Welcome to 'Her Saviour' a long one shot on our heavenly and awesome couple SwaSan (Swara & Sanskaar). I had too many ongoing stories to start a new one so I decided to wrap it up as an OS.

Beautiful cover by GS_Stella

Enjoy 😘😘

Warning; this story is literally 10,000 + words so I wouldn't blame you guys for not reading it. Take your time! No rush at all.

Sorry for any error, mistakes and inconveniences 🌹.

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Underneath the dark sky and on the roads, ran a girl as fast as she could, dressed in a heavy red and gold bridal attire.

"Oye! Stop!" A man with scruffy curly hair and bench body shouts, chasing her along with other men.

But she didn't want to listen, therefore she ran and ran, all she wanted to do is run. Away from all the misery she was facing, which had encouraged her to merely give up.

Her tired legs stop in the middle of the bridge and she glanced around around after hearing the sound of water. Finding no other option, she instantly climbs on the fence, balancing and stares down at the dark water, which the moon was reflecting on.

Those men that were chasing her stop, swallowing their spit as they watch her willing to jump, from a distance.

"She's going to die, now what?" A whisper was let out amongst the crew, worrying them sick.

"Boss would kill us if anything happens to her." Another whisper was let out in response, spreading fear on everyone's face.

She closes her eyes as tears seep down and swallows her spit. All the insults, taunts, judgement and mistreatment she had received, encouraged her to fall forward as the desire of ending her life was stronger. Her shattered soul had nothing to live for anymore. She opened her eyes yet again, starting to lean forward.

Just before she could loose control over her body and fall over, a hand grabs her arm harshly and pulls her towards it. She swiftly turned, shocked by this movement and falls off the fence, hitting her chest against another and unwillingly putting all her weight on it.

The two fell onto the floor, with a male figure beneath her figure that was crushing him. Her painful and teary eyes meet up with his brown orbs and she lets out a small sob.

Those men sigh a relief and waste no time in rushing to grab her. One of the henchman grasps on her wrist and yanks her away from him, starting to drag her.

"Ahhh!" She shrieked in pain, feeling her legs scrape across the floor, brutally and cruelly, causing her so much pain.

"Leave me!" She pleaded with a cry, giving up after feeling weak, broken, intimidated and shattered. She couldn't cope up with all of this and all that she now wanted, was to let out a cry of defeat.

As she was being dragged, she finally turns, looking at him, who sits up and watches her being dragged in pain. The tears glimpsing on her face had now unknowingly affected him. He stares at those men, who don't give him positive vibes, he knows for sure that she isn't safe with them.

He hurried towards her before they could escape and holds onto her hand. She lifts her gazes up at him and frees her other hand from the henchman's grip, making him stop too. He makes her stand on her feet, and hold her by the shoulders, looking at her with concern.

"Are you okay?" He asked and she shook her head negatively.

"Mind your own business!" The henchman roared, grabbing onto her hand again and this time squeezing it.

She let out a hiss of pain from her mouth as the strong hand of the beast trapped her soft skin beneath its grip.

Not comfortable with seeing her in pain, he punches the henchman in the eye and stands in front of her after she was released. She touches her wrist, caressing it and tears slid down her eyes.

"She doesn't want to go with you, so leave her alone!"

"She has no choice!" The other henchmen yell and charge forward.

He swallows his spit and holds her hand, starting to run away from the spot along with her, she was confused but she felt he would take her to safety.

"Catch them!" The henchman that had gotten punched in the eye ordered and the others began to follow after receiving an instruction.

While running, she glances to the side, seeing his sideview of the face. 'Why would he risk his life just for a complete stranger like me?' She wondered in her mind. After the incidents that had occurred in her life, she had lost all hopes from Humanity, totally amused to see a someone helping her.

"Why are they after you?" He asked and she lowers her gaze, not knowing what to answer with. She wasn't even sure if she should answer that question.

Her heartbeats clashed against her rib cage as soon as her eyes fell on the view in front of her and halted her steps. Seeing her stop, he also stopped and glanced in the direction she was glancing in, shocked to see a jeep of men heading towards him.

She slides his hand off her wrist and he looks at her. "L. . . Leave, I don't want you to risk your life because of me." She softly uttered, meeting his gazes.

"But. . ."

"Please, I'm not worth it." She interrupted, lowering her glassy eyes but he was stubborn, his heart wouldn't agree on leaving her on her own.

He felt the urge to protect her and take her away from all this, unknowingly forming a bond with her, which is most likely built through pain, he became the person that people call sympathiser, the one who can feel your pain.

"I can't leave you on your own, I'm sorry, my principles won't allow me to do that." He sternly uttered, feeling his heartbeats increase and glances towards the men approaching them.

He swallows his spit, grabbing onto her hand again, this time running inside the woody area along with her and she followed, still having a little hope that they might just survive those men.

They ran and ran, and he stopped, looking at both of his sides, deciding to take one route, before he could run towards the left, he hears a train leaving the platform and rushes straight. She inhaled a deep breath, trying to cope up to his speed. Feeling extremely tired.

As soon as they sprinted out, they see a train moving on the train track, he starts to chase it along with her but she was slowly draining out of energy. Despite feeling tired and breathless, she continued running alongside him and he finally managed to hold onto the yellow bar of an opened compartment door, helping her fly in first. She successfully falls inside and hits her head onto the ground and he pulled himself up with the yellow bar, successfully pushing himself inside. Soon after, the train had increased its speed.

He leans against the wall, catching his breath and his eyes land on her, who was laying in the floor. He bends down, to make sure she was alright and was astonished to find her out of her senses. He tucks his arm beneath her head, examining her face properly under the light. Bruise on her cheek and a cut on her lips concerned him further, moreover, her whole condition gave him shivers. He had never thought to save someone and escape like this, it seems so unreal for him to even believe.

Loosing himself in her attractive innocent face, he rubs his thumb over her bruised cheek, feeling absolutely disgusted and distraught by the condition someone put her in.

**

It had been a while, the conductor opens a door and is shocked to see the two leaning against the wall and sleeping. With her head rested on his chest and his jacket covering her. He had rested his head against the wall and his arms resting on the sides of his lap.

"Urgh! Runaway couple, I'll talk to them in the morning." He sighed under his breath and walked away after giving them a look, deciding not to disturb them assuming they're a couple.

