Hola People,

And I finally post epilogue. Sorry for the delay.Hope it makes up to the wait.

Happy Reading and do drop some love.

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The marriage idea of Sanskaar and Swara met with a little protest from Annapurna who had many plans for the wedding but she could read her son's apprehensions and fear of parting with Swara after the entire fiasco.

But the question was of muhurat. It was Parineeta who pointed only if muhurat wouldn't have passed, Swara and Sanskaar would have been married then itself on the same mandap

It was then Sanskaar revealed there was no muhurat at all. It was a fake one. The marriage was never supposed to happen with or without Swara. He had plans of holding on till the last moment and expose Kavita in case Swara doesn't turn up. Annapurna didn't waste any more time. On checking with pandit ..luckily the same evening had a muhurat. Time was short ..but it had everyone's consent.

Dadi wiped her tears. Only if Sekhar and Sharmistha had been alive, this marriage would have been one of the happiest moments for the whole family which, at this moment was scattered. Janaki didn't fail to notice sadness on Dadi's face and she understood her concerns. She was missing 'them'. And Sharmistha had been right. Uski dadi hain. Better late than never. After today's act of rescuing Swara and standing by her, Janaki felt newfound respect for Parvati Bose.

She simply took a minute and turned to her husband. "Ram!" His eyes followed hers which moved to Swara, then dadi and back to him. A gentle squeeze on his hand, Ram got the message. He smiled in return and nodded.

Ram put forth a proposal. If Maheswari's and Parvati Bose didn't have any objection they would want this marriage to happen at Gadodia house and want to perform the ritual of 'KanyaDaan' and 'Bidaai' And it was accepted with no questions. Through smiling tears, Parvati Bose hugged Janaki giving her unspoken consent. Sharmistha wouldn't be happier, she thought.

Overwhelmed would a small word for Swara, especially when Janaki hugged her and remarked She would be donning the role of her Maa, not maasi anymore.Ram smiled and added 'Gadodia house' would be her Maayka from now on. Swara broke into happy tears as spectators. Ragini was the happiest. She gave a bone-crushing hug to Swara.

"We are sisters in the real sense now, Swara." And they would always be. Swaragini. It was such a heartwarming sight for everyone. And Sanskaar was glad Swara found her happy adobe, a loving family which she always wished for ... and he promised she will have one more in form of Maheswari's, soon.

There was happiness all around. It was at the moment Swara noticed Adi was nowhere.

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'Boys don't cry' was what dadi fed him right as a kid, but he knew now, Dadi was wrong. Aren't boys human? Why are they not supposed to shed tears in pain and be vulnerable.?

Adi wiped tears off his cheek. How could she do this? His mother whom he always looked up to. He had only faint memories of Shekar. He had grown up watching his mother work hard day and night for 'them'. One day, he thought he would take over if not business ...be it his chosen profession, he only had the desire to excel, so he is capable to shoulder responsibility. Be the man of the house. He never knew his mother hated Swara di so much. She didn't love her as much as Kavita di, he knew but...hate?

"I wish Swara ..I wish .." He would never forget those venomous words. His mom had broken a basic trust a mother and child could share. If you can't trust your mother who else in the world would you? The thought she didn't hesitate to feed sleeping pills to Swara di ...and her admission...

Fresh tears spilt out ...and Adi didn't wipe them. This pain needs an outlet. He does. But he didn't want to ruin the happy moments. He was happy for Swara di, but the pain he felt over his mother's acts was in greater proportions and he dashed out of Maheshwari Mansion. Somewhere in a huge garden sprawled at the entrance, he sank on the bench, he found first.

He failed her as a brother too. He was supposed to protect his Di ..but he failed.

It was in such a vulnerable state Swara found her little brother.

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Adi, Her little loving brother who never failed to bring a smile on her face, was always by her side was now in tears. Swara walked up to him slowly wiping her tears.

"Adi.."

He looked up and the next minute he was holding her and crying. Swara simply clutched him close in silence. Sanskaar stood watching them from one end not willing to interrupt 'siblings moment'. He was aware of close bond Adi and Swara shared and it would be difficult to part, especially at these tough times. He wished Adi could stay with them too. He would forever be thankful for spilling out details that evening which led him back to Swara. And he has every intention to keep up the promise he made on dinner night with Bose Family.

