Last exam over.

Students could finally release their heavy breaths they had been catching for a while. Yet, for their remainder it was their last exam from schooling. No more tests and surprise tests to make them whin.

It was the end.

That did not lower their spirits. Just not yet. The farewell party at school became the topmost priority for all. Emotions kept aside, they were going to enjoy it.

The sea green hue did settle well as Shafali suggested to her. A unique shade it was. The minimal gold designs on the saree and puffed sleeved blouse made quite an intriguing contrast on the fabric.

Emerald green stones and the gold base of her jewellery added more glow to her complexion. Swara ditched her watch and chose to wear a matching kada bangle.

Reema had those softest smiles as she brushed her untied locks in ease. Swara would love to put her hair in a Dutch bun. But she remembered; He liked when she kept her hair untamed.

The slightly opened glass window let a stream of almost evening sunlight in. It cast upon Swara and it was her gold designs and stoned ornaments that shone more to add more glow to her.

Her pretty child. Reema made quite a number of compliments already and she wanted to do more. She never imagined Swara to look so well. Saree and their charms are always a match.

"We are done." And the next minute, Swara stood up. She had to leave soon and could not afford much delays on the occasion, "Be careful while you walk." Reema cautioned as she passed the sling bag to her.

"I'll be maasi."

Swara glanced at her reflection for one last time. A nicely draped saree with fleets to her hand, some complementing pieces, and the usual makeup- thin stroke under her hazels and strawberry balm on her lips.

Perfect.

As Reema led the flight of stairs, Swara took caution steps until she stepped on the even floor. She had been a little anxious about gracing a saree since it was her first time.

"Looking gorgeous, as always." Aditya added in the moment he saw her. He could not get rid of the smile. Sure, his sister was growing.

That made Swara ease a little. Good looking compliments definitely bring more confidence. She required more of them to step out of the house.

"Swara ready?" Sharmistha walked in busy with the mail she had to send. Since they headed to the same place, she offered to drop her off.

Mail done. The older woman looked up and she had to admit, "That's some nice dress up." Shefali, Reema and herself had to help Swara to choose the dress. Glad it fitted well.

"Shall I drop her? I'm going there too." Sharmistha gazed at her son. A change, she noticed them for the past few days. His way of conversing or approaching turned soft. It warmed her heart, "You can."

Softening. Swara observed too. Gone were those harsh and curt replies and it was all toned down. Not drastically but definitely a visible one.

Aditya knew. The way everyone's gaze melted gave him the response to the little efforts he made. Also the little efforts he let his mother take to him as well.

Changes.

Sometimes bad, sometimes good. This time, it was for the better and not worse.

"Let's go."

~

Classic white and black can never be out of fashion. Sanskaar smoothed his crisp black suit with an eye on the mirror. He looked good. Just as he slid the watch on his wrist, Asha made him turn.

It suited her grandson. Asha smiled. They went shopping and after what Sanskaar called it an eternity which was just an hour, they chose the suit. She placed red silk on the pocket square.

"You remind me of him." The smile stayed intact but it was her eyes that conveyed a tale- of love and in distant, longing. She missed him. Just like he did.

On special days as these, they missed him a little more than usual. Manoj Malhotra always saw big dreams for Sanskaar-- dreams that included his happiness too. The fact he couldn't see him grow plunged Asha into agony.

"And he's with us. Seeing and guiding." Sanskaar wrapped an arm around his grandmother. They sought their silent solace in the warmth of each other as they parted.

"Be careful. There's going to be quite a long queue for you." And there she was. Back to her old form of teasing. Well! That did not affect Sanskaar.

"That's something my girlfriend would take care of." One stare of hers and no one would look at his side, Sanskaar grinned wide.

"So it's all about your girlfriend these days, huh?" Asha could never keep mum on getting her grandson to the edge with her tease. Or rather, to see his ears turn all red in embarrassment. A good watch it was.

"There. I'm done with getting ready and your tease too girlfriend." He grabbed his mobile only to see her message notification. Curious, he opened to see her text- I'm on the way.

