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WARNING : I hate myself for writing such an OS but it's just that I couldn't help it. It's sadistic. It's a trajedy which I never wanted to write but it just came out. I had no plan when I started writing and this is what came out.
Just bear with it and do tell me what you think. I have not edited it so there might be grammatical or spelling errors. Plz ignore it. It is long I think and I particularly don't like the ending. Do tell me what you think, it's only my second one . I hope you like it.
The first rays of sunlight entered through the window shining upon a beautiful sleeping face. It felt peaceful, it felt beautiful...
Swara woke up with a jolt. Again the same nightmare. To be more precised, again the same memories replaying in her head. Why can't she just forget them. Even after 6 long years they were still there. Haunting her every single night.
She looked up at the wall infront of her. The wall was hidden behind a glass photo that covered it whole. It was a picture of them. It was a picture of her and Sanskaar. They were laughing . Sanskaar had bent little down so that their foreheads were touching.
The photo felt so beautiful , so peaceful. The two people in it were carefree. It was picture of two people who were lost in themselves as was clearly evident from their eyes.It was perfect.
" Ofcourse It had got to be perfect. The photo has got him in it." Swara thought silently.
She got up from the bed. Walking silently towards the wall she touched Sanskaar's face as tears started flowing down her eyes. She wanted to feel his skin, to feel his warmth. She missed those chaste kisses. She missed the cuddling. She missed him. She will always miss him.
Her thoughts played back as she remembered some beautiful days spend with him.
"Sanskaar leave me. I need to get up." Swara spoke as she tried to get out of his grasp.
But Sanskaar was well ...Sanskaar. He only brought her closer and tightened his grip around her and dozed off again.
"Leave me. "
"I won't."
"Please. Please."
"No. And why the hell do you want to wake up at , for gods sake, at 4:30 AM ?" He asked bringing her closer till the tips of their noses were touching.
" If you are going to behave like this then I will never be able to get up." she said capturing his mouth for a short, sweet kiss.
"Well if your never getting up results in this then well don't get up" Sanskaar said teasing her.
"You can't do this to me."
"I can do anything." saying this he started tickling her as she laughed out.
" Okay. Okay stop. I am out of breath " Swara told him as he stopped.
" You lose."
"When did we ever start a win lose game. But Sanskaar leave me . I need to get up. Its important."
" Okay fine . First tell me why ? "
" Badi maa has said that today is some Pooja and I need to be their in morning."
Sanskaar made a small baby like face pouting as he finally let her go.
As she was getting up from their bed she heard him whisper
" My family has only started becoming the villain of my love story."
How ironical it was because they actually beacame the villains of her onve beautiful and complete life. Tears stopped flowing as her face hardened. Her mind finally went back to today's nightmare. Her life's nightmare. That fateful day which made her life face upside down.
" How could you do this to us Sanskaar ? After all we have done for you. We even forgave you for that revengeful mad act and you repay us with this ? " Durga Prasad shouted at Sanskaar throwing some papers. " Is this what we are supposed to get after giving you all that love and care. Is this what we deserve ? " he continued in angry tones.
" Why did you do this Bhai ? Why did you backstab us ? I thought that you were done with your revenge mode. " Laksh questioned his cousin with a mixture of anger and dissapointment .
" So you are the mystery man behind Karma and Co.. The company which has became our fiercest rival in the past years. And today this company took away the contract for which we have worked so hard." DP continued. " Why Sanskaar. What made you stand up against your family like this. How could you do this to your own family's company ?"
"Do you have any idea that this way our family can lose their reputation ?" Adarsh spoke up. " You could have helped our company but no you descided to rival us."
" Sanskaar how could you disrespect my elder brother in this way ?" His father spoke.
The family continued to throw blames on Sanskaar as Swara stood their holding onto him tightly. Whenever she tried to speak up in his defense he would hold her back. She had come to know about his chairmanship few days back. And to say she was impressed would be understatement. She was ecstatic. Her husband was a genius. He was witty, smart and ruthless when it came to business matters. And to say that he has built that company from scratch in a matter of 5 years. A company that was solely his own. A company which did not go four ways like the Maheswari's and Sons. A company that even towered his own family's.He was stronger and successful than whole of his family combined. Oh , she felt proud. But that was nit the matter with their own family. She turned her faces to looke upon everyone. All of them were staring at her husaband with hatred and she was not liking it a bit.
Her eyes then fell on Sujata who was on the verge of tears.She felt hurt. She felt bad. This so called family of her was accusing Sanskaar without any base. This was not done. When finally their ranting has stopped Sanskaar spoke up.
" Now everyone listen to me carefully. You have said your side and now its my turn. When I came back , I only had one thing in mind and that was to destroy you all because you destroyed me. When I realized that I was at fault I stepped back immediately. I stopped my revenge act and you all forgave me. And belive me I do not want any revenge." He stopped their and looked at me. Then turning his head back he continued . This time in a more harsher tone.