Her body had started shivering and a flash of incident jerks her eyes open, she realises her position and moved her head away from his chest, shocked yet confused and glances up at him, seeing him sleeping. His jacket slides down her shoulder and her eyes move down at her stole which was in her lap, in which her jewellery was kept. She throws the stole away and the jewellery scattered across the floor, she then stares at her hands and pulls the bangles off, sliding them away from her.

He opened his eyes after hearing the noise and feeling her movement. He confusingly yawned, sitting up straight and she sensed him awake. Her eyes move towards his and she blinks at him innocently, spreading her innocent effect on his soft heart. His heart had slowly started beating and she broke the eye-contact, moving away instantly.

"Thank you." She mumbled, sincerely grateful to him for saving her from those men.

"It's okay." He responds and looks onto the floor, feeling a little awkward.

Finding herself away from the haunting nightmare, she released a sigh. Her eyes move towards the door of the train, now making her wonder where she was off to.

"W. . . Where are we going?" She hesitantly asked, nervously staring at him to wait for and answer.

"I don't know." He replied and she moved her gazes around, confused at this moment.

Shivers passed through her body and her lips click together, due to the cold wind which was blowing. He sensed her condition and politely offered his jacket, which she was now staring at. She wasn't able to make a decision of taking the jacket or not.

She shook her head negatively, giving him a quick glance before looking away. He placed his jacket on his lap and looked at her, finding himself curious to know about her.

"Who did that to you?" He asked and she lifts her head, meeting his eyes as he pointed at her cheek.

She touched it and knew what exactly he was pouting at. It was the bruise.

"A beast." She responded to his question, glancing in space as tears welled in her eyes.

She had started gaining some flashes of the incident, feeling utterly helpless and disgusted, yet timid and captivated.

"Who were those men?" She controlled her emotions, preventing herself from crying and gazed at Sanskaar, staring at him confused expressions. "His men."

She wasn't convinced to share her past with him, neither tell him the full truth, she merely told him what he should know, not what he wanted to know.

"Why would someone do a cheap act like that?"

"When you have power, you can even kill a bird." She emotionally uttered, letting out a sniff after swallowing and looking away.

"So you ran away from your wedding?" He asked and she realised how he had gotten this idea, it wasn't his fault either, she was dressed as a bride and anyone can mistaken her for a runaway bride.

"I, actually. . ." She wasn't sure what to say and how to respond to that. "No."

"No?" She nodded and continued to glance away. "Then why are you. . ." He stopped after seeing her at discomfort.

He knew she wouldn't tell him anything as he is still a stranger for her, to ease the awkwardness, he decided to introduce himself to her.

"Hi, my name is Sanskaar and you?"

He hoped for an answer but she was silent, unsure if she should reveal her identity or not. He was still someone she doesn't know.

"I saved your life, I at least deserve to know your name." She glanced at him, thinking about his words.

"Swara." She responded and a smile curled on his lip as he repeated "Swara."

She felt uncomfortable, now firm on not telling him further about herself, still unable to trust him.

"It's a nice name."

She ignored his words, finding it a little risky to continue having a chat with him as she does not want to put his life at risk. She decided that as soon as she reaches the destination, she would part ways from him and let him live his life at peace. Having to be involved with her would merely put him in danger, which she wants to prevent.

The only suitable way she could find to avoid him was to act like she wanted to sleep, so that he does not try getting friendly. In order to do this, she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, giving him the hint that she's tired.

**

It was a while, when the clouds had started hiding behind the rising sun. Sanskaar and Swara were sleeping, uncomfortably yet getting the sleep for their tired body. Running a lot was clearly not their thing, they had wasted extra energy than they usually do.

"Excuse me!" The Conductor shouted, waiting for them to wake up after the train had stopped by a stop.

"Ahem!" He sternly coughed, waiting for them to wake up. "Boy and Girl!" He yelled and Swara arches her eyebrows, opening her sleepy eyes.

A yawn left her mouth and her eyes blinked at the conductor, to gain a clearer vision of him.

"Wake your boyfriend up." He ordered and she stared at him with confusion. He pointed at Sanskaar and Swara turned her head to the side and realised what the conductor had meant.

She shakes her head negatively while looking back at the conductor and before she could utter a word, he shouts to wake Sanskaar up.

"Boy! Wake up!"

Swara squints her eyes for the time being as soon as the conductor had yelled, she wasn't used to loud sounds at all. His jacket slid down her shoulder, falling on her lap. Her attention diverts towards the jacket, his jacket that was covering her while she was sleeping. His concern and care towards her had slowly played with her mind. 'Does he really care?' She wondered, now confused with all her thoughts piling up yet she controlled herself, knowing she cannot even befriend him despite his good behaviour because it wouldn't be safe for him.

He opened his eyes, letting out a small yawn from his mouth and squinted, to educe a clearer vision of the conductor.

"What?" He voiced a confused question, responding to the conductor after clearing his throat.

"Where's your ticket?" He asked and Sanskaar shakes his head "I don't have one."

"You can't board the train without a ticket."

"We stopped, so chill. I'll buy one." He replied but yawned again, glancing out of the train door.

"Anyways, where are we headed to?"

"Kolkata." The Conductor irritatedly replied and Sanskaar stood up, stretching his arms.

"Kolkata." He whispered, forming a small smile afterwards.

After he had headed out to buy a ticket to continue the journey, she gazed at the conductor who was disappointed.

"Why did you run away? Do you not even realise what your parents are going through after you ran away from the wedding?"

Her expression changed as she had remembered the past, she was silent to the conductor's allegations, knowing that isn't true.

"I'm an orphan." She responded in a soft tone, glimpsing a small amount of pain in her voice.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know."

"I don't blame you, anyone can be quick to judge." Her statement had created an impact on him, leaving him guilty.

"I'm back and here are the tickets." Sanskaar interrupts, forwarding the paper and the conductor takes it. "Now you shouldn't have a problem."

"Go take you seats." He uninterestedly uttered, handing him the paper back and Sanskaar nodded.

The conductor began to walk away and Sanskaar turned towards Swara, who helps herself up. He bends down, picking her stole which had her jewellery wrapped inside it.

"I put your bangles inside the pockets of the jacket." He politely informed and she stared at the jewellery.

"I, I don't want it." He creased his forehead, hearing her refuse to take her valuable jewellery.

"What? Is it real gold?"

