Lost and lonely..because you are only,

one that knows me and

I can't live without you .

Her Eyes were fixed on empty seat staring back at her. She missed those pair of eyes, which adored her, his smile cheering her, warmth of his hands that drove away every cold chill, the brush of his lips on her forehead, his sweet whispers in her ear...

She strummed the strings of guitar , her eyes still staring blankly at their place, hummed lines ..as lifeless as her eyes.

Raah mein roshni ni hai kyun haath choda ,

Iss taraf shaam ne kyun hai apna muh moda

Yun ke har subah ik bereham si baat ban gayi .

Miles away , Seated in his cabin, 5h floor of Maheswari Inc.Sanskaar tried going through the file his PA had pulled together for him , but his mind was far away from printed pages . It's been a week , not a single call or message from her . Frustrated he tossed off the file in his hand Beyond his desk, the lights of city blazed out side window.

The whole world seemed to move..but his world was standing still .. frozen at the moment he saw her last time.

Hai kya yeh jo tere mere darmiyaan hai

Andekhi ansuni koi dastaan hai ,Lagne lagi, ab zindagi khaali khaali

Lagne lagi har saans bhi khaali

Wasn't music supposed to make her feel better..but sadly it is adding to her woes,the feeling that she would never be whole without him and their world is lost now. She pressed her eyes shut humming last lines of the song .

Bin tere, bin tere, bin tere

Koi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere.

Ignoring the applause of crowd ,she wiped of tears ready to spill out ,brought up a smile and moved away from stage, making way for other singer. She walked up to the bar counter.

"Marco ..My drink "

The usual..right! Here ,your Mojito .."Nahh" Swara slightly tossed the glass aside .. "Not this Get me a drink,a real one" she paused reminiscing few names she knew ..what's the one dad drinks ..yeah ..She looked at Marco "A bourbon...You heard Right ..I am celebrating my break up .. get me one now."

Swara ..Marco tried to reason out ..but in vain .She picked her glass and watched the singer on stage.A romantic number floated in."Rab ka shukrana." She sipped the drink and spilled the contents out "Kitna Kadwa hai .. yuck"

Marco shrugged shoulders his expression clearly stating " see I told you." She shot him a furious glance and her eyes moved back to stage, and few couples on dance floor.

"You have most beautiful eyes I have ever seen and I can spend an eternity looking into them" his voice rang in her ears ..and they were right there, dancing. Swara gulped her drink in one shot. " Ek aur". Her eyes moved to railing .. his fingers tracing her face, tucking strands of hair.. She gulped one more ,her eyes blankly staring into the space before her " I can't think of him ..Mujhe usse bhulna hoga..He's not coming back." she told herself.

"Hey" ..she found tall handsome stranger standing next to her "Can I get you a drink?" He offered . Swara lifted her glass .."Sorry Dude ..I already have one ."Dance" he asked stretching his hand .She looked at his hand ,one more memory crossed her mind .

"Dance? " he asked the same way and his fingers wrapped around her softly as she placed her hand into his .Their First dance ..how close he held her , her leaning onto him ..that was just the start of their story.. And now..

Hey ..The stranger's voice brought her out of trance .

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Irritatedly Sanskaar picked the call,not even glancing at name flashed.

"Sunny".. He didn't need to look at the name.Its her .. God Finally ...

"Swara .. Swara ..Main tumhara ki call ka ... and he paused abruptly as he heard her."Sunny kahu ya Sansk-aa- ar ..ya..he could hear her giggle " Sans- k -aa- ar..Kitna funny hain"

His eyes narrowed. Her words ... what's wrong with her?

"Kyu Kiya tumne aisa ..Sunny..Kyu?" Swara cried into phone "Aise chod kar chale gayi na mujhe?...Kyu? kyu? Kyuuu?"

Her speech was slurred. It took only a minute for him to realise "Swara ! Are u Drunk ?" he asked horrified.

" Arey .. Tumhe kaise pata chala...he he" she laughed out "Oh! bhool gayi, Mr.Mind Reader..tumhe tho sab pata hain ..lekin lekin..tum na buddu ho buddu ..idiot ho"

" Swara Kaha ho tum?" he waited, No answer came in ,He held back his anger "Just answer me.. damn it kaha ho tum?"

" Kitna gusaaa- aa - karte ho Mere Sunny ..tumhe pata hain ..kitna aaa cute lagte ho..tumhara naak red red.. Cherry ki tarah..Oh.. Sunny I miss u ..miss uuu"

He missed her too, but at this moment his complete focus was on sounds behind Swara .Music ? There can be only one place but .."Swara,please bataao kaha ho tum? Please I beg you" he asked desperately.

