A compliment is like a kiss through a veil. *

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Compliments...They were no strangers to Sanskaar Maheswari. He received them quiet often for his good looks, his business acumen, his smile .. he brushed them off usually, but today felt different.

Sanskaar walked out of shower smiling .He couldn't recall when was the last time he felt so happy over a simple compliment. He checked his reflection in mirror, considering his biceps for a minute.

"Tumhare biceps usse se ache hain". Her voice softly echoed in his ears, and he felt and saw the warmth rushing up to his cheeks. God he was blushing!

Only Swara could manage to do that , throw him into loops with a line , a simple smile or her eyes.

He chuckled remembering their first meet at little flowers where he was so apprehensive about taking his shirt off before her... And now he didn't mind becoming Salman for a while for her ...

"Well, not bad Sanskaar," he told himself ."You beat salman obviously for whom Swara is crazy, at least in one department."

He picked up his suit lying on bed .A three piece ensemble from the latest by Tom Ford.

He had a party to attend, his birthday party. Well he would have preferred having a quite one but the name of Maheswari came with a certain weightage which he couldn't ignore.

His thoughts again drifted back to her.

Hopefully she had taken her meds on time , had some proper food. He wished he was with her , taking care of her .May he should call her and check . He rushed towards his phone- but then stopped ..what if she was sleeping.. He would hate to disturb her. He quickly typed in a message, hit send.

Dawai aur khanna time pe lena ..Nahi tho I would drop in with a doctor."

A knock on door.. "Sanskaar ..jaldi karo!" His mom's voice came in.

"Aaraha hoon Maa" he called out in reply.

He checked himself once again in mirror,

Well Its time to don the hat of Sanskaar Maheswari, .He stepped out with his usual dazzling smile .He had a role to play.

Swara

Swara woke up feeling much better .Hardly she had any temperature .Though she felt a bit weak she knew, she would be absolutely fine by tomorrow and all thanks to Sanskaar...

She looked around her room and then stepped out into hall .It felt like he was here.Flowers in the vase, box of chocolates ...she picked one from the box popped it into her mouth ...well now since she was better she could have one

Looking at kitchen she chuckled, remembering his unsuccessful attempts at making soup for her .She laughed out at the thought that this could be a breaking news

"Scion of Maheswari group caught making soup in kitchen."

And then her eyes fell on couch and her heart leaped a bit, that's exactly the place where he scooped her up, in his arms holding so close like she was precious to him and her own thoughts of how right if felt being held in them...Distracting herself she turned back ...one look at the bedpost ..the image of she leaning on to him came rushing back to her...A warmth coursed through her which she didn't want to name .

And she did tell him about noticing his biceps and liking them too . How embarrassing! What would he think, that she was checking him out in picnic.

She looked around. And all she could think of was him ..She missed him ..

Maheswari Mansion - Sanskaar

The usually calm and sedate hall of Maheswari mansion was full of hustle-bustle today. Guests dropping by , inclusive of the who's who of Media, business, Marwari society and his Dad's associates. He stood beside his dad, playing the perfect host, accepting the wishes bouquets gifts that poured in...

And he caught a glance of his mom busily overseeing the arrangements, making sure they were perfect.

He looked around, his thoughts taking a new turn.

How many guests over here would have turned up here with no expectations, no hidden motives, or the need to impress, not expecting a favour.

Just for him, just to wish him, a genuine heartfelt wish.

Swara

He would be worried, she should call and tell him she's all right but he was here all day. .It wouldn't be fair to disturb him, but she could drop a message.

She reached for her phone and smiled looking at message from him .she quickly typed in reply:

"Uski jaroorat nahi padegi,.I am fine, Btw I don't think I need a doctor tum ho na ."

Sanskaar

His phone beeped...must be one more birthday message ..his inbox was flooded with them ..he picked and swiped to read the message ..and he smiled ..

Wished she was here with him ... He missed her.

