Hey guys.. Thank you so much for your likes, comments and support.. I know I always repeat the same thing..always late with an excuse.. Please forgive me.. My life is so messed up.. My family is struggling with so many things and suffering a lot.. So many problems and tensions... Please bear with me till this story completes as I don't want to left it incomplete.. And once again an really very sorry and thank you so very much..
Here is the next update.. A very long chapter.. Please share your views and ignore mistakes..
Chapter 34:Swara continues to knead the dough in front of her as she tries her level best in ignoring her sister and Dadi's remarks regarding her husband. Ever since Uttara informed Dadi and Maa about it being Valentine's Day, all three of them haven't been leaving her alone, teasing and pulling her leg. At first Swara has flushed nonstop at their comments. But grew fed up with them after they consistently proceeded with it...not leaving her alone for even a second.
'Soniye dil nay lagda tere binaaa...dil nay lagda tere binaaa...', Uttara sings loudly as she nudges her sister with her elbow, annoying her.
Swara: (grouchy with all the teasing) What are you doing, Uttara?
Uttara: (innocently) What am I doing, Di? I am just singing what you are feeling inside!! (smiles cheekily)
Swara takes the belan that lies besides her and raises it in Uttara's direction, threatening her. Uttara ducks, whereas Sujatha and Dadi giggle together at this. Swara places it back down and frowns.
Swara: Uttara, stop it already... I'm fed up with your talks...
Uttara: But my talks are right, aren't they? (sing-song voice)
Swara: (frustrated) I will get you married. This is the only option left to get you away from me.
Uttara: I am not going to get married and if I do, even then I will not leave you... I will always talk useless stuff with you. (victory smile)
Swara sighs, knowing that she has lost. Dadi and Sujatha continue to laugh at the sisters. Uttara sits up on the counter, watching her Di go back to work, accompanied by the two elders.
Uttara: Waise Di.
Swara: Ab kya, Uttara? (sternly)
Uttara: What did Mr. Maheshwari gift you for Valentine's?
Swara grows shy by the attention she receives by all the three women. She lowers her head.
Swara: (softly) For now, nothing.
Sujatha: What? Sanskaar hasn't gotten you anything?
Swara blushes, yet stays silent. She isn't sure if her husband even knows today is Valentine's Day or not and even if he does, she should not get her hopes high--expecting something from him. This day is for lovers which they clearly are not...yet?
Dadi: Arre, but I had thought that our hero would have planned something for you and junior.
Swara stills at Dadi's words that is what everyone has been calling her 'baby' recently... junior... She stealthily places a hand on her stomach, wondering to herself how it would feel to be actually pregnant with a child that too, Sanskaar Maheshwari's child. She blushes on her thoughts, removes her hand, and pushes the silly dream out of the way.
Uttara: Dadi, Maa... I'm sure Mr. Maheshwari has something planned for my lovely sister and nephew...
Sujatha: Arre Uttara, why do you always think that my granddaughter is a boy?
Uttara: Because Maa, it's not a girl... it's a boy. (stresses 'boy')
Sujatha: No, I don't agree to this... My daughter-in-law is going to give me a beautiful innocent girl...
Dadi: Yes, even I agree to this.
Uttara: Arre Dadi, Maa, I am telling you... it's a boy.
And with this the three get into a small argument, making Swara feel guilty and upset with the topic. Guilty for seeing how happy they are with the soon arrival of her 'baby'' and upset on having to lie to them. They'll understand though...she knows for certain...when they find out the truth...but also disappointed.
Dadi: Swara Beta, you tell us... do you want a boy or girl?
Swara looks thoughtful over the question. Deciding to actually answer something honestly to them...What does she want? A boy or a girl? She doesn't have to put too much thought to the decision, already coming up with one... She wants a son...a son that will look exactly like his father...have those same dark molten chocolate eyes... long eyelashes...thick black hair...chiseled like nose and similar handsome smile appearing on his lips...
Uttara: Di?
Swara snaps out of her dreaming and shakes her head at the threesome.
Uttara: Boy or girl?
Swara: (slowly grinning) You are all crazy...
Her last words to them before wiping her hands and leaving...
----------
Sanskaar stepped inside the living room only to knock into his sister-in-law, who wears earphones in her ears, listening to her ipod...Startled, Uttara looks at him...taking the plugs out of her ears.
Uttara: Arre, Mr. Maheshwari, aap?
Sanskaar: Err... Haan, Uttara... Kaise ho tum?
Uttara: Wow...
She brushes off his question and stares at the beautifully wrapped bouquet of dark red roses in his hand. And adorably cute medium sized teddy bear, wearing a red bow-tie, in the other. Uttara takes the bear from his hand, gushing over it...
Uttara: This is just too cute!---- (looking at him) These are for Didi?
Sanskaar smiles sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck with his now free hand. He lightly clears his throat and nods his head in affirmative.
Sanskaar: Haan...
Uttara: You are too good, Mr. Maheshwari... Didi is going to be happy...she loves soft toys... And the roses are a very nice touch... (approval in her voice)
Sanskaar: (relieved) Good... I didn't understand what to buy her...
Sanskaar had practically raided the whole store, trying to figure out what to get his darling wife...not wanting to buy something outrageously romantic to send a wrong message...but nothing too plain either...he had settled with these...
