Hi All,

Sorry for the delay and the next set of updates might be highly irregular till mid of December. Apologies in advance. 

Happy Reading. Do let me know your thoughts. Please ignore errors and typos

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For every loss, there is a  gain. And for every gain, there is a hidden loss.

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Sanskaar couldn't hide his excitement as he caught up with Laksh over a call. He had smiled all the way as he drove to MM after dropping Swara and the good spirit just carried on. Laksh was quick to guess.

"So did everything work out? Did she admit?" He asked curiously.

"No, she didn't but I don't think that would matter anymore, Lucky. It's like an open secret. We know but we don't talk about it."

"Then? Wait! Let me take a guess. Some sort of confession?" Laksh was not the one to give up.

Sanskaar smiled. Sort of, he mused. She said those 3 words as if she was murmuring secret to self but his heart which holds her didn't miss them. He might not have told them aloud, just a mere whisper against her lips, whose taste still lingered on his own.

" Well, you can say that. Sort of! "He leaned back comfortably, holding the pillow.

"Stop giving those puzzling statements. Seedha seedha bolna, Sunny." His friend and his cryptic statements. Laksh shook his head.

"Ok! I am crazily in love! Is that straight enough? We worked it out. Now don't ask me how. I am not saying a word."Sanskaar blushed recalling the kiss.

Laksh laughed. "Ok, I won't. So that means Swara is my bhabhi now. Right! When are you going to make it official to the world! The sooner The better. I need my party."

"Soon. I have my plans but for now, I just want to enjoy this phase for a while, Lucky. You know like a courtship period. We still need to know each other. Swara's internship would be over in a few days. Then I can take her out ..and spend more time together." He already had many plans and he just can't wait to put them in action."I can't tell you it's such a wonderful feeling being in love, Lucky I feel like my heart would just burst out of happiness."

"Haan haan pata chal raha hai bhai! from your voice itself. I am so happy for you yaar. Finally tujhe teri Cinderella milgayi."

Sanskaar gave a thought for a minute. "Cinderella ko tho milna hi tha..aaj nahi tho kal. I know you would be happy. Isliye tujhe sabse pehle bataya. What are best friends for?"

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Sadly the same couldn't be said to Swara, who no way expected Ragini to witness the goodbye between her and Sanskaar. Raini wouldn't have, for she would have preferred to say indoors late evening, but she wanted to catch up with Swara. Time passed. She waited for Swara to turn up when she didn't, she decided to investigate. Since Swara didn't pick her calls, she wondered if some drama happened in Bose house. A visit wouldn't harm, Right! It was unusual for Swara to be this late.

That's when she happened to see Swara and Sanskaar in a position which no way looked like friendship but spelled a sort of intimacy. Shocked first, She averted her eyes not willing to intrude and hold her conclusions for the end. She watched him leave...then confronted Swara.

Swara looked equally shocked and didn't protest when Ragini held her hand, led to the terrace of Gadodia house. They stood facing each other silence hanging between them.

"So is this the friendship you've been talking about Swara or Did I misunderstand, because the way he was holding you and you both were looking at each other, it looked as if ..." Ragini paused not willing to complete sentence.

For the first time, Swara felt absolutely awkward discussing things with Ragini. Being caught in compromising position was no way a good prospect especially when she had been holding back secrets.

" Just not friends anymore, Ragini and I can't explain why and how" Swara tried to keep it simple and straight.

Horrified will be the wrong word what Ragini felt at that moment. "You mean to say you both are together as in like..." She asked bewildered implying the meaning.

Swara stood silent. She herself had no clue where did she stand in her equation with Sanskaar. How would she claim them to be together when in a few days she would be out of Maheshwari Inc and what would follow next. She can't dismiss what transpired between her and Sanskaar to be momentary madness. It was a willing choice, she made well aware of the consequences. The worst of it: a broken heart.

As expected Ragini found this ridiculously unreasonable " You are definitely out of your mind, Swara. I won't let you do this. This is insane." She cried in protest. "Did you ask him about another girl in his life?"

Her silence gave Ragini answer. "Of course, you wouldn't!"

"Ragini Please! Let it be. Let's not discuss this further." Swara didn't want to push for more for she was in no mood to fight with Ragini's rationality. Her decision wouldn't go with it. Her heart and love for Sanskaar. Did they ever make sense all these years? But now little hope flickered inside.

