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"If you said you were cold,
I would wrap my arms around you.
If you said you were thirsty,
I would give you the ocean blue.
I would give you anything:
The moon, the stars, the sunset too.
This heart in my hands,
I hold out to you.

~ 'Heart in My Hands' by Katiynd Jenkins

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Swara slowly walks into her room not bothering to lock the door behind and makes her way straight towards her closet. But all this while she keeps on thinking.

Why did that happen? She knows that Sanskaar has sensed her discomfort but what is she supposed to say when he asks her? Was it, whatever she did, correct? What would he do tomorrow once the college opens?

Swara is all lost in her inner conflict when Sanskaar peeks into her room and finds her standing near her cupboard searching for her night clothes. Sensing someone's presence behind her she turns around only to see Sanskaar leaning against the door frame with his arms and legs crossed and his renowned smirk gracing his lips...!!

Swara: (smiles) So, you are leaving now...?!!

Sanskaar shifts from his position and stands straight stuffing his hands into his jeans pocket...

Sanskaar: (smiles) More like, we are leaving now...!!

Swara: (scrunching her brows a little bit) What do you mean by 'we'? I'm not going anywhere Sanskaar, it's almost...

Sanskaar: (cuts in between) I know it's almost 9:30 pm which means, we don't have much time to waste. So, get ready in five minutes. I'll be waiting outside.

Swara: But...

Sanskaar: I have already taken mother-in-law's permission, so, no more ifs and buts.

He turns to leave but looks back again...

Sanskaar: And yes, wear something comfortable. We might have to take a little walk. Now, get ready.

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

After a few minutes, Sanskaar's car is speeding down the highway leaving behind the clamor and noise of the city with each passing moment.

Swara rolls down the window of the car and takes a deep breath looking at the city painted silver-white and appearing a bit more alive in the moonlight. As the city buildings start getting replaced by tall trees and their path becomes quieter and quieter, she smiles out of relief and closes her eyes letting the slightly cool wind tickle her skin and helping her to forget everything that has happened in these past few days.

After almost an hour Sanskaar stops the car and Swara opens her eyes at the sudden halt. After taking a few moments for absorbing the surroundings, she looks at Sanskaar...

Swara: You brought me here?

Sanskaar: Why, do you have any problem?

Swara: But, why?

Sanskaar: I know how you have been feeling since last two days, so, I brought you here as we have so many special memories treasured over here. May be reliving them all over again would make you feel a little better.

Swara: (smiles looking at his sweet gesture) Thank you.

Sanskaar: So, shall we go princess?

Swara: (chuckles and looks around) But why did you stop here only? I guess we still have a few meters drive.

Sanskaar: I know but having a small walk won't hurt. Right?

Swara smiles and nods her head. And as it's said that, a smile is the most contagious thing, Sanskaar smiles back looking at her and kisses her cheeks. Then he gets down from the car, picks up a bag from the back seat and leads Swara out into the woods.

In the sky glittering with stars the argent-silver disc of the Moon glimmers in its own glory, lighting the forest from pitch black to charcoal grey adding beauty and elegance to the darkness of the night. Both of them start walking down the roadside and soon their way gets diverted from the main road towards the dusty small path leading to the inner parts of the forest.

Both of them walk side-by-side in utter silence as they make their way towards the waterfall. No words exchanged, in fact they weren't needed either. The silence in between them seems to be much more comforting than the words. This is just what they needed. A moment to themselves. And the walk seems to be relieving them of all the tensions and relaxing them.

A few minutes later they reach their destination. Swara usually calls the place beautiful but right now it seems enchanted, just like the place we read in a fairytale. The moonlight shines on the water like a band of milky white and silver illuminating the whole place. Both of them stand beside each other and the only sound one can hear is either of the wind ruffling the tips of the grass in the field or their calm breaths.

