Hello All,

Back with an update.If you missed the last update because of the Wattpad glitch, Please do check.

Happy Reading. Do let me know your thoughts. A star and few words.

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A treat and hanging out with a bunch of lovely souls had never been so much fun, Swara thought. The cheerful faces and teasing banter going around the table said the same. As decided they met early in the evening outside a cafe. Laksh and Sanskaar wrapped their work for the day leaving the entire evening free. Swara suggested rather than going for a standard coffee, they could try a desi style treat.

Laksh and Sanskaar exchanged a glance."What are we waiting for?" They screamed in chorus.

After some time, standing by a roadside stall, they munched on chat, samosa and even had a panipuri competition recalling their college days and the fun they missed falling into the corporate world..all these little happy moments not found behind closed glass walls of posh hotels.

"Oh God! I missed this, Sunny," Laksh sighed contentedly. "It feels like ages."Sanskaar nodded with a mouthful of golgappas.

Laksh turned to Swara with a wide smile "Thanks a lot, Swara. This is the best treat I had in recent times. Happy, Swara smiled in return.

In order to balance the spice hitting the system, they decided on a sweet treat. "My treat! Ragini said hugging Swara sidewards, "Because I am so happy for my bestie and her new start."

"They should be sisters, No! Laksh murmured to Sanskaar watching the scene. "Swara and Ragini ..Swaragini. Sounds good! " Sanskaar nodded in consent. He always adored their bond and they looked more like sisters than friends.

As they settled in a nearby ice-cream parlour

"I heard you have been doing some good deeds these days, Mathur," Ragini said taking a spoonful of her ice cream.

Laksh quirked an eyebrow. This woman loves teasing him. Well! " Did you know Ms. Gadodia I was born with a halo around my head as angels have? Arey! Main toh paida hi hua tha logon ki bhalai karne Ke liye.What do they say ...those masiha types."

"Yeah! Shaktimaan types Right!" Ragini winked at Swara."Where's your suit? Superhero waala"

"Dropped for dry cleaning," Laksh shrugged, digging into his ice cream.

"And you should know he has an extra secret suit, " Sanskaar said,' "Arey! dress ke upper chaddi waala.Kyu Lucky! Kaunsa colour red ya blue?" He poked shoulder, grinning.

Ragini and Swara giggled while Laksh threw a mock glare at Sanskaar.

"He's called Superman btw," Laksh supplied," aur tu kya Mera mazak uda raha hain, saale. Talk about your spiderman suit which you bugged Annapurna aunty for and you know Swara! He would do all crazy feats trying to crawl on walls, jump on trees and what not! I was a saint compared to him in school days. Shaitaan tha ye shaitan. Waise, he walked in a fancy dress competition in that suit." Laksh ignored all dangerous glances being shot at him, taking too much fun in their banter

"Yeah! The same competition where you wrapped a saree." Sanskaar spilt one more of secrets. "What was the name you gave yourself Champa Chameli? Such a sexy name!"

And at that Swara broke into a laugh unable to hold back any longer and laughed till her stomach ached. For a minute the rest of the group watched her in utter silence especially Ragini and Sanskaar.

When was last time Ragini thought, she had seen Swara having such a hearty laugh... not in ages. Not once after the death of parents. Her smiles had always been controlled, restrained ..but not this. It's almost like she feared happiness from the time of Sekhar's death, scared if she loved something dearly that would be snatched from her. She had seen Swara grow up with these fears, all these years. Ragini also knew this was one of the reasons, Swara held back her fascination cum love for Sanskaar. And now, she looked as if filled with a fresh lease of life.

She was a sight to behold, a spellbound Sanskaar thought watching Swara. He loved each smile of hers, shy, silent and mused but this... where had she been hiding all these days? This Swara with no barricades holding her back. Her sweet, joyful laughter felt like a sprinkle of summer rain on his heart and she looked like a dash of sunshine wrapped in mustard yellow. It was from one of the dresses he picked for her on their first date. A Falbala Yellow Top & long striped skirt. It looked more pretty on her than he imagined.

His very own Sunshine.

