~SwaSan Story ~ A Bound Relation ~ Updated Epilogue - 10/04~ - Page 66

Chapter 47:

A month swiftly passes by, blossomed with passionate love that grows even stronger with each coming day. Sanskaar and Swara were never out of each other's sight...always together and exploring the realms of romance. Sanskaar Maheshwari had become absolutely fida over his wife...buying her gifts, flowers, taking her to dinners, and making sweet love to her whenever he got the chance to. He was spoiling her rotten despite her protests and he loved it. He also knew that she was secretly enjoying all the love and attention he was showering on her even though she would never admit it.

Sanskaar Maheshwari had also done what no one thought could be possible... He was starting to neglect his work. The lion everyone once knew was slowly starting to change...

The atmosphere in the Maheshwari Mansion became very homely and filled with warmth. The Maheshwaris were growing quickly into a close-knit family... no hesitation or estrangement lingering around them anymore. Many changes were occurring in their family life and they accepted them gladly... Every change except one, and that too, refused by Sanskaar himself...

Keeping true to his word, Neil, after a lot of self-persuasion, ended up on the front doors of his boss's house. He mentally prepared himself to speak about his relationship with Uttara. He was starting to agree that it was now best to make it open to everyone, including his hot-tempered Boss.

The ticking of the grandfather clock mixed with the thick silence in the room adds into the suspense and panicking tension building inside of Neil's chest. He watches carefully as his Boss stares at him with a look in his eye that he had never seen before.

"I'm sorry... but I don't think I heard you right. What were you saying," Sanskaar asks him in a slow, calm voice. Neil feels the nerves in him tie up in his stomach all over, hating to have to tell him once again. Uttara, who stands behind her brother-in-law on the other side of the couch, gives him a prodding nod, encouraging him to say it once more.

"Um... I'm here to discuss about Uttara... I've gotten to know her for quite awhile now... and we've both started to have feelings for each other... II... Well I just wanted to get your permission to permit me to date your sister-in-law..."

"My permission," Sanskaar questions him with slight amusement, his voice now a little louder. Uttara nervously bites down on her bottom lip and casts her sister, who seated beside Sanskaar on the couch, a worried look. Her sister looks back at her, giving her a soft nod telling her not to worry.

"Yes...," Neil answers him. Sanskaar moves up closer onto the couch, staring Neil down like a hawk.

"You say that you like her?" Neil shakes his head in agreement. "You wish to date her? ...You want to date our Uttara?" Again Neil affirms this. Sanskaar stands up, alarming all three of them who stare at him pace a little back and forth, running his fingers through his hair. Then suddenly he stops and glances back at his employee.

"You b*stard, how dare you," Sanskaar growls and immediately goes forward, ready to grab his hands on him. Swara and Uttara both rush to him and hold him back.

Uttara: Jiju please! (begs him)

Swara: Sanskaar!

Neil jumps back, creating a safe distance between him and the man who is ready to tear him limb to limb.

Sanskaar: She is just a child! Have some shame! ---I won't let her fall into your backward intentions.

Neil: Sir, I have no bad intentions. I simply just want to be with her. I love her.

Sanskaar: Bullsh*t!... I don't want you anywhere near my sister-in-law. You hear me?

Uttara: (butting in) But Jiju----

Sanskaar: No Uttara. You can do better than guys like him... A lot better. But I don't want you getting involved with older guys at your age.

Neil and Swara look at one another at this, both understanding the indifference Sanskaar holds against him.

Uttara: (protesting) I am not a child. I am a young woman.

Sanskaar: You are not even legal yet! You are only seventeen...

"God Uttara...," Neil breathes as he sits down, placing his head in his hands. Uttara gives him a small sheepish look but covers it up with a hard tone.

Uttara: Oh come on... SeventeenEighteen, it's the same thing. My birthday is next week anyways. I am not that young... nor am a child.

Sanskaar takes Uttara's arms in his grip and steers her to face him.

Sanskaar: Look Uttara... Agreed, you are not a child. In fact, you are much more mature than your actual age that it surprises me some times. And I don't mind you going out and finding someone you like for yourself... But this guy? ...Is this really the only person you could find? I know you can do much better... There are plenty of more guys out there that are right for you...

Uttara: (slowly tearing up) But I want this one... He means so much to me. I love him, Jiju... I thought you would be happy for me.

Sanskaar's insides wrench up as he sees the tears building in his sister-in-law's eyes and feels like an a** for causing them.

Sanskaar: (chokes up) Uttara don't do that...

Uttara: (starting to sob) I'm not doing anything...

Sanskaar: Shona, tell her to stop... Tell her to stop crying. (pleading in a miserable tone)

Swara: You are too much... If you wish to see her happy then why do you make her cry?

Swara nears her baby sister and engulfs her into her arms. Sanskaar looks on, feeling even worse now.

Sanskaar: You know I don't wish that... I want her happiness... but I also want the best for her.

Swara: And she finds that in Neil...

She places a subtle, calming touch on his shoulder...

Swara: (speaking softly so only he can hear) Neil is a nice boy... If you have any faith in me or Uttara, you will trust him... He won't give us a chance to complain... I promise.

