SS: One More Time. (Completed.)

What was the moment; that one betraying moment of my life when I fell in love with you?

Was it when you looked at me with those eyes full of understanding, empathy, kindness and hurt seeing my hurt.. the day I poured my rage, my revenge, my hate at you first time?

Was it the moment you forgave me without my asking for forgiveness and told me to forgive myself and move on?

That day when I saved you from a dark force and you saved me from myself.. by just being you?

Or was it the day you stepped into my way of revenge against the ones who I thought wronged me? You saw through me, you challenged me, you heard my unspoken words, you ruined my dark plans, you made me rage... yet you made me question myself.

You made me feel your pain, you made me feel your strength, you made my revenge crazed mind to listen to my dead and buried humanity, your tears reached the broken part of my soul.

Why did I allow to you to seep into my psyche? Why did I allow you to make me forsake my dark path? What is that in you that for the first time in my life... I questioned myself. And changed my path?

Seeing you so broken and lost in that hospital why I felt so helpless yet fiercely protective of you? The day I held you in my arms to race against the time to help you win against the diabolical machinations of your sister... From a dark knight why did I appoint myself as YOUR knight?

Despite my sane and rational mind warning me otherwise why was a willing partner in all your plans; good, bad and downright illogical?

Why did I get murderously angry at my brother when he casted accusations on your character?

Why was I ready to fight with my entire family and the world to stand by you?

The one who waited for 5 years to avenge what he thought injustice to his alleged first love.. was ready to tear down your sister in 5 seconds for daring to say a word against you?

That day I realized if any one hurts you I won't wait for 5 years, 5 months, 5 days, 5 minutes not even 5 seconds... I will hunt that person down and tear him apart before you could feel that hurt.

But what was the moment that I allowed you to become such an all encompassing part of life.. so much that I failed to see where I ended and you started?

You battles... are my wars.

You pain.. Is my agony.

Your wish... Is my command.

Your smile... is my sunshine.

Your life.. My reason for living.

And No I never expected you to love me back. I could have loved you the way I did, the way I do, the way I always will... had you walked off my life and never looked back. At me.

But you stayed in my life and You loved me back. And from that day on I never asked anything of God. Never had too.

Then you were gone.

They said you will never come back.

I KNEW that you would. If I am alive here.. you must be safe somewhere. Because you are the reason of this life of mine.

I just KNEW. I could FEEL you the way I feel every fibre of my being.

I knew you would come back.

And you did.

Yet you didn't.

You are here.. yet you are not.

For you don't remember me.

You don't remember that the soul that inhabits you in mine. The heartbeat that you could hear is that of my heart beating in yours. That YOU are MINE.

Well Swara Sanskaar Maheshwari .. That's too bad.

You fell in love with me once. I bet you didn't want too. The way I never wanted too.

But you did.

At the risk of sounding arrogant I made it happen.

Oh Sod it! If this is arrogance to be it... I shall make it happen again.

I don't know the exact moment when I fell in love with you the way I did... but looking back I know one thing...

Loving was never an option for me.

Nor was it a choice.

It was my destiny.

And falling in love with me is.. YOURS.

Time to write this love story, to relive that destiny, to make this journey one more time.

Whether you want it or not. Because Swara Sanskaar Maheshwari when Sanskaar Maheshwari wants something.. He gets it.

And I don't want you.

I NEED YOU!

Like I need the next breath in my life to survive. Like the next beat of the heart. Like the next song of the soul.

I am not too poetic so I will keep it simple.

I am coming for you Princess.

Time for Prince is over.

Get ready to meet your dark knight again.

And fall in love with me one more time.

And let me love you ... One more time.

:Index:

The Beginning.

The Milestones.

The Milestones.

The Destination.

Boys don't cry! That's what they say.

But Men do cry.

And then they wipe those tears away and pick up their swords.

And see the battle to its end.

"Come'on mate! Aren't you gonna throw one punch too?" The man mocked the other. "Chicken eh!"

There were few jeers and boos around. Not much because unlike the ignorant man the others knew what the other man is capable of. They are seeing him in action for past few weeks to know he is anything but chicken. May be he is mad. But there is method to his madness. The beginning of that madness is crazy enough but the end would always turn out deadly.. for those who challenged him.

There is time!

The end is yet to come. And when it comes..

"Oh stop acting like a chicken sh*t and fight back!" The man bared his teeth in frustration and lodged another punch at the other man. He was lot inches taller and lot stones heftier than the other man. And his punches carries all his brute strength. And when that fist connected with the face of the man the edges of his lips split open and trickle of blood gushed out.

There was hush all around.

This is getting serious.

"Come'on Boss! Hit back now!" A young man fervently prayed in his heart.

But the man didn't. He merely glided his thumb over the hurt and wiped the blood. And bringing the blood stained thumb in front of face he gave it perfunctory nonchalant look. And then he lightly bounced on his heels and took a defensive boxing position.

The other fighter was impressed. He has seen bigger men, tough nuts, rough necks collapsing at the onslaught of his punches. But this guy? He is just standing tall. Its a shame though he is not hitting back. Would be fun to see what he has got? By this time crowd watching this illegal boxing match in a dark arena of fight club should be cheering for the one throwing punches and booing the one getting hit. They should be placing bets and mouthing profanities at the fighters. They should be raucous and wild. But this crowd is watching the match in almost zen like state. As if they are waiting for something. Do they know something that he doesn't? What is this bizarre guy upto? Is he going to fight or he simply relishes the pain and agony of getting pounded?

Who is he?

"Round three!" The referee announced in loud professional tone. And that's when the chanting started.

"Come'on Sanskaar!" A voice cheered from the back and slowly the chorus spread across the dark dingy room packed to brim with spectators watching a brutal but illegal fight in the boxing arena by two fighters of the fight club.

"Come'on now Sanskaar! Do it!" The chant grew louder and louder.

The other fighter looked around in bewilderment.

What has got into the crowd? And this guy's name is Sanskaar? That's some Sanskaari name for a guy into this kind of sports? He is crazy alright. But why is crowd cheering for him?

The young man in the crowd gave a proud satisfactory smile. Feels good every time his Boss' gets acknowledged for what he is.

The bloody best in every field in walks into.

Be it executive board meetings or a boxing ring.

Ain't no one like Sanskaar Maheshwari. His Boss. Nakul smiled with grim satisfaction.

The other boxer was still reeling under confusion at the changed state of affairs and then he whirled around and looked at the other fighter in the ring.

Sanskaar Maheshwari.

The one who took punches and poundings and taunts and ridicule and brutality with nonchalance almost relishing the pain.

And now he is ready to pay it all back. With interest.

Sanskaar rolled his head to get the cricks out and squared his shoulders. And the other fighter saw the eyes of the man which were so calm and unreadable till that point turning into fire pits. And he felt a sense of foreboding in the pits of his stomach.

Messed with a wrong man!

Next words of Sanskaar removed any lingering doubts from the man's rational mind that he indeed messed with a very wrong man.

"My turn!" Sanskaar whispered in a deadly husky voice.

And then from defensive position he took attacking form.

And charged.

And the other fighter had no idea what hit him a man or a gale force. His fighter instincts kicked in to but they were of no use before a force called Sanskaar Maheshwari.

For as they say when Sanskaar starts fighting he doesn't pull back punches. Be it in professional field of business or boxing... or life.

Sanskaar lasted the one sided pounding for two rounds bruised and bloodied but not broken.

The other fighter was struggling to stand on his feet at first few minutes of the third round.

The crowd started cheering, booing and getting raucous and wild.

That's Sanskaar. He never fails to give a glorious fight!

And way before the bell for the third round was rang the other fight collapsed on the floor his fight getting out of his body. He can fight with mortals.

Not with immortal forces like Sanskaar.

The fight ended on a loud cheer from the crowd and referee tending to the knocked out fighter. And Sanskaar standing tall and unbeaten despite the blood, gore and bruises on his body. He has taken much worse on his heart. A few bruises on his body won't hurt it at all. If anything they will make him forget the agony in his heart. Albeit temporarily.

"Yeah!" Nakul threw his hands up in the air in exultation.

Sanskaar stepped out of the boxing ring and Nakul handed him a water bottle. Sanskaar drank half the bottle and poured the rest of it on his face. And shook his head to get the water droplets off.

Nakul watched his boss with indulgence and pride. He has been with the man for what seems like forever of his adult life. Sanskaar Maheshwari is not only the boss of Nakul Mehta but he is also a brother, a mentor and a friend. A family.

Whenever he would watch Sanskaar stepping into that boxing ring for past few weeks almost every evening and taking all those punches and thrashing and pounding he pleaded with the man to not do it. But Sanskaar Maheshwari never heeded anybody's words. Never did before. Won't do now. Only a girl called Swara managed to make him her own. Otherwise Sanskaar is a man who marches to the beat of his own drum.

Then Nakul gave up his tryst to stop his boss from this fights and gore. He realized that this is the only outlet through with the man could find some reprieve from his personal hell.

Lesser men fall in the company of sufferings, alcohol and drugs.

Other men fight it out.

Sanskaar is fighting it out. Literally!

"Hey Nakul!" Sanskaar tossed the bottle at Nakul.

"Hey boss!" Nakul caught the bottle.

"So shall we go? The show is over!" Sanskaar gave a dry smile and removed the knotted boxing bandages from his fists with his teeth.

"Yes Boss!" Nakul grabbed the boxing gear bag.

And together the men walked out of the fight club. Where boys fight.

And men become fighters!

Sanskaar straddled his Harley Davidson high end bike and was turning its ignition key when Nakul's phone rang. He gave an apologetic smile to his boss and walked a little distance and picked the call while Sanskaar patiently waited for him.

Nakul started talking in low voice and turned his back. Sanskaar drummed his fingers on bike slowly getting impatient and then looked at Nakul. Suddenly he felt an affectionate smile spreading on his face seeing the younger man.

Nakul Mehta. His very first employee. His only family in those revenge crazed dark days. His friend. His confidante. His man Friday. He won't ask any questions, won't judge any job that he has been ordered to him by his boss, won't quail or flinch. Right or wrong; good or bad; legal or illegal: If Sanskaar ordered a job to be done Nakul did it. And Sanskaar did made the man do a lot of jobs which ranked low on legal and moral grounds. Yet he did it for his Boss. And when things got too hot he pulled Sanskaar's chestnuts out of fire by stepping in the firing line himself. Sanskaar over rode him but Nakul prevailed. He trusted no one to keep Sanskaar's secrets safe. So he took the blame of making that MMS of Laksh and Swara and went to jail despite Sanskaar's objections and demands to hire other man to do the dirty job. Sanskaar never fails to value loyalty. And he never steps back from honouring a friendship. And Nakul is a friend for life. He bailed out the man within an hour of his incarceration hiring best of lawyers. Before Maheshwaris, Gadodias and even police realized that the alleged culprit is gone he whisked away Nakul to safety. Nakul: His brother in arms and partner in crime since the day Sanskaar stepped out of the Maheshwari's giant folds and ploughed his way in this world and created his own empire. From that day to till date. And now the man is even living with him ostensibly to convince him to rejoin his office and take over the Karma Empire again. But Sanskaar knows different. He knows that Nakul has appointed himself as his personal caretaker to take care of him from himself since that fateful day he had to walk out of Maheshwari Mansion again. Happened just few weeks back. But feels like eternity. Not staying away from Mansion but staying away from HER. But that's what she wants. So be it. Her wishes were always his command. He never did anything that she didn't want except loving her despite her vehement protests at the beginning of the journey. So yes! If she wants him out of her life now... he will go away from her. Because her wishes triumphs over his needs. Always.

