Posted:
When are you updating dear...
It's been so long...
Eagerly waiting for your update...
Please do cont soon...
It's been so long...
Eagerly waiting for your update...
Please do cont soon...
Chapter 42:
The wedding had been performed and completed with success. Neetha Maheshwari officially became into Neetha Rohit Bhardwaj...and the delightful smile on her face told everyone how happy she felt on becoming so. On Neetha's precise orders, Uttara discreetly hid her Jiju's shoes with the volunteer help from Neil. They remained mum and gave no sign or give away once Rohit started to look hassled on not locating his shoes anywhere. But the both knew how badly they wanted to laugh at the whole situation... However, Nisha, being the little dull bulb she is, ratted them out and was awarded generously by Rohit and his father. Neetha enjoyed the whole scene while it could last. Soon the time for Neetha's bidai arrived and the women in the family approached her with hugs and tearful farewells... Sanskaar struggled in keeping himself in check, but God knew how badly he wanted to cry while he embraced his baby sister... Sujatha engulfed her little girl into her arms and just refused to let her go... Laksh consoled a crying Ragini while he himself was sobbing silently... Samar hugged his twin sister controlling his tears... As Neetha was seated into a vehicle alongside with her husband, Swara silently stood behind with tears trickling down her face, staring her husband occationally, the realization of Neetha's absence in the house from here on out affecting him a lot...
Suddenly a white handkerchief with the initials S.M. off to the corner appears within her sight... Puzzled, she looks over to her right and sees her husband's silent form lingering beside her... She stares back over to the cloth in his hand and hesitantly takes it from him. She begins to dab at her eyes... and is very self conscious of having Sanskaar's eyes set on her as she does so... Before she can even return his handkerchief back, Sanskaar moves forward over to his mother's side, catching her look heartbroken on giving away her daughter. She watches idly while Laksh places a comforting hand on his best friend's shoulder. Sanskaar looks behind on the gesture and hugs him, needing the comfort. Swara stares back down at the piece of cloth and keeps it gripped in her hand...
The Maheshwaris watch the vehicle leave and Neetha's tearing face disappear from sight in ache. They will miss the little bubbly girl who had filled their house with laughter and smiles...
----------
After getting himself dressed in a different attire for the reception being held the same evening, Sanskaar steps out from the bathroom looking dashingly handsome in a classy designer black suit, losing the tie for a change, and the subtle smell of his cologne dancing around him... Just as he straps his silver watch around his wrist, Sanskaar catches the view of his wife's back turned towards him, standing before the dresser mirror. Amazement drawls upon his face at her shining beauty. She wears a shimmering black faux georgette saree having stones and sequins work, a heavy pallu and border along with a maroon embroidered blouse.
Sanskaar regains himself, catching himself from losing his self control. He averts his gaze elsewhere, but can't prevent them from lingering back onto her figure. He notices her difficulty in trying to tie the doris to her blouse, attempting to grip onto the strings and lace them together. Watching her fail miserably for awhile, Sanskaar debates through clashing thoughts before approaching her slowly from behind and startling her by pushing her hair aside. Swara stares up into the mirror and cautiously meets his stormy molten chocolate eyes. An electric current jolts through her body as she feels his cold hands gently cover her own... She removes her hands away and let them fall to her sides as her eyes stay glued onto the mirror, connecting with her husband's... Sanskaar breaks their eye lock by looking away and taking the ends of her doris into his fingers. He immediately begins in tying it for her...
Shivers run down Swara's back every time his fingers brush against her bare skin and a blush blooms in her cheeks. She stares at him hot-faced as he finishes and brings her hair back into place, covering the most of her naked upper back. At that instant she turns around and faces him directly with mixed emotions... Her eyes drink in his appearance and her heart pounds loudly against her chest from their close proximity. His eyes pierce into her as if he can see right through her... which causes her to become nervous. Wanting to get away, she moves to leave hurriedly, but feels a tug on her saree, keeping her from escaping...
Sanskaar feels a soft pull on the front of his coat and looks down, finding his wife's pallu caught in one of his buttons. His eyes rise, catching her stone-like expression... Not seeing any movement from her side, he moves near and tries in untangling her pallu from him. Swara watches him do this with cat-like eyes and as soon as she is released, she spins on her heels and flees from the room without a single word.
----------
The reception began smoothly with the introduction of the newly weds and small speeches made on them by their loved ones. Ranvijay speaking on behalf of Rohit and Laksh and Ragini for Neetha...Performances were made by close friends and the wedded couple was asked to dance to a slow number afterwards. Everyone watched the lovebirds dancing to the romantic song with approval and fond smiles.
As Ranvijay takes his daughter-in-law from Rohit and into his arms for their father-in-law daughter-in-law dance, the DJ announces that the dance floor is open for all and plays another beautiful song...
