Seated in hospital corridor waiting for reports, Swara held Sanskaar's hand.

" Darr lag raha hain?"she asked looking at him . Sanskaar considered her for a minute placed his hand over hers .She was tensed he can sense it , he was too and he didn't mind admitting " Haan ..Thoda sa."

"Mujhe bhi "Swara leaned on Sanskaar's shoulder. Sanskaar drew her close , "Main hoon na .. Sab theek hojayega .. "He wished it would. It was few days after they moved to Maheswari Mansion.After their wedding night , they moved to MM as planned. Grihapravesh, Rasoi rasam in the morning and mooh dikhayi in evening on first day went well .

Swara managed to impress everyone with her cooking, all aas pados aunties went raving about how sundar Annapurna's bahu is during Mooh dikhayi... and best of all Baby Angel' came home that evening . It was nothing less than celebration . Annapurna had already taken a liking for kid at Little Flowers... and Angel warmed up to her quickly with Swara and Sanskaar around .Every one appreciated and welcomed the idea of Swara opting for treatment .

Durgaprasad insisted Sekhar and Sharmistha to stay back for a month or two at least ,"Hume laga raha hain .. abhi Swara ko aapki jaroorat hogi ... acha hoga agar aap bhi hamare saath .. yahi par reh jaaye ..tho .."

Sekhar and Sharmistha exchanged a glance of apprehension .Annapurna was quick to intervene ," Itna kya soch rahi hain aap... ye bhi tho aap ka hi ghar hai, ruk jaate tho..usse bhi thoda himmat milega ...hume bhi acha lagega," When Sanskaar insisted too , they agreed.

That night

Lying on his chest, cradled in his arms, Swara sighed peacefully.His fingers running through her tresses in soft gentle strokes ..made her feel more loved. They were in Sanskaar's room ,now their room . Smiling softly she recalled that day of her first visit to his room, how he took her around,at that moment she had no clue , they will end up together . Though she harboured feelings for him, she curbed them somewhere deep down .It was like wishing for impossible then ..but now

"Kya soch rahi ho?" Sanskaar asked ..his hand resting on her bareback. He always loved holding her close to him.It gave him odd sense of strength..like nothing would snatch her away from him.Tucked under blanket, her nude frame pressed against him .. it felt warm and cozy. He absolutely loved cuddling up to her basking in warmth of their after love making.

" Yahi ki . sab kuch ek sapna jaise lag raha hain ..darr lag raha hain ki palak jhapak the ki kahi sab kuch ..." she paused and rose her head a little looking at him .His fingers instinctively reached to carress her cheek , held them softly. He nodded his head , " ye sapna nahi sch hai Swara .aisa sch jisse duniya ki koi taakat badal nahi sakta... " he pulled her close , his lips brushed softly on her hair and her every fear faded.

" Kal haina appointment?" she asked snuggling back , her head burrowed in his neck . "Hmm ..kal "he nodded, pulled her close and they stayed in silence for long.

---------------------------------------------

Dr.Rahul looked up from the reports, at Swara and Sanskaar seated before him.He could clearly make out the visible lines of tension on their faces. It was a brave step from part of Swara to opt for treatment at this stage..he wished only if it had been earlier .He always had a soft spot , or one can say a harmless crush on Swara. He admired her strength , her bonding with rest of patients ..and the positive outlook towards life ..only if ...

.He took a deep breath . Time for the truth.

"Actually .. Swara and Sanskaar ..Main koi wrong hopes nahi dena chahta.Swara bahut critical stage par hain .but hum treatment shuru kar sakte hain . It's just that ...chances are very slim..I mean 3 to 4%." He suddenly looked troubled seeing Sanskaar's face turn pale. Swara as usual had put up a brave front . He turned towards her , " Swara ..you have been here for long enough to understand ki treatment kaisa hoga ,"

Swara nodded as Dr.Rahul Continued,"and you have seen its side effects too ... but it varies from person to person ki woh kaise respond karta hain .. tumhari body kaise react karti hain .. how much you can take .. and it's gonna be painful.

There was a moment of silence in room,till rahul spoke again "Lekin .. it also depends on your outlook and will power ...and I am sure you can put up a fight.

