Na zid hai na koi gurur hai hume,Bas tumhe pane ka surur hai hume,

Ishq gunah hai to galti ki humne,Saza jo bhi ho manjur hai hume!

----------------------------

Sanskaar stepped back from Swara staring at her in disbelief " matlab woh letter tumne jaan bhoochke bheja tha .. kyunki tum jaanti thi ki main waha aavunga ...I didn't expect this from you Shona ..tum jaanti bhi ho tumne kya kiya?"

"Nahi jaanti ..jab mujhe pata chala ki maa na tumse ...tab main sirf itna jaanti thi ki mujhse iss shaadi ko rokhna tha ..aur hum.."

"Aur isliye tumne?' he cut her midway "Sahil se shaadi karne ka faisal tumhara tha Shona .. it was your decision."

Yes it was her decision , a stupid one, clouded by her hurt and ego ..she decided to go ahead and easily believed that Sanskaar didn't love her anymore if Ragini wouldn't have told her truth .probably she would have got married to ...Swara trembled at that thought ..how could she not trust their love , trust her Sanskaar. How Could she?

"Main tumse pyaar karta hoon ye baat khena ke liye mujhe itne saal lage shona .. aur tumne ek pal main maan liya ki main tumse pyaar nahi karta .. bas itna hi jaanti ho tum apni sanskaar ko .."

Tears streamed down her cheeks ..she failed him, a part at least by not placing trust in their love , giving into her zidd of getting back at him .

" I don't blame you Shona for taking that decision.. Kyunki main jaanta hoon kahi na kahi main tumhe majboor kiya ..lekin aaj tumne jo kiya Shona " He stepped forward gripping her shoulders " Yaad hain tumne .. uss raat hotel main you have asked me something, ki main tumse dur kyu chala gaya? "

"Tum mujhse itni dur chale gaye sanskaar.?" she asked as they danced that night ..that night when he broke all his restrains and confessed his love.

His voice jerked her back" Jaan na hain tumhe .. jawab sun na hain .. tho suno .." he pulled her close his eyes boring into hers " Iss liye kyunki I never wanted to be reason for someone to point a finger at you . Before hearing a remark on you I would have probably died ..lekin aaj .." his grip tightened "tumne suna? dekha ? sab kya kya keh rahe the..tumhare baare main .."

"Main tho pehle se jaanti thi .. Bachpan se dekh rahithi .. tabhi pata tha ki kuch chakkar jaroor hain".

"Shaadi ke din bhi shayad apne aashiq se dil nahi bhara hoga"

As all those words crossed his mind and his squeezed his eyes shut and when he opened them back they resembled burning coals " Main woh har ungli jo tumhari taraf uta hain , har mooh jisne tumhe kuch galat kehne ki himmat kiya hain ... thod deta , barbaad kardeta aur tum jaanti ho main aisa kar saktha hoon Shona ... lekin aaj ..: he stepped back defeated "tumne jo kiya uske baad ..kuch nahi karpaya ..he raked his hair in frustration "waha kahda hokar chupchap sabki baatein sun na pada...Chup chap. Kuch nahi kar paya .." his hand banged on wall "kuch nahi."

"Sanskaar .." Swara rushed to him " ye kya kar rahe ho .. lagjayegi .."

As she held his hand , he snatched away "Dur raho mujh se ... Tumhe kya lgata hain ..hamari shaadi iss liye hua, kyunki maa baba mujhe tumhare layak samjhte hain ..nahi .. iss liye kyunki tumne ..unke paas koi raasta nahi choda..majboor kardiya unhe."

Swara stood silent and his voice echoed again

"Tumhe kyu laga ki main job ke baath kar raha tha ...Main hamesha chah tha ki jab main maa baba se tumhare haath manguna woh khushi khushi maan jaaye .. iss yakeen ke saath ki main unki shona ko khush raksatha hoon ..sahi hoon main uss ke liye ..lekin aaj ..hamarai shaadi jo huyi hain woh sirk ek majboori hain .. suna tumhe" his voice banged in room " majboori hain hamari shaadi ...aur kuch nahi ... aur iss ke liye main tumhe kabhi maaf nahi karunga , kabhi nahi."