And Nakul has decided to appoint himself on Swara's job profile. That of taking utmost care of Sanskaar.

Should he be happy that now he has got Nakul for his wife? Sanskaar gave an amused smile at his train of thoughts. At that moment Nakul disconnected the call and turned around. And the smile of Sanskaar's face got wiped off at the very instant. Nakul looked so serious. Almost afraid. Sanskaar felt a cold wave of fear hitting his heart.

Swara! This has got to do something with Swara!

"Is she alright?" Sanskaar who was till then lounging lazily on the parked bike suddenly sprang up.

Nakul was not surprised that his boss immediately caught on the situation. That something is not right with the situation concerning her. The man seems to have a cosmic connection with that girl. If anything happens to her.. He just knows. No matter how far she is from him he can just feel her.

"Nakul! I am asking you something. If everything alright with Swara?" Sanskaar snapped.

Nakul winced. He had no idea how to break the bad news to his boss but his boss always wants the things simple and straight. So that's how he shall keep it. Lord help him!

"Ma'am went missing an hour back." Nakul almost mumbled fearfully.

The cold wave in his heart turned into tsumani.

She is missing. But how? Where could she go?

He has hired best of men to keep a watch on her. She is staying in Maheshwari Mansion and he trusts his family to keep her safe but when it comes to her he would always want to be doubly sure. So he hired a posse of best of guards to guard her discreetly whenever she steps out of the mansion. There are few times she went out with or to meet Sahil and the guards keep watch on her like her silent protectors from afar. Not for any stalking or underhanded purposes. Just to make sure that she is safe. Especially when she is with the man called Sahil. At first Sanskaar was immensely grateful to the man for saving Swara's life thereby Sanskaar's own life and reason for living. He thought the man is friend. It didn't took him long to see through the other man's facade. He is not Sanskaar Maheshwari for nothing. He is not the youngest tycoon of the state for nothing. And he is not the dark knight that he is for nothing. He can see through people and see them for what they are. And then he treats them the way they deserve to be treated. He was itching to give that treatment' to that Sahil person since the day he saw the other man for what he is. An obsessive, backstabbing, manipulative, lying piece of junk whose object of obsession was Swara. Sanskaar could have ripped him apart with his bare hands the day he got to know the truth of Sahil. The only thing that stopped that carnage from happening was the knowledge that Swara thinks of the other man as her friend and Saviour and she thinks of Sanskaar as a man who tried to murder her. She is the guardian Angel of Sahil though she doesn't know it. Take her out of the equation and Sahil would be history. Sanskaar will make sure of it personally. Hence the men to keep her safe without her knowledge. They were supposed to guard her with their lives.

And now she is missing.

"How the hell did she go missing? What were your guards doings? Bunch of imbecilic idiots!" Sanskaar exploded.

Nakul winced again hoping fervently that wherever the lady is she should be safe. Or else the boss will bring down hell on earth.

Sanskaar bared in teeth in fear and fury.

How could she go missing under the watch of so many professionals? Oh wait! Yes! That's Swara for you. She can do any damn thing in the world you won't think is possible. Especially if that thing is something that would surely give a grief to Sanskaar yes she is most definitely gonna do it. If Sanskaar gets a heart seizure or grey hair prematurely you know whom to blame!

He cursed under his breath.

Nakul spoke in a low mumble.

"Ma'am went to park alone. Our men were keeping watch on her. Then Sahil came there (Sanskaar bunched his fist in rage) and apparently they had some sort of show down. Ma'am left the place. Our men followed her but somehow they lost her."

"Bunch of idiots. Fire them all." Sanskaar hissed feeling murderous.

How could the men just lose' her? Don't they know how precious she is to a man named Sanskaar. She should have been under safe watch. Now she is missing and god knows where she would be. Knowing her penchant for chasing troubles she surely would be courting some trouble somewhere and he is here in this godforsaken place so far away from her. He MUST reach her. To keep her safe. God forbid if anything happens to her... He shuddered.

"But these men are good. One of the best." Nakul mumbled.

"I can see that." Sanskaar drawled sarcastically. "Fire them nonetheless."

Suddenly Nakul's phone rang again. He almost jumped out of his skin and picked the phone hoping fervently for any good news regarding the girl.

Sanskaar's furious expressions turned into intense hope and worry.

Nakul spoke softly in the phone, muttered few low curses and then his face fell.

"What?" Sanskaar snapped.

"They are yet to find Ma'am." Nakul mumbled almost inaudibly.

"The hell!" Sanskaar exploded.

Nakul decided to check out the tip of his shoes. Or ground. Or anywhere but at the man standing in front of him radiating pure rage.

"Then why in the name of all that is unholy that idiot called you instead of getting his ass on search." Sanskaar questioned not bothering to control his fury.

"To report!" Nakul was following the path traced by a bug on the ground feeling like a small bug himself; the one who is in danger of being swatted by the boss.

Sanskaar arched his eyebrows.

"So the guy called to report that he has nothing to report?"

Nakul gave a short nod cursing that sub-ordinate to eternity in hell for his idiocy.

"Great!" Sanskaar muttered in disgust. "Fire him first. Then the rest of his imbecile gang."

"But he is good." Nakul decided to be fair. The men he hired are indeed the best of the lot. This incident is just plain bad luck. But his boss won't see that way. He loathes failures. And this is Swara the boss's beloved wife who is the core of equation here. Failing in the duty to keep her safe? It's a miracle boss is only ordering to fire them. Not baying for their blood.

"He is good eh?" Sanskaar crossed his arms.

"Uh-Hu!" Nakul was tracing pattern on his shoes with his eyes. Don't look at boss. Don't look at him.

"Are you both married?" Sanskaar asked in a wry tone.

"Hu?" That made Nakul look up.

"He calls you like your wife to check up on you for the fancy of hearing your melodious voice when he has nothing to report and most definitely has more important things to do. And you are defending that idiot with such staunch fervour and love." Sanskaar stated dryly.

"Err No sir!" Nakul shook his head vigorously. "Nothing like that."

"Great! Then you won't break your bangles if I do fire him and his useless staff?" Sanskaar reached for his phone.

"Yeah!" Nakul muttered softly but Sanskaar was busy dialing the phone.

Despite his instincts for self preservation Nakul had to ask.

"Sir you are calling...?"

"Authorities!" Sanskaar snapped. "Got a problem?"

"No sir!" Nakul replied with alacrity. But decided to point out the logical and law facts.

"Sir but police won't file a missing person report till 24 hours. Rules."

"What would I do without your intelligent inputs Nakul." Sanskaar gave the other man a sarcastic smile. "Thank you brother. That's why I am calling the commissioner."

"Oh!" Nakul felt foolish. Why did he forget that the other man is THE Sanskaar Maheshwari. And besides this is about HIS Swara. The one for whom he could go to any lengths. Be it on the earth, heaven or hell.

Sanskaar was dialing the phone with busy fingers his brows furrowed in utmost concentration deep in thoughts.

And at that very moment a soft fur ball slammed onto his back nearly startling him to drop his phone at the impact.

"What the bloody hell!" He whirled around muttering expletive and then had his breath knocked out of his lungs at the sight of the person facing him. His heart stopped for a moment.

"Please help me! He is following me!" A pair of soft hands clutched the lapels of his shirt desperately and pleaded in an urgent tone.

He really should breathe in. His heart should start beating. He should do something or anything.

But all he did was .. stood rooted to his spot in shock assailed by a barrage of overwhelming emotions.

"Please!" The girl was till then looking around wildly so spooked by the danger chasing her that she failed to notice who is she holding onto, who is the one she is asking to be her protector and who is the one who is not saying a single word but simply stating at her with eyes full of indescribable emotions.

Then she looked up at her saviour and recoiled.

"YOU!" Swara immediately released his shirt and stepped back in horror. And a surge of emotions that she couldn't describe or name.

"Swara!" He whispered in reverence and looked at her afraid to blink lest she disappears.

She is here. She is with him. And above all she is safe.

Thank you God!

"You..." Swara struggled to find words.

He is here. He is right in front of her. What is she going to do? What should she do? And above all WHAT is she feeling?

Horror that she is face to face with the face that haunts her nightmare. With a gun and the loud bang of bullet. And the feeling of being drowned.

Or sheer total relief that finally she met him again. The relief and gratitude so strong that she nearly got knocked off her feet.

She is with him again.

He walked out of the house and her life at her own insistence on that fateful day when she gave an ultimatum: Either he stays or I. But that moment onwards he has been a part of her every conscious moment and the moments where he has been part of her dreams. Tangible, life like dreams. He was not there with her. Yet he was always with her. Whether she wanted it or not.

And now he is actually here. Right in front of her. With her.

What is she going to do now?

Sanskaar finally drew a ragged breath in.

Swara is actually here. Right in front of him. With him.

What is he going to do now? What is happening? And above all why is this happening?

Whenever he expects the least this girl propels herself into his life. May be destiny is in cahoots with her. Or cosmos. But whenever Sanskaar goes far away from Swara; Swara somehow manages to reach him, his life and his heart. Unfailingly.

High time he should stop out guessing this girl. And destiny. And cosmos. And the almighty who clearly is writing this story of their lives with his best quill. He surely is having ball of a time penning down the twists and turns and occasional laughs mostly at Sanskaar's expense.

His life was simple.

Go take revenge on Durga Prasad Maheshwari and Laksh and get back to life... Swara happens.

Never fall in love... Swara happens.

Don't let her into your heart again after her distrust on you... Swara happens.

Stay away from her because that's what she wants of you... Swara happens again.

Of course he was planning to wage a war again to win her from herself but he wanted to give her time to heal a little. If her healing comes at a cost of his going away from her for time being; he is ready to bear that price.

But ... Swara happens again.

And there goes his best laid plans.

So what is going to do now?

There is utterly no pointing in planning his future course of action. Because a certain pixie called Swara somehow manages to blow those plans up right on his face.

So what is going to do now?

