Sanskar gripped the petite being closer to himself as if protecting her from everything... She was shivering. And an urge to wrap her this close to himself tugged at his heart.

Swara : (hiding herself more in his arms) S.. Sanskar I am.. I.. That.. lightning.. I ..

Sanskar (cupping her face amidst the hug) : Sssh Swara!! Don't worry. Mai hoon na tumhare saath! Kuch nahi hua hai!

Nothing else mattered at that moment. They both stood still, hugging each other and holding each other tightly, just for Swara to get okay. Swara was feeling so protective in his arm. Her continuous breathe started getting normal...

How both of them wished to express out their feelings for each other right away!

She closed her eyes trying to calm herself.

And that was the moment when Swara finally realised that only Sanskar could make her feel so warm and protected! His embrace was the safest place for her!

After a few minutes, the darkness in the living room had begun to fade and a little bit of light spreaded across the room, making Swara and Sanskar come out of their senses. But still it was too dark but not that dark that they couldn't see each other... Swara looked better than before.

Sanskar left a sigh and he delicately pulled himself away from Swara and gripped her shoulders, making her calm down. Swara sensed their long time hug already interrupted and it was unable to take in anything for her right now.

Why did every situation land her up with Sanskar???

Her black eyes met his brown eyes after much long time... And once her eyes met his, she couldn't resist her inner self. And both of them were looking at each other with different emotions in their eyes. Especially, Swara.

From when did her emotions reach to an extreme level? What was he doing to her? She couldn't help but drown herself into so many thoughts... How could the man whom she met only a few days ago affected her to this extent? How could he make her feel so different? And why.. every time.. every damn time he mentioned her only as his friend, her heart broke? She had no answer to any of these questions and these different emotions were stirring and messing with her heart for a while now. How could she feel so much for someone in such a short term? And why did he care about her so much? While Sanskar was too busy to gaze at her expressions, trying to make her feel better, Swara stood still with a blank expression yet her eyes didn't give up.

Why did Swara's emotions always take a thrive when it came to him? Every time Sanskar was with her, she always felt as if she meant everything to him more than anyone else. Her thoughts meant everything to him... They were just friends, right? Or were they more?

Her deep inner emotions took a thrive altogether and finally, they come out in the form of a lone tear, which travelled down from her eye through her milky cheek.. as she looked at Sanskar with pouring down those emotions from her expressive eyes...

And his eyes broke his gaze on her eyes and they shifted towards her lone tear. This was the first time Sanskar noticed her tears and he couldn't tell how heart piercing it was to him! Tears from her eyes made his heart stabbed a million times... His chest instantly filled with an undiscovered pain... His heart sinking... And Swara's heart leaped staring at him...

Tu Aata Hai Seene Mein...

Jab Jab Saansein Bharti Hoon...

Tere Dil Ki Galiyon Se...

Mai Har Roz Guzarti Hoon...

Hawa Ke Jaise Chalta Hai Tu...

Mai Ret Jaisi Udti Hoon...

Kaun Tujhe Yun Pyar Karega...

Jaise Mai Karti Hoon...

"What are you making me feel, Sanskar? Why am I that important to you?"

And her inaudible voice unknowingly made Sanskar's heart ache. He slowly raised up his finger, his gaze still fixed on her and Swara's eyes travelled towards his finger. He wiped her tear away from her eye... Her tear just looked like a shining pearl in this dark...

As of now they didn't care about anything. They wanted to know what the other's eyes were expressing. They were not within themselves...

Not within themselves...

"I was so wrong back then Swara, I am so sorry."

One minute, what? Did he just say sorry?

Swara flinched back as her eyes tried to read his face where guilt was evident...

Sanskar : I am sorry Swara! Maybe I went overboard back then. I.. I know how it feels being alone somewhere when some serious situation is going on. I.. I don't know what got over me that I reacted like that. I couldn't understand your feelings! I.. please forgive me. I was really wrong. I overreacted so much. But Swara I.. I was worried. Worried about you. What if something would have happened to you? I couldn't have affo... (cut his tongue making shiver travel down Swara's spine) Woh I mean.. I shouldn't have overreacted. Please forgive me. I was really wrong!

A series of another lightning stroke at the sky as rainfalls outside the window were becoming heavier... and emotions inside the window becoming heavier...

Swara's eyes involuntarily went on the floor and couldn't move...

Swara : Don't say sorry.