Sanskaar looks down from his wife's eyes and onto the back of Uttara's head that rests on Swara's shoulder. He hears her soft sniffling in between her silent tears. After a long time of struggling, he concedes to defeat...

Sanskaar: Alright... I'll give the boy a chance... (he grumbles)

Instantly Uttara springs up from Swara's arms and pecks her shocked Jiju on his cheek. She squeals in delight and hugs him.

Uttara: (excitedly) Thank you so much Jiju! You're the best! I knew you wouldn't hold out for too long!

Sanskaar: (startled)---Whhaa----Shona----

Swara merely giggles at the scene while Sanskaar seems lost and terribly confused. Uttara steps back and joins Neil, taking his hand in hers.

Uttara: I won't let you regret your decision Jeej!

Sanskaar: What---how---Shona!

His wife only laughs harder, finding his expression highly amusing.

Uttara: Bye Di, Bye Jiju! I'll be back in some time.

Neil: (sincere) Thank you so much Sir... I won't let you down. Thanks Swara.

Swara smiles at him sweetly, silently accepting his gratitude.

Sanskaar: (snapping out of his daze) Uttara!

But Uttara already runs off, dragging her accepted boyfriend behind her, and her giggling slowly turning into soft echoes. Seeing her vanish from sight, Sanskaar immediately turns to his wife...and stares at her demandingly.

Sanskaar: What in the world was that? One second she is crying and the next she is laughing like a little school girl...

Swara: (giggling) You my husband have just experienced a Uttara Bluff...

Sanskaar: A Uttara Bluff?

Swara: Yes... ever since we were kids, me and Priya often got the Uttara Bluff... she has always been a little prankster trying to get her ways...

Sanskaar: Are you trying to tell me that, that chit of a girl just fooled me?

Swara: Yes.

Sanskaar: (raises a brow) And you knew?

Swara: Of course. I know all the little tactics she uses... I've grown immune to them.

Seeing Sanskaar become upset by this, obviously feeling cheated---Swara drapes an arm around his shoulder and touches his cheek with her freehand, giving him comfort.

Swara: Now that doesn't mean that what she said wasn't true... It was just the tears that were fake... She added that in to make you give in faster.

Sanskaar: But I feel cheated... and upset.

Swara: Hmm... I think I can make that go away...

She sweetly kisses his forehead, eyes, cheeks, the tip of his nose, and other areas on his face or around...slowly, taking her time. She draws back and stares at him, bringing her arms around the back of his neck...

Swara: (softly) Better?

Sanskaar nuzzles her nose against his and completes their embrace by possessing her waist into his hold.

Sanskaar: Not at all...

Swara pounds a fist onto his chest gently and lightly pushes him away...

Swara: Yes you are... You are just behaving plain greedy now...

Sanskaar: Can you really blame me for that?

Swara: (giggling) Yes...

Sanskaar: (chuckling as she withdraws herself from him) Shona, come back here...

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And so with the "permission" given by the one person they needed it from the most, Neil and Uttara revealed their relationship to their family on Uttara's 18^th birthday... and they openly displayed it to everyone and were able to deepen their relationship without any worries or restraints.

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Swara takes in a deep breath as she stares at herself through the mirror. She pushes back a strand of hair behind her ear and looks long and hard at her reflection. Slowly she raises a hand to her stomach and lets her imagination start reeling. She can feel nerves build in her stomach and her insides go chaotic with anticipation. Finally she takes a hold of the box beside her and takes a white stick from out of it... After completing the instructions on the back of the box, Swara places it down onto the bathroom counter and gazes at it... Ten minutes... She had to wait for just ten minutes.

Hearing the opening of a door from outside and her husband call out, "Shona, are you here," causes her to panic and hide the box as well as the stick. She places them behind a small flower pot...and quickly flees out from the bathroom. She watches her husband place his briefcase onto the bed and pull off his coat... She goes to him.

Swara: You've come? So early?

Sanskaar smiles warmly at her and brings her into his arms. He kisses her on her lips.

Sanskaar: Hmmm. Boy have I missed you...

Swara flushes at this while he chuckles as a response.

Sanskaar: I decided I wanted to come eat lunch at home... I'll be going back to the office in about two hours after completing some work here from the Study... Is lunch ready?

Swara: Yes, it's downstairs already on the table. (stroking his hair on the sides affectionately) Go on and freshen up a little first.

He obliges after taking the same hand of hers that was playing with his hair and kissing it. Swara sees him disappear behind the bathroom door and the faucet run with water. She takes his briefcase and coat, setting them aside somewhere neatly and adjusting a few things in the room. A minute later she hears the bathroom door open and her husband's footsteps approaching her from behind and then suddenly stop...

Sanskaar: Shona...

Swara: Haan..?

Sanskaar is silent for a long moment before proceeding on...

Sanskaar: ...Are you pregnant?

Swara turns around fully from his words and stares at him with shock as he holds up the pregnancy test she had taken just a minute ago in his hand... She's speechless.

Sanskaar: Tell me... are you?

She rushes towards him and takes the test from him, not meeting his eyes.

