<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">Dear Shreetha,</font>
<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">
</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">Hope you are well. Take care.</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">
</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">Coming to this update - I like the clarity of thought that Sanskaar has regarding his relationship with Swara and am doubly happy that Uttara is a witness to his declaration, so that even if Priya tries to twist his words to Swara, Uttara will intervene. Also liked Ragini's repentence, hope it is genuine, she appears to have correctly identified her mistakes and is willing to make amends, so hoping that there is no ulterior motive.</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">
</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">And please, could you ensure that Swara does not do anything stupid?</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">
</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">love and take care,</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" size="2">Nyna</font>
Hello everyone... Thank you so much... Here is the next chapter.. split into 2 parts and posted separately as it is very long... Please ignore mistakes and share your views.
Hey Nyna dear..as long as I take my medicines and don't stressed out, I will be okay. Thank you very much for your concern dear. 😳
Chapter 41:
Completely alone to herself in her and her husband's master bedroom, Swara gazes at the dark colored designs covering the palms of her fair hands and drifts into a wave of thoughts. "They say that if the color of your mehendi is dark, it means that your husband loves you very much," Sujatha's voice echoes within her mind. She recalls the events from the mehendi ceremony which had occurred previously in the evening. Everyone gathered around playing music, dancing, and watching beautiful designs of mehendi being applied onto the bride-to-be's hands...
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Swara sat right beside Neetha with Ragini on the other side. Uttara was forced into getting mehendi done by Neetha and her friends, therefore, she sat dreadfully in the center as well near Neetha. As Neetha's hands and feet were completely covered in henna, the professionals had heaved in relief in their success as everyone else gushed over the designs.
Neetha: Oh Uttara, don't be such a party pooper, just sit quietly and quit complaining. Trust me, you're going to love your mehendi afterwards. (she gushes excitedly)
Uttara: (grumbling) I bet I will.
Swara lightly smiles at the sight of her baby sister acting as if she is dying a slow, painful death and affectionately runs a hand down her hair. Ragini takes her eyes off her smiling sister and stares over at Swara who seems rather gloomy and lost despite being surrounded by so many people. She then looks around the hovering girls with mehendi applied on their hands as well. Her attention is brought back onto Swara once again, but this time on her bare hands. A thought triggers in her mind. She is at first hesitant in voicing her suggestion, but prods herself into saying it.
Ragini: Bhabi, Why don't you get mehendi done as well? Look, all the girls have gotten it done, except you. (she calls out to her affectionately)
Swara seems stunned on the suggestion and immediately shakes her head in refusal.
Swara: No, Ragini, how can I? There is lots of work to be done...I-I am fine... Don't worry about me. (replying back sweetly)
Ragini: Lekin Bhabhi---
Dadi: Arre, that's not right. Work can be done by someone. There are many to worry over that. And Swara beta, how are you any different from these girls? Waise, getting mehendi done is apart of the masti of a wedding.
Dadi intervenes from nowhere. Swara turns around to find her and Sujatha standing right behind her with fond smiles on their faces.
Sujatha: Maaji is absolutely right... Get it done Swara.
Neetha: Yes Bhabhi, please... (pleading)
Swara: Par---- (helpless)
Uttara, overhearing this whole conversation quickly brightens up and speaks...
Uttara: Come on Di, you can sit with me and I promise you, you won't hear a single complaint from me...
Swara: Nahi, really---
Ragini: Bhabi, don't be stubborn... Sit up front... It's just mehendi.
Swara stares at everyone's encouraging looks and finally gives up with her lack of participation.
Swara: Fine... I will get it done...but on one condition.
Dadi: What kind of condition Swara Beta?
Swara: ...If Ragini gets mehendi done as well with me...then...
Ragini: Of course I will Bhabhi. (nodding her head happily)
Together they sit in the center as well and let mehendi be applied onto their palms. In the meanwhile, they chatted as they could do nothing else. It can be said that they were beginning to bond and are on the verge of forming a wonderful sister-in-law relationship with one another. Sujatha and Dadi watched them smilingly, clearly seeming relieved by the change in their relationship.
Time flew by and soon mehendi was being washed off everyone's hands and girls, fascinated by how their henna turned out, talked animatedly to one another showing off their hands.
Ragini: Arre wah, look at how my sister's mehendi has turned out.
Dadi: Arre haan, you are right Ragini. It has turned out lovely.
Sujatha: (smiling) They say that if the color of your mehendi is dark, it means that your husband loves you very much.
Ragini: Then Rohit must love my sister a lot. (she says happily while kissing Neetha on her forehead)
Neetha smiles, feeling pleased with herself. Curiously she looks over at Uttara who surprisingly blushes a little on hearing what her Maa had said. She eyes her mehendi and her lips form into an O.
Neetha: I am not the only lucky one here. Have a look at Uttara's hands. They seem pretty dark as well.
Uttara stares at her startled and frighteningly hides her hands behind her back. Dadi, Sujatha, and Ragini raise their eyebrows on hearing this.
Dadi: Is that so?
Sujatha: So our Uttara's mehendi has turned out well also?
Dadi: Uttara, is there someone in your life?
Uttara: Ma---main... I will be right back. (flustered)
Uttara flees from their questioning, teasing looks and disappears from sight leaving all four women laughing behind. Just as Uttara leaves, the sight of Swara draws their attention on her.
