Sanskar's POV

This is not possible.

What Badi Ma was saying me and her?

No... this is not possible

Of course this is not possible

How could it be possible?

Or is this possible?

Is this REALLY POSSIBLE?

Ohh god my brain will burst with all these thoughts. I need to talk to her. I got up from my bed went in my dressing room opened the closet. I moved all my shirts and there she was My Rapunzel. I took that doll in my hands.

"Did you heard what Badi Ma said? She said you and me will make perfect pair. This is possible Rapunzel" I kissed her forehead "You will be mine. Only mine"

I was crying and smiling at the same time, I could not hold my breath. I kept that doll on my chest and I hugged her petit figure.

I still remember that day when I saw her first time. Ramesh came to call me and Lucky saying Mom is calling us to meet with guest. I was frustrated since this Lego was too difficult for me to fix and why not.... recommended age for that play set was 15 when I was just 11. Still I was trying.

I was descending the stairs when I saw one little girl standing in front of Badi Ma facing her back towards us.

I heard Mom's voice "Come here Sanskar and Laksh" and then she turned to look at us. And I lost my breath there only with her one innocent look. Her big doe hazel nut eyes, chubby cheeks, pink lips, cute nose she was the cutest girl I have ever seen till that day, in fact till today. I even forgot to change the expressions on my face looking at her. I warned my brain that I need to give her smile but somehow my brain did not process that request.

She was wearing pink colour frock, pink hair band and a doll in her hand. I forgot to blink my eyes I was looking straight in her hypnotising big doe eyes. But then I heard Lucky said something and she moved her gaze from me to him. I was so embarrassed to behave like that. 'Ohh shit, I was continuously staring at little girl.'

Lucky took her to our toy room; I came behind them. She started playing with Uttara, but I was glancing her at every now and then. She was playing with kitchen set and dolls. I was not able to concentrate on the Lego and that frustrated me even more. Then she came near me holding her doll near her chest and asked in melodious voice "Sanskar would you like to play with us?"

Ohh god! my name never sounded that beautiful to me before that day. And I almost jumped in my sit and wanted to say loudly 'yes I want to play with you' but then I look at her back it was Kitchen Set and Dolls. In morning only, I was arguing with Uttara that I will not play with girl's toys. I glanced at Lucky who was looking at me with intently. 'He will surely tell Neil and Rohan about me playing with girl's toys and then they will tease me. What should I do?'

I was frustrated what to answer her, and I blurted with irritation "I don't play with girls' stuff." I saw her gloomy face from my corner eyes, which I did not like even a bit. Lucky that idiot brother of mine offered to play and went with her jumping like monkey. I seriously wanted to kill him with my bare hands that moment.

They stayed at our house for 15 days. I used to see her, she had beautiful smile, melodious voice and pure heart. All these days I wanted to talk to her but then I myself was confused with what I was feeling about her. Whenever she was in front of me, I just wanted to keep looking at her, but she was kid. So, I used to turn and keep my stone face showing that I don't care about anyone, trying my best to avoid her. Actually, that was my precautionary measure.

Then the day came when their house was ready to move, and they were shifting. I wanted to stop her and make her to stay near me.... Very near to me. But I knew I cannot do it. So, a night before they leave, I went to her and Uttu's room and took the doll which she was holding near her chest and sleeping peacefully. It was her favourite doll always used to be with her. I took that doll without disturbing her sleep and went back to my room.

Next day I saw her crying, and everybody was looking for her doll, but they could not find it. I thought I did wrong, so I went in my room to give her doll back but then what will happen when everybody asks me what I am supposed to answer. I was crying because she was crying. I could not see tears in her eyes. I remain in my room for whole day. When at night Mom came to my room to call me for dinner, first thing I asked her about Swara. She said Anurag uncle promised her to get new doll, so she was ok that gave me relief.

Our school was going to start, and I was super happy that she will be also in same school and will be in front of me. In morning before we leave for school Bade Papa and Dad called me in their study.

"Sanskar you are elder one in all four of you. And you take care of Uttara very well in school the same way you need to take care of Swara now onwards" Dad said caressing my hairs.

