Hello All

I know you guys might be waiting for an update of AGCL..but when this idea for Swasan Valentine story stuck me, I couldn't help but pen it down.It's a two-shot ..so wouldn't take much time.Post this I will update AGCL.

Happy Reading.Do Let me know your thoughts.

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"Maa, where are we going ?"A 3-year-old Sanskaar tugged one end of his mother Annapurna's pallu.

"Sharmistha Aunty had a baby, Right! We are going to see her," Annapurna Maheshwari said, checking the basket. It had fruits and few other items which she deemed to be fit for a new mother. Gesturing Ramu Kaka to bring them, she stepped out of Maheshwari Mansion.

Gadodia's and Maheshwari's were more like friends ,less like neighbors.

It was a year after Sanskaar was born, Gadodias moved into a residence next to Maheshwari Mansion which towered over theirs in every way. Gadodias were not poor, they were not rich either but a little more than self-sufficient, whereas the name of Maheshwari's screamed rich in every way.

Shekhar Gadodia has his roots established in small garment business in Kolkata , Durga Prasad Maheshwari has his foot set in diversified industries across India falling under the big hat of "Maheshwari Group".Though they are of different stature and cultures, Maheshwari's being Marwari and Gadodia being Bengalis, it was never considered a hindrance for their friendship of 2 years.

It was Annapurna and Sharmistha who first struck a chord during their frequent visits to Kanha ji's mandir in the vicinity and as days passed their friendship just blossomed.Sekhar had been quite apprehensive first ..but once he met Maheshwari's he had a change of his unfavorable opinion of rich people's attitude. Maheshwari's were warm and welcoming. Though Sekhar and Durgaprasad didn't bond as much as their wives, yet there shared a subtle bond on lines, going beyond formal courtesy and within the purview of close friendship.

Sekhar had been disowned by family as he chose to tie the knot with Sharmistha, a proper Bengali. It was only Shobha Bose, Sharmistha's mother who stood by them.

It took a while for Sekhar to settle in and start a new business on his own..but he achieved moderate success in establishing a profitable venture.

Sharmistha with her baby girl was back , after 5 months of stay in Maayka , located in a small town around Kolkata.Shobha joined her for a couple of months, till Sharmistha would be able to manage both kid and household.

It was on the very evening Annapurna decided to pay a visit to Sharmistha...along with Sanskaar who was back from his preschool.

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It was then for the first time he had seen her in a crib. And he was fascinated. How could someone be so small, Little Sanskaar wondered.

"She's so cute "he heard his mother say, watching very little girl but Sanskaar didn't blink, his eyes fixed on little wonder. "What are you calling her?" Annapurna asked turning back to Sharmistha on the bed.

"We are still thinking of name ..but for time being we are calling her 'Shona'.Sharmistha answered smiling, looking at her little daughter who at this moment was cooing, her eyes fixed on toy above the crib.

"Shona... "Sanskaar murmured softly as if trying to reminisce the name and just like she heard, she turned to him, her eyes wide.His eyes widened too.

"Shona.. "He called again and then she gurgled making a happy sound kicking her legs and hands in the air. It was the sweetest sound he ever heard.

"Maa, she's smiling..look.." Sanskaar excitedly told the duo.Sharmistha and Annapurna smiled at Sanskaar's excitement and they got back to their chit-chat.Excited and feeling encouraged Sanskaar decided to venture further. He gently placed a finger on her cheek.When she didn't seem to mind, he pulled it lightly. Much to his horror Swara gave an equally horrified expression and broke into earth-shattering wails. Startled, Little Sanskaar stepped back and watched the baby turn fussy in a minute. Annapurna quickly reached out to the kid and lifted her gently, murmuring soothing words. The wails died down slowly ,as she was handed over to Sharmistha.

"I am sorry, aunty ,"A guilty Sanskaar muttered peeking from behind Annapurna.