Looking around Swara's laugh came to an abrupt halt. Oh God! Did she offend Laksh or Sanskaar? What if they felt bad? She looked around hoping for some assurance. Ragini held her hand. "Be always happy like this Swara.Always." She squeezed it lightly conveying her happiness.

And he would make sure of that, once they are together, Sanskaar determined. His precious girl and her equally precious smiles and laughs all worth treasuring. All his.

"Whoa! She can laugh too?" Laksh's playful remark returned the normalcy between four.

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That evening brought more surprises for Swara in form of Sanskaar's treat.

"My intern has done such a fab job. I owe her a treat" He said, giving her playful wink and what a mad and exhilarating fun it turned out to be in Play Arena. First was bowling which had Swara jump in glee at her first strike knocking all the pins, after first few failed attempts. She jumped into hands of Sanskaar laughing like a silly kid, her feet off the ground.

"Did you see that, Sanskaar. All of them!"

"Aint my girl brilliant?" Sanskaar leaned and kissed her cheek playfully."How about a second round?" He asked very well knowing the answer. And Swara couldn't resist. Then there was foosball, laser tag, go-kart and by the end, Swara never felt more alive and life never felt more beautiful.

But she said that too soon. As they relaxed, Sanskaar held her hand. "Had Fun?" He asked.

Feeling overwhelmed, Swara nodded her face radiating joy. As a kid, she missed all these and after a certain age, she has forgotten the name of fun. Only if he knows what all this meant to her. Sanskaar turned to Laksh and Ragini who were busy fighting over chips, "You stole - mine -mode.

"Guys! "They looked at him.

Some silent understanding went around table leaving Swara clueless."I will drop her back", Sanskaar told Ragini who gave a thumbs up. Soon Swara was on her way out with Sanskaar.

Before she could ask or say a word "Told I would steal you for a date. Ready!" He asked at his charming self. How could she be not? And after while they zoomed off in his car for a long drive.

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"Well! You are stuck with me, Mathur! Now bear it." Ragini teased Laksh playfully.

Laksh watched her in silence for just a moment. Right or not, he didn't want to delay "How about getting stuck for a lifetime, Gadodia?" he asked straight enough to shock Ragini.

Silence hung in the air.

He had always loved her right from college days but she wasn't convinced enough. He couldn't blame her. He had been a flirt then.

It had been harmless flirting, Ragini knew. Laksh never crossed a line with anyone, yet when he proposed her in college, she wasn't ready. She liked him but ... She suggested they should take some time, absolutely sure the initial attraction he felt for her would wear off.

Much to her surprise, he didn't argue and followed her words by line. He didn't because no amount of his confessions or proofs of love would convince Ragini at that moment. He took as a test to be passed.

They lost touch for while...no deliberate attempts were made to stay in contact and let the time take its course It felt like their story was supposed to end that way...but fate had some other plans: thrown in each other's path again via their best friends.

"You didn't call me for 2 years, Laksh. What if I had fallen in love with someone else or got married ?" Ragini asked dead serious.

"You are right!" Laksh replied equally serious. "It was a risk but calculated," He said watching her turn curious. "You were going for an MBA and wouldn't get married before that which gave me two years and I got into the work as well. If you thought I had let you go, Ms Gadodia you have been wrong. I would have come down hunting for you ...but all thanks to our friends...we are here! But still, if you had fallen for someone else I would have respected your feelings and stepped back."

He would have, definitely! Ragini jerked herself out as took her hand into his and didn't protest. Maybe it was always supposed to be in locked in his. As their eyes met "Two years or twenty years, my feelings for you would always be the same, Ragini. I would right on the other side waiting for you even if it's for a lifetime ."

And her every doubt faded with his honest and earnest confession. She wasn't just a mere passing fascination but a love for a lifetime.

"But, haan! you may have to settle for an old man who lost his teeth if you make me wait for long, Soch lo." He grinned at her all prepared for few smacks which landed on him next minute. Ouch! Acha listen..." When he was given a break from the pitai session. "Shadi karoge na mujhse I will show you all my suits superhero wala...Promise."

Ragini shook her head. Isn't he an antique piece? As if she had been dying to see his silly superhero costumes. Gotta be unique proposal ever. She better get used to all madness.

