Sanskaar Chronicles! Updated part 6,7,8,9,10; page 24 to 25 :) - Page 19

No! No! No!

"Are you sure Nakul?" Sanskaar asked worriedly fear constricting his chest.

"Yes sir! Ragini just had an accident. She is now in ICU" Nakul replied.

Not my duppatewali friend. Not her. She is too innocent and kind-hearted. Why?

"Nakul!" He rasped on phone "Check the doctors there. Make sure that she receives the best of the treatment. Let the authorities know that there would be no issues with the cost of the treatment. She HAS to get the best out there. And don't let my name come out anywhere. She is my friend. You better make sure she stays safe."

"I am on it Sir!" Nakul riveted into action.

Sanskaar dragged his palm over his face wearily.

Poor Ragini! He never wanted this for her. Neither the mental agony and definitely not the physical one. He always knew that she probably will get hurt in his game plan but this much?

He has to meet her and make sure she is alright. He owes to his best friend.

He walked into the hall and stopped dead in his tracks.

Durga Prasad Maheshwari walked into the mansion carrying a bleeding Laksh in his arms.

Sanskaar's first instinct was to reach out to him and take Laksh in his own arms. To make sure if his little brother is ok. He looked so hurt. He has to physically stop himself for doing anything of those sorts. Not the right time. He backed off and watched his Bade papa gently depositing Laskh on the sofa, family members attending to Laskh; his bade papa bring the whole roof down after getting to know that Laksh was in love with Swara and he probably did this all for her.

And he finally declared that Swara will never a part of Maheshwari household.

Trust Mr. Durga Prasad Maheshwari to rise to the occasion.

Sanskaar thought bitterly.

And then he looked at his little brother with concern and deep contemplation.

The old Sanskaar would have punched his lucky for pulling this stupid self flagellation stunt and then hugged him tight out of love. Sanskaar shook his head to get rid of those unwanted thoughts. He has to solve the bigger puzzle here.

Why did Laksh do this? For hurting Ragini or for being responsible for Swara's hurt for hurting her sister? Why?

Sanskaar went to hospital making some excuse. He got to meet his friend and check for himself if she is alright.

She looked so hurt. So innocent. So lost. Lying so helplessly on that hospital bed.

Aww. I am sorry Ragini.

She opened her eyes and gave him a wan smile and he felt terrible for playing a part in her misery.

She didn't deserve this Sanskaar.

Before he could collect his thoughts the dumb nurse almost endangered Ragini's life with that empty glucose bottle and in fit of blind rage and concern he gave himself away by putting the fear of god in that Nurse's psyche for being so casual with his duppatewali friend's life.

So now Ragini knows his truth. He was expecting curses, condemnation, accusations. Instead he got Ragini as his partner. She pledged her support to his schemes for all she wanted in her life was Laksh. Sanskaar was horrified to see his kind-hearted, innocent friend switching over to dark side. But as one who has seen the destructive power of love; he understood her needs and desperation . So he promised to help her reunite with her love. He owes her this much.

Sanskaar felt the weight of the world on his shoulders.

The plan was so simple. How did it become so effing complicated?

May be it's time to take a break and just watch the game. It seems to be moving on its own rhythm. Let's step back and make sense of the changing patterns and try to find some pattern in this ensuring chaos.

So he stepped back and watched.

He watched his weak fickle little brother suddenly growing up into a Man, handling himself and the office work with superb strength and the way he deftly derailed Sanskaar's worker's strike game plan left his elder brother decidedly impressed despite himself. Love surely changed his little brother.

That very love changed Ragini too. The sweet, innocent soul was slowly losing herself to the darkness. She was getting desperate to win her love back. And was willing to go any lengths for that.

And then there was Swara.

Sanskaar sighed in frustration.

Swara was acting subdued, thoughtful, almost whimsical. The act of self flagellation penance of Laskh did affect her deeply. But what she is going to do about those feelings is the question Sanskaar was not to able to find answer to.

Then there is Durga Prasad Maheshwari and the subtle shift in his attitude. Towards Laksh and his feelings. This wont bode well for Sanskaar's vision for the future he was envisaging for them.

All his pawns were playing their own games now. Manoeuvring themselves in any damn way they please. And the chess master is now feeling out of his element. He never lost a game before. He doesn't intend to do so now.

