Swara really wished she had stayed back at Jay's house rather than coming and getting caught by her aunt, Shafali Gagodia whom she fondly calls SG and Mia's mother. If she had known she was here to get her ready for the party that was about to happen the following evening then she could have ran miles away, got ready on her own and would have come to the venue directly. She sighed. 

8 hours of pure torture! 

"SG yaar! This is too much okay. It's just a family-time party I agree but not my wedding. From the time I came from Jay's house you  dragged me to the salon, made me wear three face packs, did my hair do and what not! I'm done with this." Swara pulled her hair in frustration and looked at Shafali through the mirror placed infront of her. 

"I designed two dresses for you, choose one." Shafali gave deaf ears to the tantrums Swara was throwing at. Swara got up and took both the dresses on her hand since she knew her aunt. 

One was a black shimmering long one piece with deep back neck and a slit from the thigh and the other one was a netted maroon piece which was strapless and the front part reached till her knees while the back flowed till it touched the ground. 

"SG are you serious? You want me to choose something in these? You know I hate to expose skin." Swara narrowed her eyes from the dress and her aunt. 

"My God! Swara do you have any idea how much people wanted these pieces for themselves? And you easily reject it?" Shafali shook her head in disbelief.

"Then give it to them and not me. Shafali, see I don't dress to expose my skin to others. Something simple would do, that's all." Swara declared and sat on the couch. 

"When I was your age I was craving to have dresses as these but you.." She sighed, "I know you could throw tantrums as these and that's why I got this." Shafali always had plans and dresses in stock and definitely it was useful when it comes to her niece Swara. 

She quickly handed over the dress and pushed Swara into the dressing room before she could say no. 

"Hey girls! Ready?" Jay barged inside the room. 

"Your friend is throwing tantrums so much, how do you manage her?" Shafali asked. 

"Fate. That's all I could say." Jay shook his head. 

"Wait for me to come out Jay. I'll kick you out and drag you to hell." A loud voice come from the dressing room. 

"Swara, you better come fast before I send you to hell." Shafali shouted adjusting Jay's blazer while they heard Swara's groan from the room and Jay chuckled. 

"Young man's looking hot. I wonder how many girls are going to go flat for you." Shafali winked seeing him wear her company's best seller black velvet blazer suit. Having her own fashion house had it's own benefits.

"Thanks to you." Jay smiled, "Okay get ready soon both of you." With that Jay gave a bear hug and left downstairs. 

"Laksh? You are here?" Jay saw Laksh looking at his phone as he walked downstairs.

"Came to give a file to uncle, Jay." Laksh said and he stood up from the couch buttoning his dark blue blazer coat.

"Looking nice bro." Jay complimented as he walked towards him with a smile. 

"You don't look down yourself, dashing Captain." Laksh said. 

Jay definitely knows about their engagement after all he was one among the witness of it, unfortunately. He keeps teasing Swara often to irritate her whenever he wanted. Jay himself was not convinced with it, of course Laksh was a good man but seeing Swara's refusal he too had to go against it. She was adamant that she would take care of the matter herself and didn't want his help, she even took his swear making his mouth zipped whenever the topic came.  

"So how's your matches going?" Laksh started the conversation and it continued for about 10 minutes. 

The boys turned around to see the stairs when they heard the heels ticking the marble floor approaching towards them. They looked up to see Swara dolled up elegantly in a dusty white frock that reached till the floor with half sleeve which had nude colours of pink and lavender roses all over and it hugged her body perfectly revealing her curves. Lips coated in nude pink, pink sparklers on her eyes with a thin line of black liner and her cheeks were dusted with soft blush. Her tresses were neatly  braided in double dutch braid updo and bangs in front on either sides near her ears which had a star diamond stud earring with a small drop. She looked stunning. 

Swara came down and watched the boys stare at her without even a blink. 

"Are you attending your marriage reception?" Jay couldn't help but ask her. No wonder she looked gorgeous than ever but he wasn't sure if it was an overdo or was normal.

"Isn't this dress an overdo?" Swara pouted and as she checked her dress. 

