"Sanskar, will you be able to come early today?" Swara asked him with hopeful eyes while folding his collar on tie strap.

"Not sure Swara, there are some meetings lined up since AGM is next week." Sanskar said looking at his right, typing something on his mobile extending his arm. His full concentration was on replying the email while getting ready to go for office.

"Hmm" Swara said with smile looking at him.

Swara went inside dressing room to get his suit and came back to see Sanskar was talking to someone on the phone. She helped him wearing his suit.

"Yes, I need those updates on the report." Sanskar said while extending his arms to wear his dark grey Burberry Suit.

"Mike get all those points crossed checked with legal team." Sanskar said in authoritative tone and left the room to join his family for breakfast.

Swara looked at his retiring figure from back, with teary eyes. 'What happened to you Sanskar?' thinking this Swara gulped and left a deep sigh. 'He is busy' fake smile appeared on her face.

It's been three days, and Swara could not spend any time with her loving husband, he was too much busy with his official work. Their routine was completely disturbed and today also he left their room without pecking her lips and confessing his love towards her like last three days. She was missing their morning bed romance, their little casual talk when she used to accompany him till gym in the morning were replaced with his business talks over phone, his intense gaze and flirting while getting ready for office were changed with his complete concentration on his mobile typing something. In fact, from last three days he used to come back from office quite late and even after coming late he used to be in study till midnight. Swara missed his warm embrace at night.

Swara was walking along with him, glancing at him every now and then who was completely occupied with the business talks over phone. She did not want to be crabby wife, who complains if husband does not give time and his attention. She did understand her husband over these months after their marriage that business run in his veins. He is true workaholic. 'It is just one of the phases which will pass by' thinking this Swara entered kitchen with small smile on her face.

"Swara can you please check if this chutany is good enough, I found something is missing." Pari said with scrunching her eyebrows after tasting spoonful of chutany.

"Kaki Ma, I think we should add some crushed mint leaves. What do you think?" Swara said after tasting the chutany.

"Yes, right let's add it. Chanda can you please wash and grind some handful of Pudina" Pari instructed Chanda.

Pari observed Swara, she was lost today like last two days, taking out piping hot Idli's from Idli making vessel with the help of spoon.

"Ahh" Swara flinched when her middle finger came in contact with hot plate containing Idlis.

"Swara careful." Pari held her hand and took her near washbasin. She held her hand under cold water to minimize the pain.

"It's fine Kaki Ma" Swara said shaking her head.

"I know Sanskar is busy, and he is not giving you enough time. Just talk to him. Sometimes these workaholic husbands need a shout out from their wives." Pari said with experience with smile on her face.

"It's ok Kaki Ma, he has some tension. I don't want to increase it. And this phase will pass away soon" Swara said with sigh.

"Hmm even Adi is also busy, March month is always like this due to AGM" Pari said shaking her head.

Post breakfast Swara went behind Sanskar to bid him bye. He was again busy with his phone typing something.

Swara stopped near the main door of Maheshwari House, Sanskar moved ahead in the reception area without realizing Swara is standing behind him waiting for him to turn and acknowledge her presence. Her eyes filled with tears and she pressed her lips on each other for controlling them. 'Is he leaving today forgetting to bid bye to me as well?'

Swara bowed her head to control her feelings, it was first time he was leaving and did not bid bye to her properly after initial days of their marriage.

Swara felt a thumb under her chin raising her face upwards. She raised her eyelashes to look at her husband who was staring at her. Swara felt some unknown expressions on his face, she could not decipher his feelings looking at his slightly teary eyes.

"Bye, take care Kitten" Sanskar said caressing her jawline with his thumb staring at her eyes. He moved his one hand at the back of her head and pull it towards his already bended face. He put his lips on her forehead closing his eyes and mumbled against her skin "I love you Kitten."

Sanskar left immediately to proceed towards his car, leaving Swara in her shock. He took deep sigh while slipping on backseat of his black Porshe instructing David to start the car.

'I am sorry, Kitten' Sanskar thought looking and caressing at her picture on his mobile screen.

"Wow Ragini congratulations" Swara wished Ragini when she informed Swara about her admission confirmation at Bright Star Interior Designing Institution.