So he made his move. It was diabolical, cruel, vicious. And he hated it every bit; for this move of his will hurt an innocent girl like Swara. But it has to be done. Sanskaar was too tired of the subterfuge and the plotting and planning. He was hating deceiving those who are so open in showing their love for him. He wanted to finish this game once and for all.

Then he will walk away from the Maheshwari Mansion and will never look back.

Then he will be free.

So he has to act now.

And that's exactly what he did.

And Ragini played her part and became his true partner in crime. Literally!

She got herself kidnapped with the help of Sanskaar. Together they wove a deep web of deception where Swara and Laksh were caught and got tangled completely.

That elaborate charade of cake, candles, music, dance and love confession.

And that MMS.

Everything just fell into its place. Perfectly!

Laksh got arrested. Durga Prasad was publicly humiliated. His ego, reputation, his standing in society razed to dust.

And hopefully Swara won't be too affected with all the macabre happenings. Since she was proved innocent of the MMS scandal and Ragini promised to take care of her too. Swara will definitely neither forgive Laksh not will she ever be a part of his life.

Laksh will get his bail soon. Ragini will take care of it and his little brother too. Maybe she will find her happily ever after with the one she wants.

So yeah! All well that ends well.

Sanskaar noted in deep satisfaction.

All he has to do now; is to go to the Mansion hall; declare himself and give away his game plans and plots; apologize to everyone except the patriarch Maheshwari; beg for forgiveness from the innocents especially his badi maa... and walk out of that Maheshwari Mansion.

Forever!

He gave a grim smile, squared his shoulders and walked into the hall.

And stopped dead in his tracks.

There she was.

Swara Bose Gadodia.

Inside Maheshwari Mansion.

Looking so innocent, vulnerable. Yet there was some inner strength of hers that was giving her some indefinable glow. And with her; entered the youngest out-casted son of the house. Laksh Maheshwari.

She is up to something Sanskaar and whatever she is about to do; it won't end well with you!

Sanskaar acknowledged the voice inside him.

What are you up to now Swara Bose?

What are you going to do?

He gave a deep sigh!

Looks like the game is not over yet.

If anything... it probably just started.

Bring it on lady.

Let's see what you got!

Swara looked around. The Maheshwari clan were giving here varied expressions not many of them exactly welcoming.

You must be out of your mind Swara for doing what you doing; But since you believe in what you are doing: Better get over with t. In for a penny; in for a pound.

Then she saw him.

Sanskaar Maheshwari was lounging casually against a pillar and looking intently at her.

She felt a frission passing through her at the intensity of that look.

I don't know who you are Sanskaar Maheshwari or what you want. But I intend to find out and find out soon.

Uhu! Wrong brother again Swara! The voice chimed in.

F.O.C.U.S on the other brother.

Oh yes laksh.

Swara took a deep breath.

And Sanskaar watched her in fascination and disbelief. Watched her vouching for Laksh's innocence, her faith on him and watched her extracting promise from Durga Prasad Maheshwari to give her a 48 hours window to prove her point and there by innocence of Laksh.

Wow!

He almost whistled softly.

She not only took on the great Durga Prasad Maheshwari with aplomb but even coerced him into doing something he didn't want to do. The egoistic, bull-headed Maheshwari patriarch who listened to none allowed a wisp of a girl; a Bengali girl no less; to twist him round his finger.

Wow again.

Who are you Swara Bose?

Uhu! Sanskaar! The voice chimed in again.

I hate to repeat myself but maybe it would help if instead of focusing on WHO is Swara Bose if you could focus on WHAT she is going to do. Your grand plans are on the verge on becoming train wreck thanks to that very same girl.

F.O.C.U.S.

Oh yes! Focus Sanskaar.

He mentally chided himself.

And looked straight at his nemesis.

I don't know what you are up to Swara Bose but whatever you do.. Be careful! Be very careful!

She felt an emotion very close to fear and other emotions she couldn't define. Her instincts leapt up in unison.

Be careful Swara! Be very careful.

With a last lingering look at the wrong brother she walked out of the house.

**************

Sanskaar walked into his room and immediately called his partner. Ragini!

And he felt dazed by the end of the conversation.

Swara bailed out Laksh and is supporting him for she is love with him.

What the hell!

Sanskaar spent months pouring over the files of Swara. Hours, days, nights getting to know her inside out. He even checked her out up, close and personal from a distance before launching himself in the elaborate maze he wove. He felt as he knows everything about her. Every little thing!