Uttara: Nahi...this is fine. Oh... what's in the package? (curious)
She finally notes the neatly blue wrapped package in the same hand that holds the flowers.
Sanskaar: Errr... When I had gone to buy things for Swara, I had seen a saree and liked it. I thought that on Swara, it would--- (embarrassed on admitting this to her)
Uttara: I understand... (smiling)
Sanskaar: Uttara... Your sister?
Uttara smiles brightly at him and hands over the teddy bear back to him, noting his anxious state. Poor guy...so nervous... It is actually amusing to see the Great Sanskaar Maheshwari nervous...that too because of her sister.
Uttara: She is in your room.
Sanskaar: (confused) Why is she there?
Uttara shrugs and places her earphones back into their place...playing her music once again...
Uttara: Check yourself... I am going now...to study.)
Sanskaar watches Uttara begin to walk away from him and immediately stops her.
Sanskaar: Uttara...
Uttara: Ji, Mr. Maheshwari?
He balances the bear with the other things in his hand and reaches into his coat pocket, searching for something. Uttara watches him do so, curiously. Sanskaar withdraws a golden box of chocolates and a single rose attached to it, handing it over to her... Uttara is momentarily stunned. He kisses her softly on her forehead and grins at her as he backs away.
Sanskaar: Happy Valentine's Day.
And with that he walks away towards the staircase...leaving a delighted, smiling Uttara behind...after the shock passes by.
----------
Swara had been cleaning up the room when Sanskaar had stealthily entered in...
Approaching her quietly from behind...He places the package and teddy bear down onto the nightstand as he stands directly behind his wife, who decides to redo the bed again, finding it in need of being done again, with the flowers still in his possession.
Swara raises the comforter up, making it extend over the bed, and eyes the glass window in front of her, showing her a shocking faint reflection of her husband loitering right behind her. Instantly she twirls around to face him, but gasps by bumping straight into his chest and feels his hand protectively holding her back. She rubs her nose that had hit his built chest and slowly stares up to meet his handsome smiling face... Her heart races...
Sanskaar: Watch it, Swara.
Swara: (stammers) Aa-aap?
Sanskaar: Koi shaq?
Swara: (regaining herself) Aap... You have come back early?
Sanskaar: Yes...actually the thing is...there was a meeting today and everyone's attention was somewhere else...finally when I asked that what was wrong with everyone... one man said that today is Valentine's Day and everyone wants to go to their wives... So then I said that they can all leave... I didn't do anything wrong, did I?
Swara blushes by how intently he looks at her and lowers her eyes to his chest...she shakes her head.
Swara: Ji... ji nahi...
Sanskaar: Swara...why didn't you say anything?
Swara: Kya? (softly)
Sanskaar: (sighs) That today is Valentine's Day.
Swara raises her gaze, looking back at him. Surprised that he is upset that she hadn't told him...If she had what difference would it make?
Sanskaar: (understanding her look) I agree that we are friends. But Valentine's day isn't all about love and only for lovers. It's also a day for friendship... right?
Swara bites her bottom lip gently, trying to prevent herself from smiling on feeling elated on him wanting to spend this day with her...Even if it is just as friends...even if she thinks him more than just that.
Swara: Even I didn't know today is Valentine's Day... (answers in the same soft tone)
Sanskaar finally removes his hand from her lower back and lifts the flowers to her view. Swara stares at it, slightly mesmerized. Her eyes travel back over to him.
Sanskaar: Happy Valentine's Day, Swara.
Swara blushes and takes it from him.
Swara: Thank you.
Sanskaar: For you I have more---
Swara follows his gaze towards the night stand where the cute teddy bear and blue wrapped present lay still. She smiles beautifully at her husband, making his heart skip a beat.
Swara: What is the need for this, Mr. Maheshwari?
Sanskaar: (sincerely) I wanted to, Swara...
Their eyes lock momentarily, neither of them speaking during the time... too immersed in one another. Until Sanskaar's cell buzzes, alerting them both. Frustrated by the interruption, Sanskaar takes the call, putting some distance between them...while Swara looks on at him, dreamily... smelling her roses also. She goes into a daze, not hearing a single bit of his conversation with the other caller. Till he cuts off and stares back at her.
Sanskaar: Swara?
Swara: (snaps out of it) Yes?
Sanskaar: That was my friend... Sankeerth... Sankeerth Sharma... do you remember?
Swara ponders over the name for a moment until finally remembering him from their wedding reception. That was the first and only time she had met her husband's best friend.
Swara: Yes...
Sanskaar: He's hosting a party---for today's occasion.
Swara notes the slight disappointment in his voice.
Sanskaar: And he wants for me to come.
Sanskaar had been planning on taking Swara out somewhere nice and special for today...only two of them...have dinner. But stupid Sankeerth had to call and ruin everything.
Swara feels something inside of her sink on his words and becomes disappointed herself as well... She had thought that they would...---
Swara: (attempting a weak smile) that's fine...you can go. (kindly)
Sanskaar: I meant to say us...he's asked for both of us to come to the party tonight. It's at eight...the dress code is black and red...Black for men and Red for women.
Swara immediately bounces back, happy with him not being away from her. He gives her a hesitant look.
