Hello All,

Back with an update as promised. Here come few secrets your way. Yet to catch up on comments from the last chapter. Apologies for the delay.

Happy Reading. Do let me know your thoughts.

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Ragini Gadodia - Only daughter of Ram and Janaki Gadodia. Ram, A named attorney, his clientele included whos who of the business arena in Kolkata. Ragini and Swara first met as kids in neighborhood park as Sharmistha and Janaki. And stuck chord immediately. Swara had always been a shy and timid kid as opposed to Ragini, an extrovert.

Janaki always wondered how Sharmistha would put up with Parvati. Her attitude towards Sharmistha was no secret. Upon asking Sharmistha would just smile and say, " I chose to love. Maybe one day, Maa would love me too and accept me." This very nature of Sharmistha is what Janaki admired most. Ever giving and loving. She loved Swara no less and of course her bond with Ragini. Often They both would be referred as 'Swaragini' by the duo.

Sharmistha always treated Jaanki as her sibling, one she never had. Their bond was a sore eye for Parvati but she couldn't do a thing about it.

Over casual chat one of the evenings as they watched Swara and Ragini play around.

"I know even in my absence I don't have to worry about Swara. You will be there for her, always."Sharmistha said, her eyes fixed on kids

"Why are you saying so Shomi ?" Janaki asked alarmed.

"You never know what happens tomorrow. " Sharmistha answered with a blank stare. Looking at Janaki's horrified expression. "Offo, Bas aise hi Keh Diya ...aur tum,"Sharmistha laughed out.

"Please never ever say such things. "Janaki clearly disapproved " I will be there for Swara anytime and I know you will do same for Ragini ...but please..."

"Ok, Nahi Kahungi.Promise."

Janaki felt a strange restlessness that night. She also had a tough time sleeping. Like the fate would have it, Sharmistha fell victim to an epidemic and passed away, a personal huge loss for Janaki.

"Did she know? Did she have a premonition?" Plagued with questions for few weeks and Janaki slowly coped up with tragedy. It was Janaki who tended Swara when Sekhar slipped into a trauma post his wife 's death. The idea of Sekhar's second marriage didn't sit well with Janaki but that was out of her league to intervene. She held same apprehensions as of Sekhar about Sumitra.

Though Sumitra proved to be a nice one, Janaki couldn't accept her in place of Sharmistha, hence they never bonded. She found Sumitra's nature pretentious, too good to be true. It was feeling from within.

Sumitra soon had apprehensions about Swara spending more time in Gadodia house. It would only imply badly on her. Hence Swara's time with Ragini was cut short. But post, Sekhar's death things changed. In Sumitra's absence, Swara spent more time with Gadodia Family. It was on Ragini's insistence Swara applied to the same college and could make it to merit list. It gave them more time together as well as music classes. Ragini was more inclined towards classical, Swara towards western. And Ragini was one person whom Swara turned to any time, absolutely sure she would be there for her. One year elder to Swara, Ragini played a role of sister cum best friend for Swara. Post her graduation, Ragini joined MBA and they would hang out in evenings mostly at Ragini's place.

A very well settled family Gadodia house stood as a reflection for the same. But the favorite place of Swara was the open terrace with little garden and swing. That evening, after a call from Ragini, she rushed to Gadodia house. At least that would set her mood right. 'Janaki maasi' as usual, had been her sweetest. Few minutes, Ragini was quick to guess Swara was upset, It wasn't tough for her to make out why? Swara shared snippets

"I don't believe Kavita had the audacity to call you attention seeker when she herself is number 1 in that category. And why doesn't aunty say a word to Kavita? It's her excessive pampering which turned Kavita into a spoilt brat and If I would have been in your place .. I would have thrashed her left and right..."

Ragini never liked Kavita and would never hesitate to answer back unlike Swara. Kavita shared the same sentiments and would burn with jealousy over Swara and Ragini's bond. Ragini loved to irritate her but Swara Madam would always take peace route.

"Ragini ..."Swara had disapproval in her voice as Ragini went on muttering curses on Kavita.

"Ok! Fine...I know you love your family and can't hear a word against those villains. Ok Sorry again.But Swara... "About to protest Raini gave up. There's no use. Swara would be the same just like Sharmistha Maasi. Tolerating everything with a smile.

"Anyways Let it go...Ragini diverted the topic, "Let's talk about something interesting. So how was your day? Did you get to see him today?" She asked excitedly.

Swara's obsession with Sanskaar was no secret to Ragini. She knew It was only Sanskaar's name which would put an instant smile on Swara's face, just like now. She could already see her lips curving up into a shy smile.

"Aha! So your smile says Yes and ... ", she gauged Swara's expression." Is there more?"

Swara nodded with a sheepish smile "He's my guide for 2 months." Next minute, Swara literally had to close ears at Ragini's OMG scream.

