Joyous, excited, nervous, ecstatic, elated, exultant, aflutter! All words mentioned above or all other words one can ever recollect, none can define what Swara is actually feeling right now. Finally, she is going to get tied up with her love in a pious relationship for her entire life. She smiles looking at the ring shining in the ring finger of her right hand recalling how Sanskaar made her wear that ring two and a half years ago. After such a long wait, they are officially getting engaged today and will get married after two days. One moment she feels herself on the top of the world but the next moment she finds herself hyperventilating anticipating the future events. Not that she never knew that this day will come but then also this exhilarating feeling is leaving her all giddy.

Tapping her feet nervously against the carpet of Uttara's room she looks at the watch on her wrist as Uttara and Ragini are helping her in getting ready. One more hour to go. One more hour and she'll finally see Sanskaar after three months. He's returning from Delhi after his debut painting exhibition at one of the famous art galleries : Art Heritage. She still remembers how excited he was when he got the offer. For him, this exhibition is like a dream come true. He finally has something he's been always passionate about.

Even for her, the recent events have been something totally unexpected. Being one of the best students of Manhattan School of Music, she starts getting offers as soon as she finishes her course. Most probably, in a month or two she'll also start working for her debut album. She never expected her life to take such turns. All she ever expected was a mediocre job where she could take care of her mother and younger brother but what she has today in her life is all because of that moment when Sanskaar entered her life and refused to go back.

This is what she always wanted. A marriage where she won't burden her mother. Though Simmy hasn't agreed completely, but still Swara has contributed her own part in the preparations. With the money she's been saving for last two years along with the advance payment by the music company things have become quite lot easier than she expected. And in between all this, though they haven't been together for together but Sanskaar has always been her constant support pillar and she can never thank God enough for sending him in her life.

In between her inner monologue Ragini nudges her shoulder.

Ragini: Hello! Ms. Day dreamer! What are you so busy in thinking that you can't even hear my voice?

Swara: (rolls her eyes) Why is everyone developing Sanskaar's habit?

Ragini: (confused) What habit?

Swara: Just a few moments ago, you nicknamed me!

Uttara: (chuckles) Ragini, I guess that's only Sanskaar's job! You can't do that!

Swara: Are you guys teasing me right now?

Ragini: Of course! Two days starting from today onwards, we have an official permit for teasing you both!

Uttara: By the way Swara, how many nicknames has Sanskaar given you till date?

Swara: (takes a deep breath) Don't ask me di! If I would have written them down since beginning, I would have already completed a book.

Ragini: (chuckles) I agree! Okay, now get up and let us see if anything else still needs to be done.

Swara gets up from the chair and stands in front of the dressing mirror. She smiles looking at her entire-self dressed in light peach colored lehenga with silver colored blouse and peach dupatta with shiny silver borders perfectly complimenting her porcelain like skin. For makeup, as Sanskaar loves, she has tried to keep a special focus on her eyes highlighting them with black kohl, eyeliner, mascara and light pink eye shadows. Other than that she has just applied a light blusher on her cheeks and a pink lip gloss. To go with her her attire she is wearing traditional silver jhumkas, a maangtika and a silver waist chain along with silver and peach bangles. Even though Sanskaar loves to see her in open hairs, today her hairs are tied up in a bun with a few strands dangling over her shoulders.

Ragini: I think Sanskaar is going to cancel the engagement today!

Swara: (shocked) What? Why? Am I not looking good?

Uttara: No Swara. You're looking absolutely gorgeous today!

Swara: Then why is she saying like that?

Ragini: Because you're looking so beautiful today that Sanskaar is going to cancel the engagement today and will marry you right away!

Swara: (rolls her eyes) Yeah right! From where do you get all these ideas?

Ragini: You already know that I'm pretty talented, so, all these ideas are coming out of my stomach from deep down below.

Uttara: Seriously Ragini! No wonder why everyone calls you a unique piece!

Ragini: (smiles widely) Right!

Just then Yash comes running in the room and finds all three of them laughing together...

Yash: Tch! What am I going to do with these three girls! Here, everyone is calling you all downstairs and you three are busy talking. Why hasn't God given any brains to girls?

Ragini: Because God has given all our brains to you!

Yash: No. No. I don't want your brains. They are already defected.

Uttara: Excuse me! Who told you that?

Yash: Laksh bhaiya told me that girls have defected brains.

Ragini: (loudly) Why do I feel that my boyfriend will get killed by my hands only.

Yash: That I don't know! But everyone is calling you.

Swara: Yashiee! Has Sanskaar reached?

Yash: No, he hasn't. And stop calling me that!

Swara: (teasing) What? Yashiee?

Uttara: Why? What's wrong with that? I think that's pretty cute.

Yash: Ugh! Boys are not cute! Now stop your gossip and get down. I won't come to call you again.

