Hi All,

Back with an update. I am sorry in advance because this episode turned out longer than expected which means, I had to push major turning point to the next chapter, which I am still working on.

Hope this update will be good enough to keep you engaged. Happy Reading. Please ignore any typos and errors found and do let me know your thoughts.

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 Every white will have its black, And every sweet its sour. - Thomas Percy

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Sanskaar was in a fix and little nervous too. He rarely asked girls out for a date, usually, it would be another way around. He never had been keen until Laksh insisted saying he needed a change.

He reluctantly agreed and they all ended up being disasters, each one of them. Swara, he was sure, was not the one who would jump at the prospect of going out with him. She's shy and reserved. He had no clue of her reaction. What if she takes it in a wrong way?Other than office hours they never talked much and all of sudden a date?

What would she think of him?

For Sanskaar, who had never been bothered about others opinion on him, this was new. He had no realization that unknowingly he wished and got used to being 'Swara's hero' and she really mattered to him.

Few hours of the day already passed and he was still bracing himself to ask her out. His eyes moved to Swara who outside cabin was busy making few calls, working on his appointments and schedule.

Maybe he can drop the idea. Nah! He can't afford Laksh's sudden dramatic entry and gate crashing. Sanskaar took a deep breath.

Fine, let's do it.

Like luck would have it, a tap on the door and Swara walked in to check on a clashing appointment which they sorted out quickly. As Swara turned to leave...Sanskaar called her up. He gently asked if she had any plans for Sunday.

Swara nodded in negative." I don't go out much."

As expected. "Friends? I mean don't you hang out with them?" he asked, curious.

"I don't have many, just one or two. My best friend stays next to my place. So.." Swara replied in a low tone, smiling.

"You have a sister, Right?" Sanskaar asked and noted Swara's smile fading away, but she was quick to cover it up as always, good at hiding her secrets. Sanskaar listened silently as Swara explained how her sister Kavita is a complete opposite of her, outgoing and have her own group of friends to hang out with. " We are quite different, so.." Swara paused, hoping he wouldn't probe further. She never felt comfortable discussing her family's not -so -happy dynamics.

Sanskaar didn't. He always respected other's space and sensed Swara's discomfort on discussing family, that night in the car too. He wished he could know her better.

Well, the chance is right before him.

Not dragging further, he straightly asked if she would like to come out with him for a coffee and smiled at Swara's bewildered expression, a much familiar one. Even from behind huge rimmed glasses she sported, her eyes made it clear. They would widen first and then her lashes would flutter twice quickly, which he grew quite fond of.

"I am meeting a friend over coffee, my best friend..just a casual meet. I would be glad if you would join me."

"Me?"Swara wanted to confirm. He nodded. A coffee date with him was on her wish list but minus friend. There must be a reason he asked her out. She didn't want to refuse. Sanskaar had always been nice and sweet to her and she trusts him. She could do this for him.

Her silence. She didn't want to. Sanskaar tried to ignore the disappointment he felt, but it's her decision. He didn't want to force her in any way. "Swara, If you are not comfortable...."

"Where and when? "Swara was quick to break the silence.

Sanskaar took a minute to process her yes. She said yes. It's a Yes!

"My boy, That's a Yes for just coffee, Shadi Nahi kar rahi hai tujhse." His inner self  pointed out. Sanskaar ignored.

"Starbucks.Tomorrow 5 in the evening. I will ping you the address."

Swara nodded and turned to leave but at the doorstep, she hesitantly asked If she can get a friend of hers as well for she would feel more comfortable. Sanskaar readily agreed. He offered to pick them up, Swara refused gently citing, her friend might have few other plans of shopping, she needs to check and didn't want to trouble him. They would drop in by time.

Sanskaar nodded. She's coming. That should do for now. He didn't want to ask for more.

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That night, in her room, Swara fondly traced her scrapbook. She smiled recalling Ragini's words who readily accepted to give her company and was excited at the prospect and deduced Sanskaar might like her.

Swara brushed off.