'I got it made from the richest goldsmith.' His poisonous voice darts through her ear drum, disturbing her mood.

"I suppose it's fake gold." He assumed and she looked up at him, shaking her head negatively. "It's r. . . Real gold."

"Wait, I don't understand. . ." He trialled off, shaking his head to show he does not understand.

"It's hard to explain. . . Can we go?" He sighed, giving up his curiosity to know and nods his head positively.

As she takes a step forward, her foot gets caught with her dress and she stumbles forward, into his embrace after he had offered his arms for her to fall in, so he could protect her from touching the floor and hurting herself. She lifted her head, staring into his eyes and he stares into hers.

His heart raced, beating to this extent that he felt it would leave his body. It was as if magnetic pull was conducted, from her heart, which made his heart jump. He felt different, maybe realising how it feels to grow an affection towards another person, especially for an opposite gender. This time for him, it had been stronger, it wasn't attraction, it was much more, for instance, a concern with affection, compelling him to protect her from all the harm. He wasn't sure why his attention was being drawn to her, a stranger he had met few hours ago.

She composed herself, breaking the eye-lock. Feeling awkwardness rise, she lowers her gazes and started heading inside one of the compartments. He stares at her leaving, continuing to feel his heart beating.

*

While she walked down, she finds it disturbing to see everyone staring at her.

"Over there." The conductor instructs, pointing at the seats as he remembered their seat number while he was checking the tickets.

She headed towards the direction she was told and takes a seat opposite a couple and their child, who give her an awkward smile. She lowers her gazes, and realised she still had his jacket in his hand.

"Ran away from your wedding?" She looked up at the woman, who tried getting a little friendly in order to find out.

"Yes." Before Swara could respond, she hears a response and turns her face to the side, seeing Sanskaar take a seat near her while looking at that woman.

"Oh, are you two on the run or. . .?"

"Married." He lies, smiling at the woman while Swara shockingly widens her eyes, hearing him lie without hesitating.

Sanskaar turns his head towards Swara, smiling at her and she looked away instantly, showing him she's uncomfortable.

"Why did you run? Her Dad didn't agree. . .?"

"No, her Maasi wanted her to marry someone else."

Swara glanced out of the window, inhaling the air while the woman gazed at her. "She in a bad condition."

"Running away wasn't as easy." Sanskaar scoffed, adding an extra lie and she was shocked, yet silent as he had taken this lie a little to far for her to disagree.

The lady slides a bag out beneath her seat and places it on her lap, opening it. She takes out a pair of clothes and zips her bag again, handing it to husband.

"Here, you can wear these. You won't be comfortable in those clothes." The lady nicely offered and Swara moves her eyes on the clothes and then at the lady.

Swara then looks at Sanskaar, who nods for her to take it. The woman notices and smiles "Take it."

"Thank you." Swara kindly says and moves her hand forward to take the clothes.

"The toilet is over there." The woman informs and Swara stands up, nodding at her.

"Do you need any help?" Sanskaar asked and Swara gave him a look with her shocked expressions while the woman looks at her husband, who looks at her.

Swara rushes away towards the toilet and Sanskaar sighed, looking at the woman and her husband.

"Is this your Kid?" They nodded and he smiled at the small boy.

*

Swara had walked out of the bathroom, now dressed in a lime green Salwar with white leggings and white drape hanging down from her shoulder. The lehenga was in her hands and she stared down at it.

Feeling unhappy and distressed, she throws it out of the moving train after the door was opened, wanting to get away from it. She swallowed her spit and headed towards her seat, seeing Sanskaar gone.

Seeing her expressions, the woman smiled and uttered "He's going to be back, he's gone to get food with my husband and son."

Swara looked at the woman and nodded, taking a seat opposite her. She sees the bruise on her face, now curious to know why.

"Oh, he told me to give you the ticket." She says, forwarding the paper and Swara takes it.

"Sorry, I read your names on that. By the way, my name is Sonali." She politely introduces herself and Swara realised something.

She instantly opens the papers to see the name he had used as he doesn't know her full name. Her eyes shockingly widen as her pupils dilate. "Swara Sanskaar Maheshwari." She whispered to herself, gasping. "Sanskaar Maheshwari." She let out aghast and glanced at the Sonali, the woman, starting to get a little frightened.

"What happened, is everything alright?" Sonali asked and Swara touches her face, calming herself down.

"We're back." Swara turns her head to the side, seeing Sanskaar sit near her, while the husband and the kid sit on their seats.

Sanskaar curls a genuine smile as he looks at her but she looks away.

"Here." He forwards a packet of chips but she doesn't look at him.

"Okay fine, you don't like chips. Here, have some chocolate." He places the bar of chocolate on her lap and she looks down at it, shaking her head negatively.

"You haven't ate anything. If you don't eat anything then you will fall ill and if you fall ill then you will have to go to the hospital and if you go to the hospital then the doctors would touch you and I don't want anyone to touch you other than me. So eat it." He cutely says, making her look at him, she shrugs at her with a small smile.

Sonali smiled, finding it cheesy yet cute. Swara picks the bar up and places it on the seat, standing up and walking away, confusing everyone.

"I'll go see." Sanskaar utters and stands up, following her.

"Swara, what happened?" He asked and she stopped, turning around to face him.

"Just leave me alone." She coldly vocalised and turned back around. He grabbed her hand to stop her, but she misunderstood and turned back around, slapping him across the face, shocking him.

"All of this was an act wasn't it?" She asked, starting to tear up.

"What are you saying?"

"Saving me from your men and now taking me to sell me off to someone else. . ." He was shocked by her statement, amused by the allegations she placed on him.

"What? Selling you, are you mad. Why will I do that?"

"Don't act, I read your name. Sanskaar Maheshwari. He sent you to me didn't he? He knew his men wouldn't be able to save me so this was another plan to take me to the place you would tarnish me!"

"Who? I don't understand Swara, who's going to sell you and who sent me?"

Her tears fell out from her eyes and she had started sniffing. Seeing him confused and totally clueless, she decided not to say furthermore.

"What are you trying to say Swara?" He asked, now wanting answers under any cost, now curious to know what made her say this and why.

Swara turns around to try and walk away but he grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him, making her face him.

"I want answers now Swara. You slapped me and accused me, I'm not going to leave you until you tell me. How is my name linked with you? Who were those men and why were they after you? Tell me!" This time he was a little harsh, shaking her to get answers and kept her mouth closed, not wanting to reveal anything.