Swara

After sending the message she looked at phone. Suddenly the lock screen flashed, and she looked at it, aghast. The date...Today was 28th.

Damn it, how on the earth, how could she forget? chocolates and flowers .. that said it all and she had even asked him what was the occasion .. and he hadn't said a word about it, stayed whole day taking care of her, not one word from him and she hadn't remembered either.

It was his birthday ...

Maheswari Mansion

Veronica stepped out of her car along with her dad. Instead of her usual Western, she had opted for Indian today. It was a Tarun Tahiliani number, a full sleeved designer salwar in red silk, with emblazoned gold filigree work from the neck down to the tucked in waist, prim and proper and absolutely regal, which she had married with an understated antique necklace and matching accessories. She knew she looked gorgeous, and as always be the head-turner, and there were some heads in particular she had targeted...Sanskaari bahu, she thought with a smirk. She was gonna slay them all today. Father, mother, and their perfect son.

She stepped inside, quickly scanning around.

There he is. Right there with daddy dearest and his mom? Must be somewhere around...Ah. There she was. From what she gathered Sanskaar was quite close to his mother and being in her good books was a definite requirement. She was hoping ethnic would help her score there, and impeccable manners. Toss in some sugar, she thought resignedly. Well, hell. If she had to bag Annapurna to crack some chinks in the walls Sanskaar seemed to build around him, sugar and ethnic and whatever it took. She thought she had DP's number. So if she could win over Annapurna, Sanskaar would have to cave in eventually wouldn't he?

Confident she could accomplish anything she set out to accomplish, she walked forward, smiling winsomely.

Handshakes and smiles were exchanged between the Vermas and Maheswaris. Sanskaar got a quick hug and a peck on the cheek, and a whiff of- what was it, flowers today?- as she wished him a happy birthday. She handed him the gift bag as they posed for photographs.

"Tum aayi hame acha laga beta ." Dp said addressing Veronica.

"Of course Uncle. How would I miss it . It's Sanskaar's birthday." She beamed up at Sanskaar. He returned the smile, though his was hesitant and a little wary. What was she up to? She was extra sweet today.

"Don't you want to see what I have got for you, sweetheart," she asked sweetly.

Not a bejeweled snake I hope, he thought to himself. Veronica couldn't be trusted. Outwardly he smiled his usual courteous smile. He brought the black box out. A watch. He flipped it open.

"It's Cartier," she explained for the benefit of DP. To Sanskaar she said," it's their latest and Sanskaar, it had your name all over it."

"Thanks, Veronica." He answered automatically.

"Tumhe pata hain Sanskaar, Ronnie ne khud choose kiya hain ye watch tumhare liye," added Verma. In his mind Sanskaar shook his head. Verma was behaving like a proud father showing off his kindergarten kid's latest achievements.

"C'mon Dad, aap bhi na," Veronica laid a hand gently on her dad's arm, wanting to take over. "Sanskaar, why don't you try this watch? Here let me- " she reached for the box.

"Thanks Veronica," Sanskaar cut in. "But I am already wearing one , jo dad ne gift kiya, would you mind if I try it later."

Her face fell at that quick dismissal, but she hid her disappointment and managed to say casually, "No. Not all, That's absolutely fine."

"Ramu kaka" Sanskaar called out and handed over the watch to him, "Aap please ye mere kamre main rakh dijiye."

Ramu Kaka nodded his head and made his way towards Sanskaar's room.

"Main aunty se mil kar aati hoon," she excused herself from the group and approached Annapurna.

"Hi aunty," she greeted Annapurna, who also got the hug and the whiff of her floral perfume. Annapurna greeted her back.

"The party is amazing aunty," she gushed. "Everything is so pretty and so well organized. And aap sab jagah ho to make sure it is," she took Annapurna's hand solicitously.

"Thank you beta."

"Aap thak jaoge na." she sweetened the smile. "Aage ka me dekhti hu," she offered.

