And I update ...struggling with my writer's block # I will leave it up to you guys.

Happy Reading.

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They stood to face each other ... and she let his words sink in slowly. The lingering caress of his fingers over her cheeks was enough to pull her out of the trance, but it wasn't a jolt. It wasn't like being thrown out of a world to an another, instead, it felt like a smooth transition from dream to reality and she was caught somewhere in between.

The car door opened with a soft click diverting her gaze for a second, then moved back to his smiling face. He signalled her to get in ..and she didn't ask where didn't feel the need to. As she sank into a familiar seat, the car no longer felt a stranger, but like an old friend greeting her with ever-magical Beethoven. He slid next to her ....and everything just felt perfect as they drove in comfortable silence.

'Silence speaks volumes.' He listened to this quite times. He wasn't sure of volumes but it definitely does. Her eyes didn't leave him for a minute as if she's trying to gauge if he's real and he couldn't help but bask in the warmth of them.

Sanskaar, as always admitted, had been immune to open admiration, but Swara changed it for him. He had been trying hard not to smile like stupid as he felt the heat spreading on his cheeks. Damn! Is he blushing? This girl next to him.

Sanskaar cleared his throat. "Swara .."

"Hmm..." Swara replied still hanging onto dreamy reality state.

"You should stop looking at me like that. I am finding it very hard to concentrate."He turned to her, his lips curving up teasingly.

Alert at once, Swara turned away.Idiot..kya kar rahi hain,she cursed under breath and focused out of the window, fiddling with her bag strips. She has been checking him out shamelessly. How embarrassing!

"You never tease back, do you? "He enquired smiling at hints of deep red shading a side of her cheek. So like Swara.

Swara nodded.

Leaning little forward "Never?" he asked amused. A shy smile was her answer. How endearing!

"How did the interview go? " He asked knowing it went well. He had been little nervous knowing his dad was on the panel, who is capable of striking fear with no words but as the information would have it, Swara fared extremely well. But he wanted to hear from her and he did, as Swara shed her shyness, went on to explain excitedly...and how happy she was.

"I just hope it works out," she said closing her eyes and crossing fingers. This job is important.

He will make sure it would, Sanskaar watched her in silence. Nothing would go wrong.

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Durga Prasad Maheshwari Cabin.

"Dad! This is the list of final results and these are the shortlisted ones. Once you finalise, they will be passed to respective departments and emails to colleges would be going out in a day or two."Adarsh handed over the file. The interviews went well and they managed to tap some real talent. A bit of training would get them going once they join.

Durga Prasad Maheshwari studied the list, looked up at Adarsh and gave a nod. It's good to go was the message...but what left him puzzled was his dad's next statement

"Hold on the candidature of Swara Bose. I have a few concerns."

"But Dad, She's one of the top scorers... We can't do that," Adarsh retorted next minute. He didn't have a good feeling about this all of sudden.

Nothing but silence ruled for a minute as Durga Prasad considered his son for a while. Then came his clear, impassive tone, 'I can'

And then Adarsh knew that was the end of discussion. He walked out of the cabin and all he could think was '- He knows'

Durga Prasad Maheshwari waited for a while and picked his mobile.

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" I came looking for you but Rosy told me, You left for the day," Swara added hesitantly at the end. She no way expected him to show up in a few minutes of her exit from Maheswari Inc.

"Oh Yes! I had to get out early because I thought I should be appropriately dressed for our first date." Sanskaar replied casually, checking his reflection in the mirror.

Did he say a date? Swara had a mini heart attack right at that moment. Where did this come from?

Well, Her reaction was expected, Sanskaar smiled. A shock or surprise, He hoped it was pleasant.

Trying to come into terms with this sudden announcement, Swara cast a glance at Sanskaar. He's looking no less than hero out of the poster and she? She threw a look at her dress, a college run out who bunked her classes. He could have told her beforehand.

She could have packed a dress. There's no way she would go home and get out. She will have explanations to offer. Date with an intern dress? Not appealing at all. Not at least in her dreams. Maybe not a princess gown but something decent. Could she ask him to take her to shop? Oh, God! She has no clue if he liked shopping Usually, Men are less tolerant of ladies shopping is a general idea. But she wouldn't take much time. So Should she?

Just like he read her thoughts "You don't have to worry about anything. I took the liberty to do a little shopping for you, of course with help of your best friend. I picked a few dresses for you."

What! Did he shop for her? Swara heart did a little jump as her eyes moved to shopping bags in the back seat. He really did.

Well ! he never shopped for any woman before but he found himself pleasantly surprised it wasn't as horrific as he expected it to be and shopping for Swara, definitely played its part. He wanted to pick every pretty dress his eyes fell upon and he imagined how each one would look on her. Laksh pointed out how he was smiling and giving dreamy looks which might give people wrong ideas about his mental state.

Swara Bose definitely did mess up his mind and heart. He managed to narrow down his choice not without difficulty when he was tempted to watch her wrapped in all bright colours. But he had too. Next time ...he had every idea of taking Swara with him.

Taking a break from his thoughts he noticed Swara fell strangely silent and it bothered him.