Tu aata hai seene mein
Jab jab saansein bharti hoon
Tere dil ki galiyon se
Main har roz guzarti hoon
Hawa ke jaise chalta hai tu
Main ret jaisi udti hoon
Kaun tujhe yoon pyar karega
Jaise main karti hoon
Swara, standing loyally besides Sujatha and Dadi, loses herself in the soft melody of the song and the sweet lyrics... Until she is knocked out of it by catching the sight of her sister walking to the dance floor, hand in hand with Neil, her ex-coworker. Before she even has the chance to react or even feign shock, Sujatha calls for her attention.
Sujatha: Swara, you seem a little bored... why don't you go get Sanskaar and dance with him?
Swara, alarmed by the idea, immediately shoots her down.
Swara: (haste in her voice) Maa, mein kahan bored hoon? I am enjoying myself... Waise bhi...Mr. Maheshwari is busy with his associates. I don't wish to disturb him.
Sujatha: Nonsense, this is our Neetha baby's wedding reception... no Maheshwari Group of Industry's office... there will be no business discussed here... and you are his wife... you have every right over him.
Swara: (still refusing) Par Maa---
Sujatha takes a hold of Swara's hand and begins to lead her elsewhere...
Sujatha: Par War kuch nahi... chalo mere saath.
Swara struggles to let herself free for a few seconds, but refrains from doing so any longer so she won't cause an unnecessary scene and draw other people's attention. She follows after ner mother-in-law, feeling extremely embarrassed and lowers her head just as they approach Sanskaar from behind, who is chating animatedly with the men with him.
Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Sanskaar stops midway in his sentence and turns around to find his Maa giving him a disapproving look expression on her face. His eyes wander from her and over to his wife's, who clearly avoids looking back at him, keeping her eyes glued down onto her feet. He notes her hand being held captive.
Sujatha: What is this Sanskaar? You are discussing office matters here?
Sanskaar turns back to his fellow friends and excuses himself politely, takes his mother by the arm and leads her elsewhere to give themselves privacy. He, also, avoids looking at his wife.
Sanskaar: Maa, what is the matter? Aapko kuch chahiye, kya?
Sujatha: No, I don't want anything. I just want to know that how can you discuss business when you have such a beautiful wife with you... who is standing alone by herself. Have some shame Sanskaar.
Sanskaar, startled by Sujatha's words, moves his gaze over to Swara's face, who continues to look down, fiddling with the pallu of her saree.
Sanskaar: ...I am sorry. (he slowly says, keeping his eyes on Swara's figure)
Swara merely blushes about the whole awkward situation. She doesn't dare to stare him in the eyes.
Sujatha: Arre, sorry is not enough. You have to make up to your beautiful wife. And that too by---
This is when Swara finally speaks, hassled by knowing what Sujatha is about to suggest.
Swara: Rehnedijiye Maa... please.
Sujatha: Kaise rehene do...? Isse galti hua...Sudarana parega... (turning to Sanskaar) Now listen... take Swara for a dance. My daughter-in-law has been gloomy ever since she has been here. Perhaps she will be happy by spending time with you. (giving him a knowing smile)
Both Sanskaar and Swara look at each other at the same moment as they hear the last of Sujatha's words. Quickly they awkwardly stare away and Sanskaar realizes he has no other choice but to oblige to his Maa's wish. He extends his right hand forward...surprising his wife in the process.
Swara softly places her hand in Sanskaar's after switching her gaze over to Sujatha, who merely smiles at her in encouragement. Staring back in front of her, her eyes clash against his...
Meri nazar ka safar
Tujhpe hi aake ruke
Kehne ko baaki hai kya
Kehna tha jo keh chhuke
Meri nigahein hain teri nigahon ki
Tujhe khabar kya bekabar
Main tujhse hi chup chup kar
Teri aankhein padhti hoon
Kaun tujhe yun pyar karega
Jaise main karti hoon
Haa.. Aa..
Sujatha watches, pleased, as the couple walk hand in hand towards the dance floor and slowly sway into the rhythm of the music... She had been noticing for the past few days that a distance had grown between them for reasons unknown. Days ago anyone could had taken a look at them and seen that they were completely content with one another and in love. But that had all of a sudden changed. They barely have spoken a word to each other recently. And she was going to get to the bottom of this situation... (Sujatha still doesn't know about Priya and Veer and SwaSan marriage truth. On the day Priya came back, Dadi just diverted her telling something else about Neetha's wedding)
Tu jo mujhe aa mila
Sapne hue sarphire
www.lyricsted.com
Haathon mein aate nahi
Udte hain lamhein mere
Meri hasi tujhse
Meri khushi tujhse
Tujhe khabar kya beqadar
Jis din tujhko na dekhun
Pagal pagal phirti hoon
Kaun tujhe yoon pyaar karega
Jaise main karti hoon
Haa.. Aa..
----------
Gasping for air, Swara wakes up alarmed, breathing heavily as beads of perspiration form on her chest and face... A pool of tears form in her eyes as they wander off to the side falling on Sanskaar, who was still sleeping peacefully right beside her, completely unaware... Seeing the sight of him calms her a little bit and she runs a hand through her sweaty hair as she takes even breaths...