A minute of silence and then...

"Chura liya hai tumne jo dilko...Nazar..nahi. she sang into phone .. Yaad hain?"

And he knew .He just wanted her to confirm. With no other words he reached out to his car keys on table ."Swara Just hang on .. . Main aa raha hoon." He rushed to the elevator jabbed the button "C'mon C'mon ! " Swara ...baat karte rahe ho mujhse ..Keep talking Ok."

He didn't want her to pass out . He is aware of sharks who might be waiting to take advantage of ..He brushed off the thought . No way..Not his girl.

Swara' He called again ..Why is she silent.." Swara..Talk to me."

"Nahi Karungi ...Jao " he could imagine her poking tongue out.He shook his head with exasperation "Crazy she is ".He rushed out of elevator listening to her "Jhoot tumne kaha aur attitude mujhe de rahe ho ..akudu ho tum, Sorry bolo ..kaan pakad ke ."He raced across the dim parking garage towards his car ,turned on his blue tooth .Five minutes later, his BMW was streaking through the streets of Kolkata " Tumhe kya lagta ..you will leave me aur main rothi rahungi ..Swara Bose hoon main ...Hey you ..handsome idhar aao"

"Yes Baby" a guys voice came in.

Sanskaar's hands tightened on steering wheel " Swara .. Don't ... He could hear voices faintly.

"Tumhe gardening aati hain ? black coffee ? mere sunny jaisa .." Swara sounded more tipsy.

"Aur bahut Kuch aata hain .. Why don't you come with me ?" he heard one more voice.

Sanskaar's knuckles turned red as he tightened the grip ,fury taking over him. Whoever it is ,is gonna be dead in his hands, so dead.Next question of hers had Sanskaar buring in fumes.

"Tumhe sunny ki tarah kiss karna aata hain ..tumhe ..ya tumhe"

He could imagine half a dozen guys around her.."Shut up Swara .. he almost shouted into the phone ..just shut up ..Dont talk to anyone ..Please" and the call got disconnected

Tensed ,He redialed to be welcomed by switched off tone.Damn! Damn! .he hit his hand hard on steering wheel.Mantra was a 60 minute drive from heart of city. Sanskaar made it in little over 30 minutes.

On reaching , He burst through front door.Mantra at the evenings is usually dim lit. His eyes looked around.. The first place he looked out for her is their place ..It was empty .Where is she? Nowhere to be found he ran around frantically.Marco told she was here just few minutes back , how she was too adamant on drinking though he warned and those guys ..he saw them leave.

No they didn't .. and Swara is with them .. he knew .Fear took over him .. He dialed number again, his ears picked up the dim ringtone of hers which led him to smoking zone. Sanskaar waved his hand trying to clear the clouds of smoke, ..they were few of them in batches of two three ..his eyes scanned around quickly again.

"I told you to shut that damn phone down.. "He heard one of the voices his eyes shot at one of corners ..They were bunch of 5 guys . Sanskaar moved closer

"Haan haan kar raha hoon .. One guy moved out of bunch ..and then he caught glimpse of her in midst of them,in a long skirt and sleeves less top ,her head dropping to one side .One guy held her by shoulders, stroking his hands over her cheek and trailing down to neck "Dude .. she's hot .." he winked at his fellow mates.

Sanskaar hands curled into fist.He quickly moved past them pushing one of them aside.

Hey ..what the hell?.. The bunch looked at intruder in confusion .Not saying a word Sanskaar tried releasing her from the hold.One of them held his hand " Boss ye hamari hain ok ? So back off ."Sanskaar closed his eyes trying to hold back his rage ...not here Sanskaar ..he told himself .Swara is allergic to smoking and he need to get her out of this zone. His eyes shot at the one who held his hand, back to his hold on shoulder. Gripping his hand ,almost crushing it Sanskaar shoved him hard ,sent him back stumbling. Next minute he scooped Swara into his arms..and made a quick exit .The group mixed with confusion "Dude ..Kaun ho tum ..aur aise ladki ko .. arey yaar...followed him .

Sanskaar made his way out and slowly lowered Swara at their place .His hands gently ran through her face ."Swara ..Swara "he gently patted her cheeks but she was not in senses

As Chilled breeze passed through him, Sanskaar quickly took of his coat and draped around Swara's shoulders making sure she is warm. He sensed them standing behind him.'Time for action' Sanskaar he told himself again.He got up and turned to face them ..with a clam deadly stare.