"Swara is my daughter, Sanskar. Will you take care of her beta?" Bade Papa asked me.

"Of course, Bade papa, Dad" I said cheerfully.

When I came back to my room, I started rejoicing that I will be taking care of Swara. Dad and Bade Papa wanted me to be responsible towards her. But I did not want to take care of her as Uttara. Uttara is my sister. No way I don't want her to be...I don't even want to say it.

In school, I saw her coming out of Principal Sir's cabin along with Anurag uncle and again I lost my breath. She was looking very cute in that school uniform white shirt with school badge on left side with Khaki colour skirt and criss-cross navy blue tie, white socks and black school shoes with a pink Barbie backpack on her back. She had tied her hairs in high ponytail. I need to stay away from this girl else she will put me in big trouble because of her cuteness. I was looking everywhere but not at her just to avoid any embarrassment and to escape from situation.

Anurag uncle said the same thing "Sanskar, Laksh will you please take care of my Shona."

Of course, I wanted to take care of her but AS A FRIEND.

I always used to follow her in school, thankfully her classroom entrance was visible from my class window, so my seat was fixed beside that window. I always used to keep my eyes on her. She had only two friends and I was happy those were only girls. She was shy, innocent, pure hearted and simple girl. She had most beautiful smile. She was bright student used to top in her class for which I used to feel swelling on my heart.

One day I was coming out from our Chemistry lab, I heard some anklet sound from activity room. I excused my gang and went to check it. I peep from window and there she was practising her Kathhak dance. She was wearing white colour Punjabi suite and red colour chunari which was on her left shoulder but tied on her waist. She was doing some steps, she had beautiful smile. Her eyes were dancing on her each move. Her delicate fingers were making different shapes. And then she turned in swift moment that moment I saw her long, silky, jet-black hairs. I felt this urged to go and touch them they must be smooth as cream. My Rapunzel. Yes, she is My Rapunzel.

Everybody call her Swara or Shona or Shoru, but I wanted to give her name by which only I can call her, so she is My Rapunzel.

She never observed me but all the time I used to follow her, whenever she used to look at me, I used to turn my gaze or keep my face as stone heart. She was still a kid a cute 10-year girl. I could understand that I feel extreme pull and attraction towards her. Is this infatuation? Or crush? Maybe I will overcome with it over the time. I need to stay away from her if I stay close to her and do something inappropriate then our family will surely kill me, she was center of affection of my family along with my little sister.

Nobody knew that I even tried to get failed in my 9th standard exams. And trust me it was so difficult for me to get fail. Even without studies I scored 90%. I wanted to get failed for three consecutive years so that I could be in her class. I got so much advice from my parents, teachers and friends about how to concentrate on studies. My Mom became so worried on my behaviour that she took my horoscope to show it to some Guruji.

But then I realised every time when I perform good in studies or in any competition, My Rapunzel come to wish me. "Congratulations Sanskar" her words, just one word and my name in her melodious voice, this is what I want to hear my entire life. I used to reply with one word "Thanks" because I knew it if I take her name or talk more, I will not be able to control my stupid heart. She is kid to understand all these things, I used to make my crazily thumping heart understand 'just wait for couple of more years'.

I used to always wait for her birthday, because this was the only day when I got the opportunity to go and wish to her. But again, I never took her name, it will be my death if I take her name, my heart will explode the same moment. She never realised but, on her every birthday, I used to give her gift with my pocket money savings. It used to be very small Keychains, bracelets, earrings or small teddy. I used to keep it in her room along with Ferrero Rocher Chocolate box. I knew she love it very much. She never realised and I could not gather courage to go and tell her. But I knew she must have kept all those safe in her room, at least I can hope that. Cross fingers.

Neil always used to ask me about what is going on in my mind and I used to give him some lame excuses. Not only Neil but Kavita and Rohan as well. Neil was my best friend, my shadow, my buddy, but still I had not shared my feelings with him, it was my beautiful secret with My Rapunzel.

Kavita was in our group because Rohan had crush on her else sometimes, she was irritating. I did not like her show-off attitude, flirting nature but I could understand Rohan. He was in same boat as of mine, but my case was different My Rapunzel was very far from me yet too close to my heart.