'Adi would be his responsibility'

But now he has a task in hand.

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After his sobs died down... Adi looked at Swara.

"Di ... Can I stay with you, here?" He asked hesitantly. Swara knew where this came from. He didn't want to go back, not after events which brought forth a few bitter truths. She would love to have him close, but it's not her call. Yet she had a different reason to disagree.

She didn't want Adi to be like her. Running away from situations which demand you to fight back. She took a long time to learn her lessons. Not her brother.

"Adi, Yaad hain tu hamesha mujhse kehta tha ...that you would want to grow up soon and take up all the responsibilities. We all have good times and bad times, Adi. It is at bad times we need to stay strong. My brother is strongest ..and remember ab main chali jaungi. Kavita might leave soon too. Phir Dadi aur Maa ka khayal kaun rakhega? Tu hi na! And I am always with you, Adi tu ye jaanta hai na!" Swara gently wiped his tears and smiled.

Adi nodded and smiled back. He would learn to fight.

"Don't you hate her?" He asked after a while.

Swara stayed silent and took his hand into hers. "Hate is a very big word, Adi. Why should we hate someone? Maa ne jo kuch bhi kiya mere saath, It's over. Holding grudges and nursing hate would take us nowhere. No, I don't hate her. I can't take away what she had done all these years for us in the absence of Baba...aur.."

"Aap itni achi kyun hai di?"

"That's why we all love her right!" Ragini's voice came from behind who settled next to Adi. Just the one, Adi needed to make him feel better. Her eyes found Sanskaar little away and she knew it's him who got Ragini.

She muttered a silent thank you and he acknowledged with a smile and nod. A little cheering up from Ragini joined by Sanskaar who told Adi he's always welcome to visit his 'di' and stay here as long as he wants and thanked for sorting out things ... made Adi feel better. He was not alone, he had many who loved him and would be there for him, always, at any given point in life. And then there was Laksh ...

"Hey! We didn't get introduced, I am Laksh.Naam toh suna nahi hoga..but still.." he started and turned the discussion to Bollywood, "I heard you are good at cricket but do you watch movies?" he inquired.

"Laksh Please, he's a kid, spare him." Ragini chided.

"Oh Pls, Ms Gadodia.! You are jealous. It's ok if Adi starts liking me more than you. My charm is contagious, koi bach nahi payega."

And everything felt cheerful again. Ragini hurried them all saying they have a marriage to plan with time running short. As they left Maheshwari Mansion, Adi recalled promise he made to Swara.

"Promise me Adi, tum Maa se kuch nahi poochoge. Kabhi iss baare mein baat nahi karoge. Never."

He thought for a while and promised in a calm tone"Main Kabhi baat nahi karunga,di."

And true to his word he never talked to Sumitra again.

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Sumitra sat in silence. She always enjoyed the silence, those few moments of peace after a long day of work. But today ...it told a different story. She didn't say a word ...not when Kavita declared she 's leaving the house to get married to Sahil on the same day, not when Parvati Bose walked in with a hesitant Swara behind her with news of Swara and Sanskaar's marriage planned in the evening at Gadodia residence and Swara would be moving there.

Swara waited and felt worried at blank stare of Sumitra. But she didn't dare say a word and followed Dadi to her room. She had to pack her stuff. Sanskaar had been reluctant to send her back to Bose house. It was only when Dadi and Ragini assured him, they wouldn't leave Swara alone under no circumstances. He gave in.

"Just a few more hours" He kissed her bye.

Swara looked around the room. This place holds many memories and moments, good and bad, smiles and tears ...Swara fondly traced family photographs before packing them. They are going with her. She didn't know if she would be welcomed back to this place ever. Even if Dadi and Adi would welcome her with wide, open arms, the tension would prevail. Her 'choti maa' made her hate evident some time back. But she was worried more about Adi at his given state. He didn't accompany her instead went straight to Gadodia house with Ragini. He needed time, It was given.

