Here is the next update. Apologies, I am late than intended. Life got busy, but I hope this long update makes up to it.

Happy Reading and don't forget to let me know your thoughts. Please ignore any errors and typos found

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Sleep evaded Sanskaar, that night. His mind was plagued with questions. His troubled heart looked for answers. And this game of heart and mind never seemed to end. From two years he had his heart locked in memories of that one night and 'her'. His masked girl. He had been waiting for her, however absurd and logicless it was.

She had his heart. It didn't have the right to beat for someone else. It didn't, till Swara walked in and it flipped.

'Traitor' Sanskaar scowled.

There's no doubt his feelings for Swara were escalating at a rapid scale. His heart seemed to have a will of its own on being drawn towards her and here comes the worst part: He didn't have a say in it.

All these years, he met many women but no one stirred rush of emotions like Swara did, just in a matter of few weeks. His dates with other women never went right. He couldn't be around them for long.

No one had his interest, but with Swara, it's totally different. There's no denial at all. He liked being around her. She made a way into his thoughts, these days more often. And he didn't mind at all. It felt like a harmless activity, until today.

That one moment in the car, how hopelessly he was drawn to her, made him severely restless and he felt more threatened than ever, of his feelings.

That's being disloyal to the masked girl. Was he?

In a spur of a moment, he pulled out drawer and took out the mask. And it hit him. It had been days, he cast a glance at it, when before it would have been a ritual every night. These days, he was so tangled in his feelings, his work and of course Swara, he didn't miss 'her', Sanskaar admitted grudgingly. He needs to feel terrible, not confused.

He is cheating.

Cheating? really? with an imaginary character? or the one you have no clue would ever turn up? is what Laksh would say, shaking his head at this theory.

Still, how could he be drawn towards two women at once? Wrong! Sanskaar thought sternly.

But here is the fix. When it felt wrong with others, why doesn't it feel the same with Swara? He had been forcing himself to accept, it was wrong...when in reality it didn't.

Why?

And he had no answer, like always.

God! Sanskaar tossed and turned on the bed. Was his life less complicated with mystery now it turned into a triangle love story? Great! Sanskaar.Enjoy! Teri phuti kismat. You couldn't handle one, Now you have two, and the bad part again: Both girls were clueless of torture, they are inflicting on him.

He stared at the mask intently. He slowly moved it away from his eyes. Then there was the image of Swara with her heart in the eyes, 'for him.' Then again the mask...Swara. Mask and Swara.

He played this game for a while, didn't even realize his eyes giving up.

He still had the mask in his hand and he dreamt...

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The whole space was dim lit. It was the same room and dance floor as of that night, but he was all alone. Music faintly touched his ears. He knew the song at once. It was Dmitri Shostakovich - Waltz No2, the one which played while they were dancing that night.

Everything rushed back to him. Every bit of that night. Where was she? His eyes looked around. She must be here. The click of heels on the floor caught his attention...and a mirthful laugh.

She's here! Right in this room, with him.

"Where are you ?" He murmured softly as if talking to self.

Here! Her whispery voice caressed his ear like a breeze as her hands wrapped him from behind in soft hold. Sanskaar closed his eyes and sighed. Finally.

He placed his hands over hers gently and let the feeling sink in. Only if she knew how much he yearned for her all these years.

"You are here!" He whispered back.

"I have always been with you...Sanskaar." Her voice was pleasingly smooth and musical.

And he felt the same tug, strongly familiar. His name. She knows him. She does.

In one swift movement, he pulled her to the front, his one hand curving around her in a possessive hold. She looked startled at his move, at least her widened eyes behind the mask, conveyed the same. But his message was clear too.

'I am not letting you go'

He was again staring into depths of those caramel eyes, his heart beating against hers in much-known rhythm. She looked same as of that night, breathtaking and beautiful. Her hands twined around his shoulder, she gazed back at him with the same passion. And he realized they were swaying to the music.

"Why did you run away that night? You never came back!" He complained brushing an errant lock of her hair. She chose silence, lowered her eyes and sighed at the touch of his finger feathering her cheeks. He held her chin and she was forced to meet his eyes. "Who are you?"

She didn't answer.

"You like teasing me, don't you?" He murmured and leaned forward. His breath came hot against hers."You have no clue what you have done to me." His words were faintest of whispers and the touch of his lips soft as silk. They glided smoothly over her satiny skin and she trembled in his hands grabbing a handful of his shirt.

"Tell me that night meant something to you. We meant something... I mean something." He breathed into her neck and she clung to him, catching her breath.