"You look like a young woman and not a high school student." Jay commented with a chuckle.

"Really? I told SG not to do this to me." She cried.

"Urgh.. I think you got the correct one Swara. You will see many over dressed more than you and definitely you don't look overdressed it just that.." Laksh stated as he had gone to many parties as such and comparing with them Swara looked way too elegant and gorgeous. "You look different but angelic enough." He smiled.

"Thanks." Swara smiled. 

"See only Laksh understands me." Shafali Gagodia came near the kids. "It's your first time attending Family-time Swara and media would be there. Don't you think you should dress something like this?" She explained.

"I have gone to parties and media was present that time too." Swara protested. 

"But this time you will be the center attraction in front of the camera sweetie. Now don't protest and come." Shafali placed Swara's purse on her hand and dragged the little girl with her. Laksh too went.

Jay chuckled softly seeing Swara throwing tantrums and followed them. 

Family-time is a party dedicated to all the employees, clients and staffs who works tirelessly for the company to grow bigger and better every time. It was held once in every year on the anniversary of the company which was started by Rishab Gagodia and passed on to Shekhar Gagodia, his only son and now it was with Aditya Gagodia. It was one of the biggest event that happens every year and media never fails to capture every moment after all many successful business people, influenced big heads who cannot be seen often were invited. It was an visual treat for them. 

When the Gagodia's entered the venue Mr. Sharma and Aditya split their works to cross check if everything was going good. Jay and Swara helped both of them in smaller workers. Shekhar and Sharmistha was seated without any tension, of course they knew how Aditya's works were flawless and moreover even Mr. Sharma was helping him. 

The party started with all the employees, staffs and clients making their ways into the venue by walking on the red carpet and welcomed warmly. Dim golden lights, scented flowers, light music on the background, food section in one corner and bar in another room adjacent to it, Every little thing screamed the royalty it contained. 

Swara now understood her Aunty's and Laksh's words seeing young girls like her dressed up with too much glamour and coated makeup on their faces. Cameras, lightning every thing were flashing as her aunty said. She had come to party-time but not as a representer as she was today. 

"Swara, dad's calling." Jay said and took Swara near the stage where all the Gagodia's were present.

As the host announced the Gagodia's were about to speak, the media's attention turned with their video cameras fixed on to the stage. 

The speech began with Shekhar Gagodia addressing the gathering, then Sharmistha and Aditya.

"Swara go." Mr. Sharma signed her to go up since Aditya had finished his speech. 

Swara walked to the staged and adjusted the mike to her level. Everyone's gaze were fixed on her and so was the cameras. She was not afraid of them since she taught about these from ever since she was small but she understood people's confusion. Only some knew about her. 

"Good evening ladies and Gentlemen, I am Swara Gagodia and it's my pleasure to welcome you all to the party." She paused after introducing herself. Cameras flashed lights on her faces and her ears were filled with the camera's snapping pictures of her. She continued.

"This party is specifically made for the people who works day and night, giving their passion dedicatedly and making Gagodia industries one of the best leading company in India. Some may think this party is a waste but I tell you, this party is for the people who makes you see profit and all our luxury depends on their work. We, the Gagodia's recognize them and warmly thank them for the hard work they do. We are nothing without you and this party is solely meant for you. So please enjoy and let's strive more harder together, Thank you." Giving a bright smile to everyone Swara walked down from the stage as the crowd have claps for her speech. 

Shekhar was shocked to see his daughter's growth, Sharmistha was all proud after all it was her upbringing and Swara never failed to reflect what she had taught and Aditya was surprised seeing his sister speaking more professionally than ever and he never knew she could be this way. 

"Damn you girl! I saw someone else speaking. Did ghost entered into your body?" Jay said near her ears and received a elbow hit from Swara.

~

"Girlfriend come fast!" Sanskaar screamed seeing the television. 

The news channels were all about the Family-time of Gagodia's party and it was live from the venue. When he saw Swara speaking he called his grandma who was in the kitchen making dinner for them. He wanted to introduce her.

