Hello all
Here is the update .

Next update might be slightly delayed as I am little down on health side.

Happy reading.
Please ignore any errors or typos.
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Mam sign here please ! 

Swara signed and took in the parcel, wondering what it could be. A gift from Sanskaar. She ignored the warmth she felt. Back in her room,  Unwrapping, she gaped at the sight of a gorgeous piece of black gown … a sleeveless fit & flare dress with embellished sequin on top , glittering all its way and perfectly balanced with silk flowing down waist, the contrast strikingly standing out.

Acha lage tho aaj shyam ko pehenlena

                                                Sanskaar

His note read !

Swara placed a hand on her heart and sighed. Why did he have to make it tough? She gave into her womanly whim and  couldn't resist trying the piece and it was a perfect fit. This man definitely has such a good taste and he didn't look like he would need any lessons futher .

She traced the note fondly . Did she chide him for not knowing romance? Well, looks like he's bent on proving her wrong.

-----

It was on an impulse he picked it up this morning on his way to the office. He never gifted her till date, Heck ! The idea did not cross his mind. He was too happy and content in little world and he had no complaints. But now , he suddenly felt he assumed a new role of a lover and he didn't need guidance . His heart was leading the way. Maybe this is what Swara meant during their early sessions

When you are in love ..it all just happens.

He knew exactly what to pick, the moment he laid eyes on a particular dress. By now, he was much familiar with Swara’s choices. She wasn't fond of flashy or bingy stuff , and preferred simple, neat ones. She chose class and elegance over show off. And this is just perfect for her.

This was just the start ,  He mused , one of those hundred gifts he planned to give her.  He prayed and wished she would like what he picked for her.This is the first time in years  a woman would be accompanying  him to a party , business or casual. And it was Swara. It would always be Swara. 

Arjun wouldn't be able to make it as he and Anjali had some guests coming by so that left only him and Swara . And he waited …in anticipation of evening.

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He was back by 6.00 pm, greeted by Tara as usual. And he couldn't thank Mrs Braganza enough for volunteering to look after her for a few hours. His eyes moved to the closed doors of Swara’s room.

Well ! He would get ready first then wait for her. He stepped out in a two piece ensemble.. pairing his two favorites white and black .A white shirt paired with slim fit  black blazer and trousers .He styled his hair to perfection , not a strand out of place and dabbed his usual fragrance. And he was all set.

He glanced at the watch striking 6.30 pm and  stepped out.

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It took 15 more minutes for Swara to step out. She believed in keeping up with the schedule but today required her to pay an extra deal of attention to her appearance. 

She wasn't used to being much in parties , leave alone business ones. It was once or twice she managed to slip in with help of some professional connections  but this is the first time she would be accompanying someone , officially . Not just someone .. .Sanskaar Maheswari.

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Every passing minute felt like an hour as he waited for her to step out. He strolled impatiently quite a few times , his eyes going back and forth to his watch and doors.  He felt a mix of nervousness and great deal of excitement. Would he be disappointed if she didn’t wear his choice?

Maybe a little , but all that mattered was that he and Swara would be together.

He turned back at the sound of the door latch and when she stepped forward … he was stunned at the vision she made . The fabric hugged her in all the right places and flowed like silk. Her hair brushed to shine was neatly pulled to one side and clipped. A pair of studs ,watch and a matching clutch went absolutely perfect with a pick and black  heels completed the look.

God! It was nowhere close to what he imagined. He stood with an unblinking stare, his appreciation clearly evident making Swara’s heart flutter. She took a few conscious steps … and he met her mid way. She looked at him ..waiting for him to say something. 

Sanskaar found his breath back and his lips slowly curved up.

“You were planning to kill people today, Miss Bose, Weren’t you ? You look gorgeous, woman.”

Swara felt relieved first and flashed her finest smile. “Well! Well. Mr Sanskaar Maheswari, Not bad!” She grabbed his hand and  their fingers closed around each other 

“Turning into a charmer aren’t you?’First with looks and then words.I am sure , you are gonna kill a few on your own,” She complimented back and watched him blush a little.

