Some bonds remain unchanged by time and distance, they depict purest and unconditional love just like bond between a mother and child and for Annapurna her entire world revolved around Sanskaar. First time when she held him in her hands and looked into his tiny little eyes , it was nothing less than miracle for her. Her husband was more than happy because it was boy whom he already termed as " iss ghar ka chirag.. Dekhna Annapurna , Mere beta Maheswari ka naam roshan karega. He was tagged Maheswari even before he had a name and with that tag came so many expectations . The name Sanskaar' had been Annapurna's choice and for Durga Prasad's it was Sanskaar Maheswari."

Even after all these years ,it never changed

Annapurna held Photograph of Sanskaar in his room . Today when he called her ... Mom' from him almost had her crumbled. With utmost difficulty she held back her tears. This is the time when he needed strength to fight and stand by his love ..and she can't weaken his resolve .

"Khaana khaya tumne?"

"Aapne khaya?" he asked her back

Annapurna smiled through tears."Nahi ...lekin abhi khalungi .. haan pakka .. waise sab kaisa hain waha?" she asked and nodded listening to other side. They moved in together.Being conservative person Annapurna felt a pang of restlessness hearing this .. but next minute she realised ..both Swara and Sanskaar are mature enough to take their decisions . She would respect it .

" Swara kaha hain ?"

She talked with her few minutes, listened as she apologised, " Apni Maa ko sorry bologe?" Swara's felt her eyes turn misty as she listened further" Main khush hoon ki tum Sanskaar ki zindagi ka hisaa ho. ...apna dhyan rakhna .. aur batane ki zaroorat nahi hain ,Mujhe yakeen hain tum Sanskaar ka dhayn ache se rakhoge. "

Swara nodded " Ji .."

"Mom woh .. Dad?" Sanskaar asked hesitantly as Swara passed him the phone .

Annapurna stood silent for while " Unhe thoda waqt lagega Sanskaar .. lekin tum chintaa mat karo.. Main khayal rakhungi .. bas tu apna aye swara ka dhyan rakh na ..kuch jaroorat ho tho batadena .. soch na mat..Rakhti hoon."

" I love u Mom " were his words when she kept the phone. Annapurna wiped tears and kept Sanskaar's photo back on table.. And stepped out of his room

Just before call to Annapurna , as Swara walked in with the food plate she saw Sanskaar sitting next to his bag holding a bundle, looking down .Clothes peeked out from half open bag.Silently sitting next to him Swara placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Woh Mom ne .. "he held up bundle of notes and tossed them on bed " woh aaj tak ..main mom se...jab college gaya tha ..That was the longest period I was away from her his eyes turned teary as he picked photograph of him and Annapurna "..tumhe pata hai Swara .. Mom na meri best friend bhi hain, He slowly traced the photo , main na har baat unn se share karta tha .. He recalled fondly. Aur woh meri har baat samajthi thi .. kahi ..unkahin bhi ..."

Swara kept aside the food plate and wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug "Bahut miss kar rahe ho na aunty ko... Woh bhi bahut miss kar rahe honge tumhe. Baat karlo ek baar.. "Swara knew Sanskaar had been hesitant not sure of how his dad would react especially after her encounter that day. He talked to her once ..but he's already missing her.

"Hmm.. "Wiping his tears Sanskaar nodded , reached out to his phone and dialed the number. He held the phone silently for a while .. and tears spilled out when he said "Mom .."

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Finished with dinner , as Swara cleaned up kitchen Sanskaar quickly changed into his night clothes .. and when Sanskaar answered his mails in living room ..Swara had her change . After sometime Swara tossed in bed restlessly ..Sanskaar chose to sleep in next room .

They were so close .. yet it felt they were far away . She wished he could walk in ..and let her hold him and sleep ..or may be she should take a step further..she only need to say .. he would be with her.But she didn't want to force him or feel obliged to do that . Moving was her idea too .. and she recalled he was reluctant initially . With sleep evading her Swara walked to balcony and stared at sky .The vast, seemingly empty space, was filled with glittering, diamond-like stars.Each twinkling star seemed to be in it's proper place, filling empty spaces and moon shone brightly . The breeze was chilly enough, yet she felt warm ... as two hands held her from behind , draping her in shawl. Closing her eyes , she let herself draw warmth from him , leaning onto him, sinking into his embrace.

"Neend nahi aa rahi thi kya?" Now the breeze was soft and tender , just like his words . She smiled " I couldn't sleep Sanskaar..I was missing you, She admitted with no qualms and his hold tightened around her .

" Me too " he whispered .Now the breeze felt more warmer ,Just like his cheek against hers as leaned on shoulder. Minutes passed.