One out of bunch " Oye tu hain kaun...Lagti Kya hain tere ?"and next minute his feet was knocked off ground as Sanskar swung a sharp right punch on his cheek bone.The batch of 5 looked at their batch mate in horror as blood oozed out of his mouth and back at Sanskaar.

Flexing his hand Sanskaar stared back at them "Iss ke baad bhi kisi ko jaan na hai ki ye meri kya hai? He looked across them with icy glare "She's my girl and I am crazy about her .. I would kill and die for her." He crossed arms across chest and crooked a eyebrow " Still wanna fight?"

The group looked at each other and closed him in .He landed his fists into someone's stomach ,an elbow into an anothers ribs, took few punches ..one at eye ..and other one below his lips but his quickly gained his balance back and nasty fight broke out.

By the time fight ended ..Sanskaar looked around wiping off blood from his lips , the batch was sprawling over ground in pain ,bleeding and place was a mess. As he reached out to Swara ..One of guy got up struggling .. "Tu jaanta nahi main kaun..." before he could complete sentence ,Sanskaar grabbed his collar and pulled him close, looking eye to eye , "Sanskaar Maheswari Naam hai Mera .. Did you get it? " He lowered the voice and repeated "Sanskaar Maheswari ..yaad rakhna, kaam aayega " ...pushed him back.

Sanskaar took his card out and gave it to Marco who stood still just like rest of crowd " Sorry Dude ..Send me the bill and can you ask someone to help me with Swara's guitar & handbag to get it back into car.Thanks he nodded as Marco said Yes .He stepped out of Mantra with Swara in his arms.Ignoring the drizzle ,he quickly got them into car and drove back .

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Taking Swara to her place or his place is absolutely out of question..not in this state giving wrong ideas.That left him with one option .His favourite hide out, Maheswari guest house. That's the place he usually preferred for solitude. He quickly reached out to his mobile " Get the guest house ready, will be reaching in 20 min," His next call was to Ragini .

"Ragini..Swara mere Saath hain .. I can't get her home ..she's drunk..It's already late ,lekin tum tension ..he paused listening to other side ..Thanks Ragini " he disconnected the call. Atlesat he had someone in confidence ,he recalled ragini's words " Sanskaar ..Swara aap ke sath hain, hum jaante hain woh theek rahegi .. Yaha hum manage karlenge"

He glanced at little frame in back seat and back on road.He quickly send a thank you note heavenward..Thank god ,he got there in time ,she's safe.

Back in his room ,Sanskaar tucked Swara gently under blanket.Good he got her changed ,when they stepped out of car it was no longer drizzle.Though he quickly got her inside ..they were drenched a bit. His maid changed her clothes, made a quick sandwich for him and left.

He gently brushed off strands of hair off her face, and drew back his hand as she stirred in sleep. He gently pressed his lips on forehead, and could see her lips curving up into a little smile "Goodnight " he gently whispered and headed back to couch, right before bed and stared at her for long .After what happened to night, he would never let her stay away from him...never. He slowly slipped into sleep..his eyes drooping off.

Next morning they ended up having a argument followed by a heated kiss where they poured in longing for each other.As they broke apart, "Tumhe pata bhi hai Swara ..kitna miss kiya hai maine tumhe ..Sanskaar mumbled against her lips " Paagal ho gaya tha main"

She knew he would miss her like she did. If her words cant make him understand ..may be her kiss would .Touching her lips softly to his, she brushed them once, twice in small soft strokes, kissed him with all the aching ,longing that being this close to him evoked , kissed him in all the ways he had ever kissed her and his arms instinctively pulled her closer kissing back with fierce tenderness.This was new, this kiss ...this soft and tender unlike their hot, frenzy passionate kisses .He felt walls around his heart crumbling with their breaths and sighs mingled into one ,as they strained against each other. Pull away' his mind screamed. Ignoring, He tightened his arms around her ,not willing to let her go ,scared he would lose her .He can't .. he can't do without her. He felt giving into his heart with no qualms and questions ..no conflicts this time ...just her.. all he needed was her, today and forever.It felt like her kiss was a question ,he wanted to spend his whole life answering. And soon everything else faded out into ecstasy of eternal seconds ,minutes and hours.

