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Mumbai

That night, after dinner, Swara was in her bedroom, explaining the eve-teaser incident to Ragini. Swara had asked Lakshya not to tell anything to her parents or his parents. So she couldn't share it with Ragini earlier, when she had arrived home. Swara just informed her parents, Sharmishta and Shekhar that she had to wait for a taxi for quite some time and they really believed her.

And now after hearing everything, Ragini was really worried.

Ra: Thank god, Swara..nothing bad happened..!! (cups Swara's face)

Sw: (touches Ragini's hands) Yes, Ragini..(looks away, with relief)

Ra: (puts her arm around Swara) And Mr. Maheshwari arrived there on time, like a guardian angel..!"

Swara smiled at her sister's words and nodded, but didn't say anything. She was thinking about him, his magnetic eyes, and the way she had felt secure inside his arms. She hadn't told anything to Ragini or Lakshya about their hug, and she wondered why.
**************
Sanskaar entered into his hotel room, after their dinner together. Kavita and Uttara shared the room next to his.

He changed into his night wear and then walked towards the balcony for a breath of fresh air. Swara's closeness with Lakshya still suffocated him. He was disturbed all through his dinner and thankfully neither Kavita nor Uttara had noticed it. But deep inside, he knew that it was because, his face never showed his emotions. He had been successful in masking his expressions, ever since the death of his beloved father, Durgaprasad Maheshwari. That was 10 years ago. At that time, his mother had wanted him to be so much strong, too much competent and always successful in his life, and so he just set himself into the mould, which she had prepared for him.

Sanskaar had always wondered, if his life would have been the same, if his father was still alive. The transformation from a fun-loving 18 year old boy to a sharp-focused businessman, was not easy. It had cost him so much -- his friendships, his cheerfulness, simple joys such as going out for movies, road-trips, partying and much more. Even if his attitude was casual towards life in his teenage, he had always wanted to assist his father in his business.

He was proud of his father, in every way, but he was unprepared for his father's untimely demise. And then it was time to step inside his father's shoes -- to be the master of the Maheshwari empire, and he knew he should become like his father, in every possible way.

He knew that his father would be proud of him now. But was he proud of himself, he wondered now as he stood near the railing of the balcony, gazing outside.

And when he gazed up at the moon, suddenly he felt Swara's presence near him. He looked sideways, feeling cheerful, expecting to see her. But she was not there, and now he realized what he had longed for since childhood, while looking at the moon. He realized, he had been waiting for her -- Swara, all his life.
*********************
Swara was standing in the balcony of her bedroom, alone. Ragini left only some minutes before and Swara loved the feel of night breeze around her body. Slowly, she raised her face towards the moon and suddenly she had a strange feeling as if Sanskaar Maheshwari was beside her. She closed her eyes and she had a vision. She was lying on the cemented ground, of a terrace, and Sanskaar was lying beside her. They were holding hands and were gazing at the moon, together.

Swara opened her eyes in a jiffy and was surprised at her hallucination. The terrace felt strangely familiar, but she was sure she had never seen that place here in Mumbai. And what surprised her was this Sanskaar was so young, he was only around 18 years old.

Sw: I think I am feeling sleepy, that is why I am dreaming all these now..

She grinned at her silly thoughts and walked inside into her bedroom.

But little did Swara know that she had envisaged one of the many moon-gazing nights of young Zaara and Pratham at the terrace of their apartment in Chandni Chowk, many years ago.
******************
Meanwhile, Sanskaar was still looking at the moon as he realized it.

Sa: I love you Swaraa..I love you..I have loved you, even before seeing you..

With a painful feeling, he realized this was the reason why he felt distant with Kavita all the time. Kavita was beautiful, educated, talented, caring, cultured, and his above all, his mother's choice for him -- but she was not Swara. It was as simple as that.

