Hello All

Here comes final part of this tale.I had so much fun working on this story. Hope it is same with you. 

Happy Reading. Do share your thoughts ..Would love to hear them.

Continued from last part..

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 She stepped out in a plain peach saree with floral embroidered blouse , Simple and classy .Sanskaar knew he could stare at her for hours. Under his smoldering gaze, Swara felt the heat seeping over her taking over the warmth his kiss left.

They stood staring at each other . It was Sanskaar who first made a move to get away.Placing his mobile on the bed "Shona.. I Need to go to office for a while.. Please mere liye kapde nikal do."

Swara nodded feeling thrilled.She would be choosing clothes for him .

As Sanskaar had his shower, Swara checked his wardrobe. Her fingers lightly traced the smooth fabrics hanging neatly in closet, as expected .It was no secret for Swara that Sanskaar loved orderliness right as a kid. Swara noted his collection was dominated by shades of blue , black and white .She shook her head pulling out a white shirt and royal blue suit. Her husband needs a wardrobe makeover .. a dash of more colours.

Sanskaar had a different idea in asking Swara to pick his clothes . His idea was to familiarise Swara with his routine and his stuff. It was dress first , then his wallet, watch ..and tie, his files , bag , laptop.As she fetched each one of them ,Swara took a mental note quickly.

Standing before mirror "Shona tumhe tie bandhana aata hai ? "Sanskaar asked adjusting tie around collar. In answer Swara took over with a smile.Sanskaar smiled too bending his head a little.His hands went around her gently.Her smile widened ..as she knotted his tie.It was unspoken understanding ,From today she would be the one to take care of him.

Swara mentioned about rituals for new bahu as told by Annapurna .'Rasoi rasam' where she needs to prepare a sweet delicacy and 'mooh dikhai , a ritual introducing daughter in law formally to the neighbours and relatives . She wished for Sanskaar to be around , but she didn't want to be a cribbing wife on first day . His office was important too.

Sanskar read her hesitation . Shona had always been an open book for him.

"I have a important meeting today .. but I will back to taste.I can't miss my wife's first dish Right!"

She looked at him admiringly.Her smile told him everything.." You know what! I miss my old shona who was a chatterbox and remember, Shona," He held her cheek softly "Tum mujh se kuch bhi keh sakti ho ,anything and everything . You don't have hesitate or think twice..kuch bhi."

Just the confidence she needed. It's her Sanskaar.She never hesitated before when they were kids , why now? Nothing changed. Swara nodded and pressed her palm lightly on his in silent consent.

" Waise ...If you are missing me so much ,you can message me.". He hinted her with a smile before leaving .

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Swara did message him after he left to the office. 'I miss you' was the message. They never exchanged messages like other couples in love do..They never got a chance.

Sanskaar shared similar sentiments . Their marriage could be termed as 'love cum arranged' but it looked more of like an arranged and he wanted to turn it around. He didn't want to miss those little moments couples in love share .Messages would be a good start Interrupting his thoughts phone beeped. Must be her.

"I Miss you too and I love you biwi.' he typed back smiling.

And more messages followed with more smiles.

The first day went well for Swara. As promised Sanskaar was back in time to taste. He gave her thumbs up as he tasted the 'shrikhand' a sweet dish made with strained yogurt , cardamom and saffron. Compliments flew in from all, as well as gifts in form of shagun.

One of best surprises for Swara was when Durga Prasad Maheshwari handed her over papers of once upon time Gadodias residence, the house next to them.One could say Swara and Sharmistha were beyond surprised and overwhelmed with this gesture.Looking at Sanskar who looked equally emotional Swara knew it was his idea.

When she asked about the same that night snuggling up to him,"That house has our childhood Shona ,your childhood. it's very very special for us even more special for me ,"His fingers stroked her hair softly.

"It was there I have seen you for the first time,spent hours and hours just being around you..It is there I have promised I would come back to you wherever I am, where I have felt my feelings change for you,kissed you for the first time and ...the painful bye.I had no clue then I will seeing you only after years .." he instinctively pulled her close. They stayed in silence for a while..

"I also knew Maa wouldn't be be comfortable staying with us here .I thought this is the best way to keep her close to us ...And I am sure she will have many memories associated with that place ,with Sekhar uncle . I discussed with mom and dad.They felt it was a right step .Hence we have brought that place."

Swara looked up at him ..

'Thank you 'would be a small word ..She didn't want to say one . She rose a little, kissed him lightly on cheek and the message was taken .