What if he was truly unsure, she doesn't want to ruin any relationships. Not especially after finding out he was related to the person who did this to her, who made her life a miserable living hell.

"I, can't."

"You have to." He whispered, staring into her glassy and watery eyes.

She gives up, starting to cry and he loosens his grip from her arm, now feeling miserable to see her cry.

"I'm sorry. . . I didn't mean to hurt you." He apologised and she couldn't stand on her knees, not after breaking into tears.

Before her knees could touch the ground, he sensed her condition and pulled her into a hug, stopping her from falling.

"I. . . I have been sold." She cried, revealing her crisis and he shockingly stares in space, now breaking the hug and looking down at her.

"I'm. . . Someone who this world will never accept and neither appreciate. I have been given an identity I never wanted, but I was helpless, I didn't have a choice, I was sold without my permission and now I'm a mistress to a beast." She revealed, shocking him even more and he gasped. "I didn't run away from a wedding, I ran away from his escape."

"What's his name?" He asked and Swara shook her head, knowing she would ruin his relationship. "Tell me."

"I can't, he will harm you."

"Just say his name Swara."

"I can't." She cried and he, felt bad for her but he knew he had to know the name. "His name."

"Swara, his name!" She pushed him away. "Adarsh." And she fell on her knees, crying her soul out.

Sanskaar shockingly gasped, feeling absolutely numb by the name she revealed, Adarsh. His older brother, he couldn't believe his ears, it was as if someone had poked him with a needle and it was unbelievable, he cannot even dream of Adarsh doing a cheap act like that.

"A. . . Are you sure?" He asked, looking down at Swara and she doesn't say anything expect cry. Not knowing why he felt Swara wasn't lying, he bent down and touched her shoulder.

"How?" He asked and she sobbed, remembering the past.

Swara Gadodia was the sole child of her late father Shekhar Gadodia, that had left her two days ago. She couldn't cope up with his death but knew she had to clear off the debt he was in by taking the company again, but it had been too much for her to handle.

Adarsh Maheshwari, one of the money lender had told Swara her father sold him to her, which she didn't believe at all. But things turned worse when he showed her an agreement form which had said Shekhar out Swara for mortgage until he payed his loans off.

Swara couldn't believe it and disagreed to go with Adarsh but Adarsh dragged her outside her home and took her to his penthouse, where he had started mistreating her.

He made her dance, sing, cook and all the things she did not like by oppressing and abusing her, including forcing her to sleep with him. He made her feel miserable, insulted and develop hate for herself. He had even locked her up in dark rooms, chained her so she couldn't run, she was treated with cruelty.

After several of months, she made a plan to escape and end her life, the time had come when she was told to dance for one of his companions and after the dance, she ran off.

While running, she was keen on ending her life but Sanskaar had other plans in store for her.

"He treated me inhumanly, I hadn't even been out for 6 months. You saved my life but you should've let me end it, I know I would never be safe when he's still here." She cried and Sanskaar felt angry, disgusted, upset, shocked and what not. He was having a mixture of feelings.

"He has a loving wife that loves him, so why did he fall so low." Sanskaar asked himself which Swara hears.

"I can't let him cheat our family like this, he needs to be exposed." Sanskaar added and looked at Swara. "I won't let anything happen to you either Swara, I promise. I'll free you from his captive."

"But why would you do that? Adarsh is your blood and. . ."

"For me, justice matters. I don't care if Adarsh is my brother, he did wrong to you." Swara blinks at him emotionally and he felt the urge to hug her, which he did and she closed her eyes, allowing the tears to drip down.

**

The sun had set and Swara, Sanskaar were sat on their seats. Sanskaar was thinking about Swara's revelation while Swara was staring out of the window, remembering the past.

She wasn't sure how Sanskaar would get her justice but all she knew was that she had to trust him, she doesn't know why but now she feels that he would definitely set her free, away from Adarsh's captive.

He was still shocked with the truth, absolutely disgusted with what his brother had did to her, he wasn't even sure how to face her after what Adarsh did.

Sonali glanced at the two, assuming they had a fight as they weren't speaking with each other.

"Umm, where did you two meet?"

"Delhi." Sanskaar replied, not with the same enthusiasm as before.

"That's where we met too." Sonali uttered while smiling at her husband, who smiled back.

They had started talking while Swara was still glancing out of the window.

***

Kolkata:

The journey on the train had been hectic, Sanskaar had managed to time pass while talking to the people while Swara had kept her self to herself.

While stepping out of the train station, Sanskaar stops her and makes her face him.

"You're not safe here on your own. Come with me."

"But. . ."

"You can trust me." He says, looking into her eyes and she stares into his, sensing his concern. "I have a plan."

She blinked at him nervously, while he looked in space, determined to execute his plan and free Swara as soon as possible.

**

After a few while, Sanskaar was rushing a nervous and timid Swara at the doorstep of the Maheshwari mansion, knowing it would be hard for her to face Adarsh, amid the people.

"Swara, relax." Sanskaar whispered, holding her hand to assure her and she glanced up at him, totally frightened.

All she wanted to do is run and hide somewhere. "Without you my plans won't work. I want to help you." He utters, genuinely speaking the voice of his heart, wanting to protect her from the worst.

She felt safe and assured after blinking into his eyes, sensing his determination to help her. She nodded her head and the main door opened.

Sanskaar looked forward along with Swara, finding his Mother, Sujata standing there.

"Sanskaar, chhora you're back!" She happily chirped and pulled him into a hug. He hugged her back.

"I can't believe it. You were meant to come next week. . . Wait, you wanted to surprise us? Chhora, I'm so happy you're back. Without you my soul wasn't at peace." Sujata happily pronounced, breaking the hug and holds Sanskaar's hand. "Come inside." She says and pulls him towards the entrance.

While getting pulled inside by his mother, he grabs Swara's hand, taking her inside with him too. Fearing Adarsh, her heart had started racing. She gazed around while being pulled inside, hoping not to spot Adarsh. 

"Jiji! Bhaisa! Sanskaar ke Papa! Look who's here!" Sujata shouts as loud as she could, stopping inside the hall.

"Mom. . ." She glances at him, waiting for him to complete. "This is Swara. . ." He trails off again, pointing at Swara, who nervously looks down.