He just wanted it to be a surprise, but not at cost of making her uncomfortable. She just had a long day and he can't really complain if she was in no mood for a date. He didn't ask her, Did he?

"Swara, If you are not comfortable .. we will have it some other day," he told softly. Yes! He would be disappointed ...but it would all come down to Swara's choice.

Did she give him such an impression? Swara wondered. She was just trying to brace herself with the idea of being on a date with her dream man and he took it another way. Of course, he would. She didn't say a word and had been staring blankly.

"Swara. What I mean to say is.."

"Can I look at the dress?" Swara volunteered with a hope that would answer any of his apprehensions. She can't really jump on the seat and say "Oh yeah! Let's go for a date.

Sanskaar took a minute and smiled wide. A smile of relief and a dash of excitement. "What are you waiting for?"

Swara excitedly reached for bags. They were four of them...but all she needs is one.

"Well, It's not like we will be going on only one date," Sanskaar hinted her with a smile.

More dates! Swara felt her heart glowing but she soon had concerns about not informing family and came up with few more on being late ...

But Sanskaar had one answer 'Mischief Managed'

As they reached, the sight of Laksh and Ragini waiting for them ...was enough cue.

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So Ragini had already taken permission to hang out post interview. She will have Laksh giving her company and they would head back together in Ragini's car, was the summary.

They hurried up to ladies room while Laksh and Sanskaar chose to wait over.

"So, Are you going to pop the question tonight ?" Laksh asked

"No! Not tonight."Sanskaar replied and took a minute. She wouldn't be prepared, he thought inwardly and looked at Laksh," I don't want to hurry, Lucky. Swara is different. I realised she lives in a world of her own, which is precious to her. I am part of it, but not really. I want her to get used to the idea that I am no longer a dream of her. She still treats me as one which is fascinating but ...

Frustrating too, He admitted when he had no clue if he would fit in image Swara had in her mind and heart. He wished she would open up to him.

Laksh nodded as if he understood the point. "I agree with you, Sunny. These girls are too complicated. I mean kab Kaise react Karte hain and their fascinations, imaginations, God Knows! But hey! you don't get to complain when you are a man of dreams." He winked

Sanskaar chuckled. "I can't beat that one...Anyways I told you right! I want to live those little moments in love...get to know each other better. and I am planning something special for our big day."

Indeed it would special .. just like that night. Sanskaar smiled

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She chose ..black on a whim first, Colour coordination she mused next. A simple midi with 3/4th Net Sleeves and boat neck. She loved the feel of the soft fabric, fitting her slender frame. Simple and comfortable. And thankfully she had a choice of matching accessories to go with each one of dress, with Ragini in the picture that was given.

Swara quickly chose black dangling earrings and brushed her hair till it was shiny and smooth as opposed to mess it was little back. She chose to let it free ...falling back in waves over her shoulders. Ragini gave her a super fast touch up, minimalistic knowing Swara liked it that way. A light splash of her regular perfume ... she was all set for the date.

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He wished she would choose black ..to go with his own. And when she walked out ...she exactly was how he envisioned or much better.

A vision in black...totally alluring and charming her way towards him. He took in few minutes to behold the sight as she stood before him ...all demure. He took her hand with no words ...his eyes unapologetically holding her to ground.

Her insides fluttered at slight touch first, soft yet firm grip of his fingers over hers but his eyes held her prisoner..like always. Each time, deeper..more enchanting.

Laksh and Ragini exchanged a smile looking at their besties.

"I think it's time for us to vanish ...before we get kicked out." Laksh chuckled and it was after minute Ragini dragged him out of their sight.

"Can you stop manhandling me ..Ms.Gadodia.?The voice of a complaining Laksh reached their ears faintly ..then everything fell into silence as they walked hand in hand.

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Swara stopped in her tracks as if mesmerized by the sight before her. It was simple setup .. nothing extravagant but Swara would term it' beautiful'.

A table set for two in the garden with white drapes around. Candles, flowers ...and brightly lit . The ruffle of leaves , fragranced air , pleasant all the way. Just like the way she would have loved. The night was already falling in with moon peeking out of clouds...and there was music too. She let herself soak in the ambient music for a few moments...

"I checked with them if they could arrange something ..I thought you would be comfortable with less crowd around." Sanskaar told her in a soft tone. The name and lineage could definitely put to advantage at times, He didn't mind too. His request was readily accepted and he had to admit, arrangements met all his specifications. Impressive.

The little twinkle in Swara's eyes was enough proof... she turned to him , smiling wide. He led her to the table ...pulled the chair for her. Dinner served ..and left alone, Sanskaar knew he has to take the lead. He started the conversation with safe topics ...sharing about his family which had Swara's apt attention .

"You will be meeting them soon." He added.

Those words filled Swara with a unanticipated joy and she laughed heartily as Sanskaar mentioned few of his childhood pranks and how he got away and soon found herself sharing her happy moments about visits and playtime in the park as a kid with her parents, her fascination with butterflies, the first time she met Ragini..

Sanskaar watched her as he went on her face a clear reflection of those happy moments dearly held and it was not soon they finished their dinner ..and Swara readily agreed when Sanskaar proposed a walk around .

