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2 months passed.

Though Swara and Sanskaar never met each other formally ..they had been aware about each other,Laksh being the common binding factor . Laksh hit if off with Swara and couldn't stop raving about his new friend..how studious ,intelligent and daring she is yet so simple and down to earth ..above all her helping hand in assignments.Sanskaar first got brief glimpse of Swara in Canteen while she was hanging out with lucky and few other first years and sometimes in library, where her head would be immersed into books , half of her face probably covered with huge reading glasses she sported ...Book worm he thought inwardly with a smile. Though he admired her spirit, attitude and above all her camaraderie with lucky .. it didn't hold him for long.

As for Swara she had no clue Maheshwari's were effing rich and are one of influential families in Kolkata until she heard it from Ragini . She wished Ragini was with her too in the same college It would have been fun ..but Ragini chose to make music as her career ..and enrolled into a music college , but they hanged out in evening for sometime sharing snippets of college and talking about music .

It surprised Swara that being a Maheswari , Laksh never had that snobbish attitude ..and was a very easy going fun loving person ..it made them easy to bond and from Laksh's words it was clear how much he adored his brother and looked up to him " The Sanskaar Maheswari."

She heard and had been hearing much about him right from day 1. No doubt he is a charmer. Right from the time he took a small session in orientation programme pertaining to anti ragging cell , the whole class had been gushing about him. He drew looks of envy and awe in equal proportions. How much ever she hated to admit ..he had those looks which can hold your attention for a long time ..his voice had rough edgy tone which sounded sexy .. the aura of confidence he emitted and Damn! that smile he gave at the end of session ... it had half of class floored .

"He's my brother,"Laksh told her proudly that day, "Isn't he is a Charmer? "he added.. And she couldn't deny, Of course he is . Then as weeks passed the famous chronicle of his flings surfaced, how quickly he moved over from one to another ..How most of girls in class had been heartbroken with his no strings attached' attitude but she soon had a change of impression when she met Priya Mehra,one of her seniors and one of top rankers .

She met Priya in library..and somehow their love for books had them going..on a off topic note ..Sanskar had come into discussion..and as Priya heard Swara's theory of Sanskaar she brushed it off with a smile. " Oh ..I know him well .Sanskaar is just a harmless flirt.He never gives any wrong hopes. Any one who he dates are absolutely aware of what's in store ..he's not gonna be there for long ..yet they flock for him assuming they have capability to turn that attention into something more ..Of course who wouldn't be interested in scion of Maheshwari group..He's gonna take over empire and getting tied up with him has its own perks you know..but Sanskaar is no fool either. He absolutely know who is what .. yet he never pursues anyone against their interest.. It had always been mutual .And best part he know when and where to draw lines ...Ye saari kahaniya are just woes of broken hearts ..blown out of proportion..."

"In Simple ,Get Sanskaar Maheshwari on right side ..he's a total sweetheart.. On wrong side ..nothing less tha menace.. "Priya concluded .. "and if you are wondering how I know him this close ..," which exactly was Swara's doubt , " We are family friends .. and inn dono ko Laksh and Sanskaar bachpan se jhel rahi hoon main,"Priya added with a smile and left.

Swara sighed .How come she is ending up with people too close to Mr.Maheswari. Its like she doesn't know him ...yet she knows him ..an odd sense of feeling which she brushed off.

One more Month passed

Probably Swara and Sanskaar would have never crossed paths if not Kavita Roy.

Kavita Roy - Only daughter of -Siddhanth and Divya Roy. Roys are one of affluent business families in Kolkata. Siddhant strongly believed it was after Kavita's birth his luck turned around ..and she was loved and pampered to no extent especially Sidhant loved his daughter blindly and would to go to any extent to make her happy which would again and again be disapproved by Divya Roy .. who would try to point out how his pampering is turning Kavita into a spoilt brat..yet Sidhant never paid heed.She alone had half dozen servants to cater her needs.Her every whim and wish would fulfilled irrespective of their righteousness.

As for the looks, Kavita..no doubt was strikingly beautiful. Thanks to her long black waist length straight hair which she would style up as per her mood .. her branded accessories and wardrobe of top designer outfits .She had got style,swag and those looks which could make heads turn for a while.Kavita had always been brought up with feeling that she was destined to great riches and comforts and she didn't mind flaunting how privileged she was.She just loved show off , being center of attention.If not for her mother Divya ,who often gave her a reality check, her attitude would have been of a snob . Since she would get everything's she wished for ,her eyes would land upon something not easily attainable or posed a challenge which she found this time in form of Sanskaar Maheswari .