He turned to Sanskaar , " Sanskaar , treatment ke waqt, family ka support bahut jyada important hota hain .. I have no doubts ki aap Swara ke saath rahenge..I just want to let you know ki treatment main waqt ..shayad insaan ki moods, looks , appetite, memory , sleep ...inn sab mein thode bahut changes hosakti hain ..I just want you to be prepared." Sanskaar nodded.

" Well .. .. one more thing ..., "Swara and Sanskaar looked at him , " If you want to take some time off or close on any pending things . I would suggest you to do before treatment starts. Kyunki uske baad ...shayad jyada time nahi milega , since it's gonna be rigorous." He smiled trying to lighten the atmosphere "Take your time , aap discuss karo, decide and tell me when do you want to start.. We will do our best."

"Now if you will please excuse me .. " Rahul moved out of cabin .He know duo needed some time, and he had other patients to check on.

Silence hung in air for long .All this while they had been holding hands .It's gonna be painful .. he knew it , he had seen in past few weeks during his visits. Just for sake of his selfish need to have her , he is putting her through this, is that even fair ? ...She is doing this for him.Torn between two emotions, Sanskaar turned to Swara, "Swara .. agar tum nahi chath thi ..tho ... main nahi chahta ki tum.. I meant,"he looked for words .His mind was jumbled. It's like trading pain with time .. did he really want her to go through this ...

Looking at his eyes .. Swara knew what was running through his mind.She squeezed his hand lightly, which made his eyes to meet hers ,"Sanskaar ... Tumhare saath rehna ka Ek percent bhi chance hona .. main karna chahti hoon,"

"Lekin swara .."

"Mr .Mahaeswari .. agar aapko lagraha hain ki main ye sab aap keliye liye kar rahi hoon, tho galat soch rahe hain aap,main ye sab apne liye kar rahi hoon ... you know ..main bhi selfish hoon, tumhare liye .." she said smiling trying to lighten the atmosphere , saw it was not working ...he was not convinced.

After some time they both rode back silently engrossed in their own thoughts.

Snippets of discussion were shared with family ... none said a word entirely left for them to decide. Post dinner Sanskaar stood in balcony lost in thoughts but jerked out as he felt Swara's hands holding him from behind.

He placed his hands on hers ," Angel So Gayi ..?' he asked pulling her more closer to him .

" Hmm.. "Swara leaned her cheek on him , " woh maa ki yaha.. Wahi se aa rahi hoon." She waited for him say something but he didn't, " Sanskaar ...kuch toh bolo ..aise chup mat raho tum".

Sanskaar gathered his thoughts back , took a deep breath releasing the tension that held him . Her hug definitely worked just like her words .. " Swara ..Are u Sure ki you want to go ahead ...agar sirf mere liye ...I don't want you to ...I .." he could not form a coherent sentence .

"Sanskaar .. "Swara turned him to face her, " Hamare liye ... lekin tumhare saath ke bina main ye nahi kar pavungi ..Tumhara pyaar hi meri himmat hai,"She held his cheek, "agar tum mere saath ho main kisi bhi mushkil se lad sakthi hoon.." That confidence in her eyes . He knew how tough it must have been for her to take this decision .. and she needed him just like he needs her. This is not time to back off . He had always respected her decision... he will this one too .

He simply took her into his embrace and her hands wound around him.They stayed in silence simply.

"Agar kabhi bhi tumhe lage ki you can't take the pain... Promise me ki you will tell me . We will stop it right then.."

Hmm ..Swara nodded

"Promise? .." he asked again .

"Promise" She whispered pressing a quick kiss on his chin ..and his lips pressed on her forehead and that night had been longest night they had been awake .. ruled by deadening silence first and they loved each other like there is no tomorrow ...savoring each other,stealing every moment time offered them.When she slipped into sleep exhausted , he held her tightly in his arms . . He held her like he couldn't bear the thought of not having her right next to him...like he didn't want to let her go ...but

It's time to put up a fight ..and they did for next two years.It had not been easy but still they did..till ..