A boyish smile it was- Asha concluded as she saw him text someone back. The someone she already knew too, "Sunny." She called him.

"Huh?" Too much indulged in texting her back that he would be on time as well, "There's something on your face." Sanskaar immediately looked up and back to the mirror.

But there was nothing. Everything was set and no abnormalities. A confused Sanskaar turned to face his grandmother and it striked him.

"Dadi, bye!" Asha laughed. He knew what she meant but would not tell her. With a bear hug and a soft kiss, Sanskaar was off.

This lover boy.

She watched his retreating figure fondly. Hoping for 'that look on his face' to always stay with him. It made him glow like a fresh flower about to bloom.

Back at the entrance, Sanskaar stifled his smile hard. His grandmother pointed out the happiness he had on his face. Well, it was a constant these days.

A big smile and red ears.

~

"Heavens! Aditya Gagodia. Do you have anything in your dictionary called patience?"

Pavithra gritted her teeth the moment she sat on the back seat. In the gap of three minutes, ten missed calls from Aditya did not let her phone rest.

"You should take the front seat."

"Dream on! I'm never setting my foot in your car. Ever again." Aditya face palmed. To his side, he could not gauge Swara's reactions for those filmsy strands hid her features.

Okay. The heat of the moment blinded her and only Pavithra realised there was someone in the passenger seat. What blunder did she do now?

"He's quite impatient." Swara turned to greet the young lady with her sweetest smile, "Hello!" And the smile only became wider at how Pavithra blushed, totally mortified.

"Swara-- I--I didn't know you were here." A meeting with Swara was something Pavithra always anticipated. But never at this expense. Never.

"That's alright." She initiated the conversation further. Aditya spoke when required or otherwise, a silent spectator as he watched them exchange facts and opinions.

It was nice. He had the idea about Pavithra and Swara being always a smooth ship to sail forward. They were drastic contrasts of people and yet they spoke like old pals. Laughing and talking.

Aditya decreased the radio's volume. He always thought Jazz was his ideal company at drive. It was proven wrong. It was them; both beloved ladies of his life became his best company.

The more Pavithra spoke, the more her liking for Swara increased. Their topics were nothing extraordinary. Just the normal ones from here and there but it was how Swara invested in them.

When she knew, Swara spoke the known facts. Unknown, she showed interest in learning it from her without any delay. Indeed, a warm child.

"We are here." Aditya announced. That brought a halt to their conversations, "Time really flies." Pavithra said as they stepped out of the car.

"I hope his impatience doesn't let you stop from getting into the car." Swara said. Of course, stifling the laughter that she worked hard to keep in the bay.

Ah! The high hand embarrassment. If anything, Pavithra wanted to hide herself somewhere, "Swara--" Aditya hesitation was evident but he continued,

"Are you okay about us?" That was only when Pavithra stiffened. Swara and her friendly bonding were different from this. It was about her becoming a part of her family too.

Honestly, Aditya could not guess her answer. The way she kept a serious expression only made him think about the negative one.

"Do you think I would let anyone raise their voice against you?" Swara kept her tone calm and seriousness intact that made the other two nervous until her words registered on their mind.

"It is a yes. Always, bhai." With a smile, Swara started walking away leaving the dumbfounded two behind.

"She said yes!"

"And called you Bhai."

Aditya could have dogged it as a dream if not for Pavithra's touch on his arm. So it was all real--- his sister accepted them--- and him.

"This calls for a celebration!" Pavithra cheered him. She was happy that Swara supported them but her heart elated more for Aditya. Finally, it was all over!

"Sure it is." Back more the daze of realisation to acceptance, Aditya's arms found a way around Pavithra for a hug. He need it.

"Gosh! Aditya we are on the street! People will see us."

"Let them get a blindfold. I'm hugging only my to be wife."

Pavithra did complain further, nagged at him for that behaviour but deep down she did enjoy it. Though she hated to admit. But she enjoyed it.

Just a bit.

