum.. Mere liye , Apne Sanskaar ke liye ,aadhi raat ko , bhaagte huye ,Kyu ? chod deti mujhe apne haal pe..lekin nahi .Pata hain Swara , Tum mujhse pyaar nahi karti..uss feeling ke saath jeena mushkil tha mere liye .. ek ek pal mar raha tha aur tab barbaad ho raha tha .. lekin ab.. "He drew back and gazed into her eyes softly "ab toh main jee raha hoon Swara , aur .."he gently wiped off tears "woh har sapne jeena chahta hoon jo maine hamare liye dekha hain . .jaanta hoon waqt kam hain .. issliye tho jitne pal jeesake tumhare saath, jitne pal mil sake tumhare saath sab ek ek karke samet raha hoon..aur ye pyaar kaafi nahi hain mere liye ..aur pyaar karna chatha hoon tumse.. jaanti ho kyu ?"

Her eyes searched his eyes for an answer.

"Kyunki tumse pyaar karna meri jaroorat hain Swara.. "and she gazed at him at loss of words and like always he managed to touch a chord in her heart ..strike it hard, leaving her stunned

" ab bolo selfish kaun hain ?" he asked again softly ...and she had no clue what to say . Torn between emotions she choose to seek solace in her abode ,in his arms ..and like always he held her close ... For next few minutes every fragment of thought, Every droplet of silence simply fell into warmth engulfing them.

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Lying on bed Swara drew her knees closer pulling the pillow much closer. That night ,on their first date, When he said those words .. "Agar tumhara pyaar barbaadi hain..main barbaad hone ke liye tayyar hoon," they both knew there was no turning back at that point. They would be together in this ... then why did she step back today?. Did her guilt of watching Sanskaar ruin himself resurfaced with words of DP uncle or is it her own fears and apprehensions which she held somewhere deep down. Whatever it is she needed to sort out ..and she needed time which he willingly gave in without her saying a word

" Main tumhe force nahi karunga Swara ..It's your choice too , tumhare jo bhi faisla hoga ..mujhe manjoor hain."

The fear of losing him was too much to bear , but the fear of ruining him further was unsettling too .She's already missing him next to her.But not any more . She closed her eyes sighing as his fingers gently brushed her hair ..He is here and next moment she turned into him , snuggled closer.

"Hold me close .. "she wanted to say but didn't have to . He already pulled her close... and ensured they were snuggled warmly under comforter.

"I don't know Sanskaar... I just seem to be lost ...I .. " Swara voiced her state of mind. I feel I am torn between two extremes ...I Don't know .. I .." She paused wondering if she is even making sense.

"It will be fine Swara ... just.. Just give it time. Sab theek hojayega," His assurance was more than enough for her .Swara nodded and her hands spread around him while Sanskaar's thoughts took a turn.

So his Dad managed to mess up Swara's mind but one way he was glad . .glad her every fear and guilt which she had been nursing underneath is out . He had seen and felt her guilt over his decisions of leaving house and job , though she never voiced it out . She respected his decision, stood by him ... but He knew her too well..there was twinge of guilt and his Dad had hit on right spot.

This will be fought too . He will stand by her but would wait for her to battle it out on her own.If they decide to take next step, to be bounded officially , it would be with no apprehension and absolute surety . He was sure .. he wanted her to be sure too,but for now ..

"Goodnight Princess ,"he whispered softly and planted a kiss on her forehead and her lips pressed under his chin in answer... "Good night" she mumbled back .

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Swara smiled looking at the photograph where Sanskaar posed with guitar giving into her demands. Her fingers traced the photograph fondly.How cute did he look.It's been only an hour he left and she's already missing him. It was a day after proposal. He had to leave for a business trip. Though well aware he wouldn't have preferred to go unless it's extremely critical, still her treacherous heart couldn't hold back .

"Jaana jaroori hain?" she asked packing his bag, and immediately regretted. She shouldn't have, his work is important as well. "Woh main bas aisi hi .." she focused back on bag. She felt his arms go around her from back , holding her tight. She always loved his hugs, especially spontaneous ones ...they always made her feel better. He brushed hair off her neck, leaned on her shoulder .She felt warm.