Sanskaar: Will you come with me? You don't have to, if you don't want to... You can stay home if you want.
Swara: (haste) Ji nahi... main--- (embarrassed at her fast reply) I will come with you. (calmly)
Sanskaar: (faintly smiles) I will pick you up at 7:30.
Swara: Are you going somewhere?
Sanskaar: A problem has come up with one of our hotels... I will have to see what happened...but I will come back early...Promise. (grins)
Swara: (upset) Are you going now?
Sanskaar: Haan...but like I said, I will come back on time.
Swara: (suddenly remembering) Can you wait for a minute?
Sanskaar: Kya hai, Swara?
Swara turns from him and goes to her wardrobe, opening up the doors... Sanskaar watches her carefully... Finally finding what she searches for, she goes back over to him, shyly presenting him with a black case with a red bow on it...
Swara: I also...Bought you something.
Sanskaar, touched by this... takes the gift from her gratefully. He keeps his eyes on her.
Sanskaar: Thank you. (warmly)
Swara: (blushing) Will you not see what it is?
Smiling a little at this, Sanskaar begins untying the bow and opens the case, which reveals a Burberry Sandringham multi pen with a classic yet stylish design to it, held in place with a navy ribbon. He is in awe with her selection.
Swara: I heard you complain once in awhile about not having a proper pen... So I had thought that I would get you one... Do you like it? (hopeful)
Sanskaar: No... I don't. (suddenly)
Swara becomes disheartened by his response, feeling miserable for not giving him something that he will like. She sees him grin at her...making her confused.
Sanskaar: I'm joking, Swara... I love it. Thank you.
Relief washes over her and she smiles back at him.
Swara: (cheerful now) Go... or else how will the problem be solved?
Sanskaar: (smiling) I'll see you at 7:30.' (tucking in his new pen into his coat pocket) I suggest you start getting ready now...and yes... make sure to see what's in the package I gifted you...I want you to wear it for the party...
Swara: (confused) Ji?
Sanskaar: Ji. (grins)
He briskly leaves the room, leaving Swara curiously shifting her gaze over at the blue package.
----------
A Couple of Hours Later:
Sanskaar parks hastily and doesn't bother to check how he had parked his car, instead only runs up the steps toward the grand looking house, decorated lavishly and brilliantly for the occasion. He fixes his tie after he rings the doorbell. There was no time at all for him to go home and change since he got caught up with work at the hotel, so Sanskaar decided on wearing one of his suits laying around in the closet in his cabin, also informing Swara to go on without him and that he will see her there. He sees his best friend's face appear from behind the opened door and forces a smile, even though Sanskaar knew that his smiles wouldn't help him this time. He isn't surprised to see the door slam shut in front of his face.
Letting out a tired sigh, Sanskaar rings the doorbell once again. He hears footsteps approaching and can clearly hear Janvi's faint voice from behind the thick green door. "Sankeerth, kya kar rahi ho?! Are you mad?! Let him in!".
After a short quarreling, the door opens once again and this time Sanskaar sees Janvi's radiant smiling face. She looks beautiful in a light red sari fitting her perfectly and her hair in curls.
Janvi: Sanskaar! You're here!
"Oh how exciting...", Sanskaar hears Sankeerth, who was hid behind the door, grumble. Sankeerth yelps in pain as Janvi steps on his foot.
Janvi: Come in, its cold outside.
Sanskaar: (smiles politely) Thanks, Janvi.
Sanskaar enters into the warm and joyful atmosphere. Light music is heard playing from the far side of the house and the aroma of delicious food fills his nostrils. The next thing he sees is Sankeerth's grim looking face appearing in front of him.
Sanskaar: Sankeerth- I'm sorry dost, I got caught up with some work so I ran a little late---
Sankeerth: A little late? (demanding)
Sanskaar: Okay an hour late- but like I had said, there was work ---
Sankeerth: Work, work, work! Your damn work...that is all you care about!
Sanskaar: Sankeerth, that's not true, I tried to make it on time! (trying to reason with him)
Sankeerth opens his mouth to speak, but is cut off by Janvi who throws him a warning glance.
Janvi: Now stop it, Sankeerth. He's here and that's all that matters. Don't ruin both of your moods by arguing. If this is going to happen every time I throw a damn party then I'm just going to stop holding them! (frustrated)
Sankeerth: ...why don't you just stop inviting him? (growls)
Janvi: Why don't I just make you sleep on the couch tonight! (shouts)
This shuts Sankeerth up and Janvi storms off, shaking her head and cursing both of the friends under her breath. Sankeerth and Sanskaar look at each other mutely and Sankeerth finally says, "Have some shame, yaar. Everyone came here perfectly on time, except for you...".
Sanskaar: You know I have no shame, Sankeerth. Never did...and never will.
Sankeerth looks at Sanskaar for a good second before laughing at his remark. Sanskaar follows into his laughter and both men begin to walk towards the party shoulder to shoulder...
The decorations are beautifully done and adorned around the hall--- red, white, and pink curtains, heart shaped balloons, banners, streamers, flowers, candles, and the crystal chandelier shimmering away. Really, Janvi had outdone herself...
Sanskaar: Wow...Janvi has done an amazing job with organizing the party.