"My friend. She will be staying with us for few days, if that's okay with you?"

"Yes sure, I'm fine with that." Sujata responds and Sanskaar curls a small smile.

Annapurna, Parineeta, Durga Prasad and Ram walk down.

"Sanskaar. . ." Annapurna happily calls out, rushing towards him and he takes her blessings.

"When did you come?"

"He came just now Jiji, with his friend. She will stay with us for few days."

"Oh."

Swara looked at Annapurna and Annapurna passed out a positive smile.

Adarsh, who was on his phone walks down tensed about something. He lifts his head and finds Sanskaar, as Sanskaar moves to the take blessings from Durga Prasad, Adarsh's eyes fall on Swara and he shockingly stares at her.

Swara, who was gazing around sees Adarsh and looks on, widening her eyes in fear and shock.

"How have you been?" Ram asked and Sanskaar nodded at him "Alright." And his eyes also land on Adarsh.

"This is my friend Swara, she's going to stay with us for few days." Sanskaar utters, introducing Swara to his family members.

Seeing her discomfort, Sanskaar excuses himself and offers to take Swara to the guest room, walking past Adarsh.

*

After sometime, Sanskaar had taken Swara to the guest room and showed her around.

"If you need something then let me know, okay."

She nods at him slowly while he smiles, heading out. She instantly closes the door afterwards, praying not to meet Adarsh.

While walking out, Sanskaar clashes into Adarsh and looks at him. Adarsh fakes a smile.

"How have you been?"

"Great." He coldly replies while looking at Adarsh.

"That girl. . ."

"She's the girl I like, I'm hoping to soon talk to the family about her." He lies, shocking Adarsh.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. I'm waiting for two days, after she mingles with the family then I'll tell them the news."

"That's great." Adarsh sighed a smile and Sanskaar merely blinked at him with serious expressions.

"Okay I'll catch you later." Adarsh says and excuses himself, walking away.

"You will pay for what you did Adarsh. . ." Sanskaar determinedly sighs, watching Adarsh disappear.

Adarsh was angry, he felt like ruining the whole room. But he had no choice but to control his anger.

"How dare he like what's mine." Adarsh angrily huffs, clenching onto his fists.

"Did she tell him about me." He wondered after realising Sanskaar's cold behaviour towards him.

***

Swara was laying in the guest room, nervously clenching onto the blanket. She had her eyes out for the door, in case it opens and had feared that Adarsh may walk in. Not being able to cope up with the fear, she sat up and got off the bed, heading towards the door and locking it, straight after leaning on it and sliding down to sit down.

"No, please!" She screamed, moving her face to the side while he forced the food in her mouth, compelling her to eat.

"Don't argue with me!" He sternly threatened and helps her cheeks, forcing the spoon inside her mouth, hurting her.

She closed her eyes as the water slid down her cheek.

Outside the door, Sanskaar was impatiently walking forth and back, not wanting to leave her alone. After a lot of thinking, he sat down on the floor and leaned against the door, deciding to guard it so Adarsh's shadow doesn't even fall on her. He felt protective, attached and pulled towards her, maybe more towards her innocence which had charmed him, all he knew was that she was under his protection and he couldn't allow anything wrong happening with her.

He knew the only way, which wouldn't disturb Swara was for him to guard the door from the outside. He was constantly glancing side to side, keeping an eye out for her.

**

He let out a yawn after his head had fell to the side and woken him up. He opened his eyes, realising he had fell asleep outside the door. Though he did feel uncomfortable and cold during the night, he finds it worth it as Swara was protected from Adarsh's evil shadow.

"Chhore, what are you doing out here?" Sujata asked, walking towards him confusingly.

Hearing her loud voice, from the other side of the door, Swara opened her sleepy eyes and turned her head to the side, hearing more clearly as she had also slept while leaning against the door.

"Nothing." Sanskaar responded and she felt a little ease after knowing it was Sanskaar.

"Did you sleep out here?" Sujata asked and Sanskaar started stretching his arms while Swara arched her eyebrows, placing her palm on the door, wanting to hear his response.

"Yes." He responded and Swara let out a silent yawn.

"What, why?"

"I mean no. I'm just waiting till she wakes up." He lied, wanting to avoid Sujata's questions.

"You could've. . ."

"Mom my head hurts, please make me Green tea. Please." He interrupted, blinking at her while pleading and she sighed, shaking her head positively.

"Alright, go freshen up."

"Thanks." He smiled and Sujata walked past him, heading downstairs.

Sanskaar placed his palm on the door, helping himself up. "Thank god Mom left, otherwise she would've killed me with her questions." He mummers to himself.

Swara had also stood up and opened the door. Hearing the door open, he turns around and finds Swara right in front of him, staring at him innocently.

"Um, hi. You wake up early."

"Did you sleep outside here?"

He was silent for a bit and she understood he indeed had. "I, I just. . ."

He wasn't sure what to say and she had understood, it was new for her to sense the feeling of someone caring about her. Despite knowing what she's been through, he was still helping her, caring for her and she wonders why.

"You should freshen up, breakfast will soon be served." He changes the topic and she nods at him while he turns back around.

He mentally cussed himself before walking away, feeling a little embarrassed to be caught.

She closes the door, heading back inside the room and starts to play with her stole.

"Why is he doing so much for me?" She asks herself, not being able to accept this fact.

"Shona. . ." She freezes on her spot, gasping as soon as her nickname echoed in the room, the nickname Adarsh only calls her by. Her fingers began to tremble in fear and she slowly turned around, finding the door closes. She shockingly looks around, feeling heart beat rapidly, clashing into her rib cage.

The door opens and Adarsh walks inside, closing the door again and she gasped, timidly staring at him walk in.

"Why did you leave?" He asked while taking his steps towards her.

Air began to slow down and swallowed, feeling a lump down her throat.

"You know I was waiting for you. How can you go with another man, haan? That too my brother? Why, did you get extra greedy?"

She shook her head negatively, fearing his presence and he angrily grabbed her hand.

"You found yourself a new guardian hmm? He was guarding your room from outside, why?" Adarsh angrily asked and squeezed her hand, pulling her towards him. "You're only mine Swara, only mine!"

"Ahhh!" She screamed in pain after her grabbed her by the hair. "How dare he put his eyes out for you, how dare he even like you!"

"Leave. . . Me!"

