Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,*

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Tired after a day long meeting , Sanskaar simply slouched down in his chair, his mind wandering around the events.The rapid changing equation between him and Swara from last few days left him torn between hope and despair, quite unsettled too.

As he drove back ,all those little moments between them from past few days reeled before his eyes...

That was morning after that peaceful night . He still remembered feel of her soft hands on his hair, her lips as they feathered over his cheek for a morning kiss, assuming he was still asleep.. It was just the start of day ...

"Mera watch ...Mera watch ..Sanskar went around the room looking for the same ..."Are u looking for this Mr .Maheswari ?" She walked in with watch ,before Sanskaar could question he had his answer . " Woh Tum study room main bhool gaye the ..Ye lo "

"Oh" How did he miss that out? "Thanks" .Taking the watch he slipped it into his hand and held his pocket ."Mera wallet?" She silently handed him over the same ..Not saying a word, he placed wallet in his pocket and reached for his tie .

"Main Baandhu" She offered with bit of hope in her voice .He considered her for a minute , silently handed over the tie , lowered his head a bit for her ease .There was a huge smile as she started tying knot and his eyes were fixed on her . Her smile ...it's still the same .. the one which would light up his every moment..even after all this years . Closer, she looked lovelier today .."like always" ..his heart whispered . He would have loved to circle her in his arms ,pull her a bit closer and whisper those sweet nothings ..

She could feel the heat ..After all this year he still made her feel like the most beautiful woman on earth just by the way he looked at her, with that pure adoration..but now his eyes spelled out more - a deep longing. She dared not to look into them, for them fear of giving out her feelings ,but her flushed cheeks already did ..

God! she looked beautiful .. With that cite pinkish color,on her cheeks. Only If could drop a loving kiss on them , feel that softness.

"Hogaya." Swara's voice broke his trance . "Huh?" He jerked out . Daydreams ..Not a good sign ,a warning popped up .Gathering himself back he looked at tie ..It was perfect. "Thanks" he muttered .She just smiled in return ...

"One more smile? Danger sign ..Bhaag sanskaar" ..One more warning popped up .." Woh main , Main nikalta hoon ..I am getting late." He rushed out as she nodded in silence. Descending stairs all he thought was ,just a morning kiss ..and he's already losing his mind.

Few days later ...

On Sanskaar insistence Swara joined back Sargam, which she had taken break owing to the turbulent circumstances post marriage and was not sure if Maheshwaris would be comfortable with idea of working bahu . When She protested ..all Sanskaar said was " Swara I know ki tumhare liye music kitna important hain . just because you are married I don't want to sit back and not pursue your dream."

What about your dream ? she wanted to ask.. His dream of being a scientist but she dared not to .." Aur main maa se baat karliya .. aur sargam se bhi .. You will start from tomorrow and I don't want any arguments on this ." That was end of discussion .

He dropped her on his way to office and picked up whenever he could manage his schedule.

As Sanskaar dropped her to Sargam that day , and was about to leave, he found an envelope in the seat .. an invitation .. " ye swara bhi na bhool gayi" ..Taking card into his hand he noticed it's addressed to him. "Mr .Maheshwari "Curios he opened the card.It's an invitation for music concert organised by Sargam scheduled at 6.00 pm that day and as he checked the list of performers, he knew why was that left behind ..

Smiling he reached out to his phone .

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Evening 5.30 pm ...

Swara peeked at audience from backstage nervously. Where is he? Would he come ? What if he missed on card? May be she should have told him but deep down she feared a no ..and that would hurt her .. not her .may be the hopes raising in heart of a happy life with Sanskaar. It would be easy to assume he had not seen the card than to get a blunt no from him.. And she did want him to attend on his choice, not because she asked him to ...

Clock struck 6 .00...and he was not there. Swara picked her guitar and made it to stage . As the curtain rose ,audience welcomed her with an applause . Swara closed her eyes her fingers played on strings . He would turn up or not this song was for him ..only him . Determined to focus on performance she opened her eyes ... and he was right there ..standing in front of her in audience ,panting a bit but with a sparkling smile .. which passed on to her and she hummed those first few lines.