Neetha: Bhabhi! Good you came... How did your mehendi turn out?
Swara forces a smile and sweetly cups her cheek with her hand.
Swara: Forget about mine, how has yours turned out?
Neetha: Maa just said that if the color of your mehendi is dark, it means your husband/lover loves you a lot.
Swara nods in agreement, she had overheard them speaking earlier but was too afraid to go near them. Sneakily she glances at her hands...and rolls them into fists, praying that she will be able to hide hers from them.
Ragini: Have a look at her hands.
Neetha presents the palms of her hands to Swara and blushes sweetly as Swara smiles in approval.
Swara: Our Neetha is very lucky.
Sujatha: Swara, show your hands... Show me how much my Sanskaar loves my Swara.
Swara: (hastily) Maa, my mehendi isn't anything special... anyways, Priya has called for me... I will be right back.
As Swara tries to quickly escape she is held back by Ragini's grip on her arm, keeping her from going.
Ragini: Bhabi, why are you in such a hurry. And why aren't you showing us your mehendi? What's so wrong in that? We just wish to see.
Dadi: Yes, Ragini is right. Show us Swara Beta.
Defeated, Swara unrolls her fists and displays out her hands for the ladies to see... Her face burns red as she first hears them gasp in amazement, whisper to one another, and finally giggle in unison.
Neetha: Bhabhi, I think you have won the world cup for the darkest mehendi ever.
Ragini: Really, the color is so deep... It's unbelievable.
Sujatha beams at Swara and kisses her affectionately on her forehead.
Sujatha: I knew that my Sanskaar loves you a lot... but I didn't know that his love for you is so big... Khush raho...
Swara could do nothing but blush from embarrassment at the attention she was receiving from them. She knew that it wasn't true, yet couldn't correct them.
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The creaking of the door brings her back to reality and her eyes switch from her hands over to the doorway where she finds Uttara standing hesitantly, not sure whether she should come in or not.
Uttara: I'm sorry Di, are you busy? Did I come in a bad time? -- I could come back later.
Noting her apologetic face, Swara concludes that she must have seen her off-set mood. Not wanting Uttara to have a clue about her troubles, she puts up a pretense cheerful look and beckons for her to come in.
Swara: Of course not Uttara. I will never be too busy for you...Come in. (smiling as she says this)
Smiling in return from satisfaction, Uttara quickly enters into the bedroom, closing the door halfway and joins her sister on the bed. Instantly she places her head in Swara's lap like she always had done when she was little and lets her sister affectionately stroke her hair, like a mother soothing her own daughter.
Swara: What's the matter Uttara? Any worries?
Uttara: Nahi Di. Main teek hoon... Promise...just felt like spending some time with you before going to bed.
Swara becomes relaxed on hearing her words. Silence engulfs them for a couple of minutes, yet a very comfortable one.
Uttara: Di?
Swara: Hmmm? (she answers in a motherly tone)
Uttara: Our lives have changed so much during these past five months, hasn't it?
Swara continues to weave her fingers through Uttara's dark brown hair and smiles a little at the obvious happiness in her voice.
Swara: Hmm. (agreeing)
Uttara: I mean... Who would have thought that the Gadodia sisters would end up living in a grand mansion and actually manage to settle into the city life? From the start I wasn't too sure about the idea of moving here... But now, everything seems to be going well.
Swara: Woh kaise?
Uttara: Well... It had always been just us three sisters together and always sticking with one another, not letting anyone else interfere in our small little world, you know since... (stops abruptly remembering their parents death and starts again after few seconds) ...Ever since we have come here we have slowly started letting people in... I've made friends here... Nisha... Neetha...Samar...and you let Laksh bhaiya, Neetha, and Dadi very easily in too... Laksh bhaiya has become a brother figure in your life, Neetha like another daughter to you, and Dadi like a grandmother you never had, am I right?
Swara: (smiling) ...Haan, Uttara.
Uttara: Then Maa. She reminds you so much of Mama, doesn't she? You and Mama were always very close... maybe that explains that sudden special relationship you formed with Maa so quickly.
Tears fill in Swara's eyes by Uttara's words... very true words. Whenever Swara looks at Maa, she feels as if she is looking at her own mother... a mother whose absence she has been missing for too long. She nods her head in agreement, which prods Uttara to continue on...
Uttara: And finally Mr. Maheshwari... not just as your husband, but as your confidence, friend... and the man you love as well...
Slowly Swara's fingers stop in the middle of stroking her sister's hair and still in place, frozen at the spot. On feeling this, Uttara sits up from her laid down position and meets her elder sister's eyes which brim with tears.
Uttara: What happened Di? I didn't say anything wrong, right? You love Mr. Maheshwari a lot... Don't you?
Swara switches her gaze elsewhere... giving Uttara her answer.
Uttara: ...No matter how many times you try to hide it, you will not succeed in trying to fool me... Di, you may not share your feelings with me... But I can easily tell by just reading your face... You love him a lot.
Gathering her hands together in hers, Uttara smiles at her sister who still refuses to look back at her...
Uttara: Di... you don't know how happy I am for you... After years of sacrificing and giving happiness to others, you will finally get the happiness you have always desired for... And your happiness lies in Mr. Maheshwari, I know it... (confidence booming in her voice, cheerful) Di, he will make you so happy... You will never have to worry or go through troubles again... For once you can actually not have a care in the world and be taken care by someone else for a change. Mr. Maheshwari will do that... I know that he can.