Nakul was watching the unfolding with his own version of myriad expressions. Shock at first, then elation that Ma'am' is safe (and relief than thereby his hide is safe from Boss's' wrath), the genuine happiness that finally the boss is face to face with the girl he so adores and loves, then amusement at seeing the play of expressions on the faces of the two protagonists of the story who were stunned into silence by the turns of events and their own emotions.

He mused silently.

So what will they do now?

God probably decided to take mercy on the two souls after having his share of amusement at their expense. So he sent distraction down there way.

"There you are!" A thuggish looking man who was clearing high on spirits waddled there.

The other three on the scene were jolted back to reality at that harsh slurry loud voice.

Swara jumped out her skin seeing the man again.

It took a mere moment for Sanskaar to understand the situation completely.

So she was asking him to save her from this drunkard. She probably stumbled upon this thug during her journey. And that Son of a * thought he could get his grubby paws of Swara Sanskaar Maheshwari? Over Sanskaar Maheshwari's dead body. or even better.. that guy's own dead body.

Sanskaar clenched his fists so tight that his knuckles turned white. He gently grabbed Swara's shoulder and moved her so that she would be standing behind the protective shield of his back and stood in front of her be her protector and warrior. Against the thug and the whole wide world if that what it takes.

The drunkard blinked his eyes and tried to focus on the face of the warrior was started walking towards him with his eyes flashing fire.

"Who the hell are you? Gimme the girl!" He slurred with alcohol induced bravado.

Sanskaar gritted his teeth in rage and almost reached the other man to let him know' what happens when someone eyes that girl in a wrong way. What Sanskaar would do' to that person who dares to even think of hurting that girl.

At that moment the other man's eyes focused upon the face of the incoming avenger. And the affects of over indulgence of spirits like bravado, courage and fighting spirit that he was feeling till that point went kaput.

"YOU!" He stared at Sanskaar wild eyed. "Are you the one who are the unbeaten boxing champion of fight club?"

Sanskaar merely gave him an intense burning stare.

The man stared back feeling anti-thesis of bravado, courage and fighting spirit.

There was hushed silence around. And suddenly the man took to his heels all his survival instincts kicking into fifth gear.

It happened so suddenly that other three could barely process the abrupt turn of the event.

Then Sanskaar cursed loudly.

"Oh come'on!"

He was so looking for forward to have a one on one chat' with the man for daring to have wrong thoughts and intentions for Swara and for daring to scare her. And now the guy didn't even bother to stay back for hellos let alone entire chat'.

Damn it!

Should he chase that guy and have that much deserved chat?

He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts.

No! Hopefully next time. Swara is the priority now.

He turned around and looked at her with concern and love and asked gently.

"Are you alright Swara?

And met her eyes flashing accusatory look at him.

"How did you do that?" She asked still giving him the same look.

"Did what?" He felt bewildered. What got into her now?

"The man!" She pointed at the place from where the other guy just vamoosed. "He just took off. How?"

"On his hind parts I guess." Sanskaar hazarded. That is a logical explanation right?

"Ha!" Swara snapped. "Cute! NOT! I am not asking how' he took off. The question is why' he took off? You scared him."

Is she mad that he scared her tormentor away? He always knew his wife is crazy but has no idea she is this crazy.

Sanskaar took a deep breath.

"I take it you are not happy that your errr friend is not here with you being urmmm friendly' all thanks to me."

"Yes! I mean no! Gahh!" Swara bunched her fists in frustration. "What I meant is You scared him away."

"That I did I guess." He admitted.

"How? You didn't even say a word. He just looked at you and took off like hounds of hell are chasing his backside." Swara glared at Sanskaar.

And how is he supposed to respond to that? Sansaar tried. "Maybe he didn't like the look of my face?"

"Ha! Funny" Swara snapped again. "That guy looked like a thug, acted like a thug and is a thug. Yet he got spooked by you. How?"

"Wait a minute!" Sanskaar caught up with her train of thoughts. "So you think the man is thug yet he got spooked by me so I must be a bigger thug. Right?"

Swara bobbed her head.

Sanskaar rolled his eyes.

Fan-frigging-tastic. He has been a Prince trying to rescue and protect his Princess from a vile bad guy and she thinks he is the bigger bad guy in this equation. Makes perfect sense. Serves him right for acting like a prince. That Prince' mode did no favours to Sanskaar Maheshwari. Everybody and their grandmoms and the grandmoms dentures walked all over him during this Prince' phase. Sod him! He is a born knight. That's how he is going to be from now on.

What was his philosophy when he stepped into the big bad world on his own and blazed his own trail with his ruthless unbreakable unbendable grit, will and determination?

Good men do good.

And Men who give back as good as they get.. do great!

Time to give back as good as it gets.

Sorry Prince. Your time is up. Get back in the closet now and stay there.

Time for Sanskaar Maheshwari; the baddest ass around to make his entry. Because when it comes to winning a war ain't no one like him.

And this is definitely a war.

Sanskaar squared his shoulders.

Alright! Let the battle begin. He has won it once before. He won his girl despite herself. He will do it again. HIS way!

He gave a devilish smile. And Swara was taken aback her senses going on danger mode seeing the danger quotient of that smile.

"You caught me! Besides shooting helpless damsels off the cliffs I also peddle drugs on the campuses. Into counterfeit currency too. Besides supplying arms illegally to charming characters. And am also planning to join a terror cell. Maybe I should apply for post in underworld. Or I should join Mafia? So much of potential in criminal world you know."

By the end of his speech Swara's eyes were popping out of their sockets.

Woah! What?

"Are you joking?" She glared him.

"Great! When I was telling you that I am not a criminal or khooni' as you so charmingly repeatedly quoted; you thought I was lying. Now that I am telling you that I am indeed a criminal you still think I am joking. Make up your mind lady."

Swara pursed her lips wishing for some sort of smart retort to throw at him.

Hallejuhah! He is on right path. Had he been on Prince mode and pleaded his innocence the lady would have gone Khoooniii' on him adding that blasted word to prefix and suffix of every darn sentence of hers. Well done Dark Knight! This is how you go forth!

Sanskaar cheered silently. Finally after moping for so long as to how to fight this battle of his life time to win his Swara against herself one more time... he found out the perfect solution. He will fight this battle by simply being .. HIMSELF.

"So should I drop you home? It's getting late. Family must be worried." He asked her.

Swara asked him trying not to sound too hopeful.

"Will you be coming with me?"

"I am not handing over my bike to you for riding. One I love this bike. Two: you can't ride. So yeah! That means I got to come with you." He pointed out the obvious fact that made Swara purse her lips again in frustration.

What has got into him? He used to be so sweet around her.

Oh so that's your problem eh Swara Bose? A voice inside remarked snidely. That he is not being sweet' to you. You shouldn't be surprised at this change considering how YOU treated him since the day you met him. Heck you even kicked him out of his own house. And now you are wondering why he is not being sweet'?

Swara admittedly grudgingly.

Yeah! She probably has not treated him nicely'. But then again she doesn't really KNOW him. Or does she. All she remembers is that traumatic sequence in jarring pieces. Him shooting at her and she falling off the cliff to a certain death. He shot at her. She could have died because of him. How is she supposed to treat a guy who allegedly tried to murder her?

You really thinking on the same lines even now? The voice asked quietly.

I.. Swara was lost for words.

What is she thinking? What is she feeling? How should she think? And what should she feel? It feels as if this is a quagmire. The more she is struggling against the swirling thoughts the more she is sinking into the mire. And this is happening since the day she woke up after the terrible incident. A faceless entity has been haunting her thoughts every moment. The feeling of loss. As if she is an empty shell. Her soul is around somewhere. She must reach that soul. The longing. The emptiness. The intensity. The agony.

And then she came face to face with HIM. And saw his face as the core of her worst nightmare. Him shooting at her.

Him being her murderer.

That was the first searing thought. But then came gushing other indescribable torrents of overwhelming thoughts. The connect' with him. As if she KNOWS him at some deep almost cosmic level. She could FEEL him as she could feel her own self. She could sense him when he is not around. And the longing to be with him when he is around. And that made no sense to her.

He was the reflection of her worst nightmare.

And he is the reason of her intense emotions.

And that intensity scared her. And that's why she reacted the way she did on that fateful day.

By giving an ultimatum to him to get away from her. She didn't mean it. She was lashing out to protect herself from her own self. The self she no longer recognizes. The self that feels as if it belongs to him.

And he walked out of the house. And her life.

And she never felt more bereft in her entire life.

The family was devastated at the turn of events. Maheshwaris who were trying so hard till that point to revive her lost memories; clammed up. They thought if Sanskaar couldn't bring her back they should not be even trying. Sujata the mom of Sanskaar was the most affected. The lady who treated her like her own daughter wouldn't even look at her anymore. Swara felt so guilty. She separated a mother from her child, a family from a core member of that family. All thanks to her own irrational behaviour. Technically this is the house of Maheshwaris. Sanskaar is the man of the house. Swara is merely staying there as sister of Ragini since she doesn't consider herself as either wife to Sanskaar or daughter-in-law of the house. Under what rights she asked the man of the house to get out of his own house? No one questioned her. They still treated her with love and affection. And that made her feel worse.

No one tried again to unlock the locked memories of hers. Ragini and Laksh tried. But they couldn't answer all her questions. Why did Swara marry Sanskaar? What were the circumstances?

She could have sworn Ragini and Laksh looked guilt stricken there. Something big or wrong must have happened. Or somehow they must be responsible. But no answers were forth coming.

No one could be the key to unlock those memories of hers. The memories she wanted to have back with all that she has got. Because those memories were associated with HIM. The one who made her and is making her feel the way she is.

Like she belongs to him. And he belongs to her. Like they are meant to be. Like he is holds her heart and soul. Like she would cease to exist if he is ceases to be in her life.

He is everywhere around her. In her.

Yet he is not.

Not one moment passed by where she has not regretted the moment where she lashed out and asked to get out of her life and he did.

Yet he is the one who tried to kill her. Or did he? Is there more to the story? What is the story? Who is Swara and who is Sanskaar? And what do they mean to each other.

And there is only one person who could answer all those burning questions of hers.

"Swara!" Sanskaar looked at her in concern. She has gone silent for so long lost in her thoughts. "You alright?"

"Hu!" Swara dragged herself back from the mire that her never ending thoughts are.

"Shall we go? I'll drop you home."

"Drop me home? Then where would you go?" Swara asked trying to claw her way out her emotional state.

"Back to my home." Sanskaar reached the bike and was about to start it.

"Could I come with you?" Swara heard herself speak as if someone else is speaking through her.

What did I just say?

What did she just say? Sanskaar whirled around and watched her wide eyed.

Nakul was trying to make himself look invisible. He could sense something momentous happening in the life of the boss. He didn't want to be an interruption in that moment.

"I" Swara tried to clear her voice and her thoughts.