"Koi bata nahi beta," Annapurna answered, wondering why the girl was trying so hard.

She pressed on. "I'll take care of things for you. You can rest aunty. After all ye bhi tho mere ghar" jaisa hain," sbe quickly corrected her slip up as she noticed the older woman's expression. So Annapurna was sharp, she thought.

Annapurna wouldn't have minded if she didn't feel something was off with this girl. She wasn't overly fond of her. Pretty child, but there was no...soul in her eyes. Strangely vacant, and not quite straight. At times her words seemed like gilded swords. Except for faint stirrings of...maybe pity, she felt nothing for this girl. "It's ok, beta, Tum hamare mehmaan ho ..Guests se kam nahi karvate hum. Go and enjoy the party." She left with a pat on her cheek.

Guest? Veronica scowled, then caught her reflection in the hallway mirror and rearranged her expression.

Sweetly dismissed...Just like her son. She'd have to try Sanskaar again. As she turned she noticed the servant with whom Sanskaar had sent the watch - he stumbled on his way and was about to drop it, but as luck would have it he didn't. And her temper flared.

"Andhe ho kya? Dekh kar nahi chal sakte..watch ko kuch hojataa tho" she charged at ramu. Every one turned their attention to the scene of crime, but veronica was in no mood to stop "..Do u have any idea it cost me ... 4000$ Tumhe pata bhi hain 4000$ kitne hote hain ..You low class..,and then she stopped...some instinct stopped her ...She felt heat of Sanskaar's glare and quickly turned to look at him ..his eyes seemed to throw daggers her way. Annapurna didn't seem impressed with her reaction, her extreme concern over the something materialistic .

Sanskaar approached ramu kaka enquiring if he was fine , followed by Annapurna who asked him to carry on and party resumed back ..

In all that drama DP was only one who didn't bother much about ramu but yes he thought of price veronica quoted ...Impressive ..He always thought Veronica would be a perfect fit for his son and now she also seemed to take a liking for Sanskaar.. Good for him and his future prospects.. Verma can be a good addition to Maheswari Group . He was happy Sanskaar's birthday came in now immediately after that media fiasco and he definitely had an agenda including Media heads in today's party ..to highlight and cash on image media cast on Sanskaar ..Philanthropic nature of his son .He turned back to the discussion with his business group.

God ! Veronica huffed trying to calm down. Now she have to mingle with his low class hired to help people to impress this mom - son duo. But first actions first ,Time for damage control. She approached Sanskaar hastily trying to explain , "Sanskaar ..I shouldn't have reacted that way ..but woh watch", ...

Sanskaar seemed totally disinterested and he thanked whoever called him at that moment . He broke into a wide grin looking at name flashed ,immediately replaced by concern. ..

"Excuse me Veronica I have to take this call," and before she could say something he left her alone to fume

What would it take to get through him? None of her charms seemed to work

First, he didn't even compliment her look in designer salwar. She wondered if he even noticed and she just gifted him a watch which cost her few lakhs. And he was angry over her for shouting on that servant.

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The minute he picked up the call Sanskaar bombarded Swara with questions. Was she alright? Had she taken her meds? Did she have sandwiches and soup or should he drop by"

"Sanskaar, Sanskaar - " she halted the flood of words, hoping to calm him down. "me bilkul thik hu," she said reassuringly. He was so concerned, she thought fondly. "tension mat lo ..aur dawai khaana sab time par le lungi .Actually maine iss liye call kiya kyunki ,"she paused...

One minute of silence never felt longer to Sanskaar. Then her voice came in soft and sweet in his ear:

"Happy birthday Sanskaar..."

At that he felt his heart humming a beat...a thrumming completely alien to him...could one's heart sing? His seemed to be on the verge of doing just that...

She remembered...Yes, she remembered. He would have had no complains if she hadn't, but she did...

"Sanskaar."