I had so much over these years and now I want to let go of everything; I was 16 she was 13 we were quite big now. At least I should start friendship with her, and the best day would be Diwali. When we went to Mehra house she was standing and helping maid to put all diyas near entrance. She was wearing sea green colour lehenga and trust me I skipped my heartbeat then and there; I just touched my death bed and came back. She was looking divine in those lights. Her anklets and bangles sound were more audible to me than those noisy firecrackers.

I wished her "Happy Diwali" she wished me back looking at me with her big doe eyes. She shifted her hair strand behind her ear, and I could see her small smile and red cheeks. I went from there immediately else I would have kissed her chubby cheeks that moment.

I was with Lucky we were burning firecrackers when I saw her coming towards us, I just came back after lightening one rainbow, I still had sparkle in my hand when I looked at her. She looked at me with smile and Uttu captured that moment in camera. My first and only picture with My Rapunzel. That moment I realised that this is not any crush or infatuation but love. I love my Rapunzel and I want her with me for whole my life.

When we came back home, I trade off my entire year pocket money with Uttara just to get that one pic from her. I could not sleep, thinking all possibilities how I should increase our friendship and then turn friendship into love. I wanted to make her fall in love with me. Me and My Rapunzel, our love, our world.

Next day I heard Mom talking on phone with Reva aunty.

"Reva give phone to Swara" Mom said.

"Baccha what happened? First stop crying" Mom continued.

My Rapunzel is crying what happened? I was worried to death.

"Ok come to home, you are my beti na just like Uttara. We will celebrate bhaiduj here. Just come home right now" Mom said dropping bomb on me.

'What the hell mom you just said? This is not possible.' I was so frustrated how can she think of me and My Rapunzel like this. I wanted to scream my heart out 'she is not your daughter and not like my..... shit I don't even want to say that.' I rushed to my room locking it from inside. I don't want to face anyone.

Lucky, bucky, idiot, monkey, donkey agreed to become her brother and they celebrated Bhaiduj here at home with all greetings and smiley faces. Thankfully nobody came upstairs to call me. But that moment I realised what our families think about us. For them it will be unethical for me to think about her in that sense. I cried and cried whole day and night trying to make my bleeding heart understand.

Then one day I heard Vivek from our class who was talking with his friends about Swara, he was going to ask her for ice-cream date. No way, my blood boiled, how dare he even think about her like that. I remembered how many boys from our school till today I threatened and thrashed whom I found talking or even looking at My Rapunzel.

The moment Vivek was alone I grabbed his hand and took him on the terrace of our school and threatened him. He got scared looking at my blood shot eyes and dangerous voice.

"Sanskar, leave him" I heard Neil shouting from my back.

Still I did not lose my grip on Vivek's arm or even moved my gaze from his scared face. Neil came and released my hold from his arm. Vivek started leaving when I told him in my cold and dangerous voice "Stay away from her. Don't you even dare to think about her."

Vivek nodded his head gulping down and went from there leaving me and Neil alone.

Neil was looking at me with narrowed eyes. I run my hand from my hairs to control my rage not even looking at him.

"Care to explain?" Neil asked pointing at the terrace door when he saw I was not responding anything to him.

I started moving towards door without answering him anything. When I felt pull on my arm, I looked at him with moist eyes.

"Who?" Neil asked again. He was amazed by my actions.

I was standing in front of him bowing my head to control my tears.

"Swara?" Neil asked in whisper narrowing his eyes.

I looked at him in shock. Just her name brought small smile on my face and my heart started racing with marathon speed. 'How does he know about it? Ohh he is my best friend; how can I forget it!' I again run my hand from my hairs and tightly closed my eyes taking deep breath nodding my head.

"Congratulations bro" Neil hugged me shouting with happiness and continued "I was having this doubt on you from long. The way you look at her and you follow her. But I was thinking you are just caring for her since she is your family member."

I broke our hug and shook my head "That's the problem she is just like a family to me."

"Means? Forget it. When are you going to tell her?" Neil asked wiggling his eyebrows.

