Hi guys, today I found some time, so I am here with an update. Hope it's not that bad

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After around five minutes, Abhay was the first one to come out of the shock,

"I am so sorry Swara. I should have guessed that this was coming. Oh my God, I need something to drink. Arnav bhai, want to join?", asked Abhay holding his head.

"I need to attend a call Abhay, you go on", saying which Arnav went to his room while Abhay went to the minibar.

"Arnav ji was far better", muttered Khushi under her breath before going into the kitchen to make arrangements for the lunch.

"Is it that bad?", whispered Sanskar to Swara for which she nodded in no but burst out into laughter.

"Okay fine, it was my first time and it was spontaneous. However it is, what matters is the content and you got it right?", asked Sanskar sitting on the couch and signalling Swara to join him.

"Seriously Sanskar, I would never forget this proposal. It was very unique and most importantly very professional. For a minute, I thought I was in some conference", saying which Swara burst out into laughter.

Though Sanskar felt a bit offended, her smile mesmerized him making him forget his weird proposal. 

"Did I tell you that you look beautiful when you smile?", asked Sanskar hearing which Swara instantly stopped laughing and looked at him for a moment before lowering her gaze with her cheeks turning red.

"Swara, look at me", commanded Sanskar for which she obliged.

"When I first saw you, the confidence in your eyes is what caught my attention but then I did notice fear in your eyes when you are around me. Why is that? Are you scared of me?", asked Sanskar looking straight into her eyes.

"I am scared of losing you Sanskar", Swara thought to herself before nodding in no and again looking down.

"Sanskar, I did a mistake four years back for which I regret every single day. I know it wouldn't be a big thing for everyone but I somehow couldn't get over it and what worries me the most is how you are going to react after knowing what I did", said Swara preparing herself to confide in Sanskar as she wanted to start this relationship without any baggage from the past. But before she could continue, Sanskar interrupted.

"Swara, let me make myself clear. I believe that everyone in this universe makes mistakes. What is important is to make sure that you are not doing the same mistake again and again. For suppose today you did something wrong, learn from it and move on. Never ever stop there thinking about it wasting your time because what's done is done, you can't change it now. If at all you had to re-visit that memory, it should only be to re-evaluate yourself that you are remembering your lesson and not for any other reason because going back to those painful memories will only distress you. But still, if you feel that sharing it with me would lessen your pain, then I am all ears. Trust me, I am not a person who would use your mistakes for my benefit".

His words gave strength and confidence to Swara. She smiled looking at Sanskar and appreciated her heart for making a right choice of coming to Mumbai. Falling in love with him was not her choice as she didn't even knew when it all started but taking it forward is in her hands and she would never let anyone take this happiness away from her. 

Their little moment has been interrupted by Khushi who came in to call them for lunch.

All the five of them sat across the six seater dining table with Swara beside Khushi, Abhay beside Sanskar and Arnav being the head of the house took his single chair. To begin with, they were served with delicious starters.

"Bhabhi, this tastes like Tandoori chicken", said Swara putting a spoonful of the dish served onto her plate.

"It is one of Sanskar's favorite", replied Khushi.

"I thought it's keema looking at the little pieces", chuckled Swara.

"You should get used to it Swara because no knives or sharp objects allowed when Abahy is around. So, everything is already chopped before coming onto my plate. Am I right?", asked Abhay not particularly looking at anyone and concentrating on his plate but Swara found that the others were looking at him without a smile making her worried whether she said something that she shouldn't have but Arnav's sudden voice broke her thoughts.

"I just like it this way, you know it saves a lot of time", said Arnav smiling at Swara for which she just nodded.

"Speaking about food, you like cooking Swara?", asked Sanskar to lighten the atmosphere.

"Well, I am not that good at it. All I could make perfectly is maggie", replied Swara with an apologetic face.

"No problem Swara, your would be husband is not good at eating either. He just does that because he needs energy to complete his endless business projects. Even if you make him maggie everyday, he wouldn't complain", said Abhay not leaving a chance to irritate Sanskar.

"He is right and also Swara if you are interested and want to learn cooking, then do it. If not let it be we can hire a cook", said Sanskar finishing up his meal.

"How sweet of you Sanskar", said Abhay pulling Sanskar's cheeks making everyone laugh except Sanskar.

"Abhay, stop embarrasing me", whispered Sanskar and moving towards Abhay he added "Atleast before Swara"

"Not possible mate", said Abhay only to earn glares from Sanskar.