Swara raises her eyes to meet the moon and Sanskaar's eyes travel towards her. He expected her to look beautiful in the moonlight but right now she's looking breathtakingly gorgeous. All he wants to do right now is to hold her dearly close to him and tell her that he will always be there for her. But seeing her serene features as she unleashes all the memories, he decides not to disturb her. He just stands right beside her and looks in the direction she's looking. For that one moment, without any physical touch, he could feel their souls interlaced with each other which ensures that no matter what they will always be together.

Swara: (smiles and takes a deep breath) It's beautiful Sanskaar. Thank you for bringing me here.

Sanskaar: Nope. Thank you not accepted.

Swara: (confused) Why?

Sanskaar: You need to do something for me too.

Swara: (smiles slightly) And what is that?

Sanskaar: A small dinner right now.

Swara: Here? Now? But...

Sanskaar: Don't worry I'm not going to make you eat wild berries or something like that from the forest. We have proper human food with us.

Smiling he opens the bag and spreads a small mat under a tree taking out their small dinner dishes. Swara looks at him surprised as she walks and stands beside him...

Sanskaar: A small dinner for my princess.

Swara: But when did you get all these?

Sanskaar: All thanks to my mother-in-law.

Swara: (rolls her eyes) She's not your mother-in-law Sanskaar.

Sanskaar: Not yet. But she will be, one day. So, now please sit down and have something. You haven't eaten anything properly. Or do you want me to get you a special invitation.

Swara: No, I don't think that would be required.

Sanskaar: Thanks. So, let's eat something. I'm feeling hungry like hell.

Swara: (furrows her brows) Why haven't you eaten anything?

Sanskaar: Because I knew that I had to bring you here. Now, please no more questions.

Swara shakes her head smiling slightly as she sits down in front of him picking up her plate. As she takes the first bite, Sanskaar rolls his eyes dramatically...

Sanskaar: And here I was thinking that like a good girlfriend you'll feed me the first bite.

Swara: That's too cheesy and filmy.

Sanskaar: (folds his arms across his chest) Then I won't eat anything unless and until you feed me.

Swara: Stop acting childish Sanskaar.

Sanskaar: Nope. I won't listen to anything.

Swara: (chuckles) You're unbelievable sometimes.

Sanskaar: Only sometimes?

Swara: Okay. Okay. Every time. Now, here you go.

She lifts up some rice on the spoon and brings it near his lips. Sanskaar smiles and eats it just like he has won the most difficult battle of his life.

Sanskaar: Wait a minute. Is this dish really that tasty or was it the effect of your hands?

Swara: (rolls her eyes again) Stop being cheesy Sanskaar and have your dinner.

Sanskaar chuckles and both of them start having their dinner as silence surrounds them once again. Swara couldn't help as her mind travels back to the recent happenings and she herself doesn't know when she stops eating. Sanskaar looks at her and turns her head towards him holding her chin...

Sanskaar: You're thinking about that again?

Swara: (takes a deep breath gloomily and looks at him) You know that I don't like it when he touches me. I feel... I feel disgusted with the feeling of his touch lingering on my body.

Sanskaar smiles caressing her cheeks and kissing her forehead he gets up from the mat. Swara's eyes widen the instant she finds him removing his jacket and opening the buttons of his shirt.

Swara: What... What are you doing? For heaven's sake Sanskaar stop being insane. It's December right now.

Sanskaar: (smirks) So what? Not long ago you did a rain dance for me.

Swara: It was morning at that time. But now, the midnight has almost fallen.

Sanskaar: Don't worry. As usual, I have spare clothes with me in my car. And other than that I can't see you like that any more. It's freaking the hell out of me.

Swara: But...

Sanskaar: (forwards his hand towards her) Care to join me? Come on, the waterfall is from a fresh source up there, so, it's not that cold.

Swara keeps looking at him as he gets under the waterfall standing on a huge boulder and gives her an encouraging smile. She, herself, doesn't know what caught her that her legs start moving on their own accord towards Sanskaar and before she could realize she takes off her pullover and steps in the waterfall just beside him.