Sankeerth: What makes you think that only Janvi has done all this?
Sanskaar: Because you could never do something outstanding as this...
Sankeerth: (huffs) Yes I could...
Sanskaar refrains from saying anything else about his laziness, not desiring to revoke Sankeerth's anger.
Sanskaar: Where has Janvi gone off to anyways? Has she gone to gather your blanket and pillow for your night on the couch?
Sankeerth: No, not quite yet... she's over there chit-chatting with your wife.
Sanskaar's head spins over to the direction where Sankeerth points to. His eyes lay on Swara, who stands nearby a marble statue with Janvi, smiling gracefully. He feels his heart skip a beat on the sight of her.
She is absolutely ravishing tonight with the dark red shimmering sari hugging her in all the right places, presenting her tempting womanly curves, perfect body, and fair complexion. Her silky straight hair rest on her shoulders neatly, her ears adorned with dazzling long elegant earrings, and her wrists covered with twinkling red bangles. The khol make her eyes exotically beautiful and the pink gloss on her lips cause them to look luscious. Swara is a divine sight tonight... completely alluring and tempting.
Luckily the saree that Sanskaar had gifted her was red so Swara could wear it for the evening...
He watches, still very bewildered, as she pushes back a strand of hair from her eye and continue to smile and laugh splendidly.
Sankeerth: Swara came here a little early, not that it was a problem, Janvi and I loved her company. She's a sweet person. She even apologized for your lateness, Sanskaar.
Sanskaar snaps out of his daze and forcefully takes his eyes away from his beautiful wife. He smiles a small smile in Sankeerth's direction.
Sankeerth: Anyways, let the women be...and let us men do our drinking.
He says cheerfully as he wraps his arm around Sanskaar's shoulder, whisking him away towards the bar...
----------
Swara has seen Sanskaar arrive, looking irresistibly dashing in a classy black suit, silk black shirt underneath, stylish matching black shoes, and a silver tie to complete his outfit. She felt completely aware of herself in an instant and her cheeks had turned a rosy pink. Swara distracted herself by talking animatedly with Janvi, pretending not to notice her husband's troubling presence.
From the corner of her eye she watched Sanskaar go the bar along with Sankeerth and she instantly becomes worried. She hates it whenever he drinks, he drowns himself with so much alcohol, knocking out his senses even though he don't like it. Her body tenses and she makes a movement to go over there to the bar herself and prevent him from drinking, but she immediately stops herself.
Janvi: Swara, kya hua? Where are you going?
Swara looks over at Janvi and blinks slowly at her.
Swara: No where... absolutely no where...
Janvi smiles and then continues on with her story, as Swara is engulfed in her own thoughts. What was I going to do just now?... What right do I have to stop him from drinking?...I have no right... no right at all...Again she looks behind Janvi and sees him refuse a drink from Sankeerth. She watches as Sanskaar politely smiles and pushes the glass away. Sankeerth shrugs and drowns the alcohol in a second. Swara smiles at this, feeling very pleased and relieved by this...
----------
Sanskaar shakes his head at his friend, completely disappointed at him. Sankeerth is unbelievably...drunk. He continues to refuse to his best friend's drink offers and sighs as he sees Sankeerth drown another one.
Sankeerth: (slurs) I---loves---Valemtimes! Don't yous loves Valemtimes Days, Sanskaaarrr????
Sanskaar:(nods to please his friend) Yes, Sankeerth, I love Valentine's Day too.
Feeling something under his elbow, which was resting on the counter top, Sanskaar finds a mask which only covers half of a person's face. He grabs it and examines it. Sanskaar looks up at all the other masked people's faces with confusion. What the hell were these masks for? Finally, he brings this topic up as he fiddles with the mask he found with his hands.
Sanskaar: Sankeerth, why the bloody hell is everyone wearing masks? They look ridiculous.
Sankeerth: (looking up woozily) Oh...Janvi's comes up with a silly thinnng for making everyones wear those damned masks..."too make it more fun", she says. I thinks its ridikulous (ridiculous) too, man. (patting Sanskaar's shoulder)
Sanskaar just shrugs. If that's what Janvi thinks is fun...Sankeerth wraps an arm around Sanskaar's shoulder, startling him, and pulls Sanskaar close to him. He murmurs in his ear, "Sanskaar...you're my bestest friend in the worlds!...and I loves you, yaar". Sanskaar, uncomfortable with this sudden closeness, attempts to put some space between them while saying, "I love you too, pal".
Sankeerth: (laughs hysterically) But I bet you luvs (loves) Swara more!
Sanskaar is thrown off by this and stunned. He remains mum. He couldn't seem to find a proper reply to that...Sanskaar couldn't just reassure Sankeerth and say that he does love Swara, when he doesn't...In fact, he doesn't even know the meaning of love anymore... Swara is just...What is Swara to him? Even Sanskaar has no clue... She's a good friend, he concludes. But if she's just a good friend, why do you think about her always?, another voice in his head questions him.
Sankeerth: I luvs Janveeess and you luvs Swaraaasss, ...right?
Sanskaar looks over at Sankeerth's direction, still not knowing what to say. Sankeerth beckons for Sanskaar to come closer with his index finger.
