Seated on a high stool at bar counter upstairs Swara shot a look at the ground floor of nightclub. With Flashlights radiating in every possible colour, buzzing crowd with all its glitz and glamour , blasting music, DJ seamlessly aligning the beats with mix of songs,dancing bodies tangled together on the dance floor and couples in secluded bays , It looked like a different world altogether. The odor of expensive perfumes blended with the sharp smell of drinks lingered in the air. The cloud of smoke from lit cigars swirled in rounds, farway in smoke zone.

She never liked light clubs. It never featured in her' favourite places to hangouts' list .Back in Mumbai it was just twice or thrice she had been to clubs, accompanied her friends, giving into their demands. She would have preferred a quiet place not the one packed to rafters ,soothing melodious music,not the blaring bass vibrating in ears,not conversations in a loud voice , where a world couldn't be heard but a silence which does talking and not sitting idle with glass of drink, but a quiet walk, down the lane holding the hand of loved one , who is missing next to her at this moment.

It was on an impulse she decided to join Sahil for Night Club when he asked her out. It was probably her murderous mood,and anger clouding her senses , she said an yes, when he met her midway.Hiding her tears ,She had put up a brave front till she reached baadi .. but broke down once she stepped into her room. As usual, it was Ragini who came to her aid .Sanskaar termed her an 'emotional fool' , Kavita was right! Was what he told . That hurt her most followed by the taunting smile thrown by Kavita .May be she was one.If not why would she be shedding tears for him who didn't care about her feelings on being cast off. But she didn't protest, Did she ? He wanted her leave and she did. She waited. True , she might have uttered rubbish , but lash out was not needed at all . "Pyaar se bhi tho Samjha sakta tha.." But no..

I don't owe you any bloody explanation ..Its none of your concern

How rude of him. She is not one of those pestering girlfriends who demanded an account of every minute spent apart from their partners. She never enquired his where abouts,checked his phone , messages like most insecure girls does. But just for once she questioned him and she was shown her limits. She cried and cried holding Ragini , but didn't say a word about the fight when a worried Ragini probed.Whatever happens stays between them.

As her tears died down , There was a call from Sahil checking on status of their meet and she replied in positive much to Ragini's shock . Ragini tried to make her see sense , but she didn't want to reason out anything at that moment.She didn't want to shed any more tears... and she left.

Now seated in night club, Swara moved her eyes back to Sahil, who was tapping his feet to music beats , obviously having fun checking out few chicks. She had her apprehensions accompanying him,but she was prepared for any unforeseen scenarios.A bottle of pepper spray which she always carried.,A swiss army knife which she got recently,in case of an emergency, a speed dial list , an app to send an alert message and her location to chosen ones..but till this moment she didn't find the need to use them..

It was Sahil who hit the conversation. Swara looked troubled when he pointed out , if she accompanied because she was angry with Sanskaar and nodded sheepishly. He didn't seem to mind and laughed out much to her surprise.

" He will be here soon," Sahil said his eyes moving towards the entrance .

" Sanskaar? " Swara asked further surprised. She's with Sahil ,message must have reached him by now. Ragini , her over protective sister will make sure of it and it's good too.Let him burn but " Why are you so sure ?He doesn't know where I am." Swara expressed a doubt

Sahil smirked " Trust me Swara ..I know him better than you girls. I mean, Sanskaar knows you are with me aur woh na aaye ..No way. You just wait and watch him storm in and picking up a fight with me. Maza aayega by God! "Sahil's smirk widened

He talks as if he's waiting for a fight with Sanskaar! Swara thought ." You both don't like each other , Right!" Though she's clueless about their past history , but for sure has a whiff of bad air between duo.

"We hate each other .." Sahil confirmed ,"In Fact , We share a love-hate kind of relation.. He looked at confused face of Swara. "Samjhi nahi ?Wait let me explain, "he took a quick few sips of his drink, " You know Life main na ek aisa insaan hota hai ..whom you love to hate , lekin unke bina na zindagi main maza nahi aayega. You can't love them and be friends , and you cant stop hating them. Sanskaar is that one for me . Bachpan se jaanta hoon usse, right from time we are kids. You know family friends and all . Then Same school. Same college ..aur hamesha wo mujhse jeeta tha tha ..I mean always a step ahead and I would end up losing to him studies , games , competitions with a close margin. I so wanted to be like him . First in everything ,but with Sanskaar in picture , it wasn't possible. I always admired him I still do, but to the extent of envying him .I like to irritate him , provoke him , pick up a fight.. And get a reaction.Its little fun I have ...Lekin .." Sahil paused all of sudden.

