Chapter 43:
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She paces back and forth in frenzy, fiddling with her fingers while her heart pounds fast against her chest. How did he know she would come here? ----- Okay, dumb question-- obviously he would since she had no other place to go--- But why is he here? Did he not say that getting married to her was a mistake? That he only wanted her in the first place was for her looks? Hadn't he slapped her across the face to silence her, keeping her from speaking anymore of their problems? These were the reasons why she had gotten up and left, devastated and hurt--- fleeing to her sister's aid. But why has he come now? Does he wish to tell more of the flaws in her? Tell her that he never did love her in the first place? Why is he here?
Priya's body tenses as she sits down onto her bed, placing both of her hands on either side, as she questions herself on what to do. What if he's here to take her back? Is she willing to go back with him? She had practically convinced herself these past few days that he isn't the right guy for her and that he perhaps is after all a mistake. But her heart doesn't agree to her mind. Inside she knows that she loves Veer and feels right with him. At first she had just been attracted to him and held a silly school girl crush for him, but as months passed by into their marriage, she had fallen madly in love with him. He always did things to bring a smile onto her face, to make her feel special, and let her know that she is the most important thing in his life.
Their marriage was going perfectly well until they had started to face shortcomings in money. It started to put a strain in their relationship. As soon as money problems started pouring in, she began to panic but Veer would always reassure her that they would pull through it. He even started to work two jobs to support them. Things became a little better than before, but then his attitude towards her had began to change. He started to become easily annoyed and uninterested in things she had to share or things she would do. If she would buy a few things to fill the house, he would become furious---blaming her for being inconsiderate of their circumstances and blowing away their money. Then she apparently started to appear greedy in his eyes. He didn't need to say it, but she knew what he thought of her. One day she had enough and confronted him about their problems and how she felt, which began a fierce argument and ended with her being slapped.
But perhaps she is also to be blamed for their given state. Her Swara Di was right in scolding her. She should have been more supportive, she could have worked as well instead of allowing Veer to struggle alone. But is she really willing to go back to a man who cannot guarantee her any kind of future? Now with Sanskaar Maheshwari out of his life, Veer can't. He doesn't have the same accessibilities like before. --- But why doesn't this have as much impact on her that it should? Why is there still a part of her that wants to go back to him and make their marriage work? Why does she love him so much?
Hearing the twist of the doorknob, Priya looks over her shoulder and sees the door open. She watches her sister close the door behind herself and make her way towards the bed. Priya looks down at her lap as she feels the bed sink down beside her.
Swara: Priya...
Priya: (cutting her off) Di, I know why you are here... You want to talk about Veer.
Swara: Hmm... (agreeing) You are right. I want to talk about your marriage with Veer...
Swara raises her hand towards Priya's head and strokes her hair lovingly.
Swara: Priya... He has come back to take you... He said that he still loves you. (softly)
Priya continues to stare straight ahead of her, showing no reaction on hearing her sister's words until she begins to sob a minute later. Swara quickly engulfs her into her arms, allowing her to vent out everything that she has kept inside. In between her tears, Priya mumbles her confusion and worries to her sister. Swara calmly listens intently to what she has to say...
As she finishes, Swara wipes away her shed tears for her and soothingly places her head on her lap, knowing that Priya has become exhausted from her outburst. Priya lies down and takes a breath to calm herself.
Priya: I just don't know what to do Didi... One part of me wants to give my marriage to Veer another try, but the other wants me to move on cause I know there isn't a guaranteed future with him... I just can't make a decision right now.
Swara: And that's perfectly fine... You don't need to... This is a very important decision in your life... you can take time and think about this wisely...
Priya: (confused) You won't tell me to go back to him?
Swara: (shaking her head) No... I don't have the right to make that decision for you... I would though like for you to make your marriage work... Priya, marriage is never an easy thing... It requires a lot of effort and sacrifices put into it... You have to self adjust for it to work... And what marriage doesn't have its downs? --All of them do Priya... Don't think that once you start having problems that it's not going to work... What you and Veer were going through was your share of bad times... It's your duty as his wife to be by his side not just in good, but also in bad... And together you two will pull out of whatever troubles you have...
Priya: ...I have made a mistake... I know this. But I am not sure whether I am ready to go back to him...
Swara: Do you love him Priya?
Priya hesitates for a moment before replying...
Priya: I do...
Swara: Then take my advice... Listen to your heart... Do what you feel is right... It is not a fact that Veer cannot guarantee you a promising future... He can easily change that... and with your help.
Priya remains silent, dwelling within Swara's words... Swara kisses her softly on her head and slowly lets herself up, causing Priya to get up as well...
Swara: Think about what I have said...
With those as her last words, Swara leaves Priya alone in her room once again engulfing her into her own clashing thoughts...
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Over the next few days Sanskaar's anger seemed to have reached its height. He couldn't remember ever being so angry before at anything in his life, up until now. Nowadays he would get easily ticked and lose his cool at everyone. His staff at the office, who had gotten used to the slight calm Sanskaar Maheshwari for the past couple of months, were taken aback and frightened on seeing his lion-like rage back. They had forgotten how to handle it and with his grouchy attitude's return, life for them at the office has become miserable.
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"What the bloody hell do you mean you don't have it? Did I not give you a specific deadline for it?," Sanskaar practically roars into his phone, immersed in a conversation with an employee.
The trembling employee answers back, "Yes sir, you did, but----."
Sanskaar: But what?! There are no acceptable excuses for this Rathore, I had given you an efficient deadline to work on and I expected it to be handed in on my desk this morning! ...If you cannot handle the work that I provide you, you might as well not even come here tomorrow!
