Swara's pov:

I yawned loudly and wiped my eyes which turned teary due to the yawn. It has been more than two hours since Sanskar has left me. After he scolded me for thinking stupid, I apologized and remained in his arms to made myself believe that he is with me.

But I can sense he is still bit angry on me because he didn't smile at me even for once which made my heart heavy. My mind was again flooded with the thoughts that he is angry because of my confession. Soon, He left after saying that he has meetings back to back which may took more time. I think he don't want to send me home alone seeing my state, because he told me to take rest in his cabin room.

Yes, I found that the door was of a bedroom not a washroom. The bedroom is really big for one person, it's not big than our room in home but still it is big with washroom and even a walk-in closet. Ten minutes after his departure, I heard a knock on the cabin door. The lady whom I saw in the reception of his private floor came inside with a bag of food. She told me that he has ordered food for me and asked me to eat. I was bit surprised but felt warm with his care.

She served the food in a plate though I said I can serve myself. I introduced myself to her to which she said she already knew me by the news. She didn't give me any judging look for which I'm grateful. I attempted to talk to her as she stood beside the sofa when I eat. I told her to sit and asked about her. Her name is Mary Christopher and she is secretary of this floor, handling everything within the office next to Aman. She is really professional and kind lady which I can tell with her behaviour. She is married and even have two kids, she is working here from the start when he built this company.

I asked her if his every branch office has these many floors when I came to know that two more floors are here counting to this building has fifty floors. She smiled and said this is the head office of whole SM's empire so it has many floors. But then she said other branches in cities and other states also have floors to 25 to 30 which made me astonished. My husband is freaking rich.!!!

After having food, I left to take rest as the bed was really soft and inviting. I woke up after an hour feeling restless with a bad dream in which Sanskar has said that my love was fake and he hates me for my confession. All my worries flooded back in my mind and heart making my eyes tear up.

I calmed down myself thinking it was just a bad dream nothing else. I suddenly felt so alone and scared in the room. So I quickly washed my face refreshing myself and then came out of the room expecting to see him. But he still didn't came so I sat on the sofa and switched on the TV to divert my mind.

I have been sitting here for an hour now. I looked through the glass wall and saw the sun has set down already and the sky is turning dark. I am feeling restless with the situation I am in.

I thought to go out and get some free air. If I could, I can know where is Sanskar from Mary. I opened the office door and went out. I walked on the empty corridor which is lit with bright lights looking elegant. I walked past the other cabins which are also empty now and reached the centre where Mary is sitting on her desk and working on the computer.

"Good evening, Mam.", She greeted as soon as I go near the desk. I smiled faintly.

"You can call me Swara, please Mrs. Christopher. I am so younger than you.", I said which I had told already to her when she came earlier.

She smiled, "Do you want anything Mrs. SM?"

She asked politely. I am really surprised at how much professional she is. Even though I told her to call me by name she is giving me respect.

"Nothing. I just came out to get some fresh air. And do you know when will Sanskar return?"

I asked her softly, my insides are craving for his sight.

"He will be here soon. The meeting will be ending in fifteen minutes."

She said, I nodded and then sighed little. I was about to move forward, she called me.

"Mrs. SM, if you don't mind, where are you going? Sir has told me not to leave you anywhere alone."

She said with the apologetic smile.

"I am not going anywhere, don't worry. I will be here around in this floor."

I told her, she nodded. I walked to the other end of the corridor passing the lift. I stood at the open end holding the railing and admired the sky which is fully dark now. I don't know how much time I stood there trying to calm down my feelings.

I heard the lift ding sound and turned around expecting to see the person whom I want to see desperately. But I was surprised seeing Kritika coming out, holding a file in her hand. She is looking beautiful in her office attire with an elegant bag hanging in her other hand elbow.

She didn't see me as she directly walked to Mary's desk. I remembered how I blurted out everything to her in my drunk state. My cheeks heat up in embarrassment. I fidgeted thinking should I go meet her or not. But what will I talk to her?

I saw her going to sit on the sofas after talking to Mary. I went there towards her.

"Hey Kritika!"

I tried to greet her in happy tone. She looked up from the file. Her face lit up with a smile making me surprise as I thought she wouldn't like me after what I have did yesterday.

