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“Yes or No? '' Sanskaar asked, looking at Swara who was busily juggling between a recipe book and sauce making. He never thought he would have so many favorite spots in the mansion. Of Course, the terrace holds the crown, but he loved every place he got to hang out with Swara & Tara. Be it Garden, Hall, or his couch right near Swara’s room. And he had a new addition to the list, The kitchen counter.

He loved watching Swara cook. Her antics and expressions while she cooked, he would say adorable. Like the way, she mumbled in between, made some mental calculations on measurements, jumped in glee when experimental dishes turned out good, and her sulky mood when they turned out to be disasters. He loved everything about her .. every little thing.  He knew what head over heels means now not just by definition but in reality.

Swara looked up from the recipe book she managed to coax from Mrs. Braganza and found Sanskaar giving her one of his best dreamy smiles, flashing those lovely dimples which always made her heart roll. 

“Don’t look at me like that, Sanskaar. It's distracting ” Swara threw a mock warning. She had no intention of burning the kitchen.  

“Like how ?” Sanskaar brought up his most innocent face which was even more lethal. He could get away with anything he wanted. All he had to do was make a puppy face or put his hands in the right places and whisper sweet nothings. Her resistance crumbled.

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She recalled the morning when she woke up in his arms only to snuggle closer with a lazy smile, till she had to jerk herself back to reality. She wished for the dream to continue. She wondered how it would feel to wake up every morning right next to him. “Stop daydreaming,” Swara! She scolded herself and knotted her hair into a messy bun. 

That was the exact sight Sanskaar was greeted to. He was already missing the warmth of her next to him. He wanted nothing more than to pull her, cuddle and go back to peaceful slumber. They smiled at each other wishing good morning,  rushed down .. freshened up, and were back in no time for the first cup of coffee,  it was after a few sips, that Sanskaar grabbed her hand and pulled her to a quiet corner, down the stairs.

He looked at her hesitantly first and blurted out next, “ I want to kiss you, Swara” which gave Swara a mini heart attack, in a good way. Her body and mind and heart knows, that if he simply pulled her into his arms and placed his lips, she would turn jelly yet he was asking her like a proper gentleman. She didn't know how to react. Her instant reaction would have been jumping into his arms “ oh yes! Let's do it”

She held back and cleared her throat. “You weren’t asking for permission last night.” she reminded .” Why now ?”  she added silently.

“Well! Your sexy little red dress scrambled my brain, I wasn't thinking straight,” Sanskaar teased her, leaning forward all ready for a morning kiss

“Yes or No,”  His husky whisper was enough to set her on fire already as his fingers managed to find a sweet spot sending down all sweet shivers

” I can’t stop thinking about you, Swara!” Sanskaar whispered, his lips tracing a path of kisses from her cheek to the neck. She wore a  crop top and he couldn't help but give in to the temptation of running his hand over her waist. Swara gasped at the shock of pleasure that shot at his intimate touch. She never knew she was capable of such heated desires. His fingers and lips teased her stroking a fire within she couldn't help, but ask for more. Her head fell back … with a muffled yes and his lips found hers … 

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Back to the present, recalling how that kiss left her yearning for more, Swara focused back on cooking. They were back to an important question.

Kavita.

She wanted to visit Sanskaar’s place, Though Swara would have had no complaints if Sanskaar decided to bring her in, It was his house after all. The thought he was seeking her accord, made her feel as if she really belonged to this place …to him. The idea of falling in love with … Sanskaar was becoming easier. And she no longer felt insecure or jealous of Kavita. Somewhere deep down she knew, she didn't have a need to. Sanskaar is hers, though she was scared to voice it out loud. Just a little more time, she would be there screaming to him and the world.

He’s mine.

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Sanskaar already had guilt eating him up little by little, he was misleading Kavita when he had no intentions to get involved with her. He avoided her because of Sahil’s issue for the last week or two, but it wasn't right on his part. So when he met her for lunch one afternoon, and she put forth an idea if she could visit his place, he didn't want to refuse outright but he wanted to ensure Swara is comfortable.

If Swara had the slightest objection, He will willingly drop the idea.  It was in the evening he settled on the kitchen counter and put forth an idea.