"It's ok, Beta..koi baat nahi.." Sharmistha gently patted his hair.It was after a while when they were heading back, little Sanskaar took a mental note

'Don't pull the cheeks of Shona'. She doesn't like it."

He didn't like her crying face as much as he loved her happy face. He would never make her cry again, He told himself.

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She was named Swara ..but Shona was Sanskaar's favourite name. As days passed Little Swara was a fascination for Sanskaar. All he needed was a chance, an excuse to step into neighborhood. He liked watching her ,her every little action, her every minute expression. He would take a mental note and try to decode.

She rubbed her eyes , Shona wants to sleep. Shona looked away ,she wants to be left alone. She cried, Shona is upset. When she outstretched her arms, open and wide... She wants to take a stroll. 

And the list went on ...A very excited Sanskaar , would come back and narrate all these things to Annapurna .." Maa , Today Shona.."

As days Passed he didn't even realize his world was centering around "Swara''.

At age of 9 months, Swara was a happy kid around Sanskaar. She loved playing peek a boo with him. He would instantly bring a smile on her face.After Sharmistha it was his voice which calmed her down.With every passing day... The bond just grew stronger.

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A 5-year-old Swara watched, 8-Year-old Sanskaar busy fixing a toy truck. They were in Maheshwari Mansion, where Annapurna and Sharmistha caught up for teatime. Back from school changed into her night suit, Swara rushed to Sanskaar and settled next to him.

" Why would boys get to fix this trucks and trains, Sanskaar?' she asked playing with hair of Barbie , her favorite doll.

"It's because boys like such stuff... And we cant play with Barbie dolls, Shona" Sanskaar answered fixing a bolt.

"Well, you can play with KEN, he's a boy!" Swara suggested. Sanskaar almost laughed out at that, but he held back.If he did, he knew ..what would come next. She would be angry and he will have a hard time convincing her.Swara's always felt her suggestions were best and he played along.

He nodded and got back to work. If was after Swara who wanted to be a part of this truck fixing the business, became adamant to let her help him out, He lifted his head a little from toy truck to protest.

"Please Sanskar ..."Swara made her cutest face

His every protest died down. She's still looked like the same cute little kid with big eyes, cherub cheeks.With two piggy tails dangling down, till shoulder. It's just that she's become cuter.

Sighing he gave up,"Ok Fine .. "and she gave him a full smile. He smiled too.

"Now give me that .. "he pointed at parts of the truck .. Swara excitedly reached out to them ."No ..Not that .. this one .. Yes .." and they got busy.After a while, when it was time for Sharmistha to leave ,Swara and Sanskaar both seemed in no mood to get up.

"I will ask Sanskaar to drop her,"Annapurna told her. Sharmistha nodded and left.At the end, when it was fixed .they looked at each other with a victory smile."WoW! I am going to tell baba about this .." Swara beamed at her new achievement. She knew how to fix a truck, well at least a bit of it.

When Sanskaar was dropping her back Swara looked at him at the gate. She hardly reached Sanskaar's shoulder..and had to look up to meet his eyes. " I will let you help me when I dress up my Barbie." She told smiling. She felt the need to return the favor. " If you don't like Barbie, I will give you KEN...Ok!"

"Ok! " Sanskaar smiled back. Dressing up KEN? Sanskaar gave a mental shake. His reputation in school will be in tarts if someone gets a whiff of it, but For Shona, he would be a willing assistant.

" But you shouldn't tell anyone in school , Ok! "Sanskaar told her slowly, like a secret.Swara nodded like a co-conspirator

"Promise! He asked extending his hand.

Swara placed her hand in his " Shona promise... Pakka wala." She told confidently.Sanskaar smiled.It was Swara's style of promising. He bid her bye and left.

That night Swara didn't get tired narrating to Sekhar about her new learned skill.