Swara: You weren't supposed to know about this...

Sanskaar takes her chin into her fingers and makes her look directly at him.

Sanskaar: Baby, tell me what's going on... Are you or are you not pregnant?

Not knowing why but tears begin to dwell in her eyes... Perhaps it was from the nervousness or excitement she was experiencing at once.

Swara: ... I'm not sure... I haven't been feeling well for awhile... I don't know if it's either that I'm catching something or if I'm----- I thought it was probably the latter and bought the test... I just took it a minute ago...

She hears him swear under his breath and run his fingers through his thick hair. She looks at him worriedly...

Swara: Are you alright?

Sanskaar: ...Yeah, I'm fine... I am just finding it hard to believe this... How long before it tells us?

Swara: ...About nine more minutes.

Sanskaar: Then I guess we're going to have to wait...

Swara: Sanskaar... y-you don't have to... I can just go ahead and wai----

Sanskaar: Absolutely not Shona... This has to do with both of us... I am a part of this just as much as you are... We'll wait together...

Together they sat around on the bed with their arms around each other, waiting restlessly for the test results. Swara rests against Sanskaar's chest while he keeps his chin on the top of her head with his hands placed on her back... For a long time they don't say anything, both engulfed in their own spinning thoughts and apprehension. Nine minutes go by fast as they lose track of time... Sanskaar is the one who startles Swara back into reality.

Sanskaar: It's time...

Swara: (quickly) I don't want to look...

Sanskaar: Well how are we going to find out then?

Swara: You check... I don't want to look... I am scared.

Sanskaar: Of what?

Swara: (softly) I'm not sure yet... I don't want to see... I want you to tell me instead...

Sanskaar: (rubbing her back soothingly) Whatever you want...

Sanskaar takes the testing stick from the table beside them and slowly after taking in a few breaths into him, he flips it around... It seemed like an eternity before he spoke again.

Sanskaar: Shona...

Swara: Yes... (whispers, obviously scared)

Sanskaar: ...Sweetheart, -----we're not pregnant.

Swara raises her head from his chest and stares up at his slight weary face. She then looks at the test in his hand... She takes it from him. She bores her eyes into the negative sign on the stick for what seems like forever before breaking into a fit of tears.

Sanskaar: Shhh... (holding her tight) What's wrong? Why are you crying darling? ---Are you disappointed?

Swara: (mumbles admittingly) ...I wanted to be pregnant... I wanted to give you a child...

Sanskaar: Shona, did you only want to be pregnant for me? (slightly shocked, taken aback)

Swara: (looking at him with tearing eyes) I see the way you look at little kids and interact with them... You love them so much... and I know you've always wanted one of your own. I just wanted to complete that wish of yours... I wanted to make you happy...I'm so sorry.

Sanskaar: Wait, hold on for a minute... Shona, you have nothing to be sorry for. This isn't your fault... And I don't want you to feel like you have to get pregnant to make me happy. I'm already happy with my life right now... I have you... and that's all I need. We don't need a child now... Sure it'd be nice, but you've got to remember... We have all the time in the world to have a kid... It's not necessary that we start having one right now... When it has to happen, it'll happen.

Swara: (her crying subsiding) Are you sure you're not upset? Aren't you disappointed?

Sanskaar kisses her tenderly on her forehead and pulls her head back onto his chest, hugging her against him.

Sanskaar: Of course not... In fact to be honest, I am sort of relieved.

Swara: But I thought you loved to have a chil---

Sanskaar: Don't get me wrong... I do love children and I do want them one day. Just not right now... I mean, our marital life has just begun... We are still settling into new adjustments and getting to know one another. And call me greedy, but I don't think I'm willing to share you with one other person just yet... I want you only for myself.

Swara chuckles a little at this and smiles, pleased, as he cradles her lovingly in his arms.

Sanskaar: It's not important that we have kids right away... But if you think we're ready and you want us to have one, then we can start trying...

Swara: (cuddling up to him) No... I am content with the way our life is just now... And like you said before... If it has to happen, it will happen... We will accept it as a blessing.

Sanskaar: (smiles) Exactly... But you know, on the other hand, it wouldn't hurt to practice... What do you say? (suddenly in a teasing mode)

Swara: (blushes) Kya?

Sanskaar huskily murmurs into her ear...

Sanskaar: How about we get a little practice in right now before we go on downstairs...

Swara gets up and looks at her husband, her face completely bright red. She moves him away and turns her eyes away, embarrassed.

Swara: You are too much...

Sanskaar: (chuckling) I am a man who happens to be married to a very beautiful woman. (defending himself)

Swara: Well a man will have to be patient at times instead of always wanting... (blushes beetroot) I am still tired from last night... (admits softly)

Sanskaar: Shoonaaa... (trying to pull her back to him)

Swara only pushes him away even more and gets off from the bed.

Swara: (wiping away a last tear) We have already wasted so much time... Everyone must be waiting. We should go downstairs...

Sanskaar joins her by getting up from the bed as well and nearing her. He surprises her by lifting her up and placing her over his shoulders. She gasps loudly.