Parvati Bose watched Swara in silence while playing a helping hand in packing. Just like her mother, this kid can never hate someone. It was written all over her face, the worry. Despite all Sumitra had done, she was concerned. Dadi wished perhaps one day Sumitra will realise too...

Swara...

Dadi's words snapped Swara out. Parvati gently placed her hand on Swara and she immediately felt better at assuring touch.

"Tu yaha ki chinta mat kar .Hum haina!"

Swara nodded with a smile. Dadi haina! She told herself. And when she stepped out, Sumitra still was silent.

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Next, everything happened at the speed of the flash. The preparations at Gadodia House started in full swing give the time limit. The mandap, decorations, catering ...The usual silent Gadodia house buzzed with excitement, laughter and happiness.

"Swara ...Today I am gonna deck you up. Pehle hi bata rahi hoon, Be prepared." Ragini teased. Swara did not protest trying to take in all the hullabaloo around. Part excitement, Part nervousness ..and sudden turn of events felt too much to take in. Janaki was the first one to notice 'pre-wedding jitters' of Swara. And when Swara shared her concerns, Janaki smiled and assured its common at the time of marriage. It's a big step in life a new chapter altogether..but Swara has nothing to worry about.

"Swara...the best part is you are getting married to the one you love, the one who loves you back no less. When you have someone like that standing next to you holding your hand, Nothing would go wrong. Sab theek Hoga."

Swara couldn't agree more. She has Sanskaar.

And soon Parineeta walked in with wedding lehenga from Maheswari's and playfully remarked how eager Sanskaar was ."Devar ji ki bas chale toh abhi shaadi karenge." which left Swara in all smiles and up for teasing session.

The flared lehenga was of deep red velvet designed with heavy zari and Dori embroidery work all over, enhanced by sparkly stone, beads and mirror embellishment. Accompanied by a similarly embroidered velvet choli and a net dupatta with lace scalloped borders...It looked vibrant and beautiful. When Parineeta remarked how Sanskaar was insistent on red, Only Swara knew why.

It was in 'red' she met him for the first time that night and their story had begun. Now in 'red', she would take a step towards 'their' happy ever after. The evening soon came by and when Swara donned the lehenga, compliments flew in from all quarters. Dadi and Jaanki placed a kaala teeka to vade off any buri nazar...

She stared at her reflection in the mirror. It was of a bride glowing in red. Her hair was coiled into a high bun pins holding it in place. Ragini took over the makeup department for she knew Swara's love for little or no-makeup look. But today she has other plans. Her cheeks painted in little blush added more charm as her kohled eyes standing out as always bright and beautiful. A hint of shimmery gold dust shone over winged eyes line and a dash of bright red lipstick finished the look.

A huge single piece of necklace adorned her neck as bangles in red and gold sparkled and tinkled over the wrist. Heavy jhumkas adorned with pearls and deep red beads in gold lifted the look. It was Dadi who fondly brought her Nath( Nose Ring )... Made in gold with a light smattering of pearls and an elegant 'latkan'.

"Main teri maa ko kuch nahi de paayi. Poti hi sahi." Parvati Bose smiled through tears realising how easy it is to love, if we choose to and happiness it brings. A teary-eyed Swara tightly hugged her in response feeling overwhelmed.

"Thank you Dadi," she muttered softly under breath. And when the look was complete, Ragini stared at her in awe.

.Her remark " My My Swara. You are looking gorgeous ...Aaj tho Sanskaar pakka gaya." left Swara in all smiles.

It was the sound of dhol and band which alerted them. "Lagta hain baarat aa raha hai." Ragini squealed in delight rushed to the window to catch a sneak peek. Dadi and Janaki hurried down for welcome.

Swara's heart thudded a beat. He's here!

Ragini gave the commentary in between though her eyes were fixed on Laksh who oblivious to world was dancing to 'Mere yaar ki Shaadi hai' in full Bollywood style. Paagal She murmured fondly. She knew he would dance at his wedding. As the procession came closer, Ragini turned to Swara with a little chuckle and enquiring look.