"How generous of you Laksh Mathur! I have been dying to get a sneak peek of them. Ragini replied with a mock grin."But let me give you a tip. Next time get me a ring. I might just be nice and say yes." Ragini picked her bag to leave, Laksh was quick to grab her hand.

She didn't turn back ...

Laksh smiled and tilted his head just enough to catch her side view "You would?"

Her smile bloomed slowly, her heart thudding at new feeling surging through her. "Why don't you try and see?"

And Laksh had his answer.

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A long drive.

Swara placed a hand on her heart in a bid to calm it down. It felt like the entire evening was a dreamy bubble and it would burst any moment. She dreamt of this, him, next to her. In a car, with no roof, sitting next to him riding off as the sun sets in the sky painting it in brilliant hues of red and orange. The chilled evening breeze just added to her bright mood.

Such beauty! Swara sighed. It was not his BMW, Swara noted she had no clue of what it was, given her knowledge on cars was limited, but whatever it was, she loved it.

"Audi. It's is my favourite and its convertible," she heard him say. "I save it for some special occasions."

So this drive with her is special, Swara mused. Giving in to her whim, she stood up, little hesitant if she can, hoping it wouldn't hinder his driving. She looked at him her hesitance clear in eyes. Sanskaar smiled and gave her a go. He was no longer a stranger to Swara's child-like side and her little whims and fancies. They fascinated him, just like her.

Thrilled by the rush and speed of drive brought her, Swara sank back into the seat. "I always wanted to go for a long drive like this ...Sanskaar" She admitted midst her bubbling laughter.

"With me?" He asked looking at her with mild curiosity. Was this one on her wish list? He wished, one day he would get sneak peek of her scrapbook.

Swara turned her face away smiling and nodded which had Sanskaar grinning. Thank God, Swara thought she didn't leak her fantasy about all kissing, she dreamt in the drive.

She had no clue of the place they were driving too, but she knew the city was left far behind. And when they stopped at top of a hill... Swara gasped at view of the city below.

A majestic view of the skyline alive with lights, like someone had taken a handful of glitter and sprinkled it across and the world suddenly felt so wide. Buildings of different shapes, rectangles, domes, mini-castles, sky scrappers all collided together, tiny vehicles rushing along tangled lines drawing steaks of lights, all these coming together for a breathtaking and marvellous sight.

His hands stuffed into pockets, he watched her, transfixed, the amazement in her eyes that beautiful full-blown smile as she gazed at city lights.

"Swara."He uttered her name, totally smitten and when she turned to him fully, her smile intact, he felt his heart jump a few beats. Pitted against city lights, breeze dancing around her hair, even in the dim lit place as such, she looked like the brightest star, a bewitching sight.

He took slow steps marvelling at the wonder before him. A look at him meeting his eyes, Swara fell short of breath. Those black ones spelt a deep ardour like never before enough to drive her into a frenzy.

A blink and breath were all it took. He pulled her gently against him, his one hand firm against her waist and his other hand framing her cheek.

Swara never felt her heart beating this fast not even when they kissed like crazy. This was different altogether, a different tune her heart played, of swirling desires and silent promises. His fingers weaving into her hair, inching her close, the feel of his breath hot and damp over hers, the rasp of his lips above her trembling parted ones...

She didn't shut eyes neither did he and they gazed into each other falling into those depths of painted passion and when he kissed ...it was nothing close to what she dreamt of.

It was much more.

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Can a kiss leave one speechless for an hour or more? For Swara, it felt so. Lying on top of the car, her head softly cradled into the crook of his shoulder, with stars and lights sparkling above and below and notes of Beethoven floating around, life never felt so content and dreamy.

.His breath felt even as the beat of her heart next to him. It wasn't just a kiss driven by a mad desire or adrenaline rush, like earlier ones which clouded his senses. It was above all...it was a different one, total bliss.

Indeed it was. Swara thought. Teasing and tantalising ...where she felt his every little move, the way his fingers played around her nape, curled around her curves, the delicious things his lips did to her, the nip of this teeth, the sound of his ragged breath, soft teasing whispers, the pounding of his heart matching to her own. Sighs, sweet gasps all melted into one aching need, into them.