Swara: Okay. Okay. We are coming.

Yash: Bye! I'm going!

Saying this he runs away and Swara looks at Uttara and Ragini...

Swara: Why is he not here yet?

Uttara: He must be coming Swara. Come let's go downstairs.

-----------------.

Swara is sitting in the center of the stage covered with light purple draperies and a chandelier right above her head emitting a very soothing white light. Uttara and Ragini are sitting on the either side of her trying to calm her down. It's one and a half hours past the time of Sanskaar's arrival but he hasn't reached yet. Everyone is trying to call him but his mobile phone is already switched off. Swara is almost on the verge of freaking out. A moment more and one could see her crying her eyes out.

Ragini: Relax Swara! Sanskaar will come!

Swara: I know Ragini that he'll come but why isn't he here yet! He would be alright, right?

Uttara: Of course! He would be! Don't you know who he is. The devil himself, Mr. Sanskaar Maheshwari! Don't worry, he'll be here soon.

After a few minutes all the lights of the venue get switched off except for the chandelier above Swara's head and then she hears it. The voice she has been dying to hear. Sanskaar is here but she is still unable to see him, only his voice is audible from a distance.

Sanskaar: Swara!

Swara: (slowly) Sanskaar!

As Sanskaar's voice starts getting more and more audible, Swara could see him advancing slowly towards the stage. With his every step Swara could feel her heart racing at a higher speed than a moment before. She has been dying to see him and the last two hours have proved to be even more difficult for her than the last two years. And now when finally she knows he's in front of her she can't wait to see him.

Sanskaar: (coming towards her) Swara! Main har roz tumhare saath subah dekhna chahta hoon. Main tumse jhagadna chahta hoon, tumhe manana chahta hoon. Tumhe long drive pe le kar jana chahta hoon. Main tumhe tumhara favorite gaana sunana chahta hoon. Tumhara har sapna poora karna chahta hoon. I want to make all your dreams mine, Swara because I love you. I love you so much. (Swara! I want my days to start with you. I want to fight with you, argue with you but at the same time I want to convince you lovingly. I want to take you on long drives. I want to sing to you your favorite song. I want to fulfill all your dreams.)

Swara smiles with her tear filled eyes as she finally gets to see him as he climbs the stairs to the stage. She feels as if she could breath now. Sanskaar smiles looking at her and holds both her hands.

Swara: (smiles taking a sigh of relief) I love you too Sanskaar!

Sanskaar: So, my precious baby penguin! I know you might be feeling yourself on the tenth cloud right now but even you have to do something for me. So, what do you have to return in the deal?

Swara: I'll love you with all my self for all my seven lives!

Sanskaar: (raises his eyebrow and smiles) And?

Swara: (thinks) And...!! (smiles) I promise that from this moment onwards, the problems won't be mine or yours  it would be ours. I promise to divide our sadness and multiply our happiness. We'll always celebrate every happy moment with a piece of chocolate. You came to my life, that was destiny's decision but letting you stay was totally my choice and I'm glad that I made that choice. I don't know how long I'll live but all I know is as long as I have you by my side life would be worth living. So, I want you to be with me for a very and I really mean it, very long time.

Sanskaar: Woah Swara! When did you get so romantic? Of course not more than me but then also! Yeah! So, when?

Swara: Seriously Sanskaar! Here, I'm freaking the hell out from inside and you... Leave it I won't talk to you! (to herself) Already you're so late.

Sanskaar: (chuckles) I heard that!

Swara: (rolls her eyes) Yeah whatever!

Sanskaar: Okay, let's get over with this soon before you get anymore angry.

Saying this he sits on his knees in front of her forwarding his hand towards her and Swara looks at him in utter astonishment.

Sanskaar: So, Ms. Swara Ahuja! Since you've made such beautiful promises to me and you wish to torture me for my entire life, how about we finalize the deal now!

Swara: (confused) What deal?

Sanskaar: Will you make me the happiest man alive on the earth? Will you marry me Swara?

Swara: (smiles a little) What are you doing Sanskaar?

Sanskaar: I'm proposing you for marriage!

Swara: But we are already getting engaged today.

Sanskaar: I know but I realized that I haven't proposed you for marriage yet. So, better late than never. Will you be mine for ever and ever?

Swara: (smiles widely and nods her head) Yes! And a million times 'yes'!

Sanskaar smiles getting up and gives her a quick hug kissing her forehead.

Sanskaar: (whispers in her ear) I would have loved to seal the deal in a different way but owing that there are so many people here let's get settled with this much now as we'll get plenty of time for the other way.

Swara's eyes widen as soon as she hears this and she pinches his arm...

Swara: Stop it Mr. Maheshwari, there are so many people here.