"Did you ever tell him about his fascination with fairytales, prince charming and white horse, because he's on one." And Swara rushed to window at that

There he is. Dressed in a beige and red sherwani, he indeed looked like a 'prince charming.' And she recalled their discussion one night over the phone about fairytales and the long list she shared with him. And Swara felt like a princess at that moment. Swara stared at him at a loss of words. He's coming for her. The feeling was priceless.

Like he sensed Sanskaar looked straight at her .. Swara felt heart skipping many beats..and he smiled. Swara turned away smiling too and placed a hand on her crazy heartbeat. What's happening to her? He just looked and she's...

"Control Swara. Control Swara. Take deep breaths. Abhi shaadi baaki hain."Ragini giggled and teasingly nudged her shoulder.

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They received a gracious and warm welcome and now already in the mandap, for Sanskaar, every passing minute felt like an hour. That one glimpse of her left him restless. Didn't she look 'gorgeous' even from far away? He's dying for one more.

He leaned towards pandit and murmured slowly as secret "Thoda jaldi kijiye please." which had Annapurna and Parineeta standing behind him giggling.

"Dulhan ko leke aayi ye" Sanskaar was alert at words, his eyes eager.

And she walked in.

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Just like that night, she was walking towards him ...sparkling in red. Then he had no clue of her and now...His everything. Like always she managed to hold his breath and he didn't want to blink for fear of missing this beauty in red. And that little shy smile as she looked at him before lowering her eyes ...he was floored.

It was on an impulse he stood up and offered his hand when she was just a step away from Mandap. And everything little thing, little detail of that night rushed back to Swara. Then it was just for a dance ...and now.

"For a lifetime, Princess." His whisper left no doubt and she placed her hand in his...

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Everything felt like a dream. The rituals...Ghat bandhan,saath phere, Mangalasutr and sindoor each one binding them together in the sacred bond of marriage. Maheswari's had been ever sweet as always during her bidaai and griha pravesh.

They didn't object when Dadi hesitantly asked about doing bidaai as per 'Bengali ritual. There were teary smiles around when she left, a shower of blessings and only love. For once, she looked at Bose House. But there was none. Sanskaar held her hand and she knew it was time to step ahead.

Now waiting for him, midst floral bed, in his room painted in a lively, brilliant shade of blue with intricate flower motifs designs, Swara reeled in all her moments with Sanskaar. Never in the faintest of her dreams, she would have imagined that one day they would be together. It was like a secret wish, hidden deep down...which was supposed to be just a hopeful wish, nothing more.

A glimpse of him in college days made her day and now he would be part of all her days and nights.

For a moment, she felt scared what if all this is just a dream. She was living one. Blink and it will be gone. In a bid to assure herself, Swara pinched herself quite hardly. The sting gave her answer. It was right at that moment, Sanskaar walked in.

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Swara knew its no longer a dream, not when her heart did a gentle roll as net veil slipped off her face revealing herself to his smouldering gaze, at his compliment of how pretty she looked with the nose ring and his gentle enquiry if it did hurt.

Swara nodded no taking it off. 'My sunny! caring' as always she mused

"Then we should get you one" He smiled stroking her nose. A little diamond would look perfect on her. Then he noticed a fading red spot on her cheek "ye?" he inquired mildly curious.

And Swara suddenly felt embarrassed.

.What would she tell him? She's still hanging in between dream and reality and pinched herself to confirm. Swara lowered her eyes " I ..I pinched myself". She murmured slowly.

His lips curved into a teasing smile. He didn't have to know more. He chuckled under breath. Isn't his wife too cute at times?...No! Always, he corrected. He tipped her chin up to meet his gaze. And Swara missed a beat and breath falling into those depths of passion.

"You still think I am a dream, don't you, Swara?" He breathed those words softly over her lips and she trembled. And he had every intention to prove her wrong tonight.

It started with a lingering kiss on the cheek soothing the sting which had her eyes shut as those light gossamer kisses over the face. And with every kiss, Swara knew it wasn't a dream anymore, not the sweet shudders she felt as his fingers undid her every piece of jewellery, not those little darts of pleasure at his teasing bites. A gentle tug on the lower lip had her gasping followed by long play of lips. Her fingers curled around him at sweeping kiss over her neckline... and it was in a state of dazed pleasure, she felt velvet fabric slipping off her skin baring her to him. At the heat of their wrapped bodies beneath soft sheets, skin to skin, Her whole being throbbed with a never known need before, for more...a little more.