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Dr. Rahul walked out of ward room silently. Sanskaar stood right before him his face devoid of amy emotion.In silence..Rahul held his shoulder squeezed it slightly .. and the message was given.It's last few minutes...he looked around other family members , " Aap chahe tho jaake mil sakthe hain," and he watched as they rushed, 4 of them .. but Sanskaar stood at spot frozen, rooted . Rahul gave him a long glance and left .. and he had no clue why a tear slid down his eyes .. he quickly wiped it and strided off .

He had seen them laugh , seen them cry , saw her wincing his pain but still holding back and not giving up and him standing right next to her holding her at every step . He had seen their love , their pain. Those smiles , those tears ..those little moments of celebration after every successful session with a little chocolate , That little kid who instantly brought smile on swara's face ,those flowers which came for her every day along with a card when she stood on stance of not letting Sanskaar accompany her for sessions in last month .. which she knew had to be at hospital.

" Mujhe taklif hota hai na tho Sanskaar rone lagta hain ..I don't want him to remember these last days ... as painful ones .. "she gently traced flowers he had sent her .. and letter with a card and smiled . Rahul smiled too .. a little . She turned very pale , lost weight , her cheeks went in .. she was no longer the bubbly cheerful Swara , though she had same smile and warmth around her .. and he had no clue how long she can put up fight..

"Bahut pyaar karte hain woh tumse ... don't you think you are being tough on him?" he asked .

Swara smiled sadly , " I want him to be ...he needs to be " she replied and went back to looking at flowers, her eyes reflecting depths he couldn't understand.He started talking about their next session.It was 6 months ..they had estimated she would survive .. but she fought for year and half ...and few more months still the truth dawned upon her and now .. in her last few minutes ... Rahul hoped and wished ..if there's miracle ..he wanted it to happen for them , for Swara and for Sanskaar, he desperately wished.

Swara looked around .. there was her maa, baba, looking much older,Maa and papaji .. equally sad with tears.She wished she could wipe off that sadness of their face .. and bring a smile. She smiled hoping it would cheer them up...then her eyes looked around .. Where was he ? Was he still angry with her that she didn't let him join her last few weeks. Yes she didn't .. because she hoped that would prepare him a bit .. at least a bit , though she doubted it. It was desperate try to save him ...may be a failed attempt . Then he walked ..

Her dull eyes lit up looking at him..and he stood there watching her, his face struck . She lost more weight ..her white hospital gown hung loose from her hands ..her eyes looked pale.. she looked tired .. "Where is his Swara?" Last time he had seen her ..she was ...

Then his eyes drifted ..to her , met hers , held hers. She stretched out of hand from below sheet..held up for him to take.And he took a step by step ... closed his hand on hers , and they clasped into tight hold.He took his seat next to her. Painful strained silence hanged around. Swara eyes went around room... and slowly the others exited leaving them alone .

He was not looking at her , but his eyes were fixed on their joined hands . The same hand which twined around him in loving hold every time they are together, the same hands which pulled his cheeks, ruffled his hair when she found him too cute , the same hands which fed him his favourite dishes many a times, the same hands which he promised to hold for an eternity ..The same hands which he held and took the vows ..that nothing would part them.. Not even death.

"Gussa ho ?" Her voice came faint and pale . Sanskaar didn't look at her. He would cry next minute . He simply nodded no .

" Meri taraf dekhoge nahi " she said trying to be bit more clear.

"Nahi" this time he nodded , just like a stubborn little kid but gave up as her hands pressed his hands slightly .It was an unspoken plea and he looked at her .. straight into eyes, the same chocolate brown eyes , which he was smitten by right at their first meet ..they held the same undying love for him ... and his vision blurred suddenly.Tears flowed out without his consent, her hands reached out to his cheek in gentle caress , " Tum rote huye bilkul ache nahi lagte." she told her fingers now wiping those tears .

"Tho phir rulati kyu ho? "he brought their hands to his lips and kissed them and he looked at her this time his eyes pleading her .. her heart tugged , "Mat jao shona... please ..'he uttered those words almost crying like a child. "Mujhe bhi apne saath le chalo na .. please, mat jao... .. his pleas almost brought tears in her eyes , but she didn't want to cry.