She knew he would be angry with her for what she had done but now she knew his anger is more because of helpless state she had put him, defeating his purpose which meant a lot to him...but

Swara wiped her tears " haan galati kiya hain maine ,sahil se shaadi ke liye haan bolke .hamarae pyaar par bharosa nahi karke ..I am sorry for that .Lekin aaj maine jo kuch bhi kiya Sanskaar ..apne pyaar ke liye kiya .. hamare liye kiya hain and I am not sorry for that and would never be."

Time stood still for few minutes as Sanskaar stood watching her, she meant when she said she held no regrets .She has no clue how this society would rip people apart if given a chance.Not saying a word he moved past her .. her eyes followed him as he picked a pillow and made his way towards couch .She sank down onto the bed in tears .This is not how she expected things would turn out to be. She thought they would be happy .. wasn't he happy at least a bit , that they are together .She buried her head in pillow and sobbed silently .

Lying on couch Sanskaar closed his eyes his back turned to her .He could hear her silent sobs and held back his need to rush to her .He would have been happy .. only if their marriage had been a happy affair not happened in dire some situations..but from now every unkind word would never be taken kindly and before reaching his Shona and this family they will have face his wrath .. and very soon he would prove to everyone that he is best for Shona in every way.

And He knew what to do next.

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The old wooden swinging chair rocked back and forth just like thoughts of person seated in it. His Dad's chair and it held many memories . "Pata hain Sekhar .. jab bhi iss kurchi pe bet ta hoon tho ek sukoon ka milta hain." Sekhar's Dad Prakash Gadodia , his mentor, guide and man behind what he and his business are today .Started off as small entity years back , today they hold a considerable position in textile business and his dad had been rock solid pillar behind this . His dad was never over ambitious and believed in philosophy of live and let live. "Imaandari aur Sachayi hamesha hamari takaat honi chahiye .. haana lekin samjadhaari bhi honi chahiye..lekin kabhi bhi dusron ka nuksaan karke khush nahi reh paayenge ."

He always looked upon his dad except for one thing ...he would never say a thing to his mom. " Samjhne Walo ko Samjaya jaa sakta hai Sekhar .. taari Maa unn main se nahi hain " was all he would say ..If not for his dad ,sharmistha, his love would never have been part of this family . Despite her mother's severe protests about Sharmistha being a bengali, his dad stood by his side and opposed his mother perhaps for the first time "Sekhar usse se shaadi karega jisse woh pyaar karte hain ..yaha baat bengali marwari ki nahi ,uski zindagi ki hain .. aur usse poora haq hai ..tu beech main naa bolegi iss baar..bilkul nahi " he concluded and Parvati Gadodia had to give in .His untimely death led Sekhar to take business into his hands but his dad's words and philosophy had always been with him..lessons of life ...and today his thoughts wandered around day's events "gudiya ki Shaadi"

Was he blinded too with the notion of getting a perfect prince charming with unchi khandaan and paisa for his daughter, that he didn't even consider Sanskaar as prospect when he held every quality he had been looking for in his daughter's better half. If Sujoy would not have fed him details , so many questions would have troubled him , but now he knew it clear .. Why shona had gone ahead with decision of getting engaged to Sahil and why Sanskaar suffered in silence . He thanked god for at the right moment everything came out in open and his daughters life had been saved, especially after hearing what laksh had to say about Gupta's and he himself had seen glimpses midst drama. Sekhar knew there would be implications, after all Gupta are influential family, fingers would be pointed out , there would be gossips around but he least cared . All mattered to him was his daughter's happiness and he couldn't ask for better damaad than his Sanskaar.

With creaking sound of door his chair halted as well as his thoughts. He knew it was his wife. SharMistha He glanced at her and the chair swinged again

Sharmistha walked in and approached him . She stood next to him " Sekhar.."

"Why Mysti?"

Sharmistha stood silent .

"Itni badi baat..itna bada faisla And you didn't feel need to share this or discuss this with me.' his voiced out his clear disapproval .

