Hello  all

 Here is the final part.Sorry, Its delayed than expected, Longer too.With no further delay here it is. Please ignore errors and typos found.

Happy Reading.Do let me know your thoughts.

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

She stood right before him.For a minute he was struck and then, everything else freezed.

It was that moment for him ,when the Wind stops blowing, water stops running, and the Earth stops turning...people around are frozen solid. Then the world moves at a very slow pace, the heart hums slowly like it wants to sing a sweet soothing melody first and then break into solid rock and roll number suddenly.

It would have been easy to click open the attachments of her photographs mailed by investigator, but he didn't. He curbed every temptation to catch a glimpse of her.Had it been tough? Definitely.Sanskaar knew nothing would beat that moment when he would be face to face with her for the first time , the thrill and excitement of it .He waited for many years..a little more wait wouldn't hurt.

And it was worth waiting for..every second of it.He gazed at her like he did for the first time.. fascinated

She was dressed in a simple red and white salwar. Her eyes were same ..Big ,brown and beautiful , the same liquid brown which fluttered his heart .Now he just wanted to lose himself in depths of those brown pools. Her raven black hair,..pure silk was pulled to a side and braided loosely but few tendrils managed to escape , hanging loose on sides.They slowly swayed to and fro kissing her cheeks, All rosy and of lovely pink shade

He had this sudden urge feel them, brush them softly..then take her into his arms and hold her close to his heart . Her name danced on tip of his tongue ...almost dying to be spelled but he just stood silent ..lost totally. She watched him struck too, for a minute .

He waited. Did she recognise ?Did she know its him? Will she take his name ..after all this year's He waited holding his breath.

"Excuse me?Aap ko mujhse milna tha?" she asked simply,staring at him .

She didn't. He felt a dash of disappointment first.But wasn't this expected, the scenario B?It's been years..Should he tell her?Just then something struck him.

Hey ,He could Play Peek a boo with her - Shona' s fav.They loved that game as kids . After all these years ..revisiting it ,would be fun with his Shona' Hide his identity for few days, know her, be around her ..like old days .May be Woo her too and then one day go for the big revelation."It's me, your Sanskaar".That would be the day, he will ask her to be his.

Sanskaar smiled at the thought ..How exciting wooing your childhood love would be. His smile widened but why is she frowning at him?

Of course, Sanskaar she would be! You have been checking her out first without a blink , then smile like an idiot all of sudden ..So in short ,you are acting like 'crackpot' ..And there are very good chances of being kicked out.

Hosh mein aao.. .He snapped mentally and stepped out of his dreamy mode.

"Yes! Woh mein.." Kya bolu ?"Soch Sanskar Think .You are in boutique. So obvious .

"I am here to get a salwar stitched." He blurted

Swara nodded "For ?'

"Right! Sanskaar nodded thinking again ,"Tu khud ke liye salwar toh stich nahi karwayega dumbo .." Sanskaar had his mind racing . " For my .." He paused again

Girlfriend? Nah ,

My lover .. They still didn't confess or propose .Strike it off.

My jaan .meri mehbooba - too filmy - Out of list

"My ..My .. Sweet heart.. He murmured slowly ," I mean my ...." He looked for the right word.

"Your someone special? " Swara completed it for him.Yes! Sanskaar took a breath of relief. "Yes Yes! My someone special" The word he had been looking for. Now he know how to play along, be around her .His eyes softened as he looked at her 'Very very special' .He said his eyes fixed on Swara.

Swara averted her eyes quickly feeling unsettled.But she had to clarify something . " Weren't you saying you had a business proposition?My colleague mentioned the same."She pointed at the girl who attended him first ..

"Yeah Right! Business proposition. "Sanskaar sighed "Phas gaya na phir se beta ,ab soch ! "He told himself. Shouldn't be tough ! You are businessman."

"Woh.. Actually. I heard about this place from someone".He said shifting himself into a mode of cool regal business man" I just thought I should give it a try. If I am impressed with your work ..I can get you more contracts...Many of them. In short I can be your big break." He smiled suggestively "Like a real big break."

Swara didn't seem impressed by idea. " Mr.."she paused. They didn't get introduced to each other she realised . I am sorry ..I didn't get your name.I am Swara and you are ..."