Breaking into a smile despite the tears that are threatening to fall, Swara looks at Uttara with an adoring expression worn on her face. She tenderly touches her cheek with her hand.
Swara: ...Even you love Mr. Maheshwari, right? That is why you are praising him so much...
Uttara smiles as a response.
Uttara: Yes, Di... Mr. Maheshwari is like the elder brother I never had... Didi, if you are like my mother...than Mr. Maheshwari is like my father...
Swara's heart swells with joy at the warmth in Uttara's voice indicated towards her husband. Over come with emotion, she takes Uttara into her arms and kisses her sweetly on the top of her head...
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Priya moves away from the cracked open door and places her back against the wall behind her. She blinks away the tears which had formed in her eyes from overhearing her sisters' conversation. For once, Priya Gadodia is not crying sad tears, but happy tears... tears of relief. Just like Uttara, even she wished endlessly for her Swara Di's happiness. Ever since the death of their parents, Swara was forced into leaving her life and became into a mother for her and Uttara. She sacrificed all her wishes and dreams to raise them and to make them happy. Priya and Uttara always got what they wanted, even the smallest of their bratty demands. Swara never failed them. After years of self-sacrificing and loneliness, her sister is finally receiving what she had always hoped for... Love. To be babied with love and be taken care by someone else... And Priya is glad that her sister has found that love in Mr. Maheshwari. Perhaps she hadn't done the wrong in running away and getting married in haste... Sure it turned out to be not what she wanted and became into a disaster... But at least it proved to be beneficial in Swara's life.
The answer that Priya had come looking for from her sister, about the truth in the relationship between her and Mr. Maheshwari, she has gotten from without even enquiring. Flicking away a tear, Priya turns on her heels and retreats back over to her room in silence, making sure that her presence is kept unknown from her sisters...
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Walking over to the direction of his room, Sanskaar makes sure to quietly make his way around the Mansion, noting that it is quite late at night and that everyone surely must be sleeping by now. As he approaches the door of his bedroom, he swears as he sees the light on and refrains from opening it. What could Swara be possibly be doing up so late in the night?, he questions himself. He was hoping, actually praying, that she would be asleep so he could slip into the room without having to face the awkward silence that exists between them. An awkward silence they had managed to get past before, but now proves to be difficult and is straining their relationship even more.
"Kab thak tum Swara se bhaagthe jaaoge Sanskaar?," he hears the unexpected voice of his best friend come from behind. Startled, Sanskaar jumps and quickly turns around to face him.
Sanskaar: Dammit Laksh... You scared the hell out of me.
Laksh, who stands fairly hid in the shadows of the hallway, steps forward so Sanskaar can have a better look at him.
Laksh: ...You didn't answer my question... For how long will you continue to run away from her?
Sanskaar: ...Who says that I'm avoiding her?
As he says the words, even he catches the lie in them. He looks away, hating the way his friend is staring at him right now.
Laksh: Oh... so you haven't been hiding in your study for the last couple of days? ...Wow, you must have really been wrapped up in your work-- So busy that you even spend your nights in there.
Sanskaar: Laksh-- please.
Laksh: Sanskaar... Dost... I don't know what's going on between you and Swara lately... considering that you two were getting along so great... but avoiding her isn't going to solve the problem you two are going through right now... It's only making it worse.
Sanskaar sighs in defeat, knowing very well that Laksh is speaking the truth.
Sanskaar: Then what do you suppose I do?
Laksh: Talk to her. (simply puts it)
Despite himself, Sanskaar smiles at his answer.
Sanskaar: It's not so easy Yaar.
Laksh: Yes, actually, it is. All you have to do in order to straighten this all out is to talk to one another.
Sanskaar: ...It's not that I don't want to talk to her--- I just can't --- (sighs) You won't understand Laksh... If you were in my place, then you would.
Laksh: Perhaps you're right... but from where I'm standing, I don't see what's so difficult...
Sanskaar looks back at Laksh with a helpless expression.
Laksh: Goodnight Sanskaar... I'll see you in the morning.
Hearing Laksh's retreating footsteps, Sanskaar turns around facing the door once again... He shakes his head in disagreement to what Laksh had said. It's not so simple Laksh... You don't know the real reason why I'm running from her... Why I can't face her... How can I? -- How can I when I took advantage of her when she wasn't feeling well...mixed up in emotions of her own... She wasn't herself... and I took advantage of that opportunity...
"For how long will you continue to run away from her?."
Letting those words sink in for a moment, Sanskaar slowly reaches for the doorknob and with a lot of self encouragement, twists it open...
Seeing the sight of his wife and sister-in-law snoozing peacefully on their bed with their arms wrapped around one another brings a slight grin on his lips. He watches them discreetly, breathing softly and laying motionlessly in their places. Before leaving, Sanskaar greedily drinks in the sight of Swara sleeping so serenely. This hide and seek game they are playing has cost him two days without even seeing her properly... He had only caught glimpses of her through the days...
Sanskaar knows that Laksh is right... For how long will this keep up? Can he really continue avoiding her like this? He should face her like a man, but he is afraid... Afraid of their confrontation...He doesn't want to hear the truth from her mouth of which he already knows... It would only pierce his heart even further... There is no future for them. Not when there is a possibility that she is still in love with Veer. Swara's happiness means everything to him... and he won't afford to ruin it by his own selfishness.