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While Maheshwari business flourished, Sekhar's business seemed to go downhill. When Sharmistha suggested maybe they can seek the help of Maheshwari's Sekhar vehemently opposed the idea and asked her never to broach it again. He would die but never stretch his hand before someone. Sharmistha was forbidden from sharing any news related to them to Maheshwari's .Everything is well ..is what the message must be .. Sharmistha agreed reluctantly.

Unaware of anything else Swara and Sanskaar lived in their own little happy bubble. Swara was his responsibility, his to take care of.This is the notion with which Sanskaar had grown up right from the time as a kid and the need just took its deep roots with passing time. He felt fiercely protective of her and was a bit possessive too. He never mentioned but he hated KEN too ...

One day as they rode back on his cycle from school."Sanskaar, Will you have a garage like the one we see on the way to school?'Swara asked Sanskaar

'Garage?" He turned a little trying to see her.Sanskaar didn't get from where this idea would have popped up in Swara's mind.

"He fixes the trucks too, You know cars, bikes and a many more .. You like fixing them too, Right!." She always imagined Sanskaar in place of garage owner fixing all complicated stuff.Sanskaar shook his head. Shona and her ideas. But he never said 'No' to her.

Swara always loved to come up with new ideas to style her Barbie dolls and would proudly go around showing her work.

"Tell me what's new in my Barbie ?" she would ask ..Sanskaar would have no clue. How is one supposed to guess when the doll is decked with many accessories.And dolls exactly were not of his interest.

"Offo Sanskaar ...."She would pat her head, " Its new clip .. see It has shiny little things on it, "she would say one day.

"It's new purse," was on another day

"I had put a lipstick.I took it from moms drawer, isn't she cute? " 

" I colored her hair," and much more followed .But for Sanskaar it was all one and same.He could never make out the difference and finally..

"Oh God!.you don't know things about girls, Sanskaar... Very bad." Saying so, She would give up.

Recalling all that " Yeah! I will have one, " Sanskaar answered focusing back on the muddy road owing to the rains " but it will be right next to your tailoring shop, where you would be stitching dresses for your Barbie dolls." He replied with a grin

Swara seemed to take the idea seriously .." Yes! Then we can help each other, play too and eat chocolates in between right!We will be together."

"Always," Sanskaar replied confidently.

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It was after 3 years when Sanskar was 11, Swara 8.

One day Sanskaar rushed back from the school and went looking for Annapurna. He found her in the kitchen. He rushed back to freshen up as told by his mother..and stepped back in the kitchen .It was snacks time.

"Shona will be coming right! " She asked. Sanskaar nodded and took a bite of pakodas.It was after sometime Sanskaar asked Annapurna slowly 

" Maa, What do you mean by Valentine?" Annapurna looked at him surprised. Like he got her question, Sanskaar answered hurriedly,

" It's all over, TV and Papers. There were boards before many shops offering discounts, Special greeting cards. They say "Valentine's day special". All the boys in the class were talking about it. My friend Ajit was saying it's because some saint named Valentine died on this day and..." he went on with all the stories he had been listening from the morning.He deliberately left out details how one of his friends was planning to ask one of the girls from the class, to be his valentine. He wondered what's this fuss all about and his mom seemed the best person to have a word. They never had secrets between them.

Annapurna stayed silent for a while. The kids of this generation ..why blame them when they are victims of changes and progress of modern society. Blame it on the rampant use of technology, Unfiltered information available in a blink, rapidly growing awareness, Movies, Smartphones etc.A true double-edged sword is what hanging on the kids of this generation. She didn't want Sanskaar to grow up with the idea of valentine's day how it is being propagated and commercialized these days.She never understood why one needs a special day in a year to let loved ones know ...they are loved and cherished.Her son is not going that way.

She looked at her son .. took his hand gently in his .." Valentine means..."

Sanskaar listened to her intently first and for next few minutes, he didn't move from his place though Annapurna got busy with Dinner arrangements.

Then in almost spring action he rushed to Gadodia residence and dragged Swara with him , down to small stream nearby, a place where they loved to hang out in evenings.He loved making paper boats for her or they would simply sit together feeling the cold water kissing their feet.