"Fine..maan liya coffee ke liye aise hi puch liya but why would he want you meet his friend? I am sure he wouldn't take random girls to meet his best friend. He likes you."Ragini came up with points to support her theory.

Does he? For the first time, little hope peeked out of Swara's heart.

Ragini already made plans and declared she would pick Swara's dress for the day "I don't trust you with your wardrobe. You will go for a dull color and loose fit. He might have been bored by your intern look already. This is your chance and we will make full use of it."

"We are going for a coffee, Ragini." Swara protested.

"Don't worry sweetheart. I am not going to deck you up with heavy stuff. We will go for a simple and trendy look. Leave it to me." Ragini replied scanning Swara's wardrobe.

Thankfully dadi was out on mandir trip. Aadyot had his tuition classes. Sumitra was yet to return as well as Kavita. So it gave a perfect opportunity for Ragini who usually didn't step into Bose house often. She had her reasons, one being her bad temper and could hardly bear Bose family with an exception to Aadyot. She didn't want to increase trouble for Swara. Hence she stayed away and It was Swara who would drop by most of the times.

"This..." Ragini pulled out one. "We got this 2 months back and you hardly wear this one. This suits you well and please no pony tomorrow and a little makeup won't harm you." Ragini passed instructions. Swara nodded like a good student. Ragini knows best in this case.

After Ragini left, Swara excitedly tried the dress, a lovely floral wrap midi. She always loved floral patterns, this one, she picked on a whim, on one of the shopping sprees with Ragini. It's been long this dress had seen light. Tomorrow would be the day. She picked up accessories going with it and tried few hairstyles, but gave up at the end. She's gonna let it loose, easy and best.

That evening post-dinner, she cuddled up on the bed holding scrapbook and smiled looking at Sanskaar's photograph.

What would he be doing? She wondered.

Just then the phone beeped. She knew its Sanskaar. She had a special ringtone set for his call and messages. She opened it up eagerly. Address and he added a line about pick up if she would want him to.

No, Thank you. We will manage. She replied quickly and waited.

Great! See you tomorrow. His reply came in a blink.

Probably lost in her excitement, Swara sent an emo, only realized later it was a wrong one. She intended to send a smiley ended up sending a blushing one. Damn Swara! Pata nahi kya soch raha hoga. She would drop a message saying, a wrong emo. Yes!

Before she could think further her phone beeped. His reply.

Cute one. She smiled

A minute later. 'Just like you' came the next one with a smiley.

And her hopes took wings.. that moment.

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Swara who usually never paid much attention to her looks, caught the attention of Dadi next day evening.

"Itna saj dhaj ke kaha jaa rahi hain," Dadi taunted. As planned Swara gave cover-up of shopping with Ragini. She is very well aware of questions that would follow if she gave the real reason and conclusions that would be drawn.

Sumitra gave her a doubtful glance but reserved her conclusions for later ."Jaldi wapas aa jao" was all she said.

Swara nodded and stepped out. Was it her fault, she had set certain expectations and her family wished her to adhere to them, always. No one ever bothered to question Kavita. Though Dadi disapproved at times, Kavita paid no heed.

But it always mattered to her. Whatever may be the equation she always held family close and hated to disappoint them. Family comes first anytime.

As Ragini came into sight, Swara pushed aside all thoughts. Ragini smiled, gave her a thumbs up and a hug. As they walked ...

"Specs? Are they needed? Can you ditch them for the day?" Ragini asked very well knowing the answer.

"No..and you know why." came Swara's reply.

Ragini nodded. Though Swara didn't give in all details, she clearly mentioned, her eyes were a giveaway that night. "Swara..you know over fifty percent of the world's population has brown eyes and I have no clue why do you assume, he would figure out you to be the masked girl just by eyes," Ragini argued once.

Only Swara had an answer. That night was something else, what they shared...and she could bet a close look into her eyes, her secret might be out. Reading glasses she sported always came to her aid in college and in Maheswari Inc.

They say 'eyes are the window to one's soul' and hers had never been good at hiding secrets. She had no intentions of giving away any.

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Intaha ho gai, intazaar ki

Aai na kuchh khabar, mere yaar ki

Ye hamen hai yaqeen, bevafa vo nahin

Phir vajah kya hui, intazaar ki...