She wanted to be firm and convenient but her voice came out as a weak and low one.

Sanskar : Swara I.. I really care for you as my friend! Don't get me wrong... Trust me, you're such a special friend of mine! How can I tell you that you mean so much to me. It's just that I was so worried for you and my inner panic turned into anger.. I shouldn't have said those mean things to you!!!

Swara's eyes shifted to him in a confusion.

Sanskar immediately noticed the way everything was taking a turn and he tried hard to get things back to track...

Sanskar : If you don't mind, why were you so scared of thunder right now? I mean.. not that way but.. (cleared his throat) That was just thunder. It won't come inside and attack you giving you an electric shock.

And with that he gave a very... very light smile to her, giving her all time to get herself together.

Swara noticed the things changing and she realised that he tried to change the topic.

And that was something her heart hated!

Whenever something special or different happened between her and Sanskar, why did he always change the topic? Couldn't he let their moments happen? That way, it would be easier for her to think about her feelings. Looking one way he was ruining the moments both of them shared together... And her heart was hating that...

Nevertheless, she answered, wiping an unseen tear away from her cheek.

Swara : I.. I have astraphobia.

But before Sanskar could react, he noticed that the hard and heavy raindrops had flung open the glass windows from inside. And by that, the ice-like drops made their way inside the house and started falling on the area below the window, making the area wet.

Sanskar : Oh my God! Is the rain that heavy??!!! Swara... come this side.

He gripped Swara's arm and dragged her lightly to a side and her eyes travelled to his grip on her arms. His hands were so warm...

Sanskar took her near a wide couch and made her sit there. He then turned around and ran to shut those windows tightly so that water didn't seep inside. It took him a long time to shut the window properly as the heavy water droplets kept banging the glasses of the window. At last, he finally shut it from both the sides.

Sanskar (looking outside through the glass window) : God, I don't think it will stop so soon.

Swara too looked through the glasses of the window. The droplets left splashes on the glass of the window and the vision of scenary outside the window began getting blur.

Sanskar turned around to look at Swara and noticed something very unusual and his eyes meaningfully narrowed at her... She suddenly sat very stiff and slowly started rubbing her arms. She began to shiver because of the extreme cold due to the rains. Though Swara did not say a word but Sanskar immediately understood what was bothering her... And he looked on at Swara... She just looked like a delicate cuccoon who had wrapped herself with her hands to get rid of cold. He frowned looking at her and walked back towards her and stood near her couch looking at her.

Swara's head lifted up towards Sanskar as to her complete surprise, Sanskar slowly started removing his blazer and slided them off his wrists, his eyes still on her. Both of them looked at each other as if the other's existence mattered a lot to each other. Swara's eyes widened as maybe she understood what was he going to do. No words were spoken at all. He just directly forwarded his blazer to her.

Swara looked on a bit taken aback as removing the blazer had revealed the white full sleeve T-shirt which he had wore.

Sanskar (raised his eyebrows) : Here, take this.

Swara : Huh?

Sanskar : So that you don't catch cold. (held the blazer closer towards her) Take this Swara.

Swara (nodded) : No. No...

Sanskar (more genuinely) : Swara I said take it.

Swara : (hesitant) No.. Otherwise you will catch cold. Don't worry I'm fine.

Sanskar : If you think your answer will convince me then you are wrong. You are not fine Swara. Look at yourself. You are shivering so much.

Swara : But I really don't need it.. I can deal with this. You wear it back or else you will catch cold.

Sanskar : My shirt is full Swara, I won't catch cold!! But your top is too weak to deal with the cold. And yes by the way, I am not asking you infact I am ordering you to wear it. So don't you dare say no.

Swara : But.. No seriously. You take it back. I don't need it Sanskar. It's okay.

Sanskar (determined) : Tum aise nahi maanogi.

He immediately walked behind the couch where Swara was sitting and then kept his blazer on Swara's back. The blazer gave Swara a warmth and shivers were sent down her spine...

Sanskar made sure that Swara was warmly covered by the blazer. Swara turned back and looked at him. No matter she wanted to resist, she couldn't as she saw his care towards her. Her eyes travelled down wrapping herself with his blazer and closed her eyes...

Sanskar smiled as he came and stood infront of Swara.

"Thank you Sanskar, and I am sorry!"

Sanskar's eyes widened. Well, he didn't expect that reaction from her at this point of time. They were the sweetest words he had ever heard till now, though there was hesitance and regret in her voice.