She didn't probe him about that other girl. What happened to her? Is she still part of his life? No, she wouldn't be! Then Sanskaar would have never taken a step towards her. Her heart vouched.

The fact is a part of her was scared to broach the topic Swara admitted and thought was stinging but...Either way, she needed more time to sort and work out things with Sanskaar.

But Ragini was not willing to give up. In spite of Swara's protest, She pursued it further. "I won't let that guy be a part of your life. He will bring you pain. You could never think straight around him. ..." and it went on till a point till Swara lost her cool. For once she chose to shed her inhibitions and breath free and being ridiculed for the same didn't sit well with her and Ragini was in no mood to stop or listen.

"This is my life Ragini. Stop deciding things for me. I can do that for myself, Please."

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Swara shed silent tears back in her room recalling those words. She shouldn't have, She didn't intend them to turn out that way. It was in  spur of a moment

She could see how still Ragini turned and how everything fell back into silence. When she tried to apologize.

"It's OK Swara! I understand. It's your life and I should have known my limits."

Oh!How much that hurt! And she was walked off. For the first time, Swara felt left out by her only friend. Ragini locked herself up and all pacifying attempts turned futile. It was Janaki maasi who comforted Swara, though she didn't probe details...

"You know Ragini, don't you Shona? Her temper as well. She will come along. Just give her some time. Sab teek hojayega. Dosto ke beech ye sab chalta rahega."

Swara nodded, left Gadodia house in tears and that night hadn't been a good one. Nothing cheered her up, not even message from Sanskaar wishing her goodnight with hugs. Swara cried herself to sleep.

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Ragini was not in a good condition either. She cried recalling words of Swara. Where did she wrong? She had been just trying to help her and never expected Swara to take it in wrong way.

It was after some time when she felt better She pondered on them. Was Swara right? In her bid to protect Swara, had she been acting overbearing and forcing her will on Swara not willing to consider her feelings? After all Its Swara's life. And Sanskaar?Are her prejudices and presumptions clouding her from seeing the real picture of him? Was she quick to jump to conclusions.?

And as these thoughts went on for a while, mentally exhausted, Ragini eyes gave up.

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Next morning Sanskaar woke up in a highly cheerful mood. He had a nice dreamy night and day seemed brighter and colorful than usual. Side effects of love he smiled getting ready for office. He waited for Swara's reply last night and concluded she might have slept off when nothing came in.

He can't wait to meet her. He hoped she would be in early. That would give them some time alone before hustle bustle kicks off. He decided to have a quick breakfast and it was then Adarsh told him about representing a meeting on behalf of Maheshwari group which he was supposed to, but something had come up which requires his attention.

Sanskaar would have protested, but he knew unless its critical Adarsh bhaiyya would have never asked so. He nodded. As he discussed the details he knew he had to stay out of the office most of the day.

Sanskaar felt a pang of disappointment but the call of work can't be ignored.

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Swara dropped in early. She chose not to bother Ragini for a while and somehow felt the need to see Sanskaar hoping some comfort. Swara realized other than Ragini, she didn't have anyone to share. She didn't want to involve aadyot and rest of Bose family was never an option.

She waited for him but was greeted with a morning message and news about the meeting. Swara sighed. When did she turn lucky? It never worked in her favor. The day seemed longer than usual as Rosy's cribbing on how she had to redo the entire schedule of Mr. Maheshwari owing to this sudden change didn't make it easy. Hours passed. A message at lunch break from Sanskaar made her feel better but every passing minute felt tedious.

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It was evening 6 by the time Sanskaar wrapped meeting and he rushed to the office. He didn't ask Swara to wait knowing it wouldn't be fair on his part, how much ever he wanted to see her. Something told him she would be there.

And She was, right in her place. Sanskaar smiled.

Neither message nor call from him, but something told Swara he would come. Her heart had been quick enough to pick his presence and he was right before her. Though Sanskaar would have wished for the world around him to fade away right at that moment when their eyes met, he held the ground and walked in silently with a hint of a smile.

Swara wanted to rush into his arms but few employees were still around... she held back and followed Sanskaar after while. And the minute, when he grabbed her into his arms, nothing mattered. She took in comfort and warmth of his embrace and sank into his arms, hiding her face into folds of his shirt, breathing in.

'I missed you, Swara."