She had a horrible dream in which Sanskaar left her all alone behind in the darkness... not ever coming back for her... She ran and called for him in the thickness of the night, but he never answered. She begged and cried, but still not a sign or word from him. It scares the hell out of her just even thinking of it happening in reality. She would rather leave this world than have to endure the pain of him leaving her...
Quietly Swara lays back down near him and gazes at his sleeping face with blurry eyes... A tear slides down her pale cheek as she stares at him with desperate hope... Please don't ever leave me Sanskaar...she pleads to him silently...Don't leave...
Taking in an inhale of air, Sanskaar gathers the comforter closer to him and switches sides on the bed, turning his back on her. He settles back into his deep slumber...
----------
Sujatha watches her gloomy appearing son intently, scrutinizing his every motion as he plays with his food and refrains from conversing himself into conversation with anyone at the table. A few were missing from sight and were sleeping in from their late return back home. They were one of the last to leave the reception and had arrived back at the Mansion past midnight. The conversations mostly were regarding Neetha's wedding and wishing for her to have a happy married life.
Dadi: Arre Sujatha...Swara kahan hai? I don't suppose she is sleeping, is she?
Sujatha: Nahi Maaji, Swara rarely sleeps in. And she has made today's breakfast for us. I think perhaps she is on the terrace.
Sujatha notices how this catches her son's attention, causing him to look up from his plate finally.
Dadi: Arre, Why is she there? Why isn't she having breakfast?
Sujatha: She must be taking down the dry laundry. She had mentioned she was going to do that.
Dadi: She is doing that all by herself? But there are a lot of clothes? (arguing)
Sujatha: (shrugs) She said she would do it herself.
Dadi: Arre tum bhi na Sujatha. Do you know it is going to rain today? The weather outside is dark and it can rain any moment now. She will get wet trying to get all those clothes herself.
This has Sanskaar's mind running and troubled. What is she thinking? Going to get the laundry herself...So many servants are here to do just that, yet that doesn't even occur to her. And on top of that it is going to rain. She will get sick; she easily gets sick in the rain. But that still won't stop her... Perhaps I can fetch Uttara quickly before she goes off to the University and tell her to get Swara. Yes, that's what I'll do.
Sujatha: Haan... mein to bhoolgayi... (saying in a regretful tone)
The sound of a chair being pushed back and slid in is heard and Sujatha looks up to find Sanskaar up from his seat. He excuses himself from the table and turns to leave. Seeing him rush toward the stairs brings a mischievous smile onto Sujatha's lips. She winks over at Dadi who smiles cleverly back...
----------
Uttara scrambles around her room trying to locate her books and racing against time. Hearing a knock on her door, she lets the person in in a hassled tone.
Sanskaar hesitantly enters into his sister-in-law's slightly disorganized room and stands unsurely besides the doorway.
Uttara: Gotcha!
She exclaims in relief as she pulls out her chemistry book from a pile of clothes. Turning around to stuff it into her bag, Uttara stops in her steps as she sees her sister's husband waiting for her attention.
Uttara: Oh. Mr. Maheshwari. Good Morning. (cheerful)
Sanskaar: (smiling politely back) Good Morning Uttara. How are you?
Uttara: Just fine... Sorry about the mess. I'll have it cleaned soon, I promise.
Sanskaar: (stepping forward) Oh no, that's not necessary. It's your room, you're at liberty to do whatever.
Uttara: (smiles) Okay... Well I'm sorry to say but if you're for a chat, I'm not capable of that just now... (moving to her bag) I've got an exam in twenty minutes and it's a fifteen minute ride to the university! (stressed)
Sanskaar: Well I was here to see if you could quickly check up on ---
Uttara: Chemistry! A bummer! A real pain in the a*s if you ask me! One of my weakest points. It'll be a miracle if I even pass. (blabbering on)
Sanskaar blinks dumbly at her while she hauls her bag onto her shoulder and comes to him at the door.
Uttara: Alright then, I'm off-- Wish me luck! I'm going to need it.
Sanskaar: ...Good luck. I am sure you will pass with flying colors. (sincere)
Uttara: Thanks, I hope so. See you in the evening Mr.Maheshwari. (hastily)
Uttara quickly pecks him on his cheek and runs past him out of the room. Sanskaar stands rooted to his spot with his fingers touching where his sister-in-law had kissed him. An affectionate smile slowly makes its way onto his lips and his eyes follow her retreating form dashing down the stairs. It is only the pounding of the rain beating against the windows that brings him out of his trance and reminds him of his wife...
----------
Although Swara loved the rain, the idea of getting wet in the beginning of the day didn't seem favorable to her. Which is why she rushes in stuffing sheets and clothes into the laundry basket, hurriedly pulling them off the clothes line, and trying to spare herself from getting drenched...However, as luck would have it, a gust of wind combines in with the rapid flow of rain, almost causing her to tumble over a couple of times and making the task difficult. She manages to get most of the load in and as she pulls down another large white sheet from the line, she hears the act of pulling off clothes coming from nearby, the cloth rubbing against the rope making a sifting sound. Startled she lowers the sheet from her view and watches dumbfound as her husband stares back at her, a few white clothes gathered onto his arm. They both gaze at one another for a silent moment until a force of air blows into their direction, confusing Swara for a second by the sheet flying into her face, and causing her to take a misstep. She struggles with getting the sheet off of her and trips over, falling onto Sanskaar and making him fall back as well.
