"You should be thankful that you are facing me instead of Sanskar, if he would have been here, you would have been buried in your grave long back" Neil warned Sahil in his most dangerous voice with gritted teeth and red eyes still holding his collar in his firm grip.

Neil pushed Sahil with force and he could not manage his balance, he fell down on the ground with thud.

Three security guards came there hurriedly along with Kavya and immediately surrounded Sahil to avoid any counter action from him. Sahil looked at them with furious gaze, he was trapped badly.

"Swara are you ok?" Kavya asked in concern, she came hurriedly towards Swara when she saw her best friend with Neil from another end of corridor. Earlier when Neil called her asking for Swara, hearing panicked his voice she felt something was wrong. She informed him that Swara went towards washroom and she also left her other friends to search for Swara.

"I am fine" Swara could barely mumbled with teary eyes.

Neil took deep breath to settle his infuriated mind. He passed eye message to the security team to keep an eye on Sahil. He held Swara's hand and turned to go away from there, she was following him with bowed head.

"You should never trust Sanskar; he will betray you. He is just playing with your emotions" Sahil said in desperation gulping hard. He was frightened somewhere at his heart because of intense gaze of security guards but this was his last chance. His plan was full proof to gain Swara's trust but Neil's entry had demolished his dream of façade.

Swara stopped in her tracks gasping heavily, Neil looked at her in disbelief and turned towards Sahil with anger filled eyes. He could not hear any single words against his best friend.

"Shut up Sahil dare you say a word against Sanskar." Neil roared again and continued turning back towards Swara, "Let's go Swara"

Neil's focus was on Swara who was looking at Sahil without a blink. 'She should not misunderstand Sanskar. He loved her all these years, he would not be able to bear any distance from his love, he would be embraced death, the same moment if she mistrusts him now.' This was the only thought running in Neil's mind from the moment he heard Sahil's hatred words for his best friend.

"Swara trust me. Sanskar can never..." Neil could not finish as Swara turned her face to looked at him with teary eyes. He lost his grip looking at her pale, teary face.

"He will break your heart. He is not good for you" Sahil said breathing heavily with fake warning standing up on his feet when he observed his words were affecting Swara. His words again grabbed all attention from Swara and she turned her gaze towards him.

"Trust me" Sahil said with fake innocence.

Swara took two steps towards Sahil to face him with crossed arms.

Neil ran his hand from his hairs, his heart was thumping in ribcage. He tightened his fist to punch Sahil, he was crossing his limits today.

"Trust you Sahil" Swara said in low whisper looking at him with teary eyes and continued with small chuckle, "How can I? When I know you were never on good terms with Sanskar. I trust Sanskar the most in this world. He would never do anything which will hurt me. Yes, I know, I had some misconceptions about him and Kavita but those were my baseless assumptions which Sanskar cleared long back"

Neil was shocked, amazed but mostly relieved after hearing Swara's words. No doubt why his best friend fell for this angel hopelessly. He always thought Swara would be lucky to get a life partner like Sanskar but today he wanted to reverse his own thoughts. His best friend was indeed lucky that his love trusted him when it was needed the most.

"You are soo innocent Swara. He is manipulating you. You know him from childhood he is an arrogant, self-centred, stone hearted ..." Sahil could not finish as Swara cut him with raised and anger filled voice.

"Yes, I know him from childhood. I have seen his behaviour from childhood. I have respected and trusted him from childhood. I have cared for him from childhood. I have loved him from childhood from the day I did not even know what love meant for. He is the best thing ever happened in my life and I am not going to trust anybody other than Sanskar. And trusting you over Sanskar never ever... even in my dreams." Swara blurted out raising her finger.

Sahil closed his eyes in defeat, Swara's insecurity was his trump card. He shook his head in frustration, he has lost the battle without even fighting.

Neil and Kavya were staggered with Swara's outburst. Kavya have never seen Swara in her furious state in all 6 years of her friendship. She always considered Swara as calm, innocent, humble, timid girl. Whereas for Neil it was surprising to know about Swara's unfathomable trust on his best friend.

Swara closed her eyes and one stream of tears fall on her chubby cheeks, she took deep breath while wiping tears from her eyes.