Catching up his breath, he looked at Swara who was complaining about not letting her have pakoras Annapurna aunty made.

"Be my Valentine, Shona.." He simply said looking into her eyes.

 Swara stared at him with a question mark face. " Valentine?" Is this some new fancy name Sanskaar was giving her. He loved teasing her with new names. Sometimes he called her 'Barbie'... Sometimes he would call her 'dumbo... Paagal and the list went on.But this...Valentine. Though it sounded stylish, Swara wanted to know...

Gauging her expression Sanskaar knew what was running in her mind. He cant explain the high-level thing his mom explained Deciding to simplify ..he probably gave her a gist, exaggerating a bit ,adding his own heroic qualities .."If you are someone's Valentine ..he will love you, fight for you , take care of you, will never let anyone trouble you, will share all his secrets with you .. will never leave you alone, will always be with you, like always." He finished in one shot .

"Hmm .. "Swara placed a finger on chin thinking, "But Sanskaar..you already do all this for me...So I am already your valentine." She said as if she had unearthed a fact "Why didn't you tell me before?" She questioned back reaching out to candies in her gown pocket.

"I just gotta know ..and you don't get it, do you ?"Sanskaar muttered and settled next to her. "When I ask you, you are supposed to say Yes, Shona."

"Yes ..Yes and Yes .." Swara laughed looking at Sanskaar "Here," she offered him a chocolate,".Baba got me two. I saved this one for you.. Say aa.." Swara unwrapped the chocolate and popped into Sanskaar's open mouth.

"Will you let me be yours? I like this Valentine thing." Swara asked after a while as they watched the flight of birds in the clear evening sky.

"Lo ..ye koi puchne wali baat hain? Of course, you are. I am yours and you are mine." Sanskaar answered casually.It was after some time they headed back.

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It was at age of 12, Durga Prasad Maheshwari decided Sanskaar would head to boarding school in Shimla for more disciplined and better education and there were no second discussions on same. Sanskaar didn't want to go ...

"Maa ,main nahi jaunga .." He sobbed silently in Annapurna's lap "aap sab ko chod ke ..and If I go, who will take care of Shona ? She can't even fight back if someone teases her. Main Nahi jaunga .. Nahi.." Annapurna held him close equally teary-eyed but they very well knew the decision was taken.

It was on day Sanskaar had to leave.A crying Swara would not step out despite Sharmistha's attempts. Sanskaar decided to have a word by himself.

"Shona ..." He slowly called stepping into the room. She didn't turn to face him.From behind he could make out she was wiping her tears with one hand and her teddy was clutched close to her in other. Sanskaar knew he had to be strong.Her tears always troubled him.

"You promised you would always be with me ,Sanskaar .. you would never leave me. Jhoote ho tum ," Swara murmured midst tears."Jao main tumse baat nahi karti .."

 It took a lot for Sanskaar to convince Swara . She was not ready to let him go.It was finally when he said , " If you don't talk to me, I will be sad Shona.I will not do well in exams...My numbers will be less.Dad would scold me and teachers too. If Shona want her Sanskaar to be a bad boy then .." and he could see it was working.She turned to him.That's when he knelt before her and held her hand 

It was only after he promised he will be back soon and would write for her ..Swara felt better.

"You would come back, Right!" Swara asked to reconfirm as he gently wiped her tears.There was a brief silence, very brief one just for few seconds.  His fingers clasped around her's in a firm hold. Looking into her eyes, which are bit clear now

 " Wherever I am Shona, I will always come back to you..and it's Sanskaar's promise."

There was something in his voice which assured Swara, Sanskaar would be back to her. He always kept up his promises. Feeling much better she bid him bye.

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It had been tough initially, but Sanskaar soon adapted himself to the new schedule, environment. New people, New friends... but he missed two members the most. His mother and Swara. He carried two photographs with him One a family photograph .. and another one of him and Swara clicked on one of his birthdays.