"Thank you Swara, it is 6 months course, and Dadi is coming with me, since Papa wants to take second opinion from Mumbai's orthopaedic surgeon about her knee replacement surgery" Ragini feed additional information to Swara.

"Ohh" Swara could not continue. She was in dilemma about should she invite Ragini and Dadi to stay at Maheshwari House or not. She was sure her MILs and family will not oppose it but still she does not want her maternal family to be burden. Her family have one way of living and Gadodia's way of living a life has world difference between them. These both families will not be comfortable living with each other for long period under one roof.

"Papa is saying he will accompany us for initial days when we will be searching for an apartment near to my institution but then he has to come back since he needs to look after our shop. I hope we will find accommodation soon." Ragini tried to sound very stressful, she wanted Swara to invite them at Maheshwari house for their stay.

"Ragini, I can ask on House Reception if they can find someone for your help. Sanskar is very busy these days so I cannot disturb him. By the way when you are coming?" Swara said offering her willingness to help.

"We are leaving tomorrow afternoon, Papa first time booked flight tickets since Dadi cannot bear the stress of train travel. So we will be reaching to Mumbai by evening, for initial days Papa booked nearby hotel for our stay." Ragini again put her so called miseries in front of Swara showcasing her emotional avatar.

"You can come home for dinner tomorrow Ragini, it would be very tiring for you all after journey" Swara said inviting them, taking a mental note to ask apologies from her MILs for inviting Gadodia's at home for dinner without asking them.

"What did she say?" Sharmishtha asked Ragini.

"We are invited for DINNER at Maheshwari House tomorrow and that's it." Ragini said fumingly.

"She did not offer us to stay at Maheshwari House?" Parvati asked not believing her Laddo's words.

"No Dadi" Ragini said shaking her head leaving from drawing room towards to her room in anger.

"I told you Sharmishtha, she will not accept. But you only were saying Swara will offer us to stay at that Palace. She has changed just like her mother after her marriage in rich family. Shekhar also said she still did not sign transfer papers." Parvati said frustratingly.

"I did not expect her to turn like this" Sharmishtha said sighing defeatedly. Anger was building inside her due to Swara's reaction.

"Don't worry Ma, you and Ragu will stay at Maheshwari House only. I will make sure of it. Earlier because of Swara only we lost perfect alliance between Sanskar and Ragu but now I don't want to take any chance and loose the prospect of Laksh and Ragu's alliance. At least my Ragu will be Choti Dulhan of Mahehswari's" Sharmishtha said determinedly.

"Sir, I drilled Sahil before his surrender to Police, he is not aware about any letter received by Chaturvedi family. And he looked genuine in this case." Roger confirmed updates to Sanskar.

"There is someone who is playing from behind curtains. But still I am not able to understand the motive behind his moves. Try to find if that Nikhil planted that letter or not for his own benefits?" Sanskar said releasing a heavy breath, playing with his prism and continued "Increase Swara's security if she is going out, I would suggest Roger you personally be with her."

"Yes Sir, I have already increased Mam's security, all bodyguards are in civil around her whenever she is out. So, Mam will not be bothered. Also, we increased our scrutiny level for incoming and outgoing traffic both physical and technical to Maheshwari House" Roger replied professionally.

Sanskar nodded his head in positive acknowledging his efforts.

"You are daughter of this house. You don't need to take anybody's permission to invite anyone to your house" Sujata said in assurance when Swara apologized to her and Annapurna for inviting Ragini, Dadi and Shekhar for next day's dinner without asking them.

"And Swara beta they can live here for all 6 months. What is the need to look for any apartment" Annapurna said which result in Sujata and Pari to exchange look.

"No it's ok Badi Ma, I mean. It can result in inconvenience for everybody." Swara said shaking her head.

"Arre what inconvenience? You have this big house and your sister and Dadi are coming, we can easily manage beta." Annapurna said with smile and continued "I will talk to Kakisa and Sharmishtha Ji."

Swara smiled brightly looking at her MILs they were in patio enjoying their afternoon tea.

"Jiji, are you serious to make them stay here in our house?" Sujata asked when she observed Swara went with Pihu for her evening guitar lessons. Pihu showed her interest in learning guitar for which Swara happily agreed to teach her.

"Yes Badi Jiji. They have hurt Swara indirectly whenever they are near to her. And that innocent girl does not even realize that they have not been nice to her" Pari said with unpleasant tone.