It had not been easy to gain lost composure back, especially after last night and morning. It took her a good few hours of work out , meditation and an hour stroll in the garden … to clear her head , herald her emotions. She can’t sway into her feelings. 

And she finally felt in control and was glad she could manage with Sanskaar around. 

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The party was all in its glitter and glamor. Business talks ,cameras & flashes. It felt a bit overwhelming for Swara first , but she had Sanskaar right next to her who made it easy to navigate through. 

“Give it some time” He told her. And soon she felt at ease. She had always read and heard about Sanskaar  the business man ,but  for the first time she saw him in action .And she knew why he was much sought out and held in high regard. His business acumen and the way he carried conversation straight to the point … his insights as she stood watching in sidelines , she was left in awe.

Sanskaar was dragged around ,pulled into one or another discussions. He gave her an apologetic smile but soon found his way back to her every time  with a glass of wine once , something to eat another time . He amused her with anecdotes and tit bits on people around never making her feel left out . Like an attentive  and doting boyfriend. Swara corrected her friend.

 By one hour Swara was familiar with most of the names. Talk of networking … and power of it .And she felt grateful for She wasn't  treated just as an accomplice with no purpose  other than strolling on his side, but Sanskaar introduced her around quite proudly.

“Swara has a way with people. She works wonders,” He added, his eyes glinting with pride. He appreciated and valued her profession just as his, as Equals . That thought was so warming..

But Swara didn't anticipate  meeting with her former boss who walked into the party in her usual flaunty, aplomb style.  Her eyes narrowed upon spotting Swara. Swara stood unbudged. Obviously she wouldn't have expected her to be a part of such a grand business party.

Mrs Mehta walked in sly steps towards Swara as if she spotted her prey alone. 

“Oh Hello Darlin” … she flashed a smile “Tum yaha?” she looked around as if insisting on grandeur . The message was taken. “You weren’t supposed to be here”.

Oh ! How much she hated this woman. She didn't want to engage in a conversation and wished for rescue.

Just as her prayers were heard , Sanskaar was next to her in a minute .Totally disregarding the woman before him .. .

His hand slid around Swara’s waist smoothly in a possessive hold. “ Swara Honey!” He whispered in a sexy tone that could have easily burned 10 buildings down, “Kaha thi tum … I have been looking for you all around. Come ! I want you to meet someone important.”

He didn't give her a chance to react and whisked her off .But Swara had to control her laugh at the way her former boss' eyes bulged out of sockets like they would fall off and  the way her jaw dropped in shock. Oh God ! That was fun.

Finally when managed to find a quiet corner Swara broke into fits of laughter. “Sanskaar ! That was ..”

“Pay back, because she troubled you then and now,  “ Sanskaar shrugged.

“Then ?” Swara questioned, puzzled.. Sanskaar went on to reveal that was the party he spotted Swara for the first time , got hands on her card and here they are.

“What was the need to show off before her? Swara complained, “You don’t know that woman. Sanskaar! You just handed her the most juicy gossip .  Scion of Maheswari group spotted with a mystery woman. I am sure by now half of the party would be viral with rumors or people will be behind you for scoops.”  However much she loved the rescue, she wouldn't want Sanskaar to be in any sort of trouble because of her . 

“I don’t care , Swara.  If you think I am gonna sit silently and watch some random woman troubling you ,You are wrong. You think Paparazzi takes her seriously . Her credibility is questionable, not mine.  And btw almost everyone has seen me with you and they know you.  

He leaned forward and Swara held her breath. Why did he start affecting her so much? Why does she turn into a puddle with a mere touch or glance from him? 

“Relax ,Swara,”  he whispered in the softest murmur, his lips teasing the rim of her ear in gentle strokes. And the feeling was exquisite and delicious. She sighed, at little strokes of pleasure coursing through as he leaned further, breathing her in.

 “I have you ” He added, placing a kiss at the back of her neck which screamed intimate in all senses for any onlookers. Thankfully they hadn’t any.

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“Who is she?: Swara asked, pointing at a striking woman who graced the party looking graceful and elegant. 

