Hello People,

So I come back with an update. Let me start wishing you all, a Happy Valentines day.

And the news is, Its gonna be a three-shot.I underestimated the storyline. This part is very much needed for the progress of the story. So hope you will don't mind. We will be closing in a day or two.

I have seen a lot of new names commenting on this story other than my lovely regular readers. Thanks a ton. It's really uplifting.Hope to hear from you more often. A star and few words is all it takes.

 Happy Reading. Do let me know your thoughts. 

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'  What do you mean by Valentine?'

Someone whom you adore, love and care for.Some very special, who makes you feel special.Someone whose presence in your life means a lot to you.In simple, someone whom you can't imagine your life without...

Standing in his cabin, on the 7th floor on Maheswari Inc. Sanskaar Maheshwari recalled those words of his mother .....like he had been doing for years. That moment was still fresh in his mind. That one question he asked about 'Valentine '.Then he had no clue it would be a life changer.

He was also told, it's not gifts, greeting cards, a bunch of flowers, parties that matter..but little gestures, words put in action. Valentines is just another day to reaffirm and let your loved ones know they are loved ..little more.

But there would be that one person who would complete you .. means the world to you.That's your valentine.

For him, there had been only one.Then and Now

His Shona.

9 years.It had been 9 years since they left ..still, there was never a moment he didn't think of her. She was with him all along .. like a subconscious thought all these years.

After Gadodia's left , Annapurna suggested to Durgaprasad, Maybe they should try to find their whereabouts using Maheshwari Influence ..DP was against the idea. He would have really appreciated, If Sekhar had a word with him, but if his pride matters a lot to him, they don't need to step down too, He made it clear. There were no second discussions on the same.

Years passed.He completed his engineering, finished his MBA in states. It 's just been 2 months he was back to Kolkata. His Dad wanted him to join Maheshwari Group immediately and Sanskaar willingly obliged. It was decided he would maintain a low profile for few months, till he nails down the nitty-gritty of the business before taking over  ..and the official pronouncement as "Scion of Maheshwari Group".

Then, He had no clue where to find her or look for her, but now he does know. Every year that passed without her, just strengthened his resolution to find her, more firm and stronger

He hired a private investigator as soon as he was back to India.Two months passed since he joined Maheswari Inc , and the wait just seemed never-ending.

A ring on his mobile distracted him.

He picked the call and listened to another side silently.

"Sure, I will be there by 8.00. Once again Happy birthday," He paused for a minute,"Kavita"

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Kavita Roy glanced at her watch. It was about to strike 8. He would be here.Well " punctuality" was his other name. Sanskaar Maheshwari. She met him during her MBA in states.Their Kolkata background helped them to bond. It also came as a surprise to them their Dads are business associates ..and they didn't know each other.They have struck chord soon.

It didn't take much time to lose her heart to him.Not delaying any further ...She proposed him on a dinner night.

Sanskaar stayed silent for long. She waited with bated breath.

"I am sorry Kavita...But I am already taken.I am in love with someone else"

That was a blow to her heart.He never looked or acted like he had a girlfriend.Holding back her tears" Who's it?" She asked trying to keep the pain out of her voice.

Shona..he said

Then he told her about his childhood sweetheart.Kavita almost laughed out " I don't believe you are still hung on your childhood love after all this year's and you have no clue where she is. I mean.." she abruptly paused looking at him. Something in his eyes struck her .'He is serious'.That message was taken.

It was never broached again.It was on few occasions when she asked about 'Shona' he would tell her their childhood stories.The love that would reflect in his eyes, the smile on his lips, the way he would take her name ...Kavita knew she didn't stand a chance.But they say ,hope is what runs the world. She hoped, maybe one day ..

His sight broke the chain of her thoughts.In a simple out and out black shirt, sleek trousers, he looked charming like always. She rose as he walked in with a bouquet of yellow roses.

What did she expect?Red roses?

As he wished her, Smiling she gave him a hug and a friendly peck on cheek very well knowing it would never be reciprocated. As they had their dinner ..Kavita cleared her throat.

"Our dads are planning to get us hitched, " She told quietly and saw him stiffen for a minute.

"You already know my answer, Kavita," he said meeting her eyes, his composure relaxed a bit now.

"But they don't! "She countered.The hope didn't seem to die, lingering in a corner of her heart

Sanskaar silently placed his fork aside " Then I think it's time for them to know too.Don't worry.I will have a word with Dad. You will not be troubled," he said with an absolute surety.

"I am sure, You would."Her hope flickering, Kavita smiled sadly." What a coincidence!My birthday and Valentine's day fall on the same day." She hesitated for a minute." Sanskaar, For once Can I be your valentine ..on this day?"

