Love is life. All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love . Everything is, everything exists, only because I love **

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They were seated , his back leaning against pillar of gazebo,his arms wrapping her in warm embrace. Swara closed her eyes sighing contentedly as his lips brushed her hair, wondering if any moment in her life had been this perfect.

Shona aur Shona ka Sanskaar...just two of them

" Kuch poochu?" she asked

" Kuch bhi"

"Kab se Sanskaar?" And she didn't have to spell out entire question for him. Silence ruled for few minutes but it seemed like an eternity for her.She lifted her lashes to meet his, and they spelled out his love for her. He slowly tugged strands of her hair which swayed gently with breeze . " Jab tumhari awaaz pehli baar suna ya phir Jab tum pehli baar dekha tab se...woh pink waali night dress main with sleepy eyes, when you were spying on me .."

He smiled as she hit hit him playfully and replied "I wasn't spying ok ..Baba use to talk a lot about you .. Dadi won't let us in .. I was just curious and btw I am glad my curiosity paid off ..see we are here "Her eyes shone brightly as she said "Just u and me ..."

His hands moved to cup her face , her cheeks felt warm under gentle caress of his thumb."Shona...All I Knew then was ,I have been dying to see who you were ..and when you walked in ,I guess you had me then and there."

"You stayed back because I asked you to .. haina? " He simply nodded. If not for her he would have never stayed back ,..his plans never seemed to work around her, just like his heart which never had a say when it came to Shona ..

" Aur wahi Sawaal main karu tho ..ki kabse ?"

She smiled at his question.. " hmm Pata nahi ..shayad bahut pehle se .. lekin ehsaas tab hua jab tum mujhe attitude dene lage..You have no clue Sanskaar how much I missed you."

Those days when he avoided her..those days when she longed for his glimpse and smile..Her eyes reflected that pain ,Guilt raced through Sanskaar . He knew he had pushed her away , gave her pain "I am sorry Shona .. I had no clue how to fight my feelings for you .. Guess I was trying to figure it out"

"Never try to figure it out again ..Samjhe" she warned him " I am not letting you go away this time."She sunk into the warmth of his hands again murmuring "you are locked for a lifetime with me."

"Dur jaana hi chahta kaun hain ... . . he squeezed her close. "I love you" he whispered gently, felt her nestle closer and wished this night would never end.After few minutes

Sanskaar ...

Hmmm..

She lifted her face to meet his "Are u gonna kiss me again bcos I might say... ..she paused waiting for his reply .She felt her heart thudding with a slower rhythm as he lips curved up into a small smile and then it banged louder and louder as he tipped her chin, pulled her close..till they could feel each others breathe ready to mingle

" Do u want me to..?" he whispered waiting for an answer .She closed her eyes ..and her parted lips gave him much needed answer.

As he leaned more closer gently brushing her lips with his .The phone rang breaking their reverie..forcing them back to reality. It was Ragini .

"We should go .. I guess they are looking for us" Sanskaar was back to his super alert mode much to Swara's disappointment."Wrong timing Ragini," Swara muttered under her breath as she reached to her stilettoes.Sanskaar already was midway with his boots.Done with his boots Sanskaar looked at Swara, noted the cute pout on her face.Sanskaar couldn't figure out if he was disappointed or thankful for the call.He wanted to kiss her .. yes but would he be able to stop with a kiss .. he was not sure .The pull he feels for Swara is too strong to resist..he need to ground himself ..he decided.

"Chale" Sanskaar extended his hand, Swara nodded taking his hand. As they walked in.. they clasped each other's hand in a tight hold , looked at each other for a minute and parted as they entered inside.

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"Swara .. where were you? I have been looking for you..you could have told you are stepping out right ! Ragini complained as she found Swara & Sanskaar walking in and turned to Sanskaar " and you Sanskaar ..You were supposed to take care of us right aur tum ..."

"Enough Ragini .. tumhe nahi lagta tum kuch jyada react kar rahi ho." Swara quickly charged back "Sanskaar ki koi galati nahi.. I was feeling suffocated,hence I wanted to step out, and I took Sanskaar with me and btw you were too busy in your dance to notice anything .. so please..."

"Ok OK .. you both just relax .. "Laksh butted in between "C!mon Ragini ..that's ok .. hamara dance tho abhi 10 min pehle khatam hua na ..What if they stepped out .. that's Fine I guess."