When they parted after what seemed like an eternity he felt the warmth of her tears on his cheek .." I love u Sanskaar" she whispered against his lips,her eyes locked with his and this time he didn't step back."Phir se kaho " he whispered back not blinking

I love U Sanskaar .. His heart beat double time She said Sanskaar..

Swara .. he touched his forehead to hers reeling in the moment ..she accepted him the way he is ..as Sanskaar."Yaad hain uss raat terrace pe kya kaha?Concert ke din." She asked feeling treasured in his arms. "Har wish ?" He reminded her . "Kya aaj bhi ? she paused, since she broke up with him, she wondered if that promise was still valid .He considered her for a minute,and the doubt in her voice .His one hand gently wiped off tears on one cheek " I never break my Promises Swara" moved to other cheek "You just have to say it ..aaj bhi ..Just Say ..It will be yours."

A moment of silence and she spoke

"Tum"

His eyes widened as he heard her " Hamesha Hamesha ke liye" she said determinedly looking at him eye to eye .Instinctively he stepped back..trying to decipher what she meant.

They stood considering each other,for a minute ..Sanskaar frozen to his spot . Swara held back her tears .She knew it .. he would never ever acknowledge his love for her. And she had been stupid proclaiming her love for him again and again ."I should leave " she quickly reached over to door and stopped in tracks hearing him say "Tumne mera jawaab nahi suna Swara"

She didn't want to turn back. It would be painful." Jiska jawab main jaanti hoon Sanskaar,usse sunne ki jaroorat nahi .. and before she could complete sentence , she found herself in his arms .His one hand secured around her waist possessively.. One hand nestled into her hair softly .Her breath hitched as he tugged her face closer ,just a breath away.Her heart raced as she started into his eyes. " Take me" he mumbled against her lips .

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"Swara... Sanskaar lazily stretched out his arm on to bed.He suddenly felt cold ,missing her warmth next to him.He slowly opened his eyes to find himself lying alone in bed ,beneath sheets. Did he dream all that .. what happened between them ..no it can't be. Her fragrance still fresh on bedsheets ,the feel of her soft nude frame pressed against his body,those soft deep kisses ..Her warm breath on his neck, her delicate hands on his bare back pressing him closer..her silky skin as it melted under his hands and trace of his lips, deep, long, sweet sighs.

He felt a flicker of pain on his back and smirked .. her nails ..left their mark on him, as she matched his pace,touch to touch, stroke to stroke, kiss to kiss,arching against him. Their breaths as ragged as their moans ,Their bodies as they moved in unison sliding against each other ,Their gazes as they met and locked ,lost in wonder of what they had together - pure sensual splendour. Hot Waves of Sensations that rippled through their bodies as she opened up, taking him inside and then crashed them with an intensity .Her cry of pleasure as he came into her fully deeply ,completely ,sweeping them off to edge..and beyond ,tying them together in every possible way.They clung to each other panting hard .He didn't pull away, but held her in his arms ,calming hot tremors pulsating through them,racing breaths and thudding hearts. As their breath calmed down ,He gently brushed off hair on her face " Kaha tha na .. Har wish"he whispered against her breath,pressed a soft kiss on her mouth as she smiled . As he gazed into her eyes.. He knew, he is no longer his own ..but a part of her. He closed his eyes savoring her touch as they ran through his hair ,caressed his cheeks .He rolled down ..beneath her , inhaling fragrance of her long hair as it brushed over his face ,sighed in pleasure as she placed light feathery gossamer kisses through his jawline..neck, traced the contours of his torso and moved down.He groaned in pleasure taking her name as she reached to him and that broke all his noble intentions of being soft and gentle .With an aching need ,his hands threaded into her hair, pulling her up and in blink of eye she was under him her wrists pinned to bed ,locked in his arms , pulse racing under his dark intense gaze .He kissed her hungrily, his lips devouring hers and she met his need with equal fervour.He took her again and again until they rose to the crest and went over as one ,exploding into million pieces. He collapsed on to her hiding himself in waves of her hair, mumbling incoherent words over and over again.

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God !I love u Swara .. I love you ..I love you so much .His soft whispers still rang in her ears and a tear of joy sprang out of her eyes.Swara laid for long ,her arms enfolding him, afraid to move ,for the fear of losing this perfect moment of her life..His warm breath against crook of her neck, his heartbeat calm and steady against hers, his one arm rested against her waist possessively..Too perfect. They were meant to be one ..and they belong to each other.He looked ..cute ,she thought with a half sleepy contented smile on his lips ,his hair all mussed .Well he never liked her calling him cute'.Smiling she pressed a soft kiss on his shoulder , he instinctively pulled her close ,murmuring her name.