Swara: Mr. Maheshwari...what are you doing? (demanding)

Sanskaar: What am I doing? --- I am only taking you downstairs. That's where you want to go, isn't it?

Swara: Please... put me down. What will everyone think?

She says as he begins in walking out from their room... Sanskaar ignores her pleading.

Sanskaar: Let everyone think whatever they'd like. I am only helping my wife out. She wanted to go downstairs, I am taking her downstairs.

Swara: (begging) Mr. Maheshwari, please, put me down.

Sanskaar: No...can't do Mrs. Maheshwari...

Swara: What do you want?

Sanskaar immediately stops in his steps...

Sanskaar: You are willing to give me something?

Swara: Anything... if you put me down.

He takes a moment to think about this and relieves his wife in placing her back down onto her two feet. She stares straight at him with reluctance.

Swara: What do you wish for?

Sanskaar: (smiling) ...I want to take you to dinner tonight. Just you and me, no one else.

Swara: Par Sanskaar, we always eat out.

Sanskaar: That's not true... We have only eaten out once in a while.

Swara: We shouldn't go out by ourselves all the time... What will everyone think at home?

Sanskaar: Swara, they won't mind. Besides, today is an important reason thats why.

Swara: (suddenly very keen and curious)Kya?

Sanskaar: You will find out soon enough... Now tell me, will you come to dinner?

Seeing her grow reluctant to the idea, Sanskaar brings his hands around her again.

Sanskaar: If you say no I will only throw you over my shoulders again and carry you downstairs in front of everyone just like that...

Swara: (giving in immediately, pouting) ...I can never win against you.

Smiling in victory, Sanskaar kisses her gladly on her pouty lips...

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For the rest of the afternoon Swara killed time either by doing house chores or accompanying both Dadi and Sujatha in small talk and a movie...After realizing that seven o'clock was approaching soon, she excused herself and immediately made way to her room in order to get ready for dinner with her husband. Usually she would wear a simple, yet elegant saree but today she decided to notch it up a bit... Her husband did say that tonight was special. And this thought never left her mind. What does he have planned after all?

Sanskaar lets himself into his bedroom and sees that the bathroom is occupied by his wife. He was hoping for a quick shower before changing into an appropriate attire for tonight's dinner. Knowing that he'd only be wasting time in waiting, he grabs his clothes and towel and makes do with one of the guest room bathrooms. He takes a hot shower, dresses into red t-shirt with black blazer with a pair of black jeans, and combs his hair before going on back to his room. Just as he enters, throwing his towel on a chair nearby, he feels his breathing cut short on the intoxicating sight of his wife...

She has her back to him, standing in front of the dresser and sliding the last bit of bangles onto her wrists, completely oblivious to his presence... his eyes drinking her all in. It continues to amaze Sanskaar that his wife can manage to dazzle him every time... you would think he'd stop reacting to her so strongly by now, but he only feels himself become attracted to her more and more. It's as if she gets more beautiful by each passing day, if that's even possible. But it does seem like it. She still succeeds in taking his breath away every time he sets his eyes on her. She will be the death of him one day, he is sure of it.

Swara looks absolutely lovely in a red and black saree, sparkling with sequins and an embellished border, outlining her seductive feminine curves to his greedy eyes. She is so irresistibly appealing to him right now that he lets out a soft groan which instantly gives him away. She whirls around and looks at his direction, giving him that usual warm smile that he has become accustomed to whenever he came back home from work... that same one that always makes his heart skip a beat.

Swara: Aap aagaye?

Sanskaar walks on over to her, joining her at the dresser, and plants a sweet lingering kiss on her forehead. Swara feels the light smell of her favorite cologne of his tease her nostrils, taking it in like a drug.

Sanskaar: You ready?

Swara: Yes... but where are we going?

Sanskaar: That's for me to know and you to find out...

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Chapter 48:

Sanskaar takes her to an elegant restaurant with the scenery of the serene ocean behind it. Swara gazes it with awe as her husband takes her hand in his and gently tugs on her hand to make her follow. They check in and are led to their table by a waiter... Sanskaar pulls out her chair for her like a perfect gentleman. Swara feels a little relieved with her decision in dressing up... She would have felt out of place otherwise.

Swara takes a hold of Sanskaar's hand that rests on the table and chirpily asks him, "What is the special occasion?" Sanskaar places his menu down and restrains a smirk. He is finding his wife very cute at the moment, looking so cheery yet overall confused and anxious.

Sanskaar: You are quite impatient yourself Mrs. Maheshwari...

Swara: (blushes, remarks back) I wonder who I get it from...

Sanskaar: (chuckling) I wonder as well...

Swara: (squeezing his hand) Sanskaar...Please tell me... I can't take it anymore... I will die from not knowing.

Sanskaar: Aren't we getting a little overdramatic here?

Swara: (pouting) Tell me...

Sanskaar: (not withholding his smirk any longer) What makes you think there is a special occasion?

Swara feigns shock at this as she hears those words come from his mouth. She stares at him, dumbfound.