Sanskaar lands on his backside with his wife lying above him, the laundry tumbled over-- sprawled across the terrace and a sheet entangled around them. Letting out a soft gasp, Swara raises her head and looks down at him, becoming captivated in his merising eyes. Her breath gets caught in her throat as she gazes at him with anticipation.
Sanskaar stares up at his wife in a trance, immersed in the beauty of her face. He's tempted to run his fingers through her wet curly hair and kiss her sweet glistening lips. Unconsciously his one hand holds onto the side of her waist and other pushes aside strands of her hair that had fallen, shielding half of her face from him. Swara takes in a steady breath and closes her eyes from the touch of his fingers against her skin.
Just as he reaches out to caress her rosy cheek, the distant voice of his approaching sister is heard by both of them, knocking him out of his delirious state and into his senses. He withdraws his hand back and releases his other from her waist. Swara opens her eyes on feeling him distancing himself from her, and watches him blink at her silently. With Ragini's voice getting louder, Swara hurriedly regains herself throwing off the sheet from them, rising up on her feet, and gathering the fallen laundry with red cheeks. From the corner of her eye she sees Sanskaar rise also and comb his wet hair with his fingers.
"Bhabhi!... Swara Bhabhi? ...Bhabhi!", Ragini calls out through the hall. Stealing a glance at her husband, Swara sees him pick up a sheet and extend it towards her... She takes it from him and leaves quickly with the rest of the laundry in tow, leaving Sanskaar behind to hear the noise of her anklets chime and eventually fade out...
----------
"Bhabhi, there you are..." Ragini exclaims in relief as she catches her sister-in-law come inside from the terrace doors, drenched from head to toe. Swara wipes off as much as she can from herself and attempts in drying her saree by wrenching the water out. She watches Ragini rush to her side...
Ragini: Oh Bhabhi, I have been looking for you from so long.
Swara: What happened Ragini? Any worries?
Ragini: Yes... If Bhaiya finds out then a storm will break out.
Swara: What do you mean to say?
Ragini: Bhabhi... I have come to you because I know you will be able to solve this problem. And possibly keep Bhaiya's temper under control.
Swara: But Ragini, what has happened?
Ragini: Woh---
"Ragini... What is the matter? Why do you seem worried?," Sanskaar questions curiously. Both Swara and Ragini turn behind them, seeing Sanskaar come inside from the terrace as well, equally wet as his wife. He approaches them in small strides. Ragini stares at her brother unsurely and nervously, not knowing how to reply to him. Sanskaar catches her conflicting emotions.
Sanskaar: (soothingly) I am your brother. You can always tell your troubles to me.
Ragini's face splits into a relieved smile and emotional tears reside in her eyes.
Ragini: I know Bhaiya...I know... You always give me your support.
Sanskaar grins back at his sister and places his hand affectionately on the top of her head. Swara smiles at both brother and sister, pleased with their relationship back on track.
Sanskaar: So tell me... What's the matter?
Instantly Ragini's smile fades away and is replaced with apprehension. Her eyes travel over to her sister-in-law first before she speaks her next words...
Ragini: Woh... Bhaiya... someone is here for you. (hesitantly states)
Sanskaar: (puzzled) So soon in the morning?
Ragini: ...Yes. (slowly)
Sanskaar: Who is it?
Ragini pauses for a long moment, intriguing both Sanskaar and Swara's interest in the matter. She stares back and forth desperately from her brother to her sister-in-law.
Sanskaar: Ragini?
Ragini: ...Woh... It's Veer Bhaiya... Veer is waiting for you...downstairs with everyone else.
The laundry basket from Swara's hands drops to the floor drawing both her husband and Ragini's attention towards her. A smile erupts on her face as she slowly whispers, "Veer..."
Without another thought, Swara leaves the two in frenzy, enjoyed by the thought of meeting her best friend after months-- missing his absence in her life dearly. When she had needed a friend most, he was not there by her side. But today he is here and this is her chance to set everything straight. She can now have her best friend back, patch up her sister's marriage, and possibly even bring two brothers back together...
Sanskaar stands rooted with his hands on the railing, watching his wife glide down the stairs to her first love. He painfully shuts his eyes at the thought. Feeling a comfort squeeze on his shoulder, he turns to see his sister sympathizing silently beside him...
----------
Continued below...
----------
"Look Maaji, my son has come back home." Swara hears Sujatha's emotional voice ring through the hallway. She listens onto the conversation intently as she nears closer to the living room. "Where were you Veer? You left without saying anything. You didn't even tell anyone at home. Have some shame, here your mother was pining for you each day and you were somewhere else roaming around. You should have at least called."