"It's not that simple Neil. In fact, it's not even possible" I said dropping my shoulders.

"Why?" Neil asked scrunching his eyebrows.

I told him everything from the day we first met till what happened on Diwali. "Anurag Uncle, Bade Papa and Dad are three best friends. If I confess my feelings to her it will break their friendship which is going on from ages and it will impact Karma as well. Nobody will agree for this not even Swara. For all of them it is unethical for me to have such feelings for her. But the sad thing is I...I can..I cannot control." I cried hard in my best friend's embrace. He also had tears in his eyes over my fate.

"I need to stay away from her, else I will do something which will destroy everything." I said after pouring my heart in the form of tears.

"You love her. How you will stay away from her? Just accept it we will see whatever happen in future. You will have me by your side every time" Neil said patting my shoulder.

"No Neil I thought a lot, it's not possible. These days it is becoming difficult for me to breath if she is in front of me. I cannot concentrate on anything. I am thinking to apply for any International Scholarships in US or UK. I know I will get it then I will go away." I said looking at far when I felt one more stream of tears on my cheeks.

"Are you running away? Don't give up Sanskar." Neil said trying to convince me.

"It's ok. I have accepted my fate" I said defeatedly and started leaving from terrace.

I had decided that I will not go on prom but Rohan told me he wanted to go on prom with Kavita so I should I ask her on behalf of him. He wanted to propose her, he was busy in planning some surprise for her, so I did. He wanted me to tell her to wear black since he was going to wear black and he planned some black and red theme.

I helped him with this thought that at least one love story will reach to it's destination. But bad luck to Rohan, Kavita proposed me on Prom night shocking me, which I declined respectfully. My heart was always belonged to My Rapunzel. Kavita accepted my decision gracefully, keeping a condition that we will remain friends as before which I agreed.

I earned scholarship to Howard, we had party at house she was wearing beautiful baby pink colour gown, she was looking breath taking.

Everybody thinks black is my favourite but little they know Pink is my favourite since it is her favourite.

Dev uncle and Nandini aunty complemented her, I left from there to control my tears. From the day I got mail confirmation from university, I was dying each moment that I will be going away from her. I won't be able to see her smiling face which acts as oxygen to me.

The day came when I need to leave for US. I am gonna miss everybody but more than everybody I am gonna miss My Rapunzel. I bid bye to all when I came near to my friends she was standing there. I hugged Neil and said "take care" passing quick glance at My Rapunzel.

He knew about whom I was talking, I was telling him to take care of My Rapunzel. I have already told Lucky a night before that now he needs to take care of Uttara and Swara. I reminded him not to forget what I told him.

"Bye Sanskar" I heard her melodious voice, 'when next time I will hear my name from her, I don't know.'

I bid final bye to her, if I stay here more, I won't be able to go. I went towards door. I gather all my strength just not to look back at her for once.

These all 8 years were like hell for me without her. I always used to talk with her doll. She was keeper of all my secrets her first memory. Everybody visited me here, even Anurag Uncle and Reva aunty but Swara, she never came. I used to see her in pictures shared by Lucky and Uttara. When it used to be unbearable for me to breath, I used to tell Neil. He somehow used to meet her and make her talk and at the same time used to give me call so that I can at least hear her voice. Nobody knows but I used to ask Security head of our house to share video footage from security cameras installed all over home and corridors, just to see her, whenever I got to know that she visited home. I used to feel thrilled when I used to see her entering my room with either Uttara or Badi Ma or Mom or any maid.

Now yesterday I came back, it was on insistence of Dadi, she perfectly knew how to blackmail me. My heartbeat was thumping in the ribcage that I felt it will break anytime when I stepped inside home. I knew, I will be able to see her after all long 8 years. My eyes were searching for her. And there she was standing beside Reva aunty.

I skipped my heartbeat for a moment she looked so beautiful, in fact beautiful word was nothing in front of her. I need to find new adjective to describe the epitome of beauty standing in front of me. She was simple as earlier wearing orange colour Kurti with three forth sleeves paired with yellow colour leggings. She had highlighted her eyes and put nude lipstick on those rose petals and light make up. I just wanted to wrap her in my embrace to tell her how much I missed her over these years. She was looking at me with her big doe eyes. I can spend my entire life just by looking at them. Truly she had turned into the most gorgeous and divine lady over these years still maintaining that cuteness and innocence. I felt alive when I heard my name from her melodious voice.