"You know it hurts when someone hate the person whom I loved from day one to this extend that he is ready to ruin my loved one's life altogether." Swara said in low voice and looked at Sahil in disbelief. She always knew there was issues between Sanskar and Sahil, but she considered it as siblings' rivalry. But today looking at Sahil's hatred towards Sanskar she felt pang in her heart. 'How can he hate my Sanskar?'

Swara shook her head disappointingly and started leaving from there, wiping her tears.

"Neil, thanks. Can we please go home?" Neil's trance was broken with Swara's voice. He looked at Swara with dumbfound expressions. He had lost his voice when his mind registered her earlier words which she used for defending Sanskar, 'She said she loved him from childhood. She also said she loved him from day one. What does that mean?' Neil was staring at Swara with narrowed eyes to understand truthfulness of her words, in which he could find only honesty, sincerity and abundant love for his best friend..

"Neil are you ok? What happened?" Kavya asked shaking his arm breaking his trance.

"haan? No, I am fine...Swara, come I will drop you" Neil said shaking his head looking at two girls, he wanted to understand the meaning behind those lines.

Neil passed eye message to Kavya to take Swara out of corridor for which Kavya nodded her head in agreement. She took Swara with her and they both were followed by one security guard.

When it was confirmed that both the girls were out of sight, Neil turned towards Sahil and said with smirky chuckle, "You cannot even imagine how much I am controlling my hands at this moment. But you are not my prey but Sanskar's. And I am really very very sorry, but I can just feel pity on you. I cannot even wish you best of luck as now you have to face menace Sanskar. You have brought tears in Swara's eyes which Sanskar hate the most. Now no one, I repeat NO ONE can help you now. Your luck, your position, your money... naah nothing not even your god. Happy ruination." Neil said with his signature smirk and left from there followed by other two security guards, leaving Sahil alone to fume in anger.

After bidding bye to Kavya, Swara settled down in Neil's car on passenger seat whereas Neil was standing outside of car instructing her security guards. Neil had already informed Dinesh to go and drop Kavya to her home.

Swara was looking outside of window thinking 'how come Neil was here? How did he know that Sahil would be here? I need to ask him. Let him finish with his instructions session'

After some moments, Neil settled down on driver seat and Swara was about to ask him for his sudden appearance in her college when his phone stared vibrating which was on dashboard. Screen was showing 'Sanskar Calling', he connected the phone to Bluetooth of car.

"Where the hell are you Neil? And where is Swara? Is she with you? Is she ok? What happened to Sahil? Seriously I am gonna kill that bastard. Why the hell are you quite?" the moment Neil received phone, Sanskar's shout boomed in the car.

"If you give me chance then only, I can speak" Neil said in irritation shaking his head and continued "Swara is with me. Don't worry"

Swara could hear Sanskar taking deep breath which felt like he was holding form long back. She did not hear any word from Sanskar but his deep breathing and gulping sound told her how much he was worried for her. She was dumbfounded with recent happenings first, her encounter with Sahil, Neil's sudden appearance and now Sanskar's panic. She was not able to connect dots between these, she was confused and wanted to get clear picture of her surroundings. She was looking at Neil with open mouth.

"Hold on talk to her" Neil said on call and then turned off the blue tooth, he passed his mobile to Swara. He did not want to witness their lovely dovely talks.

"Sanskar, what happened? Why are you so hyper?" Swara asked on call in concern.

"Are you ok Rapunzel? Did he misbehave with you? Turn on the FaceTime. I need to see you NOW" Sanskar asked from other side in soft voice. Swara could felt extreme desperation in his usual calm voice.

Swara turned on the face time to see Sanskar's face on mobile screen which gave her much relief. He stared at her with teary eyes for some moments to make his unsettle heart and mind to understand that she is in front of him safe and sound.

"I am fine, he did not do anything. Neil came here on time before he does anything." Swara tried to assure Sanskar about her safety and then continued shifting her gaze between Sanskar and Neil with confusion, "What is going on? I don't understand. Neil how you are here in my college?"

"Swara, you always had security around you to protect you with our best guards. They used to be in their civil dresses so that you would not get bothered and have your personal time. Just half an hour back one of the guards saw Sahil entering college campus. I had strictly ordered guards to keep Sahil away from you, so he informed me immediately, and I asked Neil to come to college to safeguard you." Sanskar explained her all reasons behind Neil's sudden visit to college campus.