Etching Swara's face into his mind, Sanskaar turns to leave back to the study and closes the door after himself...
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The next morning in the Maheshwari Mansion was probably the most hectic the members of the house had ever experienced before. Servants, hired workers, and the women in the family roamed around the front hall, rushing to get everything done for the wedding being held in the evening. The most stressed of all, Ragini, ran around, shouting out orders and arranging the decorations in which Swara helped in picking out. After all, it is her only sister's wedding.
Ragini: No, no, no! These aren't the flowers we ordered! This is a wedding, no gardening is happening here! Understand?!
Flower Deliverer: Arre Memsaab, lekin yehi phool---
Ragini: Hume yeh phool nahi chahiye! Think with common sense! What will we do with these daisies in a wedding? Tell me! Are there yellow daisies in weddings?
Swara, who had been directing how to decorate the mandap, overhears the conversation between Ragini and the flower deliverer and excuses herself from the workers. She makes her way over to the commotion.
Swara: Kya hua Ragini?
Ragini: (relief in her voice) Oh thank God Bhabi that you've come. Now you explain to this idiot. I have been telling him that these are not the flowers we ordered, but he's not listening.
Swara: (looking at the guy) Look, we ordered Stephanotis flowers. I think you have made a mix up. Please send these back and deliver us our flowers.
Flower Deliverer: Sorry Ma'am, I made a mistake. I will bring them within an hour.
Ragini watches the man leave easily with shock and stares at Swara, further stunned.
Ragini: I can't believe this... He kept on refusing to me, but he agreed to you so easily... It's unbelievable.
Swara: (laughing) You probably didn't even tell him what kind of flowers we ordered... I am sure that you just kept on yelling at him.
Ragini sheepishly looks at her and joins in with her laughter, agreeing to the conclusion...Hearing the hurried footsteps of Samar and the jingling of his keys bring their attention over to him.
Samar: Sorry Di, but I can't stand this atmosphere so I'm going to take a little breather and hang out with some friends. But don't worry, I'll be back in time for the wedding.
Ragini: Arre Samar, have some shame, you are going out when there is so much work to do for your sister's wedding?
Samar: What work? There isn't any work. You guys are all doing it. Besides, I've been around for two hours and it doesn't seem like I'm needed.
Ragini: You are very much needed young man. If it's work that you want, then I'll give you some... Here's a list of the items Pandit Ji needs for the wedding. I told your jiju to get them but he's been delaying in going... I want you to go and get them instead.
Samar takes the list and narrows his eyes on it.
Samar: ...What is all this stuff Di? I don't know anything... How am I supposed to get these things when I don't even know what they are?
Ragini: How do you not know what they are?!
Samar: ...Di, you're going to have to send someone with me otherwise you're not going to be happy with what I bring back.
Ragini: (scowls) No one can go with you. Everyone is busy with the preparations.
Swara: Ragini, I will go with Samar... Waise, it looks like you have everything under control.
Ragini: Par Bhabi, I need you... I can't do this alone.
Swara: Everyone is with you... If there is any work, then tell Uttara... she will do it.
Ragini: (muses) I guess ki yeh bhi teek hai... Alright, you go with him...we will take care of everything.
Swara smiles at her before taking Samar along with her...
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Continued below...
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Coming out from his room and dressed for another day, Sanskaar nears the railing on the top floor, drawn to the commotion fluttering around downstairs, and looks down at the bottom floor, watching people run around like maniacs setting everything up. He grips tight onto the railing and further looks down on seeing the view of his sister and wife interacting with one another. Surprise registers on his face on seeing how easily they work together and how comfortable they seem with one another... They are even smiling at each other and laughing as they are at task. How is this possible? Sanskaar had thought his sister hated the sight of his wife... then what is this? Could it be that Ragini has taken his words into consideration and has changed for the better?
"Quite hectic down there, isn't it?," Priya's cool voice speaks from beside him.
Sanskaar turns his head in the direction of her voice and finds her presence standing near him at the railing as well. He sneers at her appearance and moves to leave, but is held back by her hand gripping onto his wrist.
Priya: Please Mr. Maheshwari... My face isn't even that revolting that you can't bear to look at it...
Sanskaar: (mutters) Are you certain about that?
Priya ignores his comment and brings her hand back to her side.
Priya: I can understand your resentment towards me... If I were in your place, I would do the same also...Especially after my inexcusable behavior from yesterday... It was inappropriate and I would like to apologize for it... I'd like to apologize for a lot of things... For the things I said yesterday without even thinking... For the things I did in the past... I-- I am just so sorry for everything Mr. Maheshwari... I know I am a horrible person... But I am trying to change my ways... I am trying from continuing to make mistakes... It seems that is all I ever do these days...
A long moment of silence passes by in which neither of them speak, until Sanskaar decides to break it.
Sanskaar: ...Priya... I always believed that people never deserve a second chance... I mean, if they already had a chance before, why need another one... But since my marriage to your sister, my way of thinking has changed. It is human to err. And every human needs that second chance to prove themselves once again...Priya, you are only human... It is okay to err... And if everyone else can be given a second chance, then I guess why not you as well?
Priya freezes in anticipation after hearing his words and watches him carefully as he meets her eyes.
Sanskaar: ...I forgive you Priya...
She lets out a breath of relief and smiles generously at him, who continues to look emotionlessly at her.
