I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout out to @-Nynaeve, from India forums who decided to grace WP. A dear friend and an excellent writer, one of my favorites whom I look up to.She has way with words like none. If you are a Swasan fan and you are not reading her works ..you are missing a lot.

Welcome, Bangaram..and so glad to have you here, finally...Loads of love and best wishes

Happy Holi to all.

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Your Valentine...

Finished penning down the letter She placed her pen next to it. In these days of clicks- clacking of keyboard and smartphones, pouring one's heart out on a paper, she always found it pleasurable and refreshing. She always preferred a fountain over regular ballpoint.The feel and smooth flow of ink over paper ,her feelings taking the form of words, several of them in cursive handwriting, made it beautiful by many folds.

The best part : The pen:, a Lamy 2000, In Classic Bauhaus design sleek and smooth black pen. Totally classy. A gift from her lover.

She picked the letter and as her eyes read it, her lips curved up into a soft smile. Folding it carefully she placed in cover and quickly scribbled on it.

To the world's best lover ...

Well, he would be here soon.It's time for a shower.

As she stood under the jet of water with the droplets sprinkling down on her body, her lips hummed lines of the song coming from the music player.

La la la....

Sajna hai mujhe Sajna ke liye

A perfect song, for the moment, she mused lathering her body.

Done with shower pulling over a bathrobe, she stepped out. The subtle fragrance of lavender body wash still lingered over her skin.She opened wardrobe but there were no second thoughts on what she would be wearing tonight...a saree of his choice, his favorite.Dressed up, she stood before mirror gazing at her reflection. Her fingers ran gently over her long tresses untangling them.She's just gonna brush them smooth ..and let them loose, like he loved.

No much accessories ..she decided. A simple watch gracing one hand and a bracelet on another and drop earrings.Makeup, she always loved to keep it minimal. Tonight she gave a smokey touch to eyes.A dash of red lipstick, with a touch of gloss, finished the look.

She gazed at her reflection in the mirror for a little longer.

Main To Saj Gayi Re
Sajna Ke Liye ... Last few lines floated in

She smiled lowering her eyes. Now for the setting up the room.

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

He walked in with a bouquet of red roses. He chose to go with an out and out black sleek shirt and trousers paired it with a narrow red tie.She would be waiting for him. Tonight was special.He just needs to make it more special.

Stepping into the room, his eyes met sight of red and white candles lit across the dim room.The cool breeze from the balcony carried around the scent of them.. and melodious voice of Lata floated in the background .

Ye Sama, Sama hai ye pyar ka

Kisi ke intezaar ka

Dil na chura le kahi mera ...

Mausam Bahar ka..

Perfect

His eyes looked around and found her in the balcony. As he stepped closer, he got a clear view of her from the back . Draped in simple chiffon plain red saree and sleeveless black blouse. A Backless blouse held together with a bow tie and beaded ends hang down on the back.

"Sexy lady on the floor.." He blew a whistle and she turned around.

Leaning casually onto the glass door of the balcony, with a teasing lazy grin playing on his lips, he looked no less sexy.

"You are late, Mr.Maheshwari" She pointed at watch mocking anger.

"Apologies.. Will some roses cool you down ?" He stepped forward with a bouquet of blooming red roses. He knew they would put a smile on her face.

They did.

She shook her head, smiled a little and took roses into her hand." You know this would work..Very smart." She turned to other side arranging them in the empty vase, on a cozy dinner table set for two.

"These are very pretty," she said admiring the beauty of roses.

"Not more than you" he whispered pulling her close from behind. His hands smoothly slid around her waist , tossing out all her thoughts.Everything forgotten she sank back into his embrace ..warm and loving.

"This is cheating" She murmured feeling his hot breath over her neck and his smile too.

"Everything is fair in love, sweetheart." He whispered huskily pushing her hair to a side. The exotic scent of dusky rose and jasmine clinging to those flying tresses was just the invitation he needed.Intoxicating.He nuzzled her neck softly loving the feel of her smooth supple skin melting under his touch.His lips teased her playfully moving in soft strokes litting up a slow fire of desire.

