Hello all

Yes!  I make an entry, finally. If you are here, Thanks for keeping up.

 I am getting back to writing rather slowly and Be assured, not going to leave the story hanging. . I will try to be regular with updates, though I can't promise. Apologies in advance.

 Happy Reading.Please ignore typos and errors

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They parted on a sweet note. She hugged him silence and everything felt right as he gently squeezed her in soft and warm. Her Safe Haven.

And soon, it was time to leave ...they bid bye with smiles.

Back in the car, Swara found herself lost in the casted spell of the night and Ragni's words reached her ears, like a faint humming. Too dazed, Swara smiled to herself ...

"I wish this night never ends," he murmured slowly his warm breath tickling the curve of her neck after the kiss.

Never she wished, reliving her own fairy tale moment. Too good to be true yet she couldn't stop thinking about it, it felt as if she was transported into some other world, her very own with no intrusions, like a page out of scrapbook sprang to life.

Just them ...Swara and Sunny.

Her smile widened. Maybe she would tell him one day whisper it softly like a secret. Would he like if she calls him Sunny? She will find out soon.

The screech of car jolted her out of dreamy land and at sight of Bose House, Swara knew the fairytale moment has to end.

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She felt glad, she chose to change back to intern look and left the rest of the shopping stuff at Ragini's place barring the black one she wore that night.

Swara braced herself as she stepped in and found her family scattered around in the hall. Sumitra busy with some calculations, Kavita toying with her phone and Dadi with her japmaala. Adi was missing from the picture.

Swara quickly recalled he had a match in two days and he would be late owing to an extended practice session, he mentioned in the morning dropping by to wish her luck.

Kavita was the first one to notice. "Oh! You are back. How was your interview?"She threw in casual courtesy sake questions, her eyes caught the bag in Swara's hand.

"Wow! Did you shop? what did you get? Let me see."Before Swara could say a word, Kavita excitedly reached for the bag and it was out of her hands. Swara didn't protest for she knows Kavita craziness for shopping. She would have died to know what's in the bag.

"Freshen up and have your dinner 'Sumitra kept it short and focused back on accounts for the month. Maybe she needs to cut down on a few expenses, numbers for the month didn't seem very encouraging.

"I already had, Choti Maa," Swara replied, but Kavita's shocking gasp suddenly had everyone's attention.

"Omg! Where did you get this?" Kavita stared at the dress, her eyes popping out. For a minute Swara feared they would fall out of sockets."It's a limited edition and this brand costs a bomb." Kavita added still reeling in the shock.

Swara had no answer. She had never been good with branded stuff, hardly went for them but Kavita's expression definitely called for trouble.

"How much ?" came Sumitra's question, alarmed.

And Swara stood clueless..'It's a gift 'will only have more questions thrown at her, Who, when, why?*Complications.* Swara sighed. Better take it on self, Swara decided but Kavita's next words

"10000"

Swara tried hard not to gasp as Sumitra. Did she just say? Omg! For a dress ..she would die before going for such extravagant buy. Probably Sanskaar wouldn't know middle class would have a budget to adhere ..this wouldn't fit the bill anyway. That would be her two months of pocket money.

"What! Are you out of your mind, Swara? Sumitra snapped next minute "Why would you spend so much over a dress? You have always been careful with money ...but this? One side I have been trying hard to run the family, working day and night so that my children could have a good life Even Kavita would never go for such a costly one ...but you hardly seem to bother."Sumitra wasn't in a mood to stop, giving her troubles with finances which seemed to show up late and her frustration just found its way out on Swara.

Swara stood close to tears, she held back ...with effort. Probably too lost in her excitement, she missed out these details. If she had known she would have never ever accepted such costly stuff from Sanskaar.

"Let me remind, you are yet to get a job or are you so confident about same, you didn't mind throwing some thousands over your indulgences." Sumitra condemned quite harshly.

Swara would have chosen silence like always... but the question over her job and academic capabilities, and dedication towards the project had hit a sore spot. For the first time, Swara chose to retort.

"I will ..and I have no doubts about the same," She told meeting Sumitra's eye with supreme confidence, tears taking back seat.

And all of sudden everything fell into silence. Her eyes or her tone, Sumitra had no clue but this Swara was new. The old one would have muttered a sorry and walked away.