Ragini silently nodded.She didn't want to be so evident of uneasiness she felt watching Swara and Sanskaar together.

"So before your dadi plans my murder ..shall we leave?" Laksh looked at trio and as they nodded in consent they made their way out .It had been a silent ride mostly with Laksh trying to ease the atmosphere.He wondered at Ragini's reaction and also at the fact why none of Gadodia family members seem to notice how smitten Swara and Sanskaar are by each other .He watched them walking in.. and their hands parting as they stepped in but the glow on their face..So finally things were falling into place .He smiled to himself ,Good ! He liked Sanskaar and no doubt one day he would be named businessman in Kolkata ...given his capabilities and Swara is sweetest person he had ever met and they both look great together but what puzzled him was Ragni's reaction .In between dance, she noticed them missing, from then there was a change in her stance .May be he is just reading too much between lines .. must be concern for her sister .

Brushing off his thoughts he tried engaging trio in talk and succeeded to certain extent and by the time they reached ..the rigid atmosphere eased up a bit.As laksh bid bye to Gadodia family ,he didn't fail to bring smile on Ragini's face as he slowly whispered Thanks for this night Ragini ..Ghar pahucte hi call karunga, bye!."

Bye ! Ragini made her way back into house as Laksh left and quickly noted Swara and Sanskaar exchanging few mused smiles ..and watched Sanskaar walking towards out house and Swara rushing towards her room. Not saying a word she simply moved towards her room ,busy in her own thoughts.

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Swara glanced at her watch and huffed impatiently " Ye Sanskaar bhi na hamesha late karta tha .. aane do usse." and next minute she was startled with sudden screech of bike before her.Startled first, she threw a murderous glance at the rider.

"I am sorry Shona .. woh baba ne kuch kaam diya tha .. iss liye."He glanced at her for a while gauging her mood "Gussa ho ?" Sanskaar tried his most earnest and sincere expression "Sorry..." he muttered

Swara melted instantly at cute puppy look on Sanskaar's face and that flash of dimple ...Swara sighed giving up " Theek hai ..but you better make it up for me...ok!"

"Yes madam...ab chale"

As Swara smiled and hopped onto his bike, she didn't have to think for a second to hold him tight from behind ."Waise Shona tumhe nahi lagta these days you are missing your bus more often. This is 3rd time this week." he asked..not that he minded the pick up and mid way stops before they reached home.

Swara caught hint of playfulness in his voice " Now if you have taken your name quite seriously Mr. Sanskaar...You leave me no option" and she heard him smile at her retort.

"Tho kaha jaane Shona ko aaj' Sanskaar asked as he started the bike.

"Uska Sanskaar jaha le chale waha...:..she said leaning into him .Sanskaar smiled and raced his bike.

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Gazab ka hain din dekho zara .. ye deewanapan...

Swara crooned the lines as she walked out of shower.What a day it had been...and Sanskaar's surprise.. It was a simple yet special.

He had to make it special..and that smile on his Shona's face ...

"Wow Kulfi" she exclaimed and almost jumped into his arms ..That had been one of their fav childhood spots.A small road side kulfi shop, next to a park where they loved to hang out and would fight over flavours of kulfi .Such fond memories. ..

"You know what Sanskaar pista na sabse best hain ..aur tum ho ki..."

"Tumne kabhi badam malai try nahi kiya na Shona .. issliye .."

"Nahi Elachi Sanskaar ...'

"No way Shona .. Mango is best and...and that went on... and today

As they strolled in park ..."Waise Sanskaar badam malai itni buri bhi nahi" she smiled with that sparkling glint in her eyes as he fed her bite of his kulfi and decided pista is not bad either when he took bite of hers.

Sanskaar smiled to himself as he rode back to shop ..he may not be in a position to afford a dinner at five star hotel at this point ..One day he would ,but he knew his Shona. A dinner in five star hotel would never have made her this happy .He recalled convo they had few days back during one of their outings

"Woh .. shayad main kabhi laksh ki tarah tumhe aise dinners ,. Matlab.." He paused.

"Koi baat nahi ..we will have candle light dinner, just two us ,hamare ghar main and ab tho main cooking bhi seekh rahi hoon na ..I would love to cook for us." She said leaning onto his shoulder.