"My wife says so," he blew softly in her ear and felt her tremble.

She turned back facing him.He looked as handsome as ever.Her hands smoothed over soft fabric of his shirt , went around his neck twined in a loving hold.

"What if your wife knows of our little affair ?" She asked in a low tone, her eyes dancing with mirth.

He grabbed her close,"I have sent her on a holiday for this day. It's just you and me tonight..." He replied with an equal glint."What about your husband? Will he be a problem?" He asked in an amusing tone.

Her fingers skimmed down over his neck in seductive strokes "I packed him off too.Poor chap... Just a cute guy, you know. Very cute."

"Hey wait! "He drew back a little distracting the moment "Did you just call me cute? Don't call me cute, kitni baar bola hai ,Shona" Sanskaar protested.

Swara shook her head"Offo Sanskaar ..You spoiled it again," She complained stepping back "You can never be in character for long. Remember we are supposed to be only lovers today."

Sanskaar bit his tongue "Well, You shouldn't have called me cute .." he complained back taking a step closer, his arms going around her. "Btw I don't think you have anything to complain sweetheart .I'm ..your lover for a lifetime.InFact, your all in one, best friend, boyfriend, lover and your poor cute hubby who loves you crazily...," his fingers trailed down over shoulder smoothly. " That's a very good deal, I would say." He gave her a teasing smile.

"Or I Can put it up short and sweet .."Smiling softly she leaned forward touching his forehead "My everything..."

Two words ..just two and she told him what he meant to her.

Their foreheads pressed together, his fingers moved up to caress her cheek softly,"You Know I fall in love with you every day, every minute ...every second hopelessly, "he admitted treasuring the feel of holding her in his hands.

"Happy valentine's day ,Sanskaar " she murmured softly in his ear, kissed him lightly on cheek leaned on his shoulder.

"Happy valentine's day , Shona ." He embraced her wholly like they are one.

And they swayed gently to the song ..

Lag ja gale ..Phir Ye Hasin Raat Ho Na Ho

Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho

As the lines of song faintly touched their ears.

Shona.."He called softly

Hmmm..

"Sirf iss janam nahi..Promise me ki tum har janam mere saath rahoge." He asked drawing her close.

She knew where this came from.The lines of the song and she wished they could be together in every life if they did have one.She drew back a little, just a breath away from him.Their eyes met and held each other's gaze shimmering with a haze of passion.

She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his as an answer and both felt the same rush of feelings, same wave of the heat washing over ...every time their lips met.

Her warm wet lips against his hot ones melting against each other and sparks flew. He ran his hands up her back drawing her firm against his body.The touch of his fingers over her bare back ..a little brush, she arched onto him completely.Her fingers went around his neck and locked in his hair.He kissed her softly first tracing the sweet hidden secrets ..soon it turned deep and long like they were whispering some secrets, some unspoken vows to each other .and an undying promise.

And they kissed ..for a long long time only parting for much-needed breath.

"I love u Sanskaar "she murmured, her breath shaky.His passionate kisses always left her breathless and craving for more.

"I love you too " He whispered back trying to catch his breath.

It was after two minutes, still feeling dazed,"Dinner?" she asked.

In answer, his lips curled up into a naughty grin.He lifted her tiny little frame effortlessly off the ground "I am starving .." he hinted with a widening grin

.Her cheeks turned a shade deeper as he carried her inside " your blouse too sexy .. Shona." H complained and complemented at once He really had a hard time resisting all this while especially those strings at the end, but not anymore.

Swara smiled,"I thought you would love it , like I love this red tie of yours, very tempting,Sanskaar"

Sanskaar smirked at her remark and didn't resist as she undid tie and slid it off his shirt.The tie touched the floor,"And your shirt..isn't it a little too sexy? ..all black," Her fingers worked on buttons," very distracting," She added undoing them with utmost focus.

A peek at his well-trimmed chest was even more distracting she had to admit, couldn't resist herself from stroking it softly.She felt his breath quicken and his heartbeat picked up wild speed. She looked up at him...and his eyes already were flaring with passion.

