A/N

Hello everyone! Finally I’m back from being a ghost with a new chapter. I’m really very sorry for taking so long in posting this chapter. I have tried compensating by giving you all a chapter full of Swasan. I just hope it was worth the wait and that you all will like it.

P. S. : I’m not very familiar with Bengali dishes. I have tried taking the help from internet but please forgive me in case of any mistake. Also, though I never use any picture in the chapter, I have used one in here as it sort of matched with the view I had in my mind.

Here you all go with the next chapter. Happy reading!! ❤️❤️

*** CHAPTER 21 ***

Ragini keeps looking with wide eyes as Swara hops giddily all around her room, the smile refusing to leave her lips anytime sooner or later. It’s just too much for her to contain in that little heart of hers. He has finally taken a step towards her and asked her out for dinner. That’s more than enough for her.

Ragini: Swara, relax! Stop assaulting the floor of my room with all that hopping.

Swara: How can I relax Ragini? I have to get ready and I don’t even know what I should wear.

She huffs crossing her arms across her chest before landing on the bed with a thump and Ragini rolls her eyes.

Ragini: Then, how about a dress? You have many of those that you haven’t worn even for once. You can wear any of them.

Swara: No!

Ragini: Some jeans and tops?

Swara: No way!

Ragini: Then don’t tell me you want to wear some lehenga sort of thing.

Swara: Raginiiii!

Ragini: Ugh! Then, what?

Swara’s mind instantly travels to the night when she kissed him for the first time. How can she even forget the twinkle in his eyes when he saw her in that saree? And without even the slightest bit of hesitation, she decides what she wants to wear. And she just hopes he will like it!

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Giving himself one more glance in the full length mirror in Laksh’s room, Vidhaan scrunches his nose in disapproval for the umpteenth time.

Vidhaan: I’m telling you Laksh, this won’t work!

He whines like a kid who is unable to get what his heart desires and Laksh chuckles shaking his head at his brother’s expressions. Vidhaan narrows his eyes at the white t-shirt that Laksh has somehow made him wear along with faded black jeans and paired it with a leather jacket. His usual black formal shoes have been replaced by some sport shoes. All in all, it’s nothing what he usually looks like.

Vidhaan: I don’t wear these type of clothes, Laksh.

Laksh: Duh! I know. That’s why you’re wearing it now.

Vidhaan: I’m a teacher, Laksh and I look like… some college boy right now.

Laksh: (rolls his eyes) Stop complaining and being a kid. It’s your first date bhai and Swara must feel that you have put in some efforts for her.

Vidhaan: Really?!

Laksh: Really! Now, do you remember the route I directed you to?

Vidhaan: (nods his head) Yes, I do. Moreover, we have a GPS system in our car, so, there’s no way I’m getting lost.

Laksh: Good boy! Now, off you go and send my lovely wife here. Just let her know that her extremely loving husband is missing her.

Vidhaan: (chuckles) Okay. Okay. I’ll send her.

Saying this Vidhaan turns around, takes few deep breaths and makes his way out of the Laksh’s room towards his own.

Before a few steps to his room, Vidhaan’s mobile dings on receiving a message. He scrunches his eyebrows on receiving a message from… Laksh?!

Hasn’t he said much already? Is something still left?

‘Don’t think too much. Just let your heart decide this time’, the message reads and Vidhaan sighs deeply.

Well, definitely easier said than done!

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Swara furrows with confusion as Vidhaan keeps driving for more than an hour and soon enough the city lights start fading into distance and the only thing shining right now is the moon playing hide and seek amidst the clouds. The inquisitiveness inside of her starts bubbling upwards towards the surface with full force as the car slowly makes its way outside the city.

Isn’t this supposed to be a dinner?

Swara: Sanky, where are we going?

Vidhaan: To have dinner.

Swara: (raises an eyebrow) Where? In the forest?

Vidhaan: (chuckles) Maybe!

Excuse me!

And Swara’s face says it all. Has her husband lost some of his screws? Exactly the same ones that keep your brain intact!

Vidhaan: (smiles) Relax, Swara. I’m not crazy and I’m definitely not going to make you a dinner of the wild animals. Just trust me!

Swara: I do trust you, Mr. Maheshwari. It’s just that I’m a little confused.

Vidhaan: Um… If… If you want, we can go back to some restaurant or hotel in the city. It’s not necessary to go there. Ugh! I should have known that this isn’t some very good idea. Wait a minute! Let’s go back and then we can…

His rambling and so is the car, brought to an abrupt impasse with a pair of lips pressed lightly against his cheeks. Vidhaan’s heart skips a beat when he notices the mischievous glint in Swara’s eyes as she pulls back caressing his cheeks.

Swara: You know, you look even more handsome when you’re nervous.

Damn! When did she start learning those cheesy lines?

Vidhaan: I… I…

Swara: We don’t have to go back, Sanky. I’m fine as long as I have you by my side.

Just a simple sentence from her and Vidhaan’s heart swells with this unimaginable feeling that he has been trying so hard to control. But how long will he be able to do the same is something he doesn’t know himself.