"Ohh" Swara said nodding her head with small smile, she felt blessed to get Sanskar who cared for her like a glass doll. They both were staring at each other with longingness in their eyes, but then realization hit her hard, she widens her eyes and asked with scrunched eyebrows, "you are in hotel room?"

"Yes. I came back an hour back after my meeting. Why? What happened?" Sanskar asked in confusion.

"But he said you and..." Swara talked to herself remembering the video Sahil showed her on his phone.

"Who said? What?" Sanskar asked not understanding her self-blabbering.

"It's long story Sanskar, Swara will tell you once you are back tomorrow. Now don't panic I am going to drop Swara to Mehra house. Also, I have tightened her security." Neil said igniting the engine of his Black Audi Q7.

"You are coming tomorrow?" Swara asked with bright smile and surprised face, instantly there was glow on her earlier paled face.

"Yes, my Rapunzel my work is done. And I am already missing you so badly" Sanskar said in most romantic voice staring at her smiley face. His statement automatically enriched her cheeks with cherry red colour. She shifted her hair strand behind her ear with blushed face.

"Watch your words man, she is on speaker and I am still single" Neil said with chuckle concentrating on the road.

"Yes, but ready to mingle right? As it is Nandini Aunty is desperately looking a girl for you" Sanskar said with laugh.

"Really, who is it?" Swara asked in amazement with wide eyes turning her gaze towards Neil.

"Rapunzel, as I said, it's still finding in progress status" Sanskar said in teased tone and continued "but I trust aunty she would find the best match for him soon"

"Shut up this is all happening because of you. And now drop the phone. We will meet tomorrow" Neil said with fake anger.

"Bye to both of you. I will call you once you reach home Rapunzel" Sanskar said with grin.

"Bye Sanskar" Neil and Swara said in unison. Swara switched off the phone and kept it on dashboard.

"Swara, I am glad that you did not trust Sahil" Neil was trying to broach the topic which was haunting him from last 20 minutes. 'Why Swara said those words?'

"How can I trust him with Sanskar? No way." Swara replied with displeased tone and continued with scrunched forehead, "but I don't understand if Sanskar was in his hotel room how Sahil showed me the video  call of him and Kavita on WhatsApp call?"

"It was recorded one Swara. Sanskar had met Kavita couple of hours back, she had some issues with her passport and since nobody was there from higher management Sanskar met her to resolve. He had words with Dad as well about the legalities. I also don't have complete details may be Dad would know" Neil said casually shrugging his shoulders. 'Is Kavita involved with Sahil? If yes, then why?' he took mental note to discuss this with Sanskar once he was back.

"Swara stay away from Sahil. He is a playboy" Neil informed after some moments of silence. He felt, it was necessary to let Swara know about that creep's intentions.

"Really? How do you know that?" Swara asked in shocked with open mouth and wide eyes.

Neil chuckled at her innocent question.

"Ask your over possessive fiancée" Neil said and continued remembering his best friend's approach towards his cousin, "he had warned and threatened him couple of times, last time they had encounter when there was a party at Maheshwari house for Sanskar's return"

"I saw it, Sanskar was warning Sahil. And you were also there" Swara said remembering that day.

"He was not only warning him, but he punched him breaking his nose as he danced with you for couple of minutes" Neil revealed, he was purposefully trying to bring this topic for discussion to know Swara's reaction.

"Sanskar punched Sahil just because he danced with me?" Swara asked in low voice, slowly and steadily using each word very carefully. This revelation brought one more realisation to Swara 'he was possessive for me even before our alliance talks'. Just the thought of his possessiveness towards her gave tinkling sensations to her heart, she bit her lower lip to hide her blush.

"Yes of course. Not only Sahil but I lost the count of boys from our school who were prey of his over possessive attitude towards you." Neil said with tease with pressed lips to supress his chuckle, he had already observed her blushed face on the mention of his best friend's behaviour.

"Really?" Swara just mumbled with thumping heart. She turned her gaze to other side to look outside of car window. 'He was always possessive for me from our childhood'

They reached to Mehra House when Neil parked the car, he was insisted by Swara to come inside and visit her parents. He parked the car and they were walking towards entrance of her house.

"Swara do you love Sanskar?" Neil asked when they were about to step inside her home and continued after a moment of pause with narrowed eyes, "or should I say you were always in love with him from childhood?"