"Mujhe maaf kardo Maa, aaj ke baad phir kabhi nahi karonga... aapki kasamh," Veer replies back sincerely while pulling back from Sujatha's embracing arms. He smiles faintly at her, hoping to cover up his mistake with it. However, Sujatha remains slightly grim.
Sujatha: But where did you go?
This is where Swara intervenes, "Veer!" Her friend turns around on the mention of his name and his face twists in anguish on the sight of her. He immediately lowers his eyes away as Swara approaches him quickly.
Swara: Veer... you're here? (relief in her voice)
Veer: (still avoiding her gaze, slowly answers) Haan...
Swara notices his discomfort by her presence but continues to keep the welcoming smile on her face, wanting him to feel reassured in coming back home.
Swara: (making conversation, hesitant) We all have missed you. It is good that you have come back. How are you?
Veer: (distant) Fine.
Sujatha notices Veer avoiding Swara's eyes and the awkward aura surrounding them-- she speaks up on the matter.
Sujatha: At least meet your bhabhi's eyes...you are behaving as if you are guilty of something... (giggles, wanting to lighten up the mood)
----------
Sanskaar's insides scream in anger and anguish as his eyes settle on the slim figure of a young boy who had been very dear to him long ago...The boy who he had accepted as his brother just like Samar...The one who he provided for and protected. The very one who stabbed him in the back and ran off like a coward, never looking back once. Folding his hands into fists, Sanskaar slams his knuckles onto the railing in frustration and turns around, stalking off towards his room--- the image of Veer creating havoc in his system.
Sanskaar's shoulders tense as he stands in the center of his bedroom, not knowing what to do or how to properly react to the situation. He hears approaching footsteps and the sound of a slight closing of the door behind him. He shuts his eyes and speaks in a warning tone, "Ragini... please don't."
Ragini: Bhaiya... please hear me out. You mustn't run away from your problems like this. Creating distance between you and Veer is not going to solve anything; in fact, it will only make matters worse. You cannot avoid confrontation with him.
Sanskaar: (detest in his voice, overcoming the inner pain) The very sight of him repulses me. I have nothing to do with that low filth. I should have let him alone where he belonged...on the streets. After all, trash is only trash.
Sanskaar looks behind on the touch of his sister's comforting hand on his shoulder. He's surprised to see her gentle face calm and a small ironic smile playing on her lips.
Ragini: Those words are more likely to come out from my mouth... but never from yours. You know as much as I do that those are lies... I can see that even today you love Veer just as before... You cover the great depth of pain wallowing inside of you with anger.
Sanskaar shrugs her hand off and takes a step aside.
Sanskaar: The only thing inside of me is anger Ragini...A great deal of anger.
Ragini: Yes, but anger that can vanish if you just learn to forgive.
Sanskaar: (scoffs) Forgive? --- You are telling me to forgive the one responsible for humiliating your own brother? For breaking my trust? ---Now making it difficult for me to trust any other human being again? Who has replaced the Ragini that I know with Mother Theresa? ---The one who could understand my pain and troubles?
Ragini: She is still here Bhaiya... but she has learned to see now. And what she sees is that anger and hate will only destroy you.
Sanskaar: (exasperated) He ruined my life!
Ragini: ...You would think that, but in reality he has saved you...by giving you life.
Sanskaar: (disbelief) Saved me? Saved me how? What are you trying to say Ragini?
Ragini: Bhaiya, if Veer hadn't betrayed you by running off with Priya, your marriage with Swara Bhabhi wouldn't have happened at all and today we would not even be having this conversation... nor would I see how your life has taken such a turn about... filled with happiness that you were never able to have before.
"Your marriage with Swara Bhabhi wouldn't have happened at all...," her words echo within his already troubled mind...He blanks out for a moment, forgetting his anger and deception, only dwelling on this thought. He obviously didn't think thoroughly through the impact that Veer's betrayal has had on his life. All he ever thought of was that he had broken his trust.
Ragini: Bhaiya... I used to think that you are a very happy man... You are the richest millionaire in India... You have everything accessible to you... All your wants and needs are fulfilled without any difficulty... But after your marriage to Bhabhi, I have finally noticed the burdening loneliness that used to surround you... a hidden sorrow... a big void in your life... A void that Bhabhi had slowly started to fill... Bhaiya, I can no longer see that void present today. It has vanished with the presence of Swara Bhabhi in your life... And she wouldn't be here today, wearing the mangulsutra and sindoor in your name, with the status of being your wife if it weren't for Veer... Priya would have been in her place instead.
Sanskaar's eyes meet Ragini's exactly when she speaks her final words as the subtle thunder from outside fills in the hollow silence that has been created.
Ragini: (slowly adds) And I think we both know what the outcome of that would have been.
Sanskaar raises a hand to his head, feeling a throbbing headache coming along just even thinking about being married to anyone else other than Swara. He shakes his head, clearing his thoughts, and brings himself back on track.
Sanskaar: That does not change the fact that he had betrayed me... And I will not forgive him so easily.
Letting his words linger as an effect, he walks out from the room with a fire raging inside of him, determined to face Veer as a man instead of a coward that he had chosen to be...