"Lekin .. "Swara's interest just piqued but she noted change of expression in Sahil ,a bit serious now.

Sahil stared into the space before him " I later realised the fun I intended to have turned into something dangerous,like an obsession to destroy him. " Swara became alarmed hearing this. He wants to destroy Sanskaar and she is here with him.

Like he realised, "Hey Swara,don't worry ,I no longer want to.I realised it's not as cool as I thought it to be. Mujhe laga Sanskaar ko barbaad kar dunga then I will be happy ..but Nah... I was wrong."

His confession left Swara even more surprised.He didn't have a need to confide in her especially to Sanskaar Fiancee..

Yes, he didn't have a need too. His association with Kavita had thought him few lessons. Watching her obsession grow by leaps and bounds for Sanskaar, was like an warning for him He had seen Kavita turn into a vicious woman which she is not lately..and he no longer wanted to be part of her hare-brained schemes . He was happy in his place. He had a business empire to take on which was definitely exciting .. his parents, who love him to bits and pieces and love might happen sooner or later with that someone special .. Can he ask for more? He didn't intend to ruin his peace of mind and future prospects. He is yet to make his intentions clear to Kavita.

Inviting Swara to join him was not planned either. He caught Kavita and Sanskaar's discussion and Swara's intrusion...and their fight too followed by a tear stricken Swara dashing out. . He felt bad.He somewhere owed her an apology, for he started all this mess.

He caught her midway just checked if she wants to join him for club ,she readily agreed much to his surprise..Here they are. .

"Why don't you try to be friends then?"Swara raised a question

"Friends ? God no ! .."Sahil dismissed the idea "We are fine this way ..tumne tho suna hoga to be successful you need friends and to be very successful you need enemies. ..and Sanskaar Maheshwari is the best enemy I can ask for .."

Swara simply nodded in silence.May be he is not as bad as she assumed him to be from their first meet at college .After few minutes Swara simply refused when Sahil offered her to have drink.

"Hey,don't worry .I am not going to spike it all .itna bhi bura nahi Hoon main.Well,You can have mocktails.They are nonalcoholic or a glass of wine shouldn't be harmful as well...Wait let me order something for you." He turned to bar counter. "A martini for me ..and the lady will have ..."

"A Mint lemonade .."a voice came from behind.Swara swirled round and there stood right in front of her eyes ,Mr.Maheshwari with his signature smirk and killer charm.Dressed in button-down black shirt tucked in, sleeves rolled up.He paired it with raw denims,polished loafers and black belt. He left few buttons of shirt open which gave him cool dude look ..and a peek of his trimmed chest hair, Just notched up his hotness quotient by few degrees .

Sahil grinned "Think of devil .he's here " he muttered under breath and turned to face his favourite.

Ignoring Sahil ,His eyes fixed on Swara ,Sanskaar moved towards counter and looked at barattender "The lady will have Mint lemonade and a glass of red wine for me ,please ."

"Hey Sanskaar ..."

Sanskaar turned his attention to Sahil ,shooting a glare.If Sahil thinks he can get back to him using Swara ..he's so wrong.

"Tum yaha kuch kaam Tha ?kisi se Milne Aaye ho ?" Sahil's question irked Sanskaar further.

"Yeah! You know Sahil.. I was missing my sweetheart,"Sanskaar smiled and took Swara's hand into his. His death grip didn't give Swara a chance to snatch it back .

"Oh..oh but looks like your sweetheart doesn't share same sentiments ..iss liye she's here with me ,not you".Sahil threw in counter not willing to give up so easily.Sanskaar fumed within.How dare he?But he did have a point

"You are free to assume whatever you want bro, It's a free country you know.," Not deciding to argue further .Sanskaar turned his attention back to Swara. " Leave us alone Sahil, We have some unfinished business."