Her every question threw him into loops. Blame it on lack of preparation.Now he needs to figure out a name for self too. Sanskaar would give in his game immediately .Sunny would hint.So what's my name ? This was new for him,.cooking up the story and now he is faking identity too. Damn! You are in soup Sanskaar. Kanha ji please help me.. He prayed silently.

Kahna.. No ..something on those lines.

"Kishan.. "Sanskaar replied almost "My name is Kishan."

Swara raised an eyebrow in question. They don't seem to match .Name and the personality but it was not of her concern." Mr .Kishan ..I will take up your order , not because you are very keen on giving me a big break but rather, I will let my work speak." She told meeting his eyes.

"Shona.. I am already in love with you. Don't flatter me further." Sanskaar thought within self clearly impressed by Swara's way of tackling with him. His little shona ,all grown up talking business. Is she the same one who would rush to him complaining about petty things .She stepped out of his shadow and it was for her own good. Only if rest of things would have been better ..

Fine! He agreed

The Discussion went on for few more minutes.

"Can you get her here? I need to take some measurements,"Swara asked

"She's not here," he replied promptly.

"Can I talk to her? "

"No.. I don't think so .The place where she is has serious network problems. So ,I am not sure " was his reply

"Will You be able to get any of her old salwars ..?"Swara tried to hold onto her patience level which at this moment was close to crumble. But She can't lose her cool. Patience is the key ,she was taught.Every tough customer is an experience gained.This one is not an exception.

When he said no ..

"I am sorry. I don't think I can help you .."But before she could brush off he came up with a theory of how his love is very close to her personality in physical terms. So she can go ahead and stitch one matching hers.That would be fine.

Swara tried to protest the idea,but her collegue nudged her and murmured there's no harm in it and they shouldn't let go of such opportunity .This could be their ticket for further success.

Swara could see a point ..but she needed to make few things clear . " Ok Fine ,I will take up your order , but if it doesn't fit in ..we will not be responsible and you will not get any refund. It's at your own risk . Are you fine with it,Sir ?" Swara asked crossing her arms.

Sanskaar nodded in consent " Makes sense.."

Swara reached out to her book to make an entry. " I will need 5 days .Today is 12th ,so you can pick it up by 17th, around 5.00 in the evening, "she said busy scribbling some notes in book. Sanskaar watched her keenly, reading her features. "Do you have any specific colors or designs in mind..You can take a look around and ...Swara pointed at displayed designs.

"Rainbow ..I am fine with any colour of it ,She loves rainbow.," He said in a quiet tone. Swara went still for a minute

"Sanskaar, chalo na rainbow aaya hai ..waha par .." Her own voice rang in her ears ,that memory .Sanskaar recalled how fascinated Swara was with rainbow as a kid.He thought her VIBGYOR and she would repeat after him.They would sit and watch it together

.Such fond memories.

Swara didn't seem to talk for a while just like Sanskaar both lost in thoughts. It was after a while she simply said,not looking at him "Sure .. I will try to see what fits her best.Mind If I play a little around shades? " she asked still ,not looking at him continuing to scribble.

'Not at all, please feel free." He replied.

She reluctantly agreed when he asked if he can accompany her when she goes to pick up the stuff ..since that would make things easy for both of them.After a while Sanskaar stepped out with Swara's business card in his hand. Next few days he would be spending time with his shona even for minutes ..wouldn't matter.

He had lived on too long without her. Now it's time to steal some moments from time.. And he will.

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

Swara felt unsettled that night .Sleep was far away from her .The visit of stranger today morning left her with a jumbled mass of emotions.

.He promised

"Wherever I am shona..I will always come back to you."

And she had been waiting, for years.

Even when her life changed drastically in turn of unforeseen events ..She held her childhood love ,dear and precious .Love ,she didn't know if it was then...But as years passed realisation dawned with almost a crystal clarity .She is in love with Sanskaar,had always been.

In these years ,there were moments when her mother Sharmistha would fondly recall her cherished friendship with Annapurna aunty ..How bad it felt to leave without a word because Sekhar didn't want anyone to know.They had to oblige .

Swara knew how it felt .There are times when she was tempted to place a call to Maheshwari Mansion Or write a letter to Sanskaar when he was still in boarding school,but that would be overriding her dad's strict instructions of not to stay in contact with Maheshwaris.He didn't want them to assume her daughter is being used to gain some help from them .She loved and respected her Dad.Even when he passed away ...She didn't want to go against his wish or falter the pride he held very very close....