----------
Swara's face becomes downcast on Sujatha's words while Veer grows even more uncomfortable than before. She catches Sujatha's cautious expression and hastily covers up by lightly giggling along with her, not wanting Sujatha to get any hint of matters unknown to her.
Swara: Maa, perhaps he is scared of me. I have scolded him many times of why he suddenly left home.
Sujatha: (satisfied by her response) You did the right thing Swara. Teach this boy some manners...he has become very distraught.
Swara: (smiling politely) Ji.
Veer: Maa... (whining a little)
Sujatha: What Maa? Your Maa is telling the truth, right? Now what are you doing here just standing around? Go and meet everyone--- and ask for their forgiveness... But first pay your respects to your Bhabhi...touch her feet...
Both Swara and Veer glance at each other at this, feeling the situation becoming even more awkward by the second.
Sujatha: (not seeing him move, starts to explain) Veer, she is your elder brother's wife. The respect that you give to your brother, you must give to your sister-in-law as well.
Swara watches him hesitantly walk towards her after a few pondering moments, still refusing to meet her eyes, and lower down--reaching for her feet. Shocked beyond words by this gesture, she immediately steps back, not letting him do so.
Swara: Veer, what were you just about to do? You should not touch my feet. ----Maa, I am younger than him. He does not need to pay respects to me because he is older.
Sujatha: Swara, perhaps you are right about being younger, but in relation you are much older than him. You are his brother's wife and you should receive the same amount of respect that he gives to Sanskaar.
Without a single word, Veer leans forward and touches Swara's feet, paying his respects to her as an elder. Swara embarrassingly stays in place, not knowing what to make out of this.
Veer: (nervously) Maa...is... is Bhaiya home?
Sujatha: (smiles fondly) Yes...he hasn't left for the office yet. I am sure that on seeing you, he will be very happy. After all you are his favorite brother.
Veer's face seems to pale out of fright. Swara could tell that he was counting on him not being home, he does usually leave bright and early.
"Tha Maa... Ab nahin..." Sanskaar's steady, cool tone cuts in. Confused about where his voice has come from, they search around for any sight of him. Swara catches him making his presence known, walking smoothly down the staircase--reaching the main floor. Followed close behind him is his sister, who watches with anticipation of what is about to unfold. Veer seems to be in a dilemma of whether he should run for his life or stand up to Sanskaar Maheshwari, the man who has given him everything.
Dadi and Laksh who walk beside one another, enter into the area at that precise moment, catching Sanskaar's words. They become startled by the image of Sanskaar and Veer in the same room and halt.
Sujatha, on seeing Sanskaar, walks towards him in excitement, not noticing a dangerous flame forming within his eyes--- one that his wife can see clearly too well though and worries her.
Sujatha: Look Sanskaar, see who has come...Your younger brother... Your Veer...after so many months.
Sanskaar: (keeping his steel exterior) I am looking Maa and cannot believe how he has dared to come back.
Sujatha: (stunned) Sanskaar?
Sanskaar: After doing so much how can he come back? ---How is he able to stand before me and not feel shame?
Dadi: (speaking out soothingly) He is ashamed Beta... you can see it in his eyes. He is very ashamed of what he has done.
Veer lowers his face in hot shame and humiliation. Sanskaar, however, refuses to see this.
Sanskaar: (answering back to Dadi, outraged) If he had any shame, he would not come back here expecting us to take him back with open arms!
Veer looks up on this, showing everyone the glistening tears shining in his dark eyes. He shakes his head in refusal.
Veer: (choking over his words) Nahin Bhaiya... I knew coming back wouldn't be easy... but for how long would I have to hide from my family? ...I have come back for a possible acceptance of my sincere apologies... to see everyone again...to face what I have run away from... to set things right.
Sanskaar: You were mistaken to come here then. You will not receive any forgiveness in this house. These doors are not open for you anymore. (acerbic tone)
Sujatha: (appalled) Sanskaar, that is enough!
Sanskaar's face tightens as he remains standing, glowering at the boy who had been raised with him.
Sujatha: ...I do not know the reason for Veer leaving in the first place... nor do I know of the differences you two hold for each other... What I do know though is that you two are brothers and are both of my sons. And the both of you will remain here because this is your home.
Sanskaar: Over my dead bo---
Sujatha: SANSKAAR RAM PRASAD MAHESHWARI..!!!
Sanskaar becomes silent once again, knowing he has really angered his mother because she would only use his full name in serious matters. A blanket of silence hovers over all of them until Sanskaar finally speaks, bringing the uneasiness out of everyone's hearts to a stop.
Sanskaar: Fine... Whatever you wish Maa...he can stay here... But do not hold hopes that I will forgive him.
Looking squarely back over at Veer, who feels as if he has been slapped in the face, Sanskaar speaks his next words in a thundering tone...
Sanskaar: Because that's absolutely impossible.
As Sanskaar storms off away from the living room, Sujatha watches his retreating figure and desperately calls after him only to be responded by silence...Her eyes lower in sadness and then turn to Veer, who has conflicting emotions occupying his face.