Now is not the time for second thoughts Swara. A voice inside her snapped. He is the only one who could lead you to yourself. No one else. You want your answers... He is your salvation.

But this is insane. Being with him. Being around him. Swara protested.

Insanity is another name for courage. Do it Swara. Find yourself. And discover what he means to you. Why is he making you the feel the way you are feeling? Who is he to you? And who are you too him?

Swara took a deep breath again.

"Could I come with you?"

All those evening jaunts in fight clubs must have addled his brain. He is hearing that Swara wants to come with Sanskaar. Sanskaar shook his head.

"You mean you want me to drop you to your home?" He asked.

"No! I want to come with you to yours. That is wherever you are staying right now." When you are in deep; Keep swimming.

WHAT?
And he said the first thing that came in his mind. "Why?"

And Swara felt disappointed.

What did you think that he would hop, skip and jump in happiness and gratitude that you want to be with him? The snarky voice again.

Swara admitted grudgingly. A little bit of smile would have suffice. Not why?

Come'on admit it girl. You are pissed coz you thought he would be the old Sanskaar. The one who looked at you with his heart in his eyes for you. The one who spoke to you as if you are the most precious thing in the world for him. The one who treated you like you mean the world to him. It does hurts to be treated like a stranger eh? May that's how he too was hurting with her attitude towards him.

Talking about attitude. She did google search on Sanskaar Maheshwari to find her answers' and that's when she got to know that he made his own empire from scratch through sheer grit and gumption and totally on his own. He is the youngest tycoon of the state and has a reputation of a hawk and supreme predator. A man like that wouldn't have done it all on the basis of goodness of his heart and general niceties. He must have been ruthless on occasions and even deadly. And he surely must have had a killer attitude. It is just that he has been so loving' and sweet' towards her she never thought he would show THAT attitude to her. And yes.. she is missing the way he would look' at her.

Sanskaar shook his head to clear his muddled thoughts.

Way to go mate. She said she wants to come with you and you ask why? Brilliant buddy!

Swara gritted her teeth. There was time he was begging and pleading to listen to him. She didn't. This must be his way of pay back. Well this is not going to be a cake walk. Him being HIM with her again. And getting her answers out of him now. She truly has her work cut out for her again. But then again she is Swara Bose or should she say Swara Sanskaar Maheshwari. She can do this. If that means a little grovelling so be it. And in this journey if he could learn to look' at her again.. that would be beautiful too.

"Could I?" Swara spoke in a gentle pleading voice with a sweet smile.

"Err what?" Sanskaar was still reeling at the mother of the momentous event.

"Could I come with you?" She continued in the same sweet tone.

Sanskaar was still reeling. What did she just say? She could come with him. Swara coming with Sanskaar to his house? What is happening? If it is actually happening.

What is going to happen now?

And above all what should he do now?

He took a deep breath.

Prince! Didn't I just tell you to get back to the closet and hide there! It is MY time.

Sanskaar crossed his arms and gave a roguish smile to the girl.

"May be!"

"Hu!" Swara was confused. Then felt a flash of rage at his attitude.

"Either it is a yes!" She nodded her head. "Or No!" She shook it. "What is a may be?"

He got this strong urge to rile her up further.

He rotated his head like a clock's hands in circular motions.

"What's that?" Swara crunched her eyebrows.

"That means." He grinned. "May be".

Three:

She felt a flash of rage.

Well right now considering her conflicting indefinable feelings when it comes to this man she is not too sure if he indeed is a khooni. But if he keeps up like this she will turn Khooni. Of his!

Sanskaar saw her eyes flashing fire and resisted the urge to tease her further. He has always been an Alpha who knows when to quits.

"Alright!" He threw his hands in the air an conciliatory gesture.

"You can come with me. If that's what you want."

She can! Swara felt relieved and then suddenly was seized with the fear of unknown.

What has she done? She requested him to let her come with him. And now is she going with him? Wherever he takes? With HIM? What kind of insanity possessed her to propose this course of action? Swara with this man; the man she knows nothing about yet feels like without him she won't ever know her own self.

Swara! A voice inside her urged. Now is not the time to back off. Enough of this mire of myriad confusing tangled thoughts and the clutching and clawing at fragmented memories. Enough of not knowing your own self and getting torn by the feeling of being lost. You can find yourself. Only and only with him. Chin up and Go forth!

Nakul who was watching the conversation like an absolutely silent speculator read the conflicting emotions on Swara's face correctly.

Sanskaar was watching the beloved face of his Swara with eyes showing none of his inner turmoil. He never pushed her to do what she was not comfortable doing. He is not going to do that now either. Pushing her to do what she doesn't want to.

He would give up anything to have her back in his life in any form. But choice lies with her. As always.

Nakul decided it is the time for him to step in. Clearly his boss will not be stepping' in. And the Ma'am is too confused and afraid even to take that step.

"Ma'am!" He spoke so suddenly that Swara almost jumped out of her skin. Then she noticed him for the first time. She was so lost in the happenings and in Sanskaar that till that moment she didn't even realize they have got a lone audience.

"Hi!" Nakul gave his reassuring boy next door smile. "Don't worry Ma'am. You can come with us. I promise you will be safe. I will personally take care that you will feel comfortable. I..." then he met the stern gaze of his boss and immediately changed the tack "WE! We will take utmost care of you. We will make sure you stay safe. We won't let any trouble fall upon you. We..."

"Nakul!" Sanskaar interrupted in a dry tone.

First this guy gets too palsy with his Swara and now he is laying it too thick! Sanskaar shook his head in exasperation.

Nakul zipped up with sheepish expressions.

Swara immediately liked Nakul. There is something immensely likeable about this guy. He looks dependable, loyal and sweet. He could act as her buffer. She will need all the shields she could get against the man called Sanskaar Maheshwari. Not because she thinks he will harm her in anyways.. past few weeks since the day he declared that he loves her (she still feels that swooshing sensation in the pits of her stomach when she thinks of that passionate declaration of his) and will never hurt her; and then walked out of his own home because she wanted it without a backward glance.. all she has been thinking is why does he affect her the way he does. His presence affected her to unfathomable levels. She thought she would be free of him if he is no longer around her. How wrong was she! His absence affected her more if that is possible. And all those waking moments of thinking about HIM and the moments when she fell into fitful restless sleep and met HIM again in her dreams. One truth shone like a beacon. He will NEVER hurt her. They are connected in some cosmic level. As if destiny has bound them with her magical strings. This connection that they had between them won't let him hurt her. And won't let her forget and move on from him. So why does she keep having that nightmarish flash back of him shooting at her?

What exactly happened that day? Was he really trying to kill her or there is something more. Something really momentous that she is missing.

The biggest missing piece of the puzzle. She HAD to find that piece. To find some peace. And he is the only one who can help her.

She just knows.

"Ok! I am coming with you!" She heard herself speak as if a stranger is speaking through her.

Yes! Nakul was elated.

Thank you God! Sanskaar sent a heartfelt note of prayer. Thank you for this one step from her side. For this beginning. And now I shall take care of the rest. The rest of the journey with her. Miles and miles to cover. One more time. Thank you for blessing me with this ... One more time.

"Let's go then!" He spoke gruffly.

He mounted the bike. And looked at Swara. Swara looked at him and then at Nakul still feeling more than a little scared. Nakul gave her a reassuring nod.

She gingerly mounted the bike after Sanskaar.

Nakul would have preferred to hitch hike or walk or take other means of transport but he could see the girl feeling scared. She needs him as a buffer, a reassuring support.

He mounted the bike after her taking utmost care as to not touch her even a tiny bit or even accidentally. She is his Boss's girl. Boss will have his hide if he gets tad too close to this girl. Even accidentally. No Sir! Nakul loves his life.

"By the way! Let me tell you! Driving triples is illegal!" Sanskaar turned on the ignition.

"Says the guy who is the champion boxer of illegal fight club." Retorted Nakul.

"Watch that smart mouth dude! Or I will fire you!" Sanskaar started the bike.

Swara immediately turned her head and looked at Nakul with worry. She wouldn't want this nice guy to lose his job on her account. He looks familiar too. She surely has seen him somewhere. But where? Hopefully she will get that part of the memory too.

Nakul gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry Ma'am. He has been firing me since the day I joined his company."

"And when did you join his company?" Swara asked.

"Since the day he started his company." Nakul grinned and Swara couldn't help but grin back.

So these two men share more than an Employee-Employer bond. They almost act like brothers. And Sanskaar despite his gruff attitude surely thinks of the younger man like his friend and brother.

She is discovering new facts about the enigma called Sanskaar Maheshwari. And she is liking those tiny snippets.

Sanskaar revved the bike and jumped it. Swara had to hold on to his shoulders despite herself to steady herself.

And Nakul held on the bike with his dear life. A wild swerve and he shall be kissing pavement. But he would rather risk kissing the pavement than facing his boss's wrath by touching the Boss's girl. No ways! No how!

Swara held on to Sanskaar feeling scared yet suddenly at peace.

She is with him. She doesn't remember much of him. And she doesn't actually know him. But she is with him. This is the beginning. She is going to discover this man and in that journey she shall find herself again.

With him!

Sanskaar rode the bike with a beautiful smile and a blissful peace descending upon his being. His torn heart could feel healing light touching it with delicate fingers.

She is back in his life. Reasons are secondary. The fact that she chose to step back into his life again. This.is.happiness. And this is just the beginning. He is going to have his life back again. The way it is meant to be. And SHE is that life of his.

One more time.

*******************************

"Welcome abode." Sanskaar parked the bike.

Swara got down and looked at the abode'. It was modest house with no trappings or jazz. Keeping it simple. Just like her owner.

Swara felt a pang of guilt in her heart. He left his mansion and is living in this modest house all because of her. Yet she hadn't seen him complaining even once.

The trio entered the home.

Sanskaar turned around and looked at her.

"You must be hungry. Wait! I'll whip up something for you."

"I'll cook!" Swara volunteered. She is already reeling under guilt. Wouldn't want to trouble him further.

"Na! It's ok. This is your first day in my pad. So break for you. Consider this our welcome wagon' routine." He gave a lop sided smile. "So what would you like to have?"

His easy and almost nonchalant lazy charm was infectious.

"What are the options?" She asked with a smile.

"Maggie or Top Ramen!" He replied with a straight face.

Hu! All that build up for instant noodles. So much for welcome wagon' routine. Swara gave him a mock glare.

Nakul stepped in for the rescue.

"Don't mind him Ma'am. He is one of those who burns even the water when they set out for cooking. I will cook."

"Thanks Nakul!" Sanskaar stated wryly. "Smart Alec! Consider yourself fired. After cooking the chow of course."

Nakul merely grinned at his boss and went to the kitchen to prepare the dinner.

