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In the next few days, Sanskaar’s cold shoulder treatment left Swara miserable. 

He wouldn't talk to her properly, it was either in one or two syllables he answered when she tried. He avoided their time together and made no intention to hide, it was deliberate. They no longer shared teasing banters or ease they did earlier. 

His equation with Tara remained unchanged tho … the silver lining. 

“Can’t we be friends like before Sanskaar?” Swara tried one day at dinner.

“No, Swara!  We can’t.” He said firmly. “I made my feelings clear already. I don’t think I want to be friend-zoned. It will be unfair to my feelings when I clearly know I aspire to be more than a friend. It's ok! Swara. You don’t have to feel bad and I am sorry , If I hurt you anyway. But I guess this is better, we  both dealing on professional terms like you suggested.”

That was the end of the discussion but not Swara’s misery. She never found him on the couch every night.  She waited every night peeking, wishing he would appear but he wouldn't. He locked himself ..just like in old times. His smiles were clipped as his words. 

He was angry! He will come around, Swara told herself but she knew Sanskaar by now. It was only till a limit you could push him to.

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The next morning … A  lovely,  fresh bunch of budding red roses arrived at Maheshwari Mansion.

Swara was the first one to grab them. How lovely!  Her heart leaped with joy as her eyes found a little note …

For someone special 

                                   S

So, He is finally coming around.

Well! A bunch of roses is always a good start. She traced the delicate petals and buried her face into a blooming fragrance. She would arrange them in a vase and thank him for such a lovely gesture.Her thoughts took a break as Sanskaar came and eyed the roses in her hand and smiled.

“Oh! They are here already ! Thank you so much for picking them up, Swara! “Sanskaar grabbed the bouquet leaving Swara’s hand empty.”  I have to leave now.” And he didn't give her a chance to react. 

Swara simply stood stunned. One minute she was holding something beautiful and the next minute she was left empty-handed. They weren't for her! Swara realized. She tried to ignore the prick. Of course! How silly of her to assume those roses were for her.

 She no longer was someone special to him. 

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One fine day, Sanskaar had a voicemail. He had already left for office. Swara wondered who it could be. No one called the landline number other than a few close ones. At the click came a smooth .toned female voice raising every shackle on her body.

“Hey, Sanskaar!  Kavita here! We are meeting for lunch as planned, Right! And I loved those roses! Thank you. See you soon! ”

The call went off with a beep. Swara whirled and rushed to her room, her eyes suddenly blurry. She didn't like what she was feeling.

Not at all.

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It was at dinner she broached the topic. She waited for him to say something on his own, but Sanskaar simply dined in silence checking his mobile in between.

“How was your lunch with Kavita?” Swara asked gauging his expression, “ She left a voice note for you..” she added

“ It was good! “ Sanskaar replied, focusing back on the plate.”  And about voice note  landline, I thought it would be a nice personal touch,  leaving messages to each other.”

It was definitely, Swara thought, leaving those little notes for each other. “She might have loved those roses! “ Swara said, feeling miserable about probing, but she couldn’t push away the nagging feeling 

“She did! They are her favorite.” came his dry reply.

“Are you both meeting frequently?  I mean … “ Swara paused. “Don’t you think you should give it some time and take it slow, Sanskaar.” Swara added softly hoping her displeasure wouldn't be evident. 

Sanskaar gave a minute before he looked right into her eyes. “ What’s the problem, Swara? Shouldn’t you be happy? This is what you wanted. And what is with this inquiry session? Do I need to give you an account of when and where I am meeting whom? Or discuss my plans on how to woo Kavita? I am sorry! I didn't know that, Miss Bose.” 

“I was just concerned …Sanskaar, ” Swara tried to downplay the hurt she felt.

“Thank you so much for your concern. I don't think I need it.” Sanskaar snapped ” And you know what Swara! Stop whining and complaining like my wife .. .when you clearly refused to be one.” 

And he left without a backward glance.

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Back in her room, Swara wiped tears that seemed never-ending. He was right! This is what she wanted, She insisted on it . Then why did she feel miserable at the thought of Sanskaar with Kavita.  Why did it feel as if Sanskaar is being snatched from her. He was never hers to start with. Then why?

She was scared to look for answers.

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Sanskaar stirred restlessly in bed. Damn! He didn't mean it to come out that way or snap at her. He just wanted to make her realise or poke the wrong spot, but he could see she was hurt.