Main jaan ye vaar doon Har jeet bhi haar doon

Keemat ho koi tujhe beinteha pyaar doon

Her eyes didn't leave him, like nothing else existed for her..her entire vision filled with him..her Sanskaar the one who taught her what love is ..to love someone beyond limits, with no conditions..a love which has no bounds..

Saari hadein maine meri, ab maine tod di

Dekar mujhe pataa awaargi ban gaye

Haan Hasi Bangaye ,Haan nami ban gaye

Tum mere aasmaan Meri zameen ban gaye

He stood rooted to spot at her potent declaration love for him. Her every word hitting him with an intensity which he never felt before.

kya khoob rab ne kiya bin maange itna diya

warna hai milta kahaan hum kaafiron ko khuda

hasratein ab meri tumse hain jaa mileen

tum dua ab meri aakhiri ban gaye

Might be a song for rest of world which at this moment was non existent ... It's just her singing her heart out for him , as their every moment floated through him with music . His every step had been towards her ..when he loved or tried to hate her .His journey ..she is means and end to it... Swara ..

It was applause from audience which brought him back .Turning to other side he quickly wiped off lone tear.

As he met her backstage "Woh traffic tha ..tho .That was enough . She didn't have to know how he rushed leaving his car in mid way and she did knew as they walked back to his car .Not saying a word further yet realizing things are never going to be same again ..they drove back home.

One Night

Swara and Sanskaar sat on either side of bed.Leaning on to bed post Sanskaar watched his wife busy with some serious thoughts.

Hmmm .. swara gave a break to her thoughts turned to him..

"Cockroach ?" She said doubtfully

"Tsk ..tsk .. Kuch aur try karo" .. . Swara and her silly excuses. Hopeless .. he shook his head smiling..Last few nights somehow she managed to make them both sleep on bed making few.Her first one was chipkali (Lizard). He still remembered that day .

After that night ,Since it's confirmed couch is not coming back, he settled on one side of bed..ready to sleep , that's when she walked in little hesitant and settled next to him on other side of bed.

"Sanskaar mujhe na chipkali se bahut darr lagta hain ..tho kya .. she paused ..main tumhare saath?" Sanskaar raised his eyebrow in question . ...Chipkali ?..kaha? .Mujhe nahi dikhayi diya ?"

"Kaash Kahin se ek chipkali tapak pade".. She wished ..."Dekho waha she pointed out ..nahi nahi yaha ..offo ander chali gayi ..aur ...

"Swara ..waha kuch nahi hain .. so jao .." He leaned back on his side of bed .

Swara looked at him her eyes spelling murder."Khadoos Maheswari" ..she muttered to herself . One side she trying to find excuses however silly they are ,to get them closer he seemed least interested ..Fine! If he is Sanskaar maheswari ..she is no less ..after all she is Mrs Sanskaar Maheswari .. and she is not going to give up.

"Haan tho," she moved closer..."mujhe dikhayi de raha hain aur mujhe darr lag raha hain.. Iss liye main tumhare saath so jaungi...bas." Before he could say something she slipped next to him, snuggling closer. There was a minute of silence. Did she hear him smile ?.. and next minute she felt his arms around her,just like last night.

Every night he would look at her, his eyes questioning "What's your bahana today ?" and she would come up with new one ,every other night . He could have easily refused, laughing out but there's no denial that he loved holding her close .. those countless nights of nightmares turning into peaceful nights .Without saying a word he would extend his arm and she would happily cuddle on to him but he decided not to give in easily today.

He watched her amused as she came up with few more "Chooha ? ..Dayaan , bhoot ?"

"Bhoot ?? Really Swara? .. he broke into giggles as she gave him semi furios look "OK! Fine Mr . Maheswari. I give up .. Aap uss Taraf so jao , main iss taraf ..Happy Now ..She turned onto other side of bed with a pout on her lips..