She chanced upon him in one of family gatherings.They met for brief few minutes and he had her attention. He had those killer looks, obvious style statement yet a boyish charm which would instant melt anyone's heart and of course the Maheswari Tag .Sadly Sanskaar didn't share same sentiments for Kavita.He didn't glance at her for a second time .. much to her dismay and strike on ego.

Kavita would have never even preferred to pursue her Masters in local college of kolkata , if not for Sanskaar..She intended to get him. Roys and Maheshwari's had a good family connections and having Scion of Maheswari in her kitty would only add up to her image .He would be her most prized possession which would make others burn with envy ..and let her flaunt .But Kavita knew the rules of game well. It's not easy to get him with most of girls vying for him in college , hence she resorted to a way which would garner his immediate attention .

If not for her snide comment on Maheshwari's ,Sanskaar would have never ever glanced at Kavita who is too loud for his taste and his biggest turn off probably her show off attitude . He still recalled how her fingers played around her expensive designer hangings ..her diamond studded bracelet ..and necklace when he met her first time for family gathering, an obvious attempt to flaunt trying to seem innocent..God! How much he hated that ..but It's time for her to know how it is to mess with Maheshwari's, but what he didn't knew was, it was well planned strategy by Kavita to rile him up ,as she knew Sanskaar wouldn't take any word against Maheshwari's kindly . He would come for her any way .

Her plan would have worked smoothly if not for Swara who found herself tangled in mess.

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Post Ragging Fiasco for first few weeks Swara found herself under limelight which troubled her .She didn't want to attract unnecessary attention, which would lead someone to her roots.Hence she mellowed herself down...but one conversation caught her ears accidentally ..It was of Sanskaar on how he's gonna take down Kavita.First he would lure her ..give her all the attention needed and make her go crazy for her , then dump her ruthlessly.. And Swara found it inhumane.

Moreover Kavita shared a cordial vibe with her .As for Kavita she didn't give a damn to people whom she didn't consider to be her equals and Swara Bose is one of them.There is nothing to be envious about her ..she neither have looks nor a proper background .. She is no threat .. hence she dished out a friendly treatment. She was right there when Kavita made that remark on how Maheshwari's can never compete with Roys and nowhere equal to them and that had been rude Though Swara didn't appreciate the show off attitude and OTT behaviour of Kavita yet no one deserved to be heartbroken ..that too a pre planned one.Her first instinct was to warn Kavita ..and she did.

Kavita beamed inwardly ..So its working.It had been easy than she expected it to be . If only he had confronted her ..her plan wouldn't have worked well..but this is ..great. So Mr.Maheswari walked right into her trap ..but she can't let Swara to have any idea of her intentions at this point. Bringing up a sweet smile ...

" Swara,Thank you so much..you are a true friend...I will take care..Thanks darlin."

Swara simply smiled having no idea of vile intentions of Kavita..but as days passed what puzzled her was Sanskaar and Kavita hanging out together ..all smiles ... and she felt an odd sense of discomfort .It's all farce .Did Kavita fall for Sanskaar's charms despite her warning.Of course she would have..after all this is nothing new for him . Swara fumed within Koi aisa kaise kar saktha hain? she would question and next minute"Tujhe kya? Mind your own business..You warned her ..and your job is done she told herself but somehow felt restless with the bug of right Vs wrong eating up her mind...and one fine day she decided to do something on her own.

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Irritated is what Sanskaar is at this point... everything seemed to be going great.Kavita was all in, though it had been a pain sometimes to bear her attitude...this is getting tough than he thought. Playing up feelings when you don't have ..is definitely getting on his nerves ..but today his source of irritation was not Kavita but Miss Bose . It started as a coincidence but very soon he could make out pattern. She popped out of nowhere with some stupid bahana .. and pull Kavita out when things would start working...Is she doing it purposefully but why would she ? This was none of her concern.

Kavita had another way of looking at it . First she felt irritated at interference of swara.. But very soon she started playing along knowing frustrated Sanskaar would only try harder for her ..and Miss Bose was perfectly helping her out , " Chalo kuch toh kaam aa rahi hain" she thought.

And one day Sanskaar had enough.

"Tumhara fav hero kaun hai Sanskaar?" Kavita asked as they shared a cup of coffee post college.Usually after an hour or two post college canteen is mostly deserted other than few Hence it was perfect place to put plan into action ..