Swara: But you had said----

Sanskaar: (shrugs his shoulders) Perhaps I just said that to make you come... (a twinkle in his eyes)

Swara: You do not play fair Mr. Maheshwari... You kept my hopes up all day---

Sanskaar: (amused) Shona, I didn't say that there isn't a special occasion... nor have I agreed that there is...

Seeing his wife unaffected by what he has said, he strokes her hand with his thumb.

Sanskaar: You don't worry your pretty little head about it... You will find out soon enough...

Swara: (cheering up a little) So there is something special? (curious)

Sanskaar: (smiling) You will find out...

Swara: (simmering down all over again) That is what you keep telling me... I think you undermine my patience...

Sanskaar merely continues to smile at her, determined not to let anything out... He tells her to instead of driving herself crazy over whether there is something special or not, she should enjoy their dinner together. Sighing, Swara obliges and takes her own menu to look at. Sanskaar had to use every bit of strength in him to not laugh at his wife... She was quite funny whenever she acted a little childish.

They are given their meals and immerse themselves in conversation. Swara slowly forgets the motive of the whole dinner and enjoys her time thoroughly with her husband. They talk constantly about anything from A to Z, have little playful quarrels, and never miss a chance of romance in between. After paying the bill they walk out arm in arm to their car, feeling satisfied and content with their outing. Just as Swara is about to seat herself into the car, Sanskaar stops her...

Swara: Kya hua?

Sanskaar: I am going to have to blindfold you before you get in...

Swara: Blindfold me? But why?

Sanskaar: Sweetheart, our night's still young... You honestly didn't think we'd have such a short dinner and go on home? I'd think you'd know me better than that...

Swara: (stunned, secretly excited) Where are we going?

Sanskaar: You know, the whole concept of blindfolding is so that you don't know where it is you are going...

Swara blushes, feeling incredibly foolish at the moment, whereas her husband only grins sweetly at her. He orders for her to turn around so he can cover her eyes. He withdraws his handkerchief from his pocket and pulls them over her... Swara touches the cloth as he tightens it from the back of her head... She muses outloud...

Swara: What could the occasion be? Am I forgetting something? ---- Is it my birthday?

Sanskaar: No love, it's not... It's not until another three months... You'll see...

Sanskaar gently places her into the car and closes her car door for her. He makes his way around the front of the car and over to the driver seat. In moments they drive off to their next destination...

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Sanskaar: Careful...

He warns her as he helps in guiding her down a small path. Swara feels strange, seeing nothing but darkness and having only her husband's voice and hands as direction. She walks cautiously, unsure of her surroundings.

Sanskaar: Now we're going up on a slight wedge here... Don't worry, I've got you...

She feels the elevation of the ground grow beneath her feet and uses her husband as support. Inside she is bubbling with excitement with every step she takes. What does he have planned for her?

A minute later they come to a slow halt in which her husband finally announces, "We're here." She feels him leave her side and instead hold her from behind. He whispers into her ear, "Now... I still want you to keep your eyes closed when I take the fold off... Don't open them until I tell you." "I won't," she answers him truthfully. In seconds the blindfold is whisked away from her eyes, but keeping true to her word, Swara keeps her eyes firmly closed.

Sanskaar tightens his arms around his wife's waist and leans his head against hers just as he says, "Alright baby, you can open them." Her eyelids flutter open and she takes in her given surroundings. She gasps in astonishment as she marvels at his surprise. They are standing right flat in the center of a white, big boat decorated beautifully with lights and flowers, rocking gently by the soft tides of the water. Light music plays in the air in the meanwhile... On deck there is a blanket lying neatly with a couple of pillows and a bucket of chilled champagne off to the side of it. The cool breeze and the subtle smell of the sea adds into the romantic effect. Swara turns around and stares at her smiling husband.

Swara: (breathless) I didn't know you own a boat.

Sanskaar: I don't use it much at all anymore... I bought it a long time ago and when I was much younger. Laksh, Sankeerth, and I often went on it whenever we had the chance... But I guess I slowly grew out of it...

Swara: Oh Sanskaar... It's all so beautiful... I don't even know what to say. I never knew you could be so romantic.

Sanskaar: (grins, pleased in surprising his wife about him) I didn't know really much either... until you happened.

On cloud nine just about now, Swara stands on her tiptoes and kisses him right on his mouth, savoring the feel of his lips against hers. She knows that she has completely stunned him by this gesture because it took him a moment to respond back... She is never the one to initiate a kiss. As she pulls back and gazes at him lovingly, her husband expresses his bewilderment...

Sanskaar: (clearly amazed) ...If I had known your reaction before, I would have done this much earlier...

Swara smiles while softly giggling and brings her arms around him, snuggling close on him. He plays with her hair for a few moments, running his fingers through her silky tresses, before momentarily leaving her and letting the boat go from the rope tied to the dock...

Sanskaar walks on back over to her and takes her hand into his. He then takes his other and places it comfortingly on her lower back. He requests for a dance which Swara cannot find in herself to refuse to, even if she wanted to. They dance to the enchanting delicate music under the glistening stars in the sky and the bright full moon cast above them. Swara keeps her eyes dreamingly on her husband's handsome face and finds herself asking suddenly...