Sharmistha didn't knew what to say .. Maybe she didn't want to because somewhere she knew and feared Sekhar would give into this alliance and she didn't want it then But only if she had ..things would have been different probably but ..all she wanted was

"I did what I felt was good for my daughter .maa hoon uski ..uski bhalayi hi chahunga na"

"And how is that ?" Sekhar got up from his chair with such a force which had Sharmistha stumbling back by few steps and he fumed " Getting her married to someone she doesn't love or snatching away her love and pushing Sanskaar to ...he paused looking at her distressed face ..In all these years this is first time he had raised his voice on her .Sekhar closed his eyes calming his anger down and looked back at her more composed " I can't believe Sharmistha that the one who tended to Sanskaar with love all these years ..how could you be so cruel to him when you knew Shona loves him too..just because he didn't have a name to go in with.. Tumhe kabse inn sabse fark padne lagi sharmistha .. Maa tho hai hi aisi ..lekin tum?"He shook his head in disappointment" I didn't expect this from you Sharmistha...not at all."

Sharmistha didn't hold her tears anymore.

-----------------------------------------------------

" How dare that Sekhar .. to insult us in front of all of them . I am going to ruin him.." Amit Gupta paced fiercely like a caged lion in living room of Gupta Mansion

" And that Sanskaar .. I am not leaving him dad .. Use mujhse meri Swara ko cheena hain .. main swara ko wapas paake rahunga chahe kuch bhi karna pada..kuch bhi " Sahil joined his dad

Gayatri looked at her husband and son equally fuming " uss Swara aur Gadodia parivaar ka izaat ka daijjyan nahi udayana na .. mera naam bhi Gayatri Gupta nahi ... Amit Barbaad kar de unhe... they should know what we can do and that Maheswari's too .How dare they support them over us.?"

Amit looked at his wife and son " I will wipe that Sekhar's name out of market and nothing would be left aur Maheshwari's .. we will see about them too." He reached to phone and dialed a number

" Hello Mr . Pandey..."

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As sun rays caressed her face gently, Swara opened her eyes they felt heavy .. she slowly got up and last night events rushed to her mind. Sanskaar -Her eyes immediately moved to couch and it was empty . A strange panic gripped her heart .Getting down hastily she rushed towards door but halted as her eyes caught glimpse of him from window sideby

As Sanskaar stepped out of outhouse Swara sighed with relief .She realized neither of his belongings were here in her room given the situation their marriage happened in ..hence he went back to outhouse may be she should move out too ..with him .

Swara walked out of shower, in a simple pink chiffon saree .Standing before mirror she stared at her reflection. Her hands gently traced mangalsutra around her neck and as she picked a pinch of sindoor , she recalled day of holi ..when Sanskaar filled her maang with pinch of color and how she told herself very soon it would be sindoor ..only if he was here . As her fingers were about to fill her partition, he walked in and their eyes caught each other in mirror

Her eyes fixed on him.. She filled her maang, her eyes spelled the same deep potent love for him, just like the day of holi. Those moments played before his eyes as she looked at him. Sanskaar quickly averted his gaze

" Woh main mobile bhool gaya tha .." looking around he picked his mobile from table near couch and rushed out of room .

Swara turned back to mirror and checked her reflection again " Ek din aayega Sanskaar jab tum khud ye mere maang main bharoge har subha .." she told herself

---------------------

"Shona ..Sab theek haina ...Matlab kal jo haalat main shaadi hua.kal raat kuch ,, Sharmistha paused waiting for answer from her daughter who busily was engaged in breakfast preparation, and she simply got nod as answer. She was thankful Swara didn't broach topic of her tradeoff with Sanskaar...what would she answer?

"Woh dekho..." Parvati Gadodia walked into kitchen .."tera pati kya kar raha hain she pointed out at Sanskaar who was watering plants following his daily routine

"Naukar aakhir naukar hi rahega ..aadat nahi choot thi na.'She started her taunts probably expecting a reaction from Swara .

Not saying a word Swara carried on her work . As Ragini tried to intervene Sharmistha stopped her "Maa ..ab woh iss ghar ka damad hai..aap please..aise batein mat kijiye ."

"Kyun na karoon ..ab jo sach hai wahi bulungi na..maare khatu shyamji."She eyed Swara frowning " Ye chori kuch bol kyu nahi rahi hain" she wondered. Swara was not the one to stay silent when it came to Sanskaar.

"Ragini .."Swara turned to her sister "thoda elcahi aur adrak dena please ..chai main daalungi ,Sanskaar ko bahut pasand hain." Ragini nodded and passed it . After sometime...

Stepping out with tray of tea & cups Swara turned to face her dadi " Woh kya haina ..Dadi ..Mera Sanskaar unn logon main se nahi hain jiski fitrat waqt ke saath badal jaaye..aur Sanskaar kya hain ..you will never be able to understand so don't even try."

