Hello people

Back with an update.
I had so much fun penning this update. Hope you feel same.

Happy Reading . Ignore any errors or typos found .
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After 3 months

“No Way! We are sticking to the regular brand! What if she has rashes? No !” Sanskaar protested on the phone. He was out grocery shopping on his way back, from the office ,courtesy of Mam! Swara Bose. She messaged him a list .. a long one.

If it was earlier , Sanskaar would have been clueless like a lost child, but now he was a champion shopper under able training.  He exactly knew what sections and where to pick the needed stuff. All thanks to that elfin woman ruling his home. 

“C'mon Sanskaar! Unless we try we will never know. I heard good things about this new brand. Pick one” Swara said from another side.

“Listen! I am not taking chances with Tara. Ok!” Sanskaar cleared checking the prospects on pack. “I can’t believe we are fighting over diapers, “ He added with a huff.

“And you are one to start it. Hamesha jagdate rehte ho. Fine! Tumhari ladli hain. Do whatever you feel like. Don’t you dare call me again asking ki kya pick Karna hai? “Swara muttered angrily.

Sanskaar sighed. He can imagine her, pouting, making all faces. He felt like laughing out loud. He loved irritating her and it was strange how he could envision her every expression. It's almost like her face never left his eyes.  “Ok, Baba! Fine. Let's say truce.  Yours and mine. We will pick one each. Both. Happy now! " He offered an olive branch knowing he‘s up for a special session once back.

“Not bad! You are learning quickly Mr.Maheswari! “Swara smiled clearly, impressed.  He knew it better than to pick up with women on grocery and shopping. They are unbeatable.

“Anything else?” Sanskaar asked cross-checking the list on his mobile.

“Nope! Now come back. I have a surprise for you. Something sweet.” 

“Right away Mam!" Sanskaar disconnected the call, smiling wide. He loved being surprised by Swara.

 Who would have thought one girl could be his best friend, given his shy and nerdy nature in college. 

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Swara recalled her first shopping session with Sanskaar who followed her like an obedient student, making mental notes as she cruised him through all categories. More trips followed in the next few days.

“You get extra points if you can shop and keep up with all shopping tantrums and plus one if you carry all bags with no fuss” She smiled watching Sanskaar struggle, trying to balance bags, giving her murderous looks as she breezed away with a mere handbag.

“This is unfair! We pay and We carry too! I condemn this unfair treatment towards men '' He complained as he dumped all the stuff on the sofa once back home and sloshed on another.

” Mrs. Braganza, please give me some instant energy drink.” He looked at Swara who was clearly having fun at his expense, cheek in the tongue. ”Don't tell me you are planning any more trips soon. Please” He pleaded almost close to tears. 

“Practice makes one perfect, I am sure you heard” Swara smiled sweetly and offered him  the drink “Once a week and if you make more fuss, I will make it twice, Honey.” 

“Mrs.Braganza, Pack me two bottles of this drink next time I go with this cruel woman. And you called me darling yesterday,” Sanskaar reminded her. “How did I turn into Honey today? Why are we juggling?”

“Because My dear Maheswari. Do you recall  when I called you darling for the first time?” Swara quizzed.

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Oh, How could not he? One night during dinner, that image of Swara looking at him sweetly , batting those eyelashes ,he almost dropped his spoon and choked on food when she called him darling in a sexy tone.

"I knew it." She sighed the next minute.  "You know what Sanskaar!  I might just charge you extra, because I am at the receiving end of all your horrors . I knew you would look at me like an alien or some different specimen, but you should get used to it.”

“Used to what?”

“Offo ! You see when people are in love or share a certain level of intimacy, they usually go on calling with these names like Honey , chunnu , munnu , Shona , darlin, Sweetheart, and baby…and..”

“Baby?” Sanskaar made a eww face

“I know.. It sounds cheesy right! But when done right, it's one of the sexy words.” Swara corrected.

“Done right? Like how?’ Sanskaar leaned forward curious.

“I don't think you can handle it all at once. You might faint if I show you a sample. We will take turns and practice” She ended the discussion.

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“Of course, Sanskaar nodded. He gazed at Swara for a minute, his lips curving up, His eyes dancing with mischief

" Oh! Yes I  do remember" He drawled and brought up his best husky voice and added "Baby” 

Swara spilled her drink only to have Sanskaar break into fits of laughter and get thrashed by a pillow right next to him.