Those words from him worked like a soothing balm and she murmured back softly.

"I missed you too, Sanskaar"

A little kiss on her forehead and tears found their way out. Sometimes all you need is a little love isn't it? Her hands clutched his shirt and wetness of her cheeks pressed to his heart alerted Sanskaar. He drew back and found tear spilling out of those beautiful eyes. "Hey, Swara kya hua?" He asked worried, his fingers wiping away tears gently.

Swara gazed at him, her eyes brimming with a fresh set of tears. He stood quietly his thumb brushing away tears and cupping her face softly. Swara felt warmth in his hands suffused into her cheeks and she leaned onto him with no words seeking more and he held her in silence.

It was after sometime Swara drew back. A glass of water made her feel better as his hand gently wrapped around her in comfort. He didn't probe and waited.

"I ..I had a fight with Ragini."

And Sanskaar grasped the scenario. Because of him. It was no secret for him what Ragini meant to Swara. And Ragini made it clear to Laksh, her opinion on him as well.No doubt she might have protested and this might have caused the rift. Guilt took over him. If he has Laksh, Swara has Ragini.

"Because of me, Right!" He asked in a low tone.

Swara didn't expect him to put it that way. "No! I mean, Ragini has seen ..I meant last night in car...and she.." Swara struggled with words feeling bad for giving him such an impression.

Swara!

She paused at his voice and looked up at him. "I know how important Ragini is for you. I will talk to her and sort it out." And when he realized Swara was about to protest, he held her hand. " Trust me!" His eyes shone with promise.

And her every protest died at his quiet, sincere assurance.

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After some time...

"I have got something for you," Sanskar said with a slight apprehension. In other scenarios, Sanskaar wouldn't have minded but given Swara's mood, he had his doubts, But that little twinkle in her eyes was enough cue. Assured, he handed over a packet to Swara and signaled her to open. Swara found herself staring at a beautiful pair of shimmery golden stilettos. Her first instinct was "he knows" but it neither scared her nor she wanted to clarify. She was content at this point.

"There's a ballroom dance event coming up after two weeks. Mind being my partner?" His words jolted her out.

"Why me?"She wanted to ask and what about the other girl? But she didn't. He wanted her with him. That should do.

She nodded, lowered her eyes focusing back on heels but questions still lingered over. Sanskaar was quick enough to read her eyes before she turned away. He smiled, tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. He always loved her eyes and how they gave her away: secrets. He leaned forward and felt her pulse jump.

"Because, I can't imagine holding someone else in my arms, Swara. It has to be you and only you...then and now." His words came as a breathy whisper right over hers.

He sealed those words brushing his lips lightly against hers. Everything around her blurred other than his lips moving against hers in gentle notes, his hands stroking her softly. It was as if he was murmuring unsaid words," it will always be you," breathing a secret.I t was the sweetest.

Swara felt her insides fluttering. There was no urgency and bursting heat instead it was soft, lingering and arousing. Her hands curled around his neck as she gave into his kiss. She wanted more and she wished he would know. Her lips parted on a willing note with a breathy sigh. Taking the cue, he pressed her close and gave her all she wants. He kissed her with teasing slowness and by the end Swara was left flushed, her skin and cheeks burning red. He smiled running a finger over her cheek softly.

"Mind trying them for me!"He asked gazing into her eyes. It was softest of the whispers.

Swara nodded in a state of daze. True! It had been a while she sported heels after that night, but a try wouldn't hurt. Not when it was a loving gift from him. The smile on his face as she put them on and his remark and how good they are looking on her, just gave her needed push but what she didn't anticipate was lack of practice which got her through that night.

Tripped after few steps Swara found herself in pain

Swara! Sanskaar rushed to her and watched her gripping ankle. Then she looked at him guiltily," I am out of practice," she admitted sheepishly, midst pain.

Sanskaar cursed himself and shot an accusatory glance at her. You- could- have- told- me- was the message as he removed heels but what he did next was out of her imagination. He scooped her up and before she could say a word they were out of his cabin, then in the lift, ignoring a few curious glances coming their way.

When Swara pointed same, he gave her 'I don't care 'look. That was the end of discussion.

"We are going to the doctor! "He said placing her carefully in the car. He was worried, she could see as she adjusted her seat belt... It was written all over his face and all she knew was they were driving at jet speed by the next few minutes.