"No! How can I leave you after buying you? You're my property and you only belong to me! This is your destiny, to be my. . ." He stops after feeling a tap on his shoulder and turns around, finding Sanskaar standing in front of him angrily.

His eyes were red with anger and he clenched his first, punching Adarsh on the cheek. Swara gasped and freed herself from his grip, moving away.

"How dare you!" Sanskaar shouts, standing in front of Swara as if he was her shield.

"How dare you!" Adarsh roared back, grabbing Sanskaar from the collar.

"She's not your property! She's a human, with her own feelings and her own mind. You don't own any of her!" Sanskaar argues, grabbing Adarsh by the collar too.

"No, please stop." She requests as her tears see down her cheek.

"I brought her and I own her! Get your dirty hands off her!"

"She's not yours! And I won't let you touch her!" Sanskaar screamed, punching Adarsh in the stomach.

"What's happening?" Parineeta asks, walking inside worriedly and Sanskaar pushes Adarsh away from him.

Adarsh falls back and Parineeta holds him. "Adarsh Ji, are you okay?"

"What is wrong?" Annapurna asked while walking inside the room alongside Sujata.

"I don't know Maa, it's Sanskaar." Adarsh lies, pretending to play a victim card.

"Me? It's him! He. . ." Before Sanskaar could say anything, Swara holds his arm, shaking her head negatively with her tears. He gazes down at her, now feeling helpless.

"We don't have any proof." She whispered, wiping her tears away.

"Is this a way to talk to your older brother?" Sujata asked, angrily scolding Sanskaar.

"It's between us, we will sort it out!" Sanskaar angrily shouts back, storming out of the room afterwards.

Adarsh looks at Swara, who looks away uncomfortably and Parineeta concernedly touch's Adarsh's cheek.

"Don't worry Pari, we will sort it out." He assured while looking at Parineeta and she nods at him.

'Will I be doing the right thing by exposing him in front of his wife? She would be heartbroken, she loves him.' Swara speaks in her mind, now getting slightly hesitant.

Annapurna, Sujata leave the room with Adarsh and Parineeta. Swara watches them leave and Adarsh and Sanskaar's words were playing in her mind.

"She's not yours! And I won't let you touch her!" His words started effecting her, soothing her broken heart and she started feeling slightly emotional, to see that someone cares, despite being a stranger, he had successfully made a place in her heart, as her saviour.

**

While walking out the room, Swara glanced around, hearing an utterly silence in the house. Assuming this is how it is all the time, she nervously heads down and stops, finding Adarsh sitting on the sofa, relaxing while eating.

His gazes move up towards Swara and he smiles at her. "Surprise Surprise!" Swara swallows her spit, feeling shivers down her spine.

"Oh, there's no one at home." Adarsh revealed, standing up while facing Swara, who was standing on the stairs.

"I was meant to go to office but I came back just for you Shona. You know how much you mean to me."

"W. . . Where's S. . . Sanskaar?" She manages to ask while glancing around the empty hall.

"Urgh, who's name did you say. I don't wanna hear his name from your mouth again, understood?" He warned and she looked back at him. "Plus he left with the ladies, they forced him to go temple with him but he's so stupid, I was right there when they were talking, he should've known I would've came back."

Swara was shocked, to hear he wasn't home and had left her alone.

"You're only mine Swara."

"What about your w. . . Wife? She, loves you a lot. . . You're doing wrong by cheating on her." Swara finally uttered, gaining a little courage and he rolls his eyes.

"Yes, I know she loves me but I don't. Now you can't force me to like someone."

"She. . ."

"Just enough. You have no rights to talk to me like that or ask me any questions. You do as I say and now, I want you back at my pent house in Delhi!"

She panicked, seeing him head towards her and started moving back up.

"Don't play 'catch me if you can' with me Swara, I promise if I do catch you then I won't leave you." He threatened and she understood what he meant.

"You, you can't. . ."

"You've only been with Sanskaar for two days and you already started arguing with me. That's bad manners Swara." He dangerously warns and Swara continues walking backwards while he approached her.

While moving, she falls back and hurts her arm, he manages to rush up and catch up with her. She looks at him in fright, pushing him after he leaned forward.

"Only I can touch you Swara, so how dare you let Sanskaar touch you?" He angrily shouted, grabbing her by the hair while she retaliated yet failed.

He dragged her down, causing her pain. "Ahhh!" She winced and he pushed her on her feet, angrily staring at her.

Soon he slapped her across the face. "How dare you run away and with who's permission?! Didn't you know, you were going to get sold!" He shouted and her glassy eyes met his angry eyes.

"My deal was about to crack. I was done with you but you! You disappointed me! You insulted me in front of so many people by running!"

Before he could touch Swara again, a hand stops his hand from reaching Swara and Swara looks to the side, seeing Sanskaar. Adarsh angrily glances at Sanskaar while Sanskaar punches Adarsh in the stomach again. Adarsh looses his balance and falls down the stairs while Swara emotionally hugs Sanskaar.

He hugs her back protectively, whispering an apology in her ears. "I'm sorry Swara, I shouldn't have left you alone but I had to. . ."

Swara hugged him tighter, starting to sob and he caresses her hair, calming her down. Adarsh stood back up, angry with what he was witnessing. Sanskaar lifts his head, staring at Adarsh.

"Your game is over!" He angrily remarked and Adarsh's eyes shockingly move towards the police that are entering the mansion.

Swara breaks the hug, blinking at the police walk down and past them, towards Adarsh.

Adarsh feels a tap and turns, instantly receiving a slap across the face. He gazes at the person and shockingly looks on, to see Annapurna staring at him with disgust. His eyes then move towards Sujata, who shakes her head disgustedly and then at Parineeta, who was sobbing while glaring at him.

"I feel ashamed to call you my son!" Annapurna shouted, looking down as his face had become unbearable for her to see.

"Maa. . ."

"Don't you dare!" She shouts, pointing her finger at him while glaring at him.

"Pari. . ."

"I hate you Adarsh Ji." She interrupts and he was shocked.

"I didn't let them leave. . ." Sanskaar says, grabbing Adarsh's attention.

"No! I don't wanna take you!" Sanskaar argued, disagreeing to take Parineeta, Sujata and Annapurna to the temple.

"Sanskaar please!" Sujata argues back but he was rooted.

Adarsh, Durga Prasad and Ram Prasad finished their breakfast, now standing up to head outside.