Isn't obvious she doesn't like him with Kavita. Then why the bloody hell she doesn't speak up or fight with him. Simply say, Sanskaar You are mine! And put an end to the misery. His mind drifted back to the discussion he had with Arjun, the morning after the party.
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He didn't mind sharing his frustration with Arjun .“I don't think she loves me, '' Sanskaar voiced out though it was tearing up his insides. “I am just a project to her, nothing else. She will set things right for me and then move on. I was a fool, an idiot to spin these dreams. I was better off without love. She comes out of nowhere. Gives me a taste of this wonderful slice of life and then …” Sansaar sighed. “ I love her so much, it hurts me to look at someone else. I feel like I am cheating on her. Of course Idiot, I have already married her in my head.“Arjun! “ He whined like a kid  “ I love only Swara. I don’t know what to do yaar! “  

Arjun looked at his friend for a minute. He no way believed, Swara didn't hold feelings for his friend. He could be wrong but not Anjali. Didn't she assert the same? Yes! Swara’s feelings may not be as opaque as Sanskaar, but her eyes gave her away. 

“ I think, She loves you but hasn't realised it yet!”

Sanskaar looked tired. All emotional exhaustion from last night was taking a toll on him .“How exactly do you suggest I  make her realize?” He didn't have the strength or mood to think further.

“You already have a way right in front and you are smart enough, '' Arjun winked with a smile.

 “Aren't you Sanskaar?”

Sanskaar looked at him puzzled for a few minutes, then lips curved up into a wicked smile. 

“Oh Yes! You bet I do.”

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And that had been the plan. And it hadn’t been easy for him to put up a tough act before Swara, but he managed somehow, but he wasn't still immune to her. Arjun and his idiot plan. He wouldn't get a peaceful wink until he ensures Swara is Ok and of course, he owes her an apology.

He didn't find her in the room. He sat next to peacefully sleeping Tara and glanced for a few moments.

“Hey sweetheart, Looks like your aunt is really upset. Let me make it up to her “ He mumbled softly and closed the door ensuring the kid wouldn't get disturbed.  As expected, he found her in the garden … at one of her favorite spots gazing at stars.

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Swara felt his presence, even before he could utter a word. It didn't surprise her anymore, she was getting used to it. Star gazing had always been her favorite. Those little twinkles of light shining down fascinated her. The darker the sky, the brighter the stars. In other scenarios, she would have instantly found peace but not tonight when her emotions blocked her rational thoughts. She had been struggling to process …the loss of ‘them’. It didn't have to hurt this much. His indifference or ignorance, she shouldn't be this affected but she was.

She felt like shouting back at him, grabbing his collar, and giving some good kicks. She wanted to scream and fight how long this has been going on behind her and she didn't have a clue. Why did it feel wrong? She wasn't asking for his every minute. No! He didn't need to consult her before making plans but, if he did. Just said a word to her! Swara wiped the next tear  “Of Course He didn't have a need to. She was being a fool .. a fool in...

Swara didn't want to admit it, that she might just be falling in love with Sanskaar or she already is.

“Stop whining like my wife.”

 Was she acting like one? No! She was just concerned.

Liar, the inner voice chided. You are jealous. You want Sanskaar for yourself

And before she could protest…she was covered in a warm duvet from behind.

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Swara! 

She quickly wiped her tears but didn’t turn to face him. To hell with him. She was in no mood to talk or entertain, Mr. Maheshwari.

“Woh! I wasn’t able to sleep. So I thought a stroll would help.” She explained wishing her voice wouldn't give her away.  “And I am sorry , Sanskaar.  I stepped out of the line today.” Tears welled up in her eyes again. Why did she feel more vulnerable with him around? What was her right on him? Is it time to draw some lines around just like he did, Maybe she should? It would hurt less then. Her voice was close to breaking. “ I will ensure from next time, It won't happen.” 

Swara turned to leave, her movement making the duvet slip to the ground. She didn't want him around. The push and pull she felt for him made her miserable.

And she doesn't have the strength to fight this anymore tonight.

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Sanskaar held her hand before she could slip off. She still wasn't facing him but the tears and the pain in her voice did not escape his notice. His heart lurched in pain. Nothing in this world for him is worth a tear in Swara’s eyes. Not even the whole world.

To hell with all plans. He tugged her gently, Swara found herself in his arms held against his warmth. Her head lowered, she refused to look at him.

“Swara!” Sanskaar called softly, His fingers cupped her face as if she were some fragile doll and lifted her face gently up to his compelling her eyes to meet his, “Mujh se baat nahi karoge?”  He complained softly.