"Main tho hamesha tumhare saath hi hoon Sanskaar she led their joined hands to his heart ," Yaha par ... he didn't talk for a while and simply leaned onto her, his head resting on her neck. Her fingers now reached to stroke his hair softly.

"Acha suno .. kuch karoge mere liye ek wish hain ... "she said softly .

"Kuch bhi .. "he murmured into her neck.

" Soch lo "Sanskaar she told and something rushed to him . a memory when she said same lines and asked him to get out of his life ..he lifted his face and looked at her , their faces close ... "aisa kuch mat karne ko kaho jo main nahi kar sakta..."

She nodded and held his hand again ... then he listened to her for next few minutes .. his eyes widened first ..then simply dropped down heavy with tears .. and looked at her and nodded after long time . She smiled...as he lowered his head ..she kissed him lightly on forehead and murmured softly " I love you Sanskaar" ...and last words that reached her ears were same three words he said .she loved hearing him say that.. And those were last words she heard.

He looked at her for long .. their hands still joined together. Her eyes closed , with that little smile on lips she looked calm serene ..like she's sleeping peacefully. He simply brushed strand of her hair ..and traced her cheek slightly and leaned closer pressing his lips on her forehead. He drew back .

" Happy birthday Shona.." he murmured .. then he walked out silently and that day he walked for a long time ... a long distance.

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After 22 years

His fingers lightly traced the letters of her name , " Swara Sanskaar Maheswari." He didn't want her to burn into ashes ..hence she was here .. lying peacefully in cemetery.

" Aaj main tumhare favorite flowers laaya hoon .. white lilies or orchids bhi hain.." he told her as he placed them on her grave. " Happy birthday Shona.." his fingers traced the grave again in light touches .

A girl in her twenties who stood next to him settled besides him , " Happy birthday Maa, she whispered softly looked at her Dad.She had seen the same love over years in his eyes , a bit more but never less, a worship. She hadn't known her Ma for long, it was only for brief period ...but she knew enough to cherish her , treasure her.Her name , her photographs still brought smile on her face ... every time her dad took her name .. she felt same rush of emotions and love for her. Sanskaar turned to look at her . Their Little Angel..now all grown up .. and sometimes she reminded him so much of Swara.

A bunch of people stood watching them. There was budding cricketer , a named artist , a renowned photographer , and a corporate guy. They didn't care in which part of world they were but this day .. they would be here .. together .

Sneha quickly wiped tears of her cheek . this sight though it had been familiar one from past few years yet it brought tears in her eyes..Manu held her hand in comforting gesture . Just that he was no longer little.

"Kuch nahi .. bas yahi soch rahi hoon ki, koi kisi se itna pyaar kaise karsaktha hain .. jaise ..jiase ki .., "her voice cracked.

"Jaise ki .. woh hume chod kar kabhi gayi hi nahi " Rana completed it for her . He held her shoulder in other comforting gesture .

" Kabhi aisa laga hi nahi Swara didi hamare saath nahi hain ... aise lagta hain ki aaj bhi woh yahi hain ..hamare saath aur hame dekh rahi hain ... jaise ki woh," Anshu didn't need to complete the sentence. Their Swara didi lived in every thought of Sanskaar bhaiyya and most of theirs too .. and this day , the day she left them ..they didn't mourn her death , but celebrated her life .Today whatever position they are in they owed every bit of it to them and Little flowers.

Rohan stood silent watching them ..He wished he could have also gotten to live few bits of this iconic story which he heard many a numerous times ,of undying love . His wife Angel whom he had been married a year from now on ..stood with her dad , his father - in -law , The Sanskaar Maheshwari in silence . Now they stood up ...walked few steps ..and he watched his father in law turning back to steal one more glance ..at his loving wife and he felt a tug .

He had seen that love .. pure, powerful, potent undying ... a single glance said it all.

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Sanskaar sat on steps of Little flowers watching kids.. Kids once upon a time . He had seen them grow.Anshu made a career in photography and is a known name now . Sneha was too .. an artist in making .. soon to be a big name. Her last painting whispers of love garnered much appreciation . He smiled lightly recalling when she said it was inspired from their story. Rana.. a budding cricketer who's doing well and little Manu .. who would cuddle in his Lap and try to beat computer in candy crush , now headed a division of Maheswari group, along with Angel ..who was ready to handle the reins of Maheswari Group and Rohan Mehra ...his son in law , who himself is from ranked business family .Now they all stood between bunch of kids giving them goodies , .. Anshu clicking the pictures with his camera. Angel was talking to Sister Nancy ..who now handled Little flowers after Father Benedict passed away. Rohan still lingered around trying to get hang of place .