" I will miss you too princess," he whispered..

And she smiled, leaned back and nestled into his warm hold, " jaldi wapas aajao."

"Pakka" he smiled and bid her bye

Now without him it felt so empty .. so lonely. Swara moved on to next photograph and another and went around the room recalling memories, very soon her mind drifted back to night Sanskaar proposed for a marriage. Swara closed her eyes and it flashed before her eyes.

"Marry me Swara!"

Swara eyes snapped open .she held photograph to her chest .. Of her and Sanskaar and moved slowly towards bed .

"Kyunki tumse pyaar karna meri jaroorat hain Swara..samjhi."

His words again

"woh har sapne jeena chahta hoon jo maine hamare liye dekha hain.. Tumhare saath." She gazed at photograph ..

There were all smiles .How true it is , a photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you.A couple of tears dripped on photograph streaking its surface. Her fingers wiped them off.

And then her eyes moved onto bed side table .. and what caught her attention was a cover . Swara narrowed her eyes .. Ye kya hai? wiping tears off her face, placing photograph on bed she reached and opened it up .

It was addressed to her ...from Sanskaar... A letter ? She quickly scanned through contents..lowered the letter down. Fresh tears welled up her eyes.

Teri chahaton mein kitna tadpe hain

Teri mohabbat se saanse mili hai

Zindagi mein meri sari jo bhi kami thi

Tere aa jaane se ab nahi rahi

Mile ho tum hum ko bade naseebon se

Churaya hai maine ,Kismat ki lakeeron se

Swara! I couldn't find better words to let you know what you mean to me .I don't think I will ever be able to put across my love for you in words, lekin ek choti si koshish. You can call it may be a love letter! Our first one.You might be wondering why I choose to write a letter..but there's something I got for you ... a long time ago. .

Can you please pull open drawer and pick the little box inside it.?

Swara quickly pulled out the drawer, there was a small square box, a red colored velvet one. It opened on click ..and Swara found herself staring at most beautiful ring ... she had ever seen. A solitaire.

She smiled through tears and went back to letter ..Just few lines yet enough for her to knew

I fell in love with this ring first time I have seen it and I knew it was for you. I have always dreamt of a proposal where I would kneel down and say those three words and ask you to be mine forever, in every way . Well!I admit I have done quite a few rehearsals too ..but alas , things didn't go as planned .

A night before , when I asked you I know it was abrupt , you were not prepared .. but I couldn't hold back any longer when you asked " What would it take for me to be yours?.After proposal , I knew you needed time ... and I didn't want you to feel I am pushing you into this ..Hence..this letter.

Your choice would be the final call.. But I wanted you to have this.This ring had waited too long for you ..and I would be willing to wait for eternity ..but

Beyond all this there's only one truth ..

I love you Swara! And will always do...

Yours Sanskaar

Swara squeezed her eyes,Tears freely spilled from eyes now.She held letter close to her heart.

'ye pyaar kaafi nahi hai mere liye ..aur pyaar karna chahta hoon tumse..'

His words rang again. Swara wiped her tears off .. gazed at ring and letter for once , placed them back in drawer.

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Durgaprasad Maheshwari watched the person seated before him intently. Well the visit was quite unexpected but he definitely appreciated the timing chosen for meet ,When Sanskaar was out of town. So finally things started working in his favour .. Well he had seen and learnt it along years .Money and power rules over everything. And this girl was not an exception. His son might have tough time but ... he would be fine soon.

"Tho ..kya socha tumne?" DP asked leaning back on chair .

Swara watched person sitting before her. His concerns over her and his expectations from Sanskaar were absolutely understood .If only he had been more considerate towards Sanskaar ..but now It's time for him to know.

" Woh ...ye wapas dena tha aapko.. " Swara held cheque in hand

Durga Prasad's smile faded slowly " Aur paisa chahiye?" he asked surprised or rather shocked . His calculation of this move, He was quite sure ..it would work but ..