Hence she chose to stay away.Her memories with 'Sanskaar' still brought smile on her face even in sad times. Her mother's tales on Sanskaar fascination with her as a little baby ..Just made them even more special.She never stopped writing letters though they didn't see the light tucked safely in her little box of memories.

She had no doubts he would come for her one day ,even if she was just considered a to be childhood friend or one can say she never dared to think beyond or give hopes to herself ..It's not necessary for him to harbour same feelings as she does...She don't have a right to bind him in a way ,expect him to love her only because she does.

He has every right to move on than hanging on to a silly childhood love.The thought itself was painful...But after all that she endured these years ...she turned tough enough to nurse a heartbreak too.

She has imagined their meet a thousand times.For one minute she felt as if it was him ...Her Sanskaar .But if it had been her Sanskaar he wouldn't wait for a minute in taking her name.

'Shona'.

No one else could take her name as sweetly and lovingly he did. But why thoughts of this new guy are troubling her ?She was not supposed to feel this way .Her heart belongs to Sanskaar .It didn't have a right to beat for someone else .

Swara tossed on bed restlessly. Giving up on her efforts to force sleep she simply pulled out a book and started sketching the design for new order.In few minutes she was totally immersed into her work,and she had it ready much quicker than usual.Picking up the colours was the next task.

She likes rainbow ....he said.

It's her favourite too. The sight of rainbow always fascinated her.The beautiful arc against blue palette of sky when sun shines through the falling rain.,enticed her. But her favorite part was pattern of changing colours ...watching them with Sanskaar next to her.

She loved colours...Bright, vibrant, subtle every shade of them. She smiled recalling tough time she gave to Sanskaar while he thought her order.He would make her repeat after him.

"Pehle violet nahin red..aata Hai ..ye galat Hai she would fight

"Maine kab kaha violet aata Hai?It's easy to remember like this Shona," He told her when she was not ready to agree it's vibgyor .And she didn't protest .She always listened to Sanskaar.

Such loving memories.

It must be coincidence .Nothing much to think over.Many people would love rainbow .She might be one of them ' his someone special.'

The sooner she would complete the order ..He would out of her sight. She have no intentions to take him around for shopping too. She would cite some reason and keep him out of this.

"Abhi Tak soye nahi Shona ..."Sharmistha came in.

"Maa woh ek Naya order aaya Hai tho,"Swara looked up from her book giving herself a break from thoughts "Aap nahi soye Maa..you need to take care of your health ..did you take medicine?" she asked concerned.

Sharmistha smiled and nodded ,watched Swara get back to her work. more.Last one year especially after her husband's death she is one who had been hand holding the entire responsibilities managing the boutique, her studies and taking care of her health, medicines.

Her little girl is no longer little ,she thought smiling.

_______________________

It was around 10.30 am next day, Swara decided to go out to purchase the material required for salwar and some other stuff.She had few orders to be delivered today ..Hence she wanted to close on this by lunch .She didn't call him purposefully..But should she ? Swara contemplated for a while. She shouldn't have agreed on first hand, now she's badly caught.

Then she saw him walking in with a smile.Her heart fluttered which shouldn't . He stood before her in a minute before she could gather herself.He wore a simple tee and jeans, classic black and white combination.Then threw in a killer smile

"Hi Swara .."

Swara nodded in acknowledgement.Why is here?

Like he read her mind, "You might be wondering why I am here . You know I was quite sure you are going to ditch me ,So I didn't want take any chances especially when it comes to my sweetheart..so I am here."

"How did you know?" Swara muttered wondering how come he exactly landed on right time.

Now his smile turned into a smirk,"Well I have my sources you know .."He tilted his head a little and waved a hi to girls behind her who waved back with a dreamy stare .Swara threw a glare behind ..The smiles died down.

"Looks like you have made a fan club for yourself " Swara murmured picking her bag.

"I always manage to do that.." he said with an air of self confidence "Btw I got my car. I will drop you back too." He offered

"I have my bike , Swara countered.

"Oh great ,I will ditch my car here ..I Don't mind sitting on the bike.You can drive or I can do that " He came up with a solution again.

On bike ..with him? Not a good idea.