Sanskaar slams his desk phone onto the receiver and swears under his breath. "Damn imbecile," he mutters to himself. Hearing a soft knock on his door, he agitatedly calls the person in. Anisha makes her appearance by the door and looks nervously at her boss.
Sanskaar: Oh, so now you come? Where were you when I repeatedly called for you? Are you intent on losing your job? (he demands)
Anisha: No sir, I'm sorry sir. Woh actually, my health----
Sanskaar: Save the excuse---- Where are the shares that I asked you to bring? (growls)
Anisha: (unsure) Sir... shares?
This mistake of hers causes Sanskaar to burst...
Sanskaar: Why do I bloody pay you fools if you cannot even do the tasks I ask you to do!
Anisha: (scared) I-I'll bring them right away sir...
Anisha leaves in a rush and returns a few minutes later. In the meantime, Sanskaar curses continuously under his breath. He focuses on his laptop as Anisha tries to make her presence known.
Anisha: Sir, the shares...
Sanskaar: Hmmm... put them on my desk.
She obliges and lingers hesitantly by his desk. Clearing her throat, she places a tiffin box onto his desk as well, right in front of him... Sanskaar catches this and stares up at her in a demanding manner.
Sanskaar: What's this?
Anisha: Sir... it's your lunch... You had skipped breakfast... So Sujatha ma'am sent it for you...
Sanskaar: And how did she know that I skipped?
Anisha: (sheepishly, embarrassed) Sir... I had mentioned it.
Sanskaar: (scowls) Teek hai... tum jao...
Relieved, Anisha flees from the lion's den, leaving a curious Sanskaar behind. He closes his laptop and places it aside then takes a hold on the tiffin. He unclasps the top and stares down at the variety of food made for him. Hearing his stomach growl from the sight, Sanskaar grabs the spoon given along with it, and tastes a little of the meal. He chews slowly and after he swallows it, he stares back down at the food and after a thought, pushes it away.
It is familiar... too familiar. He can recognize her cooking anywhere now. She can use his mother as a cover up all she wants, but he will always know that it is her. Miserably he lowers his head into his hands and rubs his temples with his fingertips...
Ever since Veer's return, Swara seemed to always be preoccupied in spending time with him. Everywhere he looked, the two of them were always together, talking to each other in low voices and seeming a little too comfortable with each other for his liking...If he could, he would strangle Veer to death to get him out of his way and from ruining his life any further, but that would be out of line. Ragini had once asked him that if he could forgive Priya, why could he not forgive Veer as well? To this he had no answer nor could give it to her. Only he knew why he couldn't and wouldn't. Because that boy is the sore reason for his unhappiness...by stealing away his Swara from right under his nose...The nerve of him!---- To come back and try to sweep her off her feet!
And what devastates him is that Swara's old love for Veer seems to have awakened once again. She smiles, laughs, and remains so happy around him that it upsets Sanskaar terribly. Not that he hates seeing her happy, he just wishes that she would be that happy with him. That she loves him instead.
"Sir, aapka one o'clock client aap keliye wait kar raha hai..." Anisha's voice announces over the intercom. Sanskaar snaps out of his whirling thoughts and presses down on the button, replying back, "Send him in."
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"He seems to hate me even more nowadays Swara... Face it, he'll never speak to me again..." she hears his gloomy voice speak over the phone. She also becomes down on hearing this, but doesn't give up in trying boosting up her friend's confidence.
Swara: He will Veer, don't you worry...
Veer: Swara, your hopes are starting to become useless for me now...
Swara: You've got to believe Veer...Accha suno, kaunsa restaurant hai?
Veer: Hmm, Watermoon... Be there exactly in thirty minutes. I need you there dost.
Swara blanks out and her heart skips a beat as a reaction. Watermoon Restaurant... Instantly a flash back of her husband standing across from her in their booked room, looking dangerously handsome in a classy designer suit with his arms folded behind his back crosses her mind--- switching into him extending his hand out towards her, grinning cutely, asking for a dance. He leads her onto the dance floor where he caresses her waist and sways her into the rhythm of the music. He twirls her around with grace and brings her back into him with a subtle placement of his hand on her midriff.
Chills run down her spine just from the memory...
Veer: Hello?...Hello? Swara? Swara...you there?
Startled, Swara jumps out of her lost trance and answers immediately to Veer.
Swara: Yes, I'm here. (breathless)
Veer: Gosh, what happened to you? Why were you not speaking?
Swara: (cheeks blooming) Nahi, kuch nahi... I think I lost connection for a second... (lying between her teeth) What were you saying?
Veer: (sighs) Just come here as soon as possible. I want this to go well.
Swara: (cheekily) Yes Boss.
Veer: (chuckles) Remember, if this plan turns out to be successful, I will treat you out to your favorite ice cream tomorrow. So you actually have to put effort into this.
Swara: Veer, I am appalled. You think I am only doing this for you for my own benefit? Why, I just want to see you and Priya happy.
Veer: (snorts) We both know that you are mostly doing this for the ice cream so quit the act.
Swara smiles as a response.
Veer: Alright, I'm hanging up the phone... come quick.
Swara: I am just on my way out the door, don't worry.
Veer: Good.
Swara cuts off the call from her cell phone and places it on the dresser. She had just gotten out of the shower and was freshly dressed in a new simple saree. Taking her mangulsutra, she fastens it around her and then reaches for her small dabbi of vermillion. As soon as she fills her maang with sindoor, through the mirror she sees the bedroom door open and her husband walk into view. The powder falls onto the lower bridge of her nose just as her and Sanskaar's eyes meet. Swara doesn't notice this until she has to avert her eyes away, feeling self conscious of his gaze on her. She takes her finger and wipes it off in one swift move, Sanskaar looks away and walks into the room in silence.
