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Swara, Lakshya and Kavita followed Sanskaar as he began to climb the staircase which led upstairs.

Actually Sanskaar would have refused, but something about this girl Swara, was forcing himself to oblige. He knew that he wouldn't apologize for the way he behaved with her. The word "sorry" had been deleted from Sanskaar Maheshwari's dictionary, a long time ago. But somehow he wanted to make up to this particular girl, which was why he chose to accompany them.

As they walked along a vast open corridor, lined with columns of pillars carved with intricate designs, they looked down and saw an open central courtyard in the ground floor. Then, they arrived at a hallway with walls decorated with artful frescos.

When she saw huge arched glass windows made with multi coloured glass mosaics, Swara gasped audibly. Sanskaar couldn't help glancing at her as she placed a hand on Lakshya's shoulder.

Sw: Wow, Lakshya..It's amazing..Isn't it..?!

Involuntarily, her eyes changed direction and glanced at Sanskaar, and they widened with surprise as she saw him staring at her. She pulled away her gaze in a jiffy and acted as if she was interested in the architecture of a nearby archway.

Sanskaar blinked and he too looked away, unable to understand what was happening to him.

La: Mr. Maheshwari..How many rooms are there in this haveli..?

Sa: Well, we have over 85 rooms in total..

Ka: Sanskaar..Can you please show us inside any of the rooms..?

Sanskaar turned towards a nearby wooden door, which had intricate designs carved into it. He unlocked the door and opened it. The interior of the room was also embellished with fine mirror work and ivory. It was a fully furnished bed chamber with the glorious coloured glass windows. Swara's eyes travelled around the room and this time she deliberately hid her excitement, afraid that Mr. Maheshwari would again look at her.

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The haveli had numerous corridors and balconies, courtyards and terraces. Sanskaar took them around each and every corner of the haveli and the other three were more than impressed with the architecture and craftsmanship of the ancient Rajasthanis.

When they finally arrived back into the downstairs drawing room, from where they had started the tour, it was already past 2.30 p.m. Kavita went off towards the kitchen to see if the cooking staff had prepared their lunch and Lakshya too went outside to receive a phone call. Now it was only Sanskaar and Swara in the hall and in order to maintain a safe distance from him, Swara moved towards the opposite wall, as if she wanted to admire a mural painting. But his mere presence in the same room with her, was exuding invisible waves of an unnaturally strong force, and she could feel its intensity.

Sa: Miss. Swara..

The way her own name sounded in his rich baritone startled her and she turned her head backwards to look at him. To Sanskaar, it seemed that her widened eyes were beckoning him, "they are casting a strange power on me", he thought.

Sw:(stutters) Y-Yes, Mr. M-Maheshwari..

Sanskaar raised his eyebrows when he realized that she was still afraid of him. His idea of making up to her by his tour around the haveli had certainly not worked. He had to do something else, to convince her that he was not as rude as she thought about him.

He walked towards her, with his eyes set on her beautiful moon-like face and he tried to make his tone as polite as possible, while he uttered the next words.

Sa: So what do you think about the venue, after your inspection..?

This was the least expected question, but she was relieved that he had asked something related to her work, something she was confident of talking about. Her voice was steady this time, when she answered him, looking straight into his eyes, with confidence.

Sw: (smiles pleasantly) Well, Mr. Maheshwari..Your haveli is one of the most beautiful wedding venues I have ever been to..And we are most honoured to work with you, on this project..

Her voice was calm and composed and he knew he had accomplished his intention. A feeling of unexpected relief washed over him and he actually smiled at her, in fact a lazy grin swept across his face and reached his twinkling eyes. Swara's heart did a somersault and she found herself grinning too.

Sanskaar thought that she looked even more beautiful when she smiled.

Sa: Well, I am sorry, Swara..

The words were out of his mouth even before he realized. Sanskaar Maheshwari was actually saying "Sorry"..!!!

Sw: (smiles wide) No, Mr.Maheshwari..It's ok..

To see her smile like that, he thought that the "sorry" was worth it

Sw: (composes herself) In fact, I am sorry..I shouldn't have trespassed..

But two eyes were watching them from a distance, with confusion and uncertainty clearly reflecting on her face. Kavita was seeing a whole new version of Sanskaar Maheshwari in front of her and she couldn't believe it.

Just then Lakshya came towards them after attending the phone call.

La: Swara..I guess we should leave, since we finished the site inspection..

He turned towards Sanskaar and Kavita.

La: (smiling politely) So Mr.Maheshwari, and Kavita M'am..Thank you so much for co-operating with us..And seriously, we had a great time..!

Ka: (smiles) But Lakshya, you guys shall leave after having lunch with us..

La: No M'am..we need to go..we will have something from outside..from some restaurant..

But then to everyone's surprise, Sanskaar interrupted their conversation.

Sa: (seriously) It's already 2.45..And you guys are having your lunch with us, and that's final..!