"Car is fine ..." Swara walked out as he followed.

"Shona ka gussa kam nahi hua ..hamesha naak pe beta rehta hain "Sanskaar smiled walking behind her.

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

The shopping went well, Sanskaar was just content standing next to her, letting her choose. She has no clue It was for her. She was silent most of the time ,he didn't force too even in the car . Just sitting next to her, watching her ,filled him with a sense of happiness. Stealing glances between ..was fun too.

He dropped her back by 1.00 pm. He would have loved to take her for lunch..but he no way wanted to give her a wrong impression. It was then when he was about to leave , he heard the voice of Sharmistha.

Shona...

He whirled around and could see Swara hurrying towards her mother. "Maa aap kab aaye ?" He heard Swara asking.

His feet led him towards them like he had no say. She looked like same old Sharmistha aunty , a bit aged but her face still reflected a serenity like old days. He stood silent, little away from them not intending to be an intruder .It was Sharmistha who first looked at him ..Followed by Swara.

Sharmistha looked at him wondering why he looked so familiar ,like she had known him from years.

"What are you doing here Mr..?" and she paused all of sudden watching Sanskaar bent down seeking blessings of her mother almost leaving her stunned. Sharmistha hands reached out to him instinctively patting his hair gently.A wave of nostalgia washed over Sharmistha all of sudden with the memories of Kolkata rushing to her. Can it be him?At the touch of her fingers, overwhelmed Sanskaar quickly wiped a tear about to slide down.

Swara watched them silently, still stunned . It felt like she was an intruder and they both shared a bond over years ,some silent exchange words can't define.Sanskaar was quick enough to realise his act might have raised few questions .He gently rose , back to his cheerful demeanor. "Your mom right! He asked swara

Swara nodded .

"Hello aunty,I am kishan ..One of your daughter's favourite ."He gave Swara a wink and Swara almost dropped her jaw .How dare he ? mujhe aankh maarta hai isse tho! Chodungi nahi main.

Ignoring her glare Sanskaar continued , "Woh My mom says whenever I see an elder I should seek blessings."His eyes moved to Swara ".I will get a beautiful wife." He could see Swara turning her face, could bet she was rolling her eyes."He smiled and looked at Sharmistha , "More blessings more beautiful.Thats why I never let go of a chance aunty. Aakhir khoobsurat biwi kisi ko nahi chahiye .. iss liye.I hope you don't mind."

Sharmistha found herself smiling at his words. Great! Swara sighed ,"Now he charmed her mom too. One more addition to fanclub. God! Ye ladka na ..

"Waise Miss Swara ," She turned to him. " You can try this too.Kya pata .Koi handsome sa ladka mil jayega..." He grinned at her .Swara wanted to murder him then and there. But like he sensed her plans"I will see you on 17th at 5.00 pm " and he was out

Great Escape . Bach gaya aaj tho ye..Swara muttered under breath .

_______________________

He was back exactly at 5.00 pm on 17th. As Swara handed him over the dress .."Can you try it for me? I want to see how it looks ..just to get an idea." He asked in a polite tone Swara couldn't say no.It made sense too

"Are you sure your girl wouldn't mind If I ..I mean ..."She expressed her concern.With assurance from Sanskar, Swara hesitantly nodded took the cover into her hand. As Sanskaar waited counting minutes. Swara stepped out in a bright pink sleeveless anarkali suit adjusting her dupatta, Sanskaar forget to breathe and blink for a minute.

"How's it? Is it fine? "Swara looked up and lost her words looking at him.He didn't have to say a word ,his eyes did the talking. They spelled an ardent ardor .Swara suddenly felt warmth seeping all over her body under his gaze. Her cheeks were already heated .No one ever made her feel so other than ....

He stepped forward like almost in a trance and it was Swara's turn .Every step he took towards her, her heart just sped beat by beat .He stood before her ..his eyes drinking sight of her. She lowered her eyes unable to meet his intense passionate gaze. He reached out to brush a loose tendril away.

"You look beautiful, Swara" he whispered softly tucking it behind her ear.Their eyes met and neither of them wanted to move.Like has time itself has ceased to move for several minutes.

Swara was first one to break the trance. She looked away ..suddenly almost like she was guilty " I..I need to change" she murmured and rushed in. Sanskaar stood watching her. He need to reveal it sooner. This game can't go on for long .. and he knew which day would be perfect for revelation.