And Swara and Sanskaar were left alone. She suddenly felt awkward. Technically he is her husband. But she had no idea who is he to her and how is she supposed to act around him.

The feelings, thoughts, the emotions.. all are in a one big mess.

Sanskaar gave her a slight smile.

"Relax Swara! Feel free to think of this as your own home. Do as you please. Stay as you want. Your wish! Just don't kick me out of this house too. At this rate I shall be running out of places to park my butt in."

Swara's lips went downturn at his statement then she saw the teasing glint in his eyes.

He is just pulling her leg.

Swara felt relieved and irritated at the same time.

"Haha! Very funny."

He grinned.

"You can freshen up. Let me go and check how my in-house chef is faring. If I know him right he must be preparing seven course meal in your honour. Not that I mind but I am tad too starved to wait for his elaborate culinary crusade in action. I'll go help him."

Not seven course meal as he stated but Nakul managed to serve good dinner on the table. Sanskaar and Swara helped in laying down the table.

And the trio had the dinner discussing random happenings around the world and in life. They purposefully avoided talking about the current upheaval in their lives. Later may be. Today is the day for acquaintances. Starting from scratch all over again.

Nakul furtively looked at the girl and man having animated discussing about music.

"Don't tell me you have no idea about why R.D. Burman is called Pancham Da?" Swara gave him a look of disbelief.

"Who do I look like? Your encyclopaedia?" He retorted. "I am tone deaf. The fact that I listen to music is good enough for someone like me. Asking me the finer details and trivia and general knowledge questions about anything related to music is pushing it."

"Ha! Ignorant!" Swara sniggered.

"Aha! Then tell me why stock markets are so dependent upon American economy?" Sanskaar asked crossing his arms. "And which stocks are the best bets to invest in right now?"

"How would I know?" She looked bewildered.

"Double ignorant!" He sniggered back.

Nakul smiled seeing that homely scene. Any outsider would think this is a happy little family bantering and bickering the way close knitted loving families do.

But.. This is not that happy family. It used to be a perfect family once. But now?

What can he do to help rebuild that perfect family? The family of a man called Sanskaar and a girl named Swara.

Simple! He should leave them to rebuild their lives and their love and that family all over again. On their own. One more time.

He knows what to do know.

He excused himself and went to kitchen. And made a show of calling someone.

He walked back in the dining room almost yelling animatedly.

"Don't worry. I will there in a moment. You take care. I am on my way. Coming. Don't worry alright!"

He looked at his audience who were watching his show with curious expressions.

"My sister!" He elaborated. "There has been an emergency in the home. I got to go."

"Nakul!" Sanskaar spoke in a wry tone. "You don't have a sister."

Damn! Nothing escapes this man's vision. And he forgets nothing. Nakul cursed softly.

"Errr! I mean my cousin sister. Emergency at home." He bluffed. "And I do have a cousin sister. God promise!"

"I need to go." He asked hesitantly. "Can I?"

From the look that Sanskaar was throwing at him Nakul guessed that his Boss caught up on his bluff.

But Swara was looking bewildered at the turn of events. And then shocked. And scared.

Nakul has to go. That means... she will left alone with HIM. She and him; alone in this house. ALONE!

She felt panic attacks gripping her heart and psyche.

And then he spoke.

"Swara!" Sanskaar's deep voice cut into her panic clogged mind. "If you want I shall drop you home."

"Hu!" She looked him wildly.

Drop her home? What does he mean?

Sanskaar felt his heart constricting at the panic stricken look on her face. HIS Swara. His soulmate. His life. Now is too scared to be in his life. What has he done to deserve this punishment? How is he to live with this agony?

At that moment Swara understood that he could read her inside out. She doesn't need to voice out her feelings. He would just know. What she is feeling, what she wants and what she needs.

He knows her better than she knows herself.

So what are you going to do now Swara? She asked herself. Back to Baadi or Maheshwari Mansion and back to that lost self of yourself with fragmented memories, tormenting thoughts, tantalizing glimpses, incomplete days and incomprehensible nights...without him?

But alternate option is staying with HIM. Alone!

Could she handle that?

That she is not sure. NO! She is no longer afraid of him. The traumatic flash backs of him shooting at her notwithstanding. She is at this moment afraid of herself. As to what she would feel around him.

Because the way he makes her feel just by being himself is something she has never felt in life before. Or did she? Had she felt like this before? If she had she could bet her life that HE would have been the reason for it.

So what is she going to do now?

Take a chance, dig out some courage, summon some gumption and hold on to hope... and walk on the path of discovering her lost self. With him as her companion in that journey?

Or go away from him and give up on herself?

The choice is clear. And the choice is only one.

"I'll stay with you!" She heard herself speak. But this time she was not horrified at her audacious choice. If anything.. she felt peace.

This is the beginning. And she is fiercely glad she has taken the first step. Whatever the journey would be and wherever it takes her.. She is ready. As long as he is with her.

Nakul stopped himself from cheering out aloud. His gamble has paid off.

Now it is upto the girl and the man to steal, snatch and tear their life back from fate's cruel clutches. Or build a new life and pen down a brand new love story of theirs. As magical as their first love story.

With each other. Always with eachother.

Sanskaar drew a ragged breath in. He had no idea till that point he was holding his breath.

She wants to stay. With him! Alone!

He could feel his torn heart healing itself almost seamlessly.

This is ... Glorious.

He is getting his life back. One step at a time. He won't mind that. As long as SHE is with him he won't care how slowly the life seeps back in his life. He will be nothing but grateful and at peace. And happy.

As long as she is with him.

"Alright! Boss! I am leaving. Take care of yourself. Will try to keep in touch through calls. May take a long time. You take care of yourself and Ma'am. I am going. Please take care of yourself."

And he bolted out of the door without packing his gear lest the Boss or the Ma'am change their mind and order him to stay back.

And he was out.

And Swara and Sanskaar were left behind.

There was awkward silence reverberating around the room. Then Sanskaar cleared his throat.

"It's late." He spoke in a gruff tone. "I think you must be tired. Take rest. Let me show you your room."

He got up and she followed him mutely assailed by countless thoughts of her own.

"Here!" He opened the room and she entered the room. His room.

She took a deep breath. The room smelled of him. she immediately felt peace descending upon her ragged mind.

God! How she missed this smell. This unique all male presence of his. She missed HIM.

And now she is with him.

She can breathe free now.

She walked towards his bed and absentmindedly picked up the pillows.

"Umm! Swara!" He walked towards her and she turned and looked at him.

"Mind if I take these pillows. I am used to them." He hesitantly tried to reach for the pillows.

And at that moment she felt a sense of dejavu. This has happened before. Him looking this adorable trying to take the pillows from her giving her childlike innocent looks and looking like a sweet little boy next door.

She blinked.

Wow! Her first actual recollection of the memory of the past. Not fragmented, torn and tormenting or tantalizing ones. Solid perfect memory.

Of HIM and HER.

She is getting herself back.

Swara's face beamed in a beautiful broad smile.

Sanskaar blinked.

"Swara! You alright?" The smile on her face. He could do anything to see that smile on her face.

"I am perfect!" Swara replied with the same smile.

"And yes you can have the pillows. Just don't keep A.C on 16 degrees. It gets a tad too chilling." She spoke with an impish glint in her eyes.

"A.C at 16?" He looked bewildered. "How do you..." He trailed off a powerful beam of hope lighting him up from inside.

"You remembered?"

"That I did." Swara's smile went a mile wide. "My first perfect memory Sanskaar. I did it."

He could have given a big whoop of happiness and hugged her tight but had to physically stop himself from doing so.

Baby steps Sanskaar. Baby steps. This is the beginning. Don't rush her. Let her take her own time. You can wait a lifetime for her. Don't rush. One step at a time.

She is coming back. To your life.

One step at a time.

He took a deep calming breath.

One step at a time.

"You did it Swara!" He gave a beautiful smile. "Well done. Now take rest. See you tomorrow."

He started walking out of room and then turned around and looked at her.

"By the way. We came to a compromise regarding my A.C preferences later. Just letting you know."

"Aha! What was the compromise?" Her smile was still beaming.

"18 degrees. And you get to hog my blanket. Along with yours too."

He gave a slight wink and closed the door while she stood rooted to her spot wearing gobsmacked expressions at the innuendo in the statement of his.

He clutched the pillows close to his chest and grinned remembering her expressions then suddenly smacked his forehead.

Sheesh! He totally forgot to call the family and inform them about Swara's whereabouts. They would be so worried. So taken in was he by the whirlwind of events that it just slipped out of his mind to inform the family.

He immediately called Laksh.

"Bhai! Swara..." Came the breathless panicky voice of Laksh from the other. Ragini was saying something in the background in panic stricken voice.

"Relax Laksh!" Sanskaar said soothingly. "Swara is with me."

There was stunned silence at the other end.

"Swara? Our Swara is with you? Wow! I mean How! What? When?" Both Laksh and Ragini started speaking at once in excitement.

"Guys! Guys! Please! I still am not sure about the hows and whys of this situation. And No! Not even trying to make sense of it. Let's say I have decided to live it. And roll with punches." Sanskaar replied.

"But bhai..."

"Laksh!" Sanskaar cut in. "Will talk to you later. When I get a grip on the situation and could make some sense out of it. For now Swara is staying with me. Just inform the family ok."

"Sanskaar!" Ragini snatched the phone from her husband. "Please take care of Swara alright."

"Need to say that Ragini?" Sanskaar retorted.

"I know! I know! You will take care of her. In fact you are the bestest one around to take care of her. Still saying. And take care of yourself too. And keep us informed. Need any help just.."

"Ragini! Ragini! Relax. Trust me I will handle this. You take care of my brother, yourself and the family. Right?"

"Alright!" Ragini smiled brightly at Laksh.

The call got disconnected.

Ragini and Laksh looked at each other and exclaimed in wonder in one tone.

"So Swara is with Sanskaar. So not Wow!" She curled her lips. "After all her Khooni chant and drama she is back to where she belongs. With her Sanskaar. Now it will be a matter of time when he shall win her back. When she will find herself. When their love story will be complete once again. And when they will come back to this home. Together."

NO! Not on my watch! I will not let Swara re-write her story once again with the love of her life. Swara and Sanskaar will not have their life back. If they win... I will lose. Especially the girl called Swara. If she comes back to the Maheshwari Mansion again she will get her life, her love and her family back. And I will lose everything. NO! Failure is not an option. I will not allow this happen.

She reached for the phone with grim determination.

What is the saying: Enemy of your enemy is your friend. Time to call that friend. And let him deal with your enemy. After all! What are friends for? It's a good thing that she saw his real face and saw him for what he is. An obsessive deranged psychopath lusting over a married girl. Must say her stars do shine bright. That girl turned out to be Swara. Provincial blessing! Now this friend' will deal with that enemy. All she has to do is step back and watch the show.