It was not just physical bond but merging of their hearts and souls.. And what made it perfect were his words which she had been longing to hear .His words and all of sudden a fear gripped her heart . Were they in spur of moment ?Would he even remember what he said?If he didn't .. the thought made her heart lurch in pain. Would she able to bear it ..may be not. She looked at him once again ..and made her decision. He Would come for her... if he loved her.

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

Swara .. Sanskaar called again and reached out to his clothes .Swara .. he knocked the door of wash room and pushed slightly as no voice came in .She is not here. Worried Sanskaar went around the house looking for her. Where is she? . ..he raked his hair in frustration ..She's not here ...she left . left ? No way ...He rushed to his car.

"Swara .. Swara ..Sanskaar bursted into Gulmohar.Swara came out of her room ,hearing his voice.

Sanskaar .. Swara rushed down the stairs. He is here ..For her.

"Samjhi thi kya ho apne aap ko ..how dare you ? he charged startling her "Tumne khud kaha tha na ..that you want me to be yours, hamesha ke liye " he reminded her "and when I gave myself to you ,aise chod kar chali aayi .You didn't even wait for me to wake up."How could she ? "Iss liye swara ..Iss liye ..I didn't want to come closer .I was scared to let you in ..aur tumne wahi kiya...you just left."

The pain in his vice bothered her..but that was not her intention"Sanskaar ..I just wanted to give you sometime ..kyunki mujhe laga...

"For what ? he questioned "To clear my head? And I am clear..We are getting married..bas" He concluded.Swara stared at him in disbelief for a minute and charged back

"Are u mad ?. .. shaadi, pyaar mazaq hai kya ?Ek minute bolte ho nahi karna hain.I want you par commitment nahi de sakta .. and now out of blue, you want to marry."she paused for while trying to gather back her breath and a thought crossed her mind .."Oh ..she nodded looking at him "Ab samaj aaya .. Hamaare beech jo kuch bhi hua ..uske baad .."her voice strained. She could bear a loveless life but not a marriage out of some obligation."I am sorry Mr Sanskaar Maheswari ..That's not happening ..Just because humne ..she paused again at flashes of the wild morning they had..but quickly gained back her composure."Aap ko kisi majboori mein aakar shaadi karne ki jaroorat nahi. She stepped away from him .." hamare beech jo kuch bhi hua, I have no regrets ,lekin aise shaadi nahi karni hai mujhe ...aur."

"Really Swara ?" Sanskaar cut her in between "Majboori? ..Tumhe lagta hain, I am proposing marriage because .. we had .. he paused as if struck by realisation what she said .No wonder that thought crossed her mind " Swara ..I know I have been a jerk all this time .So I don't blame you ..But Miss Swara Bose...he moved closer " I want you to know that I want us to get married because..He cupped her cheeks and she didn't move back ..It felt right in his arms ...and the she sensed the same warmth of his hands, infused in his eyes and voice"Because..I am hopelessly and madly in love with you."

Swara stood still wondering did she hear him right? He said..Did he remember "Tumhe yaad tha ? She asked still absorbing his words.

"Of Course yaad tha .. I want you to know ki hamare beech jo kuch bhi hua ..that's because .." his fingers gently caressed her cheeks "I was absolutely sure of us.Every moment you were not with me, I just wished you would call me and say You want me .. ..Jab tumhe mujhse kaha ,that you want me forever..I realised that I want you too ...hamesha hamesha ke liye.."

"Sachi Sanskaar" he smiled at her question and closed her in his embrace warm , gentle and she had her answer . They stood for long feeling each other. " Aaj idiot itna smart kaisa bangaya ?" Swara smiled still in his arms and he smiled back and replied "Tumhe yaad hain, ek baar tumne kaha, kal kya hoga uski daar se mujhe apna aaj nahi barbaad karna.Exactly Swara..I have been running away all this time afraid of getting hurt, pain of losing you ..but what hurts me most is ..." he paused trying to voice out his worst fear "the thought of, you not being with me .. jo mujhse bardasht nahi hota .Swara .He brought her out of hug and held her cheeks

"How did you even think I would forget that moment ..Our moment .I might have said those words very late ..but may be, I loved you the first time I saw you ,that every moment I spent with you , that every moment I missed you . Now I need you in my every moment, every moment I live..every moment I breathe.".She smiled through tears .All she wanted to hear was those 3 words ..may be once ? but here she is, in his arms getting drenched in shower of his love

"Kal kya hoga ..who cares .Aaj abhi mujhe tumhare saath jeena hain, Swara,aur aage ka har pal bhi .If that means I love you .. tho hell yes ..I love you..Swara Bose."