She looked angelic and gorgeous enough to make any men die for her. She no more looked like a high school girl but a young woman with confidence, attitude and smile. 

"Sanskaar what is it? You are screaming from that time and if I come here you will only get burnt curry for your roti." Asha came with the spatula which she used for stirring the curry.

"Huh! The news changed. Why are you coming now?" Sanskaar groaned and placed the remote on the sofa. 

"Who is it that you are this excited to show me?" Asha asked. Sanskaar and news were poles apart, he hated it and Asha knew it well.

"Swara, my friend and you missed her already. Now go gf why are you even here now?" He made faces and received a smack on his head. 

"Girl friend!" He whined and walked behind her to the kitchen.

"I remember someone telling me 'I'm afraid of the girl Swara who takes more marks than me' and now she became your friend?" Asha taunted playfully with a glint of tease in her eyes.  

"I was not afraid of her okay? It was just about marks." Sanskaar shrugged his shoulders, "But now I understand she's a very good friend." He said with a bright smile when he remembered her. 

"Is my boyfriend planning to get that girl as his new girlfriend?" Asha winked at him. 

"Girlfriend! I told you she's my good friend not girlfriend." He stressed the word 'friend', "And I have no plans in leaving you, gf. I told you for a zillion times that I love you so much and you are my first love ever." Sanskaar hugged her from back and gave a kiss on her cheeks.

"I don't know what I am going to do." Asha shook her head with a smile.

"I'll tell you. Feed me and love me. Now gf I'm very hungry." Sanskaar pouted. He was very hungry. 

"You keep disturbing me all the while and you are hungry now." Asha twisted her ears and Sanskaar whined in pain.

"Ouch I'll help you baby." He sang while whining.

Asha left his ears and switched off the stove since the curry was ready.

"By burning the roti? Now go before you get another hit from me." Asha raised her hand and before that Sanskaar jerked.

"Oh my! You have turned more violent gf." With that commentary Sanskaar fled away since he didn't want to get beaten by her and Asha chuckled. 

He was responsible but equally a spoiled brat when it comes to her and his grandpa.

~

"Swara, Adi Bhai is calling you." Jay said making Swara quite confused. 

"Are you sure he called me?" She had to think all the ways after all they don't share bonds like other brothers and sisters does. When Jay nodded his head Swara excused herself and went to meet her brother with Jay. 

"This is---"

"Mr. Woods? You are here?" Swara beamed as soon as she saw her brother speaking with Evan Woods, her professor who taught her in L.A. 

"Yes darling. Wanted to give you surprise." Mr. Woods side hugged the young girl.

"Swara, you both know each other?" Aditya asked still not to understand how they both knew.

"She was my student in L.A, Aditya. Trust me you've got an intelligent and bright sister." Mr. Woods spoke with admiration. 

"Ce fut en effet une agréable surprise! I loved it. Thank you!" Swara said. 

"c'est mon plaisir, jeune femme." He replied and their conversation went on. 

Jay looked at both of them like a alien. He had no idea what they were talking about but only figured out they spoke in French. Adiya looked baffled at the same time, of course he understood their conversation but Swara, she no more looked like he saw her years back. She had changed beautifully be it her confidence, attitude, behavior or the way she was doing things. She was becoming perfect and he knew it wasn't it easy but she grew up like a rose admired by all amidst the dark sky with only moonlight. He was indeed a proud brother. 

"Sure Mr. Woods, have a good time and enjoy. I need to go now. Excuse me." She politely said and gave a nod to Aditya that she was leaving and left.

"You should be proud brother for getting Swara as your sister, Aditya."

"I really am." Aditya smiled. 

"When did you learn French?" Jay gaped at her. He still couldn't believe she talked so fluently in French. Swara sipped the red wine she had casually. 

"Didn't you ask me what I learnt in L.A Jay? There you go, it's just one of them." She winked at her best friend who's jaw's literally touched the ground. 

"You are something else." He said and Swara laughed. 