Swara smiled and that irked him further. "Aur kya chahiye?" He asked masking his emotions, maintaining his cool ,calm posture,

"Aap ka waqt...kuch 20 minutes.." He frowned for a while , nodded and next minute passed on instructions to his EA not to disturb him for next 30 minutes.

Then he listened to her ..

When she left ..Durgaprasad Maheshwari didn't move from his place.He picked the cheque and glanced at it for long .

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Annapurna Maheswari stood before her husband quite puzzled. Today from the time he returned from work , he seemed to be deeply immersed in some thoughts.Past weeks had been strained between them , precisely from the time Sanskaar left. Silence had not been very new between them ..but this time it was painfully strained. Today .. her husband posed some questions for her

"Annapurana,Kya tum pehle se jaanti thi Swara ke baare main .. ki Sanskaar usse ..? "He paused . Annapurna nodded in answer.

"Tum Usse mile? "He shot second question . Annapurna nodded again " Ji, Do baar mili hoon main Swara se." She would have added woh bahut achi ladki hain' .. but her husband never liked extra information,always preferred answers to be precise and to point.

" Hum jaan na chahthe the ki, jab hum yaha nahi the tho kya hua? "He waited . Annapurna took a deep breath .. and narrated .Sanskaar being drawn towards Swara..Her own fears then, Her meet with Swara at MM ...Sanskaar's love , his break down , his drunk state .. and her meet with Swara at her house , she told him everything wishing at least that would help her husband to understand the intensity with which Sanskaar loved Swara .

" Hame laga .. Humne Sanskaar ko kho diya. Humne uska pyaar dekha aur dard bhi , uska taadp , uska paagalpan aur khud ko barbaad karte huye dekha... Swara ke liye.Lekin ..abhi woh theek hain tho sirf Swara ki wajah se .. agar woh wapas uski zindagi main nahi aati ...tho ..pata nahi uska kya haal hota ," she paused, " Ek baat aap samjalijiye ..Swara ke bina aapko Sanskaar wapas nahi milega." She stated the truth clearly.

Durgaprasad stayed silent for long " Kya tum ye bhi jaante ho ki Swara ko ,"he halted and shifted uncomfortbly in chair " Usko Cancer hain."

Annapurna eyes widened in surprise. How did he ? Did Sanskaar tell him ?

" Aaj Swara humse milne aayi thi , office main, " he answered Annapurna's question, reading it clearly from her eyes.Annapurna wondered why ... Something she should know...Her thoughts halted hearing her husband's voice.

"Hume thodi dher akele rehna hain..hum study main jaa rahe hain ,"He rose and simply walked into study room leaving Annapurna behind .

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Durgprasad Maheshwari never felt this troubled in past few years. His calculations, strategies , moves were well calculated and they hardly missed the intended target. He preferred to read and understand his rival firms weakness and would target where it hit them most, in terms of business. There were instances where he managed to successfully turn his foes into allies, crushed few of them ruthlessly when they posed threat..but today he found himself lost , especially after his meet with Swara.

He never expected that young, fragile lass to be such a strong individual. She bluntly refused his offer but the way she put it across ,it was so subtle , yet the message was fed.She left him wondered.

First .. His notion of she being behind the money .. turned out to be wrong.

" Duniya ka poora paise bhi Sanskaar ko mujhse dur nahi lejaa saktha..Uncle .. she paused

" Can I call you that ?"she asked and he nodded

Second, being associated with Maheshwaris . Naam ,Khandaan . He recalled his words to Sanskaar ..that day

" Maheswari ki naam ke bina tum kuch nahi ho

And then Swara's words today

"Uncle aapko pata hai jab Sanskaar mujhse mile .. Mujhe pata nahi tha ki woh Maheswari , infact aap yakeen nahi katoge , hamara pehla bada jagada iss bat par hua jab mujhe ye baat pata chali .. main sanskaar se pyaar karti hoon uncle ..Maheswari naam se nahi "

And Sanskaar's words again

" Meri swara ko inn baton se koi farak nahi padega. ...and he was right.