"I love u too... she hugged him back, happy that her love is no more unrequited..happy they are together.." I love you Sanskaar" she repeated, too, three and infinity.He broke the hug ... and looked at her " Yaar tum ladkiyaan bhi na bahut emotional hote ho" he wiped tears off her cheeks .. aur ab Miss Swara Bose .He gently lifted her up and made her sit on table near by Dhyan se meri baat suno" And he had all her attention.

"Do din baad tumhare ghar ek rishtaa aayega .. you know of a ,smart, handsome guy " he signalled to himself and like u call .. akudu aur buddu ka..." He grinned and Swara flushed in embarrassment recalling her drunk convo in bits and pieces.. "Oh main .. she mumbled casting a down look .

" Btw" Sanskaar held her chin and made her face him " I loved my new names and You my sweetheart are free to call me, anything and everything you want .. since .." he leaned closer sliding his arm against her ,slim tender waist ,pressing her to him .She gasped as his lips brushed hers softly and whispered "I am yours.."

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Swara opted for simple sea green color saree .. Saree ..she always found it complicated especially her struggle with pleats ,but today ..it's a special day for them.

"Swara ..You don't have to change .I love you the way you are and my family loves me too much so no probs, I will manage" She recalled his words.But she wanted to do it, for him. Though Maheshwari's were not orthodox , she intended to meet every standard of being bahu of Maheswari khandaan..willingly.

Not giving into Dadi's demand to be cladded in jewellery and heavy make, she opted for a simple look .She choose to let her hair loose and smiled at his words from their last night call

"Jaan please don't tie up your hair..I get all crazy ideas." Swara wondered what those ideas were and he promised "Bas thoda intezaar...shaadi hone tak." She lovingly picked up earrings ,he bought for her.. .All he asked last night was "kaunsa colour pehen rahi ho" and now those little pretty cute gold chrysoprase studs,of teardrop design bejeweled with diamonds adorned her ears. You better get used these little surprises sweetheart."He smiled into phone "Ye toh bas shuravad hain, but I will keep it simple."

She chose a simple neck piece , and matching set of bangles ,applied a little blush and kohl.Her eyes...he always mentioned how smitten he was.. by her eyes.She stared at her reflection in mirror .It felt different..the glow on her face,and that little hint of blush on her cheeks .

"What if I said No" she asked that day at Gulmohar when he said his family would bring his alliance for her and his answer still made her blush...

"Well ,Miss Swara Bose and would be Mrs. Sanskaar Maheswari.Today morning, I discovered some absolutely delicious ways to make you say Yes .. and I know which notes to hit.You want me to try ?" He smirked naughtily as she hid herself in his arms ..all shy.

Just a thought of him ,warmth courses through her.

"Swara .. Swara ..Ragini came rushing ..Swara turned back "Kya baat hai aaj tho meri behen sundar lag rahi hai "Ragini hugged her and quickly applied a kaala teeka behind her neck" aur jiske ke liye ye sab kiya ... ahem ahem ..tumhara prince charming aagaya aur saath main poora family bhi .. tho chale?"

Swara nodded , Taking a deep breath she stepped out with Ragini .

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Sanskaar waited impatiently ...Where is she ? His dad, bro and would be Sasur were busy with some talks. He joined them now and then, his eyes going back and forth from stairs. Swara's mom her dadi and dida ,pari bhabhi grouped up .Ragini was his saviour who understood his plight and rushed to get Swara ...

Then she walked down .. and he forget to breath.She looked ..his scrambled mind searched for words that would fit her ..Simple ,elegant and ravishing and many more .Her heart skipped as she felt his unwavering gaze from distance,.She tugged hair behind ear ..for him to notice and he did, earrings and they were just perfect on her..just like he imagined.

Swara's family loved Sanskaar and Dadi seemed to be so much impressed ..after all her poti is getting married to Marwari Chora of her choice. Her assumption being Sanskaar was smitten by Swara in party at Oberoi ..hence alliance came up ." Durgaprasad ji ..aap yakeen nahi karenge lekin maari potiyan lakhon mein ek hain..aur Swara ..itni seedhi saadhi hain ..bas kaam , sangeet aur ghar jaane .. aur kuch nahi." Ragini and Swara smiled looking at each other at dadi's words. Swara's eyes moved to Sanskaar who raised his eyebrows Oh Really , then what about ... and his hand moved around his neck,smirking .Swara lowered her eyes, knowing what he was referring to, her love bites.His smirk widened as she muttered besharam'.