Colours faded out of Parvati Gadodia's face .

-------------------

As Swara walked out of kitchen.. She found her Baba and Sanskaar engrossed in some serious talk .As she approached them, she was greeted with warm smile from her dad and nothing from Sanskaar . He didn't even glance up from documents he was referring too .

"Baba" .. Swara handed over cup to Sekhar and made another cup

"Sanskaar ..Chai " As Swara held teacup Sanskaar lifted his eyes for a second and they were back on papers. Swara silently placed it on table.

"Arey wah shona .. aaj chai tho bahut acha bana hain adrak elaichi wali ". About to flip page of document Sanskaar stopped hearing Sekhar and his eyes met Swara.

"Pata hain Shona Chai main na thoda adrak and elachi lagegi na ..that would be the world's best chai ... at least mere liye."

"Woh bhi seekh lungi dekhna tum .. "she told him "itna ache se banana seekhungi na ki poora chai pijavoge."

A small smile played on Swara's lips as she knew he would recall their moment but it was met with blank stare from Sanskaar who got back to document. Disappointed Swara headed back to kitchen but stopped in tracks as she heard Sanskaar

"Ye sab kya hain baba .. ye 50% mera naam? Lekin kyu ? Baba ye ?"

Swara rushed back to them and scanned through documents standing besides Sanskaar .Seeing her Sanskaar knew his answer . Since he got married to their princess daughter ..and they strongly believed he can't even take care of her ..is this way of securing her future .Did Swara say something ?He shot a furious glance at Swara who shook her head saying no.

"Baba agar aap ye sab isliye kyunki ..."

"Because you married Shona? ... Sekhar cut him in between with a Smile " See the date on documents ..Dekho." Sanskaar checked the date and it was way before their marriage . "Sanskaar this has got nothing to with you and Shona. You have earned this beta ..Tune hamare liye jo kuch bhi kiya ..iss business ke liye kiya, haq hai tumhara."

"No Baba .. Sujoy ka haq hai aapka business par mera nahi ." Sanskaar clearly refused

"Offo jijaji .." Sujoy walked in behind "leave about my haq ..yeh aapka hai.'

"You knew about this?" asked a stunned Sanskaar looking at Sujoy

"Long back .. aur hum sab bhi jaante hain.. Sujoy said and Sanskaar saw whole Gadodia family joining them in living room except dadi.

"Thanks baba ..you thought I am worth of it .. lekin mujhe nahi chaiye ..main apna khud ka pehchaan bana sakta hoon." he handed over the documents back to Sekhar surprising everyone other than Sekhar and Swara

Sekhar simply smiled and nodded . He knew this is how Sanskaar would react and he is same stubborn kid he had been years ago "Tum chaho ya na chaho this is yours and will be yours Sanskaar ..I will just keep it safe with me till then."

Not saying a word Sanskaar got up " Baba ..Mujhe nikalna hoga..."

"Arey beta.. You just got married .. aaj se kaam ..nahi Shona aur tum kahi bahar jao aur... Sekhar's words stopped in midway as he noted Sanskaar expression.

"Nahi baba .. main kaam pe nahi jaa raha hoon." Sanskaar glanced at everyone once "Ye ghar chodke jaa raha hoon."

---------------------------------------------------------

Though shocked first, Sekhar nodded in understanding . Sanskaar wouldn't like tag of being a ghar jamai and he should have seen this coming. "Ye bhi tho tumhara hi ghar hai beta ," Sharmistha tried to intervene

"Nahi aunty !"

"Aunty?" Sharmistha recalled her words Mat bula mujhe maa...how much words can hurt sometime.

"I thought this was my house ..but I realised it is not .It's time for me to move out Aur haan Shona is not coming with me ..she will stay here.I don't want her to be in that house which might not be worthy of her.I will come back when things will settle and take her then." he said to a stunned Gadodia family. And Not giving a chance for Swara to react he left to outhouse

-------------------

Back in her room Swara wiped her tears off as she threw her clothes into suitcase . How dare he ? Samaj tha kya hain khud ko?He was angry with her. understood but how could he think of leaving her here and if he thinks that's going to work he is thoroughly mistaken.She is going with him and that's final

"Main bhi Sanskaar ke saath jaana chahti hoon." she made it clear to her family which met with consent from her dad and others ..but her mom ?