Third

Cancer ...One minute his mask slipped off as he heard her ..and couldn't help but wonder why life has to be cruel, she's still very young and next minute he was surprised with his concern for this girl ...but what he heard next ..

" Uncle main jaanti hoon aap ye soch rahe hain ,sab jaante huye main phir bhi Sanskaar ke sath kyu hoon ..yahi soch kar ki meri wajah se usse koi takleef naa ho .main usse dur chaligayi , manakardiya .. lekin aakhir Sanskaar ke pyaar ke saamne mujhe jhukna pada ..kyunki uska pyaar ..pyaar nahi shiddat hain aur ibaadat .. aise pyaar ke saame ne tho bhagvaan bhi jhuk jaye ..main tho phir bhi insaan hoon,,aur aisa pyaar chahna mujhe selfish banata hain .. tho wahi teek hain..I dont mind being selfish." she stated unflinching.

"Main nahi jaanti mere paas kitna waqt hain .. lekin jo bhi hain woh mere aur Sanskaar ke liye bahut kheemti hain uncle .. ek ek pal ..issliye Sanskaar...ne," She paused and DP got the rest.

That's the reason Sanskaar didn't want to take full fledged job.

Fourth and most important

" Kya Sanskaar jaanta hai ki maine tumhe ye cheque diya?"He asked and wished not . It would just worsen the state of relation.. Swara nodded Yes . That was few minutes before she left .

Sanskaar knew and he didn't barge in, didn't pick up a fight or at least he knew how his son would react if this was to be taken as insult . This was perfect opportunity for the girl to use this to her advantage , to widen the rift between them .. but she turned out to be peacemaker .. and this surprised him beyond belief.

Last ..

She turned at door for a minute , " Uncle woh maine iss cheque main woh bhar diya jisse Sanskaar aapka ho saktha hain .. "she smiled " Thanks for time uncle .. and left .

In his study room DurgaPrasad Maheshwari pulled cheque out of cover ..and in neatly curved handwriting in place of amount it was written " Love - with No Conditions applied"

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Sanskaar checked his watch ..exactly in an hour he would be back ..to their sweet home and to his Swara. Yes , he missed her a lot but the trip went well and he managed to strike the deal and ..there's a surprise planned for his princess ..and he's absolutely sure she's gonna love it .

He just can't wait to get back home and wished by now Swara would have seen the letter and ring . Was he anxious, nervous or excited about her reaction .. he couldn't figure out, May be a bit of everything and she had no clue he had taken a earlier flight ...

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Swara stirred contents in bowl till the batter turned smooth ..and emptied it into cake pan.

" Ok .. all done ..now .. you " she held up the pan ,Go into oven and come out as yummy chocolate cake ,Ok!" she placed it in preheated oven and set the timer . " I just hope Sanskaar ko pasand aaye ," she smiled fondly . There's still an hour and half or two ...enough for her to check on final arrangements ...

And she heard the calling bell .. "Abhi kaun hain?' she rushed to open the door as Sanskaar waited excitedly outside and just like he expected .. she looked shocked for a second and next minute squealing with delight " Sanskaar ...'she jumped into his arms. Next minute her feet was off ground, as he twirled her round happy and excited.. Finally he's at home .Soon that excitement mellowed down to calmness. They held each other for a while , not even bothering to step in .

" I Missed you"

It was told in unison and they drew back smiling and next minute .. like something stuck her..

"Tum ..tum tho do ghante baad aane wale the na .. itni ..jaldi .. " she muttered . What about her surprise ?

" Acha! ..Teek hain, main do ghante baad aata hoon," Sanskaar smiled teasingly and stepped back .Swara held him ." Offo sanskaar .. Tum bhi na" ..she pulled him in "woh maina .. tumhare liye kuch bana rahi thi ..socha ki surprise karungi ..lekin tumne na .." she shurgged her shoulders watching his curios expression , "ab main kuch nahi karsakthi , tumhe wait karna hoga..and I am not gonna give you a clue " she said with mock stern folding her hands.