"I know Sujata and Pari. But it will not look good that they will stay in rented apartment. And mostly Swara will not like it, she will not say it explicitly but I could feel it she wanted to invite them here. I am asking them to stay at our house only for Swara's happiness." Annapurna said thinking and taking sip from her tea cup.

"But what if they hurt her again?" Sujata mentioned worriedly.

"No Choti Jiji, we will not allow any body to hurt our Swara" Pari said instantly.

"Yes Pari, let them stay here as guest. And we will be with Swara all the time, then they won't be able to hurt her. We will take care of her as her mothers." Annapurna said with determination.

"Swara come sit for dinner, it's already 10 pm." Annapurna forced Swara to sit on dining table and Sujata went inside to ask Gopi Dadi to get their food plates ready. Earlier Swara decided to wait for Sanskar for dinner, Annapurna and Sujata also decided to wait with her.

"No Badi Ma, I will wait for Sanskar. You and Mom please sit for dinner." Swara replied in convincing tone narrowing her eyes.

"Beta, he will be late, there are lot of responsibilities on his shoulder being CEO." Annapurna tried to convince "Sometimes we need to leave the situation as it is, every time is not the same. And in this we need to take care of our own mental and physical health this helps to make ourselves calm which results in strengthening our bond."

Swara looked at her Badi Ma, she was sounding like experienced lady. 'She must have seen many more nights like this in past.' Swara smiled looking at Annapurna nodding her head.

Today also Sanskar came late in fact very late. It was almost 3 am when he entered his room all tired and exhausted. He looked at Swara she was sleeping in sitting position; night lamp was on. Swara was never comfortable with complete darkness when he is not there in the room. He came near bed after keeping his laptop bag on couch. He bent and kissed her forehead without disturbing her sleep.

"Just some more time Kitten" Sanskar mumbled staring her serene face. He adjusted her comforter and went to dressing room to take out his night cloths.

When he came back from washroom, he tried to make Swara sleep properly on bed which disturb her sleep.

"When did you come?" Swara asked him in sleepy voice, blinking and rubbing her eyes with her fingers.

"Just now" Sanskar said in tired voice.

"Ohh what's the time?" Swara asked looking at side on the clock which were on night table.

"It's almost 4 Swara, you sleep" Sanskar said.

"You must be hungry; I will bring something" Swara said trying to get up from bed.

"No, I had some sandwiches in office, and I am not hungry, just want to sleep badly" Sanskar said almost closing his eyes.

"Ok ok you sleep" Swara said when she observed Sanskar lying down on the bed, with in few minutes he slipped in deep slumber.

Swara moved towards him caressing his hairs staring at his peaceful face. She moved upwards placing her lips on his forehead and mumbling "I love you Sanskar."

After closing night lamp, Swara held his arm with her one hand and other hand she kept it on his stomach lying with side position looking at his face. "I miss us Sanskar" saying this Swara left heavy breath and closed her eyes.

Next day Swara thought Sanskar will be working from home or atleast he will be going late to office, so she did not went to their room with his morning drink but helped her MILs with breakfast and dinner preparations since Gadodia's were coming.

Swara saw Sanskar descending stairs and going towards gym at his regular time. She came hurriedly towards him.

"Sanskar what are you doing? You should sleep more. You just slept early morning." Swara said worriedly looking at his red eyes due to insufficient sleep.

"It's ok kitten, I am fine. I am used to with this workload. Don't worry" Sanskar said and continued "Can you please get me my drink and strong coffee? I will be leaving for office on regular time."

Swara looked at him blankly, he smiled and went in gym direction.

"Swara beta what time Kakisa and Shekhar Bhaisahab's flight is landing?" Annapurna asked capturing all attentions from Sanskar.

"Badi Ma at 7 pm" Swara said passing orange juice to Uttara.

"Ok Ramesh, please go to airport to pick them up" Annapurna instructed.

"Shekhar Uncle and Dadi are coming?" Sanskar inquired Swara when they were walking towards main door.

"Yes, Shekhar uncle is coming to drop Dadi and Ragini at Mumbai" Swara provided all details to Sanskar about her last day's conversation with Ragini and also with her MILs.

"Ohh" Sanskar said narrowing his eyes thinking something deeply.