Swara raised an eyebrow first. “Still being a charmer?”  she asked in good humor and did not resist when Sanskaar gently took her into arms. She was getting used to feeling ‘ treasured’ 

“There is only one woman I want to Charm in this entire world. And that's you, Miss Bose”. He smiled and touched her forehead with his. Breathing her in, he sighed in contentment. Soon … he thought.

He couldn't be happier watching Swara’s resistance crumble little by little. But he didn't want to push her either. He would wait …

It was at that moment Mrs. Braganza chose to enter.

“What's happening? Her voice had both Swara and Sanskar jump in alert  and part awkwardly .“You both! Not in my kitchen! “ She warned like a strict school teacher who had Swara and Sanskaar look at each other and giggle at them caught in the act and were thrown out. 

“The kids these days,” Mrs. Braganza murmured but her heart swelled with joy watching her two precious ones in love.

She had been well aware of changes in equations but acted oblivious for the benefit of the crowd. Didn’t she know right from the start? Swara would change Sanskaar and bring back a smile on his face.

Maheswaris would have loved Swara. She sent a silent thank you to the heavens and wished no one would disrupt this safe adobe.

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If there was one person who eagerly waited to visit Maheshwari Mansion, It was Kavita. It didn't come to her surprise when Sanskaar seemed reluctant to the idea at first. He hardly invited business people to his house but after a day, he looked ok with the idea. 

What changed, Kavita wondered. Does this have to do anything with Swara Bose? Strange! From the details, she managed to pull out. She was a nobody in the business circle though she got a little hint about her counseling proficiency. Her former boss Mrs. Mehta jumped at the opportunity to offer all the juicy bits she could about Swara Bose and her displeasure was clearly evident

“She must be very smart to trap someone like Sanskaar Maheshwari. At the party that night…” And she went on to reveal how Sanskaar acted around Swara, called her honey and they seemed to share certain proximity. Kavita felt unsettled but she was willing to dig deep.

And the day has come

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Swara looked around the arrangements. She didn't want to go overboard, but she always ensured to make people welcome and feel at home. She said yes to Kavita’s visit, but gave Sanskaar a heads up that she will have questions. Sanskaar simply shrugged saying that’s ok. 

Sanskaar didn't think he could fall more in love with Swara, but he did. Day by day his love simply grew for her as respect and admiration. He for sure knows, he wouldn’t welcome any potential threat to his prospects anywhere near Swara, forget a lunch. Could this mean Swara no longer was inclined with the idea of him and Kavitha? Ah! He wished it was true. He simply couldn't stop admiring the way she was ensuring Kavita’s visit was seamless. 

He never invited anyone to his house, he didn't have a chance to, but with Swara around, he knew he could. He had Swara to take care of everything. Did she even realize how she staked her claim on his house like, she owned it and ran it literally right from the groceries to the garden?  All his housemates have mentally accepted Swara as their boss - woman and they all loved her. She treated them like a family just like her mother. That's the reason he had their never-ending loyalties. 

His home minister. 

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When Kavita stepped into the hall of Maheswari Mansion alongside Sanskaar, the vibes felt homely. Coming from an ever-busy family where her mother and father were constantly occupied with business, she got used to feeling lonely and maybe that is the reason, she needed her space even after she grew up and chose to stay separate. Of course, she had weekend visits scheduled and a few catch-ups but she never felt at home. This was different. She expected Sanskaar to be living in a similar setting to her where day and night ended with nothing much to ponder upon, where the house is just a roof on her head. Work ruled and she knew the vibes … but she wasn’t expecting this.

She welcomed the aroma of home-cooked food wafting around and the wide smile of an elderly woman with an apron. She was introduced to be Mrs. Braganza, the chef cum a dear family member. Then was Swara!

She no way looked like the woman from the party. In a simple kurta paired with jeans, her hair simply let loose; she looked so simple, Kavita thought. And her smile … made her so lovely. After pleasantries, they got into a little chat.

Swara was nothing like Mrs. Mehta mentioned. She was lively and vibrant with no hint of malice. And she was knowledgeable about her profession. Few interesting discussions floated around. Kavita found herself relaxing and enjoying it.  Sanskaar already told her enough about Swara, when she had a few questions before the visit, on how she helped him out and how different he was from a few years back.

“We are not talking business today,” Sanskaar told Kavita, “Strict instructions from our Mam,”  He looked at Swara with a teasing smile. 