Elders got busy with talks of how to take it forward where as little away from them. Swara and Pari struck a chord immediately,Sanskaar smiled as Adarsh bhaiya said Swara .. tum meri team main ho ,warna ye dono na' he pointed at Pari and Sanskaar .."bahut tang karte hain mujhe ..bolo Deal"

"Bhaiya ab main aa rahi ho tho .. aap dekh lijiye" Swara replied giving some attitude to Sanskaar "Ye huyi na baat" Adarsh gave her an hi 5

Sanskaar ,Pari exchanged a glance ."Dekha bhabhi, abhi se aapki patidev ne gang banana shuru kiya ..he complained and they all broke into smiles.

Engagement was fixed two weeks from then and marriage after a month and half.Swara heard dadi saying how their kundali matched perfectly.Sanskaar cribbed on how one half month would be too late and told his plans to give some extra dakshina to pandit ji to move wedding date closer but asked him not to " Tum tho rahoge na mere Bina lekin main nahi reh sakta" he complained but had to give in .

With Sanskaar back in her life Swara strongly believed they were destined to be together ..and she wanted it to take its own course.

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Swara walked out of shower in bath robe..reached out for her clothes ..that's when she saw a gift pack lying on her bed. One more surprise .. Sanskaar was right ,she better get used ..Smiling she reached out to the gift excitedly.

A simple white sleeveless cotton maxi...and a note ..'For a walk to remember

Their engagement was just two days away.. here they are .At Mandarmani , a seaside resort village ,for a day out Sanskaar planned for them .Though dadi sulked a bit about chora chori going out together before Sagai Shaadi but Sanskaar managed to convince her .Dadi for sure had started taking a liking for Sanskaar ..no surprise given the charmer he is .They started quite early in morning ..It was a long ride of 4 to 5 hours from kolkata.. A bit tiring but long drive with Sanskaar had been a recent addition to her wish list..

"Aaj hi kyu Sanskaar ,hame sagai ki baad bhi jaa sakthe the" She asked him

"Because It's new moon day .. he replied smiling " You will know why"

They were warmly welcomed by staff of their resort Aqua marine drive inn with beautiful sea facing rooms and has its own private beach sort of thing. Swara was astonished as she found out Sanskaar booked whole resort for a day just for them.

"Sanskaar ..iski kya jaroorat thi she asked him back in room

"Swara .. this is our day ..and I want to make it special .. just us"

Swara couldn't help but bask in love and warmth of Sanskaar.It's like she's living her own fairy tale.Swara felt a twinge of disappointment about their rooms being separate but she had least to worry ,Sanskaar was with her most of time..and it's not like, they are gonna stay in room "I have lots of plans for us" he said and indeed it was true.

Mandarmani has a long sea beach of 13 km which is the longest driveable beach in India and swara felt absolutely thrilled at feel of waves and sand under her feet as they walked down the beach holding hands .Being less known beach ..it had less visitors which offered them required privacy .They almost turned kids playing around and splashing water on each other...and next on their agenda was jet ski and paragliding which Swara absolutely said a no no as it looked scary "Swara Main hoon na ..kuch nahi hoga ..Trust me" Sanskaar said holding her hands and she trusted. Her Sanskaar is with her ..she has nothing to worry ..he would not let her get a scratch and it turned out to be a lifetime experience

"Phir Chale ..saath main .. she asked ..and this time it was even more exciting . Red crab race on beach was scary as well as fun to watch .Then they visited string of local shops ..where they picked some shells and hand made jewellary. Sanskaar picked up a beautiful sea shell chain for her -A silver chain with single shell and a pearl in between and a pair of earrings to go with it. Swara gathered her hair to one side for him, his fingers lightly stroked her neck as he tied chain around and she felt a rush of sensations .."I wish we were alone" he murmured in a soft whisper making her blush .After lunch they rested for a while,headed to Digha beach - a 49 min drive from Mandarmani.Known as Brighton of the east, a 7 km long it offered a breathtaking view of the sunset and lovely boat ride in amaravati lake.

Swara sighed in content snuggling closer in his arms wrapped around and their heads leaning on each other ...and they watched sun fall behind the horizon, painting the sky shades of red and pink.