He came back with her voice, soft in his ears again: "I am sorry ..."

Oh no. Now she was upset ..did this girl even realise, that her wish just made his whole day? and here she was bent on breaking rules... "C'mon Swara ..That's ok."

"Nahi Sanskaar, it's not ok." Madam sounded miffed with herself , "Pehle tho Main bhool gayi aur dusra I messed up your whole day. You should have been out celebrating and you were stuck here taking care of me aur upar se mere chakkar main tumhara naya shirt kharab hogaya...Naya tha na?" she rolled right on when he didn't respond. "Must be your birthday shirt. Kitni stupid hoon main."

"Swara," he chided. Her voice was filled with self-contempt and Sanskaar didn't like it one bit. Playing it light, he resumed, "Hello mere best friend ke baare main baat kar rahi ho tum ..aur uske khilaf main kuch nahi sununga, samjhi." He said in mock anger.

And she smiled at that.. he wouldn't let her be upset with herself. Such a darling he was. He knew she was smiling, so he continued ," Very bad Swara ..tumhe rules ki bilkul khadar nahi..kitne baar sorry bologe and next time you break a rule, you are taking me out for a treat.. and I am serious ..Bolo Manjoor hain?"

That sounds like fun, she thought. "Done...It's a deal"

Best deal he had struck, ever, he thought laughingly. The more broken rules, the more would the number of treats be, which meant more time with her ..."Good, this pact is sealed", he replied back; Swara could swear she heard the smile in his voice.

Behind Sanskaar, Veronica fumed. He was so indifferent to her, then he's all concern and laughter and smiles over phone. And he said Swara. That girl again? She was everywhere he went! Office, orphanage... Had to be her, Swara Bose, the nobody from Kolkata who came to Mumbai mere month ago, an absolute nobody with not even a scandal to her name - she had scoured the media every which way to be sure- this girl could net Sanskaar so quickly?! Fast work, Veronica thought as she calculated new routes in her ever- resilient brain. Competition from such quarters was annoying to her, but she realized it had to be tackled. Her rerouted GPS of course pointed to DP. That was the fastest. Ingratiating herself to DP was the solution. She sighed. She had been thinking beauty, grace and charm... Low-down manipulation was distasteful, but some things had to be done.

And Sanskaar, he didn't seem like he would end the call any sooner .Fine ...If he didn't want to end it, she would make sure he did. Resolute, and her smile just one degree this side of polite, she moved towards DP.

"Uncle, aren't we getting late?" she pointed out gently. "I mean, I think it's time for cake cutting. All the guests have arrived it looks like. So..."

DP looked at Annapurna ...she nodded in understanding and walked up to Sanskaar placed a hand on his shoulder. .Sanskaar turned back, holding the phone away.

"Baatein baad main kar lena beta, sab intezaar kar rahe hain.." she told him gently. Sanskaar nodded in assent, turned to the phone again, "Swara wo- "

And before he could say something, Swara wound up, "I'll see you tomorrow ...little flowers main ...Good night and happy birthday once again."

The smile stayed with him as wished her goodnight and headed towards the cake and the party, Swara on his thoughts. ...Now it felt complete...His birthday...

Next Day

"Haan baba, I almost reached. Bas do minute aur. I will be there .ok bye."

Sanskaar disconnected the call with a smile .It was second time Swara had called him. Thankfully she was fine .He could deduce it from her voice .Back to her usual cheerful self. Everything was back to normal ...just like the way it was. Perfect. Could he ask for more?

He parked the car and stepped out holding the goodies he got for the kids .He got all the stuff he could think of ..chocolates, chips, cookies, pastries...all for the surprise treat he had planned for kids .He walked into Little Flowers with almost childlike enthusiasm.