"Bye Sanskar, is it possible today to come early?" Swara again asked him with hopeful eyes.

"I will try kitten" Sanskar said caressing her cheeks with back of his fingers.

He kissed her forehead mumbling "Bye take care."

He took few steps but then came back "You knew it right Kitten; I love you more than anything else in my life. Just give us some time." Sanskar said caressing her cheeks with his knuckles and kissed her forehead with love.

Swara nodded her head with soft smile.

Soon it was evening when Gododia family reached to Maheshwari house and Swara along with her family members welcomed them at home.

"Swara how are you?" Ragini said hugging Swara.

"I am fine Ragini. How are you?" Swara said cheerfully.

Swara took blessings from Dadi and they settled down at drawing room.

After initial greetings and conversations Shekhar asked Swara, "Where is Sanskar? Is he not at home?"

"Ji Uncle. He along with Laksh and Kaka are still at office." Swara replied with smile.

"Yes, they are quite busy these days with office work" Ram replied and asked Swara "Are they coming for dinner?"

"Dad, Laksh and Kaka they have left but Sanskar is still at office." Swara replied.

"This boy is giving me serious headache" Sujata mumbled.

"Kakisa you must be tired; you should take rest. Guest rooms are already ready for you all. And you are not going anywhere but leaving here at you grand-daughter's house. No need to search for any apartment." Annapurna said.

"Arre Annapurna bahu, that's so kind of you." Parvati accepted immediately sounding cheekily.

Ragini left heavy sigh feeling relived that she will be living at Maheshwari house and try to work out on her plan to lure Sanskar unknown to his true self.

Sanskar joined late to his family members for dinner, they were relishing variety of dishes, but Swara was still waiting for him to come downstairs, he shake his head when he looked at her while entering dining room.

"Hello Jiju" Ragini greet Sanskar with smile when she observed him entering dining hall.

"Hi Ragini" Sanskar gave her small smile.

"Hello Shekhar Uncle and Dadi" Sanskar greet and settled down on his sit beside Swara.

"Why were you waiting?" Sanskar whispered in Swara's ears.

"You know the reason" Swara copied him with smile serving him food.

Dinner went well with casual family talks. Post dinner Shekhar asked Swara about Dida's house papers when she visited their room to look after if they need anything at their allotted guest rooms.

"Uncle, Sanskar asked his lawyer to make new papers. It's like lease papers" Swara fumbled with legal terms.

"I can explain to you Shekhar uncle" Sanskar said from behind. He explained all terms and conditions about the document in complete professional tone yet maintaining his casual presence.

Ragini and Dadi looked at him awe, no doubt why this guy is ruling over business world. He knew exactly how to deal with anyone to safeguard his own interest.

"You can also check with Dev uncle about terms. And I guess with these terms we will complete Dida's wish as well as Swara's wish" a true businessman inside Sanskar spoke with smile.

"Yes, beta you are absolutely right" Shekhar appreciated reluctantly.

"Swara, I think you should go to room and sleep, we have meeting with US counterparts so I will at study and will be late" Sanskar said while leaving the room, indicating Swara needs to go back to room.

Next day Ragini observed Swara and Sanskar, looking at her sister's quietness and Sanskar's occupied approach with his office work, Ragini made some additional assumptions in her delusional brain such as they might be facing some issues with their relationship which she can use for her benefit.

"Swara how is everything between you and Jiju?" Ragini tried to confirm her assumption looking enviously at their pic on wall behind their bed.

"All is good, Ragini" Swara replied her with smile, while entering dressing room their ironed cloths to keep them on shelf.

"That sounds great" Ragini tried to sound happy for her sister but fumed inside since she did not receive expected the response.

"Please I need your help in talking to Jiju, can he come with me tomorrow? I need to go to Institution for their orientation seminar. And I don't know anyone here and also surroundings." Ragini started to play her own game showing her Academy's broacher.

"Ohh Ragini, but Sanskar is damn busy these days. And this institution looks like is in Western Mumbai and we are at Southern Mumbai. Last time when I went with Kaki Ma it took us 2 hours to reach due to traffic. I don't think he can make it for tomorrow" Swara replied shaking her head.

"Swara please please please" Ragini tried her hard to convince and put her emotional card "if he does not come with me how will I be able to manage alone, Papa is taking Dadi to meet doctor and doctors's appointment is at the same time."