He removes his coat and throws it onto the bed and then places his briefcase off to the side. As he begins on unfastening his watch, Swara grabs her cell phone and purse and hesitantly makes her way over to Sanskaar.
Swara: Woh, I am going to go out for sometime.
Sanskaar: (focused on his watch) ...Where are you going?
Swara: ...Woh, mein dinner Veer ke saath----
Sanskaar clenches his jaw as soon as he hears his name. So now he's taking his wife out for dinner---- damn that b*st*rd. Just wait till he gets his hands on him-----
Sanskaar: (cutting her off) Why don't you have dinner at home? What's the point of going out?
Swara: Huh? (startled by his attitude)
He wants to scream, tell her that she's his wife and not Veer's. Tell her that he's the only man whose capable of making her happy and not that damn Veer. The only man for her...But he can't...
Sanskaar: Forget it...
Swara stares at him in confusion, but doesn't have any time to dwell on his grouchy mood since her cell rings. She picks it up and automatically says, "Haan Veer, I am coming."
Right when she leaves, Sanskaar slams his fist against the wall in frustration...
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Priya wipes her face with a small white towel as she comes out from the bathroom and on hearing her cell phone ring; she sets it aside and walks over to her nightstand to answer it.
Priya: Hello?
"Priya? ...Listen, I don't have time to explain, you just come here fast." she hears a rushed voice speak in worry.
Priya: Didi?
Swara: Priya, come quick, I need to tell you something important.
Priya: But where are you?
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Priya shoves random bills at the rickshaw driver and quickly runs up the small steps leading to the elegant restaurant. Inside she was scared and dying to know the reason for her sister's uneasiness. What could be possibly wrong? What does she need to tell her? And why here at this restaurant?
An employee dressed in uniform politely opens the glass door for her as she steps inside. Her eyes wander around the beautiful place for a moment then she immediately makes herself snap out of it and focus on finding Swara. She goes to the man near the podium and hesitantly questions him.
Priya: Excuse me, but do you by chance have a reservation here under the name Swara Dix---- Maheshwari?
She watches the man peer down at the reservation list before him and scan the pages. He nods his head in approval.
"Yes, we have a Maheshwari reservation for 8 o'clock... You are here just on time Ma'am... Your sister is waiting for you in another room... I will call for someone to escort you there."
The man beckons for the boy near the door and instructs him to lead Priya to the secluded room. Priya gazes around as she walks behind the employee and brings her attention back as he hears him speak. "Ma'am...," he calls out to her as he presents the open door. Priya cautiously enters and becomes stunned on what she sees. She softly gasps at the sight of a candlelight dinner outside in a gorgeous garden, blooming with flowers and a soft fragrance lingering in the air. However, what surprises her the most is seeing her husband instructing a couple of violinists in a low voice. For the first time since she has known him, he is dressed handsomely in a dress suit, unlike his regular shirts and rugged jeans.
Veer turns around as he sees one of the violinist look behind him instead, catching his attention. He breathes in sharply on Priya's appearance, wearing a very simple yellow salwaar kameez suit yet looking radiantly beautiful in it. He casts Swara, who stands off to the side, a sideway glance of uncertainty. She smiles him in encouragement, nodding him on.
Priya, getting over the unexpected shock, catches her sister standing idly nearby and approaches her. She clings onto her and once in awhile looks back at Veer nervously, who seems equally nervous as well.
Priya: Di?...
Swara smiles sweetly at her sister and clasps her hands over Priya's, which gently hold onto her arm...
Swara: Mein chalti hoon... You and Veer have a lot to talk about...
Swara removes Priya's hands from her and softly pushes her ahead, directing her over towards Veer. Before leaving, Swara winks at Veer, bringing a small grin onto his lips. The violinists break the awkward silence with the melody of their violins.
Priya consciously remains standing in her spot, not knowing what to make out of all this. She is floored by the efforts Veer has put into this dinner. He has never done anything so exotic like this for her before. Immediately she becomes hassled and worriedly asks him, "Veer, how did you afford to pay for all of this?"
Veer's grin instantly fades and he blinks unsurely at his wife.
Veer: Do you not like it? (worried himself)
Priya: (chocking over her own words) No... I... I do... It's like a dream come true... But how could you possibly---- where did you get the money to----
Veer: Priya... I'm willing to do anything for you...just to make you happy.
Priya's mouth dries and no words seem to come out as a response. She just mutely stares at Veer in disbelief and in moments begins to tear, alarming her hubby. Veer quickly motions to the violinists to cut off the music and leave them alone in privacy for a while.
As soon as they leave, Veer comes over to Priya, taking her hands into his and wiping a few of her tears.
Veer: Priya, why are you crying?
Priya: ...Why do you do so much for me Veer?
Veer: ...Isn't it obvious Priya? ---- It's because I love you... I love you so much.
Priya: (her voice cracking) I am a terrible person... You deserve someone so much better. I am always demanding things... whiny...and easily displeased... How can you love a person like me?
Veer: Priya... You don't see yourself in my eyes... You can only notice your flaws... But, if you would look from where I'm standing, you would see how beautiful of a person you are, inside and out. Your flaws don't matter to me.
Priya: Oh Veer, I am so--- ...
Veer: Shhh...
He presses his finger against her lips, preventing her from saying anything else...
Veer: You have nothing to apologize for... If anyone needs to apologize, then it's me. I shouldn't have behaved with you the way I did, it was wrong and I know I have hurt you by it. I promise you from here on out that I will never hurt you in anyway ever again. I want to keep you happy always.