Swara: Why do you do so much for me? (her voice barely audible)

There is a silence for a moment as she can tell her husband is trying to come up with a reply...

Sanskaar: ...I love the way your eyes shine...how your whole face brightens... the way you smile radiantly at me with those perfect teeth of yours... how your cheeks become pink with delight... and how you look at me with those beautiful eyes of yours... It makes me very happy... I guess you can say I do it more for myself. (sliding his hands up and down her arms affectionately)

She is deeply moved by his honest response and begins to feel warm inside...a good warm. Not able to restrain herself, she professes in a honey coated voice...

Swara: I love you...

Sanskaar: I love you too Shona...

He hugs her tight and buries his face into her silky hair... They sway like this for a few minutes until Sanskaar draws back, breaking their transfixed spell... He turns her around, keeping her in front of him, and sets his hands onto either sides of her arms...

Sanskaar: There's something I want to show you... Look on over there...

He directs with a point of his finger. Swara watches anxiously in where he indicates to, only seeing the dark starry sky. Just as she opens her mouth to say she doesn't see anything, her lips stay parted as a spark of color appears unexpectedly in the darkness... It transitions into more sparks and soon enough she is seeing a show of fireworks gleaming in her view... Her eyes still glued onto the beautiful crackers, she places a hand over Sanskaar's on her arm and exclaims, "Oh Sanskaar..."

"Keep watching sweetheart," he murmurs into her ear, not wanting her to miss a minute of it. Swara listens obediently and becomes dazzled by the numerous of colors sparking at her all at once. A pool of tears swarm in her eyes and she takes in a sharp breath just as she sees something that makes her weak in the knees... almost causes her to faint. Slowly bright gold letters emerge as the fireworks calmly come to a slow pace...

"Will you marry me?"

Her mind whirling and her heart throbbing hard against her chest, Swara turns to look at Sanskaar, seeking confirmation of what she has just seen, and is further shocked by seeing him leaning down on the ground before her on one knee... Her hands go flying to her mouth as he reaches into his coat pocket and withdraws a small velvet box...

Sanskaar: Shona... I know that our marriage had begun from a rough start... and that finally we have overcome misunderstandings and differences in order to transform a compromise into something so much more...a love commitment... but I still want to make it official... I want to make it forever... I want you to have that ideal wedding that every woman wishes for... I want you to experience that beginning of a marital bliss where couples discover one another... I want to give you that happily ever after... But most of all, I want you beside me for the rest of my life as my wife and the woman I love... Will you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me all over again?

The box clasps open and Swara feels her heart skip a beat at the most overwhelmingly beautiful sight of her engagement ring gleaming brilliantly at her... Tears stream down her face and she doesn't waste time in exclaiming with excitement, "Yes, yes!"

She brings her hand forward and watches breathlessly as he slides the ring onto her finger, fitting perfectly as if it were made especially for her. As Sanskaar stands, he whisks his wife off her feet kissing her feverishly and spins her around as she laughs giddily through happy tears...

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Sanskaar and Swara arrived late at the mansion hand in hand, smiles adorning their lips, ready to indulge themselves into the privacy of their bedroom, but are instead surprised on finding the whole family waiting for them in the living area. Sanskaar halts in his steps as Swara follows, their expression growing startled and slightly worried.

Before either have the chance to inquire if everything is alright, they erupt in cheers and immediately swarm them around. Realization registers on Sanskaar's face as he looks sheepishly at his wife, who is utterly confused. One by one everyone hugs them and expresses how happy they were for them. Swara blinks at all of them dumbly and stares questioningly at her husband, who rubs the back of his neck nervously and gives her a lopsided smile.

Swara: Yeh... Yeh sab----

Sanskaar: Woh... I happened to mention the proposal to Laksh beforehand. I guess word got out...

Swara turns pink under everyone's eager gaze on her and eyes her husband for putting her under such a spotlight when she is the least ready for it.

Laksh: Sorry yaar, I couldn't help but inform Uttara and Priya. Well, it's more of they got it out of me. They started to get suspicious of how long you two were taking... And before I knew it, I was telling them the whole thing. And obviously the two sisters couldn't hold it in their stomachs and in excitement told everyone. (shifting the blame from him)

Uttara and Priya, who stand closely by their sister with their arms tight around her, have the decency to look a little embarrassed.

Uttara: We can't help it Laksh Bhaiya... Our sister is going to get married, that too properly this time! How else do you expect us to react? ---And Jiju, don't you dare talk to me anymore. I am hurt. Why didn't you tell me you were going to propose? I would have helped out and made the night more special for the two of you. After all, I am your wife's sister. I know all her likes and dislikes... You should have at least taken me along to buy the ring.

Sanskaar: Uttara, if I had told you, the whole thing would have been a guaranteed failure. Because I knew that your big mouth would go rattling on to everyone, just like you did now. And the last thing I needed was for everyone to be involved.

Uttara: Di---- are you not going to say anything? Your husband is calling me a big mouth...

Swara: (softly, hesitantly agrees) ...Uttara...You do tend to blabber at times.

Sanskaar flashes his sister-in-law a triumph smile on having his wife siding with him, while Uttara pouts and becomes weepy.