Sankeerth: I wants to tells you a secrets...
He leans in closer towards Sankeerth and waits for what he says. In a whisper Sankeerth says, "I thinks you dids a goods job by marrying Swaraa and not that gold-diggers Priyaahhh... Swaraa is nicer than that horrid sisss (sis) of hers...that Priyaahhh was just afters your riches, yaar, shes don't cares about nudding else... but Swaraa...shes a real jackpots...hang onto her TIGHT (Sankeerth hugs himself tightly, emphasizing the word) ...don'ts ever let her go..." Sanskaar feels something inside of him sink on hearing his words. Sankeerth, smiling foolishly, pulls away and grabs another glass, gulping it down happily. Sanskaar zones out and becomes lost in a world of his own...
"Priyahhh was just afters your riches, yaar, shes don't cares about nudding else...but Swaraa...shes a real jackpot...hang onto her tight...don'ts ever let her go...". Slowly his eyes look up and fall on Swara, who stands across from him, still chatting with Janvi... Strangely his heart beats abnormally fast on the sight of her... "Shes a real jackpot...hang onto her tight...don't ever let her go...".
----------
Suddenly the lights become dim and all the guests look around, startled with the change in lights. Only a spotlight is shown in the center of the dance floor. Janvi appears on the stage and announces with a delightful smile on her lips to take off their masks and check inside of it for a number. "You will each find a number on your masks... only one other person shares this number of yours...I will reveal the winning number and then it will be up to you to find your partner... The couple will then share a dance together--- and even if you don't want to dance, I swear I will make you", she says with a forced controlling tone, which earns her plenty of light laughter from her guests. She smiles radiantly and then reaches into a small bucket containing folded pieces of paper. She withdraws a small paper and says into the microphone, "Okay...here it goes...the number is", she says with suspense as she slowly opens up the folded paper. "The number is...35!". Everyone removes their masks to check their numbers excitedly.
Swara watches, alone, at the scene. She smiles approvingly. What a lovely little game Janvi has come up with...she thinks to herself absently. She wraps her arms together against her chest and continues to look at the game unfold in front of her eyes.
A couple of minutes go by with Janvi waiting at the stage eagerly for the winning couple, but then becomes slightly worried. "Doesn't anybody have number 35?", she asks. She watches as some of the guests shake their heads in a negative...
----------
Sankeerth laughs at all of this. "What a stuuupid little game...", he says. Sanskaar nods his head in agreement. "For the first time in my life I actually agree with you, my friend", Sanskaar says in a nonchalant tone. Sankeerth turns to look at Sanskaar and smile, but his attention is caught in what is in Sanskaar's hands.
Sankeerth: Hey, Sanskaar...you gots one of those damned masks...
Sanskaar also looks down in his hands, slightly taken aback. He had forgotten about it and wasn't aware that he was still holding onto it...
Sanskaar: Oh... I do, don't I? ...Well it's not even mine, I just picked it up from----
Sankeerth takes it from out of Sanskaar's hands and peers down at the number written inside. "Wells what do you know! You've gots the winning number, yaar!", Sankeerth says in an amused voice.
Sanskaar: (stunned) What? No-no I don't...
Sankeerth: Yesss you do! Looks wright(right) here...thirtyyy----fiveee...(he points to the number in the mask)
Sanskaar: Okay then...
Sankeerth: Whats you mean okays then? Aren't you goings to tell that you haves it?
Sanskaar: No. (shortly)
Sankeerth: Oh yes you ares. You're nots goings to make my Janu looks like a fools on stage in front of everyones.
Sanskaar: (raises an eyebrow, clearly amused) Janu?
Sankeerth raises Sanskaar's mask high up in the air and shouts in a booming voice, "Sanskaar's gots it! Sanskaar's gots it!".
Everyone turns to look back at Sankeerth and Sanskaar at the bar. Sanskaar throws Sankeerth a murderous look. "I'm going to kill you with my two bare hands, Sharma!", he mutters between his gritted teeth. But Sankeerth continues to wave the mask in the air in a clearly excited mood.
"Oh Sanskaar! That's wonderful!...anyone else have the number thirty-five?!", Janvi questions.
----------
Swara feels a tap on her shoulder and turns to her side to see a friendly woman standing beside her. She asks kindly, "What's your number?". Swara, shocked, looks down in her hands and realizes that she's been holding a mask all this time. It is a nicely decorated with red roses and glitter. She remembers Janvi giving it to her at the beginning of the party. Swara had only worn it for a little time to satisfy Janvi, but immediately took it off after a few minutes, making an excuse of it being too tight.
Swara looks up and stammers, "I-I don't know...I haven't checked...". The woman smiles, "Arre then look, perhaps you are the winner...
Swara: No... I don't want to play.
The woman surprises Swara by taking the mask out of her hands and peering in it's inside.
"Sanskaar's gots it! Sanskaar's gots it!", someone's voice booms. Swara looks up and sees Sankeerth waving a mask proudly in the air and her husband looking aggravated. Before Swara has any time to react by this, she hears the woman shout on top of her lungs, "She has it too!". The woman raises Swara's hand along with the mask. Swara's heart stops beating in a second and she feels heat surface in her body immediately. She pulls her hand out of the woman's grasp and shakes her head, pleadingly.