In absence of Sanskar ,Swara turned more independent, more responsible. She had to take care of herself and handle her problems alone ,she realised when Sanskaar is not around.

Durga Prasad and Annapurna would visit Sanskaar frequently whenever it was permitted, Sanskaar looked forward to them. One time when Swara accompanied them ,his happiness knew no bounds. He took her around school excitedly. His Happiness just doubled when Annapurna handed him over a 'dabba of ladoos' Sharmistha made for him. He always loved them..and true to his word Sanskaar wrote to Swara frequently about his school, friends. He would share every detail with her.Swara replied too ..Their exchange of letters is what kept them missing each other very badly.

A year passed.It was for the 13th birthday of Swara, Sanskaar had few holidays. Hence he planned a surprise visit.He got her a gift too. The evening started to fall by the time Sanskaar could make it to Kolkata. Excited about Swara's reaction as she had no clue and it was asked to keep a secret by his mom. He tiptoed into Gadodia residence. 

Contrary to Maheshwari's extravagant birthday bash ,Gadodia preferred a silent birthday celebration. A temple visit ..and chocolate distribution in school was Swara's birthday celebration.It was well known to Sanskaar.As he peeked in from entrance ..his eye caught her from behind. A huge smile spread across his lips.

  "Shona... "He took her name , almost screamed. He could sense she went still for a minute.Then she turned back.

If Sanskaar has imagined Swara would still be the same little kid in gowns , one could say he got a shock of his life. Dressed in a simple salwar suit, She no way looked like "his Shona"  the one with little piggytails .She looked different he had no clue why.Before he could comprehend, Her lips curved into a full-blown smile.

 "Sanskaar .. "Squealing with delight Swara rushed and hugged him.

It was another hit for Sanskaar. There were a million emotions which rushed through him and he couldn't figure out even one .. All he knew was nothing is going to be same again.Like almost echoing his thoughts in her actions, Swara stepped back too, almost abruptly .. with an awkward glance.They stood to face each other ..in all silence.

"Arey Sanskaar .." Sharmistha's voice broke their trance. Swara stepped back. Sanskaar bent down to seek blessings.Sharmistha gently patted his hair, " When did you come? We didn't know you would be coming .. You mother didn't mention too. Kaise ho ?"

"I am fine aunty... Today is Shona's birthday right! I ..I just wanted to surprise her.He murmured not sure of his own voice. His eyes kept drifting back to Swara who had a little smile on her lips.

"Happy birthday Shona...I got this for you." He handed her over the gift.

"Thank you,"Swara murmured softly and took it into her hands.

"Tum dono baat karo..Main abhi aayi" Sharmistha left them. It took few minutes for them to fall into normal phase. When Swara asked if she can open the gift ..Sanskaar nodded. Though he was not sure how much the gift he got for her made sense.

Swara slowly unwrapped the gift ..and It was...

"It's a barbie ... "Sanskaar said apprehensively "It's latest one. Look it has new accessories too." He pointed out.Swara broke into a fit of laughter, it sounded like the sweetest music.Her pearls of laughter ringing around.Sanskaar watched her at loss of words.

"You still think I play with barbie, Sanskaar .." Swara tried to hold back her laugh, " But still its so cute .. and I love it ." She hugged it for a minute and turned to him. Then they talked for a while.

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Back in his Room, lying in Annapurna 's lap " Maa,... Shona has changed a lot "He told fondly " I mean She's.." Sanskaar paused not able to put it into words.

Annapurna lovingly stroked his hair, "What do you think? She's still little kid you used to play with. Badi hogayi hai hamari shona aur samajhdar bhi. She's helping her mother in household work.She's top in her class too, aur pata hain she's joining us in mandir ..and she sings so well beta.. She has a very sweet voice just like her.. Ab woh teri choti shona nahi rahi .." Annapurna smiled.