"Hi, Shona!"

My eyes bulged little hearing her. Then I remembered how I told her to call me like that saying all my loved ones call me Shona. She is smiling in happiness. Has anything happened without my knowledge?

She stood up and hugged me to my shock. I stood there like a statue, not knowing what to do. After breaking the hug, she smiled a huge one and made me sit beside her on the sofa.

"How are you? I mean after yesterday."

She asked me with a small smile. My cheeks heat up again in embarrassment.

"Um.. I'm fine." She smiled.

"I am sorry, Kritika for yesterday. My friend told me what I have done in my drunk state.", I told her, still maintaining that I don't remember anything from yesterday.

"It's ok, Shona. I don't mind anything.", She said cheerfully making me sigh in relief.

"Infact, I should thank you." I frowned upon hearing her.

"After you left, I was embarrassed and shy that you told I have crush on Karan." My eyes widened hearing it from her mouth.

"But Karan talked to me and said he will respect my feelings. Even he asked me out on a date. You know I was so shocked, happy and excited. All thanks to you."

She said with a giddy smile which even made me smile forgetting my worries.

"Oh my god! Wow, it's amazing. Bhai asked you out? I think he finally got some knowledge. You know, he was sad that he is still single so we both thought to find him a girl. That's when I saw you on the party. Instantly I know you liked him with your loving gaze. I gave him great advice and made his stupid mind see that you liked him. I am so happy for both of you."

I said out in excitement. I saw her looking at me amused but a shy smile is playing on her lips.

"Thank you, Shona. I was nervous thinking how to tell him my feelings. I liked him from our college itself.", She said with a grateful smile.

"Don't thank me. I did it for my brother. You are really great and amazing. My Bhai is lucky to get you. I hope you both will accept eachother and be together forever."

I said smiling, she grinned and hugged me again. This time, I hugged her back. I don't know why but I really feel like we have known for many years. Once, I wanted this kind of bond from Ragini where we could share our feelings to eachother but I was stupid to think of that Chudail as my partner. Eww!!!

"You are really kind and lovely, Shona. Just like Karan said. When we talked yesterday, he was fully talking about you 'His Doll'. He told me everything about your innocent and kind nature. I already liked you a lot but after hearing him, I started loving you. He also told me how he got you as his little sister and then told me about your and SM sir's love story."

She winked at me making my eyes go bulge. Oh my god, what has he done? I don't mind him talking about me to her. If she is going to be his life partner, he should share everything with her which will bring them closer. But why did he tell about my love? Already I am regretting for my confession to Sanskar.

I laughed nervously, "There is nothing like that, Kritika"

I said to hide my story. She smiled.

"Even a blind man could feel how much you both love eachother. Karan didn't tell me anything which make you nervous now, he just told me your adventurous marriage story. When I saw you both in the party, I admired you. You both are perfectly made for eachother. I never have seen SM sir like that before in my life. He is totally a different person when he is with you. I bet he loves you and cares for you immensely. And you too, Right?"

She said with adored smile and asked me. Her words made my heart warm. Does he really love me?

I smiled and nodded my head. I feel like to share my feelings with her.

"Yes, I love him. But I don't know about him. And I haven't confessed till now. I am waiting for him to realise his feelings."

She smiled, "Oh, all the best. But I already know he loves you. Just tell your feelings to him. He will be happy."

"That is not easy. He don't believe in love, so I am afraid."

I said nervously, she chuckled. Her laugh is really pretty.

"Don't worry, Shona. I am thousand percentage sure that he loves you. You will see it, so just confess!"

I smiled little. I was about to talk to her but I stopped hearing the lift sound. We both turned to look, I felt my heart race in happiness seeing HIM. Sanskar came out followed by Aman and Karan Bhai?

Wow! I turned to look at Kritika who is also equally surprised seeing Karan Bhai. We both stood up, making them trio look towards us.

Karan Bhai grinned seeing us while Sanskar's gaze travelled from my face to feet like he is making sure that I am fine. Aman left to one cabin which might be his cabin while Karan Bhai and Sanskar came to us.

"Hey Doll! I missed you so much. I went to penthouse but then Sanskar informed that you are here. So I came here to see you.", he hugged me instantly. I smiled hugging him back.