"Dekha tumne sab kitne bade hogaye hain?" he smiled turning to her

"Haan ..aur woh dono abhi lad rahe hain dekho ...," she pointed out Manu and Sneha fighting over chocolates just like they did as kids. Sanskaar shook his head smiling. He checked his watch "Ghar chale" he asked and she nodded . Angel watched her Dad get up from church steps and rushed to him.

Dad..

Sanskaar looked at her for long. " Tumhare maa se milne jaa raha hoon..Ghar" was all he said. Angel nodded in understanding. This was a routine where his dad very often dropped by dream house as they called it and spent his time reliving the memories. There were times when she found him talking to wind , just like he was talking to Swara .It sacred her initially ..but later she realised it was his way of leading a life without her . He carried her photograph everywhere he went ..and held it close to heart every night he slept .

"Hum bhi chalte na ..Papa ko akela kyu jaane diya " Rohan asked Angel . Angel held his hand" Ye sirf Maa, papa ka time hai .. Chalo .. she led him inside Little Flowers.

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Sanskaar walked around apartment .It felt like they just stepped in few days back ..all clear before his eyes .. every moment of them, As she stood in kitchen busy cooking .. as they held each other in balcony watching sunset .. as she played guitar for him, as she touched those raindrops with her dainty hands .. that smile on her face ,her eyelashes as they fluttered when they kissed in rain her serene smile when she looked at him with those eyes of hers ...It felt like it was just yesterday .. it felt like it was an eternity.

At the age of 50.. He still was healthy enough .. he had responsibilities to be taken care of which he delivered . His parents and in laws .. had retired themselves to a peaceful life .. his little girl was well educated and married . Little flowers is now a known orphanage with funds pouring in from yester years kids .Maheshwari group still flourished high ..and it will for long . He made sure of it .

He looked around .. she smiled at him from photographs like always . He opened the their wardrobe which still held fragments of memories , He pulled out a box and leaned on to chair with her photograph in one hand .

"Tumhe orchids ache lage aur lilies? " he asked her

"I loved them especially lilies," it's felt she answered right through photograph. He knew how she would look .. she would have beamed with that beautiful smile of hers . Every time he talked to her .. he would imagine her , her every minute expression would be clear to him . ..because he loved her , lived her every minute . It was Sanskaar that was leading this life .. but it was Swara's like she never left him.He placed photograph on his heart and leaned back on chair . That one memory ... crossed his mind .. that one promise he made to her.

"Acha suno .. kuch karoge mere liye ek wish hain ... she said softly .

"Kuch bhi .. "he murmured into her neck.

" Soch lo Sanskaar" she told and something rushed to him . a memory when she said same lines and asked him to get out of his life ..he lifted his face and looked at her , their faces close ..." aisa kuch mat karne ko kaho jo main nahi kar sakta..."

She nodded and held his hand again ... Main jeena chahti hoon Sanskaar .. and his eyes widened . " Yaad hain tumne kaha ki .. your life is mine ...tho ab main tumse apni zindagi maang rahi hoon... kya tum mujhe zinda rakhoge, apne saath jeene donge , He looked at her struck and she tried to gain back her voice again , "aur tumne kaha main tumhare har saas main hoon dhadkhan main hoon ... iss dil ko dhadkne do .. saans lene do mujhe .. tumhare saath .. " and his eyes dropped down with tears.

"Pyaar main log marte hain Sanskaar ...lekin kya hum pyaar main jee sakthe hain? she asked and he nodded after long time

She smiled.

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He gently opened the box, he was given by Dr.Rahul one day after Swara left . " Woh Swara ne aap ko dene ko kaha." He said.