Days passed..and orders just flew in more from Sanskaar . A gown, A saree, lehenga..and many more followed. Everyone in boutique agreed by now Sanskaar's girl might have had a wardrobe of dozen outfits... and they gushed over how much he loved her. Swara ignored the prick, she felt hearing to them. Why did it bother her ..? She pushed thoughts away like she had been doing all these days.

It was one of the days Sanskaar visited the shop and found Swara missing .He was told she might be at her house ..which is quite near by to the boutique. Sanskaar took a quick walk down the lane.. But it was Sharmistha whom he encountered with.

"I was just looking for Swara .. I thought she was here," He replied wondering if he is stepping out of line. Not a good move.He is not supposed to invade their personal lives ,not until his truth is revealed.Absolutely Sure, he already crossed a line " I am sorry aunty ..I didn't mean to ..Main baad main milta hoon Swara se..." and he turned to leave .

"Sanskaar .."

That name stopped him in tracks.Sharmistha slowly stepped towards him and held his hand." You have not changed at all " she smiled softly " You still say the sorry in the same way you did as a kid and you thought I wouldn't recognise you.Tum hamare Sanskaar hi ho na "She held his cheek lovingly "Kitne saal ho gaye ,Kitne bade ho gaye ho tum.Sab kaise hain. Maa kaisi hain.?" and Sanskar could no longer hold back his tears.He simply hugged her..and felt her gentle pat on back.

After a while he drew back wiping tears,"Do you still make my favourite ladoos aunty ?" he asked smiling and sharmistha smiled through the tears and nodded.She rushed in and got the dabba of ladoos

They talked .Sharmistha gave him a better view of events, how their lives changed drastically, how Sekhar couldn't realise the thin line between self respect pride and ego It was his ego ,mistaken for pride which stopped him from seeking help and advice when needed.

Then Sanskaar told her, how he found about them ..and is here to take them back and why he was faking other identity .He wanted this to be a secret as he want to reveal it to Swara by himself on her birthday ..which is just few weeks away, propose her officially .Then they went through few of old photographs recalling the memories.

"You always loved her didn't you ?Without even realising ?" Sharmistha asked.

"Love at first sight aunty .."Sanskaar smiled back.

When Swara walked in the sight that met her eyes was Sanskaar with dabaa of laddoos munching on them merrily and talking to an equally merry sharmistha. "Maa.. "She stepped in.Her eyes moved to Sanskaar, eyebrows raised in question

"Good you were not here .We become best friends. Your mom makes awesome ladoos,"Sanskaar tossed one more into his mouth "Mmm yummy . ..you want some?." Swara answered with a angry glare." Lagta hai kuch jal raha hai .."he gave her a teasing look, "aunty please aapki beti ki thoda paani pilavo,Thanda waala .cool hojayegi .I will take a leave now nahi tho kahin jalke raak na ho jaaye ye .. " Grinning he made his way out.

Swara turned to Sharmistha with a look of would you mind telling me what is happening. "He came looking for you. I just invited him in. He's our guest na...So I gave him some ladoos.That's it. Acha ladka hai .mujhe pasand hain."

Swara shook her head and walked inside.

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

It was on one of other days when Sanskaar accompanied Swara for shopping She didn't protest much like before . But soon they got into a fight over colours.

"This is good .."She told picking up a mint green.

"Nah ..It's very dull. "Sanskaar countered.

"She already have many bright colours ..few Subtle shades won't harm your girl."

"I am not convinced, "Sanskaar stood on his stance...How about this? he picked coral " I think it will look lovely on you. "Swara looked up at him, " I mean on my girl" Sanskaar corrected.

"It's very common and usual, "Swara countered this time ..And it went on.

Nahi ye ...

Nahi Ye...

His patience wearing thin "Main keh raha hoon na Sho.. " he paused suddenly and Swara freezed at the spot .She turned to him slowly . Sanskaar looked equally frozen

Did you say ...? She asked her breath caught in throat.

'Shona ..'He took her name and it felt so good.All these days he had been struggling to not give into his need to call her shona but he can't give in secret now ."This is what your mom calls you right! Shona.What does that mean? Sanskaar asked trying to .play cool.