I was thrilled when Reva aunty said My Rapunzel cooked my favourite Prawns curry. I just wanted to lick my fingers it was damn tasty. I was enjoying it with my whole concentration ignoring all talks from our family members.

Next day when I entered party, I was messaging my PA Mike about next day's schedule when I saw her standing next to Lucky. 'Shit. She is going to be my death today. Why the hell she is wearing that saree? Does she even know what she is doing to my poor heart? It is soon gonna explode with bang.'

I wanted to hold her in my arms and kissed those rose petals senselessly. Her every curve was draped in that saree perfectly. She was looking elegant, divine, cute, sexy, hot and I lost my words. I was looking at her when she was also looking at me in amusement. We were sharing eye lock. Our first longest eye lock.

My gaze went on her milky white hands, she was wearing that Harry Winston's limited edition diamond watch which I bought for her on her last birthday with my earnings, I passed it to her through Mom. My heart was doing somersault, that she was wearing at least one thing which belonged to me. I believe she did not realize that on the back of watch there is word 'SwaSan' engraved joining our names.

My trance was broken when Kavita wrapped her arms around my neck. I was in daze; I was still not over with My Rapunzel, but she turned her gaze to other side. I saw Neil my best friend. I missed him, after almost one year we were meeting.

"Just don't give up Sanskar, go and tell her. It's high time now." Neil again tried to convince me which he was continuously doing from last 10 years while I was busy searching for My Rapunzel in crowd.

I shook my head in negative with teary eyes looking everywhere but not at him.

Then I felt pull on my arm, Kavita was pulling me 'now what does she want? Please spare me lady I need to see My Rapunzel'

"Sanskar will you please talk to Dad? It's high time now" Kavita was begging me.

'Ohh Yes, she wanted me to talk to Ashok uncle that Kavita wants to join Karma's PR for upcoming marketing initiatives for South Asian Region'.

"Of course, I will talk to uncle. You don't worry." I replied her and continued "But Kavita you need to prove; I mean you have to clear selection process on your own. Sorry, but I cannot help you in that."

Then me and Kavita came back to party when I saw her dancing with Laksh. I seriously wanted to kill my own brother. I was always jealous with their bond and comfortableness with each other.

Soon the dance floor was open for couples to dance. Kavita pulled me for dance, I was dancing with her reluctantly, thinking may be after a moment Laksh will leave her and I will get a chance to dance with My Rapunzel.

Kavita was blabbering about her modeling assignments and how it will help Karma, but my complete concentration was on My Rapunzel.

She danced with Dad and Bade Papa as well, but then I saw Sahil with her. And my blood boiled. 'What the hell he is doing here? When he came back from Sydney?"

Sahil my cousin and my number one enemy. We both know how much we hate each other from childhood. He always wants to snatch whatever is mine. But this time he was laying his finger on My Rapunzel. She was smiling and talking while dancing with him, she is too innocent to know the true intentions of this creep. 'Ohh god I am gonna kill him then and there'.

Then again music change I was about to make move to pull Swara to me when I saw Anurag Uncle coming towards Sahil and Swara, which gave much relief to my boiling heart.

Anurag uncle is a damn possessive father. He asked her hand for dance passing tight smile to Sahil.

I twirled Kavita in such a way that she landed in front of him. I knew Sahil, he is Playboy and Kavita loves flirting, so she will be an easy target for him.

I went to bar to calm my rage, I gulped peg of scotch with coke in one shot. I heard my Masi's voice who was saying something to my Mom "Sahil and Swara look good together." That statement broke all my patience level.

I went directly on dance floor and grabbed Sahil's hand which was there on Kavita's waist and dragged him to the corner. I did not want to create any mess here in the party. I pulled him forcefully with me and took him to the isolated corridor which leads to servants' quarters and storeroom.

"Sanskar wait" I heard Neil's voice.

He was well aware about what I will do with Sahil.