"Aur gaadi nahi hain tho ..?"

"Bike hain na .. infact I feel gaadi main you will be far away from me ..bike par toh itna pass .. she twined her hands around him "And I need not worry about breaking my head."

"Aur bada sa ghar?"

"How about me moving into your outhouse .. simple and cozy and then you can't run away from me." She gave her usual dazzling smile

"You have solution for everything, don't you?"

She considered him for a while and she knew where this questions had come from..He feared comparisons would be drawn between her and Ragini's lifestyle.

Yes he feared ..Maheshwari's are established business family ,their house ringing with riches and with her engagement to Laksh, Ragini no doubt was bound for a lavish lifestyle .. but with him Shona would be ..He feared somewhere deep down if at one point she would regret being with him .. and that would literally kill him but her next words took away every ounce of his doubt

"Mujhe in sabse koi farak nahi padta Sanskaar...I have you ..thats all matters."

But that doesn't mean ..he would deprive Shona of all that ,Sanskaar told himself resolutely .He would put forward every comfort and luxury before her .. very soon.

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Next few days were like bliss for Swara .She loved her outings with Sanskaar though they were for shorter period of time ..and they would never get enough from their night session where they would be lost watching each other ,would exchange messages, talk for hours once they are back into their respective rooms and a kiss .Getting Sanskaar to kiss her was nothing but a herculean task .Never in her life she would have sketched out so many plans and schemes to steal few from him.

Once she had to catch hold of him in store room as he was looking out for some garden tool. Thankfully no one watched her sneaking in.

"Shona ..tum yaha kya kar rahi ho ? he asked and before she could answer Now that you are here ..help me out na ..yahi tho rakha hain .." he went on to search.Swara sighed .

"Ye ladka hai allah kaisa hain deewana ..kitna mushkil hai tauba isko samjhana" would be a perfect song ..wouldn't it ?" and she still remembered that horror look on his face as she backed him against wall and his dialogue of " Kya kar rahi ho tum ?" she would have burst out laughing .. wasn't it supposed to be other way around .. Well with shortage of time and risk of anyone barging in "Swara ..ab tujhe hi charge lena padega " she told herself

"You were supposed to kiss me remember.. Uss raat ko."She leaned closer and before he could protest she placed her lips on his. Her plan was to keep it short and sweet . Every plan was tossed out of her mind as he kissed her back and in next two minutes ,she found herself backed against wall, pressed onto him ,her hands twined with his , he kissed and kissed turning it into deep and long one , leaving her breathless.

As they parted,swamped with sensations she tried to catch hold of her breath. Her heart raced as she felt his husky whisper over her lips "You have no clue of what your kiss can do to me Shona.."and it raced like marathon as he whispered further "and I have no idea what would I end up doing if you kiss me again."

And she wanted to kiss him then and there. Just like he read her thoughts " Sochna bhi mat" he warned with a smirk "Shaadi ke baad I am gonna kiss you till you ask me to stop."

"I might never ask you to stop" she replied back wounding her hands around his neck.

"Lets fight it out then" he smiled and stepped back " but for time being ,will you help me out..please ..and they finally found the tool and stepped out .Though they maintained distance from each other at home, she loved those sneak outs with Sanskaar much on her insistence but still they made sure no one caught them .

The reason being ...

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"Swara ..I don't want Baba aur Maa to know about us from a third person ..hence we need to maintain distance and cut out on our meetings..."

"Baba se main baat karu ?" she offered

"Nahi main khud karunga .. ab mere padyi khatam hogayi na .. maine jobs ke liye apply karna shuru kardiya...ek baar kuch acha sa miljaaye .. phir main baba se khud baat karunga aur tumhare haath mangunga"

Swara never understood why Sanskaar was so adamant on getting a job ..In last few years he had been the one hand holding the entire business ,have heard her baba mention quite a few times how sanskaar had been instrumental in expanding their business and she knew her baba liked Sanskaar a lot ..in fact she is absolutely sure Baba would be more than happy with her and Sanskaar alliance...but...

"Lekin Sanskaar .. Baba ko tumhari jaroorat hogi na ..and all these years you have been one who supported baba in business and once baba knows about us ..woh khushi khushi tumhe ...