They were not in the ground and the church steps were empty as well Hmm...must be in common room, he thought that was another place where kids loved to hang out ,watching TV . He rushed in, all excited and eager .As soon as he pushed the door and stepped in he heard a sound of balloons popping with a shower of confetti rained on him and then he was greeted with loud cheers of "Surprise!!" .Swara stood in front of him holding a cake with her usual dazzling smile ,kids around her ..All of them ..with few nuns in the back, and once more the crowd erupted with loud cheers of happy birthday.

After the initial shock wore off, Sanskaar moved to the pleasantly surprised, and then to the overwhelmed state... Everything around him was happening so quickly ...Swara walking up to him, the kids relieving him of the goody bags, tugging him towards the cake ..kids spread around wishing him .He stood before the cake and looked around. It was all so simple ..There was a simple birthday banner with his name on it..a simple cake, and these simple souls.. and the sheer warmth ,genuine happiness and unconditional love he sensed in eyes of those kids ... All this was for him... for him.

Moved beyond words he looked at Swara... His eyes spoke volumes. And she understood every word he hadn't uttered, just like always ...Silently she handed him the knife, smiling gently, in comfort and understanding. And then in an effort to ease the situation for him, she leaned in and spoke in a whisper, "Waise Sanskaar, acha hua tumne aur late nahi kiya.. nahi tho ..ye cake main khud khaa leti," she giggled; he smiled back, because she expected it, and he still couldn't find the words. Just as he lifted the knife to slice into the cake, she jumped at him, startling him again. "Ruko ruko", she said frantically.

"Kya hua?" sometimes he just couldn't figure this girl out... At any rate, she didn't look troubled; just looked like she was about to burst with devilment and mischief.

"Ek minute" ...Swara turned to kids , "bacho ..sab ko yaad hain na ki.."

"Offo didi." Manu came in between ,"kitne baar bolego aap...Sab yaad hain ..ab bhaiyya cake khathenge ," then Rana joined in , "phir hum gaana gaayenge na ...woh..woh, "arey happiee birthday waala,", Sneha gave him a cue, poking him in the rib and Manu took over again , "aur phir cake khaatne ke baad hum sab bhaiyaa ke mooh par cake .."

At that Sanskaar raised his eye brow in question.

Swara hurriedly put her hand to his little mouth, stopping the cute recital, "Bas bas manu ...tumhe sab yaad hain na ..bas."

As she looked at Sanskaar, she threw him one of her smiles which he very well knew were saved for mischievous pranks she pulled all the time. He was sure something was up for him.

"Kya chal raha hain ..yaha par ?",he questioned trying to sound like a strict school teacher.

"Kuch nahi..cake kaato na," Swara tried covering up, trying to hold back the grin but failing.

Sanskaar folded his arms looking at the bacha party and their gang leader and his stance was clear: I am not cutting the cake till I get an answer...

Swara had to finally gave in. "Woh actually," she mumbled, "we thought of mashing it on your face."

He looked so incredulous she continued right on, in her hurry to try and convince him, "C'mon Sanskaar .It will be fun and - " When there was no change in his stance, she gave up quickly. "Acha ok ok ..bacho idea drop .. sirf gaana gayenge ok ."

All kids nodded in consent.

"Ab tho cake kaato," she said with that little pout which Sanskaar always found adorable.

He shook his head smiling. Swara and her antics... she was impossible. And the birthday song...It was not at all in sync, they probably they didn't have much time to practice but this was the best one he had ever heard and Swara being Swara succeeded in her task of smearing Sanskaar's cheek with cream on pretext of feeding him and next came turn of kids. Sanskaar had to finally give in to their demand ,which he did more than willingly and in few min he had bits of cream and cake on his face and after a while he was glad he did .He didn't want Swara to catch him blush ,which he did when she told he looked uber cute in this avatar.

The kids were more than surprised and excited at Sanskaar's treat for them and Sanskaar never failed to bring his camera to little flowers as these moments were priceless to him. .They clicked tons of pics ...Father Benedict dropped in late and wished Sanskaar, prayed for him, wishing him good luck and success in his life.