Sanskaar knew he had to take the lead given the shy nature of Swara...but the need suddenly felt too much. Only if she has a clue of what her slightest touch did to him. Her naive, ardent responses those little moans and gasps of shudders was all he needed for the desire to sore high.

And she moved with him moaning his name, wrapping her soft hands over his hard taut body, pressing him close, taking him in deeper with each stroke... And his very name from her trembling parted lips as she moved beneath him left him with a crazy yearning to take all of her, give all of him ...again and again.

And he did.

Their hands met as their eyes, racing hearts and ragged breaths, damp bodies all coiled as one, they took the plunge into the world of ecstasy...together.

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Swara couldn't sleep still floating in some state of haze their lovemaking left, even after hours. Her body never felt this alive as her soaring spirits. Snuggled with each other under the warmth of a comforter, his hands squeezing her in tight, Swara didn't want to be anywhere else.

Here. This close to his heart, always.

She lifted her head a little and gazed at his sleeping form. The more she did, the more she wanted. Would he ever cease to be her fascination? Probably never. She lived in his dreams for so long ...and now she's living it for real. She didn't resist and gave in to her urge of touching him...living the fascination once more.

Her slender fingers gently stroked his damp hair over forehead and felt him stir. She pulled back her hand on reflex. She simply touched his cheeks, marvelled at those long lashes, the nice chiselled jawline with a rasp of stubble which felt wonderful under her fingers. The sharp nose ...and his lips. Swara grinned at her childlike fascination with her husband.

'Her Husband'. She told herself and smiled. Oh! How much she loves him. In almost an impulse she pressed her a kiss at the corner of his lips.

"I love you ...My sweet Sunny." She whispered like a secret. And he smiled.

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Caught in the act, Swara blinked her eyes turned away, but Sanskaar was quick to grab her back and Swara found herself locked in his arms.

"Sunny?" Sanskaar grinned lazily. "Is that how you call me in your dreams? Mrs Maheswari"

And Swara felt thrilled at the sound of it, Mrs Maheswari

"More secrets, meaning more kisses." He tugged her close and more kisses followed midst fumbling sheets.

Later, Sanskaar teased her about a wedding gift. She never got him a gift, Swara realised. Her smile faded a little. Why didn't she think of it first? When she asked if he had anything specific in mind... Sanskaar nodded yes. Swara gazed at him curiously.

"Mind sharing your scrapbook with me?" He asked a little hesitant. Right from time, Ragni mentioned it to him, it had been on his mind, but he knew how much close and personal few would hold such memoirs and aren't comfortable sharing. His every doubt faded when Swara gave him a beaming smile. She didn't ask how he knew of her scrapbook. Ragini for sure spilt a few secrets. This should be best of all.

"It's there," she pointed at her unpacked suitcase and realised she didn't have a stitch of clothing on her body. She shyly eyed dress lying on floor midst pile of their clothes. "Woh Mera Dress.."

"Nahi milega." Sanskaar grinned mischief written all over his face, "It took a lot of time to get it off you. Not again." And his smile widened watching her blush furiously. He had a better plan . He reached for an extra blanket at the end of the bed, wrapped around her and tucked it carefully at bosom.

"Better?" He asked smiling.

Swara nodded with a little smile, got down the bed and took slow steps. Sanskaar watched her from behind, her elfin frame wrapped in the shade of blue, her hair tucked to a side. Such a pretty sight and he had this sudden urge to grab her back and never let her go.

How many days and nights he would have yearned in the same room for her ...just for a glimpse, recalling each moment, every minute detail of 'that night'. She ruled his heart and thoughts as Masked girl, then as Swara and now his wife... Mrs Swara Sanskaar Maheswari. His every thought took a break as Swara turned to him, her face and eyes sparkling with never seen before joy.

And Sanskaar felt the same, as they cuddled to each other and she took him down the memory lane with every page.

Shona and Sunny. The first page read.