Sujatha: (softly) Veer beta, you go to your room and settle in... I will bring you your breakfast there.
Veer mutely nods and pulls his bag's straps over his shoulder and just as he heaves it up from the ground, he catches the distant image of his wife staring at him behind a white column. Before he even has the chance to react by this, she wanders off quickly on being seen...
----------
As Swara dries her wet hair with a towel in her hands, the previous scene from downstairs flutters through her mind...She consciously walks out from the bathroom and into the bedroom in which her husband also occupies. From the corner of her eye she sees him freshly dressed once again and buttoning the cuffs to his sleeves. She bites on her lower lip and debates to herself whether she should speak on the matter. After a few moments of hesitation, she sets the towel aside and turns around, facing him...
Swara: Can you really not forgive Veer?
Sanskaar, surprised on hearing her voice, turns and looks back over to with an inquiring look. This would be the first time that they are actually speaking to each other ever since that night.
Swara: Is this impossible for you?
Sanskaar removes his gaze from her and back over to his sleeves, which he finishes in buttoning up. He grabs his coat and as he slides in his arms, he curtly answers her questions.
Sanskaar: Haan...
Swara: (disbelief, desperate) Par kyun?
Sanskaar adjusts his coat and looks ahead of him while replying back to her.
Sanskaar: Swara... It is not about the matter of running away after deceiving me... It is about the trust and faith that I held for him that he has broken... I can never trust him again.
Meeting her eyes as he says this, Sanskaar sends chills down Swara's spine from the iciness in his tone. She lowers her eyes in disappointment while Sanskaar takes the chance to leave the room, abandoning Swara behind to ponder over her thoughts...
----------
Opening the door to his room, Veer slowly lets himself in and wanders around his old bedroom filled with good cherished memories. He gazes at the various pictures laying on his dresser and stares at one specifically. He takes it into his hands and runs his fingers over it fondly. The picture always had been one of his favorites--- Him on his graduation day, wearing a gown, and holding up his diploma in success with his brother's arm wrapped around him in a sideways hug, both of them smiling happily beside each other. Sanskaar had been the happiest out of the two that day-- after all; Veer had completed his studies and was guaranteed a good future ahead of him.
But look at them now. Circumstances have gotten so bad that Sanskaar even hates the sight of him. Veer sets the picture back down and gloomily sits on his made bed, which had always been a mess when he was here. He notices a layer of dust around his things...implying that no one has been in his room for a long time... perhaps ever since the night of the wedding.
Veer still doesn't know why he hadn't told Sanskaar about Priya. He never hesitated in telling his older brother anything. In fact, Sanskaar was always the first to know about everything happening in his life. He would bore Sanskaar with his drama for hours, until finally he would tell him to shut it and kick him out of his study. But why was it that he couldn't tell him about Priya? God knew how badly he wanted to, but every time he got around to telling him, the words would automatically die in his mouth whenever he saw him involved in the planning of his marriage to Priya. Veer knew that Sanskaar only wanted to marry Priya because he was attracted to her and that she would be a perfect image to present to society-- when on the other hand, he himself truly wanted to be with her. Yes, falling in love in a few days isn't very common and usually doesn't count as love to some people, but they were out of time. And Veer did not want to lose someone who could be his soul mate--- hence, the two of them ran away and got married despite the consequences.
But Veer did not know that his marriage to Priya would become into such a disaster. As soon as money problems started to arrive, she suddenly became whiny, nagging, and inconsiderate. And one day he just couldn't handle the pressure and exploded. He had said some awful things to Priya that he didn't mean at all. And that slap... That slap is the most that he regrets. Without even waiting for an explanation, she ran off with her things the very next day. He was unable to apologize to her and tell her that he truly loves her, despite her flaws...Bringing him back here, in his room in his old house... to take his wife back.
Hearing a knock on his door brings Veer out of his deep trance and he calls out for the person to come in. He freezes as he sees Swara come in, now dressed in a different saree, wearing a soft, sympathetic smile on her face. Reminded all over again of the consequences of his actions, Veer becomes abashed and lowers his eyes in shame.
Swara: Veer... (she says with uncertainty in her voice)
Veer: (his voice cracking) Swara... don't... don't come near me... You should not even be here... You shouldn't act so kind to me and pretend that I haven't hurt you in any way... because I have... I have not only ruined Bhai's life but I have also ruined yours. I am the reason for your compromise marriage with Bhaiya... I have deprived you of a happy marriage that you deserve with a man you love... I have taken away your liberty to make that decision... I am the cause for your state Swara... And I do not expect you to forgive me.
Swara: Nahi Veer... (hastily)
Swara sits down besides her friend and comfortingly touches his shoulder.
Swara: Aise mat kaho... I have no regrets in the situation that I am in now. I am just happy that my sister is married to the man she loves.
Veer stares up at Swara in disbelief. How can she act so understanding? Is she not angry at all? After all, it is because of him that she is living a life in sorrow.
