Hey all,

Here is the update. Happy Reading.

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Sanskaar disconnected the call, smiling. Laksh and his dramatics are inseparable. Since he couldn't call Swara and the excitement was too much to hold back, he called up Laksh and the reaction was expected.

What!!!

Laksh screamed into the phone in no lesser decibels than background score of a Saas Bahu intense drama, Sanskaar literally had to keep the phone away for a while. Next, he was bombarded with all possible questions what, when, how and why?

Laksh listened in silence as Sanskaar narrated the turn of events.

"Wow! Your Cinderella is something else ha! Now the line is clear, what are you waiting for, Sunny? Get a ring and pop the question aur Phir What do they say? Yeah! Jaht Magni and phat byah"

Sanskaar thought in silence. That seemed a very exhilarating idea..but a little wait wouldn't hurt. And Swara's family is yet to approve him for their daughter.

"Are you serious? Laksh dismissed his concern. "Dude, You are a Maheswari! That should take care of everything. I don't see an issue there."

That exactly was Sanskaar's problem. He wished for Swara's family to consider him as a prospective match, Not because he is a Maheswari but for who he is ... Simply Sanskaar, for the person he is.

"And You think that's possible in a week?' Laksh raised a question.

"Lucky, We live in a country where the match gets fixed in a meet of an hour or two...So I have a good time in my hands at least to plant an idea in their mind." Sanskaar countered.

Laksh agreed to say, he can't argue with such a point and when Sanskaar came up with another concern of how little he knew of Swara's family members...Laksh came up with a solution.

"Don't worry bro, I will dig in a bit of information for you. So what are we on? A mission? 6 din Ladki ki family in." That had Sanskaar smiling. Lucky and his love for Bollywood.

Sort of!

And then they talked for a while. The call left Sanskaar in a good mood and he felt far more composed. He didn't have much time in his hands. The dance night he had been planning for them is hardly a few days away. So he wished things to work out at a faster pace.

Sanskaar didn't have to wait for long. An opportunity presented itself the next day, in the form of Adi's cricket match. A call to Swara in the morning to check on her plans...landed him on this information. Being a weekend ..he had ample time. He didn't waste a minute

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Sanskaar turning up to the match, came across as a pleasant surprise to Swara. Her heart instantly warmed at sight of him, as he waved a hand to her midst little crowd in the stadium. In a simple yellow graphic tee, blue denim and black shades...he looked

Sunny ... all charming.

"Baharo Phool barsavo Iska Mehboob Aaya hain" Ragini 's teasing voice, next to her, jerked her. "Cmon Swara. You are being too obvious with your fangirling. Take a few deep breaths and control." She teased.

That earned her a playful smack from Swara. By then, Sanskaar was before them with a quick hi and smile, his eyes on Swara. In classic long sleeve white shirt and blue denim, her hair pulled up in a high pony, she looked like a fresh summer breeze...

And for a moment nothing existed for either of them till Ragini enacted cough diverting them both.

"Ji Aap Yaha? Kisi se Milne Aaye hain?" Ragini teased. Swara hushed her up.

"Right! I came here to meet Adi." Sanskaar settled himself next to Swara. "It's his match day. I thought I would drop by and cheer him up ...and btw you guys would have no clue, I was cricket champ in my school days and inter college days.

Really? Swara looked at him, her eyes wide and fascinated. Sanskaar as a cricketer. Mere imagination was hot! "I didn't know that" She muttered under breath. This is getting into the scrapbook.

Her fascination with every little thing, just had Sanskaar falling more deeply for Swara. And he was getting used to it... the awe in her eyes.

Sanskaar cleared his throat and leaned closer to Swara, his breath tickling her ear softly. "I have my share of secrets too, Miss Bose." His fingers smoothly slid over hers with and they tangled at will. Swara felt her skin grow warm at his touch. "If you wanna know ...I will be glad to share them."

Swara had no clue, Why his mere whisper turned her knees to jelly. Maybe she should have a special page dedicated to, Sanskaar and effects of his proximity.

"You should stop blushing. We will up for more teasing." He warned her playfully, which had Swara blushing a little more. Later they focused on the match .. cheering up for team and Adi who went on to make a half-century, a crucial addition to his team's score. Swara noted, Sanskaar genuinely was interested in Adi's match ... and he showed up, not just for her. That felt overwhelming.

And she couldn't be more happy at bonding of Adi and Sanskaar post-match as they discussed snippets and Sanskaar shared his experience. Coming from a household of women, where cricket is hardly taken notice of, having someone to share and talk about similar interest, had Adi warming up to Sanskaar. He found himself thoroughly enjoying the company of Sanskaar. Other than Swara and Ragini, he never had anyone from family turning to cheer him up and the presence of Sanskaar felt like a welcoming change and had him in high spirits.