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After an hour Sanskaar walked out of wash room after shower, recalling and smiling at Swara's antics . She didn't want to give in secret , but the chocalte smear on her cheek , gave it away, Madam was not happy that her secret of choclate cake was out.And as a punishment he was not supposed to step out of room for an hour . She pulled his night clothes out ,pushed him to wash room , " aur jab tak main na kahu ..please yaha se bahar mat niklo .. and he nodded like a good boy. He wouldnt mind being extra good too, if he would get kiss everytime , just like one he got before she left .He held his cheek and smiled. Well, he had put time to good use , It would go into books as longest shower he ever had . " Sanskaar's book of records . His smile widened

And Like something stuck , his eyes drifted to the bedside table .. and the cover was still there.He rushed and pulled out cupboard and the box was still there , in exact same way he had left.

" Matlab Swara ne... " and Sanskaar admitted the stab of disappointment he felt at that moment.May be he should have told her about letter . Would she dream he would leave a letter for her. What if she mistook it to be some office document ,and didn't even pay attention . Sanskaar cursed himself mentally ..looking at cover.but quickly snapped out at knock on door . She's here .. Not a right time bring this up ..

" I am waiting " He replied quickly placing box back in drawer ...and cover too.Swara barged in with beaming smile ... and everything momentarily shut for him .Looking at her Sanskaar knew she's trying hard to appear calm when she's bubbling up with excitement ..and looks like he caught a bit of it too ...excited he smiled back .

"Apni aankhen bandh karo" she said ..and he followed with no questions.She held his hand leading him out " Aur tab tak nahi kholege jab tak main na bolu, Ok! She passed one more insturction and he nodded.

" Waise Swara Kuch baandhoge nahi aakhon par ..like patti aisa kuch ?"He questioned curiously.Wouldnt eyes be blindfolded in this kind of scenarios?.

" Nahi..Because I trust you " her answer came within a second warming his heart.Now he was on stairs .. Oh ! So its gonna be terrace, wahtever was being planned, Sanskaar thought . Defintely it would be a pleasent change.They always preferred balcony , didn't spent much time on terrace .A good change.. For sure .May be a candle light dinner , and a star gazing session ,they could make out shapes.. That would be fun .. or ..a dance .or .. Sanskaar train of thoughts halted as they stopped ..and he knew , his surprise was right before his eyes .

" Ab apni aankhen kholo "she whispered softly .His eyes opened to a simple, yet breathtaking sight on terrace.

There were strings of twinkling fairylights lighting up the terrace and they looked just like twinkling stars dropping straight out of sky .In pristine white, a table was set for two . Floating candles in the center and bunch of white orchids enhanced the setting many folds..and then at one corner there was a cozy tent,tucked with bed and lots of pillows and some soft music was floating in ... adding a soothing touch .It was such a pleasent ambiance ..with vibrant feel, perfect setting for a romantic night out .. and all this was for him...Sanskaar beamed with delight .

" Swara ..Ye sab?" he looked around his eyes shimmering with happiness... and same reflected in Swara's eyes watching him. She wished she had more time , but she didn't want to keep him wait for long...

" I..I just wanted to surprise you, "She replied meekly,Woh maine jaldi jaldi main kiya na..I was not sure ,actually main na aur lights yaha par lagane waali thi ..aur woh flowers ... ," and she halted as he took her hand in his, and for a minute she lost her breath as he caressed her palm with his finger.

"Swara..."He took her name and her heart fluttered . She raised her head to look into his eyes , her choclate brown eyes meeting his black intense ones .He gently raised his hand laid at the base of her bare neck. Her skin was soft and warm against his palm. Leaning closer ,, Its perfect , princess he whispered in her ear and she smiled . He drew back,,and gazed warmly at her "Since I am not supposed to say those forbidden words as per our rules he paused with a teasing smile, brought her face up to his, with a finger under her chin . Neither of them felt the need to complete rest of words .

His head came down, hers raised to meet it, and their lips touched, and held.His kiss was suffused with tenderness, his lips soft with his love ..and she melted right into it .The kiss was just for a moment ,shimmering like a whisper of silk but everything around her faded.

When he drewback .. his hand still held her cheek ...her lashes opened up slowly. She had been excited to knew his reaction ...but he told her everything he wanted to say ..with a kiss..that he loved it .