Swara: No... please.. No--Not me...
"Arre, jao nah, yaar. You must be insane to want to lose such a lovely opportunity to dance with that good-looking hunk", the woman says. Swara looks over once again in Sanskaar's direction and finds him equally surprised as herself, yet strangely satisfied. Her eyes lock with his, which causes her cheek to flush and look away quickly.
"Swara! Oh how great! Sanskaar and Swara are our winning couple for the night!", Janvi exclaims with delight into the microphone. "Everyone please give them a around of applause and welcome them onto the dance floor". Swara, completely horrified, tries backing away, but is stopped by the woman who urges her to go on to the dance floor, along with the others who clap her on.
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Sanskaar instantly cheers up on seeing Swara's mask being held in the air and the woman next to her announce loudly that Swara also shares his number. His earlier frustration towards Sankeerth disappears and instead he is filled with strange delight. He makes his way across the crowd of people smoothly and walks towards his panic-stricken wife. Swara's face flushes as he smiles broadly when he comes before her and gently takes her hand in his. Sanskaar leans in closer to her ear and murmurs in a husky deep voice, "May I have this dance?", which tingles her ear and forms goose bumps on her skin. The smell of his cologne intoxicates her and almost causes her to faint. Unknowingly she nods her head shortly and she feels herself being led by him towards the dance floor, where the spotlight shines in the center. Everyone in the hall claps loudly and cheers them on. Janvi, excited, rushes to find an appropriate song for them...
She inhales and holds her breath as they step into the bright light and attention of the party and as her husband turns around facing her, their eyes meeting. His molten chocolate stormy eyes penetrate into her own and she feels her knees becoming weak. She watches as his eyes lower, taking her all in, and then smile approvingly at her. Her heart flutters as his hand wraps around her waist, pulling her close into him, his other hand taking hers, and then leading her into a slow rhythmic dance.
-FEMALE-
Hey yea hey, haan aa
-MALE-
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara
-FEMALE-
Hm hm, mm hm hm, la la la la la la
Not able to take her husband's gazing, she shyly lowers her eyes down to his chest...
-MALE-
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara
Dheemi si dhadkan ko badhne do zara
Lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas aa jaaye
Hum hum tum, tum hum tum
-FEMALE-
Aankhon mein humko utarne do zara
Baahon mein humko pighalne do zara
Lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas jaaye
Hum hum tum, tum hum tum
Taking her by complete surprise, Sanskaar twirls her and pulls her smoothly back into his arms...
-MALE-
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara
Salvatein kahin, karvatein kahin
Phael jaaye kaajal bhi tera
-FEMALE-
Nazron mein ho guzarta hua
Khwaabon ko koi qaafila
-MALE-
Jimson ko roohon ko jalne do zara
Sharm-o-haya ko machalne do zara
-FEMALE-
Haan lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas aa jaaye
Hum
-MALE-
Hum tum, tum
-FEMALE-
Hum tum
She continues to follow his lead, and slowly her discomfort, that they are the center of attention, fades away... By now other couples join them on the dance floor and sway along with the romantic song...
-MALE-
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara
-FEMALE-
Chhoo lo badan magar is tarah
Jaise sureela saaz ho
-MALE-
Andhere chhupe teri zulf mein
Kholo ke raat aazaad ho
Swara shivers and closes her eyes as Sanskaar's fingers make contact with her cheek, gently pushing aside a strand of her hair that had fallen loose and tucking it behind her ear...
-FEMALE-
Aanchal ko seene se dhalne do zara
Shabnam ki boondein phisalne do zara
As she opens her eyes she finds Sanskaar's own boring into hers...
-MALE-
Lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas aa jaaye
Hum
-FEMALE-
Hum tum, tum
-MALE-
Hum tum
Saanson ko saanson mein dhalne do zara
-FEMALE-
Baahon mein humko pighalne do zara
-MALE-
Lamhon ki guzaarish hai yeh, paas aa jaaye
Hum
-FEMALE-
Hum tum, tum
-MALE-
Hum tumAs they keep their eyes on one another, Swara silently wishes that time could just stay still and that she can stay in his arms like this forever...
-FEMALE-
Hum hum tum, tum
-BOTH-
Hum tum
-FEMALE-
Hum hum
Tum... ----------
Sanskaar: Thank you for inviting us, Janvi... It was really a great party... and you've organized everything very well...
Sanskaar comments Janvi sincerely as he stands before the front door, getting ready to leave, Swara standing obediently by his side...
Janvi: (being modest) Oh, it was nothing extraordinary like how you're making it seem... (pleased with his comment)... I'm so glad that you two came though. I enjoyed Swara's company a lot... Really Sanskaar, you have a charming wife...
Swara smiles shyly as she sees Sanskaar casting her a look and a small smile through the corner of her eye.
Swara: Janvi Didi, I enjoyed my time with you as well... (sweetly)
Janvi takes Swara's hand and gives it a friendly squeeze.
Janvi: Keep in touch, will you?
Swara: Of course.