"I missed you too, bhai."

He broke the hug, his gaze went to Kritika who is having a shy smile. He smiled back shyly making me amuse and then looked at me. I wiggled my eyebrows teasingly, he gave me a fake glare. I giggled silently.

"Hi, Kritika.", He greeted. She nodded smiling at him. Uff, these new lovebirds!

"Evening, Kritika. So have you brought the file with you?"

Sanskar greeted and asked her. I smiled little as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. He didn't talk to me but this is more than enough.

"Yes, Mr. SM.", She told.

"Ok, then let's go to my office.", He said in his masculine authorative tone. I looked at Karan Bhai who looked back at me. We both made a bad face at his tone. But Kritika didn't mind his tone like she is used to it. She smiled and nodded. We four went to his office.

Kritika has come here to get his sign on some file relating to some deal which they both companies are working together. Meanwhile, I and Karan Bhai talked sitting on the sofa leaving them both to deal their business. He was excited about his date, just like me. We both discussed how he is going to arrange the date. In between, I teased him a lot. We both talked and laughed together enjoying our time. I totally forgot all my worries.

After half an hour, they both finished their business. Kritika took my phone number and left saying that we both are going to be best friends. Karan Bhai also left saying that he wanted to talk to her. I giggled at him.

After that, the office atmosphere fell in silence. I saw Sanskar is working on his system sincerely. I don't know if I should talk to him or not. I sat on the sofa simply, not wanting to disturb his work. But soon, he switched off his system and stood up, making his way to me.

I stood up and waited for him to speak. He looked at me blankly, I stared at him trying to find what is going on in his mind, but he is expert in hiding his emotions. He has never done that with me. He always look at me softly, caringly but now his gaze is blank which is making me afraid inside. I remembered my dream which made me worry more.

"Come. Let's leave."

He said and then turned, taking his phone. He called the driver and asked him to get the car informing about our arrival. He then walked forward to the office door without even knowing that I didn't follow him. I quickly bend down my head trying to control my emotions, most importantly my tears which are hiding in my eyes threatening to appear. I walked forward not wanting him to know about my sadness.

He opened the door and waited. I went out first looking at the floor, not at him. I heard the clink sound of locking the door with the electronic panel. I stood waiting for him to come.

I saw his hand holding my wrist and then he started walking forward, I followed him numbly without words. He also didn't begin any conversation. We reached down. The office is almost empty, just few employees are working.

The car was waiting for us. He opened the back door for me. I sat inside silently, he then walked around and sat on my other side. The car started moving. I felt breathless with the silence in the car. I saw him scrolling on his phone with my corner eyes. I don't know why but I couldn't bring myself to talk to him. Blame it on my fear and nervousness.

I opened my side window and took a deep breath to calm myself. I am totally controlling my overwhelming emotions. I am afraid that I will again breakdown infront of him but this time I have no reason to tell him because I have already told him that I don't remember anything from yesterday. So, I can't ask him about the confession also.

Soon we reached our penthouse. When we stepped in the living hall from the elevator, I saw Kamala Maa is coming out of the kitchen.

"You both came. I have arranged the dining table with your dinner. Fresh up and come down", She said like always in her soft and kind tone.

"Kamala Maa, it's late. You should go home. I will serve us both."

I told her. Though she protested, I insist her to leave. Sanskar has told her that driver will drop her home. She greeted us night and left.

Sanskar left upstairs without words. I stood there watching him climbing up the stairs. A lone tear escaped my eyes when he totally disappeared from my sight. I slowly walked to the stairs while tears fell from my eyes. I climbed up wiping them one by one.

Shona, you are really a stupid. I told myself.

Why am I even crying now? He didn't even get angry on me or told me he hate me. He is fine only then why it is hurting me?

I know the reason for the hurt is his silence. His silence is killing me. I can take even his anger but not his ignorance. He is doing that only. He is ignoring me.

May be, he has some work pressure or anything. He has attended back to back meetings today which might has made him tired. So only he didn't talk to me. I should not disturb him. Yes!

I sighed wiping all my tears and tried to smile. But my lips failed to curve. I shook my head and left to our room.
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As expected, the dining table is also facing the silence. After I served the food, he quickly started to eat while seeing his phone. I frowned.