And that was her undoing. “ Nahi'' Swara mumbled first and went on to chant no, only to hug him in a hold that didn't need any words or explanations. It screamed Hold me, and his hands instinctively wrapped around . Sanskaar squeezed her in feeling warm and high.

What wouldn't he give away just to hold her like this every day and night, to love her and to never stop. 

Her face pressed into the chest, Swara let all the pain flow. “I missed you” Swara's words choked  “I missed you, Sanskaar. I missed ‘us’. 

God knows! He missed her too. All these days. Only he knew what it took for him to stay away from her, act like he didn't care while all he wanted was her. These little moments of them. 

“I missed you too…Idiot,” He whispered softly and squeezed her in more tightly. 

Swara sank happily into his embrace, into the comfort and warmth he offered. She needed this.. And it felt so good and easy when she didn't fight with herself. She needed him, Swara admitted with no qualms for the first time.

And they stood in silence soaking in each other's embrace as stars shone upon them.

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It was after some time, that they sat on swing which swayed in gentle movements. Curled up to each other in a warm duvet…Nothing felt more perfect.

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“Tara had been acting fussy lately,” Swara said, her fingers toying with Sanskaar’s t-shirt. 

“Maybe she is bored. Why don't we take her out for a picnic or to a park? Waha aur bhi bache honge. It will be a good change. What do you say?” Sanskaar asked his fingers brushing through her hair almost in an unconscious gesture. As the breeze turned chillier they moved closer.

Swara agreed that was a good idea. There was a park near Tara's play school. She could take Tara in the evening after her nap. Sanskaar wished he could join them too, but he had meetings lined up he couldn’t skip.

“It's ok! Sanskaar, “ Swara looked up and touched Sanskaar’s cheek . She knew unless it was something important, Sanskaar would never skip a chance for an outing with Tara. “ Kaam bhi thi important haina! If she likes the place , hum teeno jayenge agli baar.”

“Deal!” Sanskaar smiled, his finger tracing her cheek softly.  “I need a lot of pictures and videos,” He said, loving how the conversation is going around ..like old times.

Swara nodded with a grin.

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The next morning started on a good note for Swara. Sanskaar had breakfast with her and he played with a tara for a good amount of time making up for missing hours in the evening.

“Why are you, bored Sweetheart? Should I get you a new set of toys?” Sanskaar inquired as Tara played with his tie.

“You just got her a new set last week. Can you stop spoiling her, please? Swara complained.

“She's jealous,” Sanskaar whispered to Tara as a secret. “Princesses are meant to be spoilt, right! Darlin.” He tickled, making Tara break into giggles.“Miss me in the evening,” He said, kissing her cheek before handing her over to Swara.

“She is gonna miss you a lot,” Swara said. She would have loved to tag Sanskaar along. God! What fun it could be. She sighed sadly.

Next time, she told herself. Oh! They are going to miss him a lot. And just like he read her thoughts

“Aur tum? Will you miss me too, Swara ?” Sanskaar asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he watched her eyes widen at being caught and loved the blush spreading over her neck. Not giving her much chance to think ,he placed an impromptu kiss on her cheek, startling her first.

Their eyes met as he pulled back and  For a fraction of a minute, they refused to leave each other.

She looked so lovely, so endearing, Unable to resist, he brushed his lips softly over her cheek ..again.Swara’s eyes fluttered as her heart. Her lips curved up as her eyes lowered, her cheeks a shade deeper now.

Sanskaar had his answer. And That day he left office a happier person.

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It was quite late by the time Sanskaar returned. The meetings took longer than anticipated, but what left him restless was no message from Swara. It was so unlike her. He was greeted with silence and a dimly lit hall of Maheshwari Mansion. Mrs. Braganza took a day off as she had to visit a close relative hence her absence was noted. He would have willingly skipped a meeting if he could. He kept checking the phone in between but was greeted with no luck. He left a few voice notes asking her to call back.

His restlessness grew with every passing minute when his call went unanswered quite a few times while he drove back. And now the silence suddenly felt terrifying.  He rushed to Swara’s room.  

Swara ! He tried the latch but in vain.. It was locked from the inside.

Swara ! Swara ! Darwaja kholo.” He banged the door … panic seizing him . Swara ! Swara! 

After a few minutes, The door opened and a terror-stricken Swara dashed into his hands, sobbing. His first thought was Tara. His eyes found her in the middle of the bed, her cherub cheeks stained with tears  Then came words of Swara in bits and pieces, broken.

“Sahil.. Sahil … “ Her sobs took over 
" and he wants …Tara… Tara back.”

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And we stop here ...

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