Sanskaar: Janvi, where is Sankeerth? I don't see him anywhere... (puzzled, wanting to see him off before he leaves)
Janvi: Where else would he be? The idiot has probably fallen asleep in one of the rooms... he always does this when he drinks too much... (disappointed and angry)
Sanskaar: ...Which is always... (chuckling)
Janvi smiles a little too, confirming this fact. They hear the wind gusting and the rate of falling rain grow, alerting them.
Sanskaar: Alright, we shall be going Janvi... It has become late... We will meet some other time...
Janvi: Haan, zaroor...Drive safely...
Janvi opens the door and assists them both while bidding them farewells... Sanskaar and Swara quickly go to their parked car, wanting to get in to protect themselves from getting wet any further...
Immediately Sanskaar starts the car and pulls out of their parked position, then drives to their destination...home. Swara smiles cutely in his direction and speaks softly...grabbing his attention.
Swara: Woh...woh... thank you for bringing me... I had a lot of fun...
Sanskaar: (grinning) I could see that by how much you and Janvi were talking... you two barely took breaths between your sentences...(chuckling a little)... Besides, you are forgetting that Sankeerth invited you also...
Swara flushes on this, embarrassed that he had been watching her at the party. She tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear and silently sits back in her seat... They sit in a comfortable silence with light music playing in the car... Fifteen minutes into the drive, however, a problem arises...
Sanskaar: Sh*t... This had to happen now...
Swara: (confused) Mr. Maheshwari, what has happened to the car?
Sanskaar: I don't know, Swara... I will have to find out... I will check out the engine right now...
Swara: But Mr. Maheshwari, it's raining a lot outside...
Sanskaar: I know, Swara... but right now it's important to see what's wrong...
He pushes his door open and gets out from the car, abandoning his coat behind... his black dress shirt and trousers getting wet quickly...Sanskaar rolls his sleeves halfway up his arms after raising the hood of the engine up...
Swara silently waits for him, patiently...but a few minutes go by and she gets restless by being left alone in the car...she also comes out to see what the problem is... She sees Sanskaar's back turned towards her and his cell phone pressed against his ear... Bored, Swara turns her attention else where and hugs herself...she focuses on the rain drops falling down from the dark sky and loses herself in them... Willingly allowing herself to get wet... Swara has always had a habit ever since childhood...and that is to play around in the rain... Flashes of her and her sisters dancing in the rain sweep through her mind, bringing a fond smile to her lips...
----------
Sanskaar swears under his breath as he sees that he has no signal... How in the world is he supposed to call for another driver now? He tries moving in various different places, hoping that would help...but to his frustration, his cell's batteries die out...He curses himself for not charging his phone... Turning around he drops his phone back into his pocket and closes the car's hood... He walks back over to his side of the car, but as he looks into it through the glass window, he sees his wife gone... Startled he glances up over the roof, searching around, then locates her not so far away... twirling around in the rain, wearing a beautiful smile on her face... He is mesmerized by her soaked saree clinging around her like another layer of skin...presenting her curvy body to his eyes...Sanskaar unashamedly watches her silently...he slowly walks toward her, drawn by her innocent beauty...
Swara unknowingly slightly trips over a root on the ground, causing her to lose her balance, however, Sanskaar is fast in gathering her into his arms...wrapping one around her waist...holding her safely against his torso...Swara slowly opens her eyes and they wander up to meet his own...Her heart races on the sight of him... How incredibly handsome he looks with his damp hair...drops falling from the tips of his hair...and his dress shirt stuck against his torso, outlining his well built body and muscular arms... He amusingly lightly smiles at her...
Sanskaar: What is this that you are doing, Swara? Why are you not in the car?
Heat fuses into her by their close proximity and his killer smile...she blushes and looks down...
Swara: (cheekily) woh...actually... (glancing back up at him) I like the rain a lot... (shyly)
Sanskaar: Hmm... that I have already seen.
Swara blushes more and lowers her gaze once again. Suddenly she feels his hands caress her arms...moving them in an up and down motion...wanting to give her some warmth...
Sanskaar: You are shivering... (seeing her slight chattering teeth and goose bumps on her arms, concern in his voice...)
She realizes that he is right and she enjoys the affection he showers on her... They hear a crackle in the sky followed by a loud booming of thunder, which frightens Swara, causing her to press herself against Sanskaar and hug him tightly... Sanskaar, who was a little shaken from the unexpected thunder himself, is further surprised by his wife clinging close to him...It takes him a good few seconds to react by pulling his arms around her...protecting her...keeping her in the embrace...his hands roam around her back as he secretly enjoys the feel of her against him... satisfied with her being in his arms...he buries his face into her wet hair...
As moments pass by, Sanskaar realizes that Swara is still shivering...he gently pulls her away from his chest and stares lovingly at her... He takes her cold hands into his own...rubbing them together a little and then kissing them sweetly...his lips linger down to her wrists and he restrains himself from going any further...Swara looks at him, breathless...
Sanskaar: (talking over the crackling) There's a house nearby... we'll go there for some help... come...
Sanskaar clasps his hand with hers and leads her quickly over in the direction of the house, with its dim lights still on...wanting to save them from hypothermia...As they reach the porch of the small, shady looking house, they waste a few moments on regaining their breath and stare hesitantly at the wooden front door before them... Swara, feeling out of place and a little fearful, nears close to Sanskaar, who knocks hard on the door...then waits for a reply. He casts Swara a sideway look and gives her a reassuring smile...still keeping her hand in his...