" When I left my home all those days back, I had nothing. I had built my company, my Karma and Co. from scratches. From nothing. And you can disrespect it buy saying it was just for revenge. It was my dream. Yes I once used my power to ensure your downfall but I left that thought the day I left my revenge drama. I had thought you all will be happy with my success in such a short span of time. and I thought of announcing it via this project. I had thought of merging our companies, merging our success but looks like your ego is bigger than it. Your sons are feeding from your success but I had built my own and you cannot talk like this.
And the old Sanskaar was back. The one who was ruthless, merciless, witty and dangerous.
" So, listen to me carefully Mr. Maheswari. I am more powerful, successful and stronger than you. I do not live on your mercy and never will I. And frankly I do not need to. Keep your project for yourself if that makes you happy. Because you are not happy for me. I have had enough of this house and its nonsense. I am leaving today and I wish that may I never see your faces again."
With this said, he swiftly grabbed my hand and took us to our room. He started packing our bags amd motioned me to help him.
" Are you sure Sanskaar? " I asked him gently putting my arms around his and looking into his eyes as he calmed down.
" Yes, I am. Although if you are not..." He was cut in between by her.
" I will go wherever you are going. Get it. I am never leaving you." I told him firmly kissing his cheeks and left to pack the bags.
" By the way where are we going ? " she asked him , her eyes glistening with curiosity.
Sanskaar chuckled a bit and answered. " Far away from here Swara. We are going to Mumbai. I already have a house there and I am sure you are going to like it."
They had left quietly without bothering angoin. Sujata has waved them off helplessly as she cannot leave her husband.
Sanskaar was depressed. His family has once again killed him. He can pretend as much he wanted but he was effected badly.
It was the next day after their landing in Mumbai. He had been sad and had cried a lot her. " Swara I am going out for sometime. I'll be back shortly."
" Take care Sanskaar. You are not well. Drive carefully." She was worried like hell. When she saw him leaving she had a feeling of some impending disaster.
And her fears were brought to life. A hour later she had recieved a call ehich has turned her world upside down.
Rushing through the hospital hallways she found his room and him. He was lying peacefully covered in bandages . It broke Swara seeing him like this as tears started flowing out from her eyes. She went by his side took his hand between her's.
Sanskaar opened his eyes to see his wife crying.
"Shh Shona. Don't cry. It will not be good for you both."
Swara looked at him not understanding what he meant.
" While on my out I recived a call from the doctor who informed me that you are pregnant wifey. Be happy Swara . I am leaving a part of my heart and soul to you. Take care of it."
"You are not going anywhere. Do you hear me . Dont leave me Sanskaar. Please no. I'll not be able to take care of our child by myself. I need you. Don't do this to me." Swara cried keeping her head on his chest , never letting go of his hand.
" Don't cry. I said na it's not good for you. And Please don't name my child with some old type name like mine. And don't worry I am not going to try and ask you to move on beacayse believe if anyone will as much lay their eyes upon you , my ghost will kill him. Be happy Swara that is all I ask and if you find someone it's fine by me."
" Never Sanskaar. Never. You are the only one. I am not going to add someone else's name with mine or our child's . You are irreplaceable , you fool."
" And oh, one last request. Do not burn me. It sacres me you no. Bury it somewhere , where it is peaceful, quite, shady. Ok. There is no need to inform my family about it. I don't want them near. Say my goodbye to Dida and Maa and Swara ... " Swara looked up to him.
" I love you. "
With that he drifted of in a long peaceful sleep. Swara stared at him as one more tear fell from her eyes.
" I love you too Sanskaar. I love you."
The memory ended as Swara kept some flowers on his grave.
It said Sanskaar Maheswari. A best friend, husband and father. Swara eyed the place. Just like he wanted it. The grave was near a tree hence it was shady and the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.
"Today's news Sanskaar. I have not talked to them in last 6 years but it looks like tonight I finally meet them. It was beacuse of them that you are not with me today. I still remember that sad face of yours when you left the house. It was beacause of them that you lost your happiness and today they will see what they lost. Finally. "
The soft look that Swara had on her face was lost somewhere as she left the place. The rude, ruthless, cunning and witty chairperson of Karma and Co. was back.
Laksh looked around the magnificent building as he entered it, his arm tucked with his wife Ragini's. His whole family was here with Ragini's grandma and father. They were in Mumbai for some charitable function and business meet. And as time would have it they were late. Some slidshow presentation was going on , on the big digital screen infront. Locating there table they sat down and froze as the next announcement was made.
" I would like to call upon the CEO of Karma and Co. Mr. Rishab Agrawal as he will shed some light upon the life of the company's founder Mr. Sanskaar Maheswari." the announcer spoke.
" So, he is here. Looks like we will meet our dear brother after 6 long years." Laksh spoke with venom in his voice.
In the last 6 years while Maheswari and Sons have made a name in the whole northeast side, Karma and Co. Has became the biggest in the whole country. And this fact was not well taken by the family. As expected instead of being happy they were angry.
Rishab went on upon the stage and told about his friendship with Sanskaar and how a 20 something boy took this company to new heights from scratch.
He further added " The story of the last 6 years will be now told by our company's chairperson." He got down from the stage. On the screen there was a photo of Sanskaar in which he was laughing. It well did not look like a photo apt. for a business meet.
The Maheswari's braced themselves for Sanskaar's presence on the stage but were again met with a shock.