Kavita caught glimpse of fire in Swara eyes...as she stood unblinking. For the first time, Kavita felt Swara be a worthy opponent, not meek and timid but a fighter if chosen to be and she can't let that happen.

Swara walked up to Kavita who handed over the bag in silence and made way into her room, not waiting any further.

Kavita watched her mother's eye following Swara and all she thought was...

She better get the job.

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Next 30 minutes Swara felt quite restless. What has gotten into her at that moment? She chose to answer back rudely which was not so her.

Yes! She didn't like being questioned but Sumitra's concerns, she could understand but.

Ifs and buts

Swara tossed aside bed sheet and stepped down. Better have a word with Sumitra and assure this won't be repeated. She already decided on not accepting any more gifts from Sanskaar and the dresses have to go as well.

As she walked out of the room, the sound of her name caught Swara's attention and she could make out Sumitra and Kavita voice from the next room. Not willing to intrude Swara decided to wait.

"I think it's ok mom. Swara hardly goes for costly stuff and I am sure she will get the job ...aur waise bhi Swara never spends money as I do. She will be careful and ..I think you had been a bit harsh "

What! Of all Kavita supporting her! Swara took time to register. Sumitra stayed silent. It's time to have a word with Swara and let loose few details but not tonight! Not in her foul mood.

Bidding Kavita bye, Sumitra walked out and found Swara waiting for her. They considered each other in silence.

"We will talk tomorrow." Sumitra said in a low tone," it's quite late already. Good night, Swara."

Sumitra didn't wait for a reply.

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Their date had Sanskaar smiling all night and he was in no mood to get over it, not even the next morning. He found himself humming few lovey-dovey songs on 'pehla Pyar' and smiling a lot which is quite unusual. Adjusting shirt cuffs, he checked his reflection in the mirror.

They say the face is the index of mind .. Nah! Here he would say, heart!

"Look at you! You are all glowing, Sanskaar Maheshwari. Pyaar ke side effects, haan," He mused "But! you better not blush and smile, it will give away your secret"

Or maybe he could take a master class from 'his girl' on keeping secrets, Sanskaar thought as he reached for the tie. Well, He did have one secret out. Did kiss do the trick? A kiss for a secret...more kisses, more secrets.

Not a bad idea! Sankara smiled slipping watch through the wrist.

Last night, Ragini dropped a message on reaching safe and on time. He dropped the idea of calling Swara at night, she would need her space. He recalled the night ...and already had plans running for their next date but he will leave it to Swara's choice.

His jolly mood carried on his way to the office ...and it would have been the same if Rosy didn't hand him over the finalised list of interns. A quick scan, his smile faded a little. He rechecked ..twice and thrice. No way, Swara's name would be missing. There must be a mistake.

"Is this the final list? Are you sure? Can you recheck?" he asked, restless. And when he was assured this was full and final, He stormed to Adarsh's cabin.

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It was expected Sanskaar's reaction. The moment Sanskaar dashed into the cabin, the restlessness on his face and papers in his hand, Adarsh knew this was coming. He excused himself from meeting ....and Sanskaar waited for others to exit.

"Bhaiyya! Did you see the list? He forwarded the papers" it's ..."

"I know," Adarsh replied eyeing the papers and looked up at Sanskaar. He will have questions.

Did he know? Sanskaar stood bewildered as he listened further.

"Last night I was here when it was finalised. It was dad's decision to take off Swara's name." Adarsh paused and registered the shock on Sanskaar's face.

"Da..dad?"

Adarsh nodded and didn't mind sharing his own deduction."Sanskaar ....I think he knows about you and Swara."

And Sanskaar stood silent taking in the information. He knows. Of course, he does. That could be the only conclusion. He was part of the panel...and it was a planned move.

Out of blue, Sanskaar had a flash of Swara's face ...from last night.

"This job is important to me. Choti Maa had been the one working hard all these years. I just want to lend her support in any way I can. This job would be a good start and I am sure it's gonna work out ...I really hope so."

Sanskaar squeezed his eyes shut. Her words, Her hopes...everything crumbling down. So this is price, she would have to pay, for falling in love with a Maheswari. A huge one. He wouldn't let that happen. Sanskaar opened his eyes determined. For the first time in his life, he would raise a question on his dad's decision and clarifications would be sought ...

"Fine! I will take this up with Dad, right now."