"Choti nahi hain ..lekin hain tho meri hi Shona .. " Sanskaar thought fondly.

It was for a couple of more days Sanskaar stayed back. At the age of 16, Sanskaar already had looks which could steal hearts in a minute. His eyes were of a shade of nut brown ..deep and lustrous.His sleek jet black hair just added up to his charm..as well his chiseled jawline.One could say he will soon be turning into a very handsome hunk.

 For Swara, it was new: hitting puberty, it wasn't just her body ..her thoughts took a new turn too. Being around Sanskaar made her nervous yet it was kind of a warm tingling sensation.

Sanskaar didn't fail to notice the change . Swara had turned meeker around him. She was no longer a chatterbox...She would just nod or answer with her eyes or in a word of one or two. Sanskaar became conscious too and drawn lines around her.He had no clue of all these new feelings surging through him when he was around her.Her eyes looked like molten chocolate pools, soft and liquid. Every time, his eyes met hers .. there was fluttering of heart both sides.

Her features were blossoming day by day and Sanskaar caught Annapurna mentioning to Sharmistha how Swara will manage to steal many hearts when she will be all grown up. 

Sanskaar just smiled.He had no doubts she will...

It was on the night before Sanskaar had to leave. Swara stayed at Sanskaar's place as Annapurna insisted. Sanskaar made sure he was not around ..just to make sure things don't get awkward yet he couldn't help steal few glances in between. He caught her peeking at him quite a few times..both would look away.It was when Sanskaar dropped her back...

"So .. I am leaving tomorrow..." he said gauging her expression. He could say she was not happy but simply nodded in answer "Apna Dhyan rakhna .." She told him in a quiet tone. He nodded as they took slow steps. It was at the gate ..of Gadodia residence.She turned to him meeting his eyes.

In other times he wouldn't have minded taking her into a bone-crushing hug ... but things seemed to change ..There were new vibrations..a change of air between them.

" I am going to miss you ..Shona, " He told her softly.

"I will miss you too Sanskaar .." She replied equally soft. It was time for him to leave and almost on an impulse he leaned closer and kissed her lightly on the cheek. Stunned for a minute .. Swara stared at him wide-eyed.Her cheeks turning warm, she ran inside not glancing back at him.

Sanskaar stood watching her ..and he didn't move for long. He didn't cross a line... Did he? He headed back lost in his thoughts. That night sleep was far-fetched for both of them.

Next day when it was time for Sanskaar to leave .. He waited for Swara to bid him bye but she didn't turn up. He kept glancing back at the gate of their house as he headed towards the car . Is she angry with him for his impulse act last night?Maybe he shouldn't have ... but he still couldn't bring himself to call it to be wrong..It felt right. But he no way wanted to impose himself on Swara.

It was for one last time .. he peeped out of the car and she stood there waving her hand. Relief and happiness washed over him at once, Smiling he waved back...

" I will be back soon, Shona... " He promised to himself and her, but at that moment he had no clue that would be their last meet.

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He waited for her letters, none came in.It was then Annapurna who told him turn of events as being heard around.

Sekhar suffered a huge loss in business, cheated out by partners and it was over a night they left with no word ..nothing left behind. It's like they have vanished without trace anywhere. Not a word said ...she repeated distraught by the turn of events. 

After placing down the receiver ..Sanskaar stayed silently in his room for long.

Shona is gone. And he had no clue where. It took many days for Sanskaar to come into terms with the fact he would not see Swara. When he is back. No letter would be coming in. When he was back to Kolkata, He went around their house, stream, every place of theirs recalling their moments. He would just sit and stare at his cycle for long.Everything seemed bleak, colorless without her. He suddenly felt left out and lonely.

But he knew one day he would find her... keep up his promise. He never stopped writing her letters ..though they were never posted. They safely stayed in his diary ..and his every letter started saying

My dear Valentine..............

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Closure...Hopefully on Valentines Day.Thanks for reading. 

Love

Lucky