Four:

"Good morning!" She chimed with a bright smile.

"Good morning!" He replied automatically and watched her while she turned back and started doing what she was doing.

She pottered around and made a cup of hot steaming coffee for him.

"Tada! Coffee!" She handed the cup to him and he took an appreciative sip of the liquid.

He missed this coffee of hers. Her good morning wishes and smiles, her sunshine presence, her... Everything.

"Liked it?" Swara asked him hesitantly.

"Loved it." He smiled gently. "Though I must say I am still biased towards your masala chai."

Swara gave a happy smile.

"Right then. We have a masala chai date in the evening. What say?"

"Let me check my appointment diary and see if I can spare any time." He replied with a straight face and had to duck when she tossed napkin playfully at him.

"Alright! Don't get too violent. Date it is." He raised his palms in placatory gesture. "By the way what are you doing up and about so early?"

"Since Nakul said you would burn the water if you set out for cooking I thought I should get the breakfast ready." Swara started arranging the table.

"He says hell lot of things. Don't pay too close an attention to him." He started helping her.

Together they had their breakfast in companionable atmosphere.

Swara surreptitiously looked at him tucking the food in.

She still can't believe it that she is with him. In his home. All alone with him. And now having breakfast with him in such a casual carefree and dare she say happy companionship?

What is happening to her?

And only few hours went by since she propelled herself in his life and already she is feeling she is an integral part of his life. And he of hers. Core and the prime and the supreme part of the life.

"Right! Now it is Sanskaar action time." He rolled his sleeves and started cleaning the dishes.

"Sanskaar! You let it be. I will do it." Swara protested.

"Nayy! This is how it works. Nakul cooks I clean. And since you cooked today I will clean."

"You know how to do the dishes?" Swara was amazed.

"My wife trained me well." He gave her a lopsided smile. "Now watch the top business man of the state showing all you ignorant how it is done. Watch and learn. How to clean the dishes."

Wife trained him well? Wife who? Swara pondered.

Err wouldn't that be YOU? A voice inside her volunteered.

Oh Yes! That would be her. SHE taught him how to do the dishes? Is he being serious or simply yanking her chain? There is just not knowing what goes in that mind of his. And what he says. His sense of humour and sarcasm is little too high level for her. She will learn to understand him. Slowly!

"Watch and Learn!" His deep voice cut into her reverie.

He was vigorously cleaning the cup with utmost concentration and that's when another fragment of memory suddenly exploded into beautiful splinters and those bits came together and arranged themselves into a perfect mural.

Girl: What are you seeing? You won't be able to do this.

Boy: Wait a minute. (Him removing his watch and jacket and handing them over to her). Now watch! How the biggest businessman of the city is going to teach you how to wash this dishes perfectly.

Girl: Hummm. (let's see what you got!)

Boy: (Showing her how it done.)

Girl: (Impressed and cheering on.)

Boy: (Tosses water at her playfully.)

Swara immediately shielded her face with one hand to protect herself from the projectile of water.

"Hey!" Sanskaar turned around and looked at her. "You alright?"

Swara blinked and looked around.

She is not outside the tent. She is in his house.

This is not that day in the past. This is present.

Her present.

But there was that beautiful past. With him!

It felt so real that she could have reached out and touched that memory.

And so beautiful.

That smile of his, that friendly banter of theirs, her own smile, their laughter, that friendship.

Their past.

So everybody was right. Swara and Sanskaar had a happy past.

Then how did she ended up landing in this confusing and conflicting present?

But one thing she got it absolutely right.

All her answers lie with him. HE is her salvation.

Swara closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

That was such a glorious memory. Blissfully happy one.

Wish there are more. The cruel wall of impenetrable dam that was holding her memories and was denying them to her has been breached.

The trickle of the lost memories finding their way back to her and their home has started. Soon there will be flood. Of those memories.

And soon she shall have her answers.

And soon she shall discover herself. And HIM.

"Swara?" There was world of a concern in his voice.

"I am fine Sanskaar. Never been better." She gave him a bright smile. "Just one question. Why were we living in a tent?"

"Tent?" He was stunned.

That means she is getting her memory back. He felt a powerful sense of elation and then came the dampening sensation. Why were they living in the tent? What answer should he give to this question of hers? That she got betrayed by his sister? Her sister tried to kill her? Her fianc married her Sister on her own wedding day? He own father disowned her? Her parents got separated since her mother chose to stand by her? And she stepped in his life with that fake marriage plan of hers to expose her sister and bring her Ma-Baba together? That's how this journey of Swara and Sanskaar started. From the fake marriage days to tent days and then their life and love story.

She doesn't remember the dark memories. It hurts that she forgot the glorious memories of their blissful life too. But to remind her of the happier life those memories the dark ones has to be revisited too. She now thinks that Ragini is her sister and is happy to about this new found family of hers. She loves her sister.

Should he tell her that once upon a time that very sister did so many cruel, dark, criminal things against her all in the name of love?Though Ragini has changed for better now but there was that dark Ragini of the past!

NO! As long as possible he will spare her this agony. She has been through all that once. He would hate to let her go through that dark lanes of the past one more time.

It would hurt her. And seeing her hurt would hurt him.

No! He will not stop the memories from coming back to her. But he will not push her to those lanes of memories that are bound to hurt her.

"Come!" He went and sat on the dining chair and she followed him. "Swara! This is your journey. I will walk with you by your side as long as you want. But this path to self discovery is upto you to chart. I am here for you. But I won't walk this path for you. You must find your answers yourself. I will watching over you. I will be with you."

"But you won't give me my answers?" Swara surmised correctly.

What is he hiding? Is he trying to protect himself or .. trying to protect her? What are the dark secrets that those lost memories are holding?

He took a deep breath.

"I will answer your questions. But let me choose which questions to answer. Some answers you need to find for yourself. Some I will answer for you. And some we shall find the answers together."

He made up his mind. She could see that. And once his mind is made up he will not budge. Not even for her. She just knows.

"Alright!" She accepted. "But are you sure I could find those answers all by myself?"

He gave a charming smile.

"You are Swara. Sherlock Swara Holmes as I call you. If I give you two. And two again you will come up with 11 and would be still doing permutations and combinations to check if it could turn to 111 or 1111. So have faith in your detective mind Madam! You will solve this case too."

She wasn't sure if he is being truthful and encouraging or simply teasing her.

But she decided to take him on his face value.

"So you will be walking by my side?"

"All the way Swara!" There was no mistake the strength in his resolve and truthfulness in his voice.

"Then I want you to take me to those places where we have been before." She requested coming to a decision.

This is how her journey to self discovery shall start.

He looked deep into her eyes.

"You sure Swara?"

She nodded her head with firm resolve.

"Alright! Let's start with the lanes of happy memories then." He got up.

"Where you going?" She got up to.

"Taking my Jeep out. And to pack some gear." He grinned at her. "So are you ready to rock and roll Princess? One more time?"

His attitude is infectious.

She grinned back.

"Absolutely!" And then she suddenly paused. "What did you call me?"

"Princess!" He replied rolling that word in such a way that made her heart flutter.

Princess! That sounds so beautiful. And familiar. As if she has been living that name. As if she is his princess and he is her...

"Prince!" She spoke suddenly. "I used to call you prince right!"

Then why on the earth she got that memory of him being her Khooni? He was her prince.

The floodgates are opening. His smile was whimsical.

"That you did princess. But nowadays I prefer being called... Knight!"

"Knight? Why knight?" She was curious.

"Give me a Knight or gimme an Emperor. Prince and Kings are tad too timid for my taste." And on that note he went back to get the gear ready.

Give me a Knight or gimme an Emperor. Prince and Kings are tad too timid for my taste! And he is right! She admitted. Why and how could she call THIS man a prince. When he is a born knight!

A dark knight.

He would either remain a knight or choose to be an Emperor. That's how he rolls. That's how he is built. And that's how he is meant to be.

Five:

"Hop on Princess! Ready for the ride!" He started the jeep.

"Bring it on Knight!" She braced herself calming herself down. Today is going to be a momentous day.

And she will call Knight' from now onwards. It suits him. Perfectly!

He grinned at her and gunned the vehicle.

"And yes! Since we are starting our journey one more time I would want to lay few ground rules." He looked at her driving with steady hands.

"Rules?" She crunched her eyebrows. "And what are they?"

"Rule number one: You will not go that ear bleeding Khoooniii' on me." He spoke in a stern voice.

She felt sheepish.

Was her Khooni' chant that ear bleeding. But then again there are these flash backs...

"You can think of me as drug peddler, Mafia lord, underworld Don, Bluebeard, psychopath or a low life in general. But not that Khooni' chant please!"

She couldn't help smiling back at his disgruntled expressions. She surely pissed him off with that rant of hers.

But there are these flashbacks...

"No more Khooni! Or else I will bail out and will be off to doing want I was planning to do."He warned her.

"What were you planning to do?" She asked curiously.

Trust his wife to focus upon every darn thing but for the one he wants her to focus upon.

"Never mind my plans." He sighed. "Focus on rules please! No more Khooni. Yes or no!"

She pondered over the options for a long moment.

Yes there are these Khooni' flashbacks that she can't seem to get out of her mind.

But then there is also HIM.

And now there are happy memories. Just a few sparkling gems of precious memories but blissfully happy ones nonetheless. With HIM.

So what is she going to do now?

She will do want he wants her to do.

She will start this journey with an open mind. No judgements No prejudices.

She will take the moments as and when they come. And hopefully those moments shall give her the answers to her riddles and puzzles. The answers that she is seeking.

And that would be possible only and ONLY when she is with him. He could give her own self back to her. By just being him.

"Ok!" She accepted. "I won't judge you any further. Atleast till I get that part of my memory back completely."

"Hallelujah!" He cheered. "Thank God! Thank you for small mercies. Remind me to get 101 coconuts when I visit you next time."

She pursed her lips undecided whether to laugh at his sense of humour especially when she is at the receiving end of that humour. Or feel miffed with him.

"Any more rules?" She asked peevishly.

"Will add more as and when I remember."

Then he gave her lopsided charming smile and she had to smile back.

"Let's hit the road!"

And they started their journey. One more time.

Sanskaar traced the same journey that they charted what feels like a lifetime back.

The same wide lanes of the road, the same long drive, the same valleys, the same mountains, the same sunrise, the same sunshine, the same music in the air, the same beauty.

And the same companion.

And the same happiness.

She kept chattering nineteen to dozen chirpily asking questions and queries.

What is this place?

Did we come here before?

What is that?

What is this?

How about that?

Tell me about this?

And he answered all her questions with patience mixed with exasperation at the curiosity and energy quotients of his petite pixie wife.

Swara was feeling happy. Light. Carefree. As if the burden crushing her soul for past few weeks has been finally lifted.