"Your red lipstick," he said and not giving her a chance to think he lowered her head , captured her lips teasing and tasting.She gasped softly in his mouth held him tight as he carried her to the bed.

"And I am gonna show you, how distracting your saree was...and those sexy strings at the end of the blouse." He whispered breathily lowering her down to the bed slowly.

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Lying peacefully in his arms Swara sighed contentedly.Their bare bodies tangled beneath sheets, his hands around her in a gentle loving embrace, His lips brushing her hair softly ...nothing could be warmer than this.

Her cheeks pressed against his chest picked up the soothing sound of his heart, now beating in a slow steady rhythm. She raised her head a little to look at him sleeping peacefully with his mouth, a little open. Swara chuckled. Such a cutie he is. She kissed his chin softly and snuggled back into his arms...

It's been 4 years they have been married..but it never felt so. How fast time moves..but it's the moments we need to count, not the minutes with loved ones. ..and they had many.Every moment felt like , it was yesterday.

Moving back to Kolkata, if Swara and Sharmistha had been apprehensive about anything that was Durga Prasad Maheshwari's reaction to Swara and Sanskaar's relation. But much to their surprise, they were accepted readily. Durga Prasad had no qualms in accepting Swara as his DIL.. He always liked her as a kid and never held anything against her.

When he met Sharmistha for the first time after years ..he stayed silent for long. "I didn't realise what I was holding against him ..was the same feeling which held me back. My Ego. Only if my ego had not come in between ..maybe I could have saved Shekar.Only If I hadn't been too late to realise this " he told remorsefully. This confession came as a surprise not only for Gadodia's but Maheshwari's too.

He gently patted Swara's head ," You would be the daughter of this house, not daughter in law."

Swara still recalled how Sanskaar teased her saying now he would be the 'damaad' of the house and he needs to be treated royally. Then everything happened so fast, in a matter of few days .They were engaged in a quiet family ceremony but the marriage had been a grand affair. Dressed in same lehenga Sanskaar had got her designed ,Swara shone as beautiful 'dulhan'..while Sanskaar was already tagged as Handsome' dulha' in cream and maroon sherwani.

Every one of the guests agreed they looked perfect together.

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Seated midst floral bed, Swara felt a plethora of emotions.Her heart was elated with joy , then there was this twinge of nervousness...and it just increased by greater proportions as she waited for him on their 'first night 'together.

Swara fingers gently traced the mangalsutra, touched the sindur in partition..letting the feeling sink in. She's in love with Sanskaar ...and now they are married. No longer just friends or childhood sweethearts.They would have to start a new journey as husband and wife, tonight.

Husband and wife?..it felt so new, not like the one they shared all these years. It's a totally new equation and a sudden one.

Sanskaar is not a stranger to her and she was sure of being comfortable around him, but the thoughts of physical intimacy, what this night held for her...the feeling was exciting and nerve-wracking too. Their first kiss was the only close encounter they shared on the level of intimacy. She definitely has fair idea of what to expect ..but she wished they had a courtship period after engagement...

The click on the door .. alerted her.He is here.

At the sound of approaching footsteps..her heart just picked up its rate.Swara closed her eyes trying to ease her nerves. Sanskaar stood before her admiring his wife for a minute The sight of Swara , her face covered in the veil, waiting for him was such a beautiful one.

His Shona...Now his wife bonded with him for a lifetime. Well, the marriage was a formality making it official.The bond never faded ..it just strengthened.

True they both had been in love with each other, held deep mutual feelings for years, though apart..but he was absolutely aware of lack of physical proximity between them. It's a new journey for them.He would have it take it slow.

She watched him from the veil, yet his gaze already made her heart race.Sanskaar sat on the bed , gently lifted her veil and was struck by the sight before him. With slightly flushed cheeks her lashes lowered she looked absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking. He held her chin softly , tipped it up.

Shona..he took her name softly

Her heart fluttered with a sweet ache.She lifted her lashes slowly meeting his eyes.His fingers feathered her cheeks lightly with delicate touches.She leaned closer almost subconsciously ..her lips parted trembling, her eyes closed in anticipation of unknown. She waited.When nothing happened, confused she opened her eyes back...and was stuck.