He walked up to room , closed it and opened the box, found some cassette recordings, some letters, a sketch book . He quickly scanned through letters ... each one penned down in her own writing recollecting few of their most memorable moments in her own words. Then there was sketch book . First page showed a young man and woman shaking hands with smiles .. behind there was sign Little Flowers' . Their first meet .He flipped. Next one showed same duo sitting in coffee shop .. the girl's fingers were touching her nose ..and young man watched her with a smile playing on his lips . Their first coffee date,next they were hugging in ground , next sitting on church steps ... and many more came alive before him . He fumbled as he turned to last page. They stood in church holding hands taking vows, groom kissing the bride on her cheek. Sanskaar wiped off blinding tears ..and with fumbling hands he reached to recordings ... as he clicked play button her voice came in

Hello Sanskaar ...

and he couldn't hear a word next. He sank down .. and cried out loud for the first time after she left him .. he cried cried and cried till tears dried out for days and months in nights ... but he slowly picked himself . She wouldn't have wanted him to cry , she wouldn't have wanted him to die bit by bit , she wanted him to live and let her live .. and she left him so much love to live behind ... Her last one month she had given his memoirs lasting for a lifetime.. That's why she didn't let him meet . She was bracing herself and him for foreseen. And then the things started changing , Years passed . Every time he felt low ..she had always been there .. in every way he could think of .. and he lived her life like he promised all these years.

But today he felt tired ... He carefully kept the box aside on bed , picked her photograph.

" Thak gaya hoon Swara ... bahut thak gaya hoon... he told closed his eyes, holding photograph . Then there was gentle breeze which touched him as wind bells in balcony chimed .. it sounded like her ... sweet and like a song ..soothing, calm and then she whispered to him.

" It's time .." and he smiled . He had been waiting for this moment , for her to come.. And she did .His breath evened out slowly ... and heart beat slowed down... bit by bit ...till it no longer hummed.

-------------------------------------------

He walked up to her ... she stood right in midst of white passing clouds, her back turned to him in same red dress he got her for their first date .. and he looked upon himself .. he was in black suit and red shirt too . He smiled as he walked up to her .. his arms wounding her from behind ... and like always she sank into his warmth leaning onto him .

" I have been waiting for you. "she told him softly . she loved feel of his hands on her fingers , that simple caress.

" You have no clue how much I have waited for you .." he kissed her cheek gently, " princess" he added drawing a smile from her.

" I bound you... "she said mildly guilty.

" Because you know .Sanskaar Maheswari never breaks his promises, " he told her softly she turned to him ..now he looked at her . She looked ethereal. just like she did on that day with that cute pink blush, her loose hair danced along with breeze , his fingers reached out to stroke them .. he always loved playing with her hair.

He tucked them behind her ear and his eyes mets hers ... gazing at each other for long . His fingers now moved to trace her cheeks delicately ... "There was a time when I wanted to die for you.. I would have... but you taught me live Swara."

A thin mist formed in her eyes , " and you let me live with you .. within you," her hands reached to his cheek now .."Thank you Sanskaar."

"Hmm.." Sanskaar shook his head , "Tumhare rules todne ki aadat abhi gayi nahi na ..pata hain ,no sorry no thank you rule . you better take me out for treat Mrs .Maheswari..and make up for all lost time.. " He smiled with a hint of playful mischief , "I am not letting you go easily this time." His smile widened.

She smiled through tears wound arms around his neck " Did I say How much I love Mr. Sanskaar Maheswari? "

He nodded a yes , then a no ..and leaned forward his fingers now tipping her chin up, " Well you can always say it again and again.. " he murmured and leaned further, waited for her and she met him .. mid way. Their lips brushed softly against each other in light feathery caress.. They parted for a second as they looked at each other .Her eyes closed before he touched them again ...and when they parted after long , he pressed his forehead to hers gently .. and they just stood feeling each others thudding heart beats .

" Till death do us part.. "she recalled his vow

Sanskaar nodded no, "I took an other vow that night . ..and you helped me complete it ..it meant Even after death."

"For the life, "she whispered

" and For the love.. "He whispered relishing the feel of her in his arms...and she stood feeling cherished and treasured like always.

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  I don't want a happy ending with you. I want a happy eternity cause I can't let this end.For a happy beginning ... for Swara and Sanskaar.

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