She still is missing a major chuck of her memory and all important chapters of her life. But at that moment she didn't care.

She is happy. This is bliss. This is perfection.

And HE is her perfect companion.

Letting go of the presumptions, judgements, prejudices was best thing that she could have done for herself. Taking every moment as it comes was a blessed decision.

The moments that are coming her way are pure happiness.

And her happiness was contagious. Seeing her looking so happy, carefree, smiling and laughing and being her own self; being Swara; HIS Swara he could feel himself healing completely.

She is still not his completely. She still doesn't remember him and their love story and their entwined souls.

But she is HIS Swara. And she is coming back to her own life. And his life.

He couldn't have asked for anything more.

This is happiness. This is perfection!

The sat in the same spot that they chose a lifetime back and chatted.

Fought over the left over sandwich like last time.

Shared the same flavoured can of juice.

They took the pictures of the same scenes. Laughed at the same moments.

Smiled at the same images.

Felt the same happiness. The one like the last time. Lifetimes back.

And soon Swara started pointing out the similarities, the past memories, the present happenings, their past merging with the perfect present. Her memories coming back to her and she lunging at them as if they are there sparkly precious gems which went missing from her treasure box.

And he heard her talk about those moments with amazement as if she finding herself back with a blissful smile on his face.

Swara is coming back to her Sanskaar.

Slowly! But he is in no hurry. After all they have a lifetime to live.

And he thought their first love story was beautiful.

He could learn to love this second innings too. With utmost pleasure.

And may be even God was loving writing this sequel of the perfect love story.

They found the same kids playing in the park. This time they were playing cricket.

Swara and Sanskaar joined in the game. She was appointed captain of one team and Sanskaar captain of opposition team.

Sanskaar of few months back would have allowed her to win without a fight. But not this Sanskaar.

He gave her a good fight and by the end of the match announced that his team has won.

Swara put up a brave fight both on and off the fields. She claimed that her team scored more.

He pointed out the blatant cheating committed by her and her team.

She refuted the charges without even looking abashed.

And the umpire declared in her favour. Not surprising since she had already charmed the 11 years old boy donning the umpire hat.

Sanskaar sighed in mock exasperation. That creepster called Sahil in the background is bad enough and he is itching to hand that guy's ass back to him for daring to cast his dirty eyes upon HIS Swara but now he had to protect her from the puppy attentions of young boys too.

Trust his wife to charm everyone who gets in her way. Age no bar.

Swara and her team of boys did a victory jig while Sanskaar watched on indulgently.

Yup! He could really get used to this second innings of his love story. With her. And only her.

Six:

They sat on the outcrops of a rock hill watching the serene sunset.

Swara threw head back and took a deep breath of pure air carrying the calming scent of dusk.

Sanskaar turned his head and looked at her beautiful visage and smiled.

Felt like a lifetime since he could live his life like this.

With sheer untainted peace!

His Swara! His smile was serene and those deep eyes intense not even bothering to hide the world of love that he has for this girl in their deep recesses.

Swara breathed in again.

Life.is.good. She is yet to discover herself. But she is no longer feeling like that lost little girl. In fact she could say that she is happy. And all this because of a man named Sanskaar. Talking about Sanskaar...

"Sanskaar!" She sat straight suddenly remembering the snippet that was bothering her at the back of her mind.

"Hummm!"

"Nakul said you are the boxing champion of illegal fight club?"

Well that's Swara Bose Maheshwari for you. She remembers the darnest things and says the darnest stuff at times.

"Yeah! That would be me alright! The boxing champ and all that." He admitted.

"Of illegal fight club?" Her big eyes went wide.

"Legal fight clubs are too tame and too boring." He shrugged nonchalantly.

"But illegal fight club Sanskaar?" She looked horrified. "That's that's..."

"Kind of criminal activity as per law?" He suggested helpfully.

She bobbed her head.

"Yeah that's right." He admitted again. "But then again dabbling in criminals activities is not a novelty for me."

"WHAT?" She looked more horrified.

He suddenly sobered up remember those criminal' acts of his.

"Actually one of the biggest criminal acts that I did in my life is trying to ruin your life and reputation."

Swara was stunned into bewildering silence.

What is he saying?

He lowered his eyes. That guilt would haunt him forever though he did everything that is possible to redeem himself but he would never forget those dark days of his revenge crazed phase where he wronged this innocent soul in such a heinous way. In return she forgave him and gave his life back.

And became his life.

"What are you saying Sanskaar?"

He met her questioning eyes.

"I am sorry Swara. There was a time I wronged you. In immoral, ethical and inhuman ways."

"How?" She breathed the words.

"By drugging you besides other things."

"But why?"

"I was driven by craze for vengeance. And you were just an innocent pawn for me to help me win that game for me."

"And then what happened?" She was trying to comprehend his confession.

"Then..." He gave her a beautiful self deprecating smile. "Then YOU happened. And rest as they say is history."

Swara was utterly bewildered. Damn this blasted memory of hers. She would dearly want to know how SHE happened. And what happened in that past of his and hers that brought him in her life. And her in his.

And..

"Wait a minute! You drugged me." Finally she got out of the bewildered state and latched onto the outrage. "How dare you?"

That outrage of hers got the dark knight in him flexing his muscles.

"Excuse me Princess. I drugged you later. You drugged me first."

"I did WHAT?" She was shocked.

"Drugged me!" He gave her a devilish smile. "Added the drug to innocent looking kheer. Invited an innocent or may be not so innocent man to your house using underhanded methods. Fed me that spiked food so diabolically. And now you are taking moral high ground. Tsk! Tsk!"

"I most certainly did not do such criminal acts!" She replied primly.

"You most certainly did." The same devilish smile.

Swara was appalled.

Dear God! That means she too dabbled in such criminal' acts?

He read her expressions correctly and gave a short laugh.

"Don't beat yourself over it Princess. You meant no harm. I did. I was the biggest bad ass around. I still am I think. Come to think of it among all our family members atleast most of them dabbled in some criminal' act or the other. In fact Kolkata police were planning to pitch in their tents outside our mansion to save the time and travel expenses. Whenever there is a dearth of crime in the city they would look upon us to provide them with entertainment and livelihood. "

Swara's expressive face expressed myriad expressions. Horror, shock, disbelief. He watched her changing expressions with indulgent amusement.

Maybe it would be kinder to not remind her about the acts' of her darling sister and his kid brother. Though both of them changed for the good considering Swara's state of mind she will pop a nerve or two if she gets to know about their kaands.

"Sanskaar!" She asked hesitantly. "If you don't mind I would want to know about the errr drugging and other parts of our early life. How and why you stepped in my life? How I stepped in yours? The beginning?"

He went silent for a long moment.

Could she handle the truth?

"I promise I can handle the truth." Swara pleaded.

He took a deep breath and started narrating their story.

The beginning.

His stepping into her life to create havoc all for the quest of a revenge based on wrong foundation.

She seeing through him and fighting him and challenging him at every step.

Him fighting back.

Him crossing the line demarcating rights and wrongs, moral and immoral, ethical and unethical and turning her life upside down.

And she turning his life around. By simply being her.

His light. His saviour. His Swara.

Swara could feel the fragments of the memories of the past clawing at her conscious mind as he was narrating the tale in that deep rich voice of his.

She could SEE those parts. Not the complete picture to make perfect sense but splinters and shards here and there.

He is telling the truth. That she knows. She just knows.

Though he tried to keep the narration of the wrongdoings of Laksh and especially Ragini to minimal level he could see Swara grasping the unspoken. Understanding the unsaid.

He paused at the fake marriage track. He could see Swara is feeling overwhelmed at the unleashed surge of memories of the past.

The last thing he wants to do is to see this girl hurt.

"That's it for today Swara." He declared firmly.

Swara blinked. She was still lost in the past. With supreme effort she dragged herself back to the present.

"But Sanskaar..." She was about to protest.

And he cut in.

"Swara! You will find answers to all your questions. One at a time. Take is easy and take it slow. We have a life time with us. What's the rush?"

She took a deep breath again.

He is right. What is the rush? Besides she doesn't think she can handle any more truths for now. She is done in for today. The entire narration has been way too overwhelming.

So sweet innocent Ragini; the girl she who has been her neighbour and friend since their childhood; the girl who is now her sister; the girl who is showering her with such pure love... tried to murder her in the past. And then there is long list of wrongdoings she unleashed on her. But...

Swara paused.

For some odd reason she is not angry. She should have been outraged, hurt and should be feeling betrayed. But surprisingly she is... stoic. As if her subconscious mind knows this truth. She has been through all this before. The hurt, the sense of betrayal, the pain, the agony, the outrage. There is no point in resurrecting that dark era. Why live it one more time when living it once was agonizing.

The memories of the dark past are still hidden in the deep recesses of her mind. She is getting few flashes here and there. Could see a few blurred and a few clear pictures from the past. She knows this is one of the life turning events of her past. But she is no longer feeling the urge to claw at those hidden memories and drag them to light. Let them remain in those dark vaults. She probably will get them back. She is sure of that. But she won't mind if they stay hidden for some more time.

Besides she loves Ragini. She loved her before. She would love her even now as her sister despite knowing the truth once again. Simply because Swara Bose is incapable of keeping grudges. She believes in forgiveness. She believes in letting go.

That's Swara Bose or you.

Or should she call herself Swara Maheshwari? More precisely Swara Sanskaar Maheshwari.

She will find herself soon.

What did HE say ...One at a time.

One at a time.

She will take it as it comes. Good, bad and ugly.

There was a time she would have wanted to claw, tear and lunge at those memories to see them for what they are. To see what they meant to her. To see her own self.

Without them she was feeling so lost.

But not anymore. Yes! She is yet to discover her past and herself fully but she is no longer lost.

Because she found her anchor. And his name is Sanskaar Maheshwari. Her Knight!

She nodded her head in acquiescence.

He gave her his tranquil smile.

"Shall we go then? It is getting dark?"

"Humm! Just one more thing. One last." She added seeing his look.

"Alright! Shoot!" He spoke in a resigned tone.

"If you and I were in fake marriage that means we are still fake wife and husband?"

What a dumb way to word your question Swara! She chided herself.

He looked amused. Fake husband?

"No! Because after that fake marriage stunt of ours we also had sindhoor marriage (seeing her confused look he elaborated). Sindhoor Swara! I applied sindhoor on you to shut up my formerly bratty kid brother who at that time was pushing all my wrong buttons. I did that to protect you and in turn you gave me a 50 pages long lecture regarding the sacredness of that sidhoor and what that gesture of mine meant as per our culture. So that would be our first marriage if you are being too technical. Then we had a proper marriage with all rituals except for the tiny winy detail that neither the groom nor the bride were jumping in ecstasy and leaking tears of happiness at that big day of theirs. We were kind of errr persuaded to go through that marriage by your sister. Then finally we had actual marriage. Lot of shiz happened during that phase too but yeah FINALLY we got married legally and morally. And with all other lly'."