" Will you stay close to me Sanskaar ?" she asked turning back and now she was gazing into his eyes which stared at her with utmost love. He reached out and ran a finger down her cheek in a soft caress, she felt more loved and her eyes closed involuntarily as his lips touched her forehead implying everything he wanted to say .

" Always" he murmured softly .A simple gesture yet so endearing and soothing. Leaning on his chest Swara sighed contentedly as Sanskaar drew her closer.Every moment away from her was like a moment lost .. and every single moment was precious for them .They were still lost in each others embrace .. and he wanted to hold her for an eternity. It was his need too, he couldn't get a wink in room next to her. Stepping into master bedroom he found her in balcony staring at sky.

"Ander chale?" he asked after while. "I dont want us to catch cold."

Swara smiled and nodded and he led them inside. After few minutes Ac set to 16 ,they fell asleep holding each other snuggled under comforter.

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Stars folded onto the moon sinking off in horizon and sun rose casting warm golden steaks across the room. Lying next to her, Sanskaar thought he could spent his entire life watching her blink and breath next to him. She looked so subtle, so fragile, yet exquisite and that soft smile on her lips...'His sleeping beauty. He smiled. As he brushed hair off her face softly .. she cuddled on to him. His arm instinctively went around her, holding her close. He wanted to keep her safe, protected and love her.. With all he has and he will.

As time ticked he leaned closer and blew softly in her ear just like a caress and she stirred .His fingers traced her cheek gently , and she knew it's not a dream. He was next to her, holding her like he promised..keeping her safe .No bad dream No nightmare could touch her. His breath felt warm on her cheek , and his heart beat in slow steady rhythm and the sound was lovely. She could hear her own beat in his like they were beating in sync . This is peace.

" Hey sleeping beauty "...he murmured softly "Wake up, it's time" and her lips curved slightly. He called her Sleeping beauty .. One of her favorite Disney tales from childhood and she recalls every line of that movie .How fascinating it was to watch Prince Philip waking princess Aurora from her sleep, breaking the spell , with a true love's kiss.

Right now lying in arms of her prince , may be she could dream again. Like said If you dream things more than once it's sure to come true .. and she wanted to dream for more than once , for today .. The blurry images she had of her prince charming ..it must be him.

Her eyes still shut...she murmured back softly, her smile widening.

"From this slumber she shall wake.. When true love's kiss ,the spell shall break"

Sanskaar smiled and gazed at her lovingly .. How cute did she look reciting those lines from Disney tale. As She waited wondering if he would get the reference, his hand slid across her cheek his lips touching hers briefly for a tender kiss..As their eyes met and gazes locked he kissed again .. and this time her world fell away. It was slow, soft, and drugging.His one hand moved below her ear , his thumb caressed her cheek as their breaths mingled into one . She had no clue if he was breaking the spell or casting a new one ..and if it was one, she never wanted it to break .She ran her fingers down his spine, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them ,felt his heart racing against hers. As they parted, catching up on their breaths, almost in an impulse he leaned down and softly kissed the base of her neck , and Swara trembled with pleasure her hands curling around him and quivered further at his gentle soft kisses making her breathless with delight. He drew back slowly and spent a moment studying her face which was now tinted with faint shade of red and he could see it deepened further under his gaze. He gazed at her lovingly, his eyes softening with tenderness. He lowered down pressing a kiss on her cheek.

"I hope the spell is broken ..my princess" He murmured softly in her ear .

" For today , Yes My prince. "Swara whispered back. Their eyes met dancing with warmth and love and a hint of mischief . "Guess we have another ritual to keep up every morning, "Smiling Sanskaar touched her forehead as Swara nodded in consent smiling back .

This is the best place to be .. with his Swara ,holding her.

" For a new day "she murmured recalling his words from last evening "And for a new beginning" he completed it.

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Maheswari Inc. Durgaprasad Maheswari's Cabin

" I hope you understand this meeting is purely on professional lines..and nothing else."

Sanskaar watched his Dad staring out side from the glass window in his cabin.He never thought things would get this awkward between him and his beloved Dad. The one whom he had looked upon always.His excellence in academics and career..he would attribute the major credit to his dad ..It was his expectations which always led him to push a level above and fulfilling them had been major pursuit of his life but now things are different,he wished his dad would understand one day , see him as just Sanskaar. Today morning the call from his Dad , left him surprised.It was brief ..asking for a meet. And here he is , Sitting in his Dad's cabin , watching him.

"Yes ..Da...He paused and corrected himself " Yes "

Good! Durgaprasad nodded. "Hamare beech jo kuch bhi hua ..hum nahi chathe ki Maheswari industries or uski image par koi asar pade. You know the media.!" DP paused turned to watch his son agree with him , with a simple nod.