And with every turn moments came alive and in each moment was now Swara, watching him with dreamy eyes. All of a sudden every moment held a new meaning.

There were his photographs interview clippings, their encounters in her words, Her deep-held fascinations, dreams and a wishlist, above all her love for him, shone like none. Overwhelmed was nothing for what Sanskaar felt He should have been blessed to find a love like this, to find her.

"It isn't just a scrapbook, Sanskaar." Swara traced it fondly and turned to him "It's my life."

Moved, He softly ran his lips over her forehead.

"And you are mine."

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All the days and nights were nothing short of bliss for Swara. She basked in the warmth and love of Maheswari's, a loving family she always wished for and Sanskaar, who loved her to bits and pieces. Then there was aarti which became a ritual in her voice as wished by Annpurna. Maheswari household woke up to the melodious voice of Swara. When Sanskaar asked about her taking up the job at Maheswari Inc and shared his Dad's opinion on Swara's capability to handle a bigger position, Swara denied saying its too early at this point ...maybe after a year after she feels settled. Sanskaar left the choice to her.

Her cooking skills improved day by day under Parineeta's guidance and her Maggi still was teasing bit at times. Then came trips to Mandir where Swara would meet up Dadi and Janaki and the regular hangouts with Laksh and Ragini had always been fun.

]It was soon after a month of Swara and Sanskaar's marriage, Ragini and Laksh got engaged with great pomp.

All 4 never missed any cricket sessions of Adi and turned to cheer him up. Adi dropped by Maheshwari Mansion at times or would catch up with Swara and Sanskaar post-college. And they never discussed Sumitra.

As for Sumitra who expected a revoke of contract from Mathur's given Swara's camaraderie with Laksh, was in a rude shock when more came her way from other venues as well.

Only Dadi knew it was Swara's way of making sure of a secured financial future for her family. She knew Sumitra would never acknowledge being indebted to Swara and still held Swara responsible for her severed relation with Adi. Dadi did not correct her. One day it would hit her ...

It was after two months Swara and Sanskaar took off for their honeymoon to Switzerland for 3 weeks. And life seemed to be a jolly ride.

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Sadly same couldn't be said to Kavita who married Sahil hoping she still holds the reins of his heart but the misconception faded in no time. He was not the same Sahil who dotted on her every word and would bear all her tantrums with a smile. This was a different one. And soon Kavita realised, It's his way of payback. Not to love her and let her be loved. And it took a few months for Kavita to realise what she lost in her bid for riches. She lost a genuine love and most importantly trust. Her every action, every word was viewed with a veil of suspicion checking for ulterior motives when she had none and which hurt most. She longed for little love but she got none. And she knew no one could be blamed but her.

And it might be years she would find love in Sahil's eyes.

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Swara and Sanskaar rounded up Switzerland marking their days and nights in a soul indulging trip. From romantic, leisure boat ride across those turquoise blue waters of the Lake Lucerne and hand in hand romantic walk in stunning serenity watching gorgeous fountains to adventurous sports and railing through the snow-clad Mountains in Interlaken From helicopter tour in Zermatt and panoramic frozen view of Lake of St. Moritz to castles in Bellinzona... the list seemed never-ending.

And every special moment was captured either in words or pictures for their scrapbook, of 'Shona and Sunny'. A new one marking a new chapter of their life.

It was on the day before the end of the trip they stood watching wide expanse snow-capped mountains snuggled to each other. Swara gave a contented sigh and turned to Sanskaar smiling. She knew he had taken her wish list quite seriously and snowy mountains had always topped the list. He didn't have to. She would have been just content holding him forever. But her protests had been of no use.

"Your wish, my command." had been his motto. She gave up basking in all the love of her prince charming.

Indeed it was, Sanskaar thought smiling back at her who looked utterly cute in a monkey cap. He had no intentions of compromising on any of her wishes or dreams. She is his princess and princess are bound to have a fairy tale.

This is theirs. Of Swara and Sanskaar and their happy ever after.

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And we come to an end of this tale. Thanks and love to each one of you who had been part of this journey of Swara and Sanskaar and UnMasked. I will miss this story as your loving words.

Till we meet again with a new story.

Love and Hugs

Lucky