----------------------------------------------

Done with the celebration and cleaning up Swara and Sanskaar settled down besides each other at their favorite hangout on church steps relishing his birthday cake.

"By the way Swara ...Cake acha tha,"... Sanskaar said as he bit in.

"Pata hain tumhe acha lagega .Tumhari favorite jo hain chocolate," she said munching on hers.

And that had him .He couldn't recall when he had mentioned that but she remembered...And then she had organised and orchestrated all this for him. It was the loveliest surprise ever. How could he ever find the words to tell the simple function she had kept for him meant more to him than the elaborate, extremely lavish banquet and party held in his favour at Maheswari Mansion...what were the right words? Were there words for this...?

Trying to compose himself, he said casually, " Waise Mujhe laga mera birthday kal hi khatam hogaya, all thanks to you I am having an extended birthday."

She licked icing off a finger, without looking at him. "Kisne kaha ki hum tumhare birthday celebrate kar rahe hain?" she asked matter-of-factly.

Sanskaar looked at her quizzically. What did she mean to say now?

Sensing his confusion, she answered."Ek baar udhar dekho Sanskaar " she pointed at kids happily running around, playing , "kitne khush haina.. aur ye sab",...she turned to him ," "Tumhare wajah se hain Sanskaar ..Tumhe andaaza bhi hain ki tumne inn ke liye jo kiya...the huge difference you made in their lives aur aaj yaha par .I feel hum tumhara birthday nahi .. we are celebrating YOU Sanskaar ...for what you are and who you ... a wonderful human being and a sweetheart."

He went absolutely still for a minute.

No, he had no words. None at all. He had no name for the thousand of emotions that surged through him at this moment...Never in his life had anyone made him feel so...cherished, and treasured, with such simple words. No one but her... Who managing to reach out into his soul like this. He felt she was seeping into it, too, every second, every minute he spent with her, seeping into his very being. But what would he tell her...

"Kya hua ? Kaha khogaye ?" she waved a hand in front of his face, laughing.

"Thank you," he said quietly when he found his voice. And then he leaned in, kissed her cheek gently. "That was the most beautiful thing anyone has said to me. Ever." And then he looked away, trying his best to rein in his emotions. He had wished yesterday...all he had wanted was a genuine and heartfelt wish for him and here she was ...the answer to his every wish.

Warmth flooded her cheeks, as if he had pumped new life into them with that one touch, one gesture of gratitude and affection. Then with a good deal of effort, she pushed them away, these strange feelings. Best not to dwell on them.

"Chalo," she said quickly, back-to-business tone. She grabbed both their plates. "Let's go, kuch kaam tha."

He rose with her, wondering... Then shrugged off those thoughts. Best not to dwell on them. He walked back in with her.

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"Waise hum jaa kaha rahe hain ?" Sanskaar asked Swara back in car ..She pulled him out early from little flowers .

"I am taking you out for treat..surprise hain ." swara replied excited.

Wow One more ! Sanskaar beamed with delight , "Well, I love surprises...But Madam If I am not wrong, birthday mera hain ..tho treat tho mujhe dena chahiye na?"

"Kyunki maine tumhe late wish kiya ..I am making it up for you ..she turned to him , "Tho Mr Sanskaar Maheswari ..Kya aapke schedule main se can I get next few hours with no questions asked? "

"Mr Maheswari" from Swara didn't bother him these days .He knew it was in good sense and humour and he didn't mind much ..in fact he felt happy that being maheswari in no longer a stumbling block between them ..it would never have been only if he had told her ..He brushed off thoughts... bitter memories ..Today he had many moments to cherish

"I am all yours Swara bose ," he answered back with a playful smile and started the car

Swara's apartment

Sanskaar huffed impatiently. Swara was in kitchen from past 20 minutes not letting him in ,not giving him a clue of what was being made .When Swara mentioned treat he didn't expect that she would get him to her place and when she said she's going to cook for him he felt thrilled.. No one ever cooked for him other than his mom ...and when he asked if she was planning a revenge on him for soup he made , she gave him a murderous look at first and laughed off saying her cooking skills were much better than him and he is in safe hands..