Priya's eyes shine with wet tears and she gently removes his finger away from her mouth.
Priya: And I promise that I will be more supportive... I will even apply for a job... I will be a good wife to you... I don't want us to tear apart again over problems that we can fix...
Veer: (smiles) Neither do I...
Priya smiles back also and beams in delight as Veer pecks her softly on her lips. He takes her hand in his and directs her over to their table, pulling out her chair for her, and seats her down...
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Swara wraps her arms around herself tight as a gentle chilling breeze brushes past her. She sits aimlessly on a bench at a park nearby, where there is not a single soul in sight. She silently peers up at the full moon, shinning brightly in the dark night, while reflecting on cherishing memories of her marriage to Sanskaar Maheshwari. These are the memories that she keeps close to her heart---the ones she lives on. --- These are the very moments that give her strength. She prays mindfully to herself, hoping to see the day in which her husband will finally accept her as his wife in a true sense...
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"Neetha!!!!," Uttara exclaims in excitement as she sees her friend and her husband walk into the front hall of the Maheshwari Mansion. Neetha's face brightens and she excitedly runs over to Uttara as well. Together the girls embrace and Uttara spins her around ecstatically. Neetha giggles by this.
"Arre arre, sambalke Uttara, ab hamari Neetha akeli nahi hai... uske pet mein ab ek chota sa munna ya munni hai," Dadi calls out to her, stopping Uttara immediately in her actions.
Uttara: Oops! Sorry--- I didn't hurt the baby, did I?
Neetha: Of course not silly. Tu to uski Maasi ho, how could you possibly hurt her?
Uttara: Her? ...How are you so sure that the baby is a girl?
Neetha: (rubbing her stomach) A mother just knows this kind of stuff.
Uttara: (laughing) Shart lagadoon? 1000 bucks if she turns out as a he.
"Don't even think about betting on my child, Uttara," Rohit warns her as he comes over to them. Uttara frowns at him.
Uttara: Jeej, you are only saying that cause you very well know the baby's a boy and you just don't want me to get the money.
Rohit: No... I am only saying that because I don't wanna have to tell the kid that his or her own Maasi bet on his or her gender. He'd just think of himself as a lottery ticket for you.
Uttara: Ah! Even you think it's a he!
Neetha smacks her forehead as both Rohit and Uttara get into a heated argument of what the baby's gender really will be.
"Oh ho, stop it you two, it doesn't matter whether it is a girl or a boy, what matters is that a little bundle of joy will be arriving in less than 8 months, and that we should all be making preparations for it's arrival," Sujatha states as she walks into view. Rohit smiles and takes his blessings from his mother-in-law as Neetha embraces her mother tightly. Sujatha gushes at how her daughter looks beautiful as a newly married woman and advises her on how to take care of herself now that she is pregnant. Ragini also comes there and meets her sister with smile.
Uttara: Oh, who is this?
Uttara finally notices a small cute boy around the age of four, hiding nervously behind Neetha's leg. Rohit catches this and smiles.
Rohit: This is Arjun, my second cousin's son. His mother and him are staying with us recently since they are in town. Ever since he's seen Neetha, he won't leave her alone for a second. He's grown very attached to her, which is why we have brought him along.
Uttara bends down and places her hands on her knees, meeting the same level as Arjun.
Uttara: Hello cutie.
Arjun turns his face away, hiding.
Neetha: (coaxing) Arjun, sweetheart, say hello to Uttara Maasi...
Uttara: Maasi?
Neetha: Yes, you are my sister, hence, you are his Maasi.
Uttara smiles, touched by Neetha's words, and brings her attention back to the scared little boy.
Uttara: Come out Arjun, I won't bite... I promise... Do you want some chocolates?
She sees his head perk up on the mention of chocolates and grins in victory. Slowly he appears from behind Neetha and nods his head hesitantly. Uttara extends her hand over and indicates for him to come along with her. Arjun nervously casts Neetha a glance.
Neetha: Go on kiddo.
Uttara: Come on... I have lots of chocolates in my room. We will eat, play games, and have lots of fun. Doesn't that sound nice?
Again Arjun nods his head and gladly comes toward her. Uttara gathers him into her arms and picks him up from the floor. She disappears with him to her room, leaving Neetha and Rohit behind to catch up with the family.
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Shambu: Sir?
Sanskaar: Hmm, kya hai Shambu?
Shambu: Neetha baby and Rohit baba are in the living room. Everyone is there. Ma'am has sent me to request for your presence.
Sanskaar: Teek hai. You may leave.
Shambu: Yes sir.
Shambu leaves the study and Sanskaar sighs as he begins to wrap up his work. He walks briskly out of the room and down the hall to the way of the living room. He hears the chatter coming from there and feels slightly annoyed by the joy in it. Why should he have to put up with everyone else's happiness when inside he is absolutely miserable?
As he continues to walk, he notices the garden doors opened and slowly halts to a stop. Curiously he peers out from it and spots an unfamiliar boy kicking a ball around in a gloomy manner. He looks no older than five and has a clutter of dirty brown hair on his head, a pinched nose, and expressive dark muddy eyes overlapped with long curled eyelashes. Instantly he feels a strange attachment to the boy and has the great urge to smother him in his arms. It is as if he is being magnetically pulled towards him as his feet move on its own accord.
Just when Sanskaar approaches the frail looking thing, the boy stares up on catching his shadow with captivating eyes that causes him to lean down before him and affectionately ruffle his hair.
"What's your name son?"
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Veer wanders around the Mansion in a desperate search for Swara who was no where in sight. He had been held back for a few minutes by Neetha and her husband, and he warmly congratulated her on her marriage. At first Neetha was unsure around his presence, but by a simple nod of approval from her mother, she started to smile and act like her old self around him.