What is even in that dabba? I so hate it now. He is not even looking at his poor wife but that stupid electronic creature dabba.

I huffed silently and started to have my own dinner. I saw him scrolling on the phone without eating. I lost my patience.

"Sanskar!"

I called him. My voice is more louder than my expectation echoing against the walls. He looked up very quickly. He raised his eyebrow at me.

"Put your dab.. um.. phone aside and have your food"

I said in a bit ordering tone. He again scrolled his phone looking down, making me angry. I was about to scold him but within few seconds, he locked that dabba and put it down. Then also he didn't open his mouth to speak but to eat.

I sighed and carried on my own dinner. I can hear only spoon and plate sound in the tensed atmosphere.

"Swara.."

My hand stopped hearing him calling my name. My heart thudded inside.

"Hmm..?", I hummed without looking up from my plate. I can feel his gaze on me.

"Look at me, Swara", I heard his blank tone. I know he is frowning now. How dare he? He doesn't want to call me with endearment, he doesn't want to talk to me but he wanted me to look at him when he wish huh??!!!

Shona, don't look at him

My mind told me to which I agreed.

"Tell me what?", I said slowly.

"Pack your bags", He said in a tone which contained anger as I didn't look up.

My eyes widened in shock, my heart picked up it's speed in fear. What? Why is he asking me to pack my bags? Did he want to send me away? Didn't he want me anymore?

Did I hear it right?

"Huh?", I looked up at him, my heart thudding fastly. He is looking at me directly into my eyes, I saw his free hand is tightly clenched into a fist.

"What did you say?", I asked, my voice is too low and desperate. He is staring at me.

"I told pack your bags. We both are going to Maheshwari Mansion tomorrow.", He said.

"Oh!", I frowned but I felt relieved hearing 'we both' which means he didn't want me to leave. yet. But Maheshwari Mansion?

"What do you mean by Maheshwari Mansion, Sanskar? We are going to live there?", I asked nervously. They all hate me so much. Moreover, that dirty man Laksh will be there. And that Chudail too!

"Not long, just for few days. May be a week. I don't want us to go. But they all are forcing me to come there for few days as we are newly married.", His face is filled with irritation. I know how much he don't like his family. Infact, he didn't even consider them as his own.

"Oh", I nodded. He looked at his fist which is resting on the table.

"They just want to show off that we all are one happy family and show their fake care and love like always. So asking us to come there. I know that.", He let out a frustrated sigh tightening his fist more. I gulped and put my hand on his fist squeezing bit. He looked at me.

"It's okay, Sanskar.", I told softly, rubbing my thumb on his fist. He took in a sharp breath.

"If you don't want to go, I will tell them we won't come. I haven't tell my decision yet.", He told seriously. As much as I don't want to go there, we can't avoid them forever.

"I'm ok with it, Sanskar. Whatever it is, they are your family. We can't change that fact. It's for few days only na, we will go.", I told him, still holding his fist. He stared at me.

"Ok, after dinner pack your bags. We will leave in morning.", He said, I nodded my head.

He then started eating silently. I sighed taking my hand off his fist and ate my own food without looking at him.
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I waited for him to come to sleep as he left to study room after dinner. The time is already half past eleven and I am shuffling sides on the bed for half an hour. Why he is doing like this? Why he is ignoring me? Is it about the confession or is really work pressure like I thought?

I quickly closed my eyes hearing door opening sound. I heard his faint foot steps, I held my breath. I can feel the sudden darkness, he might have switched off the light. I felt the other side of the bed dipping and heard the night lamp switch sound.

He might be lying on his side, facing me as I could feel his gaze. I suddenly felt his palm on my cheek. My heart thudded inside as he stroked my hairs after tugging a hair strand behind my ear. I tried to control myself. I should not let him know I am not asleep.

His hand caressed my cheek for few minutes. I felt sudden emptiness on the absence of his touch. I wanted to hold his hand and keep it back on my hairs which gave me peace but I didn't do it. I heard his soft sigh.