"Woah!" Swara breathed in awe.

"You can say that again Princess. Along with Kolkata police we also provide entertainment and livelihood to our Panditji too. He built himself another house all thanks to our dakshinas. I think he has even got our number on speed dial. We call his number and he lands up at house singing wedding mantras without even asking what is the purpose of that call."

She laughed at that.

"I still can't believe we got married what thrice in such a short gap."

"I swear! I am now not attending any other marriage functions. That of friends or family or close ones. Allergic to all that jazz, decor and drama for years to come. And I could probably sing the mantras and get the marriage done way better than pandits. Experience!" He gave a self deprecating smile.

She gave him a wide amused smile. Then her smile dropped.

She got married to him to so many times. Yet she doesn't even remember one beautiful ritual. One marriage ceremony?

Then she shook her head clearing away those depressing thoughts.

Few weeks earlier Swara would have give a roar of frustration and tried to claw and tear at the veils in her mind hiding her memories away from her sight.

But today she would not give in to that violent dispiriting urge. She is going to take it as it comes.

She will get back those precious memories of her. Sooner or later. Soon she will find all the missing pieces of puzzle and hopefully could create a perfect picture of her past.

She will do that. She can do that. As long as HE is with her.

And may be will create new memories, new images, new perfect pictures along the way. With HIM.

Swara smiled again.

Sanskaar got up and brushed his jeans with his palms to remove the soil and dirt.

"Let's go Princess. Past your bedtime now."

"Is the clock going to ring 12 past midnight?" She got up too and smiled impishly at him.

He grinned.

"Still time for that. But let's get you back to your home safely before this charioteer turns into a tom cat and our jeep turns into pumpkin. I don't even know the number of fairy God mother to help us out again."

She laughed again.

He is someone who could make her laugh. Always. No matter what. No matter how dank, dark and depressing the situation would be.

They boarded their jeep and he turned on the ignition.

"Sanskaar! So you actually are a boxing champion?" She went back to her original question that triggered the whole conversation.

"Boxing started as a hobby for me. Then it became passion and then an outlet. So yes I am a boxer. Quite a decent one at that." He shrugged lightly.

"Decent ones don't become champions Sanskaar. Deadly ones do." She pointed out the ultimate fact.

"Touche Sherlock!" He acknowledged the fact with a supremely confident shrug. "You are beginning to know me quite well. A word of wise. Don't analyze me too much. You might end up falling in love with me. One more time!"

Seven:

"Why are you checking the rear view mirror so many times Sanskaar?" Swara asked.

He turned his head and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Nothing Swara! Just like that. Safe driving."

"Looking back than forward?" She arched her eyebrows.

"I am looking at the front too." He protested.

"Not as much as you are checking out the back." She checked the mirror. "You think that car is following us."

Nothing escapes his Sherlock wife's detective eyes.

"I am not too sure but could be." He answered evasively. He doesn't want to alarm her but that car has indeed been following them for quite some time.

Then he came to a decision. Let's see what is this game!

"Tighten your seat belt Swara and brace yourself ok."

She understood the resolve in his voice and without voicing any further comments she tightened her seat belt.

He revved up their jeep and gunned it.

In response the other vehicle accelerated too.

Damn it! That means his gut instincts were right after all. For once he would have loved to be proven wrong! So what should he do now? The men in that vehicle are looking mean. That doesn't bother him much. Any other time he would have either stopped his car and got down and had a chat' with them. Or gunned his car ala F1 race and would have shown the amateurs how it is done. But not this time. Because today Swara is with him.

Her safety is his primary responsibility. He cannot put her in any risk whatsoever.

She is way too precious for him.

The only option left for him right now is to dodge those pursuant and take her to safe zone.

Face off can wait.

Safety and security of his Swara can't.

He revved up the car till its maximum limit and swerved it with expertise. The hunters tried to match up with his speed.

Swara sent a note of prayer to the Almighty and braced herself. She grabbed the support and held on.

She was feeling terrified at the turn of events yet there is this voice inside her telling her to stay calm and keep faith. On the man taking charge of this danger. Sanskaar!

Sanskaar raced the car focusing on his goal with utmost concentration.

That of taking his Swara to safe zone. Away from the danger.

Swara first and foremost!

The hunters followed with deadly intent.

Then they started shooting at the car.

"What the hell!" Sanskaar cursed an expletive.

Swara turned pale due to fear. He immediately looked at her and placed his palm on her head and pushed her head down to protect her from the onslaught of bullets.

She bent down and curled herself still tied up on the seat.

He tore his focus back to road making sure that Swara is nowhere in the direct route of danger.

And he started swerving and racing the car to dodge, evade and outrun the danger.

But the pursuers were relentless.

And then they got lucky.

One bullet managed to hit the tires of Sanskaar jeep and the tire exploded.

The jeep went careening out of control. Sanskaar gritted his teeth and grabbed the steering with such a forceful grip that his knuckles turned white. He managed to control the vehicle and stopped it from overturning.

He exhaled forcefully.

This.is.bad.

The tire is shot. Driving is out of question now. The hunters will be on them within moments.

Sanskaar and Swara would be sitting ducks if they stay here for any more time.

"Swara!" He spoke in urgent but firm tone.

She lifted her head and looked at him with terrified eyes.

"Swara! We got to go!" He looked around.

Technically there are in middle of nowhere. This is a jungle route. Both sides of the road were flanked by dense forest.

"Hu!" She looked scared and bewildered.

Swara!" He cupped her face. "Trust me! Ok! Let's go!"

He removed his seat belt and helped her out of her constraints. Swara started getting grip on her terrified self by soaking his strength. He was radiating purpose and steely resolve and unshakable strength.

"Let's go!"

He grabbed his wrist and together they ditched their busted vehicle and the main road and entered the labyrinth of the jungle.

Not a moment soon!

The hunters stopped their vehicle with a screech seeing the abandoned vehicle of their prey.

"Where did they go?" The man who looked like their leader yelled.

Others looked at each other.

He bared his teeth.

"We can't lose them. Especially the girl. Let's find them. They must have entered the jungle. Let's comb it and hunt them out."

They grabbed their weapons and entered the jungle on foot.

"Hushh!" Sanskaar pulled Swara behind the safety of the trees and stood covering her to protect her from discovery.

Hush! He covered her mouth to stop her from letting out a shout of alarm due to her terrified state.

They sensed the predators fanning out and hunting for them. Hence were taking refuge by staying hidden in the mercifully protective labyrinth of the jungle.

He cautiously poked his head out of their refuge and took a reccee of the danger.

There are four-five gun totting men looking for their prey.

Then one of them spoke.

"Remember! The girl first. Make sure she is safe. We have to take her to the boss in all one piece. He wants her. And we are to deliver her to him. He said he doesn't care about the man. I think he would prefer the man dead. So feel free to deal with the man as you see fit. But we must get the girl."

"Yes Boss!" The followers chorused.

"Get going!"

And they spread out hunting for the girl and the man.

Boss? Who is this boss who wants the girl so badly? And won't particularly care for the man with her. And preferably wants him dead. Aha! He can take a wild guess! Sahil Sengupta!

Sanskaar curled his lips in fury and disgust.

That is it. All bets are off. Till now it was the shield called Swara who was protecting you from my wrath. Today you crossed all the limits. But above all you endangered this precious girl. You are going to pay. And I am going to collect.

I swear you are SO going to pay for everything Sahil Sengupta. Especially for casting you dirty eyes and intentions upon my love. My life. My Swara.

I Promise you!

He took a deep calming breath.

Swara first! Let's take her to safety first and then certain shore will get his ass handed to him.

Sanskaar turned his head and looked at the girl.

And then their posture struck his conscious mind.

He was standing so close to her with his rough hand covering her soft lips. And she was nearly flushed on him with her big eyes going wide with unfathomable expressions staring at him.

He gently removed his hand from her mouth.

"You alright Princess?"

She blinked.

She probably is in mortal danger right now. There are big mean looking gun totting thugs hunting for her.

She is in this deep dark jungle.

Can't see a way out of these dangers.

Yet all she could think and feel is how good it felt to be so close to HIM. Sanskaar.

His touch. His masculine all male scent. His lean athletic frame pressing onto every inch of her own frame. His presence. HIM.

"Swara! You Ok?" The concern in his voice broke her reverie.

She nodded mutely.

"Relax! You are with me ok. And I promise you will be safe. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. Ok. Don't worry!" He cupped her face and assured her.

She could believe him. She could believe anything he says. She would even believe sun rises from the west if he says that!

She nodded again.

Then they heard snap of twig and footsteps of one of hunter close to them.

Swara felt a wave of panic hitting her and she grabbed Sanskaar's t-shirt and pulled him close to her and hid her face on his chest and pressed herself flush to his solid reassuring all male body.

Sanskaar felt a beautiful gentle smile spreading on his face. He snaked his arms around her and hugged her with one hand and caressed her hair with another trying to calm down the scared girl.

Then the footsteps faded away.

"Swara!" Sanskaar whispered. "Swara! You can let go of me now."

"Hu!" Swara still held on to him tightly and slowly lifted her head and looked at him.

And met his teasing eyes.

She immediately released him sensing her predicament.

What was she doing? Hugging and holding onto the man she was accusing as her khooni just few days back.

What got into her? She blushed furiously her face turning red.

Sanskaar had to resist to give a shout of laughter seeing those adorable exchange of expressions on his wife's face.

And he couldn't help teasing her further.

"It's Ok Swara! You know there was a time you just couldn't keep your hands off me!"

Swara turned beetroot colour.

"I most certainly did no such things."

"Actually you did!" He gave her a devilish grin. "You could never resist me. Touching me. Being with me. And doing errr you know what. You were a wild cat there let me tell you."

"I was NOT!" Her blush was turning into horror and then something more at his words and the warm sensuous way he was wording those words.

"You were!" He insisted in the same tone. "I have got scratches on my back as proof. Your nail scratches. Every morning I had to wear collar shirts and tees and sometimes long sleeves to hide those marks and bites and scratches you would give me. To be fair I gave you my own fair share of marks."

Swara was looking at him with hypnotized eyes.

She was like that? He did all that to her? All that sinful stuff did happen? How? What?

He bent his head and brought his face close to hers. So close; breathing her air in. And spoke in a husky deep voice.

"I remember Swara. I remember everything. Every chip, every bit, every inch of yours. Every emotion, every thought, every feeling of yours. And someday you will remember too. Every chip, every bit, every inch of mine. Every emotion, every thought, every feeling of mine. Soon!"

Swara breathed in the air her lungs were screaming for.

Will she? She would love to!

"And then!" Suddenly his voice went light and teasing. "You can leave your marks on me again."