She wore a slim fit off shoulder gown in black , her hair neatly pulled up . A gold plated bracelet shone on one of her wrist,a blcak clutch with sequins on another . It's obvious she was a darling of cameras the way they flashed on her arrival. . She posed with perfect poise , throwing in perfect measure of smile and confidence.

Sanskaar peeked a little. “Oh! That's Kavita Roy ! The only heiress of the Roy empire as quoted by tabloids “ he added quotes for effect and turned his attention back to Swara, wishing he would have her alone. He was waiting for the dance session to commence so he could have Swara in his hands. All his. 

“Did you meet her ?” came Swara’s next question.

“Not personally, In one or two board meetings ” Sanskaar ran a finger casually through Swara’s strand of a hair, feeling the soft, silky texture. He didn't care if the whole world knew he was smitten by this woman. He had no secrets to keep.He loved her oh ! How much ! A crook of her finger. He would fall at her feet willingly. 

“How is she? I mean, is she good ?” Swara tried to think straight. His gestures had been distracting , in fact very much.

“From what I heard , she is brilliant in what she does.” Sanskaar replied, feeling a bit restless.He didn't like the way conversation was centered around Kavita. He wished , Swara would look at him, not Kavita, but it was just a start.

He obliged when Swara insisted he should talk to Kavita. He took it in good spirits when she said “Lets see how you fare, Mr.Maheshwari. Go charm her.”

And he did. He didn't find it tough like before. He striked conversation with ease , and had been attentive to her words , though his eyes were dying to move back to Swara.  He played the rules perfectly as thought by Swara and by the end he could say , Kavita was super impressed. 

“I think we should meet more often,”  Kavita remarked. 

“Well, I don’t think I can deny such a pretty woman.For sure.” Sanskaar gave his best  flaterring smile and ended the conversation.

Swara would be proud of him, he mused as he got back to her. “It went well.I think she might fall in love with me, if I spent a few more minutes.”  He gave Swara a teasing smile.” So ! Happy?” He asked.

Swara nodded with a smile.

By the end of the party Sanskaar felt agitated.Every now and then he felt himself being pushed towards Kavita. He felt a tinge of fury when Swara conveniently ditched him so he could dance with Kavita. He could no longer stand it. It was clear Swara had some schemes , he didn't know what but his mood turned sour .

And he made a quiet exit out of the party bidding quick goodbyes followed by Swara. He had a few questions.

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He stayed silent most of the drive, his temper turning foul each passing moment … listening to Swara’s complaints.

“What’s wrong with you Sanskaar?  Achanak se kya ho gaya hai tumhe. Is that a way to walk out of a party?” 

He wanted to screech the car and scream at the top of his lungs . “What's wrong with you Swara?” but he would wait.He didn't  say a word not until they reached Maheshwari mansion and ended up on the terrace .

-----

“What's wrong with me ?" Sanskaar blasted, finally letting out his frustration. “What's wrong with me ,Swara?Ye tum mujhse puch rahi ho ? What's wrong with you damn it !? Party main kya tha woh ? You were literally pushing me towards Kavita when all I wanted was to be with you.Only you.”

“Sanskaar , I was just doing my job. You don't have to react this way." Swara countered 

"Job ?" Sanskaar frowned . Where is this conversation heading to?

Swara drew in deep breath. Time for a showdown.

“Yes! I am here as a professional counselor. I know my job well. You didn't think I was simply passing time around just giving you a one or two sessions. I have been doing my homework. There is a reason I wanted to attend the party. I wanted to see Kavita once before finalizing. I said, I will find the one for you  and I think Kavita  fits the bill in every way.”

Sanskaar did not process those words first. What was this bloody nonsense ? 

"Have you lost your mind ,Swara? Sanskaar looked baffled she could come up such idiotic prospect ." What are you talking about? I am in love with you .We are together. Why would I need another woman?" He questioned straight, his eyes, a world of confusion as he met hers.

"No you don't ! Swara answered back close to conviction. "You don't love me Sanskaar and neither do I.”

And Sanskaar stood right there letting those words sink in …feeling  a hole  punched straight into his heart. 

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Thanks for reading.
Would be glad to know your thoughts . A star and few words please.

Next update by Saturday or Sunday  !
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