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Swara had no clue whether to feel overwhelmed or embarrassed at the attention and royal treatment being showered upon her. In a hospital under Maheshwari's patronage, it was no surprise. The prince of Maheshwari didn't have to command or demand attention. It was at his service. Swara was attended by Dr. Radhika a young efficient one in her mid 20's.

"Is she fine? Something Serious? What does X-ray say?"Sanskaar bombarded with questions. Radhika shook her head placing X-ray on the table and turned to Swara examining ankle further.

"Relax Mr.Maheshwari, It's just a sprain. No fracture."

"Exactly! It's a sprain," Sanskaar cried making it sound like a heart attack. Swara couldn't help but smile. The tough, formidable Mr. Maheshwari going all gooey over a little sprain.

For her. Swara felt little glow in her heart.

.He was next to her as her ankle was dressed, holding her hand, and gave equally painful expressions when she hissed in pain. Swara felt touched. He reminded her of childhood phase when she was happiest with her parents around tending to her as if she was a doll. A tear spilled out of her eyes.

Sanskaar looked at her and wiped off the tear. " Dard ho raha hai?" She nodded no and reveled in his warmth as he gathered her more closely.

And while they drove back she leaned on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "Teek ho jayega, Don't worry. "He assured kissing on her hair softly. And nothing felt more perfect.

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When they reached Swara's home....

Swara instinctively reached to her phone. "I will call Ragi.. "and she paused abruptly recalling the fight. Again being seen with Sanskaar it would just worsen Ragini's mood. She no way wanted Sanskaar to be at the receiving end of Ragini's wrath. Sanskaar watched her in silence, got down the car, leaned near window and extended his hand in silence.

Swara looked at him, nodded and placed her hand in his. As he helped her get down. "I will call," After a brief pause, "Choti maa.." she told apprehensively not sure of her reaction. Sanskaar immediately sensed her discomfort.

"I don't think that would be needed, "He grinned looking at her. Swara knew what was running in his mind.

"No! Please Don't even think about..." Rest of the words trailed off as her feet went off the ground and she was securely held in his arms. Ignoring all her protests, Sanskaar carried her inside grinning wider.

Can he ask for more dashing entry into his would -be - sasural? Maybe not. Gear up Sanskaar!Time for your mooh dikhai. Taking a deep breath he crossed the threshold.

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Parvati Bose was the lucky one. After a heavy dinner, she walked into the hall with her japamala in hand her fingers counting beads and chanting and was met with the refreshing sight of her granddaughter cuddled up in hands of a stranger.

'Dadi,' Swara murmured for benefit of Sanskaar.

Oh! Sanskaar took a mental note and flashed a brilliant smile. "Hello Dadi ji." and stepped back in terror as she screamed 'Hayee maare khatu shyamji' in decibels that could deafen people. Not used to these reactions he looked at Swara who supplied info about Dadi being strictly orthodox.

Sumitra was next. She rushed from upstairs at the untimely scream of her mother in law and was equally shocked trying to grasp the situation. Swara wanted to go underground and bury herself. Damn!

"Where's your room? Tell me before your family gets a heart attack " Sanskar murmured to Swara watching horrified expressions around.

"Straight and left." came her answer.

Sanskaar nodded and carried Swara up not bothered about audience reaction anymore. Sumitra and Parvati exchanged a glance and rushed behind them. On stepping into Swara's room Sanskaar placed her carefully on bed checked if she was comfortable.

And turned to face the confused souls behind him.

"I am so sorry I gatecrashed into your house. Actually, Swara had hurt her leg, just a sprain. Doctor said she would be fine soon and Yes! Here are the medicines." He pulled a cover from his pocket and handed it over to Sumitra.

"But who are you? "Sumitra asked shooting a glance to and forth to Sanskaar and Swara. baffled at stranger's intrusion at the odd timing.

"Choti maa ..Ye.." Swara started off.

Sanskaar signaled her to stop, "Let me! Hello Aunty! Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I am .."

"Sanskaar Maheshwari.." A voice screamed from entrance attracting every eye in the room. Standing before them was Kavita with her mouth agape, her eyes fixed on one person before her.

The topper in her list of most eligible bachelors in town: Sanskaar Maheshwari.

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Lo bhai, Hogayi villain ki entry. Time for fireworks, soon.

Thanks for Reading

Love

Lucky