"What? Are u serious? aur tu ye baat aise bol rahi hain. I mean.. " Ragini held her hand dragged her down to swing. "Tell me everything ok! Every little thing ".

Swara smiled at her excitement. Ragini was only one who had an inkling about her crush on Sanskaar. " I was not even sure If I would get to see him, Ragini and he just walked in aur I just turned numb, phir .." Swara gave an excited account of her encounter with Sanskaar.

"Oh ho! Ab Toh tu openly site maregi usse. Tu mere saamne, main tere saamne, ya Phir Mere saamne waali cabin main ek Chand ka tukda rehta hain .." Ragini nudged Swara's shoulder, which had Swara blushing. Ragini and her dramatics. Ragini loved Bollywood songs and would be ever ready with songs for every scenario.

Just like something stuck her mind, "Hey wait! Did he know it's you?" Ragini asked switching to a little serious mode.

Swara nodded negatively. " You know he wouldn't? ..I mean.."

"Yeah! I know, "Ragini sighed, "That was a sexy and hottest version of you, that night. I don't blame him. Poor Chap." Ragini gave a pitiful expression and smiled as Swara hit her playfully.

"All thanks to you, Ragini. If not for you, I would have never managed to pull it off." Swara said admiringly. It was before a few weeks of final year graduation, Swara was in her second year and Ragini in her 3rd year

The thought of not having Sanskaar around, almost terrified Swara. He would go away forever. She had no clue why did it upset her very much. It's not like they even know each other or they are friends He was just a fascination, Swara tried to convince herself. But it didn't help and worsened further.

One day she just broke into tears holding his photograph That was when Ragini for the first time, knew about Swara's crush on Sanskaar.

"Arey Itna pasand hai toh batana usse...I mean do you want me to talk to one of our common friends?" Ragini offered. Swara denied. She would meet and then be dismissed as one of his fangirls. That's the end. She didn't want that. What is it you want? She questioned herself midst a jumbled mass of emotions.

"Do you love him? "Ragini asked straight.

"I don't know .. I," Swara wiped tears." I wish I could just spend a few minutes with him, I mean..but." Swara struggled with words.

Considering her for a minute "Do you want to dance with him?" Ragini's question startled Swara for a minute.

"Dance?" Swara blinked through tears.

"Yes... That masquerade ball party. I have an idea..listen."

Swara protested the idea first but she knew this will be her last chance with Sanskaar. A Dance with him is something straight out of her dreams. It was all Ragini's plan from start to end. Swara was apprehensive for she didn't want Ragini to miss the party.

"Swara, you know I am not keen on parties. I was about to skip it anyway. So you don't have to be on a guilt trip." Ragini words eased Swara.

"They will have entry passes for each student 3rd and final years to avoid gatecrashing. You will take my place and make a late entry so that no one would pay much attention. But will you be able to recognize him. ?" Ragini posed a question.

"I will know," Swara answered confidently. Her heart would know. Now for next step, a makeover. Ragini took Swara out on a shopping spree. As Ragini picked a little red dress, Swara nodded no, " Itni Choti si dress...I can't..I.."

"Shut up Swara, You can," Ragini dismissed her concerns, "You don't want him to know who you are, Right! We have to go for an extreme makeover. That's the only way you will able to keep it a secret. And remember the theme. It's not that traditional long gown ballroom dance. It's a party themed, So this should do. Trust me on this. Will you?"

Swara nodded. She would trust Ragini with her life. She tried it out and for the first time, she was a new person, she felt like one. Ragni was clearly impressed. With the perfect figure, Swara had she could pull off any dress. It's only she chose to hide behind those loose clothes,

"Swara, do you have any clue how good this is looking on you? I am just waiting for you to ditch these boring clothes of yours. I trust this to be the start." Swara simply smiled in return.

They picked the accessories next and heels. For Swara, it had been a herculean task. She always preferred flats, Heels were out of her comfort zone but for Sanskaar she willingly took over the challenge.

Next was the dance. She had no clue of waltz and had learned a few basics from an institute. she would watch videos, would practice for hours in her room trying to master them. She doesn't have to be proficient but just enough to move confidently. She would try dress every day and practice walking in heels making herself comfortable enough to pull off the look Ragini aimed at. Gadodia house, Ragini 's room was their secret hideout.

Nothing felt tough, before those few minutes she would steal from him. And the much awaited night came in.

Wow! Ragini exclaimed looking at dressed up Swara. "You have no clue Swara, you are looking smoking hot. Aaj tho tera sunny gaya." She teased, leaving Swara in all smiles.

As planned she made a late entry.Swara reminisced Ragini's words as she walked into the party. "Make sure you avoid attention. The dance would be for a few minutes, but the party would be on for long just get out of it early. Lights would be dim, that should give you a perfect hiding as well as a mask. Mask is the most important. You shouldn't let it slip at any cost. I will be nearby ok, in the car."