" Your position is intact in the group..I hope your personal commitments will not affect your professional commitments." He put his point across simple and straight.He waited for an answer..and frowned slightly when nothing came in.

Then he looked up .. " I am sorry ..But I don't think I will abe able to devote my entire time to Maheshwari group and my position like before. Sanskaar replied .Watching his Dad's frown further Sanskaar elaborated " I would want my work to be flexible ,not a full fledged job, because I have other priorities at this moment."

" Like that girl.." DurgaPrasad reined back his anger..his face reflected none but his voice did which didn't go unnoticed by Sanskaar.

" I think we agreed this meet would be on professional lines." Sanskaar reminded his Dad

Durgaprasad composed himself back quickly, " Not everything can be worked out on your terms Mr Sanskaar..If your job demands , you should be able to deliver..If not ... " a brief pause followed

Sanskaar rose to his feet .. and placed a cover on table , " I understand Mr. Maheswari .. hence I resign for my position in Maheshwari Industries ,This is my resignation letter and I will drop it over mail as well and that jolted Durgaprasad. So his son is on his way to ruin his well built career as well and all he could do was to watch.There must be a way out. His mind raced as he scanned through the contents of letter and at one thought , it halted and he looked up from letter.

" Well, then .. Since you have decided ,I guess that leaves me no choice, "He said choosing his next words carefully. " You are handling an important position .. and you understand its implications ,Don't you?"

Sanskaar Nodded

" I see no wrong in expecting you to serve notice period as per company norms for 30 days." He paused for a while , "for the good of company." He added knowing his son very well.

30days ..Well, he anyways thought he would need couple of days.. And this might be the time period to settle things ensure everything is in right hands ..then leave.

"I will" Sanskaar agreed.

Durgaprasad smiled . As expected.He just bought sometime from his son.. To set things right and he will.

" We are done then. Durgaprasad concluded . Sanskaar nodded and walked out of Cabin.

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It had been 5 days .. Sanskaar found himself swamped with work. There was so much do. Deciding to take a break for a while .. he leaned back on chair, closed his eyes .He couldn't spend much time with Swara ..other than mornings and nights past 5 days. He wished he could buy some more time but until he settles his work before he leaves .. he can't be in peace either.

He quickly reached to his phone and typed a message 'Missing you.' ..and the reply came in blink ,

" You have no clue how much."

Sanskaar smiled . Well, Maybe its true distance makes hearts go fonder . They got more closer in past few days making up for every lost moment. Not a minute apart finding way into each other's arms. If nights were filled with sky gazing , endless talks .. and sometimes nothing but silence engulfed in each others embrace ,then Sunny mornings cast a new spell everyday.

He recalled that night post his meeting with his Dad.

"I might be busy for next few weeks Swara .. I have somethings to settle at work." His fingers lazily stroked through her hair ..his hand around her slender figure leaning onto him.They sat on couch in balcony.

"Are you sure you want to do this Sanskaar ?" she asked . This would be first and last time she would ask this question. If he says Yes ..she would never raise a question on his decision. Along with love they have learned its mutual trust and respect that strengthens the bond. " You are doing this for me ? Aren't You?" she added lacing her fingers through his hand .

" For us Swara .." His answer was straight and clear. "I want us to be together as much as possible ..I don't want to stay away from you." he pulled her close.

Swara remained silent for a while." Aadat daal lo Sanskaar ...It will be easy when I..."

"Will you please stop it Swara?" he didn't let her complete . " You don't have to remind me this all the time" He said with mild anger.He didn't want think about or even be reminded of any moment she wouldn't be there with him. He had no clue what he would do without her , how would he survive , if he would or will not.But if he had to .. then he needed ..as many moments as many memories he could have with her ...that would be his only saving grace. He lifted their joined hands to his lips " aaj keh diya .. phir kabhi mat kehna .. It hurts to even try ..but I am trying Swara . Don't make it tough for me...please." That plea tugged her heart . That's when she decided to never broach the topic again. She would just live and love him as long as time permits her.

"I am sorry .".she muttered under her breath and nestled closer..and that night was spent in silence and that topic never broached between them again.

He dropped her on his way to office .Wished he could pick her up too and attend sessions at foundation with her next coming days. His eyes drifted to her photograph on his table , held his attention and then he got back to work much more relaxed .

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Swara sat in silence staring at blank cheque in her hand. The unexpected visit of Durgaprasad Maheshwari had left her quite restless.

"Ghumaphira kar baatein karne ki aadat nahi hain hume.Hum nahi jaante kyu pyaar ke naam par Sanskaar apna zindagi barbaad kar raha hain ... apna naam, daulat , ghar parivaar sab chod diya... aur ab apne career barbaad karna chatha hain ... aur ye sab, "He paused and Swara caught the restrain in his voice . He didn't have to complete the sentence.