~

Being the staff's favourite came with pros and cons. As much as they'd help with all the academics side any time, they also dump their work on them. Perks of being the STAR student.

Sanskaar was placed with an incharge to look after his juniors if they required any suggestions. But his eyes kept searching, looking for a 'certain' person. Coming early turned into regret.

"Sanskaar!" That voice. He turned and there she was. Sea green suited her despite it being an uncommon shade; it made her gorgeous. Sanskaar must have known- Swara in saree was a vision.

"What does your look mean?" She had to ask. The way he stared at her invited some good amount of spectators and there, he was least bothered.

"Smitten. You look more ravishing than ever." Sanskaar's hand reached out for hers. Crimson coloured her softest shade as she shifted her gaze away, it was too heavy to hold on to his captivating ones.

"You too." She replied in a meek voice that Sanskaar stooped down with a tilted head, "What? Ravishing?" Swara would have stepped back at that sudden move.

Instead, she chose to match her gaze back to him, "No. Handsome." Sanskaar sure was. The formal classic suit made him look classy and a little more handsome than ever.

"Now stop flirting with me, Romeo." Sanskaar was back to his position as she pointed. Right! Too many eyes were on them but today, he did not want to leave the hand he held.

"Right away, Juliet." Swara chuckled. Them and their ways of calling each other with fictional names. But again, it was their thing.

Soon the rest of their team joined. Aditi wore a hot pink saree; the colour for sure matched her vibes. Jay sported an ivory dark blue suit and Arya was in grey.

The farewell went on with speeches from the heads of the institution and selected senior staff. A sort of entertainment by the juniors did hyped them up.

But in the end, they stood as they sang their school song. One last time on campus. It made quite a number of them emotional and some with turmoil instead.

Because greetings might be easy,

But good-bye are always the hardest.

And it was their time to bid bye to the institute that built their foundation in the form of feathers, gave choices to choose their colours and it was their time to leave the knitted place.

A new life for them awaited. Each of them had various reactions- some scared, some thrilled but at the moment, all of them had only one feeling. For the first and last time, all of the same.

To not leave this place.

The auditorium's whole vibe turned mixed. Students cried, hugged and laughed at each other. Another batch of students were ready to set off from the campus. But definitely not without a picture.

The student council alone was given the first privilege to take the picture first on the stage. But the arrangements were chaotic, they hardly stood in a proper line. Swara and Sanskaar were the examples.

They reached the stage together. But now? They stood at the two corners of it until Jay had to interfere for their disobedience and place them in order.

Being the main stars of the student council; Swara and Sanskaar were made to take the center position and with others followed by his instructions. Jay, himself took place next to Swara.

Swara beamed. Both her best friends were on either side. Oh well! One got the promotion to boyfriend, nevertheless, he still remained her best friend first.

"Okay stay still." The photographer was all set to click them for a picture. Everyone had their bestest smiles graced on their faces. Sanskaar's hand entwined on hers.

It was quite a daring act but others were too busy to notice. Sanskaar knew that. Their smile grew wider; a genuine smile and right at the moment.

Everything seemed perfect.

Be it the picture or the memory.

The picture sessions continued after that beautiful group picture they took. Almost, everyone was scattered in the auditorium and Swara bumped into a person.

Laksh Maheshwari.

Now that was a surprise. Laksh had no plans of meeting Swara today but since it's done, he cannot ignore her as well.

"Hey!" Laksh said and she followed him with a response, "Hi!" They stood facing but had no more words to convey.

Swara was not sure if initiating small talks would be right. Not when Laksh still donned that ring on his finger and eyes with a dull ache.

"Feeling better?" Last time turned out to be a shocker for him. After that day, he was on the edge of enquiring about her health but stopped himself. Laksh did not want to sound noisy.

"Very much. Thank you again." The concern despite whatever heartbreak he had been through pushed her more into guilt. That was him. Laksh, a kind person.

"Don't." Laksh did not want it. He could have done that to help anyone in need; just that she would be a little special among all.