Adarsh had other views. "Dad is out of office for the whole day and Sanskaar I think it's better if we take it up back at the mansion. Don't you think that would be more appropriate and don't worry? I will be holding on the list for a day or two ..till it sorts out."

Sanskaar felt thankful and nodded in silence.

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The day started on a dull note for Swara, her mind reeling in last night events and her little chat with Sumitra left her with mixed feelings.

"I realize I have been harsh, Swara and I am sorry for that. It's just I have been under tension lately ...

The finances didn't look good was the jist.

"I still have the responsibility of you, Kavi. Adi abhi chota hain. I have been trying my best all these years but at times I wish, Sekhar was with me, next to me. At times, I feel scared. I don't mind admitting, I have been counting on your and Kavi's job at least for a while. You have always been the responsible one, Swara and last night when I felt you acted out of your usual ways, I ..." Sumitra gave up with a sigh. She looked tired and distressed, Swara noted, probably for the first time she let her guard down.

Swara gently held her hand."I am sorry Choti maa. I promise it will not be repeated. " Sumitra nodded and left Swara felt much better.

Next few minutes Her thoughts centred around the job. The sooner, the better . All of a sudden 'job' seemed to be of humongous importance.

Kavita who had been a silent witness on their exchange was glad, she convinced her mom to have a word with Swara. Their camaraderie is what she is counting upon to help her in a long way.

Time to turn a few leaves around.

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As Sanskaar stepped out of Adarsh's cabin a ring on mobile distracted Sanskaar. A call from Swara. Sanskaar drew in a deep breath trying to shift his mood and picked the call.

"I wouldn't have asked this but .... When would the list be out, the shortlists. A rough idea would do, Sanskaar." She asked hesitantly.

Sanskaar listened in silence and took time to answer. " In a day or two, and you don't have to worry. I will never let anything go wrong for you, Swara." He felt the need to assure and didn't prolong the conversation.

He had few things to sort out.

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It was quite late by the time Durga Prasad Maheshwari came back to mansion followed quietly by Annapurna, found Sanskaar and Adarsh waiting for him in an unusual not so cheerful mood.

"Dad, I need to talk to you and it can't wait."

Well! He had seen this coming, didn't he? And he had been waiting for it. He nodded and listened to Sanskaar in silence.

"And you think I owe you some answers and explanations?" he asked, with a hint of seriousness. "All for an intern?" He took a minute and leaned back comfortably in his plush chair. "I don't understand why are you so concerned over her?"

Sanskaar had no doubts, his dad is waiting for him to come clean.

I am sorry, dad. I should have told this earlier but I thought I would wait for the right time. Swara might be just an intern on a professional level but personally, she is much more," He met his dad's eyes. "I love her and I am serious about it."

He didn't want his dad to jump to conclusions, " Trust me this has nothing to do with my personal equation. You have been on panel dad and you know if anyone deserves to be on the list it's Swara. Why is her name missing? Because I love her?"

Aren't you the one who taught about playing fair and not levy personal equation on professional life ....then why? You have no clue dad how much this job means to her. And I bet she's done one of the best projects ever in Maheswari Inc. you can't take away what she rightfully deserves and I won't let that happen just because she loves me."

"So, you will be going against me for that girl?" Dp asked his eyebrow raised.

"No, I am against this unfair decision of yours, Dad " Sanskaar unflinchingly stood on his ground.

"So, you want to have things your way... since you have already decided you want this girl in your life. What if I am against this alliance? What if I don't approve? Will you let her go?"

Silence fell around.

"Ye aap?"Annapurna tried to intervene as things seemed to get out of hand.

"Annapurna.."Durgaprasad waved a hand in disapproval ."Let him answer."

And everyone waited with bated breath. Sanskaar realised the card has been played. His answer would be the deciding factor but he has no intentions of letting Swara go.

"No!"

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No one spoke for what seemed like a long time. Durgaprasad Maheshwari stood up from his chair.

"Well! Since you made a choice, I stand by mine. She is not getting the job, not what she aspires for," He said in clear terms looking at Sanskaar because I don't want the would be daughter in law of Maheshwaris to be confined to an entry level. I feel she is capable of much more."

What did he just hear? Sanskaar turned absolutely still trying to reel in shock landed on him.

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Kab, Kaha, kaise, kyu? If you are just shocked like Sanskaar ..lol.All the answers ...in the next update.

Thanks for reading.

Love

Lucky