Swara stopped in her tracks when she heard his question, she turned in swift moment to look at Neil with her wide eyes who in return was looking at her with scrutinizing gaze. She was not sure how to react to this situation, after Kavya nobody had asked her this question till date not even Sanskar. 'He is Sanskar's best friend, they both are each other's shadow. What am I supposed to answer?' Swara's brain started running the train of thoughts in all direction.

"I heard it Swara so spill the bins out" Neil asked with teased smile pressing his lips to control his chuckle looking at her innocent scared face. He had caught her red handed.

Swara realised when she took out her frustration over Sahil she blurted out the most beautiful secret of her life and Neil was there only, what she thought that he would ignore anything related to Sanskar. She looked down with biting her lips.

"My ears are dying to hear your confession Swara." Neil pushed her more to confess.

Swara nodded her head with blush.

"From childhood? From school days?" Neil asked again to confirm.

Swara nodded her head again.

'Two crazy pious souls madly in love with each other from their childhood' Neil thought shaking his head palming his face with his hand. 'Sanskar would die with happiness the moment he would realise this secret of his Rapunzel.'

"But then why you never told him? In fact, we never realised that you had feelings for him." Neil asked the question which came first in his mind.

Swara raised her head to stare at him with her big doe eyes.

"You can share it with me. I promise. I will not tell him" Neil assured her.

Swara gulped heavy lump formed in her throat and said in low whisper, "You know how he was in school, reserved, dedicated towards his work and focussed towards studies and his competitions. He was never my friend, we never talked with each other. And I used to think that he is with Kavita" Swara blurted out in her own daze when she realised Sanskar had requested her to not reveal her assumptions to his best friends especially Neil so she continued with nodding her head vigorously, "Please don't tell him that I told you...he did not wanted me to tell you...saying you will tease him"

Neil laughed loudly looking at her expressions, he could have easily imagined what would had been Sanskar's reaction to her assumptions. His best friend must have banged his head with first reachable thing.

"Kavita?" Neil said in between his laugh and continued "You did not find any other one. Yuck... that used to be his expressions." Swara started laughing hitting her own forehead.

"But I suggest tell him he would be happy" Neil suggested and thought 'he would go crazy'

"But I don't know if he loves me or not? I mean for him this is pure arrange marriage. I don't want to force my feelings on him" Swara replied shrugging her shoulders with pouty face.

'This is a god made couple. Both are made of each other; their thinking also runs in same direction' Neil thought shaking his head.

"But I still insists, you need to confess, maybe it will change your perspective towards this marriage" Neil tried to convince her though he was sure because of her shy nature she would not confess first. He needed to work hard to knock some senses in his lovesick friend's too much practical brain to confess his feelings first.

They both entered Mehra house and was greeted by Reva and Swara's grand parents

"Neil long time. Come have a seat" Reva wished with bright smile.

"Yes, she is right now a days your best friend comes here every day but you..." Anurag teased while coming out from study room.

"Come on uncle he has beautiful reason right" Neil said winking his eye and passing quick glance at blushed Swara.

Anurag and Reva laughed a loud hearing his teasing's.

"Then I think, I need to ask Nandini Bhabhi to search such a beautiful reason for you as well" Anurag countered back his teasing's.

"Arre Uncle..." Neil could not finish as Reva replied.

"You don't have to worry about it, Nandini had already found princess for him, and trust me she so beautiful." Reva teased wiggling her eyebrows.

"Really Mumma, did you see her? What is her name?" Swara said enthusiastically shifting her gaze between Neil and Reva.

"Samaira Raichand. Right Neil?" Reva winking her eyebrows.

"Samaira...wooh... Nice name" Swara complemented with mischievous tone.

"Come on Aunty, I am not interested" Neil said shrugging his shoulders with carefree chuckle.

"Not Interested...let's see as it is you are meeting her after two days, then we will talk." Reva said with fake anger and continued "Go Shona, come quickly after freshen up." And then turned to look at Neil "And you are not leaving before dinner. I will inform Nandini."

"Why nothing remains as secret in these three families?" Neil whispered scratching his head.

"Don't go there. They use 10G network" Anurag said giggling and giving pat on his back.