During his investigation of her whereabouts, Veer bumps into Uttara who grouchily informs him that Swara must be in her room if she is not anywhere else. Finding Uttara's anger in him justified, he doesn't bother in feeling bad about it and goes straight to his brother's room...
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Swara leans against the opened window and stares down into the green, thriving garden in which her husband plays one on one with the most adorable boy she has ever set her eyes on. Her insides melt on the sight of Sanskaar displaying fatherly affection towards the toddler and she can't restrain herself from smiling fondly. She would smile whenever the two of them smiled and would laugh when they did. She looks on intently as Sanskaar chases after Arjun and captures him into his arms, swinging him around in the air. She dreamily keeps her eyes on her husband, who wears an honest smile on his lips and chuckles meaningfully--- something that she hasn't witnessed for days now.
Arjun explodes into a fit of giggles as Sanskaar thrusts him up and down in the air, and finally bringing him down only to tickle him on his belly. Quickly her mind starts reeling with thoughts. How would it feel to have a child of their own? ---Her's and Sanskaar's? Would it be somewhat similar to this? Would Sanskaar shower endless affection on their son or daughter just as he is on Arjun? Would she watch them affectionately just as she is now?
Seeing Sanskaar tumble over and fall down onto the ground, takes Swara out of her daze and slightly scares her of whether he is hurt. She reaches out to him as a reaction, but hearing him and Arjun break out into laughter over his fall, calms her down a bit. Arjun crawls onto Sanskaar's fallen form and imitates his previous tickling on him instead. A grin slowly makes its way back onto her face.
"Nice picture, isn't it?," Veer's unexpected voice comes right from behind. Swara jumps out of shock and spins around to look at him. She places a hand over her racing heart.
Swara: Oh Veer... don't scare me like that.
Veer merely smiles at her and looks back over to the scene that Swara had been watching for the last five minutes. She embarrassingly remains rooted by the window, hating how she has been caught.
Veer: Bhaiya's really good with kids, don't you think?
Swara: (hesitantly answers) ...Yes, he is... (she practically squeaks)
Veer: You know, that kid is no exception. Bhai loves children in general. He's got like a special soft spot for them, you know?
Swara remains silent, but is glad on hearing this bit of information. It only makes her love him even more.
Veer: I used to always get jealous because Bhai would get so involved with them that he'd forget about everything else--- even me, his supposed favorite. Well, his once favorite. (says lightly)
She catches his depressing last words, and pats his arm sympathetically. Veer looks back over at her and smiles hopefully.
Veer: Just you wait Bhabhi... Once you and him have a child of your own, Sanskaar Bhaiya will go to wonders to make that kid the happiest in the world.
Swara's face immediately flushes as an aftermath of his words while Veer chuckles at her reaction. She tries brushing off what he has said by bringing up another point...
Swara: I thought I told you it's not necessary to call me Bhabhi?
Veer: (shrugs) Actually, I didn't think it was either. But I feel that it has started to become so.
Swara: Woh kyon?
Veer: Since I found out how deeply you are in love with my brother... I thought that I should now start calling you Bhabhi. (says teasingly)
Swara is stunned to the point of becoming speechless.
Veer: Waise bhi... Swara Bhabhi has a nice ring to it, don't ya think? (winks)
She further blushes beetroot and looks away from him, causing Veer to laugh once again. He takes her arms in his hold and steers her to face him.
Veer: Hey Bhabhi... it's nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, I am so happy that I am unable to express my joy. Really, now that I think of it, you and Bhai are made for each other. Certainly a match made in heaven. And honestly, I don't think I've seen Bhai seem so relaxed and calm around someone other than you. ------ I hear that he never refuses to you either, that he always listens to you without any hesitation. (winks, teasing)
Swara: (stammers) ...W-where did you hear that?
Veer: (grins mischievously) I've got my sources...
Swara: ... (mutters) I wouldn't count Maa and Dadi as reliable sources... they only see what they want to see, but in reality, nothing like that exists.
Veer: What do you mean by that? I have seen with my own eyes the truth to this... How his eyes find you always and the way he looks at you is enough to explain it all.
Swara: (confused) Explain what?
Veer: (disbelief) You actually don't know?
Swara is silent, confirming that she really has no idea what he's trying to imply.
Veer: Geez Bhabhi, do you not see how much he loves you? Are you really that blind? Anyone can take one look at him and see how latoo he has become over you! He's terribly love sick. (stating the facts)
Veer further succeeds in shocking the wits out of Swara. She looks back at him with a disbelief of her own.
Swara: (stuttering) I... I... (blushing hot red) Veer, you don't know what you're talking about.
Veer: No Bhabhi, you are the one who doesn't know... Perhaps it is time for you to see reality... What is the truth...
Swara looks away from Veer and back outside of the window, where Sanskaar has Arjun sitting on his broad shoulders, letting him touch the green leaves on a top branch of the tree. She feels Veer lightly place a hand on her shoulder.
Veer: Tell him... Tell him how you feel... Enough of this hide and seek game you two are playing... Otherwise you will always be left wondering about how things can be.
Giving a small squeeze, Veer removes his hand and leaves from the room, whereas Swara stands fixed in her spot... Reflecting on what her friend has said...
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Sanskaar grinds his teeth on seeing the sight of Veer with Swara through his bedroom window. He turns around and faces a silent Arjun, who stares at him with curiosity, wondering what he had been looking at. He grins lightly at the boy, reassuring him that nothing is wrong, and resumes in giving his full attention to him while trying unsuccessfully push troubling thoughts to the back of his mind.