He seemed to repel the idea.It was clear in his body language but Kavita continued " Just for a day ..I guess it doesn't do any harm or is it too much ask for ..Just once for this year. I will not ask next year ..Never again.Promise and It's my birthday too." She looked at him, hopefully. The birthday card might work.All these years .. all she got was a 'no' as an answer.

He didn't talk for long.They were already done with dinner."Mind If I take you for a walk?" He asked in a low tone. She nodded.It was after few minutes, they walked silently next to each other.The breeze chilled by few degrees. Kavita pulled her jacket closer, but Sanskaar seemed least bothered.

"You know Kavita ..When I was 11, that was the first time I asked my mother 'What does a Valentine mean? And she told it's someone, who means the world to me.She took a promise that day. She said, I should ask a girl to be my valentine only when I am absolutely sure, she is the one whom I will spend my life with..that girl would be my valentine for a lifetime.Do You know what I did?"

He took deep breath followed by a pause as if he is gathering his thoughts.He looked so calm That unsettled her.She knew there's more to the story.

"I dragged Shona with me to our favorite hangout place.A beautiful stream nearby."There was a little smile on his lips. Her name always made him smile effortlessly, she knew it by now.

I didn't even ask her.I just said, Be my valentine Shona...

I didn't even know what love was then.Yet I didn't have an ounce of doubt then, that Shona' is that girl for me.Now When I know with absolute clarity that I am in love with her ..You think I would let someone else be 'my Valentine'.Not even in my dreams.It was, had been and will be her ...'Shona'.

"What did she say ?" Kavita asked with dipping heart.She always heard Sanskaar's side of the story.Did she too?

His smile widened as he turned to look at her

 "She said ... I am already your Valentine"

Kavita had her answer. As they took slow steps towards their cars.."What if you never find her?"She asked with one final hope.

He simply looked at her and smiled a little. " You will be the first one to know when I do," He opened the door for her and it was closed after a minute. Then Kavita knew with absolute clarity

 "The doors had always been closed."

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He stood watching the gate of building ,once upon a time Gadodia Residence. It was the same place where he kissed her that night, the same place where she stood and bid him bye.

It was for one last time. If he had any clue then, of the events that would transpire.He would have never let her go.

Sanskaar sighed wearily as he crossed the gate.Another Valentine's day without her. All these years his answer to every other girl who approached him in college days with a proposal had been " I am, already, taken."

He wished she would be by his side by next valentines day. He reached to his pocket and pulled out the wallet. It had a photograph of her clicked on her 10th birthday. He was the one to click. He lovingly traced the photograph .." Kaha ho tum, Shona. Please, jaldi mil jao yaar."

A ring on his mobile.He would have loved to stay with self with no distractions at that moment savoring the memories, but alas... He picked the call half mindedly, not even glancing at the caller id...

Hello!

And he heard " Are u sure! Did you really find her ?" He almost shouted not able to believe his own ears.

"Mumbai?" He frowned. She's in Mumbai. "Ok fine! Just mail me all the details, everything ..I mean every little thing.Thank you ." He disconnected the call taking deep breaths calming his heart about to burst with joy. His next call was to Nakul, His PA. ' I need a ticket for Mumbai. First flight tomorrow. I don't care.I need to be on it.Inform the concerned staff from Mumbai branch.I will be working from  there for a while." He finished in one shot.

He looked back at the photograph. " Finally, We will meet, Shona." He smiled almost jumped into the air.The wait will be ending and rushed into Maheshwari Mansion.

Maa...

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In flight, Sanskaar recalled the details of the report the private investigator pulled out for him. After leaving Kolkata, Gadodia family shifted to Mumbai. That seemed like a place for new start But unfortunately, things didn't click. The business never took off ..Sharmistha started filling in shoes by taking music classes. Swara scored well in her boards and was offered scholarship... She started taking tuitions to the kids nearby and took tailoring classes. Her interest was in fashion designing. Following her childhood fascination, She completed her bachelors in fashion designing from a local college and is pursuing her Masters through distance.Meanwhile, Sekhar could never recover from the blow on his financial and mental health. It reflected on his physical health, which deteriorated day by day..and it's been a year now, since his demise.

It took a while for Swara to set up her own boutique, a small one. Her designs soon gained recognition and it was word of mouth around the vicinity, that gave the business a much-needed push. But still, a big break is what she is looking for.

Shona... How much she might have endured all these years.  But not anymore. She would go back with him. He recalled Annapurna's words as he packed that night.It was never a secret from his mom. He is in love with Swara.