“What! I am practicing! Ouch! Swara stop” 

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Swara couldn't stop smiling recalling the incident. The sessions became fun once they got comfortable with each other. They didn't mind teasing, calling names, fighting, and making up with chocolates. They turned a new leaf all around.

And now look at the scion of Maheshwari Group,  breezing through shops like a winner, picking groceries in record time… handling tons of shopping bags like a pro.

“Wherever you are, Mrs. To be Maheswari ! I bet you are one lucky woman and I am so jealous of you”. Swara murmured, focusing back on the batter for chocolate cake, Sanskaar’s favorite.

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“Chocolate cake?” Sanskaar sighed with pleasure as Swara tossed the prep into the microwave. “You are the best”. He squeezed Swara into a side hug. Hugs no longer made him uncomfortable. In fact, he welcomed all hugs from Swara and kisses from Tara. They instantly made him feel at home, taking away all or any stress of the day.

“Where’s my darling? “He asked, looking around for Tara picking a bottle from a fridge.

“ In garden having all the fun with Ramu Kaka and Bahadur. She is keeping them on their toes.”

“That one’s charmer, I tell you. Let me get her. It's my time.” Sanskaar hurried to the garden 

Swara smiled looking at him. Before a few months, if someone told her Tara would have an extended family, Her every word and smile would be dotted on and she would be at the receiving end of so much love… she might not have believed. She always imagined it would be only her and Tara for each other, but now they had them all. Especially Sanskaar 

Was he the same man who said he wasn't good with kids? Her mind reeled in an incident, a moment when she knew ….he was wrong.

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It was on one of the nights just a week after they had reconciled. She had gone for a shower since Tara was sound asleep. Only she knew the horror she felt the moment she stepped out. 

Tara was missing.

She ran around frantically only to find Mrs. Braganza, telling her Tara was with Sanskaar. She sighed with relief. When she found them on the terrace, It was a sight to behold.

By now she knew Sanskaar preferred black for special occasions or business parties and ideally a crisp white shirt and black trousers for daily work. At home, a simple loose tee paired with lounge pants or Pajamas. Today was no different.  He was back early from the office and changed already.

“You see! Right there? That shining one” He was showing her stars. She had no clue how much Tara understood but she was hanging on Sanskaar’s every word.  “Do you know the rhymes? You don’t? Should I tell you my favorite? It's a secret. Don’t tell your khadoos aunt. Ok! He was whispering like a secret. Swara couldn't stop smiling

 And then he sang her Twinkle Twinkle little star. “Hey wait! He paused, “You are a star too. Tara. Do you know that! That's wonderful, isn't it? The little bright star.”

One minute Tara was babbling as Sanskaar walked around cooing her gently…..next minute she was asleep right in his hands. Swara didn't have the heart to disturb the moment, but she can’t trouble him more. She coughed a little which immediately got her Sanskaar attention.

“Hey! I am sorry! I was just passing by.  Sanskaar offered an explanation .” I heard her cry. You were in the shower. So I just thought. I wasn't sure but … Guess what!  she likes me” He finished with a smile. He was surprised too, as was she.

Tara has always been wary of strangers. Her sister always carried the fear that one day Sahil might come back and claim his daughter, snatch little one from her. And it was no secret to Swara. Tara always had someone from the family watching over her. Sometimes it was Sekhar and then mostly it was Swara.  

“You might have to rethink your statement Sanskaar”! Swara stepped close .

Sanskaar piqued an eyebrow, curious.  

“You are good with Kids “ She complimented,” Trust me. It's tough with Tara, but she seems to like you already.” She held her hands out and Sanskaar tried to pass Tara. He noticed her tiny fingers holding a fistful of his tee. He looked at Swara gave a gentle nod.

' I have her'  is the message and Swara pulled her hands back with a nod. She didn't know how and when but somehow they developed a silent communication. It's like they didn't need words sometimes.

“I am sorry If I scared you,” Sanskaar said softly.

“I did,” Swara admitted, her hands closing around . Sanskaar didn't fail to notice. It was as if she was trying to shield something, putting up a defense. “ When I didn't find her in my room, for a minute it's like the world stopped spinning. Losing Tara is the biggest fear in my life, Sanskaar.”

He watched her in silence and placed a hand on her shoulder. She welcomed the comforting gesture with a little smile.

“It's getting cold, let's go inside,” He said.Swara nodded and as they walked .

"Oh btw, What was this khadoos aunt?" She inquired with mock seriousness.

Sanskaar gave her a sheepish smile. “You might have heard right? That truth hurts”

He tried to control his laughter looking at Swara who looked equally amused at his comeback.