And when he noticed Swara looking at him with gratitude shining in her curious eyes, Sanskaar felt really pleased with himself and his offer.

But what he didn't notice was the shocked look on Kavita's face.

As they made their way towards the dining hall, she couldn't help noticing that Sanskaar was in a pleasant mood. He was not talking anything, but still she could feel the change in his body language and his face expression.

Kavita thought, "May be he is happy with Uttara's marriage preparations, and these Wedding Planners", and she smiled to herself.

While they sat down for lunch, the table was laden with delicious looking Rajasthani dishes such that daal-baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, pulao, paneer curry, missi roti, garlic chutney, juicy sweet rasgullas etc.

They didn't talk much while having the food, but Sanskaar's eyes kept darting towards Swara, quite unintentionally. He was wondering, what was the matter with him, and he tried to busy himself with the food.

Swara could sense his eyes upon her whenever he looked, even though her eyes were on her plate. She was also surprised by the fact that her heart was urging her to look towards him, but she resisted the urge, whatsoever.

Afterwards, when they all walked towards the drawing room, Lakshya turned to thank Sanskaar and Kavita, for the delicious lunch.

La: Thank you, Mr. Maheshwari and Kavita M'am..The lunch was simply awesome..

Ka: (smiles) It's our pleasure..

Sanskaar simply nodded at him and then glanced at Swara. She smiled at him denoting her gratitude, Sanskaar's heart skipped a beat, and he returned the smile, automatically.

La: Ok then..we will take your leave now..

He turned towards Swara, wanting to know if she was ok with his decision.

Sw: (nods) Yes, Lakshya..(smiles)

Sanskaar felt a slightly painful twinge in his heart, Swara felt it too, and she looked at him instantly.

La: We will be in touch, Mr. Maheshwari and Kavita M'am..(looks at Kavita and nods with a smile)

Lakshya shook hands with Sanskaar and then Kavita. Swara too shook hands with Kavita and then she held out her hand to Sanskaar. Their eyes met for a few seconds as Sanskaar shook hands with her. But when his hand-clasp lasted longer than was necessary, Swara ended it with a nervous smile.

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Later, as Swara and Lakshya were in the back seat of the company car, on their way back to Mumbai, Swara's thoughts trailed back towards her encounters with Mr. Maheshwari in the haveli.

For once, she was unaware of Lakshya's presence beside her. She had completely forgotten about her plan to propose him.

La: Swara..

Swara was startled, hearing his voice.

Sw:(turns her face to him) Yes..!

La: (smiles) what are you thinking about..?

Sw: (shrugs with a smile) Err..it's nothing, Lakshya..!

La: (frowns) There has to be something..I have been noticing you since morning..

Sw: (looks into his eyes) Nothing is there, Lakshya..I am telling the truth..(smiles affirmatively)

Swara didn't know why she was hiding her thoughts about Sanskaar from Lakshya. She never used to hide anything from him, this was happening for the first time. Today morning also she didn't tell him the truth, when he asked about why she was nervous after coming back from the study room, after her very first encounter with Sanskaar Maheshwari.

She felt guilty instantly, and she decided to tell him everything. But then,

La: (smiling wide) Ok Swara..I just felt that something is bothering you..(cups her face affectionately) You are fine, right..?(looks into her eyes)

Swara nodded her head and smiled.

Sw: Hmm..

La: Ok..

He left her face and then looked out of the window. Smiling, Swara looked at the back of his head and thought, "How much Lakshya cares about me..There is no wonder I love him a lot..But I didn't get any chance to propose him as I had anticipated..But it's ok, actually, I will tell him some time soon.. "

She blushed and looked out of her side window. Slowly she dozed off into a shallow slumber.

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Meanwhile, Sanskaar was sitting inside his Study room in the haveli. Their flight to Kolkata was scheduled to depart at 9 p.m in the night. Meanwhile, he decided to do his office work. He had asked Kavita not to disturb him for some time, and so she retired to one of the bedrooms for taking an afternoon nap.

Sanskaar was going through one of his company files, but he just couldn't concentrate anymore. Swara's face was haunting his senses -- her eyes, her smile, her innocence, her cheerfulness everything about her kept replaying inside his mind's eye.

Sa:(whispers hoarsely)Swaraaa..

****

At the same time in the car, Swara woke up from her sleep with a start. She looked at Lakshya.

Sw: Lakshya..did you call me..?

La: No..!(shrugs) you were sleeping..why would I disturb..?

Sw: (frowns) Oh..I thought I heard my name..

She leaned her forehead onto the window glass pane and glanced outside lazily.

****
Sanskaar couldn't understand why Swara was affecting him so much. He got up from his seat and started to pace to and fro along the room.

Sa: (frustrated voice) What is happening to me..!!

He ran his fingers along his hair, anxiously. He closed his eyes tightly and again Swara's smiling face swam into his inner vision.