Uttara: If only Jiju had asked me to be quiet, I would have... I would never want to ruin anything for the both of you Didi.

Swara soothes her sister with her caressing arms while Uttara sticks her tongue out at her brother-in-law over her shoulder. Sanskaar swears under his breath and mutters, "Pest", loud enough for only Uttara to hear. Sujatha appears before them, moving in front of everyone, and takes both Sanskaar and Swara's hands into hers.

Sujatha: It doesn't matter if you told us or not Sanskaar... I am just glad that my son and bahu will be married once again and this time it will be with happiness and joy.

Ragini: (exclaims) Oh Bhaiya, please let me plan yours and Bhabhi's wedding! I promise it will be to the outmost perfection! I want to make your wedding a special day for the two of you...

Sanskaar casts Swara a side glance at this, seeking for her opinion but she merely smiles at her sister-in-law and nods her head shyly in approval.

Swara: (earnestly) Ragini, I would love it if you planned our wedding...

Ragini's eyes sparkle with delight and she takes her Bhabhi in a thankful embrace.

Veer: So how soon do we want this wedding? Or actually, how soon do the two of you want this wedding?

Swara blushes bright red with everyone's attention once again on her. Sanskaar grins widely and takes his wife into his arms while replying, "The sooner, the better... I don't want to have to wait."

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The wedding was finalized for five days later after a lot of persistence from Sanskaar. He was making it clear to everyone that he wanted to marry his Swara as soon as possible. It was only due to Sujatha's coaxing and Ragini's pleading that they need time to plan the wedding and also look for an auspicious muhurat, that Sanskaar finally settled for five days after discussing with the priest.

Much to Sanskaar's grave disappointment, his wife was kept purposely away from him during the next few days... even out of his room. When he had protested the answer given to him was... "It's not right... You two are going to get married. Brides and grooms aren't even supposed to meet each other on the days right before their wedding," Uttara replied when demanded on why Swara was sleeping in her room instead with him in theirs. "But she's already my wife," he snapped exasperatedly at her. Uttara crossed her arms across her chest and gave him a hard look. "Jiju, do you want Didi to experience the dream wedding every girl wants or not?" He croaked, "Of course I do, but I don't see how keeping her away from me is a part of that." "Jeej, if she stays with you till the wedding, it will kill the whole effect. You're supposed to stay in suspense and wait to see your bride in the mandap next to you. I am only doing this for the best interest of you two." He scowled, "Seems more like you want to torment me out of your own personal interest."

Making it crystal clear to him that he is not allowed to see Swara until their wedding day, Uttara never argued the matter with him again. However, Sanskaar Maheshwari was never the one to follow rules...

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Swara distantly hears movement beside her and as the lamp right next to her falls, she knows someone is in the room and wakes up, alarmed. She opens her mouth to scream as she sees a shadowy figure standing right in front of her, but the person's hand immediately clasps it before she can. She struggles, trying to free herself, until she hears a familiar voice whisper, "Don't scream, it's just me." Slowly she calms down and takes even breaths. Her husband appears into view from the darkness and sits beside her, cupping her face.

Swara: (breathless, her voice shaking) You scared me...

Sanskaar takes her into his arms and kisses her head before resting his chin above it, in the meanwhile tightening his hold around her. Swara willfully leans into him, instantly feeling safe with him.

Sanskaar: (softly) I'm sorry... I didn't mean to.

For awhile neither of them speak, treasuring their moment with one another to the fullest... noting that this is the closet they have gotten since the day Sanskaar proposed to her. Until Swara reacts suddenly on realizing he shouldn't be here... She gasps and surprises Sanskaar by placing her hand over his eyes as well as her own. Sanskaar muses at this while trying to lift her hand away from shielding his view.

Sanskaar: Swara, what are you doing?

Swara: ...We are not supposed to look at one another... We're getting married tomorrow.

Sanskaar: Actually, we are getting married in a matter of hours. It's already morning... And what does it matter anymore? I don't believe in all this...

Again he attempts in removing her hand, but Swara only keeps it more firmly over his eyes.

Swara: (protests) But I do.

Sanskaar: (sighs, exasperated) Swara, I did not come all the way over here so I don't get the chance to look at you... In fact, that is the complete opposite of the reason why I am here.

Swara: But you shouldn't be here. What if someone sees you here? Everyone won't spare you...

Sanskaar: (murmurs) The family's a little mad, don't you think? I mean, we're already married and they're behaving as if this is the first time we're going to be wed. ---Which you are behaving like as well... (frowns)

Swara: But this time we are truly going to be married to each other... No compromises involved...

Sanskaar: Hmmm... I see your point. But I'm still not favorable to the idea of having you kept away from me. You're still my wife dammit. It's ridiculous how I have to sneak around just to see you without getting caught by one your guards.

Swara: My guards?

Sanskaar: Yes, your guards. Those two hen mothers of yours, that overly protective sister of mine, and this lazy bum right next to you who's snoozing without a care in the world...