Sanskaar sighed..Favourite Hero ?Give them the answer they want..and all happy but let's play it other way . Bringing up his most lethal smile "Why don't you try to guess? "he held her hand ..."Tum paas aaye ..yun muskuraaye " his finger drew circles on her hand brushing them lightly which definitely had kavita's pulse jumping ..Then he leaned just a bit closer ,brought up his most sexy tone "Kya karu haaye ,Kuch Kuch hota hain".He saw Kavita smiling. Great It's working " You know who it is by now .. don't you? He's all into romance ..aur hum ..

Swara rolled her eyes , sitting on table next to them which neither of them noticed .Can this get more filmy and cheesy .. and Kavita..God! She's falling for what ? Kuch Kuch hota hain ... probably he figured out Srk is her favourite and is playing along the lines .Swara shook her head..

"I Don't believe ki tumhe bhi SRK pasand hain." Kavita said excitedly .How much ever she might have played this is what she wanted .. Sanskaar coming straight to her and there's no denial she's loving all the attention showered.

"Don't tell me he's your favourite too ,God!"Sanskaar acted all surprised ." Kavi ...hamare pasand kitne milte hain..I am so surprised ," and Swara had enough .Time to give Mr Sanskaar a dose of his own medicine .

"Baby!" Came the sweet voice which had Sanskaar and Kavita's attention . "Tum yaha ho ..kabse dhoond rahi hoon. "Standing next to them ,Swara fluttered her lashes bringing her best sweet smile. Sanskar stared at her in confusion Kavita as well..before he could realise his hand was pulled of from kavita's hand and Swara was holding it like its her life sitting next to him.

" Baby ..kal tho tumne mujhse kaha tha ki tumhe Salman Khan pasand hain .. woh dabang waala...bikul meri tarah". ..her finger traced his cheeks lightly and she leaned closer " aur tum mere liye shirt bhi utarne waale the ..ab jhoot kyu bolrahi ho Kavita se." Sanskaar's eyes narrowed first and widened as her fingers brushed his hand in light delicate strokes.'Stop touching me like that' was first thing that came into his mind. He wanted to say , but couldn't find his voice .Her touch was shooting up some sensations which he never felt ... strange alien ones , sweet and tingling.

Sanskaar tried to pull hand back but Swara had a death grip .. "Baby ..". she called again so sweetly that he found himself staring into her eyes , utterly lost for a minute. And that riled up Kavita. The way he's looking at her .. Kavita got up with a force jerking them both "Oh! So you were just playing it up Right! "she glared at Sanskaar, then shot a look at Swara.

"Kavi ..don't listen to her ..you know .. she's lying ..I don't ..." Sanskaar pulled his hand back as grip loosened and tried to explain.

Swara got up and brought her most earnest expression " Oh !I am .. I am so so sorry Kavita Sorry Baby I shouldn't have said that ..I spoiled your plan right! Sorry ..Kavita ye sab jhoot hain ..hum dono ek dusre ko theek se jaante bhi nahi .. bhool jaavo .. Ok ! she shot a look at Sanskaar who looked a bit relieved and jerked again as her hands smoothed on his shoulder. "Baby ab toh tum khush ho na..jo tum chahthe the I told her . And I am leaving...See you soon .."she gently pulled his cheeks and walked off giggling " Ab ayega Mazza

"She called you Baby! ..? Kavita's temper flared .. " and..you never let me lay a hand on you and her hands were all over you. ..you didn't say a word ." Sanskaar opened his mouth to protest but didn't say word ..she was right! Miss Bose pulled his cheeks, and done all those seductive finger strokes and he let her " And you were looking into her eyes ... like ..like she's she's some .." Kavita tried to find some words fuming .."like woh kajol hain aur tum Srk ... "Sanskaar rolled his eyes. "Yaha par bhi Srk ! "Can she be a bit original and a valid point again . Swara's eyes ..they flashed again Damn!

" You don't have an answer ...Right! Meet me when you have one," Kavita stormed off .

Sanskaar watched at her .. and sat recalling what happened just few minutes back . She knew..today's act proves it . It was deliberate .Sanskaar s eyes shot up . . It's Time for a talk with Miss Bose and he exactly know where to find her .

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About to reach out to a book in upper shelf , Swara felt a jerk as a hand gripped her and next minute she was staring into his black eyes .. deep dark , intense.Backed to book rack ..locked in his hands..Swara started at him at loss of words.