Priya: Thank you Mr. Maheshwari... You don't know how much that means to me...
Sanskaar: I guess I should have, considering that you had taken my words seriously yesterday by dressing fully head to toe today... You're being careful in not showing any skin today...
Priya's cheeks bloom rosy red with embarrassment on his acknowledgement. She did indeed dress conservatively, wearing a long sleeve shirt and jeans. But she smiles in finding a little humor hidden in his voice.
Priya: ...(hesitantly going on) Mr. Maheshwari... I know that taking our past into consideration, we can't really be good friends fairly easy yet... but I'm hoping that we can at least start of with a relationship of understanding? ...What do you say?
Sanskaar watches Priya bring her hand forward for an agreement... He takes a few seconds to think over her suggestion and extends his own hand, taking her hand in a handshake...
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Hours creep by and before the Maheshwaris know it, guests from the bride's side begin to arrive and they receive a phone call from Ranvijay, informing them that the bharat has just left. They wait with anticipation. In the meanwhile, the atmosphere of the Mansion is overwhelmingly bright with grand decorations and gleeful chatter. In the midst of the crowd of people, Sujatha looks around for a particular one person of whom she has been searching for since morning. She frowns on not locating him anywhere...
Instead her eyes lay on her glowing daughter-in-law, dressed beautifully in a flattering light blue and white colored sari...hugging the right curves of her body. Her silky full hair with smooth curls at the end, falling onto her shoulders nicely, dangling diamond earrings, matching bangles and neck adorned with her Mangalsutra with Sindoor intact on her maang... and a silver bindi added as a final touch. Sujatha smiles at her simple and graceful appearance and walks over to her quickly, not wanting to miss her.
Feeling the touch of someone's hand on her shoulder causes Swara to look behind her. On seeing Sujatha, she fully turns around to face her.
Swara: (kind smile) Ji Maa? Do you need anything?
Sujatha: (frustrated) Haan Swara... I have been looking for your husband for so long... The Groom's side is about to arrive and I don't know where this boy is... Kya tum jaanti ho?
On hearing the mention of Sanskaar, her smile tightens and she is careful in keeping her tone light when she speaks her next words...
Swara: Maa, he is in his room... He came 10 minutes ago back from the office... he is probably getting ready.
Sujatha: (clearly upset) Office work on his sister's wedding... He will never change...Now you watch, how I will----
"Arre Sujatha, wahan kya khar rahi ho? Chalo, hum mehmaan ko greet karna hai...," Dadi's voice shrills across the hall, cutting Sujatha off in between her sentence.
Sujatha sighs...
Sujatha: Accha, Swara, meri zaroort kahin aur hai... You go and see Sanskaar... Make sure he gets dressed and comes down here quickly...
Swara: (panicking) Maa, main???
"Sujatha!".
Sujatha: Arre aari hoon Maaji! ---- (turning to Swara) You will do it, right Swara?
Swara: ...(soft sigh, smiles) Ji... Aap jaaiye...
Sujatha flashes her a thankful smile before rushing off towards a hassling Dadi...
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Sanskaar: Arre Shambu, take it out quickly... Besides, I am already late... God, you do know that if your badi Ma'am doesn't see me anywhere downstairs you will have to work for another boss?
Sanskaar demands an answer from his butler as he rushes in buttoning his shirtwhile Shambu is at the task of looking through his master's wardrobe. Shambu sniggers at his master's over exaggeration. Badi Ma'am wouldn't go to such drastic measures such as killing him... She'd just think of other ways to trouble him afterwards.
Shambu: Sir... I am looking, but cannot find the tie you are requesting for... Perhaps you put it for wash?
Sanskaar: (hassled) No, it must be in there. I saw it there just recently... Look carefully...
"Which tie are you looking for Shambu?," Swara's soft voice is heard by both men. Sanskaar, caught off guard, immediately stops buttoning up his shirtmidway and looks behind him...
His breath gets caught in his throat as he feasts his eyes on her beautifully bewitching image... Looking more ravishing than usual... His eyes scan her head to toe, outlining her figure silently... Sanskaar's heartbeat quickens as she shyly walks in, clearly avoiding his fixed gaze on her... He would have to be careful to make sure no one mistakes her as the bride and sweeps her away... On this thought he grimaces to himself...
Shambu: Ji Swara Ma'am, I am looking for sir's black tie...
Swara muses at the possibility of where the watch is and comes forth to the wardrobe, searching in there herself... As she is distracted in her new task, Sanskaar's eyes continue to stay glued onto her without her knowledge... Knocking himself out of it, Sanskaar struggles to bring his attention back to his shirt...
Swara: Here it is.
Shambu: (amused) Swara Ma'am, that's amazing how quickly you found it... I couldn't see it anywhere...
Swara merely just smiles at his words and then looks over to her husband, who keeps his eyes down on his shirt... Knowing very well that he cannot knot his own ties, she comes near and approaches him... Sensing her presence, he unwillingly looks up at her... Just by seeing her standing there in front of him with his tie, Sanskaar understands what she is waiting for... Giving her a curt nod, he watches her hesitantly stand on her tiptoes and bring the tie around the back of his neck... He feels his stomach twist with nerves as she comes very close to him... As she settles back onto her toes and stares at the front of his shirt, she reaches out and gently touches the material on his left shoulder... and then slowly meets his eyes...
Swara: (softly) Stain...