Humming the song, Laksh totally ignored the murderous glances coming his way from another side of the table courtesy, Sanskaar. It's been past 10 minutes and Swara didn't turn up yet. Sanskaar's eyes moved from watch to entrance quite a few times already. Laksh took over in his usual style.

"She would come right! I mean last minute cancellation and all..."

"Swara waise nahi hain...agar aisa kuch hua, she would have told me last night in chat," Sanskaar replied checking his watch.

Laksh raised his eyebrow. "Ah! Chatting and all...and so much defensive of her already aur waise nahi hai toh, kaisi hain woh...Wait I get it. She's shy, sweet with bholi si surat aur...:

Lucky!

"Haan haan! Before you say a word, yaad hai mujhe, I shouldn't trouble her and I am not supposed to ask questions on family etc etc..Yes My, Lord." Laksh gave a mock bow, " If I am not wrong our party had arrived and is right at the door. Is she the one?" Laksh pointed at the entrance.

Sanskaar turned back at once. Indeed it was 'her'. In a simple midi and scarf, a sling bag dangling down shoulders, loose hair pulled to a side, a watch and cute little studs...Swara walked in, her eyes looking around.

Rightly said, beauty lies in simplicity and she was walking example for the same and those glasses...Why did he find them sexy? Maybe because they hid her eyes which held secrets he was eager to uncover and he felt drawn towards her.... Hopelessly. Ditch the intern dress code, she would look lovely wrapped in colors, all warm and bright.

"There's something called blink, Sunny. It's good for eyes," Laksh murmured hiding his giggles. His friend has it written all over his face. He's falling for this elfin girl.

'Dhyan se Laksh, Jayda panga mat le. Hone wali bhabhi hai.' He told himself.

Sanskaar found his breath back and waved to Swara. Swara smiled wide and walked towards their table. Both Laksh and Sanskaar stood up before they could say a word, Swara started off with an apology for being late. Delay was unexpected, not intended.

"It's Ok Swara! Don't worry. Thanks for coming, Sanskaar assured with a smile and turned to Laksh, "This is ..."

Laksh took over "Let me do the honors, mademoiselle. I am Laksh Mathur. His best friend cum partner in crime and you must be Swara Bose. Glad to meet you." He extended his hand. Swara nodded with a smile as they shook hands."Since we are done with the introduction, Shall we?" He pointed at chairs.

Swara settled shyly as Sanskaar pulled out a chair for her.

"Miss Bose, I have a serious complaint against you," Laksh's words alarmed Swara."You have been giving my friend sleepless nights. Do you think that's fair?" Laksh asked in a serious tone. Sanskar shook his head saying no, picking up the fork on the table pointing at Laksh.

Taking the message,"I mean on the work front," Laksh covered up."He says you are very efficient."

A smile was her reply.

"Your friend?" Sanskaar asked softly.

"She's taking a call."Swara replied in a low tone," Here she comes."

The trio moved eyes towards the Ragini, who had her eyes narrowed as she approached the table. Her eyes were fixed on one person with a flicker of recognition.

"Laksh Mathur?"

Laksh stood up, pleasantly surprised " Ms.Gadodia?"

"Look at you all alive ..I thought you were dead."Ragini smiled. It always good running into old acquaintances.

"Oh Yeah! We are meeting in heaven's branch of Starbucks. It's quite advanced these days."

"You didn't change a bit, Mathur!" Ragini smiled as they shared a friendly hug.

"Well if you say so..." Lash shrugged his shoulders with a goofy smile. Sanskar and Swara looked clueless at this exchange.

"You both knew each other?"Sanskaar was the first one to ask.

"Of course..." Laksh turned to face them, "Ladies and Gentlemen. Meet my leading lady and partner in theatre group ..Ragini Gadodia."

No surprise he didn't know her much, thought Sanskaar. He and Laksh hardly discussed theatre group.

"I told you right! A common friend. This is the one." Ragini whispered to Swara clarifying further. Post pleasantries exchange as they all settled down, Laksh mentioned he and Ragini hardly being in touch, post-college.