Sharmistha rushed to Swara's room and saw her packing " Shona Kya kar rahi hain ? Sanskaar ne khud kaha ki woh ghar tera layak nahi hain .. you stay here aaram se .. woh aayega na tumhe le jaane ..aur.."

Swara zipped her suitcase and turned to face her mother eye to eye " Sanskaar chala jaaye woh theek hain?" Sharmistha looked taken aback by her question . its fact that she still couldn't convince herself of Sanskaar being idle match for Swara but she can't let daughter leave in god knows what house " Woh nahi maanega tu tho maan ja."

"Maa .. once you have taken decision regarding my life which almost crumbled my world . mere sanskaar ko mujhse dur karke ...lekin ab ..aisa nahi hone dungi ..Sanskaar mera pati hain aur main ussi ke saath rahungi..aap kya, sanskaar bhi mujhe uske ssath jaane se rokh nahi paayega" Resolute she picked her suitcase

" aur abhi tak aap samaj nahi paayi Maa .. meri har khushi Sanskaar se saath hain, woh nahi, tho aapki Shona nahi " Leaving shocked Sharmistha behind Swara walked out of room.

------------------------------------------------------

"Sanskaar I understand you ,lekin why do you want to leave shona? ..you know na how much she loves you."Sujoy tried talking out to Sanskaar who was packing his stuff.

" Sujoy I already told you .. It's what ? A 1 bhk I took on rent because I was leaving from here on day of Shona's marriage aur itna sab ho gaya achanak se ..I don't want her to face any kind of trouble there and just want her to be happy."

"Without you ?" Sujoy shot a question snapping up Sanskaar head and next minute door barged open with Swara walking in with her suitcase . Sanskaar and Sujoy exchanged a glance and the looked at Swara who declared " I am going with you Sanskaar."

"Shona .. I told you..you are not coming with me." Sanskaar glared at her

" Oh yes ! I am coming with you and I am not asking your permission Sanskaar." Swara answered back . Sujoy smiled within himself ..Well let the duo fight it out he smirked and slowly left the room saying" BTW let me know who won at the end."

"Don't be stubborn Shona .. Sanskaar tried reasoning .. "waha kuch nahi hain aur.."

"Tum ho na" she met his eye and stood rooted watching his expression change " aur kuch nahin chahiye mujhe ..and don't you try convincing me ..I am not listening aur ye kya?" she looked at his suitcase which was a mess " Hey bhagwan packing karna bhi nahi aata .. hato yaha se .." pushing him aside Swara sat on bed and started sorting out his clothes.

"Tum nahi maane waali na." Sanskaar asked for one last time and when she didn't reply "Fine! have it your way , Ziddi" he muttered angrily and sat on other side of bed .

----------------------------------------

As they both walked out Sujoy exchanged smile with Ragini and his Baba

"See I told so " he smirked looking at his sister "Ragini good you didn't place bet on Sanskaar .. you would have lost it." Ragini poked her tongue out . Sekhar smiled looking at his kids .. and he held hand of Sharmistha in assurance who looked not so happy . Dadi stood scowling .. angry on not being told about 50% of property transfer .. good that fellow refused ... "nahi toh .aisa tamasha karti ki " and sad that all taunts she planned were shunned right on her face as Sanskaar decided to leave not giving her a chance .After seeking blessings from everyone as Sekhar watched them walk through gate, he turned to his wife " ab maan bhi jao Mysti .. jo jodi uparwala banata hain ..unn par kisi ka zor nahi chalta .Shona aur Sanskaar bane hi ek dusre ke liye hain..jitni jaldi ye baat maanlo utna acha hain tumhare liye ."

Sharmistha simply nodded

"Sujoy ,Ragini .dekho unhe koi madat ki zaroorat hain tho .naya ghar hain."Sekhar walked in as Sujoy and Ragini nodded in consent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Swara glanced surroundings curiously as Sanskaar opened the door of their house Clearly a residential area, their apartment was on 3rd floor. As the door opened Sanskaar looked at Swara who was peeking in curiously .. wish he had someone who would welcome newly wed bride .. a family, but he dont ..