Next day came with new excitement for Swara, as Sanskar was going to return back from his business trip. She missed him terribly during these four days. His scheduled arrival was planned for evening. Maheshwari ladies were at Mehra house to discuss about various ritual's preparation which they would need to make in advance under the guidance of elders.

Swara's gaze was going again and again towards the entrance of family room; she had a word with Sanskar 40 minutes back when he informed her that he had landed in Mumbai and would be at home soon.

"Bhabhi, bhai is on the way. Though he came flying but now he must be in the car. And on streets of Mumbai, even if Bhai put David on gunpoint, he won't be able to fly his car. Also, he, would go home get freshen up and then he will come here so at least give some time" Uttara teased murmuring Swara's ear.

Swara blushed and scrunched her nose in reply and started concentrating on discussions.

"Hello everyone" Sanskar greeted everyone while entering Mehra house family room.

"Sanskar" everyone shouted at the same time, whereas Swara's eyes filled with tears to see him after all four days. They shared long eye lock.

Sanskar took blessing from his and her grand parents and then settled down on couch. His black coffee was served to him by maid.

"Swara let's go out for dinner and long drive" Sanskar said taking sip from his coffee.

"Are you not tired Sanskar? You just came from Singapore and..." Swara said with concern.

"I can never get tire when I know I would be spending time with you" Sanskar whispered in her ears giving her goosebumps.

"Ok, I will get ready. Give me 10 minutes" Swara was thrilled to spend some time with him after 4 days. She said and went hurriedly upstairs to get ready.

Elders passed eye message with amused smile adoring their kids.

Soon Swara came downstairs wearing beautiful wine colour, sleeveless ankle length gown with floral prints. They both went to Seafood Speciality restaurant for dinner.

"I was scared to death Rapunzel when that guard told me about Sahil" Sanskar said holding her hand. They were sitting at the roof top hotel waiting for their order.

"Can anything happen to me, when you are with me Sanskar?" Swara replied with smile and assurance, she felt the same desperateness in his eyes which she saw 24 hours back.

"I cannot let anything happen to you. You have become my life Swara, my reason of existence, my breath" Sanskar replied kissing her knuckles. His lips touch gave shudder down to her spine, now a days she has started to be little comfortable with his physical proximity.

"Sanskar, I need to tell you about Sahil. He showed me video of yours and Kavita's in Singapore" Swara informed him in steady voice which gained all attention from Sanskar. She explained in detail her encounter with Sahil to him. She gulped heavily looking at his clenched fist and tight jaw, it was taking his everything to control his rage that moment.

"Swara, she had issues with her passport. Her passport got lost and that's why I met. Trust me, it was noth..." Sanskar could not finish as Swara squeezed his palm which was intertwined with her delicate fingers.

"You don't need to give me any explanations. I trust you more than anybody else Sanskar" Swara said with utmost sincerity and assurance.

'I need to check with Neil, what exactly had happened? Sahil had crossed his limits. He will pay for it. Also, Kavita are you involved with Sahil? If yes you are going face me.' Sanskar thought taking a deep breath and then putting soft smile on his face. He did not want to spoil this beautiful evening with Swara.

Soon waiter brought their order and they had their dinner talking about his trip, Swara sharing updates on their marriage preparation but most of the time they were just staring at each other's eyes.

Sanskar stopped the car near beach, it was almost midnight and full moon with starry sky was giving perfect atmosphere for romantic night.

Sanskar pulled her over his chest wrapping his arms around her petite figure, inhaling sweet fragrance of her silky, smooth hairs.

"Do you know how much I missed you?" Sanskar mumbled kissing her hairs and drawing circles on her bare arm.

"I missed you to Sanskar" Swara whispered in low voice snuggling in his chest and clutching his shirt in her fist. His Jimmy Choo musky perfume was filled in her nostrils giving all new sensation to her body.

Sanskar broke their hug but not his hold over her shoulder, he moved down to kiss her cheeks just beside her lips.

"Ohh god, I missed it so much" he mumbled against her skin and moved little down towards her chin and whispered leaving his hot breath over her skin before kissing her, "You don't know how much I lose my senses when it comes to you." He moved little more down towards her neck leaving his lingering kisses on her slender neck "I can't wait for three more weeks, I promise I will not leave you even for second on our wedding night."