"Ok let me check with him what we can do." Swara replied with smile. Ragini felt she won half the battle by manipulating Swara.

"Roger keep close eye on every Gododia. I can smell some conspiracy behind their sudden visit and staying plans." Sanskar asked Roger in cold and deep voice.

"Sure Sir" Roger replied and left Sanskar's cabin.

"Bhai you started again" Laksh warned him, "Can't you see how Bhabhi is happy? You will be in deep shit if she gets to know about your planning."

"I know, but this sudden unexpected closeness and lovey dovey talks, caring attitude, showing all concern. Naaah......something is fishy." Sanskar said shaking his head, he was blessed with quality to judge a person inside out in their first meet. He asked "Don't you trust my six sense?"

"Of course, Bhai, I trust you more than anyone. And I knew if you are pointing on someone then there has to be some glitch. But Bhai this time it is crucial, Bhabhi's sentiments are involved. Their change of behaviour could be result of your marriage with Bhabhi, now that she is holding tag of Mrs. Sanskar Maheshwari." Laksh sounded desperate.

"Could be. And I know if Swara gets to know about my planning she will get upset with me. She is really looking forwards for her lost relations unknown to the fact that not everybody is kind hearted like her. I can never allow anyone to hurt her. Anybody who even think to give her pain they would need to face me." Sanskar said with cold and deep voice and moved his gaze towards their pic on his desk and mumbled abruptly "I will not let anyone come between us Kitten." He felt peace in his heart seeing her smily face on pic, her smile always took his breath away.

"Bhai, I have heard darling, sweetheart, princess, baby.....but Kitten seriously" Laksh said raising his both hands showing inverted comas for Kitten word gained all attention from Sanskar.

Sanskar turned his gaze towards Laksh with speed, with shocked face and open mouth. His secret of calling Swara as Kitten is no more a secret now.

"You call Bhabhi as Kitten? hahahaha" Laksh laugh loudly.

"Get out Lucky" Sanskar tried to roar over Laksh with blushing face.

"Bhai Please stop it. I cannot take all in one day, I will face heart attack. I am not even married right now" Laksh could not believe when he looked at Sanskar's flushed face. "You have become lovesick puppy. Yeh to deadly combination hai kitten and puppy." Laksh keep on laughing loudly till there were some tears from his eyes and he was short of breath,

Sanskar rubbed his forehead with his fingers, shaking head with closed eyes kept on listening all teasing from his younger brother.

"I will send you Mittal's document, just have a look." Laksh said controlling his laughter, while getting up from his chair.

"Ok" Sanskar nodded with smile.

"Waise Bhai you desperately need a honeymoon trip." Laksh said turning the knob of the door and left the cabin before hearing some lovely words from his elder brother.

"Honeymoon" Sanskar mumbled looking at the picture. He took that pic in his hands and caressed Swara smiling face. 'I am sorry kitten. I know you are upset since there is vast change in our routine. If you think I am not aware about it or I don't care about it then you are wrong. I desperately want to be with you. But still I am purposefully keeping some distance with you. That night I tried to cross the line unknowingly and you did not even stop me. I know you will never stop me, but I don't want to force you for the next step. And when I am close to you, these day's it's becoming very difficult for me to control my desires. I know knowingly I am hurting you, I want to talk to about it but this AGM is also taking most of my time. I am sorry. Just keep one thing in mind I love you the most.' Sanskar closed his eyes to control his tears.

It was almost 2:30 when Sanskar came back home, he became confused to see empty bed, he was expecting Swara to be in deep sleep. Sanskar looked inside washroom but the door was open indicating she is not there, dressing room was also empty. He got worried thinking where did Swara go at this late night but one sleek figure sitting at the balcony captured his attention.

Swara was sitting on the couch kept on balcony attached to the half wall. She was sitting there facing her back towards room, she has kept her both hands on wall and resting her head on them looking at the Arabian sea and dark sky glazing with moon and bright stars.

"Swara, what are you doing here?" Sanskar asked worriedly and shook her by shoulder.

Swara was startled with his voice and shook. She looked at her husband, and Sanskar could feel tears in her eyes.

"What happened Kitten?" Sanskar said cupping her face sitting beside her.