Sanskaar looks down to where her fingers brush against the dry stain... He stares back up at her emotionless face which looks back at him to see what he wants to do... Releasing a breath of air from his mouth, he begins to unbutton his shirt from the top... From the corner of his eye, he watches her switch her gaze elsewhere... making the situation even more awkward... Finally he removes his shirt and hands it to her, standing in front of her shirtless... Swara, still keeping her eyes away from him, hands the shirt over to Shambu instead...
Swara: Shambu, there is a stain on this shirt... Put it in the laundry...
Shambu: Ji Swara Ma'am.
Shambu immediately leaves the room to do his orders, leaving the awkward couple alone in their room...
Swara: ... (still speaking softly) Aap-- Which shirt will you wear?
Sanskaar: (matching her tone) ...Pata nahi... You pick yourself.
Swara makes eye contact with him on this and Sanskaar doesn't bother looking away... Lowering her eyes, she nods, and turns back to walk over to the wardrobe... After flipping through shirts, she takes out a silk light blue shirt and a blue tie... Her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink as she stares back at him and his bare torso... Bending her head down, she nears him and quietly hands over the shirt... Sanskaar takes it from her and throws it on himself, fastening the buttons rather quickly... Once he finishes, Swara brings the tie around his neck and begins in knotting his tie for him... There is nothing but silence between them, however, every now and then when their eyes meet, they speak volumes.
After settling his tie under the collar of his shirt, Swara soothes out the collar as a final touch... She moves back away from him yet again and brings back with her his white coat... Without even a single exchange of words, she mutely slips his arms into his coat and pulls it around him... Sanskaar finally begins to breathe normally as she distances herself away from him and feels the warmth go away with her as well.
Sanskaar: (clearing his throat) Thank you...
Swara: ...Come downstairs quickly. Everyone is waiting for you... The Groom's side is about to arrive.
Saying that as her final words, Swara retreats back and swiftly exits the room leaving him on his own...
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Hearing the mixture of whistles, cheering, and a band, Neetha's friends run to the window of her room and gaze at the view of the bharat arriving before the Mansion... They tease her out loud, telling her that their Jiju looking mighty handsome... They crack jokes of how her knight in shining armor is coming for her... Neetha merely blushes as her sister and Bhabhi work hard in dressing her up... Swara does the honor in finishing her up by placing a bindi carefully in the area between her eyes... Ragini, Swara, Uttara, Priya, and the other girls gasp at how lovely she seems...
Ragini: Our Neetha looks exactly like a porcelain doll, doesn't she Bhabi? So fragile...
Swara: Absolutely Ragini... May no evil eye come onto our queen...
Taking a bit of eyeliner from her eye, Swara smears it behind Neetha's left ear and smiles at her. Tears build in Ragini's eyes as she watches Swara apply eyeliner on Neetha to protect her. She takes Swara's hands in hers and smiles thankfully at her.
Ragini: Swara Bhabhi... because of the wedding preparations I couldn't have time to properly thank you... Thank you for everything you have done for Neetha...For protecting her...and preparing for her wedding. For the past few days you have taken care of her like if she is your own sister... and you don't know how happy that has made me.
Swara: Please Ragini...don't make me any more embarrassed... I did everything for my sister-in-law and you are right in what you said...Neetha is like sister to me...another Uttara.
Ragini further smiles at her, feeling pleased by her words. She looks over to Uttara and takes her hand as well.
Ragini: And now Uttara also has become into a sister to me... When Neetha will leave to her in-laws...I will not feel the loss of my sister because Uttara is still here with me.
Uttara: (smiling gleefully) You are absolutely right Ragini didi... I am here... with you.
Ragini lovingly runs her hand down Uttara's hair... Priya watches the scene from a distance in the corner, feeling rather awkward and out of place. Just then Sujatha enters the room and is emotional seeing Neetha in her bridal wear. She wipes her tears and goes towards Neetha and kisses her forehead affectionately and hugs her, though she is angry with her that doesn't mean she don't care about her. She can't believe that her youngest and most pampered kid is getting married. Neetha begin to tear in her mother's warm embrace, feeling her mother so close after that day...
Sujatha: (worriedly broking the hug) Arre Neetha... sweetheart... kya hua?
Neetha: ...Nothing Maa... it's just... I missed you so much and I just realized that...now I won't be living in this house anymore. (more tears forming)
Priya: (finally speaking up) Neetha, you are just realizing this? Normally all girls think like this whenever the topic of marriage comes up... and you are just realizing right now. (chuckling)
Ragini throws a hateful look at Priya, which instantly shuts her up. Swara and Uttara catch this but remain silent... Sure Ragini patched up with them and they have now become unbelievably close all thanks to the wedding, but things between her and Priya haven't changed at all... Ragini just cannot let go of Priya's past mistake of running away leaving her brother at the altar for her own selfish reasons. While Sujatha just wipes Neetha's tears controlling her own tears.
Swara: Neetha, sweetie, don't think like this. This house will always be your home.
Sujatha: Your Bhabhi is absolutely right... you will always have a right over this house... and whenever you wish, you may come back here...
Neetha: (wiping away her tears) Sach?
Sujatha: Bilkul sach... Arre, you spent your whole childhood here in this house... how is it all of a sudden not your house anymore... After marriage you will have two houses... This house...And your in-law's house... Samjhi?