Since he was banned from entering into kitchen and got almost pushed out for trying to intrude, he decided to kill some time looking around her apartment ...Its not the first time he came in but last two times he dropped in ..once during the argument and then on day of his birthday he had been too occupied then to take a notice closely...

As he moved around ,he found her books neatly stalked ..her guitar lying on the couch ..he moved closer towards walls where photographs were placed ..many of them.He fondly picked photograph of Swara as child ..cute little one and mischief was all over her eyes .He glanced back at her in kitchen ..who was busy with some mental calculations on what should be done next and then he back to photograph Smiling. He moved onto next one .It was from their picnic at little flowers ..Swara, kids and him ..and it looked... perfect was only word he could think of and then few were from her college days ..and one more.. her family?? .must be her parents .He would love to meet them ,atleast once, tell them how wonderful their daughter is He moved on with his tour and something caught his notice ..Wind chimes ...there were few of them in different colours and patterns ..hung near balcony

"Coffee for the thoughts" she came from behind holding coffee mugs

"Hogaya ..tumhara experiment" ..he teased as he took mug from her

"Almost ...aur experiment nahi hain woh," Swara hit him playfully .

"Waise Swara ..ye itne saare wind chimes..Tumhe pasand hain kya ? he questioned sipping his coffee ..

"Ye?" She sad swinging one of them, "I just love them .I can just listen to them for hours and hours ..They are calming and soothing and kabhi kabhi .. I feel like... She closed her eyes taking a deep breath, "They play the music of ones heart...jo tum sun na chahte ho aur ye hawa kahi se tumhari dil ki baatein tumhe suna rahi hain.. It's a wonderful feeling."

Sanskaar stood looking at her ... ...May be he should get one to understand the rhythm of his heart. Why it skipped few beats looking at her and why would it thump harder and faster when she is close to him and why would it wither in pain at the thought of being away from her...may be this would answer him ..

They stood there for few min watching sunset from her balcony ,finishing their coffee and Swara rushed back to kitchen .

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"Sanskaar ..Chalo," she sounded like an excited kid as she reached for him, caught hold of his hand and dragged him from the balcony to the couch, deposited him there.

"Swara," he laughed in exasperation.

"ankhen bandh karo apni," she instructed. "Offo bandh karona," she demanded again, a little impatient when he smiled quizzically, amused at her. "ab aa karo," she continued when he did. He followed her orders like an obedient student and then he tasted something ..very sweet and soft and the texture... cake?? and it just melted in his mouth before he even realised that it was the best cake he had ever tasted ..He opened his eyes and looked at her.

"Kaisa hain?" she asked, eagerly awaiting his reaction ...and he replied back saying aaa.. She laughed and popped one more piece into his mouth, and then one more.

"Ye kya hain?" he asked with another mouthful of cake. "It's so yummy ...I mean ..it's - " he gave her a thumbs up and took the plate from her.

"Ye milk cake hain ..mom ki special recipe hain ..mera aur baba ka favourite," her face warmed as those memories flashed by. "hum dono maa ko itna tang karte the ki mom pareshaan hojaati thi..."

He noticed a hint of sadness in her voice. "I miss them, Sanskaar," she said quietly, her eyes far away for a moment.

Slowly he placed a hand on her shoulder. She shook herself out of those thoughts, smiled up at him. " Main bhi na. Senti hogayi ..Tho kaisa laga cake?"

"Tumhare mom se bolna that I loved it aur maan na padega madam...you cook well."

"Hmm... kuch dher tak tho experiment bolke chida rahe the mujhe...aur sab khud khaaye jaa rahe ho," she tried taking plate from him and he held it back. "Mere liye bana hain na ..tho main kyu doon?" he teased.