"She's here with me, Sanskaar." Sahil was not in a mood to back off

"Like I care ... she's going back with me," Sanskaar stated clear ,his eyes still fixed on Swara.

Enough! Swara intervened and turned to Sahil . "Sahil ,Please..." .There was silent exchange Sahil nodded and left them alone.

Sanskaar frowned , "Kafi achi dosti ho gayi tumhari Sahil se.." he said ,his eyebrows raised in question.

Ignoring his remark "How did you know I was here Mr.Maheshwari ? why are you here ?"Swara murmured angrily ,successful in snatching her hand back from his loosened grip.

"I can ask you same Miss Bose ..you don't like night clubs. why are you here ? " his eyes stared right into hers.

"I don't owe you any bloody explanations Mr.Maheshwari ," Swara snapped in a curt tone turned her face away ,making her intentions clear . She didn't want to talk to him.

Ignoring the prick he felt at her attitude "Listen Swara, I know you are angry with me and I am sorry but this is not the way and with Sahil..." Sanskaar tried to reason out.

"None of your concern Mr.Maheshwari .Main kis ke saath jaata hoon, kya karta Hoon ...you shouldn't be bothered and stop acting like you own me, bcoz you don't." Swara furiously grabbed her glass and stepped down.Her hurt was still fresh ...and his questions just grated it further.

Sanskaar was quick to grab her hand back and in a blink Swara found herself staring back into his eyes , now a shade deeper ..neither of them bothered about drink spilling over from her glass

" I don't ?" His question hit her straight .

"Rules has to be fair in the game .If I don't ...you don't too.If you can't give me rights over you ...don't expect it from me" Swara shot back immediately.

"You do ..."his voice softened.He can see and feel the extent he hurt her with his impulse action.But he had no clue it would rise the question of extent they own each other .There was never question at all. His fingers gently brushed her cheek "I am yours, Swara..you know it." And he meant it like always.

Oh! how much she wished it was true .His promises, claims. "Kehne mein aur nibhane main bahut fark hota Hai ,Mr.Maheshwari .And you made my place in your life clear.I am no longer falling for that line of yours " Swara shoved him and stepped back masking hurt. She believed every time he said those words" All yours ", but not anymore when actions are of opposing nature."Now if you will,Excuse me!" Swara rushed from there . In few minutes ...she was next to Sahil ,heading to the dance floor leaving Sanskaar behind.

Her statement left him startled first but he knew its her hurt speaking

Grabbing his drink ,Sanskaar leaned onto railing before bar counter ,his eyes fixed on Swara and Sahil on the dance floor below .So this is the little revenge game being played by Miss Bose.She wants to make him jealous ,he got the hint.His lips curved up into a grin

If that would subsidize her anger ,balm her wounds, he wouldn't mind playing along.In other cases, it might have riled him up to no extent watching Swara with someone else,but not today. He caught her stealing glances at him in between dance.His grin widened .They both always have eyes only for each other.

In a blue and mustard yellow printed knee-length sleeveless Midi,with drawstrings holding it together at the waist, paired with drop earrings , she looked like a little bombshell.Her curls freely flowed down the shoulders like waves giving her a carefree look..Only he knew how it feels to have fingers tangled into those silky soft tresses , bury himself in those waves ,at the crook of her neck , and be lost for an eternity.Contrary to others in club who were dressed to kill , her simple look made a strong statement and She looked no less sexy than all those skimpily clad girls . He would have loved to sneak her out to a secluded place , his hands wrapped around her ,whisper those sweet nothings,watch her blush and steal few flavoured kisses or a quiet walk down the lane holding hands like she loved .

Sanskaar sighed.

Dreams, Dreams .......

Shock would be an understatement when he learned from Laksh about Swara's trip to the nightclub with Sahil.Alarmed they tried reaching Swara ..but they couldn't. It wasn't tough for Sanskaar to figure out which club Sahil might have been to .He have his connections .He refused to let Laksh accompany him in spite of his insistence. He raced his car pushing aside all his fears focusing solely on reaching the place .And he found them...upstairs engrossed in some discussion. Sanskaar let out a sigh of relief.