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Once they reached back tired and exhausted ..Swara wondered why didn't he kiss her .They hardly got private moments these days ..whole day they were together, but he didn't .Is he not gonna kiss her again till marriage..That's not fair .Unable to hold back she asked "Aaj kiss nahi karoge "

Sanskaar smiled ..' Lagta hai koi mere kiss bahut miss kar rahe hai .I am just saving it up for some special moments"

"Sanskaar tumhare saath, mera har moment special hain.You make me feel special without doing anything." she leaned on his chest.

"I know princess but ..din abhi khatam nahi hua hai ... freshen up ..and I will be back " he kissed her forehead and left.Long day ,a shower would be good swara thought and as she stepped out of shower she found the gift. She dressed up ..she didn't put on any make up ,just the necklace and earrings they shopped sometime back ..and they are just going perfect with her dress.

A flash of his name on her mobile .. She excitedly picked up .. Sanskaar ..

"Step Outside"...all he said and she rushed outside the room.

And he stood there ..in a simple transparent white shirt and pant, his hands in his pocket..watching the beach.He turned back as Swara reached him , simply stretched his hand and said " Walk with me."

Swara gave her hand into his wrapped around hers in warm hold. They walked in silence.

Swara guesses wavered around may be a candle light dinner, a romantic dance or... she suddenly found her eyes blindfolded."Sanskaar ye...and his calm tone made her silent "shhh ..bas kuch minute aur princess ..". Holding her securely ..he walked little more and he removed her blindfold Dheere se apni Aaankhen kholo " and she opened her eyes to a star studded sky , the most beautiful one she had ever seen ..sense of the life that's blown into the skies by the stars. She stood enthralled ,lost in sight before her that combined infinite beauty and the ineffable vastness of the cosmos shared with the stars.

Swara .. she turned back ..and Sanskaar stood amazed at sight beholding him. In her white gown with a stars tinkling behind her .. she looked like a ..with breath caught in his throat fairy' was only word that struck his mind ...And then she smiled that lighted up the whole night.

"It's just perfect Sanskaar "she said her eyes shining like twinkling stars

"Not yet" ..he said as he approached her. He held her hand .They stood before each other lost in each others gaze."' Swara ...kuch log kismat ki tarah hote hain jo dua se bante hain aur kuch dua ki tarah hote hain jo kismat badal dete hain, aur tum dua se meri kismat ko mili ho aur main chahta hoon ki ye dua meri kismat badal de" Swara stood syncing in each word he said For one who said he didn't want to love...This must be her fairytale love story ,which she wished upon shooting star ..and her prince charming is right before her .Tears pooled in her eyes and widened as she saw him kneeling before her..holding a rose

"Swara ,Tumhare maa baba ne tho tumhare haath mujhe de diya ,kya tum mujhe apne haath thamne ki ijazat doge?" The rose clicked open and inside was a twinkling star shaped diamond ring. Roses and Stars ..Swara smiled through tears.Can this get more perfect?May be it could

" Will you marry me?" Sanskaar held out the ring ..his heart beating double and waited with bated breath. Though he knew answer ,he wanted to hear her say.

Through tears trickling down her cheeks ..Swara's smile widened .Yes. she nodded and hugged him swamped with joy as he placed ring on her finger and he held her back with his eyes closed, wondering if anything in his life had ever been this perfect and knowing at the same time that it hadn't. He is in love, and the feeling was even more wonderful than he ever imagined it could be **.

After what seemed like end of time ... they gently parted . His hands slowly weaved into her hair, Her hands enfolded around his neck..their eyes sparkling .. "Since you said Yes ..he whispered against her lips in a low husky tone."Time to kiss" and in answer she touched his lips..Starting on soft gentle note ..and as she parted them for him turned into deep ..long one ..they kissed and kissed little more ...like there was no tomorrow.

As they parted .. a star shot across skies.. "Hey Swara ..Shooting star" he pointed out for her but she didn't turn back ..her eyes fixed on him. " Arey .. You missed it."

"No I didn't" she answered as her hands caressed his cheek lightly ..Because I have one right before me and I don't need another .Tum ho na ..my shooting star aur ab tum mil gaye tho,I dont have any other wish" .He looked at her amazed .No wonder she drove him to point of insanity ,with a love this pure and strong .. he had to bow down and he would...

He lowered his head and pressed a small kiss on her lips and whispered "I love you Swara"

"I love u too Sanskaar"

And they kissed again, Under a sky of perfect velvet, under stars

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