"Arre! How come with me you were so ghum sum, but you are so chatty with Mr. Maheshwari, huh?," Uttara's questioning voice approaches from behind. Sanskaar looks behind, finding Uttara marching towards them with a clearly upset look on her face. In her hand she carries a small brown teddy bear.
Arjun: Mr. Maheshry? Whose Mr. Maheshry maushi? (asks in his childish voice)
Uttara: (gushes, forgetting her supposed anger) Aawww, you called me maushi! So sweet! Teek hai, main tujhe maaf karti hoon!
Arjun: Par---- Mr. Maheshry kaun hai?
Sanskaar: (chuckles) Main hoon Mr.Maheshwari beta...
Arjun: Aap hai Mr. Maheshry? ...Par---Par mujhe laga ...ke aap Sanskaar Uncle hai... I am confoosed... (making a face)
Both Uttara and Sanskaar laugh together at his expression and his Sanskaar Uncle kisses him affectionately on his head.
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Everyone gathers around the dining table to have lunch and Sanskaar, Arjun, Uttara, Swara, and Veer are one of the last to join, coming from their own separate ways. Uttara sits down beside Neetha and saves a seat on her other side for her sister. Just as Swara sits down, she sees Arjun rushing over in front of Veer, making his presence known. Veer is at first startled then smiles at the cute boy. He lowers to meet his level and extends his hand over to him.
Veer: Hey Kiddo, what's your name?
Arjun doesn't speak a word while he just stares at him weird, and then kicks him really hard on the shin. Veer yelps in pain, grabbing onto his leg, and Arjun rushes off to the dining table to join everyone else, sitting beside an available seat by his Sanskaar Uncle. Swara catches the happy smirk on her husband's face and give Arjun a high-five. Arjun becomes smug, happy in pleasing his new favorite uncle. Sanskaar stares up and his smile vanishes as his eyes meet with Swara's. He notices the knowing look in her eyes and averts his gaze back down. In the meantime, Veer arrives at the table, rubbing his leg in pain...
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Neetha is passed all around by her family members, each hugging her and wishing her a happy marriage. She finally reaches Swara who stands behind by the stairs, isolated, and takes her hands into hers. Her Bhabhi smiles affectionately at her and cups her cheek with her hand.
Swara: Take care of yourself Neetha.
Neetha: Ji Bhabhi...
Neetha gives her a sweet, warm hug before finally joining her husband's side and preparing to leave. She turns around and notices Arjun lingering behind.
Neetha: Arjun... come one sweetheart, we are leaving.
Arjun hastily hugs his Sanskaar Uncle's leg with his tiny arms and shakes his head in refusal.
Rohit: Arjun, don't do this...
Arjun: Mujhe... nahi... jana... (adamant)
Rohit: Arjun... (sternly)
Arjun only hugs Sanskaar's leg tighter as a response. Sanskaar smiles lightly at this and motions to Neetha and Rohit that he will handle this. He breaks the boy's hold from his leg and lowers down on one knee, meeting his gaze. Taking his arms into his grip, Sanskaar begins in trying to make the little toddler understand.
Sanskaar: Arjun beta... You will have to go. You cannot stay here forever, right?
Arjun: But... I... I wanna stay here with you...
Sanskaar: What about your Mumma? And your Mama ji and Mami ji? They will miss you... Won't you miss them?
Arjun seems to drown into deep thoughts from this, rethinking his decision.
Sanskaar: Waise bhi... Whenever you feel like it, you may come back here and I promise I will also come and visit... Teek hai?
Arjun: ...Promish?
Sanskaar: (smiling) Promise.
Arjun: Pinky promish?
Sanskaar: (chuckling a bit) Haan baba, pinky promise.
Arjun smiles in relief from this and gives him a bear hug. Sanskaar also wraps his arms around him, patting him smoothly on his back. Everyone smiles at this scene, finding it adorable how much the boy has grown attached to Sanskaar. Arjun pulls back and kisses him quickly on his cheek before fleeing out of his arms and running over back to his Mama and Mami. He takes Neetha's hand and waves excitedly back at Sanskaar as they say their farewells to the family and leave out of sight...
The Maheshwaris watch them leave until they are officially gone and resume back to their individual schedules. Swara watches Sanskaar linger nearby the Mansion's entrance and finally resort back to refuge in his study. She meets Veer's knowing glance and his prodding nod in going after him. Swara gulps nervously and rethinks about what she should do. Should she really confront him about this matter? Veer makes a good point, for how long will this keep going? She will no longer imagine how things can be, in order for her dreams to come true, she must speak with her husband---because from where she sees, it doesn't seem he will be the one who will make that move...
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Swara did not get the chance to speak to him later on in the day, nor the next or the day after that. He had been wrapped up in a business matter that kept him away from home for long hours, so she rarely saw his face for the past two days...
In the meantime, Priya began to encourage Veer in confronting his adopted older brother...
"Veer, mein yahan ek bhoj bankar nahi jeena chahti... Hum yahan se chalijayenge... I am sure ke Mr. Maheshwari tumhe bhi maaf karenge..." Priya tried in persuading her husband. Veer looked unsure of her words. She sat down besides him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Priya: He has forgiven and forgotten what we have done to him Veer... we must not dwell in the past now.
Veer: Priya, he may have forgiven you, but I am yet to earn my forgiveness. And it will not be an easy task. I have betrayed my own brother...no one betrays family.
Priya mutely nodded her head in understanding and dropped the touchy topic...
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Shambu leads a man in uniform with a kit of tools in through the front entrance of the Mansion and ignores his openly impressed remarks regarding the grand house. He rolls his eyes at some stuff that he says and says in a bored voice, "If you go down the hall, on your left there will be a door, which is the washroom that has the pipe problem."