If eyes are windows to the soul, his feelings were out and one for her to read All she could see in his eyes was love ..And only love. Her eyes closed with a sigh as he kissed her very softly on the forehead...and looked straight into her eyes.

"I know this is a new start for us Shona " His voice had a soft gentle note which would put one at ease instantly."Everything happened so quickly. Sagai, shaadi and all that I know what you are feeling..Well I am feeling the same, you know! nervous and tensed ..pata nahi aaj raat shona mere saath kya Kya karegi?"

She found herself chuckling at that, he did too. She's already feeling better ..He didn't even have to try hard.

He took her hand into his ..her eyes moved to their joined hands and then back to him. " jaante ho Shona ,I have waited all these years just with a dream of having you next to me. Now that I am living it,I ..I can't tell you how happy I am ..Tum mere saath ho ,aur Kya chahiye? Waise bhi we have a whole lifetime together. There is no need to rush.We will take it ahead only when we are comfortable... and you are absolutely ready.It's just a night, We have many nights ahead to be one in every sense. What do you say? "He asked gazing at her softly.

Swara didn't have words..any. She stared at him amazed for a minute, then with potent admiration , taken over by love and respect. Unable to put her emotions across words, she hugged him, tight enough to let him know..and he did understand , her every unsaid word as he embraced her back.

After a while when he remarked how 'his barbie' is weighed down with tons of jewellary, heavy lehenga and she should get changed into something more comfortable. Swara smiled in response and nodded in consent.

In a night suit , When she stepped out of washroom ,their room no way looked the same.The entire floral hangings around bed were carefully tucked to a side...not much of rose petals on bed too. Her eyes moved to Sanskaar , who leaning on the bedpost looked busy checking something.

She noted he changed too, into a simple kurta pyjama.

"Shona.. Do u remember this click? ye kab ka hai ..? " he asked looking at her , That's when she realized it's one of their albums. A smile bloomed on her face . " which one?' she rushed and hopped next to him. " This? You remember...jab hum ...." and then they checked few more photographs reliving the memories..They laughed, teased each other.Swara didn't even realise she was snuggled to the Sanskaar her back leaning to his front as they went through few more albums. It was after a while a tired, Swara yawned already in half sleep,"' Bahut neend aa rahi hai Mujhe Sanskaar .." She murmured and turned fully on to him.Her hand went around him ,her eyes shutting down slowly. As she drifted in deep slumber all she could feel was

This is peace...

Placing albums on bed table next to him , Sanskaar pulled over the comforter with little moments making sure not to disturb her. He smiled softly kissing her forehead.

"Good night Shona"

She stirred slightly with a half smile snuggled closer.

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It was next morning when she woke up, Swara found herself tangled with Sanskaar.Her legs and hands sprawled over him, her head tucked cozily in his neck .. he felt like her 'own personal pillow'. Smiling Swara lifted her head a little .. that was the first time she noticed Sanskaar slept with a slightly open mouth ...almost like a kid. She held his chin and tried to close it gently but ..it was of no use. She giggled... and that pulled Sanskaar out of sleep. Opening his eyes lazily ..she was first sight he caught of...

What a start for the day ..His Shona with that lovely smile. 'Morning Mrs.Maheshwari' he mumbled in equal lazy tone.

Mrs Maheswari ..

Swara took a minute to sync in. It felt so good, The sound of it ..She is Mrs. Sanskar Maheswari now..Her smile widened."Morning."

Stretching his arms lazily"Do I get a morning Kiss?" He asked with a little grin. Swara instantly blushed. Well, they have to start somewhere.This looked good and simple. Nodding shyly, she kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"I need to give one too, Right!" He asked teasingly.She forwarded her cheek to him but he gave her soft peck on lips leaving her stunned for a minute.

Next minute blushing hard, Swara jumped out of bed ran into the washroom.Sanskaar grinned Nothing has changed.His Shona will always be the same. All shy and demure

Sanskaar knew he has to be the one to take initiative in their new journey...And set the path for their future.He would.

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  Thanks for reading.Do drop your thoughts.  

Love 

Lucky