Yes, he was right. The water is comparatively warmer than she expected. The flowing water seems to be soothing her out as it touches each and every part of her body. She closes her eyes and leaves a sigh of relief...

Sanskaar: Warm, isn't it?

He says as if reading her mind and moves a step closer to her.

Swara: (opens her eyes immediately) Did I say that loud?

Sanskaar: (chuckles and tucks a loose strand of hair sticking across her forehead and cheeks behind her ear) Well, technically I don't need words to hear your heart out.

Swara: What are we doing?

Sanskaar: Umm... Trying to bring back my old girlfriend who was lost two days ago.

Swara: I'm fine Sanskaar.

Sanskaar: Say that to someone who doesn't know you. Now, tell me where did he touch you.

Swara smiles slightly remembering the last time Sahil misbehaved with her and Sanskaar tried to bring her to ease. She forwards both her palm towards him and points towards her waist expecting him to caress her skin just like he did last time, but apparently Sanskaar has something different in his mind. He takes both her palms in his own and kisses each of them, and before she could realize what happened he bends down, hitches up her t-shirt and lays few lingering kisses on the side of her waist and on her belly.

This was definitely something new for her. Except for the kisses on her face and sometimes the nape of her neck, Sanskaar has never touched her like that anywhere else. She could feel the warmth of his lips seeping in through her skin. If it wasn't him holding her right now she is pretty sure that she would have melted like ice right now under the burning sensation. It's like he is worshipping each and every part of her skin with his lips. She has never felt like this ever before. Only he has the power to have this effect on her and transcend her to an entirely different world. A world where no one else matters to her except for him. A world where their love rises above all. A world where she nothing else but SANSKAAR'S SWARA.

A slight moan escapes her lips as Sanskaar gets back on his feet caressing her waist slowly. Standing back he gazes into her eyes and places his palm on her right cheek lightly. Swara takes a deep breath closing her eyes as her hands travel down his well defined abs. Sanskaar takes in her calm features and traces his thumb along the outline of her lower lip...

Sanskaar: I hate myself for not being there when you needed me the most.

Swara smiles and keeps his palm near her heart...

Swara: You were there Sanskaar and you'll always be right here. In my heart. Thank you for being there for me always.

"I LOVE YOU"

The three words instantly escape from his lips and Swara immediately wraps her arms around his bare torso. Every time he says these words Swara's heart goes all crazy over and over again as if she's hearing them for the first time. She tightens the hug just to make him feel what he does to her every single moment. Sanskaar could feel her rapid heart beat against his skin and he could help a sigh of contentment escape him as he lifts her up off the ground and places her feet above his own feet bringing her impossibly closer to him.

"I LOVE YOU TOO"

Saying this Swara kisses his chest as her hands travel to his abdomen and she could feel him going all stiff with his breathing getting heavier. She chuckles slightly realizing it again that both of them have equal effects on each other. She lifts her head to meet his eyes and she could see a longing desire in his brown mesmerizing orbs. And before she could say anything he leans in capturing her lips in his own. Every time he kisses her it gives her a new feeling but this one right now gives her a sense of belonging, that she belongs to no one but only him. Swara almost immediately responds back to him wrapping her arms around his nape as he brings her even closer as if it's possible.

She loses all her senses to reason and question under his touch. All she knows that she belongs to him and he belongs to her. She has known him for almost more than a year now but the person she used to know and the person kissing her so passionately right now seems to be poles apart. Where at one place he has this jovial side capable of cracking jokes anywhere and everywhere, on the other place he is there; the guy who loves her more than anyone else. The guy who is kissing her right now as if there is no tomorrow.

Breaking apart they both rest their foreheads against one another trying to catch their breaths. Swara looks at Sanskaar with an unwavering gaze to get a hold of her feelings. Breaking apart she says:

Swara: I think we should leave or else we both will fall ill.

She turns to go but Sanskaar immediately wraps his arms around her belly placing a kiss on the side of her neck...

Sanskaar: (rests his chin on her shoulder and whispers) Just a minute. One more minute and then we will leave.