"Nothing Sanskar, you must be hungry" Swara said looking elsewhere, blinking eyes to hide her tears and adjusting her hair strands behind her ears.

She got up from her seat but Sanskar held her hand.

"Swara, please. And I am not hungry I had dinner at office" Sanskar said gulping hard. Her tears always made him feel weak in his knees.

He also stood up facing her staring her pale face. He pulled her in his embrace wrapping his both arms around her petit figure.

Swara closed her eyes feeling herself at her home. She felt stream of tears on her cheeks which were soaking in his shirt. Sanskar caressed her hairs, he was feeling her this much closed after 5 days.

Sanskar broke their hug after some time not releasing his hold over her back. He kissed her forehead with all his love. He bended and picked her up in bridal style and moved towards room, he kept her on bed like delicate doll.

Swara was overwhelmed with his care. She had tears in her eyes feeling him beside her after all 5 days.

"I am sorry Kitten." Sanskar said cupping her face in his with one hand and other hand he interlocked with her slender fingers.

"I was just missing us Sanskar" Swara whispered lowering her face.

Sanskar raised her face and looked at her vulnerably. He took heavy breath and moved forward to capture her lips in passionate kiss, he poured all his love and longings over these days in his kiss. Swara was shocked with his sudden move but gave in to the kiss. They kissed passionately feeling and telling their love for each other, Sanskar pulled back of her head slightly, to kiss her more deeply, increasing the intensity of their proximity.

Sanskar broke their kiss and kept his forehead touched with hers with closed eyes "I am sorry Kitten. I just don't want to force you like last time. And I am not able to control myself when I am close to you, I just lost every sense when it comes to you" He said breathing heaving. Swara felt one tear drop on her cheek. She opened eyes looking at his face with closed eyes.

Sanskar opened his eyes keeping his forehead still on her forehead.

"Did I ever tell you that I love you?" Swara said sobbing and continued "When you look at me I feel that I am beautiful, when you flirt with me I feel goosebumps in my stomach, when you hold me close to your heart I feel like home, safe, secure, when you kiss me..." Swara stop in middle and started looking down with flushed face.

"When I kiss you what you feel Swara?" Sanskar asked her in husky voice with heavy breath. Their foreheads were still touching each other.

"When ... when you kis...s.... kiss me I.... I ... I feel being loved.....loved by my love in most pious way" Swara fumbled with words, but her voice was showed honesty and her sincerity.

Sanskar moved back a little and stared at his wife for a while. He bends and kissed her lip passionately pulling her with back of her head. He moved another hand at the back of her waist and pulled her towards himself.

Sanskar pushed Swara slightly not breaking their kiss and making her lie on the bed and himself hovered over her not putting his all weight on her. He moved his lips on her neck giving her open mouth kisses. Swara fisted his hairs with one hand and with other hand she held his back of shirt in fist. He kissed her collar bone and jaw then again lips in their second round of passionate kiss. They left each other's lips feeling dire need of air. Sanskar kissed her eyes and then her forehead.

"Don't worry I am not gonna do anything right now. Here also we will TRY to take baby steps" Sanskar said in his usual teasing tone caressing her cheeks. "But this baby is 21st century might start running soon."

Swara closed her eyes blushing profusely. He once again peck her lips followed by her forehead.

"I will just go and get changed. Wait for me, I will make you sleep today, I missed you holding close to me over these nights." Sanskar said while getting up from her and moving towards dressing room to get his night cloths.

When Sanskar came back from washroom after freshen up he saw Swara looking at their pictures from her mobile.

He took her in arms and peck her forehead mumbling "I love you Kitten"

"Sanskar, I love you" Swara quickly held his collar to pull him on her. She gave quick peck on his lips. Sanskar was shocked with her move.

Swara snuggled in his arms holing his t-shirt in her fist, where as Sanskar pulled her more to himself closing the night lamp.

***********************************

Precap -

What will be Ragini's reaction when she sees Swasan in cozy position?

Will Laksh keep Sanskar's secret or spill it out?

Will Sanskar join their Holi celebrations?

Thank you, all my lovely readers, for your appreciation for previous chapter.

Hope you would like this chapter. Let me know you views and feedback through votes and comments. Your comments, feedback, appreciation and votes are my motivation to keep the story going on.

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