Hello my dears, I am back with the next update..

I want to thank everyone of you for supporting me with so much love..

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A railway station backdrop appeared on the stage and a bench was seen in the back ground. Sanskaar and Swara sat down on the railway bench and they began to enact the scene.

(For those who haven't watched "Veer-Zaara" film--It's the scene in which Zaara is going back to Pakistan after her first visit to Veer's village and India, and Veer is with her to see her off. Before leaving the village his Bauji(father) and his Maa have asked Veer to propose Zaara. At the railway station, just when Veer is about to propose to Zaara, her would-be husband Raza Sirazi appears on the scene. And then Zaara tells Veer about him. I am posting the dialogues in English here )

Sw: (smiling) So silly of me...l kept talking about everything....but l forgot to tell you about Raza..

Sa: (seriously) You made a big mistake..(looks at her with a hurt expression)

Sw: (confused) What..?

Sa: (intense look) You made a big mistake...Zaara, I am a very simple man..I speak frankly and understand things simply..(looks away) It's the first time I started thinking differently because of Bauji (Papa) and Maaji (Maa)....(smiles hurtfully) (then looks into her eyes intently) The entire journey I kept thinking about a way to stop you, not to let you go....and tell you that I really like you and if you think I am okay for you then....let's get married..(again smiles hurtfully) And together we would live our life in happiness just like, these past two days..(his smile fades, he looks away bitterly and then looks up to the heavens) But the guy up there has strange ways...He kept building my confidence and then when we got here..He changed the entire story..(lets out a deep sigh and then smiles bitterly) (then looks into her eyes intensely) You must be wondering why I am telling you all this right now..Please don't get me wrong..I understand that you belong to someone else....and there's nothing between us, nor can there ever be..But wherever, whenever you need a friend....just remember that there is a man across the border....who will give his life for you..

Sanskaar finished his dialogue and kept looking into Swara's eyes intently. Swara was amazed at the way these dialogues sounded nearly similar to their real life situation. And the look in Sanskaar's eyes made her heart do multiple somersaults. As Swara kept looking into his eyes, the lighting on the stage dimmed again.

And a voice over was heard..

" Zaara returns to her home land, Pakistan and she realizes that she has fallen in love with Veer. Now here comes a romantic dream sequence in which Zaara feels Veer's presence beside her"

And then the stage lighted up again with a back drop of Zaara's house frontage and a landscaped lawn. Swara was standing alone on the stage now, her eyes shut and with a dreamy look on her face. A song started in the background.

(For those who don't know about the song--Please do check it out on youtube)

(slow rendition) Jaanam.... Dekh Lo.... Mit Gayi.... Dooriyan....{Oh Beloved.. just see..the distances are fading away..}

Sanskaar entered the scene with a slow and calculating gait. (he lip syncs as if singing the song for her)

Main Yahaan Hoon... Yahaan Hoon....{I am here... am here}

He came and stood really close to her.

Yahaan Hoon....{am here} (he whispers into her ears)...Yahaan....{here}

Swara opened her eyes and showed that Zaara is surprised to find Veer behind her. But while whispering, his breath just tickled Swara's earlobe and she gasped .

*Starting BGM of the song*

Sanskaar placed his both hands on her shoulders..

(normal speed rendition) Jaanam Dekh Lo Mit Gayi Dooriyan...{Oh Beloved.. just see..the distances are fading away}

And he sang, moving his hands slowly rubbing down her arms and then forearms..His big palms held her small hands inside them, and he brought his face towards her each ear alternatively for each "yahan hoon",

Main Yahaan Hoon, Yahaan Hoon, Yahaan Hoon, Yahaan..

Swara just closed her eyes, completely melting under his touch.

He brought forth her hands, encircling his and her arms around her petite waist possessively from behind itself and sang with partly raised head and closed eyes..

Kaisi Sarhadein, Kaisi Majbooriyan...{what kind of borders, what kind of helplessness..}

Swara gasped at his action and she could feel butterflies fluttering inside her tummy as he held her close..