Mask, The minute she had put it on, a new confidence took over pushing away nervousness peeking from inside. She can do this.

Everything went smooth as per plan, The dance and all, but the kiss was not on the list.

When he remarked just a few minutes, her heart dipped. Last few minutes...of her dream. It would end. She didn't want it to. But if it does, she's gonna make every minute count. She gave in to urge to touch him, oblivious to the effect she was having on him. She was living her fantasy and the kiss was totally unplanned. She wanted to know how it feels to kiss him. It was almost on an impulse, she touched his lips, brushed them softly and it felt heavenly. The taste of him. But, she no way anticipated his next move.

He kissed her back ...and she gave in, every bit of her. His every touch, every stroke set her on flames and she burned along with him. One minute they were dancing and in next few minutes, they were kissing in shadows, oblivious of rest of world. It was only them and their wild passion ruling at that moment. Her first kiss. She never knew it would send her into a sort of frenzy. She let him lead first and kissed him back exactly the way he did. Ad she knew he loved it, from the way his fingers would curve around her tightly, his gasps, his hot breath ad the way he deepened the kiss, She knew.

He crushed her onto him, the rasp of his chest over hers, she gasped with pleasure and clung to him in need of more. He nudged her trembling lips, probing them gently and she parted them for him clueless yet excited. A slight stroke of the tip of his tongue over hers, she went berserk.

His fingers over her body, pressing onto right places, the play of their lips and tongues, drove her crazy, He did.

When they parted, It felt dizzy, her whole being trembled with pleasure, her knees going weak, she held onto him, like he was next breath needed. He held her close, so close in return, she could hear his heart beating in sync with hers. His cologne, with fresh notes of pepper, bergamot, and ambroxant surrounded her sensually as he wrapped her in his warm embrace. The slight traces of his hands on her back, so soothing and loving. She wished time would freeze forever.

But sadly it was time for her to leave. She pulled back and lifted her face to his. His eyes, a look into them, she was scared. They spelled a tender and ardent longing, making her fall short of breath. She wanted to leave, she tried, but he didn't let her. One step back, he grabbed her hand and in a split of a second, she was locked in his hands.

Those eyes piercing into her, accusing her how could you leave me and her eyes widened as he kissed her wrist with softest of strokes. She turned away for fear of falling weak and trembled at the feel of his hot breath over her neck. Why did it have to feel so good?

Then, He breathed words softly into her ear, his lips brushing over them in gentle strokes.

Stay!

Those words were sweetest. And she did with a pure selfish need. She leaned forward and touched his forehead, he did too. That was the best moment of the night as they stayed holding each other, lost in each other as they had been doing it for years, where everything felt just right, in every way.

Then he whispered softly asking her to say its not his dream, she was real. She wanted to say, every feeling she held for him was real. She was no dream, but he was hers and would always be, but she stayed silent. He kissed her again, this time with an exquisite softness like she was some fragile doll. Everything felt hazy as passion took over again but his fingers untying her mask was enough to jerk her out. Terrified, She stepped back and fled.

Darkness came to her aid as well as Ragini waiting for her. With a thudding heart, she got into the car.

"Where's your mask? Did he see you?" Ragini asked horrified and turned the ignition. Swara nodded no trying to catch her breath and stared out of the window as they drove away.

Her heart was gone long back, it's just a mask.

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Swara ...

Ragini shook her shoulder." Will you please get out of dreamland Uska Naam lo toh bas, you are totally lost."

Swara looked at her and smiled "If Not for you, Ragini..."

"Bas Bas, You already told me many a time and gave me tag of the' fairy godmother'. Not again. Btw are you ever going to tell him that it's you ?" She asked curiously.

Swara nodded no. "He wouldn't even remember, Ragini. I don't want to spin dreams which would leave me broken."

.Sometimes Ragini felt the need to jerk Swara out of this fascination, But it felt harmless as of now. For Swara, that night had left enough moments to treasure. Sanskaar is who made Swara happy, Ragini didn't have the heart to snatch these few moments of her happiness. But the reality is harsh than dreams. She should know "But you are living in a dreamy world, Swara." Ragini pointed out with a subtle hint.

"Yes, But It has only me, my thoughts, my feelings...my fantasies and dreams. I can mend them the way I want." Swara countered. "Expectations just lead to disappointment, Ragini especially when you have them from a 3rd person. I am not ready for that." She didn't want to recall what his eyes spelled that night. What if it was just momentary? No place for wrong hopes.

"What if you matter to him? The masked girl, that night " Ragini shot another question.

Swara remained silent her eyes fixed on sparkling stars above. Would she?

She didn't have an answer. She didn't want to have. Some questions are best left unanswered. This was one of them.

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