She is safe ...and she would be.He is here

Now Watching them silently Sanskaar sipped his drink.The minute Sahil would cross his limits ,he will have his due. At moment, everything looked fine .But the threat came in from other quarter,as Sahil stepped out to attend a call.Few half drunks on dance floor seemed to trouble her, probably assuming she's alone at that moment .

Swara reached for pepper spray in her bag , but she didn't have a need to. In a blink and flash Sanskaar was next to her ,his hands claiming her in a tight grip " My girl." He announced in a "Don't mess with me " tone , and the bunch backed off. Swara sighed .She didn't know if it was relief , or anger over being trapped with him at that point. There's no use in stepping away. She tried and was grabbed back , held more closer every time. His hands coiled around her, like he knew she loved, with hardly any space left between their bodies. Swara turned her face away, trying to ignore the feel of his fingers as they laced into her hair pushing it aside giving him a clear view of her neck .Her heart sped beat by beat as he lowered his face down.

"Miss Bose..."He breathed into her neck.She bit back the gasp of pleasure she felt .

Swara hated response of her body to him, . How a mere brush of his breath , a slight stroke of his fingers, a husky whisper could melt her down and turn into hot puddles, Like she had no say around him.

"You know I hate when I don't have your complete attention."His lips skimmed lazily to her ear in soft murmurs "I know you are angry.. Why don't you let me make it up sweetheart and show you how sorry I am"He blew softly into her ear and Swara quivered at feel of his hot breath ,touch of his lips.

"I am not falling for that."Her voice came faintly. She could hear him smile.He pressed a full kiss on her cheek, his lips sliding smoothly on her skin.

."And for this ...?"he murmured softly his lips now trailing down on her jawline and chin in light gossamer kisses.Swara nodded her head in half protest struggling to find words midst his sweet assault.

"And this ? " Already feeling breathless, Swara quivered as his lips touched base of her neck,before he buried himself into her neck.It just looked like he was whispering something ,but only Swara knew how her body trembled with pure pleasure ,under his lips teasing and tracing her neckline with wet open kisses mercilessly one after another.Her fingers clutched into his shirt trying to hold back her losing senses.He took her breath away with each kiss and each touch like always ."No..No..Dodon't give in" her mind chanted trying to remind herself .. but all she could do was gasp and moan his name in low tone ,cling to him in need of more as he took on her completely.

Her responses are what drove him crazy further. Nothing seemed to make sense other than her melting down in his hands, taking his name sighing with pleasure.He drew back slowly, his breath hot and heavy. On and off flashes, beams of lights moving around masked them from a clear view and nobody seemed to care either for couple lost in passion ,tangled together.

"You can't get away with few kisses Mr.Maheshwari.."Swara's breath came in hot bursts,her eyes dazed with passion. " I know." He whispered ,his breath came in heavy and equal hot, his intense black eyes, dark with passion , "but let's end this little game here Miss Bose." Not giving her a chance to think,He tugged her face closer ,his lips claiming hers in hot searing need . He kissed her like never before and she surrendered willingly, eagerly wanting more . He tasted like wine , bittersweet..and his body all hot, burning. Her head swam with sensations, pure waves of ecstasy at taste and touch of him..Her hands tangled his hair sleek hair , his hands smoothed on her lower back in an urgent need,one hand messed in her curls.She tasted like mint and lemon, sweet and tangy and he drank greedily from her lips.Kissing her had always been Intoxicating ,her scent ,her taste dangerously addictive and he could stay drugged for a lifetime.As they kissed and kissed ,soon his need turned into something else.He throbbed with a mindless yearning to have her,crazily and completely aroused. He pressed her close to the length of him, Swara gasped with shock of pleasure into his mouth ,feeling his arousal.

She stepped back abruptly breaking the kiss,her eyes wide,her face turning scarlet red.It took a lot of seconds for Sanskaar to gather back his senses being left at the verge of aching need.. Everything seemed hazy..he quickly drew in few breaths, and then everything rushed back to him especially how rampant and out of control he went at the end

. Damn! Sanskaar squeezed his eyes shut.It was a rush of mixed emotions.He should have held back... Disappointed and frustrated with himself Sanskaar simply grabbed Swara's hand." We should leave" is what he said and equally dazed Swara followed him with no questions. Sahil met them at the entrance.Not a word said he understood they were leaving. He didn't stop or tried to pick a fight.He simply walked in bidding bye.