"They look like old friends, don't they, Swara ?" Ragini remarked as they walked little behind the duo engrossed in match discussion. Swara nodded. They do she thought fondly.

When it was time to leave ...At the parking lot, "Will you be coming for my next match too,?" Adi asked, excited.

Swara understood where this came from. The absence of male presence has its repercussions over family and Adi, she knew ... missed Sekhar, though he had been careful not to voice it out.

On another hand she knew, It would be unfair of her, expecting Sanskaar to turn up for another match. She had been witness to the gruelling schedule of Sanskaar in Maheswari Inc, yet a little hope flickered and for a minute, she didn't mind being a selfish sister, wishing a little happiness for Aadi.

One look at Swara, the expectancy in her eyes, Sanskaar read the message. He would have come anyway..but knowing how much it meant to Swara, He didn't have second thoughts about same.

"Of course! I will be there. After today's match, I wouldn't want to miss watching you play," Sanskaar smiled fondly. He took an instant liking to Adi for the first time in Bose house.

"Thank you, "Adi beamed with happiness and it reflected in Swara's eyes. The bond this sibling duo shared is indeed precious. He would have loved to drop them, but Ragini's has her car..so he gave up the idea.

Aadyot turned to Swara. "Didi .. I like him. If he is your boyfriend ... I have no problem. Ok!" which had Sanskaar chuckling as Swara turned red.

Ragini pulled his ear, " The kids these days, chalo.." she dragged him down to the car. Sanskaar was thankful to have a few alone moments with Swara.

"Well, That's not a bad idea. Boyfriend, girlfriend thing!" Sanskaar's lips slowly curved up to a teasing smile. Their equation had always been implied... and he would love to make it official.

"Thank you Sanskaar. That was sweet of you to come here. Adi ko bahut acha laga." Swara diverted the topic.

"Aur tuhme?" Sanskaar played along loving the shy smile spreading over her lips, making her absolutely aww adorable. He had his answer.

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That evening as Annapurna and Parineeta got ready for their temple, they found Sanskaar waiting for them .. .offering to drive which had Maheswari ladies raising their eyebrows in question. Sanskaar had never been a fan of temple visits unless they are insisted upon.

"What! I am free so I just thought," Sanskaar came up with an explanation.

And that earned him a tip to toe scan implying now - tell - us - the- truth

"Ok!" Sanskaar sighed and gave up. "I wanted to hear Swara sing." He admitted, which had AP and Parineeta giggling all the way and Sanskaar red-faced on being caught. On reaching the temple, as Sanskaar parked the car ...Ap and Parineeta met Janaki who was already in.

Stepping in, Sanskaar looked around and found his mom and bhabhi engrossed in a talk, taking slow measured steps towards mandir. Though not a big fan of temple trips, Sanskaar admitted the atmosphere of the temple immediately does have an instant soothing and calm effect, in fact, any religious place. His eyes searched for Swara. He didn't insist on taking her out post-match because he had plans to surprise with a trip to the temple.

Where is she?

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Swara felt a little nervous. It's been a few months she visited the temple, but her reason for nervousness was she is going to sing a bhajan for the first time in the crowd. Dadi already mentioned quite a few times, about her reputation being at stake.

"Mhaari izaat ka sawal hai, naak mat kat va vo."

Swara acquired her taste for Music from Sharmistha, one could say. Though not a trained singer Sharmistha had a melodious voice and Swara as a kid accompanied her mother for temple trips. 'Kahna mandir' being within the vicinity of their household, played its part too. It was when Sharmistha caught her little daughter humming lines, she asked if Swara would want to learn Music..for which an excited Swara immediately agreed.

Shamistha couldn't be happier and shared it with Sekhar. " I always wanted to learn music, Sekhar, but I couldn't but our Shona...she has a sweet voice. I am sure she will do good in Music."

Sekhar smiled and nodded.

"I have always struggled for little happiness in my life, all these little moments as a child.I want my daughter to have everything she wishes for. You know Janaki was saying Ragini is showing interest as well. Dono Bache saath main jayenge tho ..unko bhi acha lagega. Haina! I wish one day I will see my daughter sing."

And she spoke, too soon. It was after few months Sharmistha died..and little Swara's life took a turn. If not for Janaki, Swara knew she would have given up on Music and she was grateful she didn't. It was only during those classes, she got a chance to hang out with Ragini and Jaanki maasi as Sumitra placed restrictions on her time with Gadodias.