As the plumber nods his head, Sanskaar walks right in, just arriving back from the office with his coat draped over his arm and his phone held up against one ear. He stops in his tracks at the sight of the dirty dressed man and questioningly looks over to his butler for an answer.
Sanskaar: Who's this?
Shambu: Sir, this is the plumber. Ragini Ma'am wanted the bathroom in the hall to be fixed right away.
Sanskaar, not even knowing of this problem, shrugs it off and resumes back to his conversation over the phone, walking briskly over in the direction towards his study. The plumber begins at the task given to him by following the directions given to the washroom...
Close to an hour later the grimy man comes back to the front area of the house and confronts Shambu about his payment.
Plumber: The job's done... now it's time for payment.
Shambu: Haan, haan...you wait right here... I will be back with your money...
Shambu wanders off in another direction to get the man's payment. Meanwhile, the plumber takes the time to marvel over the Mansion and during this, his eyes are captivated by someone who interests him. He watches Swara in fascination as she gracefully descends down the marble stairs, looking stunning in a rather simple red saree that does justice to her figure. She is, however, oblivious to his presence and proceeds in going towards her destination. She walks right by him and the plumber looks on until she disappears from sight. A few moments later he feels a tap on his shoulder and becomes startled out of his daze. He turns around and faces Shambu who hands over his money to him.
Shambu: Here you go... now you can go.
The plumber takes the money with thoughts still revolving around Swara and grins mischievously at the butler across from him, thinking he can share this bit of information with him since he is also apart of the working class like himself.
Plumber: Hey boss, who's the babe living here?
Shambu: I beg your pardon?
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Sanskaar cuts off the call after reassuring Laksh that he is on his way back over to the office and grabs his coat, pulling it around himself as he walks out of his study and towards the main area of the Maheshwari Mansion...
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Plumber: Yaar, don't act dumb, you know who I am talking about...The one who's in the red saree.
Shambu: Red saree..?
Shambu ponders over this and realizes that he had just bumped into his Swara Ma'am on the way over here and noticed her wearing a simple red saree. He stares at the man across him in disbelief and disgust.
Shambu: Do you speak of maalkin?
Plumber: Haaiii... She rules over this house---meaning she is your mistress? ...She is an amazing piece of work. Wow...What a babe...
Shambu: (furious at how he is speaking about his Swara Ma'am) It would be better if you would not speak further on this matter. She is clearly out of your league and much higher than you in class.
Plumber: Boss, you don't have to act like that. It is only you and me here. You can also tell me, I know you think of her like that as well. Who wouldn't? She's damn hot man. If I had my chance, I'd show your mistress how I can be the boss of her in my...you know---- I'd rock her world. (laughing in cockiness)
Before Shambu even has a chance to blast off the foul man before him, the plumber feels someone swing him around and punch him squarely in the face. He falls straight down onto the ground and covers his eye in pain. He moans loudly as he looks through his other eye only to see Sanskaar Maheshwari standing above him with a clenched fist and staring down at him in fury. The man trembles to himself in fear as Sanskaar lowers down and grabs a fistful of his shirt, pulling him up from the ground. He freezes on seeing the rage he has evoked in his stormy molten chocolate eyes.
Sanskaar: How dare you... How dare you speak about my wife in that manner! (his voice roaring)
Sanskaar slams another punch into his face, but this time meets his knuckles against the bone of the plumber's jaw, causing a crushing sound to be heard. Blood spills from the man's mouth but this doesn't stop Sanskaar, who's in a fit of a red hazed rage. Shambu only watches aside, horrified, as his master proceeds in punching the filthy man over and over, picking him up every time he falls and pushing him around.
Sanskaar: How could you even think of speaking about her from that grimy mouth of yours!
The commotion becomes so loud that it ends up drawing everyone in the Mansion to the location of the scene, including Swara who stands aghast, frighteningly watching her husband beat the man across from her.
Sanskaar: I'll kill you---- I"ll kill you, you b*st*rd!!!!
Plumber: Sir!!! Sir, please---- (in between his beatings) please forgive me!
Sanskaar however doesn't heed to his pleading words. Veer steps in immediately and attempts in breaking off his brother's hold from the bleeding man.
Veer: Bhai! ---Bhai! Stop it! You are going to kill him!
Sanskaar: That is what I want! I want him to die!
Veer: Bhaiya, please!
Veer is successful in pushing Sanskaar away, releasing his grip on the almost unconscious man, and moves him aside, acting as a barrier between the lion and his prey.
Sanskaar: Let go of me! ---Let go!
Sanskaar removes Veer's hands away from him and tries to take easy breathes since he had become breathless. He points at the fallen figure of the plumber and makes his demand loud and clear.
Sanskaar: I want this man out of here! ----Right now!
Shambu does not hesitate at all in moving the man away by picking him up with the help of another servant, and escorting him outside.
Veer: Bhaiya, he needs medical attention! We cannot just get rid of him!
Sanskaar: (snaps at him) It would be best if you do not speak at all if you don't wish the same for yourself!
Veer is silenced but his eyes still wander over to the terribly beaten Plumber, whose legs dangle behind as the butlers carry him out by pulling on his arms. Sujatha, who had been quiet throughout, finally speaks, yet her voice quivers.
Sujatha: Sanskaar, what happened? What is going on?
Swara also stares at her husband, wanting an answer just as much as Sujatha asks for one. She had never seen him so angry before, not even when they had been on bad terms. What is the reason for this anger of his?
Sanskaar: Maa, all you need to know is that I have dealt with a fool who needed to stay within his boundaries.