They hear approaching footsteps and then slowly the creaking of the opening door...a sketchy looking man with sharp eyes and a stubble appears before them...wearing a blue shirt and saggy jeans which seem loose on his thin body... "Yes?", he questions them, clearly looking intrigued on seeing them. Sanskaar is the one who speaks...
Sanskaar: I am sorry to disturb you so late at night, sir, but we are in need of some help... The thing is that our car has broken down...and my cell phone's battery has died out... If it is alright with you, would you mind letting us borrow your phone?
The man's eyes shift from Sanskaar and over to Swara, who is nerved by his lingering gaze on her, then looks back over to Sanskaar...
"No, I do not mind at all... Come in...", the man moves himself off to the side, opening the door further open, giving them a passage way of entering in... Sanskaar thanks him and glances back over at Swara who had slid behind Sanskaar, hiding herself from the man's view... He catches her discomfort and leads her inside with him... Swara feels her heart sink on hearing the front door close behind her...she stays close by her husband's side, amusing him a lot...
"The kitchen is down the hall and to your right...", the stranger's raspy voice booms in the empty house...Sanskaar nods his head and walks on over there, taking Swara with him, who gladly accompanies him...after noticing the continuous stares she would receive by the owner of the house, who was sneaky in only checking her out whenever Sanskaar's back was turned...She shudders to herself... and feels his focused gaze following her...
Sanskaar locates the telephone and immediately calls his driver, telling him where they are, and to pick them up... And also informs him that his car needs to be taken to a mechanic...Setting the phone back down Sanskaar turns around and sees Swara suddenly looking relieved...
Swara: (hastily, hopeful) Can we go now?
Sanskaar: Yes, let's go... but let's first thank that man...Where did he go?
Swara: (upset) He is somewhere around here...but what does it matter to us? Come on, Mr. Maheshwari...
Sanskaar: (puzzled by her attitude) Par Swara-- we should at least thank him----
Swara: (frightened) Mr. Maheshwari, please, why don't you understand...that man----
"Have you called anyone, yet?", they hear his unexpected voice speak right behind them. Both Sanskaar and Swara turn around and stare at him standing in the doorway of the kitchen...once again Swara clings to Sanskaar's side...frightened for her safety...
Sanskaar: Yes, we have... my driver will be here in about fifteen minutes to get us... Thank you for your help...
"No problem at all... I am glad that I could help out...", he replies. Swara shuffles her feet while looking down as she can sense him staring at her..."If you would like, you two may remain here and wait for your driver... It's raining a lot outside and I presume it must be cold in your car...". Absolutely terrified, Swara hastily grips onto Sanskaar's arm... Realization strikes Sanskaar as he sees the man's eyes occasionally wandering over to his wife...he now understands Swara's want to immediately leave...
Sanskaar attempts to politely smile even though inside he is seething and about to tear this guy to limbs... He possessively takes a hold around Swara's waist and pulls her to his side...
Sanskaar: Thank you for the offer, but we don't mind waiting in our car...besides, it will be easier to see when the driver arrives... We will be leaving now... Thank you once again...
"I will walk you to the door...", the man speaks, trying to be courteous, but Sanskaar brushes him aside.
Sanskaar: It's alright... We know our way... Come on, Swara...
Sanskaar quickly led Swara out of the kitchen and out of the house, wanting that man a thousand miles away from his wife...boiling inside with anger on how he had looked at her...like she were a piece of meat... If they hadn't happened in the circumstance that they were, he wouldn't have hesitated at all in beating the man till he cried for mercy... Swara sensed Sanskaar's anger and silently walked besides him, well actually power walking, since her husband was so anxious in getting her away from the man...
----------
Sanskaar covers a snoozing Swara affectionately with his dry coat...wanting to keep her warm...as she sleeps peacefully on his chest... The driver had arrived in twenty minutes as they waited in Sanskaar's broken vehicle...shifting them into the new car while another driver stayed behind with the one in need of repair...ordering for a mechanic... Swara was so tired and could no longer keep her eyes open...Sanskaar allowed her to get comfortable against him...
He runs his fingers through her hair...as he loses himself in his own thoughts... Replaying the past events of the evening in his head... And questioning himself regarding what he feels for Swara... Sanskaar Maheshwari was not going to deny it anymore... No longer will he lie to himself about her beauty not having any affect on him... He's obviously attracted to Swara...a lot... But what are these other emotions that he experiences when with her? Why is there anxiety in him whenever he sees her? Why does he find himself smiling when she smiles? Why does he feel like his heart has been ripped out of his chest and been kicked when he sees tears in her eyes? And most of all, where does this jealousy come from when another man eyes his wife? The possessiveness..?
Sanskaar's eyes fall down on Swara's angelic face...her cheeks slightly rosy...seeming lovelier than usual...A disturbing thought crosses his mind...
Could it be that I possibly have fallen in-----
Lightening crashes in the sky, followed by the booming sound of its aftermath...as Sanskaar remains stunned on his own train of thought...
----------
Next: Revelation----------
PS: I am sorry. No PM's----------
Thank you,
Shreetha.. Edited by .FireBolt. - 7 years ago
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