Swara found her breath back ." It means gold usually ..But it is used to refer someone cute and sweet ."

."Suits you .."He looked at her admiringly "Shona' he called again .

"I prefer, Swara .." She quickly moved away.

"Is it reserved for some exclusive members to call you so? "He asked very well knowing the answer.

"Yes ... "

He didn't talk further .Mostly it had been a silent trip from then.

_______

That night Swara opened her box of memories ..Her treasured ones. She picked each one of them lovingly. Her hands traced few of their photographs ..

"How did she miss out ...it's him."Her eyes turned teary."Why are doing this to me, Sanskaar? She simply clutched the album .Why? He hid from her it was him and who is this girl in his life.Did he move on?

She closed her eyes at that thought , tears found their way out.

_____________

"I am still waiting for you Shona' ..And it's time for you to know that." Sanskaar murmured looking at same photographs .It was next morning.Sanskaar dropped in for a bridal outfit this time. That would be the last order.

"You ..You are getting married ?" Swara asked trying to appear normal.

"I want to ..I don't think I can wait for any longer..And I need it in 3 days .Pick whatever colour you want ,however you want it to be .Choice is yours..I want my bride to be the most beautiful one."

Swara nodded.

______

After 3 days

Sanskaar looked at lehenga.It was the most beautiful one he had ever seen.A classic red silk lehenga beautifully embroidered with gotta, dori, pearl, zardosi, sequin and resham work, paired with an embroidered net dupatta and silk choli

.His Shona' would look gorgeous in this. 'His bride' , soon she will be

It's her birthday today. He didn't wish her yet .He will tonight.

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

Holding the bouquet of red roses Sanskaar walked towards park ..which he was said Swara would be in. He dropped in boutique, she was not found.

A Friend had come in .She's catching up with him . Laksh was his name was the inside information.They said, he played a very instrumental role in helping Swara setting up boutique ..Had been her friend from college days . He had been out of town for last few weeks and was just back.They stepped out a little while ago.

Sanskaar felt a sense of uneasiness as he approached the park. He looked around found her in one of corners.There was this guy kneeling before her with same red roses pronouncing his love in the most poetic way asking her to be his.

A sudden fear gripped his heart at that sight.

All these years he never considered the prospect of someone else being in Shonas life.Shona belongs to him .only him.All these years that is what kept him going ..His life line.

Didn't she think the same ? Didn't she consider him to be hers? Is he just a childhood friend and nothing more? Has she....... moved on?Those thoughts crossed his mind for a minute.

Sanskaar almost stumbled back at the thought . Moved on from him? The thought itself was killing his insides. He waited just like the other guy holding his breath..but would he be able to take a yes from her ...for someone else.

His hands gripped the flowers and he felt a sharp prick.They dropped down to the floor. His thumb was smeared with blood must be thorn..He asked them to be carefully removed ..They might have missed it out. Just like he did

.Overconfident ,he would be the only one for her.

For him nothing has changed all these years.His world was centered around Shona' ..Then and now..But he never imagined a world without her ,a life without her. Never.It was the hope he would find her one day ,they would be together is ,what his world was hinged on all these years.

Did he have courage to stand and watch what her answer would be for Laksh?

No!He didn't

Sanskaar turned away from them.A yes from her would be his death. .Maybe he can try to live with thought he never found her, but watching her become someone else's love ,right before his eyes...

No!

He wiped off the tears that blinded his eyes and started to walk away

"I am sorry Laksh .."Her words stopped him in tracks " You know my answer...I am already taken."

Those words ..the same words..that means ..Sanskaar stood rooted.

"Yeah Right! The same old childhood love story.I am tired of hearing this, Swara.I don't believe you are still hanging your hopes that he would come after all this years. Like Seriously!"Laksh vented out his frustration

Swara stood silent . Sanskaar waited for her answer.Laksh too. " I know he would come one day, Laksh. He never breaks his promise." She told confidently

His shona knows him so well. She knew he would come. How stupid he was to even think she might have moved on.

"What if he moved on?"Laksh shot a question ," What if he has someone else in his life ..and you are nothing more than a friend?"

How Much ever it hurt her, she's never gonna spell it out, the fear and pain of someone else being in Sanskaar's life.Swara guarded her expression.