Sanskaar laid back on bed looking at her ."Hmm ..Waise Swara.. I think we can settle for bhoot..It's kind of scary u know ."

"Haina ! she turned facing him excited .. "Mujhe pata tha..toh kya main ?" She waited for his answer , almost jumped into his arms he spread them for her .They laid for long as he his fingers laced through her hair in soft gentle strokes ...

Sanskaar...

Hmm ..

"Agar kal kuch bahana nahi mila toh?" She paused what if she runs out of all excuses...would he let her in? He knew her doubts.Though he acted out like it didn't matter to him , It did. The thought of not having her around, not holding her close to his heart is almost unbearable .

"Tho" ...he squeezed her close. " Mere Pass hain .. bahut Saare aur kabhi khatam nahi honge ." He heard her smile and felt her breath as she burrowed her face into crook of his neck...and they slept in peace.

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She got him lunch one day to office , to his surprise . "Kya jaroorat thi ye sab karne ki ?" he questioned as he dug into his favorite kheer . It's almost as good as his badi maa's Kheer. Hiding her happiness over him liking her cooked food she put up a stance saying" Biwi hoon tumhari , Haq hai mera" .. and he loved it , her claiming him .

It felt like they were no longer putting up the act of happily married couple.. they were one. Barring few walls, they almost settled into their daily routine.. His hopes of having a normal happy life with Swara started flaring up . That Scared him, but as the days passed hope took over his fear .

He got so used to presence of Swara around him .When she left to her maayka for couple of days owing TO her mother Sharmistha's ill health ,he felt so lost . He missed her terribly with his every moment feeling empty . That's when he knew he needed her today ,always and beyond tomorrow .She would call him frequently and all he wanted to say was . "I miss u Swara.please wapas aa jao" .. but he held back. But the urge to see her was hard to resist . He dropped casually on pretext of visiting his mother in law to enquire about health. Though he felt a twinge of guilt about the same but the moment he saw her .. nothing else mattered .

Swara missed him too but was scared to express the same . Things were falling into place with that bitter awkwardness almost taken over by their cute little moments. She didn't want to take it fast or push him . If it would take a life time ..she would wait.. Wait for him to take her back .When he dropped in she couldn't hide her excitement , rushed to hug him. And those words came involuntarily " I missed U Sanskaar ..Bahut Jyada." Those words were his undoing.

"I missed u too aur tum soch bhi nahi sakti kitna" Hearing those words from Sanskaar almost brought tears into her eyes .They stood for long oblivious of anything and everything around them , feeling the warmth of each other's embrace. They were interrupted as Swara's Dida , Shoba popped in between. They both broke up with awkward glances. As she walked him back to car after his visit.. She almost startled as he pulled her onto him leaning back to car .

His eyes bored into eyes .. with a deep intense look, when he spoke there was an absolute surety in his voice.

"I want you to come back Swara .. I may sound selfish , but I need you, more than anything else." This is the first time he openly confessed that he needed her just like she needs him. The tears ..she could no longer hold them back . Worried he wiped them out "Swara Main toh bas ."His sentence was cut in midway.

"10 min chalega .. Maa Dida k0 bata kar aati hoon." she smiled through tears

It was his turn to get pleasantly surprised . Not a single question .. Was she waiting for him to say those words. 10 min were nothing .. he would wait his whole life for her to be with him.

As they drove back ,she leaned on his shoulder as he entwined his hand with hers.. Both cherishing, this newfound moment of their journey, and that night they didn't need any "bahana".

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Sanskaar didn't mind stealing few morning kisses on his own and returning some...he didn't think twice to hold her by waist as she would knot his tie and drop a kiss on her blushing cheek. Both squeezed time whenever they could , would drop at each others place for lunch .Both loved their midway stops when they would share an ice cream or an Candyfloss and tease each other sticking out their tongues.