Sanskar's husky voice, intense touch, his mention for their wedding night resulted in Swara' melting in his embrace and moaning his name in whisper "Sanskar"

His name in her melodious voice broke all his self-control and he started giving her open mouth kisses on her side of neck just below her ear. Swara was melting in his touch, she wanted to respond but his proximity had made her mind blank.

Sudden light flashed from other car disturbed their moment and Sanskar gained his senses moving little back and looking at her serene face. With closed eyes, cherry red cheeks, biting her lips, taking deep breaths and holding his shirt in her fist, his Rapunzel was looking like an epitome of beauty.

"My Rapunzel" Sanskar kissed her forehead and continued against her skin "I am sorry if I had made you uncomfortable"

Swara opened her eyes in daze, it took some time for her brain to register Sanskar's words.

"I am all yours" Swara mumbled and hid her face in his chest. Sanskar pulled her more close to his heart, he was cherishing their moment, their togetherness after 4 days which he spent missing her badly.

"Hey, I forgot" Sanskar said abruptly after some moments of peaceful silence and then opening the glovebox from dashboard.

"What?" Swara asked in confusion, shifting back to her seat.

He took out one box and gave it to Swara saying "Open it. This one is for you"

Swara took the box and opened it, there was beautiful platinum chain with 'SS' diamond pendant.

"This is so beautiful Sanskar" Swara said caressing pendant with admiration.

"Can I make you wear this?" Sanskar asked with smile.

"Sure" Swara gave it to him and Sanskar made her wear the chain remembering how he bought this piece of jewellery "When I saw this, your smily face came in front of my eyes. So, I bought it"

"It's beautiful. Thank you so much" Swara said looking at the pendant which she was holding in her fingers.

"You don't need to thank me this is your right to receive all pampering's from your husband" Sanskar replied with mischievous grin, igniting the engine of his car.

Next day, Sanskar was working on his cabin when Neil and Roger entered his cabin. He had already messaged both of them to discuss about Sahil and Kavita.

"Roger keep a close eye on Sahil. I need to know his each and every activity. We need to trap him. He crossed his limits" Sanskar said with authoritative aura.

"Sure Sir, I will plant our men around him. We will surely get something about him within a day or two looking at his profile." Roger replied professionally.

"Also tap his conversation with Kavita Roy" Neil said tapping his fingers on Sanskar's desk.

"He is right, find out if they had become friends recently or not?" Sanskar said passing narrow eyed look to Roger.

"Sure sir, about this I will have some concrete information by end of tomorrow." Roger replied with confidence.

Sanskar and Neil both nod their head in acknowledgement and Roger left from the cabin leaving two best friends alone.

"Don't worry, we will not leave him" Neil said understanding the rage boiling inside his best friend's heart and continued "I would have smashed him that day only, but then I cannot deny he is your cousin"

"All these days, I overlooked at his advances thinking about Masi but not now. He crossed all his limits, Swara told me everything" Sanskar said shaking his head.

"We will handle him in our way" Neil said and continued to cheer up his friend with teased smile "What about your bachelors party? We all are set to celebrate your last days of freedom. Yatch is already booked and getting ready with drinks, food, music"

"Come on. You know I don't need that." Sanskar replied with laugh and wink.

"Yes yes, I know how much you are desperate!" Neil said casually.

"Come on you also must be desperate for tomorrow, going to meet a girl for an arranged marriage" Sanskar teased him with pressed lips.

"I am surely going to reject. I mean how can I decide to marry a girl in just one meet. Arrange marriage straight NO for me" Neil shaking his head vigorously.

"Let's see what happens? I mean, I am also getting married in an arranged marriage. It's beautiful feeling you know" Sanskar tried to convince his best friend.

"Your's and arrange marriage? Where did that come from? You loved her from last fifteen years and She...?" Neil said abruptly but stopped in middle before splitting out Swara's secret.

"And She...? Swara...?" Sanskar asked with scrunched eyebrow and continued "what about Swara?"

****************************************

Precap –

Will Neil spills Swara's secret to Sanskar?

How Sahil will get trapped?

Who will first get to know the secret of their childhood love? Swara or Sanskar.

How will he/she will get to know the secret?

Are you guys loving Neil?

Thank you so much for loving and supporting this story of Swasan. I hope you will like this chapter. Please let me know your views and feedback in the form of votes and comments.

Love

AngelTweet.