Swara...

Her heart hummed a much familiar tune as he took her name and it never felt sweeter.

"Hmm.." was all she could say still living dream.

"I am going out of town for 2 days for a business deal."

She stiffened first at the mention of it. And he felt it. His fingers instinctively curved over her delicate ones and they entwined. Rising up, his head propped on an elbow, he brought their joined hands to his lips and kissed each of her fingertips, till he felt her relax in his arms.

"It's getting hard to stay away from you, Swara," he admitted, his fingers now threading over her hair, brushing those loose silky strands. He can't take it for long, Sanskaar thought looking into her eyes which like always gazed at him with utmost love and admiration. She has no clue of the power she holds on his heart, on him.

He waited for long and wait seemed never ending at one point, but not any more. Giving into his momentary need, he gently leaned in and kissed her warm lips and she welcomed his move. It was for briefest of moment time froze as their lips met and parted. It took one more minute for him to gather his staggering beat and for her to catch up on breath.

"You know the dance night I was talking about, the masquerade ball dance ..." Sanskaar said.

Did he see guilt in Swara's eyes at the mention of Masquerade dance, It felt so for a moment. True! They never discussed secret in open. It wouldn't be secret anymore, not after night, he planned for them. A night to bare hearts and confess. A night where every secret will come out in open. No more plays.

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Thankfully she was back on time, Sanskaar somehow managed to get them through but Swara was in the mood to worry about anything, not after such a wonderful evening and a dreamy date. Grateful, the residents of Bose house were scattered around, she hurried into her room. Leaning on to the closed door, she smiled to self still convincing herself it wasn't a dream, It wasn't.

Then tossing aside her sling, she twirled like a silly fool, grinning all the way and landed on the bed. The night was way too sweet other than the news, Sanskaar has to be out of town for the next two days, but the mention of the night filled her with new enthusiasm. He got her a dress to go with heels, he said and added she can ditch heels, given she is uncomfortable.

He can't risk another sprain, he joked, which had her smiling. But, she had no intentions to do so. Not a chance to complain. Just a little practice with heels will do. Her eyes moved to the gift bag. Her dress ...Totally excited, Swara pulled it out and forget to blink for next minutes.

Right before her eyes was a knee-length off-shoulder gold gown, all sparkly and glitter, absolutely meant to make its owner stand out, and turn all heads for sure. Sexy, as it would bare her back in generous proportions, for him. Swara blushed hard at the wild imaginations running in her mind. There's a mask too in gold and black...resembling butterfly totally going with the attire. He would meet her right on that night at the mentioned place ...he told her.

She picked the card next to the dress. It has details of the venue and a note which simply read.

I'll wait...

            Sanskaar

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Only if the business trip didn't come up, Sanskaar sighed back in his room but on another note, he felt thrilled at thought of building anticipation for the night, the sweet ache of being apart from each other and every moment spent vying to be back into each other's arms. Each minute of the wait would be worth it.

Tonight was one more night, added to his favourites ...he had no clue love would feel this wonderful. Maybe with the right person next to you ..the one for you, it is ought to.

It was at the end, she touched his cheek, a loving caress, but it was her words, that took his heart.

"I will miss you, Sanskaar."

He will miss her too, like hell.

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After a change, Swara cuddled up on the bed. She will miss him, badly. He would miss her too, he said, kissing her on the forehead.

What's with this new policy he came up with? No phones, no messages for 2 days. Swara turned to teddy which she fondly named sunny and gave a playful punch first.

"You can't get away by kissing me always, Sunny boy!" She tweaked her nose, made faces, then snuggled into the warm fur with a dreamy smile recalling his parting words.

"I can't wait for this night to come, Swara " he whispered, kissing her goodbye.

She can't either. She would confess ..all her secrets, her every little fascination for him, about being his masked girl which she never admitted till date. He never did ask her to, but he ought to know. He will.

This night would be life-changing in a way.

Too lost and dazed in her own musings, only if Swara would have noticed her scrapbook was missing from its usual place.

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 Hope you liked the sunny evening. Do Drop some love.

Next update Friday/ Saturday.

Thanks for reading.

Love

Lucky