" There's more " Swara told softly and led him to the table .It was simple dinner, with his favourite dishes .Seated next to each other , His gaze didn't leave hers . She looked ethreal in soft shimmering glow of candles in a simple white night dress And he knew this would be one moment where her image would be etched in his memory ...this moment too. And Swara's was no different, She had no clue if it was his kiss, his loving gaze ..and undivided attention or the was it mild fragrance of orchids, that made her feel light headed . He looked so casual yet so chraming in simple white kurta and pyjama.They dined in silence with occassional conversation .. but they have learned to converse in silence too.

Then there was choclate cake .. the yummmiest one ..he ever had, his favourite and she made it for him .There was a time when he wanted to hear her say that he is special for her , how he yearned for it when she made milkcake for him ... but now its written all over .He had learnt long back that little things are that matter most , And it brought back sweet memory .. his birthday at little flowers . Her words "We are celebarting you "left him speechless that day . They had a choclate cake then too. Today they munched on it equal to kids, teasing each other, and now they sat cradled in each others arms in warm cozy tent.

"How do you manage to do it always Swara?"His hand came up to stroke her hair softly , she looked at him curious "make me loose my words," and she just gave him one of her best smiles hinting at something.

"Dont tell me there's more? " Sanskaar's brows queued up and her grin widened nodding . "Swara ..already itna kuch.. " He halted as her fingers brushed across lips . Then she reached out to him, touching his face lightly with her fingertips. It was a gesture which spoke volumes Unconsciously he leaned closer, drawn by the magic of her loving look. Her head nestled into his shoulder that had held it so many times, for so many reasons and his arms folded her close.

And she spoke.

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'I got lost in him, and it was kind of lost that's exactly like being found'

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"Tumhe pata hain Sanskaar .. bachpan main hamesha baba se khethi thi ki mujhe bhi ek prince charming chahiye , woh jo fairytales waala ,"Swara recalled ,Sanskaar smiled . Well he's quite familiar with concept of Prince charming , an intriguing and mysterious one for men and a fascinating one for all women. Mysterious because every Prince Charming has a different criteria to meet to charm their lady love , he wondered what would be Swara's . If she had one ,did he meet? He listened as Swara spoke further all curios.

"Phir badi hogayi .. I came out of my fairyland ,but somewhere deep down I still had this dream ki ek din woh mere liye aayega .I never gave much thought ki woh aisa hoga , waisa hoga, shayad deti agar ..mujhe , " she paused trying to gather back her thoughts and he instinctively drew her close.Recalling the time when you had to forgo your dreams , he knew it would be tough for her. She never have to

Drawing strength from the comfort he offered, Swara conituned, "All dreams.. I locked all of them and never dared to dream again., .I Felt I lost a part of me somewhere .. the dreamy one. I made peace with life and tried to move on .. May be I was scared all these days ..and same fear held me back , lekin aaj ..aaj aisa nahi hain Sanskaar. I still dont want to dream but want live that dreams ,".She drew back looking at him , her hand held his, " and I am not scared any more," Now she was looking at their joined hands , "Tumhare pyaar ne mujhe himmat diya.. Aur amin woh har sapna jeena chahthi hoon jo tumne hamare liye dekha hain, tumhare saath, And you know what, I feel like ... I .. I am finding my missing part .. tumhare saath rehke. I wish I could tell you what you mean to me ,"Her voice choked yet she carried on

".I ..I was lost Sanskaar, " Two tear drops slid out of her eyes and dropped on his hand , alerting him...

"Swara ... " he said worried , she lifted her eyes to meet his .. and for him time stilled for a moment then and there , and when she said " You found me." There was mist in her eyes , but he could see beyond that .He could see himself mirrored in her eyes and there was something that held him , a utter devotion and pure adoration that shook him to the core . Just A glance into her eyes ...she told what he meant to her .No words needed at all.

" Sanskaar ... I .. "She tried to find her voice back.