Swara: (lightly grinning at this)You are lucky Uttara is a deep sleeper... If she had known you were here, she would have screamed bloody murder and you would for sure get yourself into trouble. (pointing at his chest)

Sanskaar: She is sleeping so peacefully while I'm being tormented mercilessly... it is all her doing, you know.

Swara: (sympathetic) I know...

Swara reaches for his face after taking her hand away from her eyes that still stay tightly closed and cups his cheek once she finds it. Sanskaar takes a hold of it and keeps it placed there.

Sanskaar: ...Shona, let me see you... please.

Swara: You can see me later on when we're getting married... (gently letting him down)

Sanskaar: Shoonnaaa...

Swara: (soothingly) You had said yourself that it is a matter of a hours now...

Sanskaar: Those hours will feel like an eternity...

Swara: They will pass by soon...

Sanskaar is silent for a second but then realizes something as Swara begins to stroke his cheek affectionately.

Sanskaar: Your hand isn't covering your eyes..?

Swara: I have my eyes closed... (dismissing his thought)

Just as Sanskaar begins to withdraw her hand from his eyes, Swara asks hurriedly, "What are you doing?"

Sanskaar: I promise I won't look...

Swara reluctantly lets her hand down and timidly questions him...

Swara: You aren't lying to me, are you?

Sanskaar: No... I would never lie---especially to you.

They don't speak for a moment in which they hear Uttara's snoring growing slightly louder and draws both of their attention back over to her...

Sanskaar: She's completely unaware and oblivious right about now... It's a perfect moment really... I can get back at her for making my life miserable for the past few days.

Swara: She is not making your life miserable... She is just taking the wedding to her liking... She is simply having some innocent fun.

Sanskaar: Innocent? There is no innocence in that devil child... I am telling you Swara, she's purposely doing this to mess with my head.

Swara: No, it is because she loves you dearly... and her way of showing her love to you is through her teasing.

Sanskaar: (grumpy) Well maybe I don't want her love then...

Swara: (softly giggles) Sanskaar, you are too much... Why are you here? Only to complain about Uttara? That can also be done tomorrow.

Sanskaar lets out a deep sigh and leans his forehead against hers... nuzzling his nose with her own.

Sanskaar: (his voice rumbles) Shona, you know why I'm here...

Swara blushes from his words and is startled on hearing him say, "I wish I could see that blush on your cheeks..." This only makes her blush more in which Sanskaar chuckles knowingly, assuming correctly that she is embarrassed on being caught.

Swara: (defensively) I am not blushing... (softly says in a unbelieving tone)

Sanskaar: Sure you're not sweetheart.

He laughs again while Swara grows even more humiliated. She takes her small hands and attempts in pushing him away from her, unsuccessfully as he is a strong, built man.

Swara: Go... I don't want to talk to you... you are laughing at me.

Sanskaar takes her tiny hands into his and continues to laugh gently at his wife's cute anger.

Sanskaar: Sorry baba... I didn't mean to laugh... (wanting to change the topic to soothe her) Accha... how about you show me your mehendi?

He caresses her hands in his as he suggests this.

Swara: And how will I be able to do that without you seeing me?

Sanskaar wonders over this for a short time before smiling stating, "I have an idea." Swara curiously follows his lead as he tugs on her hand, indicating for her to get up. He takes her original seat on the bed and tells her to sit back down with her back faced towards him while leading her with their still joined hands. As she lays her back against the front of his chest, Sanskaar brings his arms around her slender waist and leans his head against hers.

Sanskaar: Hmm... Now this is better... You can open your eyes. We won't be able to see each other.

Swara does so and watches as he takes both of her hands into his grip and moves closer up to peer down at them while running his fingers along the designs on her palms.

Sanskaar: ...It's dark... (he comments)

Swara gets herself cozy against him and nods her head in reply.

Swara: ...Yes, it is.

He proceeds to trace the henna works on her hands with his warm, tingling fingers and after a quiet pause he says...

Sanskaar: Apparently a husband's love is shown in his wife's mehendi... Is that true?

Swara: (smiles) ...That is what they say...

She listens as he becomes silent once again, engrossed in his own thoughts while interestedly gazing at her mehendi... A minute passes by in which Sanskaar finds something that catches his notice.

Sanskaar: My name is written on here...

Swara: (startled) You already found it?

While tracing the letters in his name, Sanskaar grins at her astonishment, feeling slightly good about this feat.

Sanskaar: Was I not supposed to?

Swara: ...The girls who did my mehendi hid it into the designs... they were counting on you to not find it at all...

Sanskaar: Why would they hide it?

Swara: (blushes, shyly) ...They say the groom is supposed to find his name in his bride's mehendi... and if he does... she is supposed to reward him.

Sanskaar: (sounding clearly intrigued) A reward... Hmmm... I like this custom... Do I get my reward now?

Swara shakes her head, her cheeks blazing red. She has a hint of an idea of what it is that he wants.

Swara: (shyly) You will have to wait...

Sanskaar smirks at this, knowing that his wife has caught on... He hugs her closer to him and murmurs in her ear, "The things I have to do for you Mrs. Maheshwari..."

A smile makes its way onto her lips and she rests serenely with his muscular arms around her...

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