I waited for few minutes before opening my eyes to see his face. He is lying sideways little away from me by facing me. His eyes are closed, his head is resting on his folded arm on the pillow while his other arm rested on the bed before his stomach, his chest is moving slowly indicating his steady breath. He is asleep.

I stared at his face for good ten minutes, my eyes tearing up in the process. I am really a cry baby.

Why are you doing this, Sanskar?

I wiped my tears. I then slowly moved closer to him without making sound and not to disturb his sleep. I wrapped my arm around his torso and snuggled closer into his warm embrace. I inhaled his cologne voluntarily feeling home, I smiled closing my eyes.

I gulped when I felt his hand which is stuck inbetween us is moving against my stomach as he struggled to take it free. I moved back slightly not opening my eyes pretending to be asleep. As he took out his hand free, I tightened my grip around him by hiding my face into his chest fearing that he may move back. But he adjusted his position and wrapped his arm around me making me happy. I sighed comfortably and slept peacefully without thinking anything.
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Morning

I placed our packed trolley bags near the door out of our room. I got ready in a red sleeveless churidar with golden dupatta pinned on my right shoulder letting my hair free. I have put kumkum in my maang, jhumkas and bangles.

I couldn't even tell how I am feeling now. I am worried about Sanskar's behaviour, fear about my confession and nervous about going to Maheshwari Mansion. No one there has talked to me nicely before. And now added that they are hating me. Fact to be told, I also don't like them so I don't want to go. But I have to. I sighed.

I turned around hearing Sanskar. I saw him coming out of the closet wearing business suit while busy talking in his phone. I clenched my fist.

I am going to break that dabba into pieces one day!

He put on his watch on wrist and took his purse. He then cut his call after speaking and turned around to see me. I felt my breath hitched in my throat when his eyes met mine. He is damn handsome, no one can deny that.

He walked to me, without looking away. He hasn't talked to me still -after last night's dinner- which is hurting me.

Why is he like this?

Stupid!

Idiot!

Khadoos head!

Cold hearted dragon!

Huh!!!

I so wanted to scold him but the fear inside me is stopping me.

He didn't stop by me, he just went out of the room scrolling that dabba. Now I have decided! That dabba is my first most irritable hateable enemy!!! Even before that Chudail. Huh!

Shona, Chudail is your first enemy... My mind reminded me. Yeah, she is first in living things and this dabba is first in non-living things. But it's working more than that Chudail na? Is that dabba living or non-living?

Stupid Shona, ofcourse it is non-living! I beat my own forehead.

"Take these downstairs"

I came to my sense hearing Sanskar's cold voice. I saw Aman with two guards. I went out. The guards left taking our bags while Aman followed back of them. I turned my gaze and looked at Sanskar. I took a deep breath.

"Sanskar, I wanted to ask you something.", I told seriously. I will ask him why he is ignoring me without mentioning about the confession.

"It's late. We have to be there for breakfast. C'mon."

He said and walked forward passing me. I glared at his back with narrowed eyes, putting my hands on my waist sides.

"It's late, we have to be there for breakfast. C'mon"

I muttered under my breath mimicking him. This arrogant dragon!!! Urghh!!!

I trailed behind him with full irritation and anger. If he is ignoring me, then let be it. I won't talk to him from now on. How dare he!

I thought angrily and stepped down the stairs, still glaring at him who is again - increasing my anger - talking in that dabba while stepping down.
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I opened the car back door of my side before he could reach for the door. I sat inside without looking at him and closed the door angrily. Let him know that I don't want his favour and I'm so much angry on him. I saw him looking at me sharply through the glass window, I turned my gaze to the front.

I didn't turn to look at him when he sat beside me on seat.

Shona, don't look at him! Shona, don't look at him! Shona, don't look at him!!!

I chanted silently but my eyes betrayed me. I looked at him with my corner eyes. His face is hard with clenched jaws, even he has clenched his left fist tightly. But he is still listening to the dabba calmly as someone is talking to him on the other side.

"Postpone it.", He said coldly, on the phone. His voice gave me chills.

...

"I don't like to repeat. Can't you understand when I am saying postpone it haan? You dare to oppose me?", He shouted angrily, making my eyes go wide. I gulped and felt bad for the person who is on the other side. He would be dead scared now.

But I am not scared of him, huh!