" Sshh .. chup.. " he stopped her .One more word , he was not sure he can take it more.He drew her close, and pressed his forehead to her .. "Tumhe jo kehnaata tume kehdiya ..aur maine sunliya ... "his voice sounded faint ..very faint to himself like a whisper. He was too overwhelmed ,too touched to find it back.There were tears ... which spilled down from both pair of eyes ..mingled as one.

" Ek aur baat kehni thi .. "She told softly.

" Aur rulane ka irada hain kya? "he asked smiling through tears

"Tumhara woh letter ..." she paused

"Tumne pada? Mujhe tho laga ki .. "He got his answer in her eyes few minutes ago , but he waited for her to say ...and she drew back held out her palm and the ring shone like star, blinding every other light ..for him. The same ring he had picked for her with utmost love. The same ring which he dreamt of slipping on her finger, and asking her to be his forever. So it was just the box in the room..

"Pehnavoge nahi?" she asked through tears.. And he felt his heart bursting with happiness ..

Dreams ...a dream coming true and its time to live one more .

" Aise Nahi " He wiped tears gently off her face. "Chalo Mere saath"

He held her hand and stepped out of tent.They stood facing each other under blanket of shining stars, twinkling fairy lights and The moonlight splashed down its white-silver glow, illuminating them .He took her hands into his and like always she felt treasured and cherished. His gaze on her was warm and loving ,just like his hold. "Tumhe pata hain Swara ..Iss ek pal ke liye kitna intezaar kiya hain maine .. Iss ek pal ko kitne baar jiya hain ..aur ab jab ye pal mere saamne hain tho ..I dont think I want to wait anymore .. "She stood watching him bent on a knee and holding up the ring to her , and he said those words again with same ardent love , " Marry Me Swara."

She imagined how it would be .. she knew he wanted to propose her this way .. but to hear him say those words, it was ..she couldn't figure out the feelings rushing through her ... but now she has one more thing to do.To mark this night special. Swara turned back abruptly startling him .. and turned to face him in a minute .He waited with bated breath for her answer and his eyes widened as she kneeled down too .Her eyes starry with tears, she said softly,

" Sanskaar , uss din tumne ek sawaal kiya .. maine tab jawab nahi diya ..aur aaj main tumse pooch rahi hoon ... " she held out her palm ..and it had a ring too . A simple silver band with their names inscribed.

" Will you Marry me?" Her question drifted his eyes back to her. He stared at her with stunned amazement .This was beyond his dreams...this ..

"Swara..Ye?" He muttered at loss of words

" Sirf tumhare Sapne nahi Sanskaar .. hamare hain.. Woh har sapna jo tumne dekha hain." Again she does that .. he had no words at all.. none. Overwhelmed he lowered his head swiftly, his lips pressed a soft kiss upon her palm in answer.And she mirrored his action.

Thy both knew answer..and they didn't feel the need to voice it out at that moment . Rings exchanged ..silent vows made .His arms crept around her, drawing her into his embrace. Her response was immediate and ardent.It was a moment of acceptance ,with no more fears ,apprehensions and doubts . They drew back after what seemed like an eternity .

Her tears called him to kiss them away, and he did so, his mouth hot against her cheeks.. .. I love u Swara he whispered faintly before his mouth came down on hers. 'I love you too ' She whispered back before it closed on hers .It was no where like first kiss they shared .This second kiss was long ,deep and sensuous, both of them lost in a haze of longing. Her lips parted, his followed quickly.Her hands slid down on his back , his hand cradled pulling her close. Their embrace tightened, her body molded to his,her whole being aching toward him. This was new , This was different ..The kiss ,It was soft as caress at a moment .. and deep with longing for another and many more such moments just flew by ...

As he raised his head, she looked at him , her eyes dazed and heavy ...all she could see was pure ardent ardor in his eyes .She leaned closer .. and he did to ..untill their foreheads touched .Their breaths came in ragged first , slowly stilled ,and their voices came in as half whisper .

"Yes.."

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I don't need paradise because I found you. I don't need dreams because I already have you.

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Quote in beginning - Julliette Drouet

Mile ho tum hum ko - Lyrics from Movie Fever.

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