"You have to, I don't care!" Sujata stubbornly shouted and grabbed Sanskaar outside by the arm.

"Mom please. No. I can't." He retorted but it was no use as Sujata was also stubborn.

Parineeta and Annapurna followed them out along with the men.

"Now or I won't talk to you for the rest of my life." Sanskaar irritatedly sighed, yet thinking of a plan.

"Fine!" He angrily moaned and sighed, sitting inside the car.

Adarsh was watching from a distance and Sujata sat in with Annapurna and Parineeta. Sanskaar unwillingly drove out and Adarsh smirked.

"By the time he hurries back, I'll get my work done." Adarsh mumbles to himself and curls a small smirk.

"Hmm?"

"Nothing. I was just about to say that you guys carry on, I'll join you after finding a file." Ram and Durga Prasad nod, heading towards the car while Adarsh headed inside.

But he secretly watched Ram and Durga Prasad leave, now assured that he was alone with Swara.

On the way, Sanskaar stopped on the side, two minutes away from where he lives.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Swara's in danger."

"Hmm. What?"

"Yes! Adarsh is going to harm her."

"What are you saying Chhore?"

"If you don't believe me then come and see for yourself." Sanskaar says and steps out.

Sujata, Parineeta and Annapurna step out too, shocked by Sanskaar's words but follow him to know what he means.

"Not from the front. Come from here." He whispered, helping them quietly climb inside from the kitchen window.

"Now shhh and wait." He says and walks away.

"Sanskaar. . ." Sujata stops and sighs, confusingly looking at Annapurna and Parineeta, who were confused too.

While walking towards the entrance, he calls the police and informs them to reach Maheshwari Mansion as soon as possible and while helping Annapurna inside, he had taken the keys of the house and quietly unlocked the door, entering and waiting until it gets out of hands.

"Arrest him Inspector." Sanskaar says and Adarsh shakes his head negatively.

"No, you can't!" He shouts but the police don't listen, they hold Adarsh and put handcuffs on him, officially arresting him.

"I'll be back. This is not done!" Adarsh warned while looking at Sanskaar, who hides Swara behind him while the police drag him out.

Annapurna falls onto the sofa while crying and Parineeta runs towards a place while crying. Sujata sits besides Annapurna and consoles her.

"You're finally free." Sanskaar says while turning towards Swara and Swara looks at him. "I'm free?" She questions and Sanskaar nods his head positively.

Swara couldn't believe it, all of this had started feeling too unreal, just like a mere dream. She pinched herself in order to confirm it and after she had, she started to cry, this time out of happiness.

"I'm free. . ." She trailed off, lifting her gazes and looking at Sanskaar. "I'm free." She added, scoffing through her tears and then she actually started to cry.

He hugs her while she rests her head in his chest. "It doesn't feel real. After all those months of being in torture, it doesn't feel real Sanskaar. I feel like it will be morning and it will go back to how it would be, back in that dark room." She revealed and he could feel her pain.

"Shhh. . . Don't think about all the negative things Swara. You're free now, you're free to do whatever you want! Adarsh is gone, he's arrested. His evil shadow won't be around you anymore."

She clenches onto his shirt while crying. "Thank you."

"I will forever stay grateful to you. . ." She added and hugged him back. For her, this day was indeed unreal, the beast that was after her life had been evacuated by here mere saviour, that bonded to her through her pain.

"Thank you. . ." She softly whispers and he breaks the hug, wiping her tears. "Don't cry Swara, these tears don't suit you. You have all those rights to smile now."

She stares at him with gratefulness glimpsing from her face and curls a small side smile.

"I'm sorry beta." Annapurna apologises and Swara turns her head to the side, seeing Annapurna folding her hands while standing in front of them.

Swara shakes her head negatively. "No, please don't. . ."

"I'm sorry." Annapurna cried an apology and Swara walked towards her, holding her hands and pushing them away.

"No aunty. You don't need to apologise, it's not your fault."

"How can I ever face you? My son has ruined your life." Annapurna guiltily uttered and Swara shook her head with glassy eyes.

Swara hugs Annapurna and Annapurna hugs her back. Sujata places her hand on Swara's head and Swara closes her eyes.

Sanskaar stares at the three, finding himself emotional yet happy to finally set Swara free. For him, now Swara's happiness had started mattering and he can do anything for her to have them.

*

As the time flew and everyone had calmed down, Sujata and Annapurna were now trying to calm Ram and Durga Prasad's anger after they had found out about Adarsh's misdeeds. Parineeta was now in her rooms, sitting on her bed while staring at the broken frames of Adarsh's photos, including their wedding photo.

Sanskaar was taking Swara towards the terrace while she was blindfolded.

"Where are you taking me Sanskaar?"

"Just wait." He responded and finally stopped, making her face a certain angle.

He took the blindfold off and she opened her eyes, arching her eyebrows while staring at the dark sky.

"What. . ."

"Shhh." He hushed and pointed in a direction. She looked forward, only to see fireworks starting to explode into the sky, painting different colours into the dark sky.

Her eyes light up with happiness and a wide smile curls on her lips. Seeing the fireworks had truly made her happy, to her, they were the most beautiful thing she's viewing right now. Seeing her become mesmerised and happier, he smiles, staring at her while she stares at the fireworks. She was viewing what she finds beautiful and he was viewing what he finds beautiful.

"They're beautiful." She softly said, turning her head to the side, looking at him.

"More than that." She curled a small smile and glanced back at the fireworks.

"You have given me another reason to live, I will never forget this favour. I really appreciate your effort from the bottom of my heart."

"I had to help, I couldn't see you in pain." He blurted out and then realised he made the situation slightly awkward.

She glanced at him and then back at the sky. "I have a long list that I think now I can complete. You have done so much for me even though we weren't friends, if there is anything I could do in return then please let me know."

"A long list?"

"Yes." She smiled widely this time while facing him. "The first thing I wanna do is move in with my Janki Maa and half-sister Ragini, in Rajasthan." She added and his smile had slowly faded.

"I wanted to move there ever since my Dad passed away. I don't even think I should call him Dad, he betrayed me and sold me. What kind of father would do that?" She asked, getting a little upset but inhaled a breath.

"But forget him, he means nothing to me now. Now I just wanna be with Janki Maa and Ragini and spend the rest of my life with them."

"That's good." He replied, trying to keep a smile on his lips. "You should definitely follow what your heart says. If you're happy with moving in with them then you should go for it."