No matter how much time flew between them, his shattered heart continued to emit pain. Because she was there, near him but never his.

That's exactly why he noticed Sanskaar behind her, a little away but always there. Laksh had a vague recall of that night; him pulling off their alliance and him being consoled by Sanskaar.

"Swara." He called. However, the call was not for her. It was for the one behind her. Laksh's eyes shifted back to Swara's who waited for him to continue.

"You really did get yourself a gem." Sanskaar's orbs widened. Those words--- Laksh had told him in his drunken state. It was when their eyes met, Sanskaar got his answers.

He made a confession. A confession so confusing for the fact his gaze often shifted behind. Swara cranked her neck behind to see Sanskaar there. Still at position.

Laksh knew it was his queue to leave. Leave for good. The ring adorned due to his own adamant or hope held no value, anymore. He walked away from her. Indeed, a real goodbye to the school and her.

Sanskaar watched his retreating figure as well as Swara coming for him, "So he remembers." A meek whisper came with a melancholic smile.

"What?" She looked at him. Swara could not comprehend any of the happenings, neither Laksh's words nor Sanskaar's action.

Sanskaar shook off his head. Back to his normal state. Because this secret confession was theirs; Laksh's and his and it would remain as that. Forever.

~

The match caught the spark; a fire flame appeared and Swara approached to lighten the wax candle. A soft glow of gold from the rest of the wax candles on stand, lit her up more.

A gentle blow on the match, the flame was gone. Swara's lashes dropped down as she started to offer her prayers in the empty church with him.

The farewell concluded on a good note and their journey back home paused when Sanskaar suggested to visit the church. So there they were. Sanskaar smiled more.

It had been him who wanted to make prayers. Yet, it was Swara who prayed with sincerity and he abstained from doing so. They no longer mattered. After all she would make prayers on his behalf too.

And she did. Swara's appeal towards any Lord included her Sunny in them just as any other person she held close. After placing a satisfactory prayer, Swara turned and their eyes met.

Those orbs had so much adoration for her, so much love. But somewhere in the back of her mind, a dark thought loomed over. Something she never appreciated to entertain.

Their careers were far from each other. Law being the professional course and Music fell in the arts category. Could they survive this? Swara's heart thumped in fear of losing.

Until a very concerned hand moved forward for hers. Swara's attention to the dark matter slipped backwards in his touch. Only their careers were poles apart; not them.

Sanskaar and she had undergone several phases. Some so dark and deep, yet their hands never loosened. The trails did not fade them away, even at the slightest. Maybe it was a useless fret.

"Swara"

"Hmm?"

"A lot of things await us after this. We have a career to build, a job to keep us stable and responsibilities that will keep us busy. Even might do us apart."

Sanskaar's grip on her tightened at the thought, not in a hurting way. Swara understood that. The turmoil he had been going through it as well.

"But I want you to know. Whatever we share now is genuine. This is real. This is us and I want it to continue on a longer run. You, with me always."

Swara did not realise she required his confession, his assurance until now. It almost eased every doubt of us. Almost everything.

He was surprised at the way Swara wounded her arms around his neck and embraced him. But what even brought Sanskaar close to panic was her tears.

Did he do a blunder? He was at the edge of cursing aloud for making Swara cry. Maybe he overwhelmed her with all these emotions, "Swara I--I didn't want--"

She parted away a little. Just an inch back with her hands still on him. Sanskaar's face screamed anxious because of her tears. It made her smile.

"I love you, Sanskaar"

Something Swara wanted to confess but couldn't do. It was him. Always him and she knew it would not change. Not now or even in future.

The shock melted as Sanskaar covered the inch that parted them to kiss her forehead. Their hands remained entwined as they enjoyed the bloom of their love, together.

"I love you too."

That night, Swara and Sanskaar vowed promises to each other in such a glee as they were all set to embark on another phase of life. To be each other's Forever.

Promises are easy to make and so is breaking one.

But they were too busy to realise about the hefty amount a promise may demand them. Despite all the odds, can they withhold their promises?

Well that was a big question.