" I don't want it Swara "Sanskaar cut her in between... "I just supported him but now it's different . you are with me, I want to do something on my own and you have no clue about how easily people ..." He paused...

He knew how it would turn out to be ..when he would get married to Swara .How easy it would be for people to reach out to conclusions .He knew how would they sound " Anath banke aaya aur unhi ki beti ko phasakar damaad banagya .. and how he got hold of business just by marrying Swara , trapping her and all .He have borne burnt for years, for something which he didn't have a say. He didn't chose the life of an orphan for him, but now, he would never give a chance for anyone to point him out .He would look out for job , save some money , then apply for a loan and start a business on his own and is confident enough to turn it to a profitable venture .His years of experience , knowledge of nuances of business ,being well versed with dealings would definitely be a plus ,but he didn't want to take risk at the start . Job would be a safe game altakest for few years . He helped baba ,been a part of business but he never expected anything in return .. and would never .

His train of thoughts halted as he felt Swara's hand on his shoulder " Sanskaar ...kaha kho gaye?"he turned to look at her. If he would ever ask baba for anything that would be Shona ..and he will prove himself to capable enough for her.

"Shona" ...he took her hand into his " Main kuch karna chahta hoon hamare liye .. .kya tum mere saath doge?'

Swara smiled and placed her other hand on his ,She would support him, no matter what." Main hamesha tumhare saath hoon ..aur dekhna tumhe bahut jaldi job mil jayegi ... since I am your lady luck .." she winked playfully drawing a smile from him , a hug and above all .. she loved to hear him say " I love u Shona."She pressed a light kiss on his heart

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"Are u sure Sekhar ji, You want to do this ? Transferring 50% of business in name of someone who is not even part of your family..." Mr Chatterjee halted in between at sharp glare of Sekhar.

"Mr Chatterjee .. Sanskaar hamara parivaar ka hissa tha aur hamesha rahega.. And I am absolutely aware what I am doing .. Now can I see the documents please."

As Sekhar quickly glanced through the transfer documents ,Chatterjee intervened expressing his concern again "but Is your family aware of this transfer?"

"Jisko jaan na hai woh jaante hain .. but I expect this to be between us ,ab boliye Sign kaha karna hain." Sekhar came straight to point.

Later Sekhar walked out of his attorney s office ...recalling his conversation with Sharmistha & Sujoy.

"Baba ..I am with you .." Sujoy sounded more excited and happy over phone when Sekhar had put forward his views of transferring half of the business to Sanskaar.

"Agar iss buisness par kisi ka haq hain tho woh Sanskaar hain Baba ..but he would never say a word ,infact he would never expect anything ...aur aapne ne jo faisla liya bahut sahi liya hain.Mujhe koi aitraz nahi hain." and that moments Sekhar's heart swelled with pride .He knew his son

And then Sharmistha..

"Sekhar ..I have no problem lekin kyu ? I mean ab kyu ? aisa kya ho gaya hai ki ?' Shramistha expressed her doubts .

"Mysti ..Don't you think It's time for Sanskaar to have his life too .. his own business .. something to call his own . Sirf issliye hume usko chath diya .. sahaara diya, itne saal bina kuch maange , bina kuch swaarth ke hamare liye, itna kaam kiya. Trust me when I say this Sharmistha..if not for Sanskaar and his efforts..Hum itni tarakki kabhi nahi karte ..and agar woh yeh kaam kisi aur ke saath karta ,by now he would have earned a fortune , would have been owner of his own business ...tum samajh rahi ho na," Sekhar tuned at his wife and saw her nodding in consent.

"Iss liye .. I have decided that Sanskaar ka bhi utna hi haq hain jitna sujoy ka hoga ..ya phir usse jyada ..arey kal uski shaadi hogi ..uski zammerdariyan badegi tho woh kaha jayega ..I just want to be fair ..I had a word with Sujoy already aur haan maa ko abhi batane ki zaroorat nahi hain .. Bewaja hungama khada karegi.. So just keep this to yourself...I will have a word with Sanskaar soon."

"Sekhar maine aisa kabhi socha hi nahi .. you are right ... I am with you" she held his hand in assurance.