“Don’t take him seriously, Kavita,”  Swara smiled right back.”He always gives the wrong impression like I own this place. He’s just teasing,” 

After an hour, as Sanskaar took her around and Swara got busy with lunch arrangements, Kavita knew Sanskaar was not just teasing, he was right. Swara acted like she owned the place. Her authority was indisputable. How can an outsider have so much hold on someone like Sanskaar was out of her understanding? He seemed absolutely content letting Swara take over and even joked about it in good humor.

Kavita was surprised that her fav desserts and ice cream flavor were served. So was this the reason Sanskaar was keen on her tastes? 

“This is lovely!  All my favorites. Thank you so much Sanskaar “ She beamed.

“Not me! Sanskaar nodded in negative, “Thank Swara! She was one behind all this. She asked to fish out all your secrets.”

Kavita directed her smile to Swara. So she was right! Swara had a part to play in it. Should she feel happy or sad, Sanskaar personally had no interest in her likes and dislikes. He did it simply because Swara asked him. Kavita pushed away unpleasant feelings taking over.

The ease Swara and Sanskaar shared was so evident .. so out in the open, she couldn't help but feel jealous. Sanskaar always had been clipped in his conversations with her. There always had been some invisible wall, but with Swara, he was just so …she couldn't name it, but he was a different person around Swara.

And then Sanskaar came out holding a  cute kid, “ You didn't meet my darling here! Tara Darlin, Say hi to Kavita,"The Kid was adorable. She was told the kid was Swara's sister.

“She’s ours now,” Swara said fondly fixing mussed hair of Tara.

“In Fact, she loves me more than Swara,” Sanskaar added, totally happy letting the kid tug at his hair, and pull the cheeks. So Sanskaar loved kids.

“Can I .. “ Kavita volunteered hesitantly but was not prepared when Tara immediately broke into wails citing her disapproval of strangers. Swara immediately came to rescue and cooed Tara gently. Sanskaar was alert, next to her. 

“Kya hua isse? Achanak se?” He asked worriedly.

“Abhi uti na , she must be cranky,” Swara replied, patting Tara’s back.

Kavita stood feeling like an intruder which looked like a clear family moment. She would buy if someone says Swara and Sanskaar married and it's their kid. They made a perfect picture.

“I am sorry Kavita, Tara takes little time to warm up.,” Swara explained.” I will just take her around the garden, and she will be fine. I will just be back.”

It was evident Sanskaar wanted to accompany them, but some silent exchange went on between Swara and Sanskar. He stayed back half-heartedly. Though he had been attentive to the next conversations, his eyes kept moving towards the entrance to the garden. 

When Kavita asked if she could take a look at the garden, he jumped at the opportunity and volunteered. Kavita knew it had less to do with her and more with Swara.

The garden looked like a little heaven with A well-mowed lawn in green and flowers blooming in all other colors. Kavita marveled at the beauty of little space. And the swing in the middle of the garden was just perfect for a silent night.  She found Swara at one corner, talking to an old man rather friendly and Tara looked happy too.

"My mom loved flowers and this was her favorite place, "Sanskaar said as they walked around. "After their death, I hardly stepped in here.

" Though it was taken care of you know ..it wasn't the same." Kavita noticed his eyes moving to Swara and a smile bloomed on his face so bright, “Then Swara came and it's not just me. This garden found its life too. “You see all this ?” He pointed at a wide array filled with flower pots and a few other plants.

“That's her doing,” he said fondly watching Swara walk up to them.

He reached out to Tara and Kavita turned away acting as if she was having a look around. She knew they were having a conversation. The feeling of being a stranger was hitting her prominently.

They all walked inside and when It was time to bid bye, Kavita thanked them, exchanged a hug with Swara, and drove off tangled in her thoughts. 

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That night she could hardly sleep, replaying her day at Maheshwari Mansion. She liked a few and she didn't like a few more. She decided she needs to have a talk with the person in question.

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Swara didn’t expect Kavita to show up at Maheshwari Mansion just after the day of her visit to meet her citing she had something important to discuss in private. The sooner, the better. 

It was after an hour Kavita left, Swara silently packed a bag and left with Tara.

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So! Are We are set for finale? Dropping on Wednesday ♥️
Watch the space.

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Lucky 💖