"I should have known it then itself Sanskaar." She said folding his clothes,"When you first met Shona as a kid,You couldn't take your eyes off her. You always looked for excuses to be around her." She recalled fondly.

So it was love at first sight! Can he say that! Maybe it was.Sanskaar smiled softly packing his bag

Annapurna always wanted Swara to be her bahu though she never expressed it. But now looks like prayers are being heard."They have been through so much, beta. I am glad you want to set things right for them and this ." she handed him over a jewelry box , a pair of beautiful khadas

"I saved it for my bahu .. When you propose her, Gift her these."

Sanskaar hugged his mom smiling wide" What would I do without you Mom?"He murmured lovingly,"Please dad ko sambhalna. I have no clue how much time it would take back in Mumbai.He didn't look very convinced with the idea,"He drew back and held her hand,"But I promise, I will be back with Shona and Sharmistha aunty. Shona will have this bangles on her hands and she will be by my side.Aap Ki bahu ko lekar hi aaunga."

Now on the flight .. set on a journey to meet his long-lost sweetheart, his love, after all these years ,Sanskaar wondered what surprises life had in store for him. He wished they were pleasant ones.

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He should have taken a walk. The lane was a bit narrow not very comfortable for a car.

But this is what the address says

Sargam Boutique and accessories

His ride had been filled with mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness. He would see her ..at last.But will she recognize him.? If Yes .. Then? God! Maybe he would die out of sheer happiness. Of Course, she would. True! His features have changed a bit with time..but she will know. Won't she?

If No .. Then? He would see to it if such scenario comes up.Then his thoughts went around.How would she look now? Beautiful no doubt and cute too. This excitement was too much to take.

He peeked out of window reading signs on side of Road. And his eyes caught on it finally. A simple signboard. So here he is... Thank God! There's parking space too.

"Sanskaar ..Get ready." He told himself, checked his reflection in the mirror. He touched up his ruffled hair a bit. Now for the entrance.  Taking his seatbelt off he stepped out of the car. A little push on the glass door, he stepped in. There were two of them with all the stitching equipment somewhere behind.

One girl approached him with a pleasant smile. "How Can help you, Sir?" She asked.

Sanskaar changed his stance to of a serious customer. " I would like to meet your boss.Is She in?" He asked trying to catch a peek of behind above her shoulder. Where is she?

The girl didn't seem to like the idea." She's a bit busy, Sir. I can help you." She offered again now smiling wider.

"No, you can't! Sanskaar said immediately close to snapping. She looked frightened.Damn! Did he already scare her? " I am sorry.I didn't mean to.But Miss, It's important for me to meet her. I have an amazing business proposition which I would want to discuss with your boss."He carefully threaded his words "So I insist, I meet her." He said bringing back his usual cheerful demeanor throwing one of his best smiles. "Will you Please ,dear pretty lady ?' He added.

And she looked flattered. He Had this effect on most of them. A smile could win you wars. Ok Fine! Not wars but Girls.Yes!, mostly in his case. And it worked as the girl nodded and rushed in.

Sanskaar took a look around There were few dresses, mannequins all decked up and few accessories for display.He liked the layout of the shop .Space was well used and well maintained too. Appealing, simple and it carried a pleasant feel.

"Still dressing up dolls, Shona ".He mused within the self, looking around" But real ones .. a tad taller ones too." He thought , smiling.So the work is carried out, behind probably in a workshop. Cool.

He hummed lightly as he traced designs with his hand ." Wow! My barbie.You are so good at what you do." He murmured admiringly, clearly impressed. Then there was a change in the air all of sudden. A faint sound of footsteps. His heartbeat picked the speed, bit by bit ...She is coming. He could feel it. He immediately imagined a shower of flowers, blowing breezy winds and people playing guitar around, when you turn back like they show in movies. Hero meets heroine...after long. 

'Stop being filmy, Sanskaar .Kuch jyada nahi hogaya.' He chuckled at his over imaginative brain at this moment.He closed his eyes as footsteps now closer to him.

"Yes! How Can I help you?"

And that was the sweetest sound again.Her voice. His heart raced now.

Shona, You have no clue how much I have waited for this moment. Now he knew it will take his sheer willpower not to crush her to him..and will he cry too?Calm down, Calm down Sanskaar ..Control.

Few quick deep breaths.Yes. Much better.

"Excuse me!" Her voice came in again. And in one sharp turn, he stood facing her.

There she is. The one for him. His Shona.

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Conclusion Next part.In a day or two.Thanks for reading. 

Love

Lucky