"Jaan tha hoon mysti ki tum mere saath doge" Sekhar smiled looking at Sharmistha.After a while Sharmistha broached the topic of Swara's marriage

"Sekhar .. woh Shona ka ..."

"Jaana hoon Mysti .Main ussi kaam par hoon.Meri gudiya ke ke liye, I want nothing less than best ..Dekhna uski shaadi bahut jaldi ther hogi aur woh bhi aise ladke se jo koi raj kumar se kam nahi .. very soon something will materialise." he gently patted her cheek "Dont worry ."

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"Mere Sapno ka raj kumar .. my prince charming tho mujhe milgaya hain ,Mera Sanskaar " Swara smiled to herself "aur kal holi ke din .. sab se pehle usse rang main hi lagavungi hamesha ki tarah aur mujhe par bhi..." She fondly recalled memories of their holi during years of childhood .. How she would sneak into outhouse , apply colours on his face carefully not disturbing his sleep and wake him up only to tease and run away.

"Shona ki bachi rukh tu" ..he would chase her, catch hold of her , twirl her around..and they would play with colours whole day , that had been ritual all these years but this holi would be extra special.

Next day Morning

Dressed in white salwar Swara stepped out of her room.The dawn is still breaking ..she scanned the surroundings, finding them clear ,she tiptoed outside..

The light in outhouse is off "Matlab janaab ab bhi so rahe hain .. Swara's rubbed her hands in glee .."ab Sanskaar toh gaya .." she picked up colours ki thali and walked towards out house . She gently tapped and stepped in surprised as she found the door unlocked. " Itni subah subha kaha chala gaya " she wondered.Keeping thali on table she made her way into bedroom .He is not on bed , neither in wash room ...Feeling a twinge of disappointment , she stepped back colliding into Sanskaar.

"Looking for me " he gave her a dazzling smile. Dressed in white kurta pyjama, in complete contrast to out and out black on dinner night .. he looked...Why he had to look so handsome.. So charming ...Ok Swara gather yourself back .you are here for a purpose ,Swara steadied herself

"Nahi tho ..tumhari out house main tumhare liye thodi na aaungi" she replied with tongue in cheek " woh..aaj tho holi hain aur..." Talking Swara slowly made her way towards thali,

Sensing her plan Sanskaar pulled her onto him and she found herself locked in his strong hold.

"Sanskaar...Kya kar rahe ho.." Not giving an answer he squeezed her close and her every word froze .Gazing into her eyes ..he took small steps holding her , till they were backed up against wall. "Yaad hain bachpan main kitna tang karti thi holi ke din." She caught naughty glint in his eyes as he continued " ab hisaab bara bar karna padega na ..Shona..'

She would have fought back ..teased him equally, would have tickled and got away but standing this close to him wouldn't let her think. She closed her eyes as he leaned closer ,his fingers softly brushing her both cheeks with colour and found herself smiling as he murmured in her ear " Happy holi Shona.."

Opening her eyes ,she realised he stepped back and lifted his hands in surrender , for her to apply. Swara gently picked up thali and moved towards Sanskaar and held it up to him

"Aur lagavu kya ?" he smiled and picked up pinch of colour and reached out to her cheek..and stared at her in confusion as she held his hand .

"Hamari pehli holi hain na Sanskaar aise saath main..."

He nodded in silence ..it been a month after they confessed their love for each other and of course this holi is special but as he gazed into her eyes, they spelled out something deep and potent ...and his eyes widened as she led his hand towards her maang ..and soon red colour stood out from her partition.

"Shona .. ye tum" he stood silent at loss of words as she looked at him with an undying potent love in her eyes.

"Kyu Shona ?"

Not saying a word Swara raised on her feet to reach him . Her lips brushed over his cheek "Happy Holi Sanskaar "..she softly whispered in his ears "and I love you."

And he didn't have any more questions and had all his answers.All these days he thought it would be easy to live not hearing those words .Scared he would turn more crazy in her love and his heart may not be able to bear all the love he felt for her. His love for her burned him, consumed him from within ,yet soothed him.

At that moment,looking into her eyes all he knew was ..this gesture of hers bound them together for an eternity. Overwhelmed he took her into his embrace and found himself seeping into warmth of her embrace

Lost in their world they didn't pay attention to a shadow which lingered for a while and they had no clue that would be the person who would turn their world upside down..soon