"Bahut umeed the hame Sanskaar se, Bahut Sapne dekhe hain humne uss ke liye .." Swara noticed the softening of his voice and eyes.Lekin ab ... " A short pause followed , "anyways .. hum yaha iss liye aaye hain.."

He handed her over blank cheque " You can fill in whatever amount you want.. Bas Sanskaar ko chod do ..agar uska bhalayi chathi ho tho .. " He didn't even wait for her reply but before he left " Umeed karte hain ki ye baat hum dono ke beech rahegi."

There's no question of hiding this from Sanskaar ..but this would just drive them more apart.

" Sanskaar bahut gussa karega. and was Uncle right? Just for her Sanskaar is putting everything at stake .Is it even worth especially when he have an opportunity to lead the entire Maheswari empire which he was destined too. Her destiny was predecided but Sanskaar...Had she been so selfish.. That she willingly accepted his ruin. He wanted to ..but maybe she could have stopped it ..May be ..and she can't blame DP uncle either. He was right in his place and aunty, She let Sanskaar go ,however painful it was, just for her ... Swara sighed tiredly .

It's all tangled ..and she had no clue how to untie the knots. Kya karu?

She had Sanskaar .. she wished Sanskaar would have everything back , like it was.

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" Kya hua?" Sanskaar looked at Swara. He had been late from work again ..but as soon as he came in he saw Swara in kitchen busy with dinner prep. He joined in too after freshening up, but he didn't fail to notice .. that she was lost , not quite herself.

" Kuch nahi .. woh .. Pehel dinner karte hain..phir baat karenge."Sanskaar nodded and they had a silent dinner .

"Ab kuch batayenge ki hua kya hai? Tum aise kyu ho?"He questioned post dinner.

" Woh Sanskaar..Swara started hesitantly " Aaj uncle aaye the aur .."

"Dad?"Sanskaar frowned

Swara nodded and handed him over the cheque silently. And she didn't have to say word. She watched Sanskaar stiffen and change of expressions " Oh .. Now I am being bought with a price tag." He should have known his Dad is not gonna give up but this ? His features become constricted. Swara quickly was by his side.

"Sanskaar meri Baat suno .."

"He insulted you .. didn't he ?"He thinks you are after me for money," He looked at Swara anger clouding his eyes .

"Sanskaar ..kuch nahi kaha uncle ne mujhe se ," Swara tried to calm him "aur unki point of view bhi samjhona. He had so many dreams and expectations from you ..aur ab sab.."

Sanskaar stared at her in disbelief " I don't believe you are siding him Swara" . He rose and stepped backwards " Right! Dreams and expectations .. aur mere sapno ka kya ?" he questioned " itne saal I have been living his dreams .. for once , just for once can't he look at what I want .. what my dreams are. Sab unke hisaab se hona chahiye and this.." He held up the cheque " This is heights.. Now I know why he wanted me to stay back for a month .. I should have known .. Lekin .. bhaad main jaaye sab .. I don't care a damn! I ..

Swara quickly reached out and hugged him " Please shaant ho jao .. "she murmured softly

"Swara .. He said exasperatedly .Sanskaar knew she was trying to pacify him . How could she when she was at receiving end.'

"Please .. "Her soothing voice worked ..sighing he hugged her back. " Tum uncle se kuch nahi kahoge ..ok!..Let me handle this please." and he had to give in.

"Tum itne achey kyu ho Swara? " he asked as she drew back wound her arms around his neck "Woh kya haina Bachpan se aadat hai meri .." She said back to her cheerful self and he smiled too.

" Waise Mr. Sanskaar ,Main soch rahi hoon .. ab tumhari boli lagi rahi hain ..tho..what would it take to you know ..make u mine..I meant.. ?" she paused her smile turning mischievous but froze gazing into his eyes . He was not smiling , but his gaze turned deep ...there was something in them that tugged her heart, something pure, something potent ..which can hold your breath for a while..

"Swara " His voice held her breath further the way he took her name, the way he looked at her, the way he held her ..it was just. She couldn't name the emotion surging through her.

"I am already yours " He murmured softly leaned forward , pressing his forehead against hers, his hands clasped around her waist. "Now and Forever" He held her close to him, saying nothing for a long time and she stayed in his arms ..thinking of nothing else but him.

And his next words jolted her .

" Marry me Swara."

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Forever can never be long enough for me

Feel like I've had long enough with you

Forget the world now we won't let them see

But there's one thing left to do

Marry me

Say you will

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Contd.....