"How mean Sanskaar ..Do na, please," she reached for the plate again, then gave up on a huff. "Thik hain jaavo baat nahi karti tumse." She turned to the side, arms crossed.

"Acha ..ok ye lo," he fed her a piece saying, "Bahut special hoga na tumhare liye ye cake ."

"Haan bahut jyada," her smile softened.

And she made this for him, he thought, feeling a little glow. Extra special cake. That meant he was extra special too, didn't it?

"Hmm," she rolled it a bit, savored it, testing. "sach main acha bana hain Sanskaar," she observed, content. Job well done always made her happy, and he liked it too, so...

"Aur ye tumne mere liye banaya.. ...Kyu?" he asked impulsively. He wanted to hear her say it.

"Kyunki tum usse jyada special ho," she answered without thinking. And then it hit her...she could feel the sudden shift in the atmosphere, what those carelessly spoken words of truth had charged up...and their light friendly banter suddenly felt...the way he was looking at her...God. She felt helpless to change it, and just a little breathless. Before she could lose herself Swara broke the contact, bringing them back to reality.

"I meant tum mere sabse ache friend hona ..I mean best friend ,of course you are special..." She gave a quick smile as she got up hurriedly, plucking the guitar up from the couch to place it in its wall hanger. She didn't want to look into his eyes again just now. What she saw in them and felt...she tried her best not to think of them, tried to think of what was right for both of them.

He felt a flicker of disappointment at that declaration, absorbed it. Yes she had startled them both, and then panicked, and then covered it up just as quickly. His own reaction confused him. Did he expect something else...Something more?

"Swara." ...

She turned back at that, her expression carefully neutral.

"Will you sing for me?" he asked, seeming a little lost, a little confused.

It was so abrupt, he knew that. He had no clue why he had asked her. But he had to hear her voice...

She obliged, smiling. They shifted to her favorite spot, the balcony. He gestured to the little step stool, sat down with his back to the rail, watching her as she sat with the guitar and adjusted the knobs, tuning it. He left the choice of song to her; she choose one of her favourites...

( I would strongly recommend to listen to this song once before you proceed atleast first few lines ..Here is the link)**

https://youtu.be/fSS_R91Nimw

Orey manva tu to bavra hai

Tu hi jaane tu kya sochta hai
Tu hi jaane tu kya sochta hai bavre
Kyun dikhaye sapne tu sote jaagte

Jo barse sapne boond boond
Nainon ko moond moond
Kaise main chaloon, dekh na sakoon
Anjaane raastein

Gunjasa hai koi iktara iktara, gunjasa hai koi iktara
Dheeme bole koi iktara iktara, dheeme bole koi iktara
Gunjasa hai koi iktara iktara, gunjasa hai koi iktara

He sat there listening to her, and beyond the mesmerizing quality of her voice, and the music she coaxed out of the instrument, he felt something else.It felt like she was pulling at the strings of his heart, not those of her beloved guitar...and he was being drawn towards her, like he didn't have a say in it. As her friend, he managed to quash the thoughts that he felt had slipped past the lines of friendship...most of the time he could. But today...he couldn't. he found he didn't want to squash them or toss them out the window. Today he wanted to feel all of them ... and listen to- how had she phrased it? The music of his own heart...

He knew the lyrics, the song being one of her favorites. He knew where it was going, but he didn't know where they were going...him and Swara...he wished, and he wondered...and he wondered if she did too. She opened her eyes and smiled at him then, not breaking the rhythm. He couldn't quite return it, caught up as he was in the moment, her voice and her... oblivious to this she sang on, sang for him, wanting to please him, grant this one simple wish for him. He wanted to hear her sing. This she could give him, her music that was so precious, because he was, too...

And so she sang on, and he listened and wondered...

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Notes

* - Quote at beginning - by Victor Hugo

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