She nodded at him, turning her head away. "I wish I could fly there to them."

"You will be with them in no time."

Finding it a little cold, Swara turned towards Sanskaar. "Thank you for everything once again Sanskaar." He smiled, nodding at her and she had started walking away.

The fake smile he had given disappeared and he stared at the sky, not knowing why he's feeling so bad. "She was never mine." He whispered, clenching his fist but it seems like the pain wouldn't leave.

*

She entered the guest room and closed the door, having her eyes moist.

"I know you have started liking me Sanskaar but I'm sorry. You don't deserve me, you deserve someone better. I'm not worth you at all, no matter what happens, your family wouldn't willingly accept me and neither would this society. I can't ruin your life." She whispers to herself and takes a seat on the bed, closing her eyes while controlling her tears.

She walked towards the window, glancing out and watching the bright white full moon in the dark sky.

*

He sat down onto the floor of the terrace, this time staring at the moon.

She was leaving the first thing tomorrow morning to be with the people she loved, he wasn't even on her list and he felt bad about that, he had started developing feelings towards her, now feeling awful by the news of her moving away. Though, saving her from a beast has given him happiness, but as he promised himself, her happiness would always come first and if it was without him, then he's happy as long as she is.

Unknowingly he closed his eyes, wanting to control the new emotions he was facing. As the cold breeze touched his skin, he had fell into a world of his own imagination.

In which; He was walking in a white suit, on the beach which had a tent located in the middle, decorated with red roses. While making his way towards the tent, he finds Swara standing there in a long red gown, turning towards him with a smile.

"You did this for me?" She asked and he nodded, knowing it was a lie but wanted the credit for her attention.

"It's beautiful." She whispered in delight and soon the flowers had started falling on her, he lifted his gazes to see the place they were falling from and smiles.

She twirls with her arms spread wide and he gazes at her with love and affection, smiling even more after seeing her smile.

"Wow!" She exclaimed and stopped, looking at Sanskaar. She then rushes towards him and hugged him tight.

"Thank you so much Sanskaar."

'Dance with her!' His mind yell at him and he followed like it was an order, breaking the hug and forwarding his hand.

"Would you like to dance with me?" He shyly asked and she nodded with a small scoff of happiness.

She places her hand in his and he began to tail her while music, out of nowhere started playing.

Dhoop se nikhal ke
Chaaon se phisal ke

He twirled her and then pulled her towards him, tucking her hair strand behind her ears while she shyly glances down.

Hum mile jahan par
Lamha tham gaya

Aasmaan pighal ke
Sheeshe mein dhalke

He moves backwards while holding her arms and she twirls inside his embrace.

Jam gaya to tera chehra ban gaya

They move side to side and he twists her back out.

Duniya bhulake tumse mila hun
Nikli hai dilse ye duaa
Rang de tu mohe gerua

He went on his knees, while she walked around him.

Ranjhe ki dil se hai duaa
Rang de tu mohe gerua

He then stands up and holds her by the waist as she leans back.

Haan nikli hai dil se ye dua
Ho rang de to mohe gerua

And the music stops while Sanskaar slowly pulls her up, loosing himself in her orbs.

"I love you Swara." He admits and she widens her eyes at him, standing straight.

"Why?"

"Because I find you beautiful."

"But I'm sorry Sanskaar, I have to go. . ." She says, moving away.

"No, Swara please wait!" And she had disappeared, he panicked and glanced around.

"Swara!!"

Out of his imagination, he started breathing heavily and glanced around, finding the sky colour changed. It was morning and the sun had also rose.

"Swara. . ." The only name that left his mouth in distress and he stood up, rushing out of the terrace.

"I truly apologise to you for whatever Adarsh had done."

Swara shakes her head as Durga Prasad folded her hands. "That was the past, today is the new beginning and you do not need to apologise Uncle."

"Why don't you stay any longer?"

"I have to leave Aunty. My sister and Janki-Maa must be waiting." She responded to Annapurna.

"God bless you dear." Annapurna blesses and so does Durga Prasad.

Swara smiled and started heading out.

"Where's Swara?" Sanskaar asked while rushing down.

"She just left." Sujata revealed and Sanskaar was shocked. He ran out of the house, hoping to meet her before she leaves.

Before she could get inside the car, he sighs a small relief and catches up with her.

"Swara!" She stops, turning around.

"Before you leave, can I. . . Take a picture?" He asked and inhaling and exhaling breaths and she stares at him, shaking her head positively with a small smile.

He returns that small smile and takes his phone out, moving a little back to get a clearer view of Swara.

'I'll never delete your picture.' He says in his mind while clicking more than one.

After sliding his phone back inside his pocket, he let out a scoff, trying to make it sound normal.

"Can. . . Can I get a hug?" He asked and she shakes her head positively.

Sanskaar doesn't waste and further moment and pulls Swara into a hug, she emotionally curled a smile while he took time to appreciate this moment.

Paas aaye
Dooriyaan phir bhi kam naa hui

Swara touched his chest and he realised, breaking the hug afterwards.

Ek adhuri si hamari kahani rahi

"I'm always here if you ever need me." He assured and she nods at him.

Aasmaan ko zameen, ye zaroori nahi
Jaa mile, jaa mile

"Thank you for everything." He tried to curl a smile but failed.

Ishq saccha wahi

She turned back around with her smile faded and sat inside the car, closing the door afterwards.

Jisko milti nahi manzilein, manzilein

The driver starts driving and Swara closes her mouth, trying to control her tears.

Rang thhe, noor tha
Jab kareeb tu tha

Sanskaar's eyes without his permission started to water and leak that water.

Ek jannat sa tha, yeh jahaan
Waqt ki ret pe kuch mere naam sa
Likh ke chhod gaya tu kahaan

Hamari adhuri kahani
Hamari adhuri kahani
Hamari adhuri kahani

He inhaled a deep breath afterwards, wiping his tears and trying to plaster a smile on his face. "As long as she's happy, I'm happy." He consoles himself, knowing her happiness would be with her sister and step mother, who reside in Rajasthan.

THE END
___________________

Done! Damnnn, you guys must've took ages to reach to the finish line, right? 😂

Inspired from Tu Aashiqui 🤩♥️

I couldn't help but to write and write, and about the ending, sorry *running away*

I love you all so much ♥️