He knew that his mother would not be happy with his decision. But he also knew that he had always listened to her, all his life. He never ever went against her decisions. He had lived his life for the sake of his family till now. But now it was time, he did something for himself.

But then he thought about Lakshya, and his heart constricted with even more pain. He shut his eyes tightly and thought defiantly, "No..I can't let him have her..Swara is mine..only mine..!"
*****************************
But as Swara lay down on her bed, she tried to think about Lakshya. A shy smile appeared on her face and she whispered,
Sw: I love you Lakshya..I know I love only you..No one can take your place in my life..!

But then she turned on her bed and lay on her side, with a slight frown.

Sw: But how will I know, about your feelings, Lakshya..? If I tell you that I love you and want to marry you, how will you react, I am afraid..
****************************
Three more weeks passed and now it was time to begin the wedding preparations of Uttara Maheshwari...

Udaipur, 10.30 a.m

The Maheshwaris and Kavita Singhania had already arrived from Kolkata on the previous night itself.

Swara, Lakshya and their whole team consisting of caterers, florists, decorators, dress designers, make-up professionals, stylists, DJ, music systems, rental equipment and other wedding necessities, arrived at the wedding venue.

This time, Sanskaar was there to receive them, at the entrance of the haveli itself. He was wearing a nice turquoise blue shirt with an ivory coloured formal suit and pants. His heart warmed at the sight of Swara, as she got down from the car. She was wearing a pair of jeans and a sunshine yellow sleeveless kurti with delicate hand embroidery detailing. Lakshya also got down after her, and Sanskaar's blood boiled at the sight of him. He was wearing a black shirt and maroon linen pants.

They walked towards him and he went forward to shake hands with them. After a polite handshake with Lakshya, when Sanskaar's hand clasped Swara's hand, he could almost feel the thrill of his heart beats. Swara smiled at him and he smiled back, quite happily.

La: So, Mr. Maheshwari..We have to start our work today itself..By tomorrow, the guests will be flying in..And we have taken care of their transportation till the venue..If you give your permission, we will ask the decorators to start their work..And we both (indicating Swara) will take care of the room arrangements according to the invite list..

Sa: You are right Lakshya, you all can start your work..

At that time, Annapurna, Kavita and Uttara arrived in their car, after their visit to their ancestral temple, in order to seek the blessings of their 'Kuldevi'. Kavita was wearing a simple royal blue chiffon sari with a mirror worked green blouse, where as Uttara was wearing a purple coloured anarkali suit with silver embellishments. Kavita and Uttara came and hugged Swara when they saw her. Swara was so happy to notice that they had dropped all pretences of formalities and she was really touched by their gesture.

Ka:So nice to see you again, Swara..!

Ut: Yess..(giggles)

Sw: Hello, Kavita M'am, Uttara M'am..(grins widely)

And then she noticed Annapurna Maheshwari, who was a beautiful woman, who had a queen like aura about her, even if she was wearing light coloured clothes. (she is a widow in the story) Swara and Lakshya joined their palms in a 'Namaste' and she too greeted them in the same way with a nice smile.

Sw: Namste M'am..we are so happy to meet you..(smiles pleasantly)

An: Kavita and Uttara used to tell me so many wonderful things about you..And you are Lakshya..(looks at Lakshya)

La: Yes, M'am..(smiles)

Meanwhile, Sanskaar had his eyes only for Swara. Three weeks ago, he had vowed to himself that whatever may happen, he will make her his wife. And when Sanskaar Maheshwari wanted something, he always made sure he got it.
*******************
By the afternoon, Swara was really tired. She had been flitting along the long corridors of the huge haveli, from morning till noon, allotting the rooms for the guests. Now, she turned towards two of the housekeeping staff, who were there to assist her.

Sw: You guys go and have lunch..I will join you later..

They nodded and left. Swara walked downstairs and went towards the bedroom which was allotted to her. She had to pass Sanskaar's Study room, to reach there. And this was not a mere coincidence, it was all well planned by Sanskaar. And he had made sure that Lakshya's bedroom was much far away.