" Problem kya hain tumhari Haan? Don't you have any other work than poking nose into others business ...I am warning you."He leaned dangerously closer and she forgot to breath for a minute . She never saw him and felt him this close . Unconsciously her eyes moved to sleek jet black hair , chiseled jaw line which at this moment had a little stubble ..and her fingers exactly knew how good it felt stroking his cheek few minutes back and was he saying something ..his lips are moving

"Miss Swara Bose " she jerked out "You better not meddle in my affairs . I won't take it lightly . "His tone shot a warning ..his eyes too and that triggered her , How dare he warn her and leave just like that.

" I know what you are planning to do with Kavita .. I will not let that happen " Her voice had him looking back at her .

"And what are you Miss bose?" He shot back at her " Her guardian ..her bodyguard ..or you have this tendency of being the saviour .. Kavita is not a kid ... so you better .."

"You better stop playing these silly games Mr.Maheswari, "Swara hit back ..."going around fooling people ..Not everybody is gonna fall for your stupid cheesy lines ..and go all gooey eyed for you."

Sanskaar smirked and leaned back on rack opposite to her " Looks like you have no clue of my track record .. should I get one for your reference of all gooey eyed ones ?"

" Of course you would have one to flaunt .. Because all the girls you impressed are already smitten by you ..Shouldn't have been tough for you? ..and I am not interested in records of your fangirls.Talk to me when you find someone who can match up to you."

"And who would that be Miss Bose ?Sanskaar crossed his arms with a crooked eyebrow "You?"

Swara's eyes widened . she didn't mean that ...she just .. I didn't mean to...I ..?

Sanskaa smiled as she fumbled with words ..and took slow steps towards Swara " Why do I feel saving Kavita is just a lame excuse ...Waise .. acha bahana dhoondha hain tumne to gain my attention ..Not bad! I like it ...but you know what!You really shouldn't attract my attention ,Miss Bose. You will have hard time not falling for me if I want you to.

What the hell? Swara fumed .Does he think she is one of them doing all this for attention ..that too of ...what does he mean she will fall for him her temper flared when he smirked .. Samjhta kya hain khud ko ...isse tho .. In almost an impulse she grabbed fist full of his shirt , "That's gonna happen only in your dreams Mr. Sanskaar Maheswari...Did you listen ..In your dreams .it's not easy to impress me .. you would probably fail so better not even try."

Sanskaar's eyes moved to her hand holding his collar ..Looks like Miss Bose intends to cross many lines today.Not even realising she pulled him onto her.Did she have any clue how close they were to each other ..If not, time to show .it's not until Swara felt his lips near her ear, she realised their proximity .He almost was pressed to her and his breath. It was all hot...God!

"I like challenges Miss Bose ..very much." His lips almost brushed her ears. Swara curled her fists biting back her sigh and then his lips moved down she could almost feel them on her neck ..he didn't touch but ..it felt .She didn't like the way her body was reacting to him...This is wrong.

" So Are you into this ? "His words reigned back her thoughts,"Sochlo .. There's no going back once you are in."

Swara took a deep breath. Well this serves the purpose Swara thought..That too well .. she's not gonna fall for him and Kavita will be saved too ." You better try hard Mr. Maheswari." she found her voice as he drew back.

"I will ...and this is just between us I assume, just two of us?" Swara nodded in consent as he stepped back releasing her from his hold ."And be assured Miss Bose, you have all my attention from now on ..all of it . " That shot a shiver down her spine.

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After three days

It didn't take much for Sanskaar to convince Laksh to get Swara out for a coffee.

"Lucky...tu hamesha Swara ki baare main bolta rehta hain ..Why don't you take her out for a coffee..I mean she's such a good friend of yours aur tera itna help bhi karti ..tho ..."

"Wow, Bhai ..Thats Great!Kal shyam ko college ke baad I will take her out."

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"Kya baat hain laksh .. aaj achanak se coffee peene woh bhi college ke bahar.. Kuch toh hain .. batavo kya hain? "Swara asked as they walked down from the college to nearby CCD. Last few nights she couldn't sleep well .. The encounter with Sanskaar had been in her thoughts mostly evading her sleep ...and by end of day she had a bad headache .. so when Laksh proposed a coffee ..she accompanied him promptly.

" Bas Aisi hi yaar . Canteen ki coffee peeke bore nahi hoti tum and college ke baad hours and hours you are in library .. milte hi nahi .. iss liye ... "On reaching CCD .. "Lo aagaye..Chalo Swara nodded and as they stepped inside and stood shocked .Right before her was Sanskaar Maheswari seated on table toying with his phone. Then he looked up ..And he smiled ..