A stroll in moon light ...Swara's fantasy mode switched on.

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As cool breeze swept over them balmy and soothing, leaves swaying with a soft ruffle ..and moon light shining upon them, they walked in silence, just content being next to each other , stealing glances.

His hands stuffed in pockets, with a half smile, Swara admitted he looked equally charming. Knight in black .. Swara chuckled grabbing Sanskaar's attention. Their eyes met , Swara quickly averted hers much to the amusement of Sanskaar.

Caught in Act...His smile widened. Her hair gently caressed its way down her neck with teasing breeze...the black accentuated her creamy complexion and slight smile peeking on her lips, the tint of pink on her cheeks...Sanskaar looked for the right words. She had a kind of understated beauty, perhaps it was because she was so disarmingly unaware of her prettiness which made her entracing sight ... all his.

It was after a minute, Sanskaar cleared his throat . The topic he had been waiting to broach.

"Swara.."He started off slowly, " Do you have a crush ? I mean most of them do , Right! " He asked expectantly.

Does he know? Swara wondered. Of Course, He would. she made it evident number of times, 'I am your fangirl'. Didn't she? But did he know its right from college days . The craziness she harboured for him. Their steps slowed down and she turned to him. The expectant look in his eyes ...just gave her a idea.

Swara nodded. 'Ranveer.'

"Who?" Sanskaar looked confused . Wasn't she supposed to take his name? Now, who the hell is this guy .2nd year or 3rd or some guy from school days.

Swara tried hard not to giggle and decided to take pity on him. "Ranveer Singh, the actor."

The actor? Ok! Sanskaar sighed in relief. He had been thinking too much . Oh! So his potential competition is this guy. He has Deepika, why can't he spare his girl? Stupid film actors and fictional characters...setting so many unrealistic standards. Who would know of troubles of poor guys. Brushing away the thoughts..

"No, I meant school ya college , you know ...college sweetheart kind."

"Oh ! Haan , Hain koi!, Smart, handsome....and my favourite." Swara loved this little game.

"And ...who is that?"Sanskaar asked holding his breath. Hearing his name from her ... Oh how so much wanted to .

"I am not saying the name.." and she walked forward slowly, amused.

And she thinks can't tease.. Sanskaar shook his head. Now, who's a pro ? He caught up in a few quick steps."Did you say you can't tease, back in the car?"

"I am just trying, " she told so earnestly .

"Well, I must say you are doing a brilliant job..." He complimented hoping it would get her to answer.

"Really! Swara's smile bloomed. Not bad ... It's fun this teasing game.

Yeah !have fun at my expense. "Ok ! I am serious. Why don't you tell me?" Sanskaar asked his patience dying thin.

But Swara was in no mood to end the game. "Secret! She gave him a teasing smile and turned to leave.

He grabbed her hand and in a blink, she stumbled into his arms, her breath knocked out. He was no longer smiling ...but something deep spelled in his eyes. She couldn't name and think as his hands coiled around her in a grip neither soft nor firm ..a middle ground, she couldn't breathe and blink for a while.

He simply ran a finger over her cheek

 "Secrets...Don't you get tired of keeping so many secrets, Swara." An easy question, but she found herself speechless gazing into his eyes, dragging her in. Nestled against him , her hands lying on his shoulder, she waited to gather words ....Falling...falling into those endless depths. She sighed at his touch ...the caress of his fingers trailing smoothly over her cheek. 

 "The minute I think know you , I realise I don't. Do you know how it feels?"His voice turned low and words a husky murmur as he leaned forward "It's frustrating , intriguing and very very tempting."

He brushed a loose strand of her hair.. And she closed her eyes with a sigh as his fingers traced a silver trail across the sides of her face and moulded around her chin.

" It wants me to uncover all of them, Swara ,each of your secret." He whispered letting his gaze rake over those delicate features ethereal ..glowing inthe moon light. His breath fanned softly across her cheeks and everything else around seemed to lose its sense behind closed lashes Just him and nothing else...

.A touch of his lips...She gasped sweetly and sank into his arms . It was only for a moment when everything felt perfect...Being with him is like a princess story, Charming, elegant and full of romance, but to have something so perfect for such a short while, and then for it to disappear into nothing .

It scared her.

The moment she looked at him Sanskar forgot all the words. Her eyes were deep, glistening with a sheen of moonlit tears, a pool of restless gold. Their depth promised sweet secrets, treasures of unspoken emotions... and he was drowning in those depths. He read them...the dreams, hopes and the fears.

And he wanted to promise...a sweet promise of a happily ever after. His palms rested against her cheeks, a silent reassurance that he was no dream anymore and she was unwittingly drawn to the siren call of his heart.

In an uncharted movement, their lips brushed each other. Neither aware of the other teaching first, it was a slow dance of lips, of tasting unsaid words, of exchanging secrets, irresistibly drawn to each other again and again.

Her deepest desire, her dearly held secret...And she couldn't hold it back any longer .

"You", 

Her muffled words against his lips as they parted for a split of a second, felt like a melody to his ears....and he kissed her, this time slow and long...

And the wise old stars guarded the night and the sweet secrets it beheld.

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