Neetha: (grinning a little) ...Samjhi.
Sujatha: That's my baby... (kissing her sweetly on her forehead again)
Uttara: (complaining) Neetha, we did your make up with so much difficulty and in a second you ruined it... Have some shame.
All of them laugh a little at this and Sujatha left the room to check on other things downstairs.
Neetha: (giggling) Sorry Uttara Ji... You wouldn't mind making a few readjustments for me, would you?
Uttara: (sighs, but smiles) I guess I will have to.
Uttara sits besides Neetha on another stool and begins at reapplying her make up on while Ragini and Swara watch the two girls chat and giggle with one another with fond smiles. As Uttara finishes, a thought registers in Ragini's head.
Ragini: Uttara... can you come with me?
Uttara: (puzzled) Yes didi... where are we going?
Ragini: I need your help in some work... Bhabhi, will you stay here with Neetha?
Swara: Yes Ragini... You may go...
Ragini takes Uttara along with her outside of the room and smiles knowingly at her.
Ragini: There is still a lot of time before the wedding ceremony begins... So I was thinking why don't I dress you up?
Uttara: Didi, me? But I am already dressed.
Ragini: I can see that... but I think you can be even more beautiful... do you have any contact lenses?
Uttara: Yes I do... but I don't wear them much...But Ragini didi...iski zaroort kya hai... I think I look fine.
Ragini: (sly smiles) I think fine isn't what you want once Neil looks at you.
Uttara's face turns stone white as she hears Neil's name come out from Ragini's mouth... She gasps and pulls on her arm, taking her off to the side in a corner.
Uttara: (whispers) How do you know about Neil?
Ragini: Arre, I have known Neil for a very long time... He is like another brother to me... He's been working at the company for almost three years now...
Uttara: (blushing now) Nahi didi... you know what I mean by that... As in, how do you know that Neil and I... I mean... (embarrassed)
Ragini: (chuckles) Arre Uttara... nothing can escape my eye. I see and know everything... and I know very well that Neil has become latoo over you...And that you have become quite crazy about him as well... kyun?
Uttara blushes even more and covers her face with her hands.
Uttara: Didi...
Ragini: (giggling) Accha, I won't tease... But I am going to dress you so beautifully that you will blow Neil away.
Uttara unsurely lets herself be led by Ragini into her room and follows her next instructions... Hesitantly she removes her glasses...
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The groom removes his shoes and seats himself into the mandap as instructed by the pandit ji. A few more of the guests gather around and watch the ceremony begin... including Neil, who has brought his sister along with him this time. He constantly has to ask his sister to be quiet due to her bubbly state and constant rambling. Rolling his eyes at something idiotic his sister has just said, Neil catches the sight of something that grips his whole attention away... He feels something in him arise as her slender figure descends down the stairs gracefully.
Nisha: Bhai?... Bhai?... Bhaaaiii...
Neil: (annoyed) Kya hai Nisha?
Nisha: Aapko kya hua? You have all of a sudden blanked out.
Neil: ...I'm fine (acting quickly, wanting to get rid of her) Nisha, I think I saw your friend Preeti out back... I'm sure she must be looking for you.
Nisha: What?-- Are you sure?! ...Okay Bhai, I'll be right back I'm just going to go and check.
Neil: Sure sure, go already.
As his sister leaves, Neil breathes a sigh of relief and slowly his eyes wander back over to the stairs on which she has finally arrived at the last step... and now proceeding over towards his direction. He swallows hard and curses this different girl in front of him for playing games... she almost even seems like a grown woman. Damn, why is she doing this to him? Why can't she just respect how he feels? ...This is only going to make it harder for him to do the morally right thing... Not when she looks so irresistibly beautiful in a fitting maroon saree with a scallop border embellished with sequins and beads in floral designs... Red colored dangling adorning her ears, golden bangles on her wrists, and her hair straight falling on her shoulders... And for the first time since he has known her, her black rimmed glasses are missing... replaced with contacts.
As she finally approaches him, he stares into her eyes and for once notices the real color of her eyes... a warm honey brown... He feels his heart failing him.
Her red colored lips break into an innocent smile and her eyes twinkle teasingly at him. Neil's face tightens as he hears whistling and inappropriate remarks being said about Uttara right before him... He looks around at the happy looking men... Taking Uttara by surprise, he possessively takes a hold of her waist and brings her close to him... He casts dangerous glances at the various men, making them become nervous and move away. Once they are gone, he stares back over at Uttara who gazes back at him with an awaiting look.
Neil: Who are you? And what have you done to my Uttara?
Uttara frowns as this was not the kind of response she was hoping for...
Uttara: What do you mean who am I? ...Neil, perhaps you're the one who's in need of glasses.
Neil: No believe me... I have 20/20 vision... I can see perfectly clear.
Uttara: Then why the question?
Neil: Why the sudden change?
Uttara: (shrugs) ...I just felt like looking nice for a change.
Neil: You always look nice Uttara... better than nice ...But I don't understand the need for you to dress up like this... I don't want you getting mixed up as the bride...
Uttara: (smiles teasingly) And why wouldn't you want that?
Neil: (purposely ignoring her question) God, don't you just see how all the guys here are looking at you... they're acting like a bunch dogs who have just spotted a piece of meat. (furious)
Uttara: (challenging) And why would that matter to you?
Neil: It does matter to me dammit! I don't want anyone else ogling at my girl.