"My Everything" Her heart screamed. She bit back those words. But it felt impossible to hold back any longer under his sensual teasing, melting her into his heat. Not anymore. She can't.

"Who are you?"He asked in a desperate need.

Not willing to answer, she stepped back into darkness but he held her hand before she disappeared into shadows, again. Not This time. He will have his answers. He pulled her back, only she didn't have a mask this time.

And he was looking at...

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Swara ...

Sanskaar jerked out of his sleep, his heart thudding madly, his breath heavy. Dream! It was a dream. Just a dream. He took deep breaths in a bid to calm himself It can't be ... It can't be her.

Or Could it be?

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Sanskaar walked in late to the office next morning, probably for the first time in years. Last night just took a toll on his mind. He could catch some sleep only in morning wee hours. The dream jumbled him up further. Was his mind making up all those imaginations, but they felt vivid, crystal clear. He had been thinking too much last night and he just mixed up both, was the explanation he gave to himself. But he had a nagging feeling, he couldn't put to rest.

And he decided. He will stay away from Swara, till he could keep his feelings at bay. Yes, I will and he recalled her face, that cute dreamy smile, sparkle in her eyes...It's gonna be tough, In Fact very.

Don't look at her for long. Just a smile and nod, Bas! Sanskaar repeated to himself over the drive and he stepped into cabin resolved to put his thoughts to action.

And every bit tossed out.

She was not in her place and he no way wanted to admit the dash of disappointment he felt. She would be in by now.

Wait! Is she fine? Or is she stuck somewhere ? Concern took over him. She could have called him. Ye ladki bhi na... Sanskaar shook his head and fished out his mobile. Just then his eyes fell on her bag, placed carefully in her chair. Probably It missed his notice.

Relief was his first feeling. Sanskaar, tu Bhi na bewaja pareshan ho raha tha! She must be around. Maybe she's making coffee for him, his favorite. He smiled smugly and walked inside. And he waited. His eyes moved to entrance now and then, eager to catch a glimpse of her. Each passing minute felt tedious. His fingers tapped on the keyboard but his mind was wandering around Swara.

You wanted to stay away! His Inner voice chided, "Giving up the resolution already !are we?

It's just concern, Sanskaar shot back and could feel his inner self,  having a hearty laugh at this failed attempts. He was tempted to go out and check if she was back. No ! I am not doing that. He told himself.

Maybe a call.Nah! He could imagine, she will come running all topsy-turvy. Or maybe he could walk into the pantry and watch her making coffee. Hmm... Not a bad idea.

His eyes moved to the filled water bottle on the table. With no second thoughts, he grabbed and gulped half of it. Yes! He needs a refill. He is going pantry.

Oh Yeah! Nice excuse, Sanskaar. The chiding continued

He brushed it aside and stepped out of the cabin. Every floor in Maheshwari Inc. had a pantry area with coffee dispenser, flavored tea bags of all possible kinds, a microwave and of course water, hot and cold. Sanskaar looked round as he walked to the pantry.

Kaha chali gayi ye ladki.! Well if he can't find her here either, He's gonna call.

Just a few steps, he caught sight of her with a cup in her hand. See, I knew! He grinned.

One more step, his smile faded. There was this other guy before her and they were smiling at each other, happily chatting. Jealousy shot through Sanskaar. His grip on bottle tightened. Then something happened.

This guy whoever he was, brushed a strand of Swara's hair. Sanskaar almost crushed the bottle and he wanted to smash it right on this guys head, hit him left and right. And he was stunned next minute! Stunned at the violent turn his thoughts were taking. Suddenly something flashed before his eyes from that night.

Who are you?" he asked not sure of his own voice and breath, just a mere whisper. She didn't answer and lowered her eyes. His fingers gently brushed a loose wisp of her hair, tucked it behind her ear. And he was looking at Swara.

He turned away and strode off. He didn't like whatever he saw and he hated what he felt. This intense new emotion coursing through him like fire.

Swara looked equally taken aback at the unexpected gesture and stepped back. "Rahul! I would really appreciate if you would maintain certain limits. We are classmates. I am just having a coffee with you, smiled and chatted for a few minutes. That doesn't give you right to step on my personal boundaries. I am sorry If I was rude, but... "Swara drew in a deep breath. "Please keep this in mind." and she stormed off without even waiting to hear another side.

From now on mind your business Swara! She told herself. That morning she reached early. Sanskaar messaged he would be ringing in late. She thought of having a cup of tea before busy day starts kicks off.