"It's good right! Best friend meets the best friend." Everyone smiled and nodded.

Let's order!

Sanskaar took the liberty to take Swara through the menu and he didn't hesitate to share his personal favorites. " Other than usual, latte, cappuccino and all, you can have a cold brew. If you are not diet conscious you can have frappuccino. They have vanilla, caramel, and your favorite, chocolate and double chocolate chip." He whispered like a secret and gave Swara a teasing smile, sending her heart into a frenzy.

"Should I order one for you? This one."His tone was softest of all, like that night. Swara lowered her eyes and nodded with a smile.

Laksh and Ragini silently mused at them." I Wish ...koi mujhe bhi itne pyar se explain karta! hayee... "Laksh placed hands on his heart with a dreamy sigh jolting Swara and Sanskaar out of their reverie." I am sure Swara don't have to worry about diet, but..."His eyes moved to Ragini with mischief, "I doubt If Ms. Gadodia can afford so many calories.." He winked at her playfully, earning him a mock glare.

"Thank you so much for embarrassing me. On that note," Ragini turned to Sanskaar. "I will have a vanilla frappuccino with an extra packet of sugar."

"That's 450 calories exactly,".Laksh pointed out.

"Have some manners, Mr. Mathur" Ragini retorted back, "You should never talk to girls about calories."

"Girls? I see only one ..Swara." He teased further. That earned him a sharp smack on the hand.

The friendly banter continued with laughter and fun as they had their coffee and snacks. Swara felt overwhelmed when Sanskaar ordered chocolate muffin exclusively for her.

"Swara ka favorite hain...chocolate" He explained for benefit of the group.

Oh! It's my fav too. You never ordered one for me, "Laksh raised his eyebrows. "Miss Bose must be special, Right!"

A smile was Sanskaar's answer. Swara indeed felt special and Ragini seated next to her, gently nudged shoulder, smiling. "See - I- told -you -he likes you."

It took a while for Sanskaar to get over Swara's smiles and focus on the task before him. His attempts had been mostly unsuccessful. It was only for a few seconds Swara would look at him...and avert her eyes. He could hardly make out and then her hair was another distraction. Why can't she have it pulled on the other side? Sanskaar was almost tempted to brush it back. Sensing his friend's plight, Laksh came to his aid.

"Swara... I guess those are reading glasses. Can I have a look once, Please?"Swara and Ragini exchanged a glance. Swara hesitantly took them off gave it to Laksh. It was just after a minute, she cited excuse of the washroom and slipped off.

What is she hiding? Swara's actions intrigued Sanskaar further and Laksh too. But Laksh had other ideas. He didn't care if Swara was the masked girl or not. He's gonna get his friend together with Swara. It didn't go unnoticed by him Swara was utterly smitten by Sanskaar. It was evident clearly. How serious was it? He intended to figure out. There's no use playing hide and seek. He decided to go for the kill.

Swara came back, claimed her spectacles. Unusually everything fell into silence. Laksh was the one to break it.

"I think Sanskaar likes you, Swara." and he had all attention at this unexpected reveal. Laksh moved his eyes to each stunned face. "Hey! I was just kidding," and before everyone could feel relieved, "Anyways that's not possible. Sanskaar is in love with someone else from the past 2 years, very seriously. "He dropped off the bomb, "There's no way he would like someone else."

"Right Sanskaar!" He asked, his eyes intent on Swara. Her smiled faded and she was absolutely frozen. Ragini was no different but her eyes were fixed on Swara, very concerned. Did Ragini hold some secrets too? Laksh wondered.

Sanskaarlooked equally shocked who no way anticipated Laksh to bring this up. 

Laksh!

"Haan ya naa! Sách keh raha hoon na !" Laksh asked bloody serious. Sanskaar couldn't deny.

"Haan.."

And that was the moment Swara felt her heart and wings of her hopes broken...and she didn't hear a word next.

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That's the date with a twist. Sweet and sour, but this was needed. Hope you liked it.

Thanks for Reading.  

Love

Lucky