The intensity of his voice makes Swara close her eyes and she leans more into him taking a deep breath...

Sanskaar: Swara...!!

Swara: Hmm?

Sanskaar: Will you sing for me?

Swara: (opens her eyes) What?

Sanskaar: Just a song...!! Only for both of us. Will you sing for us?

Swara smiles nodding her head as she rests her palm over his hands on her belly and starts singing. No sooner she hits the beat Sanskaar smiles remembering the moment when Ragini helped him out and he heard her singing on the mobile phone saying that she will sing this song only for the most special person  of her life...

Haan aa o...
Main jaan ye vaar doon
Har jeet bhi haar doon
Keemat ho koi tujhe beinteha pyaar doon

Main jaan ye vaar doon
Har jeet bhi haar doon
Keemat ho koi tujhe beinteha pyaar doon

Saari hadein meri, ab maine tod di
Dekar mujhe pataa awaargi ban gaye

Haan hasi ban gaye
Haan nami ban gaye
Tum mere aasmaan
Meri zameen ban gaye

Kya khoob rab ne kiya
Bin maange itna diya
Warna hai milta kahaan
Hum kafiron ko khuda

Kya khoob rab ne kiya
Bin maange itna diya
Warna hai milta kahaan
Hum kafiron ko khuda

Hasratein ab meri
Tumse hain jaa mili
Tum dua ab meri
Aakhri ban gaye

Haan hasi ban gaye
Haan nami ban gaye
Tum mere aasmaan
Meri zameen ban gaye

As Swara stops singing Sanskaar kisses the top of her head whispering against her skin...

Sanskaar: Thank you so much.

Swara: For what?

Sanskaar: For everything.

Swara: I can't even thank you now. That would be so small for a word to return whatever you have done for me. I love you so much Sanskaar.

Sanskaar: I Love You too.

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

Next morning, Sanskaar reaches college a bit early than others and goes directly to the backyard to find an appropriate place to execute his plan. After searching for a few minutes he gets exactly what he wanted. He calls someone asking if everything is ready and on getting a positive response from the other side he smirks disconnecting the call.

After he is done with everything as per his plan he sits in the corridor near the main entrance waiting for everyone else to arrive. About fifteen minutes later everyone starts arriving and Sanskaar asks everyone to line up in the corridors leaving the main entrance all empty...

Swara: When did you come?

Sanskaar: An hour ago.

Swara: But why so early?

Sanskaar: Because I needed to get something done.

Swara: (in a warning tone) Sanskaar.

Sanskaar: (winks at her) Yes my love.

Swara: I told you not to touch him.

Sanskaar: I won't touch him but as I said I won't be leaving him either. He must learn what happens when someone dares to touch Sanskaar Maheshwari's girl. Now, you won't be saying anything. If you want to see everything you are most welcome or if you want you can go to your classroom too.

Swara: I'm not going anywhere.

Sanskaar: Sure?

Swara: Yes. I'm not going anywhere.

Sanskaar: Then sit down and keep finger on your lips as you are not supposed to say anything.

Swara glares at him and sits down beside him trying to find out what he is up to. Soon enough, Sahil enters the premises and Sanskaar smirks seeing him...

Sanskaar: (to himself) Get ready everyone. It's show time. (he calls someone) Now.

No sooner he says this a bull is seen marching all its way towards Sahil and the next moment Sahil is seen running all around trying to save himself. No one is able to understand what happened and how they should react. Some are amused, some shocked and some are seen laughing their heart out.

Swara: (shocked) Sanskaar, what are you doing? He might get hurt.

Sanskaar: That he must have thought before laying his hands up on you.

Swara: But how did you get the bull in here?

Sanskaar: I'm Sanskaar Maheshwari love. I can do whatever I want.

He looks at Sahil again who is now running on all possible direction trying to save himself.

Sanskaar: Now, he is supposed to go to the backyard.

Swara: How do you know he will go there?

Sanskaar: I know him all too well. He will think