Sanskaar: (smirks) You'll have to pay for this pinch. (looks at Sujata) Mom, do you have any rituals to do or shall I make her wear the ring?

Sujata: (shouting) No. No. No. Don't do that. I'm coming with Pooja ki thali.

Sujata runs to get the things ready for engagement whereas Laksh and Aman take Sanskaar to get him ready.

Within an hour, amid the fervor surroundings Swara and Sanskaar adorn each other's fingers with beautiful rings taking the first step towards being each other's. Their eyes shine and not because of the rings on their fingers but because of their bedazzling hearts filled with the love for one another.

Ragini and Laksh tug them towards the dance floor asking for the first dance by the to-be bride and groom and everyone unanimously agrees. Soon enough the music starts and Sanskaar wraps his arm around the sleek curve of her waist as she places her hand gently near his shoulder. The song begins and Sanskaar tightens his hold around her waist pulling her closer shocking Swara and she lowers her gaze due to the effect of his intense eyes.

Jaaniye Heeriye
Jaaniye Heeriye

Mere Mann Ye Bata De Tu
Kis Or Chala Hai Tu
Kya Paya Nahi Tune
Kya Dhundh Raha Hai Tu

Jo Hai Ankahee Jo Hai Ansuni
Woh Baat Kya Hai Bata
Mitwaa... Kahe Dhadkan Tujhse Kya
Mitwaa... Yeh Khudse Toh Na Tu Chhupa (2)

Jeevan Dagar Mein Prem Nagar Mein (2)
Aaya Nazar Mein Jab Se Koi Hain
Tu Sochta Hain Tu Puchata Hain
Jiski Kami Thi Kya Yeh Wohi Hain
( Haa Yeh Wohi Hain )... (2)
Tu Ek Pyasa Aur Yeh Nadi Hain
Kaahe Nahi Isko Tu Khulke Bataye
Jo Hai Ankahee Jo Hai Ansuni
Woh Baat Kya Hai Bata
Mitwaa... Kahe Dhadkan Tujhse Kya
Mitwaa... Yeh Khudse Toh Na Tu Chhupa

Teri Nigaahen
Pa gayi rahe Par Tu Yeh Soche Jaaun Na Jaaun
Yeh Zindagi Jo Hai Naachti Toh
Kyon Bediyon Mein Hai Tere Paanv

Preet Ki Dhun Par Naach Le Paagal
Udta Agar Hai Udne De Aanchal
Kaahe Koi Apne Ko Aaise Tarsaaye
Jo Hai Ankahee Jo Hai Ansuni
Woh Baat Kya Hai Bata
Mitwaa... Kahe Dhadkan Tujhse Kya
Mitwaa... Yeh Khudse Toh Na Tu Chhupa

Mere Mann Ye Bata De Tu
Kis Or Chala Hai Tu
Kya Paya Nahi Tune
Kya Dhundh Raha Hai Tu
Mitwaa...

-------------------.

After the engagement ceremony, now it's time for Swara and her family to return back home. Laksh will be driving them back, so, Swara has gone to meet everyone before going back. On her way to Uttara's room, as she passes outside of Sanskaar's room, he opens the door and pulls her inside.

Swara: Sanskaar...

Before she could say anything else, she finds him kissing her ardently pushing her against the wall without giving her even a moment to react. And then she realizes how much she missed that feel of his touch against her skin, his strong manly cologne embracing her, his lips worshipping hers and the feel of being loved by the one she loves. Soon enough her eyes drift close as she responds back and his hands caresses her silky smooth tresses where at the same time she places her hands against his chest feeling the thumping of his heart. Sometimes she really wonders how come they have the same effect or may be even more intensified effect on each other every time they come closer.

Breaking the kiss he rests his forehead against hers breathing heavily...

Sanskaar: (huskily) Gosh! I missed you. I missed you so much!

Swara opens her eyes and finds him resting his forehead against hers with his eyes still closed. She smiles a little and gives a light peck on his lips.

Swara: I missed you too!

Sanskaar: And I love you!

Swara: (smiles) I love you too!

Sanskaar: And a thousand times sorry that I came late at my own engagement.

The moment these words get registered in her brain Swara furrows her eyebrows looking at him and punching his arm.

Swara: Where were you? Do you have the slightest idea how worried I was?

Sanskaar: Swara! Swara! Stop beating me! I'm your future husband.

Swara: Really! Then you should have also realized that your wife is waiting for you and then also you came late.

She slaps him again and Sanskaar smirks.

Swara: Stop showing me that idiotic smirk of yours Mr. Maheshwari.

Sanskaar: What did you say?

Swara: What?

Sanskaar: Your wife! Aah, it feels so good to hear that.

Swara: (angrily) Stop deviating from the topic Sanskaar and tell me where were you! You're fine, right?

Sanskaar: Okay! Actually the car broke down. And I was not able to wait, so, I ran to here!