"That doesn't matter, Laksh."She told firmly,"We are not talking about Sanskaar here, but you and me . I will never be able to love anyone else..never.My heart belongs to Sanskaar."

And Sanskaar's heart was singing .. and a happy dance.

"Laksh,You have always been a good friend of mine. Expecting anything else from me would just give you pain.So..Please let it go and I am sorry."She concluded. Silence followed. It was then Sanskaar turned towards them .

"I want to be alone for a while,Laksh." She told . Laksh nodded. For once with absolute clarity he knows Swara can never be his.

As Swara started to leave. " What if he never comes back, Swara?" Laksh asked though he knew the answer.

"He already came!" was her answer and she left.

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

He already came! Sanskaar froze. That means Swara knew it's him.Not Kishan, but he is Sanskaar.Then why didn't she tell him? When did she know? Right from first meet or? Only she can give him answers. He looked around she's not here . He hurriedly rounded up in park but in vain.

Where did she go ? Boutique? He rushed back. He could see rest of them leaving.She wanted to be alone,one of them said as he met them right before entrance. Sanskaar dashed in ignoring them. He tried to catch his breath ..from the little marathon he just did

There she is

Her head leaned on the table resting on her arms, like she's tired.

Shona...

She jerked her head at his voice, her eyes were full of tears.His heart twisted in pain.He could never see tears in her eyes. They always troubled him.

He strode quickly towards her and stood before her ,"Shona ..Main.." He tried to gather his words.And the sound of slap echoed in the silence of boutique.Sanskaar held his cheek at this unexpected twist.

" Kyu Sanskaar? Kyu kiya tumne aisa? Ek tho itne saal lagadi aane main aur phir .." She wiped tears " You don't tell me and you put up act ...what did you think? I wouldn't know. What's the need to play this peek a boo?

"That was your fav game Shona ,Remember !" Sanskaar said in his defense rubbing stinging cheek .The slap was not on his list.

"Yeah Right! You got me a Barbie when I was 13 and now you want to play a peek a boo with me in 20'S.Where did Sanskaar go ? Bow! Look I am here..Right!

Sanskar wanted to laugh out loud but he held back.Anything now would prove dangerous to his safety in her murderous mood.

"Tumhe kya laga mujhe pata nahi chalega? I had my doubts when I met you first time ,lekin jab tum maa ke ladoo toos toos kha rahe the na, I knew it ...and that day you called me shona.It's confirmed.I know when you take my name. I know how it feels to be around you.

But I have been fighting with myself saying ,My Sanskaar would not trouble me so much but you were having so much fun teasing me. Bahut maza aa raha tha na tumhe mujhe chedne main. I wanted to see how long you would trouble me. But I can't take it anymore.." And she was crying tears spilling down like a stream.

Sanskaar reached out to her but she flicked his hand " Dur raho mujhse.. Mere paas mat.." Before she could say further Sanskaar pulled her into his arms , crushed her into him .Next minute she was holding onto him crying as he held her tight.

Shona ..

"Bahut bure ho tum Sanskar , "Swara mumbled crying , hitting him with her tiny fists

"Haan theek hai!" He murmured back

"Gande ho!" She cried hitting him harder.

"Haan,Bahut ganda hoon main.. Ab rona band karo, please." Sanskaar held her more close, trying to calm her down. "Shhh chup ho jao .."

"Main tumse baat nahi karti ,jhoote ho tum." she mumbled again sinking into warmth of his hands her sobs dying down slowly.

"Haan baba mat karo..Lekin," he brought her out of hug ,"Please rona band karo. Jab Uski shona roti hain tho Sanskaar ko acha nahi lagta na,"He wiped her tears gently as she nodded.

"What would I do ? You didn't recognise me ..tumse milne ke liye tumhare paas rehne ke liye itna desperate tha ..I just wanted a way to be around you ..is liye woh natak kiya. Sorry."

Its ok! She replied feeling much better

Just like something struck her, Swara stepped back from him,"Waise how's your girl ? Milavoge nahi usse." she asked looking away from him.

"Ussi ke pass tho hoon.."He grabbed her back onto  him. "Really Shona! How could you even think there would be someone else for me? "His Eyes questioned her too . She had known it all these years but had given into her momentary fears.But now, in his arms gazing into his eyes she knew..

