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It had been almost 3 months since their fake marriage became a true one. Yet the awkwardness never seemed to leave Swara. She had always imagined that after her mom and dad came together- she would leave Kolkata forever. But instead, she was staying back- not just staying back. But she had to endure looking at Laksh- every single day! Her sister, her friend Ragini- and her first love- Laksh. She had forgiven them a long time ago. Yet- ever since Laksh found out the truth about Ragini's lies- Ragini had grown more and more desperate. Her frustrations with her own life- Ragini took it out on Swara. Her growing insecurities led to petty troubles which Swara endured everyday. And everyday- she hoped Ragini would come to her senses. And Laksh! He wasn't helping her by alienating Ragini. He just wouldn't forgive Ragini. In fact, he was a lost man. He hardly ever came home. He stayed away on official visits for as long as possible. And whenever he was home- he was always bursting out. He blamed himself for Swara's misery. Loathed Sanskar and always tried to belittle him. Swara, for some reason hated it. After all, Sanskar was her friend. And... yes... now... her husband too...
No matter what happened- Swara knew Sanskar was with her. He trusted her. Had absolute faith in her. Sometimes, she felt she was being unreasonable. He had suffered enough. And Swara thought, she was increasing his sufferings. But his admitting his love for her- somehow did not feel right. He was a friend. But her anger was with herself. She did not seem to know what she had done for Sanskar to fall in love with her. And the more she tried to withdraw from Sanskar- she ended up getting closer to him. An unspoken bond had developed between them in these past three months. She promised to herself- she would not blame him for loving her. And he had never repeated his sentiments to her- for he knew it made her uncomfortable. Yet he was there for her... always... And this made Swara sad... For she was not giving him anything in return.
It was Sanskar's birthday.
All these years, ever since his first love died- he had not celebrated his birthday. Swara knew this. Sujatha had told her this. A love-hate relationship existed between Sujatha and Swara. Swara understood her mom-in-law. She felt that Sanskar deserved to be happy... At least on his birthday... So Swara had organised a surprise party for Sanskar that evening. She had invited most of his friends and business associates. When Sanskar entered the hall- everyone yelled- "Happy Birthday Sanskar"! He wasn't sure how to react. Everyone was wishing him. Swara could see that he was uncomfortable. He excused himself and retired to his room to freshen up. Swara followed him. "You shouldn't have done this, Swara"! He said. "I know Sanskar. But I want to tell you this- sometimes, we need to be happy for the sake of others. However miserable it makes us feel- we must realise that our happiness and sorrows are not our's alone. You lost your love. So you feel that you don't deserve happiness. But you don't have any rights to take away your family's happiness through your act of punishing yourself"! Sanskar was shocked! No one had ever reasoned with him like this. He felt the respect that he had for Swara grow. She was truly, an angel that had come to light up the darkness in his heart! Swara continued- "I am going to return to the party Sanskar. I only said what I felt was right. I leave the decision to come or not come- to you"... She looked lovely! She was wearing a black transparent saree with silver blouse... It was the saree that he had bought for her a month ago... thinking of it brought a smile... When he bought it- upon Annapoorna's insistence... She had asked Swara to wear it that evening... Swara- not being aware of how to wear a saree slipped and fell... How he held her when she slipped... How he had helped her with her pleats... The memories... They were full of hope... His heart felt light...
No one had expected- but Sanskar came to the party... He was smiling! After a long time- he felt happy... And his happiness was radiant... Everyone around him were happy. Swara smiled. That was what she had wanted all along. It was time to cut the cake. When he fed her the cake... The awkwardness was evident. Everyone were happy... Well... almost... Ragini couldn't bear that Swara was smiling. She was torn away from Laksh- and here was Swara- smiling! And Sanskar too. They had no right to smile- the smile was her's and they had stolen it.
"What are you smiling about Sanskar"? It was Laksh. "You are smiling because you have Swara in your life..." ! He remarked.
"Laksh! When did you come"? asked Ragini, rushing in to greet him. He was gone for almost a month. She came running but stopped mid way.
Laksh was drunk!
"Laksh! Behave yourself"- said his father. But Laksh did not seem to hear. He continued, "Swara is like that. Wherever she is- she spreads joy". Ragini burnt from within. The guests were staring at Laksh! Laksh's father excused them out. Annapoorna asked Ragini to take him inside...
"Happy birthday, Sanskar..."! Shouted Laksh.
"Thank you, brother... Now please go to your room. You are not in your senses", said Sanskar.
"I am very much in my senses, Sanskar. You don't deserve this happiness Sanskar! You don't deserve Swara"! shouted Laksh. He turned to Swara- "To think that everyday- you are waking up next to him.. this ... It's all my fault..." said Laksh...
"I am very happy in my life Laksh. I assure you... But you ought to be within your limits... Don't forget that I am your brother's wife..." said Swara.
"Enough Swara", said Ragini.
"Enough everyone.." said Annapoorna. "Ragini- take Laksh to his room. Happy birthday Sanskar. I am sorry that Laksh.." .."It's okay badi maa... " said Sanskar.
That night, Swara was at the balcony, staring at the moon. The moon unusually beautiful. Sanskar approached her and said "Thanks Swara". She smiled. Her smile... Sanskar felt that he could do anything to make that smile stay... Sanskar turned to leave... when Swara held his hand. He turned back. "Don't you want your gift", asked Swara. "I want to see you smiling... always...", said Sanskar. Swara looked into his eyes. His honesty made her blush. She let go of his hand... Sanskar seemed to realise what had happened. He lowered his gaze too. "Am sorry.." he said. "How many more sorrys and thank yous would you say Sanskar"! Laughed Swara. Her laughter... The sound it made... His heart jumped in a joyous dance... Then he saw that she was holding something in her hand- gift wrapped. Swara saw him seeing that. She held it out for him- "Your gift"! she said. He took it and said- "You gave me my smile back Swara... What more can you give..." and he opened the wrapper... A friendship band! Swara tied it around his wrist. "I am giving you a friend back... with the hope that you won't break her heart again... I tried Sanskar but I couldn't remain angry forever! Every time you look at me- I see you wanting more... But this is what I can give... This is all I can give... It's yours if you want..." she said. Sanskar touched the friendship band... "This is what I want..."... Swara smiled and tried to come forward to shake hands with him... She slipped in her saree... Sanskar caught her around her waist... His grip held tight her waist- she blushed at his touch... He smiled and said..." This is all that I want... for now"...
😳
Cricket