"Swara, you didn't tell us what's your favorite dish?", asked Khushi.

"I love butter chicken bhabhi", replied Swara wetting her lips.

 "Even I love it, Khushi bhabhi can we have it tonight? Swara I must say Khushi bhabhi is expert in making butter chicken and butter naan. You will agree with me once you taste it", said Abhay licking his fingers. But before Khushi, Swara replied.

"Oh I don't have the chance, I have a flight to board tonight", replied Swara with a sad face. Now that she is with Sanskar, she didn't want to go away from him so soon but her mom said she should return back the same day. So, Swara already booked the tickets for the evening flight to Kolkata.   

"Do you have to go Swara? Can't you stay...hmm at least for a week?", asked Sanskar looking at her with a pleading face.

"One week? what will I do Sanskar?", asked Swara not understanding what she is going to do when he would be busy with his work.

"You can come to my office, I will show you around, explain my work, it will be fun Swara", said Sanskar getting excited at the thought of having Swara with him.

"When is the flight Swara? Should I drop you at the airport?", asked Abhay interrupting Sanskar.

"Abhay, I want her to stay", whined Sanskar like a kid. Though Abhay was happy seeing this desperate side of Sanskar but having a date in the office explaining about deals is not at all accepted.

"If all she would get by staying here is spending time in your office then I think she should go back", said Abhay trying to knock some sense in his friend's mind.

"But what else we can do?", asked Sanskar as if Abhay was out of his mind thinking that he would leave his office on weekdays.

"Swara, can you please go and help Khushi bhabhi with the desserts? I need to have a word with my dear friend", requested Abhay.

"Sure", saying which Swara went into the kitchen leaving the trio.

"Sanskar, Mumbai is a very big city. It has got many places apart from your office, your home, my office, my home and Raizada mansion. It is not called as the city that never sleeps for no reason. You can take her to Juhu beach, Elephanta Island, Marine Drive and also I will text you the details of the best pubs and restaurants around, I am sure she would like them", suggested Abhay trying to educate his unromantic friend.

"Sounds good but Abhay I can't stay away from my work for a week. That would delay many projects", complained Sanskar.

"Arnav bhai, don't you think we can handle Karma industries for a week with Sanskar's minimal presence?", asked Abhay looking at Arnav.

"Ofcourse we can Abhay, I will speak with my secretary and arrange things. It would be a bit hectic but still we can manage", replied Arnav with his usual smile.

"That's settled then", declared Abhay not giving Sanskar a chance to argue.

"Swara, for the next seven days, you and Sanskar are going around Mumbai spending as much time together as possible. Is that okay?", asked Abhay turning towards Swara who was coming back to the dining table along with Khushi.

"Absolutely", replied Swara already getting excited with the mere thought of going around the city with the man she love the most. But then remembering that she has to inform her parents, her face dropped.

"I will inform my mother regarding my extended stay", saying which Swara went aside taking her mobile with her.

Praying to God that her mother should agree, she clicked on the call button. Sharmishta answered for the first ring as if she was waiting for her call.

"Swara, are you alright?", asked Sharmishta, worry being evident in her voice.

"I am fine mom. Sanskar picked me up from the airport and now we are in his brother's house. They are all very sweet", replied Swara with a smile.

"So, he...he accepted your proposal?", asked Sharmishta hesitantly.

"Yes mom, I can't remember the last time when I was this happy. Mom, can I please stay back in Mumbai for few more days?", asked Swara with her fingers crossed.

"No Swara, why do you have to stay? You remembered the promise right?", asked Sharmishta getting worked up as she didn't want her daughter to take any step that would create havoc in their family.

"Mom relax, we just want to spend some time going around the city and get to know each other better and ha I very well remember my promise. So, you don't worry. As I said, I won't marry without father's consent", assured Swara.

"I don't understand Swara. Once you are married, you will have your entire life to know each other. So, without any excuse, come back home as planned before", said Sharmishta.

"Mom, please this one time. As soon as I come back, I will speak with dad about this myself. Please mom...please", requested Swara melting her mother.

"Fine then I will tell your father that you have a conference for a week in Mumbai. But try coming back soon. What all you are making me do Swara?", scolded Sharmishta with a stern voice but her next statement brought a smile on to Swara's face.

"Convey my wishes to Sanskar"

 "Love you mom", saying which Swara disconnected the call feeling really very relieved on confirming that her mother is on her side which would make it a bit easier to convince her father.

"I am staying", said Swara sitting beside Khushi.