Veer: You are not even a little angry with me for forcing you into an unwanted marriage with Bhaiya? A man whom you never thought of forming any relationship with before?
Yes, Swara had been... but a very long time ago. Life had surprised her by the sudden fall for her unwanted husband. Now she cannot even imagine being away from him--- it hurts too much.
She is silent for a moment but then smiles sadly at him...
Swara: (softly) Perhaps this was what destiny had in store for me.
Frustrated with her lack of anger towards him, Veer stands up from his bed and stares down at her.
Veer: Bullsh*t Swara... Destiny has nothing to do with this. You know very well that this is all due to me. I am your culprit. Why do you not just accept this? A person cannot be so kind and forgiving Swara... It's not humanlike...
Swara stands up on her feet as well, meeting him his gaze...
Swara: But it is human to err, is it not? ...And what you had done was a very natural thing... So why should I hold you accountable for it? ...Veer, I had forgiven you a long time ago... I just wanted you and Priya to be happy... What kind of best friend would I be if I were not happy for you instead?
Veer: A good one if you ask me. A normal one...I deceived you Swara... I ran off with your sister without even telling you anything and left you behind to handle the consequences... You were blamed for something that I had done... And that was despicable of me to do.
Swara: I have no regrets...
Veer: Swara, you are no saint... So please stop acting like one and be a human for a change. See the fault of mine in this situation. Be angry with me.
Swara doesn't know how to explain to Veer that she really isn't angry with him for anything that has happened, in fact, she's glad that he ran off with Priya, she's glad that she got married to Sanskaar Maheshwari as a consequence, she really has no regrets in her current life. How can she make him understand this?
Swara: Teek hai. If you want me to be angry, then I will be. I am angry with you for allowing your marriage fall apart like this. For upsetting my sister...For breaking her heart... For slapping her--- Something that I, her very own sister, has never done! ...And for telling her that your marriage to her was a mistake... Now this I will hold you accountable for...
Swara sees how she has shaken Veer up on the mention of Priya. She sees him back away and sit down on his bed once again, burying his face into his hands. A long moment of silence surpasses them...
Veer: I'm sorry Swara... I'm just so sorry for everything... For being a horrible friend, a horrible brother, and a horrible husband...
Feeling his anguish, Swara joins him and soothingly puts her hand on his shoulder...
Swara: You are not horrible Veer... You have just made some mistakes... mistakes that you need to amend...
Veer: Swara... I have tried... (looking up at her) I have tried in making Priya happy... but it just proved to get too hard later on in our marriage...
Swara: You do not need to explain... I understand... Priya is a very difficult girl to please... and trust me, I don't hold you entirely responsible for everything that has happened between you and her. She is not victim in this matter. I know that she must have hassled you in your share of bad times. Instead of being a pillar of strength, she became another problem.
Veer: ...But perhaps she was right in where she stood. I am unable to provide for her. I am a failure... I want to change that though. I want to change everything...I need to show her that I can do anything for her... That I still love her... And...I need to regain Bhaiya's trust also...
Swara smiles in encouragement for his determination to make things right...
Swara: And you just watch...how Mr. Maheshwari forgives you.
Veer: (startled) Sach? ...Swara, you really think he will forgive him?
Swara: Kaise nahin karenge? For how long will he remain angry with you? Besides, you are human just like everyone else... People make mistakes... and we must learn to forgive them. He will understand this soon.
Veer: I hope so...
Another knock is heard on the door and the two stare over at Shambu making his presence by the doorway... Swara brings her hand back to her side and stands just as Shambu enters, carrying in Veer's breakfast...
Shambu: Veer Saab, aapka naashta.
Swara: Shambu...place it over there on the table and then go see if our Samar is still sleeping... He has an exam in an hour.
Shambu: (bows his head) Ji Ma'am.
[Swara had gone to wake up her snoozing brother-in-law, only to be shooed away from the sleepy young boy that he does not need to be up until another hour.]
Satisfied in Shambu leaving on her excuse, Swara also takes this as her queue to go...
Swara: I'll take your leave... but if you need me, I'll be around.
Veer comes near Swara and takes her hands in his, staring at her with hope.
Veer: But you do forgive me, right?
Swara: (smiles reassuringly)...I already had.
Veer: (relieved, feeling somewhat better) ...Thanks Swara... Oops--- mera matlab... Swara Bhabhi...
Swara: Please Veer... we are friends first... then sister and brother-in-law.
Veer: (smiles) Teek hai... whatever you want.
Veer smiles gratefully at his best friend and releases her hands. Just as Swara turns and walks towards the door, she's stopped by a startling, unexpected question...
Veer: Swara... Do you love Bhaiya?
Stunned by this, she turns around and meets his scrutinizing gaze... She wonders how he had come up with that conclusion... Had she given anything away? Was she too obvious?
Swara: Eat and get some rest Veer... In the mean time I will go and speak with Priya... (she replies instead)
Swara leaves the room in a flash, answering Veer's question without having to. Veer smiles softly to himself, finding a little good in his mistake and not feeling as horrible as before...
----------
comment:
p_commentcount