When Sanskaar said he needed to gift her as well...Swara expressed her wish to relive their old days starting off with 'golgappe' which they loved as kids.Sanskaar was more than happy and willingly obliged. Once Sanskaar was back from office next day, they stepped out .That evening turned out to be more special as they rode on cycle after years with Swara shifting to front of Sanskaar.

On another day he took her down to the stream.With cold water tickling their feet,Swara gently leaned on Sanskaar shoulder reminiscing their moments.

"I proposed you at age of 11,Shona ,Right here" Sanskaar grinned recalling the day when he asked her to be his valentine .

"I said yes at age of 8 ..You can't beat me on that." Swara grinned back.

They watched the flight of birds holding each other hands in silence that evening.

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Days passed . They fell into a easy routine . Swara handled her responsibilities well as dutiful bahu and wife .Sanskaar on other hand was prepared for taking over business.

Other than being responsible and obedient son , understanding and loving husband Swara soon realised Sanskaar had a other side of him ..A teasing and flirtatious one. He would drop casually into kitchen on some pretext, plant a kiss on her cheek and slip away smoothly . Rest of the list included flying kisses at dining table , holding her hands while serving or he would pop out of nowhere, pull in for a kiss leaving her breathless .It was for Swara who would have a hard time hiding her blush.

One day Swara decided she had enough and it's time for payback .

It was on one of nights she came back to their room ,finished with household chores and found Sanskaar busy with a call.His back turned to her, he didn't seem to notice her.Leaning at one end of couch, his legs casually spread across ,his laptop on table and checking a file he was totally engaged.

'This is your chance Swara' ..She told herself and tiptoed into the room. She stood before him crossing her arms. Sanskaar looked up, gave her a smile and focused back on work. But the file was out of his hands next minute ..and before he could decode what was happening ,Swara settled on his lap , her hands going around his neck. Sanskaar almost forget to breath.

Her fingers played around his hair ,stroking it softly .He stared at her wide eyed. This bold side of Swara was new for him. Before he could catch his breath ..the voice on other side jerked him out .

"Yes ..I am there ,I ..I.." Sanskaar mumbled incoherently trying to hold back his forte as her lips trailed over his stubbled cheek in soft strokes .He bit back his gasps with a herculean effort but when she touched corner of his lips , he blanked out and almost dropped the phone.

"Can I please call you back?" He finished the call in one shot and looked at her who at this moment had naughtiest smile on her lips .

"What was that ?" He asked still trying to figure out what happened.

Swara chuckled .He looked so lost."I don't get to tease you in kitchen or dining hall.You slip away,So "She shrugged her shoulders" Next time you tease me ,I am gonna kiss you before everyone." She warned smiling further .

"Ahh...This is your revenge right! " Sanskaar hands went around her tiny waist locking her .She nodded.

"My turn" ,his eyes spelled mischief given he exactly knew where she felt ticklish and next few minutes Swara laughter rang across the room followed by Sanskaar's.

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Sanskaar was soon caught in other dilemma.He is the one to initiate their kisses...Yes, Swara responded back with equal fervour .But is she obliging because he is her husband and she can't say no to him . This feeling nagged him deep down . He didn't want to impose himself on her ..Hence he decided to hold back for some days.

Sanskaar's changed demeanour left Swara confused . He stopped kissing her. They had a ritual of morning, goodbye, goodnight plus all impromptu kisses by Sanskaar ..but he seemed withdrawn last two days. Swara decided to investigate.

Was he bored? Had she been too demanding? Is it because she bit his lip last time they kissed..Or has it got to do with her new lip gloss...she thought he would love it ,raspberry sorbet . May be he didn't.Time to check.

That night Post dinner as Sanskaar answered mails in their room, Swara sat right before him.

"We need to talk," she told quite seriously." It can't wait."

Sanskaar looked at her puzzled for a minute, closed his laptop and set it aside " Kya hua shona?" he asked looking at her. That's when she opened up little box and it had array of lip gloss collection.

"Ye kya hain?" He asked further puzzled.

Swara picked up one by one and gave out list for his benefit. "This is mint , that's vanilla. This is strawberry, this is sugar honey and this raspberry ,the one I had put two days back. You could have told me if you didn't like it . I would have changed it. Now lets see what you like,"

Before Sanskaar could gather his wits .. she touched her lips with one gloss pressed a quick kiss on his lips, stayed there for a while. Sanskaar thought he would pass out with such a sweet shock .What was she doing to him?.

Then before he could recover she drew back ,there was another sweet blow on his senses and other..and at the end when she touched his lips checking one more ..he grabbed her and kissed back fully on lips. Startled first ,Swara kissed back .This was different from all the kisses they had till now. They were slow, soft, teasing .This had an unspoken urgency and full of fire and passion which would scatter every and any sane thoughts.