He opened his eyes again, without leaving her waist and sings "yahaan hoon" after pressing his chin on her shoulder, and then hitting his cheek to her cheek, for the next two "yahaan hoon".

Main Yahaan Hoon, Yahaan Hoon, Yahaan Hoon... Yahaan

Swara was feeling tensed by his actions and she just pulled away his hands from around her, and started to run away from him. Just then he caught hold of her wrist and started to sing, moving towards her side in clock wise, quarter circle, while singing the next two lines, looking intently into her, now tensed face.

Tum Chhupa Na Sakogi Main Woh Raaz Hoon..{I'm the kind of secret you'll not be able to hide..}

Tum Bhula Na Sakogi Woh Andaaz Hoon...{I'm that style which you'll not be able to forget..}

Swara was now panting for breath unable to resist her feelings.

Sanskaar walked to her front and pulled up her other hand also with his other hand. Now he was holding both her hands, he sang the next two lines, looking intensely into her vulnerable face.

Goonjtaa Hoon Jo Dil Mein To Hairaan Ho Kyun...{why are you surprised if you hear me resounding in your heart..}

Main Tumhare Hi Dil Ki Toh Aawaz Hoon...{I'm the voice of your heart only..}

Swara's eyes were lost in his eyes and she was transported into an ethereal world, where there were just the two of them. Time ceased to exist for her.

Suddenly he pulled her towards him in a swift move and sang..

Sun Sako... Toh Suno... Dhadkanon Ki Zubaan..{if you can..just listen to the sound of your heartbeats}

While her face was close to his chest, as if he was making her listen to his heart beats.

Main Yahaan Hoon, Yahaan Hoon,

Yahaan Hoon, Yahaan...{I'm here.. I'm here..}

Then he pulled up her face cupping it with his palms and sang looking into her lovely face.

Kaisi Sarhadein, Kaisi Majbooriyan...{what kind of borders, what kind of helplessness}

Main Yahaan Hoon, Yahaan Hoon,

Yahaan Hoon, Yahaaaaaan...{I'm here.. I'm here..}

The song stopped at that juncture. Even though, the act was supposed to end there, Sanskaar called her name again,

Sa: Zaara..(without leaving her moon-like face, which so beautifully fitted well into his cupped palms.)

He himself didn't know why he was calling Swara by that name again, but as he kept looking into her eyes, his heart just urged him to call her by that name.

When Swara heard that name, some long lost familiarity sprang up inside her and for a moment she felt like she was transported into another world, another time-- into her previous birth persona, Zaara Nawaaz Mallik. She could see the love of her life , Pratham in front of her eyes.

Za: Pratham...(soft voice, so that only Sanskaar could hear it)

Sanskaar's eyes widened when he heard that name and he blinked uncertainly, he couldn't understand why she was calling her by that name, but still, it felt so right, it felt as though it was his own name. It felt as though, time had ceased to exist for him and Sanskaar's identity was lost. At that precise moment, his whole being tuned into his last birth persona, Pratham Agarwal.

Zaara just hugged Pratham with all her love, Pratham pulled her close to himself possessively.

Just at the same moment, the audience exploded into a loudest ever round of applause, and Swara sprang apart from Sanskaar realizing the situation they were in. Her face turned red with embarrassment and both of them turned towards the audience and bowed to them, with polite smiles. Everyone in the hall was giving them a standing ovation, their performance had truly touched each person's heart.

But after that, without looking at Sanskaar, Swara turned to leave the stage. Sanskaar followed her with a grim face. Both of them walked down the steps and went back to their respective seats which were far away from each other. Swara joined Lakshya who was sporting Salman's look from "Kick" film.

Lakshya placed his arm around her shoulder and congratulated her on her performance.

La: That was cool, Swara..! I just loved it..!

Sw: (weak smile) Thanks, Lakshya..