The event ended successfully and all were back in their house. The minute she entered inside her room Swara quickly changed her dress into a baggy t-shirt and shorts. The party-time was actually nice comparing with the other parties they held. It was no more about business with cold heart but rather people with warm hearts. She was introduced to so many clients by her brother and mother but still the employees she greeted and welcomed were considered the best for her. The way they blessed her and talked her with so my love and happiness in their eyes was nothing with the people who faked their emotions for the sake of getting their own benefits. 

Swara grabbed the book from the book shelf which she had paused reading days ago and lied on the bed with the book opened as she started reading. 

It was easy for her to stick her nose in a book and loose herself for hours, if she wanted to. There were times where she had been reading books all the day making her maasi worried and it took a great lot of time to convince she was actually fine and loved her new friends, books. When insomnia happened to her books were a great company than Jay was, he loved his sleep more. 

"Uff! Done." Swara closed the book happily. Finally she had completed all the books she brought from Los Angeles. Now she had to go for a book shopping soon. 

She looked at the wall clock which showed past 3:30 A.m. Swara sighed. She didn't even know when the time had flew this fast. She had no idea what she was going to do, she didn't want her maasi to get up for her as well just for her sake.

"Try having hot chocolate. It might help you." She suddenly remembered his words. Maybe the time had come for her to try his words. 

Swara hopped from her bed, pulled her hair into a messy bun and walked downstairs to the kitchen. She tip toed to open the cupboard and took the cocoa powder and started making hot chocolate. 

Sanskaar tossed around his bed when his mobile vibrated disturbing his sleep. 

"Who is it?" 

He buried his head on the pillow and grabbed his phone lazily and turned on and saw the time, 3:46 AM. 

1 new message from Swara 

He unlocked his mobile and opened the text message. 

Trying hot chocolate on your words, let's hope it works.

3:43 AM

He typed out a reply.

I'll assure you my dear 3 AM friend. Mark my words.

3:44 AM

Swara smiled reading the message and poured the hot chocolate in her favorite black mug and walked back to her room. She sipped the hot chocolate with a smile hoping it would work out. 

Sanskaar sat on his bed and rested his head on the bedhead  with his eyes closed. 

Hey, I guess this would do for the night. Thanks for the suggestion..

3:52 AM

My words don't go wrong my dear
3 AM friend ;)

3:53 AM 

Swara smiled sipping her last bit of hot chocolate. 

Haha.. of course Mr. Right!
Didn't sleep yet?

3:55 AM

Was sleeping but got up and by the way you looked pretty today in the party and your speech was good. So was thinking about you ;)

3:56 AM 

Sanskaar smiled remembering the news he saw about her. A grin formed on his lips.

Showing me your flirty skills,
Mr. Flirt? By the way thanks.

3:57 AM

I could show you
more, my lady! want to try?

3:57 AM

I'm flattered already
Mr. Flirt, Next time.

3:58 AM

Okay. Just let me know
when that is ;)

3:59 AM

Sure Mr. Flirty Malhotra, I guess the hot chocolate kind of works since
I'm already feeling sleepy.

3:59 AM

My drugs have worked well, Good Night my 3 AM friend.

4:00 AM

Good night Mr. Flirt.

4:01 AM

She could not help but smile looking the conversation they had a while ago. Sanskaar was different from all. When the entire school wanted to befriend her just because of her surname he had not even for once talked about it. She always wanted her name to be called and he did. She knew it is not easy to have friends who does pure friendship without expecting anything from them in today's world, they are rare as black diamonds and she had found one such diamond - Sanskaar. 

☆Happiness is supposed to be made with every little piece and essence of YOU and ONLY YOU, So why search for it when you already have it? ☆

Ce fut en effet une agréable surprise! - it was indeed a pleasent surprise!

c'est mon plaisir, jeune femme- it's my pleasure, young lady.

French translation credits to my friend. How many of you know French?

What's your opinion about Aditya? 

Few words for Sanskaar and his gf? 

Liked the short mid night conversation? 

I'm not much confident with the chapter though but still I would like to know your views on it.

Love,
Diya❤