"Great, Sanskar, I was thinking, as you both are serious about this relationship, why don't we speak with your parents and get things settled?", asked Arnav.

"Sounds really good bhai. Swara, if its fine with you, I will take you to my home tomorrow and introduce you to my parents?", asked Sanskar hearing which Swara became self conscious.

"Oh my God what if they don't like me? Will Sanskar leave me?", was the only thought running in her mind. Understanding her confusion and nervousness, Khushi came to her rescue.

"Don't worry, we will all be there and I am sure that Sujatha aunty wouldn't reject such a pretty daughter in law", said Khushi holding Swara's hand making Swara smile in agreement.

"Done, I will tell mom that tomorrow we all are coming for dinner", saying which Sanskar went to make a call to his mother.

"Bhabahi, what should I wear? I din't get any dresses for such special occasions", asked Swara with worry written all over her face. She didn't want to embarrass herself in her very first meet with her would be in laws.

"That's okay, tomorrow we will go for shopping and buy a saree for you with a ready made blouse, bangles and ear rings", said Khushi making a note in her mind so that she wouldn't miss anything.

"But I don't know how to wear a saree", replied Swara with a sad face.

"Just chill sweet heart. I will make you ready in such a way that no one could take their eyes off you", replied Khushi making Swara blush. All the five of them spent their Sunday evening playing snap. Next morning, as decided Sanskar took Swara and Khushi to a mall to get all the desired things and by the time the girls were satisfied, it was past tea time. All his complaints and requests fell on deaf ears. He wondered where do they get so much patience to reject something after spending more than two hours on it. Sanskar never felt this tired even after working till late night. As soon as they reached Raizada mansion, Sanskar fell on the couch feeling exhausted while the ladies went in to freshen up and get ready for the dinner. After around two hours, Khushi and Swara joined the men in the hall.

Sanskar was awestruck looking at his lady love in Orange color saree looking like an angel. Feeling his gaze, Swara felt heat gushing into her cheeks. Looking at Sanskar who was not even blinking, Abhay asked: "Mr. Maheshwari, do you want to say something?"

"Beautiful", is all Sanskar could say moving towards Swara. Hearing which Swara couldn't help smiling as her heart started dancing with happiness hearing his compliment.

"I think we should start", interrupted Arnav looking at his watch. In an hour, escaping Mumbai's traffic, they reached Maheshwari Mansion where Sujatha was waiting for them.

Sanskar held Swara's hand as he felt that she was feeling nervous and took her in.

"Mom, dad, I told you right, there is someone special coming for dinner today. Here is she, Swara", Sanskar introduced Swara to his parents.

"With your blessings we would like to start a new beginning of our life", added Sanskar preparing himself to answer numerous questions but t  his surprise Sujatha gave a knowing smile.

"Didn't I tell you Ram that there is some girl in Sanskar's life? Now this explains all the changes in Sanskar's behavior lately", said Sujatha hugging Swara who bent down to take their blessings.

"Live life long happily dear", blessed Sujatha and Ram while Uttara came in front feeling ignored.

"Hi bhabhi, I am Uttara, Sanskar's sister", Uttara hugged Swara without waiting for Swara's reply.

"I never thought my brother has got such a good taste", added Uttara winking at her brother only to receive a friendly smack on her head. 

"Bhai, now you can't beat me, I have bhabhi on my side", said Uttara holding Swara's hand.

"Wow Uttara, now that you have your bhabhi, you left your partner", complained Abhay with a pout. And this argument continued making Swara smile at their childishness. With this warm welcome, Swara instantly felt at home leaving behind her fears and insecurities. 

After welcoming the Raizada's Sujatha called everyone for dinner. Sanskar gestured Swara to sit beside him which she happily obliged. The dining hall was filled with squeals of laughter from everyone except Sanskar and Arnav who like always are less spoken in the matters that doesn't concern business but they do enjoy being part of this happiness.

After having dinner, Sujatha and Khushi were in the kitchen finishing up the last minute chores while Abhay and Uttara were fighting over something and Sanskar was in a conversation with Arnav, Swara went into the balcony to have a look at the night view of Mumbai, Ram joined her.

"Swara beta, can I have a word with you?"

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So here ends today's part. Everyone wished Sanskar to be beaten so much for his proposal that I thought to forgive him. Poor Sanskar hai na. 

What do you think Ram wants to speak with Swara?

How is the update? Did I drag it too much?

I would love to hear your views. Hit star if you liked it.

Thank you so much guys.

Love you and ha never forget to smile.

Praahi.