"It had always been you..tab bhi, aaj bhi aur hamesha..."He told with an absolute confidence and love .Fresh tears filled her eyes.

"Ab rona bandh karo" He cupped her cheeks softly "aur meri baat suno..He paused for a minute ",shaadi karlo mujhse "He said simply.

"Shaadi ?" Swara almost gave a shocked expression. He just asked her to marry him just like that.He made it sound so simple ..Just like it was meant to happen.Before she could gain her composure back ..

"Haan..Shona, I promise I will open garage right next to your shop. I will share my chocolates with you.I will be your assistant when you dress up your dolls.I will remember every accessory you deck up these" he looked around mannequins "I will dress up KEN too, taller ones if you want.I will still make paper boats for you.We will watch rainbow together and If someone teases you , muh tod dunga uska, like I always did .. and you know how much I love you ." He gazed into her eyes softly ,"Bahut saal jeeliya tumhare bina Shona ,Ab aur nahi hota mujh se,Please be mine ." He asked earnestly and waited.

Swara tried to find her voice midst tears of happiness.She wanted to say I had been always yours ."Sanskaar ...Ye ..main tho.."her voice came faintly.

Sanskaar shook his head giving an expression of what- would -I -do- with- you. "You still don't get it , do you? Even after all these years Shona. I just made world's best proposal and you are supposed to say ..He paused looking at her suggestively

She knew what to say ..Nothing has changed.

"Yes,Yes and Yes.." Smiling midst tears, Swara threw her arms around him as he squeezed her in for a hug, her feet off ground ."It's always been yes ,Sanskaar" She whispered her heart elated

"I know..".He replied clutching her even closer.

"Aur woh dresses .."Swara murmured into his shirt still wrapped in his warmth though by now she had her answers.

"Sab tumhare liye hain buddu,"He murmured back ,his breath brushing her ear "I didn't have a better idea to stay around you..Iss liye..I love you." He kissed her forehead

"I love you too "she mumbled back..

Almost after what felt like an hour they drew apart.This time as they gazed into each other's eyes There was a change of air just like for the first time...a longing and sweet ache. Swara stepped back feeling the familiar heat rushing through her ..but he didn't let her. His hand slid around her waist pressing her close to him..like he didn't want to let her go.

" I am not running away Sanskaar..." She smiled teasingly.

"I am sure you will when I kiss you. I can't take chances this time, Shona" He replied with a teasing smile .Her eyes widened .Their first kiss was like very special memory , very close to her ..and had been her own secret all these years. She still recalled how she couldn't sleep that night, how she kept touching the cheek where he kissed her ... The she ran away ..not sure of her feelings but now she didn't want to.She wanted to know how it feels to kiss him ,when with her every beat and breath..she knew .she loves him.

Her eyes closed shut as he leaned forward .She did too...almost subconsciously and their lips met for the first time. Neither of them were prepared with sudden jolt of sensations that shook them over. They kissed softly first as if trying to read each others lips. Their first kiss.A new step towards intimacy , confusing ..yet thrilling. Then an urgency took over like they wanted more of it.Their hearts raced against each other madly.It's like taking a plunge into uncharted territory trying to explore some sweet secrets.As he sought the entrance ...she parted her lips letting him in..and it turned into something else. .Fiery, passionate and full of sparks

After what seemed like an eternity they parted slowly. Almost a dire need to catch breath. It felt dizzy, head swimming with sensations .With her cheeks all flushed in deep red , and a shy smile She looked so adorable, Sanskar couldn't help but kiss her softly on cheek. " Happy birthday Shona..." he whispered and smiled as she hid her face in his neck blushing little more .

----------------------------.

Last one hour , they had spoken to Annapurna, have seeked blessings of Sharmistha.The bangles Annapurna gave adorned Swara's hands and they looked totally beautiful on her.

Swara showed Sanskaar her little box of memories ...and every memory of theirs was right before his eyes. He felt overwhelmed. She gave him the letters she had written to him."This is the best gift I can ever give you Sanskaar..." she told with a soft smile.

"I have few waiting for you too Shona...I promise Once we are back ,they all are yours." Surprised first, Swara nodded smiling."I can't wait to read them."

It was later in his room that night when he opened few letters and read quickly ..he noted

Her every letter ended saying

Your dear Valentine..

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

Epilogue will follow. Thanks for reading

Love

Lucky