Uttara feels butterflies roam around in the pit of her stomach after hearing what he said in haste... She looks at him dreamily and rests a hand on his chest.
Uttara: But your girl is going to be looking at you only...
Neil keeps his eyes on her out of wonder and watches her cheeks turn into a rosy red color. Shyly she plays with the buttons of his coat and lowers her eyes down to his chest.
Uttara: (softly) ...Everyone else has complimented me on how I look... I've gotten beautiful, gorgeous... even sexy... but I haven't gotten anything from you.
Her eyes rise up as she finishes, meeting his alluring gaze... She waits with anticipation as he possesses both of her arms into his hands and stares down at her with a look in his eyes that she has never seen there before...
Neil: ...You look like a woman... A woman who I want as mine...
Uttara, stunned, watches him reach out to cup the lower part of her jaw and stroke her cheek with his thumb tenderly... He gently pushes away a fewstrands from her face...
Neil: ...You're making this hard Uttara... very hard for me... I don't even feel like doing the right thing anymore.
Uttara: (pulling herself together, whispers) ...Then don't.
Neil: (grins) ...I think I won't... Besides, doing the right thing is for wimps anyways, right?
Uttara: (giggling) Yes...
Uttara's giggles subside on seeing a longing look on Neil's face... She becomes self aware of herself as she sees his face inch in closer to hers... She turns pink in the face as Neil pulls back suddenly on hearing the shrilling of his sister's voice. From the corner of her eye she watches as he rubs the back of his neck and swears under his breath. She holds in a smile.
Nisha: Bhai, you liar! Preeti's not here... You made me wander around like a fool...
Neil: (mumbles) Sorry, I thought I saw her...
Nisha: Sure sure, I am positive you only said that as an excuse to get rid of me... --- (gasps) Uttara?... Is that you?
Uttara: (nervously smiles) Yes Nisha... it's me...
Nisha: Wow Uttara, you look hot!... Who knew you could rock in a saree so well... and you're actually wearing your contacts! After all these months of me pestering you to wear them, what suddenly made you change your mind?
Neil grins as Uttara becomes flustered at her demanding question.
Uttara: ...I just... felt... like it?
Nisha: God Uttara... I can barely recognize you anymore... You know when I was on my way over here I thought Bhai had gotten himself a woman while I was gone...
Uttara and Neil cast each other a side glance at this...
Nisha: It's a relief seeing that it's just you... I didn't want to have to put up with some stranger... But hey... you want to throw me some advice on how you do your make up... Maybe I might even look hot enough to nab myself a guy...
Neil: (scowls) You'll be lucky if you'll ever get another glance at a guy after I'm done with anyone who even dares to look at you in particular way.
Uttara giggles at his threat whereas Nisha frowns, knowing very well that her brother means what he says.
Nisha: Come on Bhai... you're not fair...
Neil: This isn't a fair world kid...
Nisha: Ugh... you're absolutely ridiculous... I'm going to go watch the ceremony...
Nisha whisks away in a sulky mood, leaving both love birds behind on their own... Neil casts Uttara her favorite lopsided smile as he entwines her fingers with his, causing her to almost swoon right there...
Neil: You want to go have a look at the sad chap tying the knot?
Uttara: That sad chap is getting married to my best friend...
Neil: In that case, he's even more unlucky than I had thought...
Uttara hits him on his shoulder as he laughs at his own remark... She unknowingly smiles a little herself...
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The arrival of the bride had finally been requested by the pandit ji andSanskaar sought out to go get her... Neetha was brought down with her sister on one side and her Swara Bhabhi on the other... Priya had been shunned to the end by Ragini... The guests expressed their compliments regarding Neetha's appearance through whispers... Rohit's face brightened on seeing his bride seat herself right next to him in the mandap...
Swara unconsciously stands besides her husband, who is every bit aware of her presence right next to him... She is too distracted with his mother standing on her other side, gripping onto her hands nervously and fighting back tears... She is trying her best in soothing her... Sanskaar tries in keeping his eyes glued onto the mandap instead of having them wander over to his wife every few seconds...
Seeing Neetha's wedding occur right before her takes Swara back down memory lane to the time when she had been getting married herself... At that time though she had no idea she was to be married to Sanskaar Maheshwari. She was hastily put into a wedding dress and decked up as a bride... And before she knew it, she was placed into the mandap, sitting right across from Mr. Maheshwari... who thankfully had his face covered with a sehra, so she wouldn't have to see the sneer on his face... She specifically remembers seeing her Laksh bhaiya rise in order to give her away, performing the kanyadaan... Remembering the feel of having her maang being filled with vermillion... having the weight of a mangulsutra around her neck... Having to walk seven rounds around the flaming fire, tying her to her husband for seven lifetimes... She didn't know it back then, but that had been the best day of her life.
Swara is snapped back to reality as she feels Sujatha nudge her against her arm and indicate with the flower petals in her hand that it is now time for the pheres... She takes some from her and follows her in showering the couple with red rose petals... That is when she realizes that Sanskaar is right beside her by catching the side profile of him also throwing petals... Her heart skips a beat as she looks at him, wondering where he had suddenly come from... and having him stare right back at her. She ponders over whether he is remembering their wedding day like she is... But the overwhelming depth in his eyes silently gives her the answer. He is as well...
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Next: Pakka Veer's entry.
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Thank you,
Shreetha..
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