Her eyes instinctively searched for Sanskaar and she found him seated beside Kavita, who was wearing costumes of Dr.Suman (Gracy Singh's character) from the movie, Munnabhai MBBS. Sanskaar didn't look in her direction. But Kavita was already looking at Swara and she was shocked to find a look of intense dislike in Kavita's eyes. When she saw Swara look at her, Kavita just looked away, avoiding her gaze. 

Swara felt quite uneasy and she turned towards Lakshya.

Sw: Lakshya..

Lakshya sensed her discomfort and he tightened his grip around her shoulders.

La: Swara..are you alright..?

Sw: No Lakshya..! I am having a head ache..Can I go to my room and join the Mehndi function later on..?

La: Sure..And you were working hard from morning..! In fact in the morning, even I was not there to help you..You need some rest..

Sw: (nods) Hmm.. (then in a weak voice) Can you also come with me..? Please..

Lakshya nodded and both of them walked away from the hall, together. Sanskaar who was pretending to ignore Swara till now, noticed this immediately and his eyes followed their trail.

Sa: (without looking at Kavita) Kavita..I will be back..

Ka: (nods with a blank face) Ok..

Sanskaar got up from his seat and began to follow Swara and Lakshya, he was walking at a considerable distance, making sure that he could see them and he would not be noticed.

Swara and Lakshya were now walking into the drawing room of the haveli, but when Lakshya turned towards the hallway leading towards Swara's room, Swara caught his hand and she turned to walk towards the staircase.

La: (surprised) But Swara..You wanted to go to your room..?

Sw: Yes, I did..But now I think that going to the terrace would be a good idea..!

La: (confused) But, why ..?

Sw: I think some fresh air would make me feel good..I was feeling really suffocated inside that party hall..May be its due to working non-stop for the past two-three days..I just wanted to feel relaxed..(sighs) by spending some time with you..It has been a while since we actually talked with each other, Lakshya..! (widens her eyes pointedly)

La: (smiles affectionately and strokes her head, briefly) Ok Swara..As you wish..Come..

And so both of them climbed the staircase and Sanskaar continued to follow them, in the same discreet manner.

Within some minutes Swara and Lakshya reached the vast terrace of the haveli. The view from there was panoramic, and the vision was wonderful at night. They could see the Udaipur city all around and all the lights looked as golden coloured, tiny pinpricks.

The sky was strewn with lots and lots of stars and the moon had a beautiful glow, even if it had started to wane a little, unlike the previous full moon night, Swara thought, while she was strolling along the grounds with Sanskaar.

This thought made her think about Sanskaar again, and she was amazed at the way he had captured her thoughts. Here she was standing with Lakshya, and she wanted to convey her feelings to him, but still all she could think was about Sanskaar, she registered with an impatient sigh.

Looking sideways at Lakshya, she thought, "It's now or never, Swara..This is the moment..Say that you love him, Swara..Tell him, before it gets too late.."

Meanwhile, Sanskaar had crept stealthily behind a high wall, from where he could conveniently see and hear them, without making himself to be seen.

Lakshya noticed that there was something strange with the way Swara was looking at him. He frowned and then smiled.

La: What is the matter, Swara...Why are you looking at me like this..?

Sw: (blinks uncertainly) Lakshya..I want to say something to you..

Sanskaar was sure now, about what she was going to say to Lakshya. He just wanted to reach her and take her away from there, far from Lakshya.

Up in the sky a flimsy layer of dark clouds were slowly making its way towards the moon.

La: (frowns again) What are you waiting for..Just tell..? (smiles)

Sw: (gulps) Well......I....Lakshya.....(and then suddenly)..I love you ,Lakshya..!

La: (shocked ) Whatt..?!

Sanskaar shut his eyes tightly, unable to resist the feeling of frustration coursing through his veins. He was now clenching his fists tightly, feeling resentful that he just couldn't do anything about it.