Ka: Sanskaar..

He opened his eyes in a jiffy and saw Kavita standing at the doorway. She was looking tensed, and she continued.

Ka: What is the matter, Sanskaar..Are you alright..? Is there something which bothers you..?

Sa: Kavita..

Slowly she walked inside the room.

Ka: I just came to give your mobile to you..It was ringing..You had forgotten it on the drawing room table..

Sa: Ohh..Thank you Kavita..!

He took the mobile from her hand and viewed the missed call details.

Sa: Oh it was from Mr.Dasgupta..I will call him back..

Kavita noticed that Sanskaar was really tensed about something. She watched him with eyes filled with concern.

Ka: All ok, Sanskaar..? Is it something about Uttara's wedding..?

Sanskaar noticed that Kavita was looking really anxious. He placed his both hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes with a slight smile.

Sa: (softly) Kavita..Everything is alright..It's just that..Err..nothing..you go and take rest..

With a happy smile, she placed her arms around him and tried to hug him comfortingly.

Ka: Hmm..Ok Sanskaar..

Sanskaar loosely placed his arms around her and looked away guiltily.

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A week later..

Mumbai

It was Sunday. When Swara woke up, she freshened up and went into the kitchen. Sharmishta was busy preparing breakfast for everyone.

Sw: Good morning, Maa..(hugs her from behind)

Sh: Good morning..(smiles) Too early today..!! Did you forget that it's Sunday..usually you wake up late..

Sw: I know..but today no mood to sleep..(leaves her Mom and looks at her)

Sh: Ok then..you need coffee, right..will give now..

Sw: Maa.. is Ragini awake..?

Sh: Not yet..you go and check..

Sw: Ok..

Swara took two coffee mugs and went towards Ragini's room. When she entered her room, Ragini was just coming out of the washroom.

Ra:Swaraa..(smiles), Good morning..

Sw: (smiles) Good morning ..(gives the coffee mug)

Ragini took the mug from Swara and both the sisters walked towards the balcony to have their coffees. They sat down on two chairs.

Ra: Well, Swara..what is your plan for today..?

Sw: Mine..?! Nothing at all..you have some plan..?

Ra: (thinks) Hmmm..we can go for some movie..You , me and Lakshya..

Sw: (thinks and then smiles) Ok..But which movie..? "Dhadak"..?

Ra: Nooo.."Nawaabzaade"..

La: Hello girls..Good morning..

Both Swara's and Ragini's face brightened hearing his voice. They turned their heads towards him with wide smiles.

Sw: Good morning..

Ra: Good morning Lakshya..Will you please tell Swara that we will be watching Nawaabzaade today..

Sw: (pouts) Nooo .."Dhadak"...!

Lakshya reached the balcony and he leaned his back towards the railing of the balcony.

La: Let's go for both..one in the morning and the other in the afternoon..and we will have lunch from outside..Happy now, both of you..?!

Sw: (raises her eyebrows) Wow...!!

Ra: Superb idea Lakshya..you are the best..!! (grins happily)

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Kolkata

Meanwhile, at the Maheshwari Mansion, Sanskaar was getting ready. Just as he changed into his formal suit, Uttara knocked at his door.

Sa: Come inside..

Uttara opened the door and walked inside.

Sa: Uttara..

Ut: Bhaiyya..you are going for that business deal in Mumbai, right..when is your flight..?

Sa: 10 a.m.. but why are you asking..?

Ut: Is Kavita also coming along..?

Sa: No..

Ut: Then it's ok..(smiles)

Sa: (frowns) Why..? what happened..?

Sanskaar was combing his hair, standing in front of the mirror.

Ut: It's just that..If she is free today, I was planning to go shopping with her...And I wanted to visit the salon too..only three weeks are left for the wedding, right..And, did you talk with those wedding planners.. ?

Sanskaar's hand stopped midway hearing the word Wedding Planners. He was reminded of Swara at once.

Sa: (slowly) Wedding planners..No..What do you want me to tell them..?

Ut: It's about my wedding dress..And I want a theme wedding..!

Sa: Ok let's do like this..you also come with me to Mumbai..!

Ut: Wowww..! bhaiyyaa..Really..!!

Sa: (turns to her and smiles) Of course..We will go to their office in Mumbai..!

Ut: Ok..Shall we take Kavita also along with us..?

Sa: Sure..you call up and tell her..I will book two extra tickets..And you two can do the shopping there, while I attend the business meeting..

Ut: Oh bhaiyya..(she hugs him happily) Thank you soo much..Oh..I am so excited..!! I am going to call Kavita now..

Uttara left the room, really happily and Sanskaar smiled at his reflection in the mirror. He was wondering why he made such a plan. And the answer was right there in his heart, he wanted to meet Swara again.

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So this was PART 3

What do you feel about the changes in Sanskaar..?

Please convey your views through your comments and your love through your votes..

Lots of love,

Naina