Without a word more, Vidhaan starts the car again and Swara relaxes back into her seat as they leave behind the clamorous life of the city in search of a moment of their own to cherish for a lifetime.

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Swara: And what am I supposed to do with this?

She asks narrowing her eyes at the piece of cloth in her hand and Vidhaan gulps throwing a couple of descent curses on Laksh for coming up with such an idea. Well, descent of course, owing to the fact that his teacher self keeps resurfacing from time to time but still some really colorful words escape him directed towards his very dear brother.

Vidhaan: T-This wasn’t my idea, Swara. Laksh asked me to…

Swara: What? What did he ask you?

Vidhaan: (mumbles) To… blindfold you!

Swara: What?!

And within moments the whole car reverberates with Swara’s hysterical laughs seeing Vidhaan’s flustered face who tries every possible thing to hide his cheeks which are pretty much confirming his embarrassment right now. And cherry on the cake… Swara’s laugh is not helping either.

Swara: You know you’re very cute. I don’t know why everyone calls you a shrewd and arrogant businessman!

All she gets in response is Vidhaan’s embarrassment masking frown.

Swara: Okay. Okay. I’m not laughing.

She presses her lips tightly together trying to curb the giggles escaping her throat and forwards the satin blue colored cloth towards Vidhaan.

Vidhaan: (raises an eyebrow) What?

Swara: Aren’t you supposed to blindfold me?

Vidhaan: I… I… Do you want me to?

Swara: Well, I don’t want to spoil my own surprise.

With that being said, she twists her torso to the side with her back facing towards him. Giving a slight smile, he covers her eyes with the cloth tying it gently at the back of her head.

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With her fingers entwined with his, Swara feels themselves making way towards their intended destination. With each step of theirs, the sound of the crumbling semi-dry, semi-damp leaves breaks the deafening silence of the evening, making Swara’s heart hammer inside of her chest with innocent anticipation. This is for the first time someone has put in so much efforts for her and this moment has become all the more special when it comes to ‘him’.

After what seems like just a few moments, they come to a stop and Swara’s breath hitches as she feels his breath on her cheek and he whispers in her ear…

Vidhaan: We’re here!

And with that the blindfold comes off and Swara gasps for what’s standing in front of her right now is something she has never expected even in her wildest dream. The alluring beauty in front of her eyes immediately captures her heart and her hands itch to reach out and touch the beautiful ‘houseboat’ floating graciously over the riverside. Chords of soft light from the shimmering lights spears down from above, bathing the surface of water in glinting sparkling gold as if thousands of diamonds have been blessed with an inner fire.

Vidhaan: (whispers) Did you like it?

Swara who’s still in a daze opens her mouth to reply but all she could muster is a sigh of contentment with her eyes still on the houseboat. Everything about it is so bewitching that Swara, who’s just a mere mortal, couldn’t resist the enchantment as it pulls her inside deeper and deeper.

Vidhaan: (chuckles) I’ll take that as a ‘yes’. So, may we… My lovely lady?

The exact same phrase from the text early in the morning garners Swara’s attention instantly and her eyes meet with his orbs twinkling yet again. He signals towards his outstretched palm and with a shy smile she places her palm back in his as he guides them inside the boat.

A few greetings from the minimal staff over the houseboat, Vidhaan tugs her towards a small flight of stairs leading up where her actual surprise awaits her.

Amid the little amount of lighting from just a light bulb above and several flickering candles is a table for two. 

He has arranged a candle-light dinner! On a houseboat! Can this get any better?

The cool and slightly damp breeze blowing by brushes Swara’s hair teasing her a bit as she makes way towards the table. Very much like several other houseboats this one too is opened from all the sides but the slightly opened area in the front, as if a small balcony, is what makes Swara smiles. She’s definitely loving this!

Vidhaan pulls out a chair for her and Swara obliging his gentlemanly gesture sits with the most genuine smile playing on her lips. Moving around the table Vidhaan sits opposite to her and soon enough the dinner is served. With a sincere word a gratitude, Vidhaan makes the staff leave and once again they’re alone… very much the way Swara has come to like.

Swara: So, why a houseboat?

Vidhaan: (smiles) I thought maybe you wouldn’t have liked a restaurant.

Swara: But… I have been expecting a hotel or restaurant.

Vidhaan: (teasingly) So, you’re saying you don’t like it in here?

But the glint in her eyes and the smile on her lips say otherwise. And Vidhaan decides to be a little more courageous than ever before. Placing his palm over hers he gives her a smile mirroring hers. For today, he has decided to forget everything and just be the man who has the love of his life with him right now and the moment is not of anyone else’s but their.

No one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, so, if you are lucky enough to have a chance then live today! And that’s exactly what he has decided to do. Live in the moment for he’s not sure whether he’ll ever get one such a moment with her ever again.

Swara: So, what do we have for dinner tonight?

She asks rubbing her palms together with childish anxiousness. And within moments each and every of her favorite dishes are unveiled in front of her… from Puchka to Chaat… from Alur Torkari to Ilish Macher Jhol and Chicken Biryani and her ever so favorite Sandesh.