Post Sekhar's death Swara turned to Music completely. It helped her combat the loneliness and grief her father's demise left behind. But it had never been for others or to show off her skills. She kept it to self. Only on Janaki or Ragini's insistence, she would sing some times.

And suddenly it all felt new...but Swara braced herself. Sh has chosen a Meera bhajan, one of her mother's favourite. And the minute she sang first few lines ...nothing else mattered.

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Mhara re Giridhar Gopal.

The buzzing mandir fell silent as Swara's voice managed to cast a spell across

And he didn't have to think twice. It's her. And his heart vouched for it. He walked into the direction of those words, of soul-soothing melody. His heart led his feet and his eyes caught her.

There she is.

Midst crowd of elderly ladies who looked equally mesmerised. In a simple salwar, her eyes closed... oblivious of the world around her. It was just her and the song and Sanskaar was no stranger to such feeling. The power music has, to immerse oneself completely into it. He watched her enthralled in rapt silence.

He would never forget this moment. This vision of her. The sound of claps pulled Swara out of her music zone. Appreciation was all around. Annapurna couldn't be any prouder of her son's choice. There was a purity in Swara's voice, a divine feeling which touched her heart and she strongly believed one has to blessed to have such soul-stirring voice.

Dadi beamed. Mhaari Poti hain' she went on to announce to the crowd and repeated this quite often trying to hog a bit of limelight being showered upon her granddaughter. Janaki wiped happy tears from her eyes.

"Only if Sharmistha would have been alive," She murmured slowly. As understood, Annapurna gently held her hand offering comfort. "Swara akeli nahi hain ...Hum sab hain na." She told with a soft smile and assurance in her eyes, much to the elation of Janaki, who was aware of Annapurna's approval of Swara. She had no doubts Swara would be showered with all deprived love in her Sasural.

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Seated in midst of her Dadi, Janaki, Annapurna ad Parineeta whom she had been introduced to as Annapurna's Daughter in law, Swara smiled. This felt so lovely. Post darshan they all settled down at temple steps Parineeta was equally warm as Annapurna and Swara liked her instantly.

As the rest of ladies got busy in their chit chat about coming up mandir programs and their Satsang group, Swara looked around ...and Sanskaar stood little away from her, smiling all the way at her.

He can't be here! Swara lowered her eyes. "Ok! Swara, you have gone mad. For God sake, this is a temple.Can you stop dreaming of Sanskaar everywhere?" she chided herself and lifted her eyes doubtfully to reconfirm.

He stood right there waving his hand. Swara's shocked gasp had everyone's' attention, but Swara covered it up soon enough and was thankful Sanskaar was out of their sight. She excused herself from the group and went looking around.

"He was right here. Wasn't he?"

"You always keep looking for me, when I am right here." With her back turned to him Swara smiled and it widened as she felt him right behind her as his words.

"I never knew you could sing this well, Swara. You were brilliant.."

She turned to face him ..and by now Swara was clear, her heart would never fail to skip its beats around him, especially when he gives her such endearing smiles, his eyes full of admiration.

"I didn't know you visit this mandir, "Swara struck the conversation.

"Not much often, but I guess aaj Mujhe darshan karna tha! Apni Devi ka." He hinted her with a smile and chuckled at her flushed cheeks at his remark.

It was then Annapurna came looking for Swara, found her with Sanskaar who signalled her not to say a word. A clueless Swara volunteered to introduce them.

"Aunty! Ye Sanskaar Maheshwari hain ..that day I told you right! I mean... Maheshwari industries."

"Ahhh! So this the one," Annapurna nodded looking at Sanskaar, playing along." I have heard a lot about you from Swara, beta." She added hiding her smile.

"I hope good things, Maa," Sanskaar remarked with a hint of mischief, his eyes fixed on Swara.

"Maa?" Taken aback first Swara looked to and fro at both parties trying to decode He called her Maa ...That could mean only one thing.

She turned to Annapurna, trying not to look flabbergasted, "You are Annapurna Maheshwari?" she tried to confirm. As she nodded Yes! Swara wished for the ground to open and gulp her in. Since that wouldn't happen, running seemed like a better option

"Main .. Main ..Abhi aayi.". she mumbled. Annapurna held her back.

"Swara, So this is my son Sanskaar Maheshwari. You better take a good look at him and tell me if he is handsome and dashing enough for you to marry."

Swara bit her tongue recalling her conversation with Annapurna on the terrace. She cast a look at Sanskaar who looked like he's dying to tease her with a naughty glint in his eyes, totally hooked

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 If you are here, Thanks for reading and keeping up with the long delay. Updates would be regular from now on.

Love

Lucky