Swara wanted to charge her cell phone, since its battery level was very low. As she passed along the Study room door, Sanskaar saw her walk past, from inside. He knew that she will be returning soon and he waited for it.

Just as she made her way back, he stepped out of the Study at the same time and joined her, in a convincing demeanour. They were walking together along the huge drawing room area. It was elaborately decorated with multi coloured draperies and mirror disc curtains. But the room was deserted, since the decorating staff had already left for lunch.

Sa: Swara.. (pleasantly)
Sw: (smiles) Yes, Mr. Maheshwari..
Sa: How is everything going on..?
Sw: Everything is fine, Sir..! I just finished off allotting rooms to over 35 guests. Now there are 30 more remaining in my list. I will cover them in the afternoon session..(smiles confidently)
Sa: (nods) Perfect..! ( smiles appreciatively)

Swara blushed at his compliment and her smile widened automatically.

Sa: You are going to have lunch, right..?
Sw: Yes..and you, Sir..?
Sa: Of course..Yes..! Well, Swara..I wanted to ask you something..
Sw: What..?
Sa: You stay in Mumbai alone, or...with family..?
Sw: With family..and I live with my parents and my younger sister..

Sanskaar was very much relieved hearing this. So she was definitely not in a live-in relationship with Lakshya.
Sa: Ok..so then, what was Lakshya doing down your apartment complex..?
Sw: He is my neighbour and you know what, we are childhood friends..! since we were only 2 years old..(delightful smile)
Sa: Oh I see..! (happy smile)

Sanskaar felt another wave of relief washing through him.

Sw: (excitedly) Reallyyy..! We are like best friends forever..!! (shrugs childishly)
Sa: (instantly) Oh then its ok..!

He said to himself, more than her. Swara took some time to register what he was trying to ask.

Sw: One second..one second(frowns) What was in your mind..?!

Sanskaar's face showed guilt at once. And then realization dawned to her. He had suspected that she and Lakshya were having a live-in relationship.

Sw: (eyes widened) Ooo Mmmm Gggg..!! You thought that me and Lakshya..! (shouts aloud) Hawwww...I don't believe this..!

He didn't know why he did it, but in a swift move, he just held her shoulder with one hand and shut her mouth with his other hand, tightly.

Sa: (hisses) Keep quiet, Swara..!!

Swara widened her eyes and gazed at him making helpless noises. But he was busy looking around to make sure if anyone had heard her.

Sw: Mmm..mmm..

Sanskaar realized what he was doing and he took off his hand instantly. Swara heaved deep breaths and tried to regain her composure, while Sanskaar watched her with an apologetic expression.

Sa: I am so sorry, Swara..! I didn't mean to..I am sorry..

But Swara just laughed out loud, finding the whole situation funny. The way she laughed, was so contagious that he too began to laugh heartily. They laughed and laughed until their tummies ached.

Sw: (clutching her stomach, and sighing hard) Huh..huh..Ok..Stop...I can't laugh any more..!
Sa: (tears in his eyes, and lets out a sigh) Huh.. Swara..yes..you are right..! even me..Huh..! (clutches his tummy too)

Sanskaar was surprised at the easy camaraderie he was beginning to feel with her. He never felt this happy with anyone else, and he had not laughed like this in years. It was as if they had known each other forever.

Sw: (regains her composure) Ok..(keeps her face straight) Let's go now..?
Sa: (smiles wide) Yess..!
Sw: (nods with a wide smile) Ok then..!

A separate dining area was arranged for the staff and workers from "Shaadi Mubarak", but Lakshya and Swara were given the privilege to dine with the family.

When Sanskaar and Swara reached the dining hall, Swara sat down near Lakshya and Sanskaar didn't find it uncomfortable at all. He was sitting at the main end of the table and Kavita, Annapurna and Uttara too joined them for lunch.