Sanskar : By the way, may I ask you why this thank you and sorry all of a sudden when few moments back you were cursing me?

Swara : Thanks for understanding me so much. And secondly, because you saved me from that man. And sorry issiliye, well... It's difficult, but I.. I can only say sorry to you at this point of time. I mean, I didn't listen to you and got out of the house... and I have also overreacted a lot. I cursed you so much here when all you were doing was showing concern for me.

Her voice choked a bit at the end and Sanskar said his soothing words to her...

Sanskar : Swara, it's me who should say sorry to you. Because it's me who didn't think even once about your feelings. Realising that how would you have felt after being alone in my house... But it was just my concern about you that made me overreact. I could think of nothing else except that Rajat's threats and your safety...

Swara could do nothing but just nod her head slightly, looking on a bit uncomfortable.

Sanskar : (cleared his throat and in a bit playful manner) So.. (Swara sensed his sudden change of behavior) Let us accept that we both were wrong and we both were right too. Whatssay?

Saying this he chuckled which made the atmosphere quite light between them. A small smile came on Swara's face as she heard his words which were amusing at this time...

Sanskar gave a low laugh and Swara chuckled looking at him. He flumped down on the couch next to Swara...

Sanskar : God Swara... don't you think we seriously fought like small kids right now? I almost remembered my school days.

Swara pursed her lips to control her laughter. "We did!!!"

Sanskar : You know what, these are a few moments we will cherish together for lifetime. Right?

Swara : Right!

Sanskar smiled and then he immediately changed his expression into a concerned one. Swara's wide smile lowered down a bit sensing Sanskar's intense gaze on her...

Sanskar : Swara, are you alright?

Swara : Yes, now I am. But why?

Sanskar : Woh.. That.. (remembered Rajat) That Rajat..

Swara : I am okay. It..

Sanskar : I know Swara but.. see. You are hurt. Are you sure you're okay?

Swara scrunched her eyebrows looking at him as his concentration was on her lower lip. The blood that had oozed from Swara's lip at the corner made him concerned. Suddenly, losing his senses, he raised his finger to wipe that blood. And Swara instantly felt a slight pain at that place.

Swara : (winced) Aah!

Sanskar (cupped her one cheek worriedly) : Sorry sorry!!! Is it paining?

Her panic wasn't too bad yet her lowest wince made him feel so worried for her. Swara looked at him and raised her hand in surrender.

Swara : No, no. I am okay. It was so sudden that is why I..

Sanskar (worriedly) : Swara I.. I am really sorry!

Swara : (chuckled and said in a low voice) Don't say sorry Sanskar! Please!

Her heart leaped seeing his care for her.

Sanskar : (thinking something) Wait. Maybe I have a way out.

He put his hand inside the pocket of his jeans to remove his handkerchief. Swara wanted to look down but her eyes had other ideas.

Swara : Sanskar it's okay, blood is dried na? Subah ghar jaate hi I will aid it.

Before Swara could say anything else, Sanskar had already taken out his handkerchief and within a second, he was soothing and softening the crusty and dry blood with his cotton handkerchief. He soothed her pain with his delicate and warm hands. Swara couldn't resist at all... As he was soothing her pain, his finger brushd against his cheek when sent shivers down her spine. Feeling bufterflies in her stomach... His one touch drove her so crazy and wishing for more...

Swara : Sanskar... it's...

Sanskar : (still soothing her cut) Ssh! Unless and until your wound is not healed, I am not going to leave you.

Knowing that this time he was not easily going to get convinced, she took a sigh and let Sanskar continue curing her.

Swara : (narrowed her eyes at him) You know what. You should become a doctor.

Sanskar (rebuked playfully) : And you should become a lawyer!!!

Both chuckled looking at each other again as Swara's mind flashed back to the day they first met each other...

Swara : (widened her eyes playfully) No!!! I am seriously saying, you should become a doctor.

"Only if my Biology ma'am would have been a little less strict at my college times!!!" - Sanskar cried making Swara giggle seeing his expressions.

Swara : I agree. Teachers are someone who sometimes, do make you dislike a subject.

Sanskar : Right.. Point to be noted!!!

Both of them giggled looking at each other. And this was the time when Swara realised that the person sitting right now next to her was the only person with whom she could talk about the silliest things! And no wonder... she enjoyed it a lot... Having his company made her feel really contented.