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Silence ruled as they drove back.Swara had no clue why Sanskaar looked upset. Was he angry because she pulled back at end moment.She herself had no clue why.It's not like he forced her. She was an willing participant, more than willing..then why did she? Did he take it as some kind of rejection from her side.

The sudden screech of car jerked her out of thoughts. She looked around.Not his or her place but an isolated place with very few.

"Sanskaar..."she took his name in a low voice .She heard him drew in deep breath

"I am sorry Swara,very sorry. I shouldn't have. I got carried away. .." Sanskaar raked his hair in frustration trying to find words..

"You don't have to be Sanskaar. I was equally involved."Swara repliedchecking his expression.What is bothering him?

"Nahi Swara ..Its ..Its How could I Just..." Sanskaar paused

"Do u regret kissing me?'Swara asked unable to hold back her apprehensions.His unusual reaction after such a passionate interlude left her confused.

Sanskaar looked at her horrified. Did he sound like that? To Hell with regrets..never ever he had or he would." God No! Are u out of your mind? Why would I? I love kissing you Swara..You know that!.My problem is not kissing you woman..Not being able to stop once I start."

Swara smiled in satisfaction and listened to him further.

"I lose my mind completely around you. Na hosh rehta hain, na khud pe control. I turn like some crazy maniac.But this is wrong. "Sanskaar cried in self-condemnation " I mean kamse kam mujhe place aur time dekhna chahiye na. It was dark there ,hence we got off. But ...Swara I would have cared a damn if million people would be watching us. That's what scares me..and I scared you too didn't I? . I mean...At the end when..." He paused and looked straight into her eyes.

Swara turned red again. Not because she was scared but as she felt him, her mind immediately conjured some images of them , absolutely inappropriate and mortifying, at least before marriage.

"No!."That was all Swara could manage to say.

"But still Swara.. I will take care from on, I swear.Iss liye main soch raha hoon ke.." Sanskaar tried to come up with a solution.

"You want to stay away from me?" Swara asked in horror. He wouldn't kiss her again, will never come close again.

Sanskaar looked at her confused. Where is she getting such ideas from? Stay away from her?

" You think I can ..you dumb woman! Mar jaunga agar tumse dur rahunga tho.Samjhi! Paagal"

Looking her pout , he sighed .Now Madam is angry because he called her 'dumb '.He smiled, opened up his arms, ' Idhar aavo.." and she snuggled into them warmly wrapped." Don't you dare think so..socha na bhi mat ok!." He kissed her forehead as she gave a slight nod.

After some time, they shifted to the backseat, more spacious wrapped in each others embrace.Leaning on car door, He held her from behind, " You shouldn't have shouted on me. I felt hurt." She told him snuggling more closer.

"I am sorry..I didn't mean to" he told apologetically and took her hand into his." That was not intentional Swara. It will never happen again,I promise.Bahut hurt kiya na maine tumhe ..Sorry" He kissed her fingertips delicately.Swara never felt more loved

Little later

"You know Sanskaar! The problem is we don't talk,"Swara addressed the concern that had been bothering her for a while, "whenever we talk we mostly end up fighting, and when close , we end up kissing ..."

"I know.. "Sanskaar agreed " Lekin Kya karu..I can't keep my hands off you.itne gande khayal aate hain ki..." he replied teasingly.

"You will.."Swara hit him playfully reached out to her handbag.

Sanskaar laughed out as Swara exhibited dangerous contents in her bag. " My My..I better keep a watch Miss Bose. You are one dangerously armed woman"

"You better do Mr.Maheshwari."Swara threw a mock warning, smiling and turned to face him.Sanskaar adjusted himself so that Swara can shift comfortably onto him,lying together .

Even in the dim lit car , Her eyes held him captive. "Let's take care of your complains first, " He murmured gazing at her softly. His one hand rested on her waist holding her close, the other one lovingly stroking her cheek.

"Let's Talk" .

Swara nodded in consent ,her smile widening and they talked for long that night.

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