Swara: (sympathetically and in a soft voice) You ran to here!

Sanskaar: (looks at her expression and chuckles) Of course not! I waited for the car to get repaired! I love you Swara but not more than my legs.

Swara: (narrows her eyes and slaps his arm again) Seriously Sanskaar! Stop fooling around and tell me why were you late!

Sanskaar: Okay. Okay. I'm sorry. I had some very important work.

Swara: What work?

Sanskaar: It's my engagement today, so, definitely I had to get the engagement gift for my fiancée.

Swara: You were getting a gift for me?

Sanskaar: (smiles nodding his head) Let me show you.

He walks towards his bag kept on the bed and takes out a box.

Sanskaar: Here!

Swara: What's this?

Sanskaar: See for yourself.

Swara opens the box and it flabbergasts her. In lies a delicate sleek waist chain made of small golden roses and pearls. The beauty of the whole thing leaves her dumbfounded. She has never seen anything so beauteous in her entire life. This guy never fails to amaze her. From where does he get such ideas? For sure he knows very well how to charm a girl. Sometimes she really feels insecure and possessive of him. Maybe she should hide him somewhere where only she can find him. Only God knows how many girls want him already.

Sanskaar: So, do you like it?

Swara: I loved it Sanskaar! This is so beautiful!

A lone drop of tear escapes from the corner of her eyes and rolls down her cheeks.

Sanskaar: Oh hello madam! I haven't given you this gift, so, that you can bring flood into my house. Stop crying!

Swara: I'm not crying.

Sanskaar: Really! Then what's this?

He wipes off her tears and she smiles slightly.

Swara: Even I have something for you!

Sanskaar: (smiles widely) Really! What?

Swara removes her dupatta from the side of her waist and Sanskaar's eyes widen.

Sanskaar: Swara! Don't you think that we should wait for two days for doing this! I mean...

Swara gives him an unbelievable look at slaps his arm again.

Sanskaar: Ow! I'm sure my beautiful hand would have turned red by now because of your torture.

Swara: Shut up Sanskaar! I wasn't doing anything like that!

Sanskaar: Well it's not my fault that it looked like that.

Swara rolls her eyes and unpins a beautiful brooch that she has hid near her waist with her dupatta...

Sanskaar: (looking at her waist) Swara! Why are you wearing a brooch at your waist?

Swara: I wasn't wearing it Sanskaar! I was hiding it there. I don't have pockets like you so I had to hide it somewhere. I wasn't sure when I'll be able to meet you alone, so, I hid it there in case if we meet somewhere then I'll be able to give it to you.

Sanskaar: (raises his eyebrows) Wow, you've become intelligent even before becoming Mrs. Maheshwari!

Swara: Excuse me! I'm already intelligent! Now, do you like it?

She asks him nervously twisting her fingers and Sanskaar smiles looking at her gift. A peacock shaped brooch with pearls and several other gems embedded in it. Beautiful, delicate and manly all at the same time, just like he love his things to be.

Swara: I thought this will go perfectly with the sherwani you'll be wearing on our marriage.

Sanskaar: This is beautiful!

He smiles looking at her and kisses her cheeks. Just then Ragini and Laksh barge into the room.

Ragini and Laksh: (together) We knew we'll find you both here.

Laksh: Everyone is waiting for you Swara!

Ragini: So, stop your love session and get down before all the family members get in here.

Swara: Okay. Okay. I'm coming. Bye Sanskaar. See you tomorrow!

Ragini: Nope! Now, you'll be seeing each other directly during your sangeet ceremony and that's on day after tomorrow.

Sanskaar: What? This is not fair! I came back today only.

Swara: (smiles looking at his expressions) It's okay Sanskaar! This is a part of the ritual. Bye!

Saying this she turns to go but Sanskaar calls her from behind.

Sanskaar: Swara!

Swara: (turns back) Hmm!

Sanskaar: (walks towards her and whispers in her ear) You lipstick is smudged around your lips!

Swara, being shocked and embarrassed, hides her mouth with her palm...

Swara: (mumbles) Really!

Sanskaar starts laughing seeing her so flustered up earning the death glare and one more slap from her.

Laksh: Bhai! I can already see your future in danger.

Sanskaar: I told you that she's coming in my life to torture me!

Swara: (glares at both of them) Shut up both of you!

Seeing Sanskaar for one last time, she runs out with Ragini, later leaving for her home.

-----------------.

A/N

I know you all must not be expecting this! So, what do we have next? You all must have guessed it already. Yes! An Epilogue on next Sunday! I was planning to include the marriage scene also in this part but it has already became so lengthy, so, I'll be including that in the epilogue. I hope you all enjoyed this.

Thank you so much for reading! See you all on Sunday! Till then stay blessed and happy reading!

With love,
Stella ❤️