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Swara still remembered how gently he lowered Tata to bed ensuring she didn't wake up and before stepping out how he stole a long glance at the sleeping little form.

From then, it was like they formed some instant connection. Sanskaar took a keen interest in matters related to Tara. He asked questions trying to understand child dynamics. She was no expert and she was learning too but she didn’t mind sharing her little knowledge with Sanskaar

One night when Swara woke up to warm milk for tara he was right next to her quizzing her on how to decide on the right temperature. 

 “It’s usually Luke warm,” Swara replied and this is how you check".Swara turned his hand upside down, squeezing a drop from the milk bottle.

 Once he helped her change diapers.

“You sure, “ Swara asked ?”Because she  knew few men  considered this only as a job of mother, especially the faces they would make especially at diapers.

“I want to play a better role as a father than just being a sperm donor.” Sanskaar said almost reading her thoughts. He turned his attention back to Tara as she played with his fingers. 

“I never thought bringing up kids is an easy job, Swara. My mother always complained about how troublesome I was as a kid… always demanding attention and Uttara was a double troublemaker. She wouldn't leave mom alone for a minute 

 My Mother always acknowledged the role of my dad in our upbringing. Despite being a busy person , he never made us feel alone. He always had time for me and Uttara. He had always put family first even before business. Maybe it's because of him … I Don’t know . I just want to be a good dad and I am not the one to shy away or run from responsibilities.

Swara simply stood admiring the person before her. Every day there was a new surprise , a new shade of this man which left her fascinated. 

“You will make a great dad, Sanskaar,” She smiled . And she had no doubts. His wife and kids would be those lucky few.

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As days passed, Tara and Sanskaar were inseparable. Sanskaar drew all the best smiles from Tara. And the kid loved him. He almost made it a ritual to play with Tara once back from the office. Peek - A -Boo being their favorite. Swara would drop Tara in play school after Sanskaar left for the office and picked after a few hours.

Tara would rush to Sanskaar  with her little feet as soon as he stepped in only to be grabbed and tossed into the air, the house ringing with her laughter.

He would tell her stories …as Swara fed her. In Fact, he discussed business with her…and Tara would babble some incoherent words, some gibberish.

“Perfect. That’s my thought too” He would nod. “Aren’t you a genius, little one?’

Sanskaar, She’s a kid, Swara reminded him.

“But she listens to my every word and never argues. She says yes to everything I say. She’s my favorite business partner. Right darling. Now give me a kiss.”  And Tara would smack his cheek with a loud, sloppy kiss.

They watched cartoons together and obviously Swara was pushed into Team Tom. “You keep pouncing. It suits you, Swara.”  Sanskaar reasoned when Swara protested.

“We poor ones, are team Jerry, Haina Tara?” Swara simply would shake her head smiling. Tara agreed to everything Sanskaar said, didn't mind throwing a tantrum when he didn't pay her enough attention. It's like they made a team of best friends. Co-conspirators.

Swara had no complaints. It felt like Sanskaar filled a missing part in the kid's life.  She didn't want to name it, rather she simply adored the bond they shared.

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Now watching them walk in together  … filled her with an unnamed emotion. They made such a nice picture. She didn't miss Sanskaar feeding her a candy secretly murmuring "Don’t tell your aunt. She will have my hide”  knowing she was just earshot.

“Again a candy? Sanskaar! “ Swara folded her arms in question.”What if she has cavities?”We will have his tooth pulled out . Right, Tara!” 

“Ba” Tara nodded in agreement.

“You Cheater! “Sanskaar nuzzled her neck making Tara giggle. “By the way, Here! Sanskaar pulled out a chocolate bar from his pocket and handed it to Swara watched that twinkle in her eyes.

“Tumhe Yaad tha , '' Swara beamed and grabbed her favorite.

Sanskaar simply gazed at her.  They had spent enough time to know each other's likes and dislikes and he knew one particular chocolate was Swara's favorite which she never failed to pick. And he couldn't miss getting one. He liked bringing that smile on their faces.

 His two favorite girls.He was holding one in his arms and was looking at another .

He leaned forward, his thumb slowly rubbing away the little smudge over her cheek. It felt like a harmless gesture only till the moment his eyes met hers.

And she felt locked in an invisible embrace. Her Feet refused to step back as his. 

The air around them crackled with heat. He felt it seeping through him…the warmth, some unknown need he feared to explore. 

“I will never forget what’s important to me, Swara, He whispered softly

 and you …

He didn't have to finish the sentence

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