Sujatha: Par----
Sanskaar turns around, meeting her gaze and silences her just with a single deadly look. The rest, Ragini, Uttara, Samar, and Priya remain away, not wishing to reawake Sanskaar Maheshwari's angry wrath. Swara catches the sight of his hand, oozing with trickling blood, and without another thought rushes to him in worry. Just as she approaches him, she tears on her saree, ripping off a piece of the cloth, and takes Sanskaar's hand into hers, not meeting his eyes at all as she does this. She tenderly wraps around the red material over his wound and tries hard to conceal the tears in her eyes. Sanskaar watches her secretly amazed by her reaction and keeps his eyes transfixed on her, just as everyone else.
As she finishes, she looks up and holds her breath just as his deep molten chocolate eyes peer into her own. Sujatha breaks their silent eye lock with an instruction directed to Swara.
Sujatha: Swara... take Sanskaar to your room and properly dress his wound with the first aid kit. His hand is covered in blood. (quietly instructs)
Swara: ...Ji Maa... (softly)
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Sanskaar watches mutely as Swara redresses his injury after cleaning it gently with care. He hadn't realized that he practically was hurting himself with constantly punching the git up until now. Swara tucks in the end of the bandage securely so it will not fall out and smoothes it out around. As she finishes, Sanskaar takes back his hand from her and quietly thanks her. She only nods her head in acknowledgment and begins in placing back the bandages and cleaning supplies into the first aid kit. Just as she closes it and carries it with her to the door, she stops in her tracks and looks over her shoulder at her husband who has now moved on by looking through a nearby file.
"Tell him how you feel... Otherwise you will always be left wondering about how things can be," Veer's words come back to haunt her. She absorbs in this advice for a moment before building up courage, taking a breath, and turning around in his direction.
Swara: Mr. Maheshwari... I wish to tell you something.
Sanskaar stills on hearing her voice and slowly places the file in his hands down onto the table by him. He looks back at her as well, giving her his full attention. He notices her nervous state.
Swara stares down at her hands, her fingers twiddling with one another in anxiety, and continues on in speaking...
Swara: I have been wanting to speak to you about this for a long time now... But did not have enough courage to confront you about it... Mr. Maheshwari I----
Sanskaar raises a hand to prevent her from speaking anymore, and Swara stumbles over her own words as she sees this.
Sanskaar: I know what you want to talk about Swara...
Swara: (staring at him with some relief and nervousness) You know?
Sanskaar: Haan... (confirming)
A silence engulfs them for a moment while Sanskaar musters up the strength in persuing the conversation.
Sanskaar: Swara... I... I have wished to speak to you about this as well but did not have the courage to do so... It has been on my mind constantly for the past week...
He pauses for a long while before going on...
Sanskaar: I know what you want... I know what I want... And I want the both of us to be happy...
Swara feels her hopes arise within her on hearing his words and she cannot help but feel optimistic about where their conversation is leading... Will he tell her that he loves her just as much as she loves him? Will he accept her as his wife now in a true sense? Can they finally have a life together full of love and happiness that she had always imagined?
Sanskaar: Swara... I have been a horrible man and husband to you from day one of our marriage... And to this day I still regret it... I have never given you any happiness... only difficulties and pain...
Sanskaar turns around on his steps, turning his back on his wife, not wanting to let the anguish inside of him to be noticed by her... Because the words he is about to say will be a great deal of pain for him...
Swara comes close to his retreated figure, reaching out to comfort him, wanting to reassure him that she has completely forgiven him and that he should not linger in the past. But her hand is held in place midway as she hears his next expressed thoughts...
Sanskaar: But I want to change that now... I want you to be happy Swara... I want you to get all the happiness that you deserve... And if that happiness lies in Veer... then I will grant you that without hesitation...
Her whole body seems to freeze and her face becomes paralyzed in shock...
Sanskaar: I just want to see you happy always... I do not want to deprive you of anything more... I will not stand in the way of the one you love... Swara... I release you... I no longer have any right over you... You will finally be able to live for your own desires...experience your own happiness. And what more could I ask than that? ...Our marriage has only been a compromise... I don't want you to live with a burden like that for the rest of your life... Perhaps this is the best for the both of us...
She can feel her whole world shake around her and her heart break into a thousand scattered pieces from his tormenting words. For a few moments of time, which felt like an eternity, a silence once again surrounds them. Swara can feel a tightening feeling build within her chest and she breathlessly questions him...
Swara: That that... Neetha--Neetha's engagement party...
She wanted to ask him if that night held any value or meaning to him like it does to her, but the grief stirred inside of her prevents her from finishing her sentence... Tears immediately sting in her eyes...
Sanskaar: That night... That night was a mistake... just a mistake. It should never have happened... I had taken advantage of--- ...I am sorry Swara... I am deeply sorry... It shouldn't had happened... (he repeats) Please forgive me.
Swara trembles and almost loses her balance, but keeps herself up by using the chair nearby as support. Tears escape from her wet eyes and roll down her pale cheeks... She feels her insides being pierced severely... It hadn't meant anything to him... It was all just a mistake... Just a mistake... He doesn't love her after all... Everything... Everything was a terrible mistake...
Sanskaar: I don't want you to suffer any longer from my own doings... I wish for you to start a new life, start a fresh... and lead a life in which you will not have to live for others, but only for yourself... Swara, I----
Sanskaar looks back and turns fully around only to find no one behind him...
Sanskaar: Swara..?
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PS: Please suggest me what you want from these 3 options for next track. 1) Swara's pregnancy with miscarriage 2) Swara's pregnancy without miscarriage and 3) No pregnancy now
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Much Love,
Shreetha..
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