She dashed into Rahul, her classmate, an intern in another department. He stared conversation. She felt harmless, but she no way expected his move. That felt so damn bloody intimate. How dare he? She hated getting touchy even with closest of friends, only did one touch her skin and her soul. She let him. It will always be 'him' and only 'him' Others can go to hell.

On the other side, Sanskaar couldn't get over his anger. If he was troubled by his confused stance, his failed resolution to stay away and the sight of 'them' infuriated him further. He closed his eyes and chatted from 1 to 10, then to 100 Calm down! Calm down he chanted but ... he was failing.

Then Swara walked in. His eyes shot at her.

"I am sorry...I didn't see.." Swara started off. In a blink and flash, he was out of his chair. He grabbed her shoulders, pulling her roughly against him. His eyes burned into her as dark as hell. She couldn't breathe.

"How dare he? How dare he touch you? Uski himmat kaise huyi tumhe chune ki. Ask him to stay away. Next time I am gonna beat him black and blue if I see him around you, for that case anyone else." He caught up on his breath and could see she was scared. He instantly calmed down and loosened his grip. Damn!

"I am sorry... I didn't mean to ..." He apologized. She nodded in understanding.

"It's just .. I .." He tried to find words and gave up. They were so close, he didn't want to let her go. She wouldn't vanish too. Will she? If he let her go.No he wouldn't...His fingers finally gave in to the urge and brushed loose locks of her hair. So soft and silky, just like her cheek...and she let out a sigh. He could see, she was no longer scared. He traced her cheek in slightest of strokes...and she reveled in the warmth of his fingers and his soft gaze. He leaned closer and she didn't protest.

"What are you doing to me?" He murmured and tipped her chin up....Her breath all ready to mingle with his and ...

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Sanskaar

Her voice snapped him out. He looked around. She stood right before him and he was in his chair before the laptop.

Great! Now you are daydreaming too, Sanskaar. What's wrong with you? He muttered curses under breath. He was glad it's just a dream. He didn't want to act like those cavemen, but Miss Swara Bose posed a great threat to his sanity, He could foresee that.

Then he watched as she hurriedly offered an explanation on missing him out.

"I came looking for you but guess you were busy with a friend of yours." Sanskaar focused back on screen. He intentionally stressed the word 'friend'

"Just a classmate, Nothing more. "Swara retorted quite strongly her anger resurfacing. So he watched her and Rahul. She suddenly felt the need to clear, " We just had coffee, I didn't know he would take it in a wrong way. But I already asked him to stay away."

"You did?" Sanskaar had to struggle to hide the burst of relief. What about the happy dance in his heart. In defense, he switched to his serious corporate stance " Good! I don't want you to have any distractions at this point."

Oh Really! His inner self  rolled the eyes. What about you? And your not so good intentions a while back. You are her biggest distraction and vice versa.

Sanskaar didn't bother. He was back to being cheerful. Now that Rahul or whatever is out of the picture.

"My coffee?" He asked smiling.

"Sorry, I thought I will make it once you are in. I will get it right now" Swara smiled back and rushed out.

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"Oh ho Jealousy and all... You are on right track on my boy. Lage raho." An amused Laksh teased Sanskaar over the phone that night. Well, He never thought he would get to see this shade of Sanskaar. He's clearly affected. Miss Bose is doing a great job.

"I was just concerned and felt protective..bas!"

"Jhoote! I can see that. Smashing head and all... Just concern, haan. Teri Kahani kisi aur ko suna, Mujhe nahi "Laksh laughed out. The conversation went on. After disconnecting the call, Sanskaar pondered over Laksh's theory. He shared bits and pieces of his dream, leaving few details aside. Laksh immediately made up theory, she could be one.

"Did you check her eyes?" he asked.

No! He never got a chance to though he wanted to.

Sanskaar denied citing he might have mixed up but for once he unknowingly wished Laksh to be true. Oh ! Very much.

Laksh was not willing to give up and came up with this idea of meeting over coffee.

"Leave it to me. I will sort it out. Just ask her out for a coffee. I need to meet this girl.Tu khud mila, if not I am gatecrashing your office tomorrow." and he is absolutely capable of, Sanskaar had no doubts about Laksh.

A planned one is much better.

"Ok! Fine I will ask her out." He agreed and couldn't entirely brush off Laksh's idea. There must be a reason he's drawn only to Swara...

A coffee date with Miss Bose.Though not an exact date, but a coffee out of office sounded good. The more he thought about it. The more excited he was.

Their first coffee date and maybe he will have some secrets out.

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Do you want him to? Or a twist is on the way? Keep guessing.

Thanks for reading.

Love

Lucky