" Shona ..Aage Jaakar shayd main tumhe sb kuch de pavunga...lekin ek parivaar kabhi nahi Kyunki ..mera koi .." he paused

Swara's heart lurched with pain .. this is the first time in all these years she shad seen Sanskaar talking about missing a family ..and it was for her, that he couldn't give her one . Swara held his hand entwining her fingers with his. Sanskaar looked at her and then at their joined hands .

"Sanskaar ...main hoon hamesha " and the one line from her stopped that every tear at verge of his eyes...they met hers. A blink of her eye , held every assurance he ever asked for and they stepped in together.

It was a simple cozy 1 Bhk with basic furnishing .Living room led to kitchen, a straight lay out occupying the minimum space to maintain optimum efficiency.yet Swara felt comfortable as she took a look around. Right to living room was bed room.. A small cozy one , adjacent to it was a small balcony which can accommodate a maximum of two people .

"Ye Sanskaar bhi na .. itna acha hain aur bolta hain ki .. Swara thought taking a tour of apartment . As she stepped out bedrooom she saw him getting in their suitcases "Sanskaar ...mujhe bahut acha laga" she told him excited "lekin thoda saaf karna padega."

"Haan Woh I didn't know matlab ..sab itna suddenly hogaya ki .. I couldn't inform the owners to get it dusted and cleaned ..Main abhi batake aata hoon..." Sanskaar headed towards door was stopped by Swara

"Ji nahi .."

Sanskaar looked at her quizically as she continued " Hamara ghar hain aur main sab khud karungi .. kaha kya hoga main decided karungi .. aakhir home minister jo hain. Aur aap mere pati dev mere assistant banoge " Swara said with an authority smiling inwardly .

In Spite of sanskaar's protests Swara was not ready to give in and he had to give in finally, like always' Sanskaar shook his head hopelessly .."stubborn streak " he muttered again drawing a smile from Swara.

" Bolo kya karna hain."

"Pehle living room Saaf karenge ..phir bed room and then we will make list of aur kya kya chahiye ghar ko .." Sanskaar nodded and they got to work .

Done with living room Swara stepped into bedroom and drew curtains away and next minute stepped away coughing hit by waves of dust

"Hey Bhagwan ye curtains kitne gande hain .abhi nikal deti hoon ."She dragged a stool naer by and tried to reach curtain bracket standing on her toes ..probably not aware of shaky leg of stool . Unable to balance as she tipped ,Swara screamed and closed her eyes but Sanskaar was quick to reach her. Held in two strong arms She gently opened her eyes sighed with relief looking at Sanskaar.

"Kitni baar kaha hain dhyan rakah karo par nahi ,madam ko sab akele karna hain " scolding Sanskaar gently laid her on bed " lagi tho nahi." As Swara said no " kya jaroorat thi ulchane khoodne ki .. Gir jaati tho ...?"

"Main uchal nahi rahi thi ..woh ..curtains ..she pointed at curtains " Kitne gande hain iss liye ..."

"Ok fine .. I will get them .. aur tum" he warned her "hilogi nahi yaha se ..Samjhi." Swara smiled .He looked like a strict school teacher disciplining his unruly students and Swara nodded her head like obedient student.

"Lekin Sanskaar" Swara wanted to warn him about stool " chup .. ek dum chup ." he silenced her and before Swara could open her mouth again Sanskaar got onto stool and tried reaching to curtains "Sanskaar .." Swara tried again .. "Offo chup nahi reh sakti "Sanskaar turned to face her and tipped off and fell down .

Sanskaar ... Swara screamed closed her eyes and as she opened Swara broke into giggles looking at him as he sat like lost kid with dust on his hair looking at his hands and trying to figure out what just happened " Pehle nahi bol sakti thi" he shot her a mock angry glare as she got down held out her hand " Chup .. Ek dum chup, yahi kaha na..ho gayi tasalli "she laughed out " Chalo idhar aavo .. she cleared speckles of dust off his hair trying to hide her laugh.

"He he .. very funny! Ab hasna bandh karo ..kabhi kabhi hota hain."Sanskaar said clearly not happy in being caught by shona

" Acha! .waise Saanskaar kya bol rahe the tum" Swara folded her hands and brought a serious expression "Dyan kaha rehta hain tumhara.kitni baar bolu, gir jaata tho .." Swara imitated him poking her tongue out .

"Shona ki bachi ..tujhe tho .."

Laughing Swara ran around apartment as Sanskaar tried to chase her and catch hold of her. And finally he managed to corner her pinning her to wall in living room .His wrists held her hand above head as both took deep breaths.