He leaned back on bed pulling her onto him without breaking the kiss and she molded perfectly in his arms. His fingers locked in her tresses he slanted her head a little for better angle and she instantly adjusted herself... and the kiss went on..for long.

When they parted all flushed and breaths erratic .. Swara smiled catching hold of her breath." Its sugar honey I knew it ." she gave him a victory smile.Laughing at his wifes cute antics Sanskaar pulled her in for a hug. It was after a while Sanskaar told her about his apprehensions why he held back , She looked up meeting his eyes.".I never told you. I ..I like when you kiss me," she admitted sheepishly smiling at him..and he kissed her again.

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Sanskaar and Maheshwari family backed Swara's idea of boutique in Kolkata., but she wanted to be an independent one not under Maheshwari Group. Though Durga Prasad was reluctant first , He gave in as Sanskaar stood by Swara.

Swara's first and favourite was Sanskaar.

"Why me Shona?" Sanskaar protested as Swara took his measurements.

"Can you please stop dancing Sanskar,?" Swara continued with her work . " You need a new wardrobe ..you hardly have any colours other than blues and blacks. I am gonna give you a rainbow themed wardrobe," Swara teased him.

"No Please ..."Sanskaar shouted in protest. " Not Rainbow please . I said I will dress up KEN, not be KEN. Don't make me all shiny and glittery please.." he pleaded mockingly and laughed out as Swara hit him on arm playfully.

And soon Sanskaar had a colourful wardrobe but not rainbow themed ..thankfully.

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Few more days passed by. Sanskaar was on business trip for of 3 days, Swara missed him terribly His schedule was packed and they didn't have much chance to talk, messages kept them going.

Swara felt utterly lonely..No company of Annapurna and Sharmistha , no household work , no temple trip no designing work.. cheered her up.It felt like her world stopped moving.

When Sanskaar returned after 3 days ..Swara rushed to him almost close to tears . " Take me with you next time Sanskaar ..please." She mumbled into his shirt, her tears spilling out.Sanskaar clutched her close. Those 3 days felt like 3 ages staying apart from her.

"I am not going on any trip without you next to me." He wiped her tears softly , kissed her on forehead sealing the deal.

It was at that night Swara handed him over few letters.

"Love letters?" Sanskaar teased her

Swara nodded."Just few letters to let you know how much I missed you."

It was on mutual consent they decided letters would be read when alone.

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Months passed and the lines drawn blurred little by little in haze of passion . Though Sanskaar was absolutely sure Swara wouldn't protest ,for he deep down know ..they are all set to take their relation to next level, but he never dared to mention or hint the same.

He wanted her to be absolutely sure when they take the plunge..and he would wait for her to say.Swara on other hand contemplated on how to let Sanskaar know her readiness to consummate their marriage.

Midst this dilemma Swara accompanied Sanskaar to a business party one night where she met Kavita for first time.

With her hourglass figure Kavita had looks which could make any man go weak in knees.A perfect combination of sexy and elegance coupled with style and a successful business woman too.Swara couldn't help but give into natural womanly jealousy for a flicker of second especially when Kavita hugged and kissed Sanskaar on cheek. Kavitas eyes moved to Swara. Before Sanskaar could introduce ..

"Wait. .Let me guess this is Shona' right! " she smiled and extended her hand .A surprised Swara took her hand smiling back.

Like she read Swara's thoughts ,"Oh ! You might be wondering How I knew. Trust me, Only your name and you can put such a smile on Sanskaar's face.,"she said referring to Sanskaar who nodded with a smug smile, his hand around Swara." I am sorry I couldn't attend your wedding .I was out of country then ..but my best wishes." she added. Sanskar and Swara nodded in acknowledgement .

It was for a while when Sanskaar had to step away, Kavita and Swara were left together.There was nothing but a heavy silence between them .

"I feel so jealous of you." Kavita's sudden statement startled Swara."I mean ..bahut kismat walo ko aisa pyaar milta hain which does not fade with years."Her eyes moved to Sanskaar who stood bit away busy in conversation with few of business associates " You both are lucky to find such love .Not everyone does get lucky in love." She smiled sadly.

It hadn't been tough for Swara to guess.

"You loved him,didn't you?" she asked straightaway.It was Kavita's turn now. Taken aback for a minute ,She met Swara's eyes and nodded.

" Yes ..I did."

That was the end of conversation. Kavita didn't offer any explanations further , Swara didn't seek any.

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That night Swara's unusual silence bothered Sanskaar .It scared him a bit as well.He had no clue what discussion Swara and Kavita had. Did kavita say something which offended or had hurt Swara?.May be he should have had mentioned Kavita before ..But he didn't feel the need .There was nothing worth mentioning was what he felt.