A strong gust of wind blew all over the place and some more layers of thick clouds began to close in towards the moon. A low rumble of thunder could be heard from afar.

Meanwhile, Swara moved towards Lakshya and took his hands inside hers and then looked straight into his eyes confidently.

Sw: I really love you..I have loved you since I was fifteen..(nods fervently, so as to make him believe her)

Sanskaar felt as if his whole world was crashing around him, he still didn't open his eyes, unable to watch the scene.

Lakshya was slowly getting out of the initial shock and slowly her words were sinking into his mind. Swara's cute face, her wide and curious eyes, and her sincere proposal -- all these were tugging some unknown strings in his heart. He was watching her as if he was seeing her in a whole new light. But still, he was not sure what he was feeling right now.

La: (slowly) Swara..what are you saying..?

Swara moved even more close to him and placed her hands on his shoulders, then she gazed deep into his eyes.

Sw: (emotionally) Lakshya..I am telling the truth..I love you..! (looks into his both eyes alternatively with love) Now, please tell something..Do you love me, Lakshya..?

Up in the dark sky, the clouds had finally succeeded in covering the moon, almost completely and only a thin curve of it was visible along the dark fluffy edges, as if it was peeping out to see what was going to happen.

Sanskaar opened his eyes in a jiffy, he didn't want to know if Lakshya loved her or not. He was shivering from head to toe, with a multitude of emotions raging and surging through him. What was the point in waiting now, since Swara had already confessed those three magical words to Lakshya, which Sanskaar had wanted to hear from her mouth, for himself only.

Sanskaar didn't wait for Lakshya's answer and he just walked away from there, feeling ever despondent.

The moon hid itself completely under the dark blanket of clouds, darkening the whole place.

Lakshya didn't know what to say to her, but he didn't want to hurt her in any way. He placed his both hands on her shoulders and chose his next words carefully, looking into her lovely eyes.

La: Swara..I really like you.....But...

But Swara, who was impatiently waiting for his answer, missed the word "...But.." and she just hugged him with all her love. She pressed her cheek close to his chest and heaved a deep sigh of relief.

Sw: (smiling widely) Ohh Lakshya..You also love me..! Oh I am so happy..!

Lakshya was about to tell her that he liked her very much, but still he was not sure about his feelings, and that he wanted some time to think about it. But Swara's happiness and excitement made him think again, " Swara can be a perfect life partner for me..I mean, we both know each other really well and our relationship is so special..And I don't think that I can ever love someone else this much, other than her..May be that is why, I could not love any other girl till now..Swara has been special for me..always!

La: (smiles) Yes, Swara..I love you too..!

Swara's face lit up with happiness and she looked up at him with shining eyes. Lakshya felt real happiness when he witnessed her glowing face and he cupped her face, affectionately.

La: You are way too special for me Swara..And you always will be..! (he leans forward to kiss her forehead)

Swara hugged him again with love, They stood in each other's embrace for some more minutes and suddenly a flash of lighting illuminated the entire area, bringing along with it a loud clap of thunder. They withdrew from the embrace, feeling a little afraid.

La: (alarmed) Swara..Let's move from here..It's not safe to stay here at the top of the terrace.

Sw: Ok..

Rain drops like thick pellets began to fall one by one and they rushed towards the terrace door, even before the thick downpour began. Once, they reached inside, Lakshya turned to her.

La: Well..I have to perform also..(sings)"Teri yaadon kaa... Hangover" (dances like Salman in "Kick")

Sw:(giggles) Stop it, Lakshya..Even I forgot about it..Lets hurry up, what if your name had already been announced...?

La: (sniggers) Then my Jacquilne Fernandez will be mad at me, because I didn't show up on stage..

********End of Part 8********

I don't know if you enjoyed the ending sequence..

But Rashid's final wish also needs to be fulfilled, guys..

And you need to follow the upcoming chapters to know what happens to Pratham and Zaara's final wishes..Hope you enjoy the journey..

Love,

Naina