Swara : (narrowed her eyes at him) Have you ever been serious in your life?

Sanskar : (gave a smile to her) You know what, I actually hate being. But with you, I always be. I don't know why.

And that was something confusing to her.

Swara : (confused) Huh?

Sanskar : Well... sorry. I got carried away.

He resumed softening her cut at her lip by his cotton handkerchief. Swara was devoid of any pain now... She touched her lower lip and the cut had become softer. All thanks to Sanskar!

Swara : Thank you. I am absolutely fine now.

Sanskar : (shocked) Are you sure?

Swara : Yes. I am. It's not paining now.

Sanskar (smiled winking) : Well, it had to. Afterall, I was the one who cured it!!!

Swara giggled staring at him covering her mouth... trying hard to control herself... But in between, tears welled up her eyes and it did not go unnoticed by Sanskar. As she slowed down her laughter, Sanskar's smile fell and his eyebrows scrunched down...

Sanskar : Swara why are you crying???

There was so much concern in the voice and that made Swara more emotional...

"Nothing.. nothing.." - Swara smiled while sobbing silently. She raised her fingers to wipe the tear at the corner of her eyes.

Sanskar : No, something has happened. (genuinely) Will you tell me?

Swara (closed her eyes and smiled) : Nothing Sanskar! It's just that... (sniffed lightly looking at some other direction) I'm very sensitive since childhood. Slightest matter touches my heart.

"And what made you feel so sensitive?" - Sanskar sat a bit closer to Swara so that he could wipe her tears.

Swara : Woh.. (Sanskar looked on with concern) Just a few hours ago our lives were at stake, and see the situation now. It's much unlike that time. I was searching for you madly in the entire building. I was so relieved when I saw you, you know... I was worried because that Rajat could have done anything to you. I.. Yes I agree we should not think about that but somehow I am feeling so bad from inside... (Sanskar looked on frowning) I had no idea what would have happened if proper measures wouldn't have been taken! Everything was in grave danger!!!

Before Swara could say anything Sanskar immediately cupped her cheek and made her put her head on his shoulder. He could hear a sob from her and he patted her head lovingly...

Sanskar : Swara don't cry.. Everything is okay now! See, you are with me, I am with you. What else do we want? That Rajat is gone now. He won't return again. We defeated him and saved everyone. (Swara looked on as she stopped sobbing) So now... (he delicately pulled her away from himself and wiped her tears with his thumb) Stop wasting these precious pearls okay? Because you know, they don't look very good in your eyes...

Swara nodded her head smiling and tried to regain herself. Sanskar gave her a genuine smile and then he raised his wrist to see the time on his watch right now.

It's almost 1 PM!

Sanskar : My god Swara.. It's one o'clock almost..

Swara (shocked) : Really?

Sanskar : Yes.. I think we both should sleep now.

He thought something looking at some other direction and Swara's eyelids raised up involuntarily, trying to analyse the situation. When she knew she couldn't, she ended up getting speechless.

Sanskar shifted his gaze towards Swara and he immediately understood her reason to be uncomfortable.

Sanskar (cleared his throat) : Are you feeling sleepy?

Swara (hesitantly) : To be frank, I'm not.

Sanskar (confused) : Why? I mean..

Swara (shrugged his shoulders) : I don't know. I am just not. It usually happens. Whenever I sleep during day time, I am unable to sleep at night. Even then.. I'll try to sleep.

Sanskar pursed his lips nodding his head... "Okay! You go and try to sleep, I'll also sleep in the other bedroom! I mean.. I'll just try to!"

Swara (smiled) : Okay.

Sanskar turned around to go when suddenly Swara stopped him.

Swara : Sanskar...

Sanskar turned to look back at her. "Yes?"

Swara : Take your blazer na!

Sanskar : (in assurance) It's okay... Keep it with you. Give me tomorrow!!

Swara went speechless as he smiled at her...

Swara : Good night. (tried to smile)

Sanskar : (smiled) Good night to you too.

Swara : Aur haan, sweet dreams!!

Sanskar (chuckled) : Sweet dreams!!

Sanskar left the room soon enough, smiling to himself. Swara was looking at him smiling.

"Will I even fall asleep now?!" - Swara wondered to herself pursing her lips in confusion.

She decided to give herself a try by getting into a bed room.

♡♡♡♡♡~~~♡♡♡♡♡

Precap : More moments on the way ...