Changed into his nightwear he waited for Swara.He would share his side of story too .Swara stepped out of wash room ..and silently walked towards bed. Sanskaar waited with bated breath and sighed with relief as she snuggled to him like every night.He gathered her close.

"Kya hua Shona'?" He asked slowly and hesitated before asking "Kavita ne Kuch kaha Kya?'

Swara looked up.His eyes spelled worry.Her fingers threaded over one of his cheeks in a gentle caress. That little gesture eased him up.

"I am just thinking how painful unrequited love can be Sanskaar.I have seen it in her eyes. I can't even imagine the thought of someone else in your life ...Or losing you .But living with such pain ,my heart goes for Kavita ..I just hope she would find her love soon.. and Laksh too," she added after a brief pause.

Sanskaar simply nodded. So this is what had been bothering her , "They say matches are made in heaven. They will find their match soon ,hopefully." He assured her further. Swara nodded in consent .Feeling much better she sank warmly into,her own personal abode...his embrace.

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One day Swara decided ..it's time for her to take a step ahead. She knew Sanskaar well.He wouldn't say a word.She had been throwing hints now and then...But Sanskaar goes by his name.

That night when Sanskaar walked in with a surprise gift for her.. He had no clue he was in for a bigger surprise. As usual he was greeted by a smiling Swara, but her face reflected a serene , soft glow leaving him enchanted.

"You look different Shona.." Sanskaar remarked handing her a bunch of roses . A wide smile was her answer as she handed him over towel and night dress asking him to freshen up like everyday. Freshening up Sanskaar decided he would gift her post dinner.He got her a watch , pen and a saree .She's gonna love them for sure.

He stepped out ..and what met his sight left him speechless .The room was dimly lit with soft amber glow of the candles flickering lightly casting their shadow. The scent of orchids and lilies wafted slowly across the room but what took his breath away was ..Swara In the middle of bed of roses in red wedding lehenga with veil covering her face looking ..like 'his bride'.

Frozen first ,at the loss of words Sanskaar took slow steps almost like moving in a trance. Just like that night, he lifted her veil and he could bet he had never seen a beauty, this simple and exquisite.Her tresses loosely dancing down , her kohled eyes ..and pink tinted lips, Her hair partition strikingly marked with sindur of his name..'His Shona'

He took her name softly,her heart fluttered like her lashes as she lifted them to meet his. He found himself in her warm brown eyes , in depths of them .She didn't have a say a word,.not a single one. It was all said.

Her eyes closed with a breathy sigh as the veil slipped away and she trembled at touch of his fingers on her cheek in delicate feathery strokes..She opened her eyes found herself lost in enchanted pools of shimmering passion in his eyes. She leaned forward and his lips touched hers ..for a kiss that marked the night of their mutual surrender.

Soft murmurs,deep moans filled the room as their naked bodies met and melted together .As he explored her swells, dips, curves and angles inch by inch with aching softness. She moaned and writhed beneath him sighing helplessly with pleasure.

He quivered at touch of her delicate fingers over his body and at the touch of her lips he groaned and took her name with a mindless need.Swamped with sensations he reached for her ,she opened up to his hardness willingly .Pleasure washed them over in waves as they moved together , heat built and rose to intricarting levels .When he took her, she cried his name ,arched up closing tight around him,Shudders tore through them one after after ..

It was rapture of sensations , pure ecstacy.

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It was after hours he watched her absolutely lost in enthralling sight before him .

With smeared sindur ,her hair spilled over pillow, few tendrils dancing loosely over face, lips swollen, her half covered body flushed in deep red ,she looked like a pagan goddess. Sanskaar softly brushed away loose tendrils off her face and stroked her cheek lightly.Swara stirred slightly, opened her eyes to sight of her loving husband.

How long was he awake " Did I sleep for long?" She asked trying to widen her heavy lidded eyes. Sanskaar nodded no with a soft smile.

"Happy Valentines day .."she murmured lazily opening up her arms for him.

It was on last valentine's day he wished her to be next to him for this valentine's day ...and his wish came true in beautiful way he could ever imagine.

Totally enamoured he leaned forward and she gasped at touch of his lips ' Happy Valentines day Shona.." he whispered softly closing on them.

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"Can you please say yes for once ..Look I got your favourite roses. "The young man pleaded.

Swara shook her head "You know my answer sweetheart ..I am taken." She smiled at face he made.