Instead of looking at his angry face, I switched on my own phone. What does he thought? He only has dabba? I also have my own dabba. Nah, my phone is not dabba. It is a total sweetheart like me! While his phone is arrogant irritating dabba like him.

I scrolled on my chats and replied to my friends. I didn't even turn to his side for a second. I will see how much time he is going to be like this!
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We reached Maheshwari Mansion after half an hour. As the car went inside passing the big gates, I stared out admiring the mansion surroundings. It is huge and beautiful, there is no doubt. I have already came here before but still it is looking new to me.

I opened my door and stepped out when the car stopped. I looked at the big Mansion building nervously which is stood big infront of the small me and thought about the people who live inside.

I took in a breath of fresh air and nodded my head to encourage myself. I can do this! Yes!

I saw Sanskar coming around the car and stand beside me. A servant came there and greeted us.

"Please come inside, Sir. everyone is waiting."

He told to which Sanskar nodded his head. I looked down at my hand as he held it and started walking forward without giving me a look. I walked along with him silently, trying to calm those stupid butterflies living inside my stomach. His grip is not soft but not that tight to hurt me.

As we stepped up the stairs to the entrance of the Mansion, I am surprised and amused to see all the family members of the Maheshwari family are standing on the doorway like waiting for us. Wow!

Dadi, Dp uncle, Rp uncle, Adarsh bhai, bhabhi, Sujata aunty, Annapurna aunty, Laksh and Ragini are standing there. Everyone is having smile. Again a Wow! I'm being sarcastic here cause their smiles might be fake like always. Atleast there is one person who don't have smile which is the chudail herself. She is looking angry.

"Welcome Sanskar beta! And Swara!"

Dadi smiled. Sanskar nodded his head, I smiled little. Others also greeted us.

"Sujata, take aarti.", Dadi told. A lady servant came there with a aarti plate. My Sasu Mom nodded and took the plate from her.

"No need!", Sanskar said blankly.

"Sanskar, you are coming to home for the first time after marriage. It is necessary. Though we don't like it, we have to accept it as it was your choice and life.", Dadi said with little bit taunt at the last, but her smile didn't faded.

"Better accept it!", He said.

"Ofcourse, Sanskar!", The great Sasu Mom of me said cheerfully. I gave her fake smile.

"Remember what I've told. Don't you all dare to disrespect or hurt my wife in anyways. Or, we will leave instantly."

Sanskar said in a threatening tone, I looked at him with raised eyebrows. He has warned them?

I saw Dadi's expression changing into anger.

"Sanskar, we called you here for post marriage things. We forgot the past and accepted your marriage. So it will be nice if you don't threaten your own family.", Dadi said. So they all accepted us. He didn't give them any other choice also. I pressed my lips smiling, not wanting to giggle.

"Whatever.", He muttered and nodded.

"Sujata", Dadi nodded her head at Sasu Mom. She came infront of us and took aarti.

I looked at everyone. Dp uncle is standing calmly while Rp uncle is having a small smile. Adarsh bhai and Bhabhi are standing like when it will end and go inside. Annapurna aunty is also silent. Laksh is looking down at his phone.

As if he felt my gaze, he looked up at me. I quickly turned my gaze, my breath stopped for a second. I hope he is not having any motivation to disturb me. I unknowingly tightened my grip on Sanskar's hand which made him look at me. But I didn't look at him though I wanted to. I am angry on him, I won't look at him or talk to him.

I saw Ragini is glaring at me. I don't give her a damn. I sighed when Sasu Mom finished the aarti.

I don't know what all is going to happen in this Mansion. But please God, help me in bearing these people.

I have a strong hope that Sanskar won't let anything happen to me even if he is angry on me or whatever.
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To be continued...

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Hope you all liked this part?

Have you all liked Swara and Kritika's growing friendship?

Sanskar is ignoring her!

What is the reason behind his behaviour?

Will SwaSan separate because of this?

Now they are in Maheshwari Mansion! What is going to happen?

Do you have any guesses?

Wait and see...

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Thank you everyone for your votes and comments in the last part. It meant a lot ❤️

And about the people who comment, I am really grateful. Thank you all ❤️

Stay safe!
Take care,
Love
Madhu...