"Ab kaha bhagoge madam.." Sanskaar leaned forward, with mischievous smile raising eyebrows in question . They were so close..Swara could feel his hard body pressed against hers and , his hot breath brushed across her cheek ,making her fall short of breath. Sanskaar' smile froze as he watched her eyes deepen with a passion Her lips parted and his gaze lowered to them instinctively. So luscious, So full ..so close ..his heart raced at thought of tasting them."Bhagna chahta ki kaun hain" she whispered against his lips and his grip on her hands tightened as sweet sensation shot right through him.

"Shona..."he murmured her name in almost a whisper .When it comes to her he never had hold on his emotions .The power she held on his heart .. she could keep him sane or turn insane. Either way she has final say.

A knock on door tumbled them back to reality "Humne kuch nahi dekha " Sujoy and Ragini walked in hiding their smiles." Kamse kam darwaja tho lock kiya karo"

Mortified Sanskaar released Swara, they exchanged a quick glance " Sujoy .. Ragini tum log kab aaye .. woh aisa kuch nahi hain jaise tum log soch rahe ho ..woh hum ..Sanskaar looked around trying to find words

" hum saaf kar rahe hain the ..hain na Sanskaar!" Swara joined him giving cue

Oh .. Ragini and Sujoy said in unison rolling their eyes .

"Haan ! Haan! Saaf kar rahe the " Sanskaar joined her ..woh wall pe waha dust tha tho he pointed to wall "ab theek hain."

"Haan haan teek hain .. maan gaye sirf saaf kar rahe the aur humne kuch dekha hi nahi na, Dada "..Ragini smiled teasingly, reached out to her sister drawing in for a warm hug .Sujoy and Sanskaar shared a hug as well

" We thought you might need help aur maa ne khana bheja hai aur waise jijai acha plan tha .. Shona ko sabse dur laane ka .. aapko laga hogi ki hum sab aapke romance main kababi ki haddi banege ..iss liye na.. Bolo bolo ." Ragini teased Sanskaar who cheeks were already red

"Chup karo ragini ..aisa nahi hai" Swara came to his aid

As Sujoy and Ragini joined them..it turned out to be more fun . While Ragini and Swara sorted out apartment Sujoy and Sanskaar stepped out to get some items listed by Swara and after few hours .it was all set curtains ,kitchen ,wardrobe , bed and it was almost evening.

"Kuch jarurat pade tho bula lena .. " Ragini Sujoy bid them bye.As Sanskaar and Swara stepped back into their apartment " Kitna acha lga raha haina Sanskaar
Swara smiled looking at him , he simply nodded

"Main naha ke aata hoon" Sanskaar quickly made his way to bedroom, and Swara's smile faded away.

After having a quick shower Sanskaar stepped out to get dinner .As Swara stepped out of shower she saw him arranging dinner on table . she quickly reached out and helped him .

"Kal main banungi khaana" Swara told as they had their dinner . Sanskaar simply nodded and it had been a silent dinner mostly . after cleaning dishes Swara made their bed . As Sanskar walked in .."Sanskaar maine sab set karliya.."Swara turned to him smiling.

"Thak gayi hogi Sojaavo ..Good night " Sanskaar picked pillow and walked into living room leaving confused Swara behind . She thought things were falling into place but ..

Sanskaar ...Swara rushed behind him into living room " Kya hua ..mujhe laga ki .."

" Shona .. mujhe thoda time chahiye .." Sanskaar said arranging pillows on couch .he didn't even look at her and Swara knew that was end of discussion as he slipped onto couch.

How did she even expect he would forgive her so easily? Swara walked back into room and curled up on bed . " Main intezaar karungi Sanskaar , tab tak jab tum mujhe maaf nahi kardete ..agar uss keliye poori zindagi bhi lagegi tab bhi." She told herself and soon slipped into deep slumber exhausted by days work.

Sanskaar stirred restlessly on couch .. the moment he had with shona ..how close they had been.. it almost shook him to core as he recalled it.. The intensity of it. "Nahi Sanskaar tera dhyan bhatak nahi sakta .. jab tak tu khud ko shona kaabil nahi banata ..jab tak duniya ki har khushi uski samne nahi rakhta .. tab tak ..usse dur rehna hoga" he resolutely told himself . All he ever wanted in his life was Shona but now he wanted more for her, for them and falling into happy rhythm with her might just mellow down the fire in him ...to prove himself and he didn't want it to happen . Being away from her is only way which would remind him of all that happened and keep him going.Thinking he slowly slipped into deep sleep .