"That old man? He never lets you be my valentine ..Say yes before he drops in " he insisted

"Are you trying to woo my date Mr Yash Maheshwari ?"They turned towards voice . Swara's smile widened .Even in his 40's, her loving husband Sanskaar Maheshwari was no less charmer. Leaning against door ,in a slim fitting grey knit suit with a bunch of roses, .He walked in with a smirk.

" Here he comes" Yash sighed "Dad !"

Sanskar handed over roses to Swara ,his loving wife who looked beautiful like always in a simple saree.

"Happy valentine's day Shona" he kissed her lightly on cheek hugged her from side.Swara sank into much familiar embrace, warm and loving.

"Well I can get you double the roses Mom ..Ditch him for a day... " Yash remarked playfully , yelped in pain as Swara caught his ear.

"Serves you right ! "Sanskars smirk widened .

Swara looked at the duo of dad and son as they got into a playful banter.

Yash Maheshwari ,their son Born in 5th year of their marriage .He had her eyes, of chocolate brown ..but with his chiseled jawline and thick eye lashes he looked so much like Sanskaar.

"What's big deal ..It's just being a valentine! " Yash complained

Swara and Sanskaar exchanged a smile ."Do you think it's time for him to know? " Sanskaar asked her softly .

Swara nodded yes

" What?" Yash looked at them puzzled .

"Come with me .."Sanskaar led him to the balcony followed by Swara. They settled down, Swara and Sanskaar next to each other with Yash facing them.Sanskaar took his hand.

"Valentine means..." He told him what Annapurna told him years ago .Yash listened carefully.

"Hey! Swara interrupted "You never told me this version, Sanskar."Swara raised eyebrow in question," It was your version .Isn't it?"

Sanskaar nodded guilty "Come on! Shona.. You were 9 then you wouldn't probably understand such complicated stuff, hence I simplified it." He said in defense

Swara linked her arm with his ,"Well I like your version better " She added with a grin and when Yash insisted , she told him Sanskaar's version.

"You fought for her? Really Dad!"Yash had his interest piqued .

Sanskaar nodded. " A lot of times. ..She would come up complaining, I never asked why..Well I have beaten a few too. You know ! Your mom had some of the cutest complaints ..the best one being.."He turned to Swara "Batadu ?"He asked with a teasing smile.

"Go On..embarrass me. "She replied equally smiling.

Sanskaar turned to Yash " One day, she came up crying to me in school between interval. I was worried to the death and all she says to me' Usne mere barbie ko gandha kaha."

"Really ! "Yash broke into a fit of giggles, "Barbie, .. ..Oh That's why you call her by that name, don't you?" Sanskaar nodded yes ,"The boy's Mom complained and I got a nice thrashing from your grandpa that day..but I couldn't even cry because ..this madam," he looked at Swara admiringly ," had shed tears of my share too and wouldn't stop crying until I convinced her ..I am absolutely fine..and that was last fight I did..because...

"Because that was the last complaint I ever came up with," Swara completed. "I know he wouldn't mind getting thrashed by papa again ..and would fight for me no matter what,how silly my excuse might be..he never said no to me till this date except for one.."

What!

"He would never pull my cheeks..after all these years. I pleaded, cajoled ,blackmailed and tried every other way..but he wouldn't give in and it's because..he says I cried when he pulled my cheeks for the first time ..and he pledged he would never do that! By the way Yash.. I was 5 months old baby then.."

Dad! Yash rolled over laughing.

"Oh! you have no clue of horror movie she showed me that day ..she scared wits out of me" Sanskaar teased again only to get thrashed by Swara.

Yash smiled watching his parents who still fought like kids sometimes even after all these years. Their love never faded but it only strengthened and deepened with time . What would you say when they still exchanged love letters and celebrated their anniversary on Valentines day ... and had been each other's valentine .. for years and for a lifetime like they said

It's not just love but mutual trust and respect ..and ease they shared. He always loved how they completed each other words ..just like they complete each other. His loving parents. He always felt blessed to have such lovely souls as his parents.

He rose and gave them a warm hug 'Mom, Dad ..I love you." felt their loving pat on his back.

"Yash. .."The voice of his friends from below and beep of car interrupted the moment. Valentine's night .They had a party planned.Time to leave.

"Drive safe ..."Swara muttered slowly .

"Call me if you need a drive " Sanskaar added.The kids these days .

Yash nodded and left bidding bye.

"You spilled my secret, especially Barbie, not fair" he heard his mom complaining in low tone as he walked away from them.

"You did too...about cheeks" His dad was no less.

Yash shook his head smiling.Here they go again. What a love story .He wished he had one too ...A love just like his parents.A lover for life time

"Where are you ?" he murmured as he stepped out of Maheshwari Mansion.May he will find one soon.

His dear Valentine .

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