"Laksh ..ye?"

"Chok gayi na ... surprise hain .."Laksh told excitedly to bewildered Swara , "ab tum mere itne ache friend ho ..and you know what bhai is to me ... maine socha .. chalo tum dono ko milna chahiye."

Swara forced a smile as they walked towards table.Her eyes throwing glares at Sanskaar.Sanskaar rose from his seat

"Tho Swara Ye ..." Before Laksh could complete

"Sanskaar ... " Sanskaar extended his hand "Sanskaar Maheswari. Swara looked at Laksh .. he probably didn't have any idea of their equation ..so they are meeting officially for the first time as per Laksh. Well played ..she thought and took his hand .. and her eyes shot at him as they curled around her in gentle hold.

"Swara ...Bose. "she answered back shaking the hand...

"Nice meeting you . ... "his smile turned into smirk now , "Miss Bose" .. he stressed bringing back flashes of their encounter in library. No one ever called her Miss Bose.. and look at him the way he takes her name, like he owns the copyright of it ..isse tho ...

"Tumhe pata hain Swara ..ye bhai ki idea tha to get you for a coffee ."Laksh spilled as they settled down.Oh! This was staged by Mr.Maheswari . At that moment Swara wanted to smack Sanskaar Maheshwari's face wiping off that smirk.

"So let's order ..bhai ki pasand tho main jaanta hoon ..Swara tumhara fav kya hain?"

Swara glanced at both of them. And an event two days back came rushing back .

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"Coffee @ 5 ..Kya khayal hain ? "Swara startled at Sanskaar's voice . She was on her way to library ..and he popped out of nowhere. " Tumhe kyu lagta hain main tumhare saath coffee par chalungi..no way Mr.Maheswari she moved past him .. but he walked right next to her.

"Not fair Miss Bose, main itne pyaar se pooch raha hoon .. aur tum ho ki ..acha ye batavo ki tumhe kaunsi coffee pasand hain?

" Like I am going telling you..you can never get that out of my mouth." Swara fired back

"Lagi shart! He extended a hand , "If I win .. you will come out for a coffee date with me .. no questions asked..bolo manjur hain. "Swara halted for a while looking at him " And If you lose Mr.Maheswari ..I will never come out for a coffee with you .. ab tum bolo ..'" she raised her eyebrows in question . Now it was Sanskaar's turn to smile ..She was right! He can't find a better match than Miss Bose to fight.

Manjoor hain!

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"Hey Swara ..Where are u lost ?"Laksh 's words jerked her out . "So Swara .. tumhara favourite coffee kaunsa hain?" Swara stared at Sanskaar who signaled at watch .. she checked it was 5 .pm ..Damn it ! He's gonna win right down ..and she will not let him.

"Mocha! ..My fav is Mocha! She blurted. She never liked Mocha!

"Cool, One latte , One cappuccino or ek Mocha! Done .. Laksh placed the order and they got into normal chit chat but Swara and Sanskaar were playing a different game altogether with eyes. She glared ..he smiled .. and she fumed .Can he stop throwing those jaanleva smiles on her .. and what irked her ..that she liked them.

As the order came in .. Swara looked at her Mocha! She never liked it , in fact she had once and swore not to have it again ... but she can't let him know her favourite ..kuch bhi ho .. Lets gulp it down. Sanskaar carefully watched her expression as he took a sip of his coffee. Swara had sip of her's and she hated it .

" Lucky .. If you don't mind can you get a extra sugar packet for me ?' As Laksh left Sanskaar moved his cup towards Swara ...and took hers.

"Ye tum? "Swara looked at him surprised.

"Agar tum mujhe batana nahi chathi, That's fine .. lekin iss ke liye you don't have to drink something you don't like ... "Swara looked at him surprised ..how did he ?Just like he read her, Sanskaar leaned a bit closer "Don't bother about how I knew Miss Bose.You are easy to read. I hope you like latte."He gently murmured and quickly sipped her Mocha! " And If you don't I am leaving anyways . have your fav ..and I swear I will not ask lucky what it is ... " Completing his cup Sanskaar rose to move.

"Latte" Her voice halted Sanskaar.

She looked at him for a split of second and picked the cup " That's my favourite."She didn't look at him now and silently sipped his latte. She didn't realise a little smile played on her lips as she took sips of coffee and watched him walk out bidding bye to Laksh .Only if she knew Sanskaar was smiling too as he walked out.

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contd..........