.. only if Sanskaar knew all Swara wanted was his love ..may be he knew, but choose to ignore .

...------------------------------------------------------

"That bas***d .. Laksh gritted his teeth " Amit is influencing all our shareholders and suppliers just because we didn't support them. Aur sab uski dabaav main aarahe hain..He shot a glance around looking at Sekhar, Sujoy and Sanskaar.

.Sanskaar still supported Sekhar in business though not full fledgedly as he took up a part time job until Sujoy comes handy . Sekhar and Sanskaar felt happy when Sujoy mentioned he might wanna join business as well .His MBA in textile management he felt would be put to good use in his their business than vying for a corporate job . Sanskar took responsibility of handholding him , teaching tricks and tips of business. And as few weeks passed laksh called in all of them for a meet .

"Laksh beta ..I am sorry .. sab hamari wajah se.." Sekhar sounded apologetic

"Nahi uncle ...aisa mat kahiye ,Woh mujhe kal hi pata chala aur dad bhi buisness trip pe gayae huye hain so I just thought ki aapko batadu ..I am sure woh kuch tho plan kar raha hain ..waise Gupta's hamesha aise hi karte aaye hain ..unki baat manavane ke liye Amit Gupta kisi bhi had tak jaa skata hain aur ab woh Sahil ..."

"Aur hamare saare suppliers bhi ek ek kar ke , they are backing out ..pehle samaj nahi aaya lekin ab tumhi baaton se lag raha hain ki Shekhar rubbed his temples trying to ease his tension " If this goes on very soon we will be out of stock and will be left with nothing to trade with.I think he want us out of market."

Sanskaar who had been listening to them intently rose up and looked at everyone.

" Then let's be out of market." his words drew puzzled looks from everyone of them.

" Kya matlab hai tumhara?' Laksh quizzed

"Laksh .. If what you are saying is right tho ye ther haina ki hum jiske saath bhi business karna chahenge Amit Gupta would influence them or at least would try doing that."

The trio nodded in consent

Sanskaar turned to Sekhar Baba aap jo 50% ki share mere naa kiya hain kya woh bhi ...?" he paused

" Nahi beta ..woh tumhara hain aur tumhara hi rahega ..abhi jo bhi baat kar raha tha uss main ye nahi hain "

"Perfect ,Mujhe woh 50% Chahiye..abhi ussi 50% ke saath ...we will get everything back .Abhi ke liye everything will be as it is ..just like Gupta's want it. All we need to do is exaggerate whatever position we are in ki hmara business teek nahi chal raha hai etc etc and I am sure Mr Amit Gupta tak ye khabar pahuch hi jayega."

"That what he wants right!Laksh countered "and we are giving him what he want."

"Exactly Laksh ! The key here is play low.. Dushman ko yahi lagna chahiye ki woh jeet raha hain .. atleast we should create such an illusion...usko lagega sab khatam hogaya lekin ..."

"Ek minute! Sujoy interuppted in between " Tumhara khenke ki matlba hain woh 50% ke saath hum dusra..Oh man!but wouldn't he know it's you ..aur "

"He needn't know that, does he?" Sanskaar smirked." We can play in shadows too."

Silence ruled around for next few minutes .

Laksh rose and stood next to Sanskaar " Well Mr.Sanskaar ..mind If I add up 50% more to your investment.." they exchanged a look " Not at all Mr.Maheshwari " Sanskaar smirked joining hands with Laksh." Mind If I put in all my MBA gyaan into your partnership. Sujoy joined them placed his hand on their joined hands and exchanged a smile with them .

"Baba.. "the trio looked at Sekhar who nodded in consent.

" Wow Guess it going to fun .. taking on Gupta's" said an excited Sujoy

"I bet it is "Laksh joined him.

Sanskaar drew back , turned around and stared at clear sky before him. "Yeh toh bas shuruaat hai .." Well like someone said sky is the beginning of the limit and it's just beginning for him.

"Waise tumne kuch naam socha hain ?" Laksh asked looking at Sanskaar.

  Sanskaar nodded  - "KARMA'