I said in most dangerous voice holding his collars and pulling his face near my face "Stay away from her. Don't you dare to lay your finger on her."

I sensed Sahil flinched looking at my red eyes. But he needs a lesson for touching what is mine.

I pushed him in storeroom and Neil entered following me. Neil closed the door with a bang. From the day I told Neil about my feelings for Swara, he is protecting her like a big brother.

"What the hell?" Sahil shouted getting up from floor and continued straitening his jacket. "I don't have any interest in Kavita, you can have her for yourself."

"Swara" I said narrowing my eyes pointing my finger at him.

"Swara, that's a breaking news?" He said mocking at me.

"Don't test my patience. Just stay away from her. She is not like your other flinches." I warned him again and turned to open the door of storeroom.

"Of course, a girl like Swara is not for one-night stand. Her beauty is to treasure for entire life." Sahil's voice ringed in the storeroom and I turned to look at him furiously fisting my fingers which are ready to punch him, but his next statement took all my strength away.

"You want me to stay away from my future wife?" I was baffled and looked at Neil with open mouth. Sahil laughed looking at my stunned face "Mom is going to propose this alliance in front of Mehra's."

"No" I did not even realize when that word slipped from my mouth. I felt floor swept away from my feet. I looked at Neil, he was also looking shocked as me.

"Yes bro, she is going to be mine. We will have our engagement soon, I will make her wear ring, then I will take her on date with me, then we will have our wedding and after wedding we will have our wedding nig...." I did not let him finish but punched on his face so hard that his lips started bleeding.

"It's ok. I won't mind this time. I am taking this as your gift on this good news." Sahil said with smirk, looking at me, wiping the blood oozing out from his lips. And then he left from room leaving me and Neil alone.

Neil shook me by my shoulders, I looked at him blankly. I closed my eyes and stream of tears rolling on my cheeks. My Rapunzel, I won't be able to see her with someone else. She is mine.

"Ignore Sanskar. He was saying bullshit" Neil hugged me and said patting my back.

"I lost her" I realised I was crying bitterly.

"No, you did not" Neil said giving me confidence. "Do you think Anurag uncle will allow a guy like him to even go near her? He did not even like it, when he danced with her for couple of minutes. Forget about, HE, accepting this alliance."

"I love her. I just want her Neil. I don't want anything. Just My Rapunzel" I took step back and touched my back to wall for support.

"You will get her. I promise" Neil said holding my shoulder.

"I will die Neil; I cannot bear this pain" even the wall support was not enough for me I slid down and sat on the floor folding my knees near my chest.

"Listen Sanskar. Look at me. She will be yours only yours. Its enough now. Either you are going to confess everything to Swara or I am going to tell her. You have only 24 hours. After 24 hours I will not wait even for single second, but I will let Swara know everything" Neil was saying cupping my face.

I just stared at him blankly and muttered after almost 5 minutes "Will she agree?"

"Of course, bro. She will not get anyone who will love her like you do. And I know only you can keep her happy" Neil said convincing me.

"But what about family?" I asked like small child.

"That we will handle later, right now just focus on Swara. Your Rapunzel" Neil said and continued "Tomorrow during lunch time, I will somehow bring her to office, she will be in my cabin alone. I will message you. That's your time."

I nodded my head, leaving a heavy sigh. It's do or die for me. 'I cannot live without her, she is my breath, my heartbeat, my soul, my life.'

I left from party, came back to my room sat on bed thinking about next steps. After sometime I went to take shower and I was preparing how to convey my feelings to her. I know she will get scare but I have to do it for us when I heard a knock on the door.

And then my mothers dropped another bomb on me "they always wanted this from our childhood." 'What the hell is that mean?' I wanted to shout at them 'Are you guys freaking me out? if you wanted this why you did not tell me earlier, I would have not lost 15 precious years staying away from My Rapunzel.'

***************************
Now please tell me who all are hating Sanskar???

Precap -

Will Swara accept marriage proposal with Sanskar?

What will be her reaction on Sanskar's acceptance?

Will Sanskar confess his love to Swara as per Neil's plan?

Thanks in advance for your votes and comments.