And of course, the love for food always comes first. So, without wasting any moment Swara relishes her inner self with exotic taste of all her favorites.

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Vidhaan: So, shall we leave?

Vidhaan asks as Swara finishes the last bit of her almond pistachio kulfi, yet again her favorite. Swara has never felt so elated in her life as she’s feeling right now. This night has become undoubtedly the best of her life! And just when she thinks it can’t get any better light pitter-patters whisper in the air and small beads make their way downwards from the fluffy clouds above.

Swara: Sanky… Baarish!!

With just two words she is out in the open as the rain sprays over the rooftop. With her eyes closed and arms spread to her sides she lets herself revel in the serenity of the falling droplets.

Vidhaan: Swara, come inside. You’ll fall ill. We’re heading back for the shore.

Swara: Just feel this for a moment, Sanky! How tranquilizing this is! For a moment it’s just you. No worries… no trouble… no struggle. Just you… as if these droplets are trying to forfend you, shield you from all the harm.

She opens her eyes smiling and forwarding her hand towards him giving him the courage to follow his heart for once, assuring him that no matter what she’ll be there for him… always. Vidhaan takes a deep breath closing his eyes…

“What shall I do Shlok bhai?”

“Stop fighting yourself and give your heart a chance”, his inner voice chimes as if his long lost brother has answered him, saving his heart. And even before he could realize his feet have already started making way towards the one he is destined to be with.

Swara gives him yet another smile and turns around holding the railing and looking at the river burbling with falling droplets. But all Vidhaan sees is the enticing beauty in front of his eyes right now. The peach color saree draped tenderly around her slender waist shimmers with droplets in the gleam of candles. The porcelain skin peeking from the golden blouse of hers does some crazy things to his heart and the little thing thumps crazily inside his chest.

Does he even deserve something as ravishing as her?

Swara: You know, when Baba asked me to marry you, I didn’t have the slightest idea that I would fall in love with you. Yes, I respected you but what I feel for you now is much stronger. Baba had always been there after Maa left. He meant everything to me and I never thought I would be able to live without him ever. I guess he knew it was his time…

The huge lump forming in her throat breaks her midway and hardly a moment later she feels Vidhaan’s palm on her shoulder. She sucks in a deep breath as he steps closer to her turning her around to face him wiping her cheeks and that’s when she realizes her tears are already trailing down even without her permission.

Swara: He never told me he was sick, Sanky. He never did. And even I couldn’t find it out. Am I such a bad daughter?

Vidhaan: Shhh! You’re not a bad daughter, Swara. You’re the best one could ask for. You took care of Maa and Papa when I… I was not here. You’ve always been there. So, don’t ever think that. I can assure you that both your Maa Baba are very proud of you right now. We are not the one to decide who stays in our lives and who leaves. But the least we can do is cherish the ones we have. Right?

Swara: (nods her head) I love you! I love you so much.

Vidhaan: (caresses her cheek) You’re the most precious person of my life, Swara. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me!

With tear drops still trailing down her cheeks and losing their existence in the raindrops, Swara engulfs his torso in her arms and Vidhaan’s arms instantly wrap themselves around her pulling her as close as possible, her warmth succoring his heart.

Swara: Thank you. Thank you so much for everything. Please don’t leave me. Ever!

Vidhaan: I promise, Swara. I promise. I’ll always be there.

Raising her head up from his chest, her glistening eyes meet with his moist ones and within a wavering moment she hitches herself up on her tiptoes pressing her lips lightly to his sealing their promise together.

A moment later, she tries to pull away but apparently Vidhaan has something else in his mind as his hands have already made their way to her waist, sliding them slowly inside the flimsy layer of her net saree and Swara’s heart skips a beat as his hand oh so slowly caresses her bare skin rubbing soothing circles to the either side of her waist. A not so innocent feeling shrouds her heart as Vidhaan leans towards her.

Vidhaan: (whispers) You’re so beautiful, Swara! So damn beautiful. You know it’s really hard to control myself with you around.

Swara: Then don’t!

Her eyes definitely speak a lot more than her lips ever can!

Swara’s hands slowly find their way to his chest sliding up to hold his broad shoulder blades. Taking in one deep breath, Vidhaan finally let go of all his insecurities to give himself a chance… to give themselves a chance. The sheer serene harmony of two longing souls bonding together reverberates in his ears as his hesitant lips finally meet her awaiting ones. And he is taken by surprise realizing how perfectly their lips fit each other as if they have been molded to be with one other only. His arm around her waist tightens as another one slides up to hold the nape of her neck in an attempt to deepen the kiss.

She doesn’t taste like strawberry or vanilla or something like those cliché books describe, rather there is one thing that overpowers everything else… that one taste which screams nothing but… Swara!! And he just wants devour the taste for all his life.

With their lips moving in perfect sync, their hearts beating to the perfect rhythm of euphoria, they realize that this is where they belong. There is something so enticing about this captivating moment as if they have lived their entire life for that one moment. This is the love they have been longing for all their lives!

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