Seeing Sanskaar happy Annapurna warmed up towards Swara and Ragini would never get tired teasing swara about her new glow.Though they were absolutely aware of ..growing intense desire and need for each other, none voiced it out .A mere touch of hands would ignite sparks, and nights were nothing less than torture especially for Sanskaar ..Her unintentional brush of lips over his neck , her hands as they slid over him oblivious of effect she has on him...He was no longer content just holding her in arms and Swara's was no different. Every time he looked at her,she felt his caress, with every kiss , the heat just grew.Until the day ... ...

"Swara .. jaldi karo We are getting late"..Sanskaar walked in after completing couple of calls ,they had a party to attend. Dressed in crisp white shirt and black trousers , he just had to put on his blazer.

"Haan ho gaya ..bas ye..." Dressed in Off white and blue net designer saree with, lace, resham work, standing before mirror Swara struggled with her blouse strings.

"Offo"..Sanskaar shook his head ...He quickly walked towards her .."Chalo .. let me help you" He took strings into his hand ,swara almost jumped at touch of his hands . As his fingers unintentionally traced her bare back ..her whole body throbbed with an yearning every inch turning into crimson red .Sanskaar went on with his work.."God ye itna complicated kapde kyu pehente ho tum" ...he stopped as he caught her reflection in mirror. Her cheeks ,face totally flushed ,her eyes almost giving away what she felt at that moment and that heat seeped right into him .Swara closed her eyes as she felt his hot breath near her neck. As his lips dipped down on her shoulder sucking it softly , she arched back moaning his name softly. As he traced her neckline shoulder blade ,unable to hold back all those sweet sensations he is unleashing upon her .. she turned back hugging him tight. His hold was no less tighter as he closed every inch of distance between them .

Her breath quickened as his hands untied her strings and couldn't blush more as he whispered .. " I promise I will tie them back. In next few minutes they were backed against wall ,next to mirror .. exploring each other .. his lips found hers and they fused with an intensity and fervor, breaking every barrier between them .His hands threaded into her curls in hold none too gentle ..Her hands curled up into his mane,slid down neck... pulling him more closer as his lips explored her bare shoulder down the line, his hands caressing expanse of her creamy waist.

He found her lips back taking in her sweet sighs and moans .Her hands slid under his partly opened shirt almost making him groan with aching need. 'Swara'..he murmured against her lips as her hands traced his planes ..Swara pulled back wondering if she .."Don't.". He held back her hand ." Touch me"..he whispered unbuttoning his shirt placing her hand back ,his eyes and voice deep with desire and longing , "I am not pulling back Mrs . Maheswari .. not this time", he whispered again shedding all inhibitions she might be holding ,sealing her lips for an another breathtaking kiss ,this time slow and gentle .. losing the count of time and senses they kissed and kissed, their bodies pressed onto each other like one..until there was knock on door ..

Swara ..Sanskaar..

They parted,breathing heavily .With messed hair , Swollen lips , his shirt hanging loose on one side .. her pallu down on floor,her blouse half way down, they considered each other, broke into a smile as Ragini's voice ..came in again

"Swara ... Hum late ho rahe hain"

"Haan ragini" Swara replied back trying to gather back her drugged senses ... "bas do minute .tum niklo hum aa jayenge"..

"Do minute ?" Sanskaar raised his eyebrow with a crooked smile " Are u sure Mrs Maheswari?" He leaned closer with husky tone " Would 2 minutes be enough..given the mess we made of each other" .Swara was quick not to give in ." Of Course Mr.Maheshwari .only if you dont tempt me and keep up your promise." she turned back . "I love the other way around than tying " ... he mumbled as he tied back her strings .They quickly sorted themselves up .

As they stepped out holding each other " We will come back and pick where we left off." Sanskaar whispered leaving Swara all in smiles and blush

They both knew this is going to be their night...their night of love

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Absolutely this night would be their night he would make sure of that Laksh sipped his drink .

contd.............................