A conversation about the wedding arrangements started off around him and Kavita and Uttara were the active participants in it. Swara and Lakshya occasionally joined in the talk to express their opinions and plans. Through all of this, Sanskaar ate his dinner without saying a word, but Swara could feel his eyes on her. But whenever she glanced back at him, he would just smile at her, and the way his eyes twinkled, did things to her heart, which she had never dreamed of.
**********************
By 8 o' clock in the evening, the haveli looked splendid with the elaborate decorations. Also, Lakshya and Swara had finished their works of arranging the rooms for the guests who would be arriving the very next day. They all let out a sigh of relief after finishing their duties for the day.

After talking with the workers and their staff, Lakshya and Swara were walking along the corridors.

La: Swara..All is well, for now..! I am happy with our work..!

Sw: (sighs) Me too Lakshya..But I am feeling so tired, right now..Such a big haveli, Ohhh my God..! I guess, this wedding is going to be the best of all our projects till now..!

La: True Swara..Even I have huge expectations with the outcome of this wedding..I guess "Shaadi Mubarak" will be able to receive so many clients after this one..

As they were talking, they climbed down the staircase to the drawing room.

La: Ok Swara..I will just go to my room and freshen up..see you at dinner..!

Sw: Ok Lakshya..Me too..

They parted their ways and headed towards the directions of their respective rooms. As usual, Swara had to pass along the door of Sanskaar's Study. While passing, she couldn't resist looking into the room, but when she didn't see him inside, she felt strangely disappointed.

Just when she turned towards the hallway leading to her own bedroom, she bumped into a sturdy form. She was about to fall backwards in shock, while his strong hands snaked around her petite waist, and her hands automatically found his well toned shoulders to hold on for support. He eyes widened when she saw who it was, it was him -- Sanskaar Maheshwari.

Sanskaar pulled her closer to him, in the process of straightening her posture, and for a moment, it was as if she was inside his arms again. Their eyes spoke again, never leaving each other even for a single moment. Swara's palms grazed over his shoulder softly, while his palms caressed her waist and Swara could feel the heat emanating from them through the thin fabric of her kurti.

She moved backward, from his hold, as if feeling scorched, slightly pushing him away in the process. But her eyes still gazed deep into his dark brown eyes trying to decode the cryptic language of his heart.

Sw: Mr. Maheshwari..I am sorry..I didn't notice you coming..! (looks at him guiltily)

Sanskaar felt deprived for a moment, when she pulled away, but he regained his composure, quickly.

Sa: (husky voice) It's ok Swara..Even I didn't notice..It's my fault too..

But his eyes were telling a different story, a wave of desire emanated from them and she was taken aback when she felt its intensity. He was looking at her rather intently with his blazing eyes, and Swara was finding it hard to breathe. She felt her resolve melt under his scorching gaze and she looked back into his eyes with a matching intensity.

Sanskaar could feel her desire for him, in those doe-like eyes, and his heart rejoiced inside.

Sa: Swara..

The trance broke instantly and an apparent confusion reigned over her pretty features.

Sw: Huh..!

She was looking everywhere else, except into his eyes. Sanskaar suppressed his sudden urge to smile and he continued with a plain face.

Sa: (seriously) How is the work going on..?

Swara's expression changed into a confident one and Sanskaar was happy that he could make her feel at ease.

Sw: Everything has been done, Sir.. Basic Decorations, room arrangements and all..Thematic decorations will be done later, for each occasions like Haldi, Sangeet, Mehndi, and all..

Sa: (nods) Great..!

Sw: Thank you, Sir..! (smiles politely)

Sanskaar didn't smile this time and he just gazed at her with keen interest. The look gave her goose bumps all over and she felt like a hundred butterflies were fluttering inside her tummy. Then he walked away without a backward glance, and she turned her head and watched him go. Swara was left with a strange feeling and she too walked off in the direction of her room.
*******End of PART 5********
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Naina