" May I call upon the chairperson of this leading company, Mrs. Swara Sankaar Maheswari. " the announcer called upon.
" Wait a second if she is the head then where is Sanskaar ? " Ragini voiced everyone's thoughts. " He is niether the CEO nor the The head, interesting."
Their talks stopped as the Maheswari looked upon to see a familiar face on the stage which still looked se unfamiliar. The Swara standing their was not the bubbly, happy face they remembered. This Swara was confident, ruthless and an epitome of grace.
Laksh jaw dropped when his gaze landed on her. She was looking like a goddess. The azure gown she wore hugged her frame perfectly. The straps were around the shoulder and her hair was down on one side. She was beautiful. There was no doubt that Laksh still loved her but he has moved on and she her here was not making it easy for him.
She spoke in her beautiful voice which grasped the attention of everyone.
"This company was his dream, his achievement. The initial 5 years are the ones beacause of which this company is where it stands today. Maybe for the last 6 years this company has not seen his presence but he was alqays there with us, guiding us."
"What does she mean. Where is Sanskaar?"DP said silently. Before anyone of them could guess , the answer was served to them .
"6 years back when he died in that car accident, I was broken but his promise that his company will see new heights is what drove me forward. I miss him everyday..."
The Maheswari clan did not listen any further. They were shocked and guilt stricken. Sanskaar was dead. That also six years back. Thay never bothered to search for him or Swara , what would she endured in these years and to say she did not even remarry.
Everyone was in the dining hall. The Maheswari's and Swara's father and grandma took silent strode towards her. She looked so mature, so different. Her father was not ready to face her. He was too guilty for it.
When they reached her she turned before anyone of them spoke.
"So, we finally meet." Swara said without any emotions.
" Shona... " Her father was sharply cut in between.
" Don't you dare call me that.It was the courtesy of my mother and husband both of whom as of now are dead." She replied softly but with hatred.
" But how did Sanskaar, when? " DP asked
" So. Now you finally care. No one of you ever tried to contact me and now don't give me sympathy. I don't want it. He is still with me and please leave from here." She told them when a voice caught her attention.
"Mom. " Everyone heard a voice call out as they turned their head. A miniature version , a 5 year old version of Sanskaar was running towards them calling out to Swara. They could not believe it. It was their son's child. He was their grandson. And they never knew about him. They were at fault as they slowly realized what they had lost in their blind hatred.
The child came to stop before Swara and spoke with a crooked grin which reminded them so much of Sanskaar.
"Hey beautiful. My Dad was looking handsome in that photo , wasn't he? " he asked. Swara picked him up in her arms and replied " He always does. Afterall he is your father, isn't he ?"
" No Gorgeous, you got the facts wrong I am his son."
" Stop flirting with me Aarv. Behave like a good small boy." Swara scolded him.
" But Dad also calls you such in those videos. Why can't I. I am his son and I can call ehat he calls."
" Hey little man. First grow up. I know you are the same as your father." she told putting him down.
"Now listen to me carefully Aarv . Go and play with your friends or find Rishab uncle and eat his head off. He desrves a punishment for forcing me to give a speech."
" I like the second option better. Get ready Rishab uncle beacause here comes Aarv Sanskaar Maheswari." childishly sayind these words Aarv ran off.
Laksh started to take some steps in his direction when a sharp voice cut him midway.
"Don't you dare Mr. Laksh Maheswari. I don't want any of you near my son."
" But Swara. He is my nephew. He is Sanskaar. The same way of talking, the same grin, the almost same face. Please Swara."
" No. Where were you all when we needed you. You blamed him for no reason. He wanted to merge these companies and take it to new heights. He loved you all and all you gave back was hatred. Where were you Dad when your daughter needed you. Oops Sorry I forgot you only have one daughter. You forgot us and we did the same. We never meant anything to you and therefore my child is also nothing to you all. Stay away from him, I do not want him to suffer the way Sanskaar did. He died the next day we came here. He was sad ,depressed because of you all. He died because of you. And I do not want that Aarv comes to know anything about it. His grandmother passed a year back and I am all he has. Do not break me. Please leave us alone." She said in a single blow and began to leave.
She then turned to Sujata and said " Come and live with us Mom, your son loved you and your grandson will also. By the way Laksh you have a beautiful daughter. Goodbye Everyone for forever. And Mom my request will always be there for you." saying these words Swara disappeared into the crowd and also from their life.
Everyone stood their helplessly. They had lost Sanskaar. They had lost Swara and npw even their son too. It was clear she will never have them back. It was clear that Sanskaar was right and they were wrong. They had lost a huge part of their family, their life and they will always regret it. Maybe oneday she will forgive them but they did not deserve it.
Sujata had decided that as they reach Kolkata shs will pack her back and come here. To her daughter and to see her son again grow up.
That night Swara slept peacefully without any nightmares. Maybe a closure was all she required. She had new reasons to live. She knew Sujata will come. She will have amother and a son . She dreamt of him that night. She saw him smiling. And she was happy. Because one day she will meet him again and for now she has a part of him to take care of , she had her son, her Aarv.
Anupamaa