And he came to the conclusion that a girl like Swara would never fall for a guy like Laksh.

The fire inside her would consume him.

And the serenity of hers would overwhelm him.

That's a girl with kaleidoscope of a character. Those bright vibrant colours would make Laksh's feeble colours pale out further.

She is not meant for Laksh. She won't be his.

And now that girl decided that she is in love with Sanskaar.

He shook his head in exasperation.

Looks like that girl is working under sorority sister's oath: Let's knock Sanskaar down the loop at every given opportunity.

He expects her to do something and she goes ahead and does the opposite. Right from the day he heard about her.

He expected a tattooed, body pierced, metal guitar playing wild cat and she turned out to be an angelic looking innocent young girl. He could have sworn she is hiding her halo and wings somewhere.

She knocked off the loop then and she is keeping up with the tradition now.

He curled his lips in a mock smile.

And what's with this sudden and violent desire to fall in love anyways. That too with laksh.

Ragini convinced her to love him. Sanskaar played elaborate charade of love, confession and entire rigmarole and voila.. Swara Bose decides that she is in love.

She is. She is...

Lot many words warred inside him. Two words taking pole position.

Dumb and Innocent.

He settled for altogether a different word.

Women!

No not women. Just one woman specifically.

Swara Bose Gadodia.

Falling in love with the idea of love.

Fan-frigging-tastic.

Then he remembered her taking over the great Durga Prasad Maheshwari all for this concept of love.

Woah! If this is the lengths she could go for the man she thinks she is in love with.

What would she do for the man she actually falls in love with someday?

Some lucky guy that would be.

Sanskaar mused.

But that guy won't be Laksh. He; Sanskaar; won't allow it.

Best laid plans.

He muttered softly.

Best laid plans.

And now took at the mangled bodies of the very same plans. Courtesy a girl called Swara Bose.

Making Swara fall in love with Laksh was never in the schedule. All he wanted was the heartbreak of his younger brother. He wasn't planning to get other innocents hurt too much. So how on the earth that innocent pawn of his; Swara Bose ended up embracing biggest pain on earth called love and is now directly on the path of the biggest heart break of her life. And she will get hurt.

He didn't want this. He never wanted this.

Damn!

The plan was so simple. She was a measly pawn. Had to move to the squares she is manoeuvred to and watch the game unfold without thinking let alone out-thinking.

So how in the blue blazes she morphed herself into a white queen?

And decided to turn another pawn Laksh into her white king and act like his shield.

A white queen being the protector of her weak white king.

Terrific!

And now the master player who till now was making the moves and manoeuvres have to enter the board as a player himself.

The black knight.

Sanskaar Maheshwari.

Watch out white queen. You are about to get knocked off your feet.

Your Move!

And the white queen made her move.

When Sanskaar heard that Swara came back to the mansion and is requesting everyone's audience in the hall he went bounding down the stairs.

Aha there she is.

What is his queen up to now? Her 48hours span for unearthing the truth is over.

Which rabbit are you going to pull out of your little hat Swara Bose?

Swara introduced the men who came with her to the Maheshwari clan. They were technicians expert in tracing calls. They will be tracing the phone from which the kidnapping calls and MMS were made. With mounting trepidation Sanskaar realized that his queen won't be pulling any rabbit out of a hat. What she is about to do is to push him; Sanskaar Maheshwari; right in front of the train.

And at the same time he realized that he was so busy staring at her that he failed to notice the two decently built grown up men standing next to her till they were introduced.

Way to focus Sanskaar Maheshwari.

Way to Focus! The voice mocked him.

Now please Stop her Sanskaar.

Where the hell is his phone?

And he realized in horror that his phone is lying in the kitchen.

The call was traced and he could hear the phone ringing.

Damn!

DO something Sanskaar.

For the first time in his life he felt a panic attack. And for the first time in his life he gave in to the panic attacks.

"Kala Bhoot!" He started yelling and went on rampage of breaking things. Anything to stop Swara or anyone else from finding out his phone. His ploy almost worked with others. But Swara; she dismissed him with unconcern bordering on contempt and being the veritable force that she is; found the phone and brought it to the hall.

Nope she is not pushing him in front of the train but actually tying him on tracks and waving the green flag for the oncoming train.

Swara showed the phone to everyone.

And she declared that someone; an outsider wants to hurt the family that's why he framed Laksh and now the very same person wants to frame other members of the family. Hence he left that incriminating phone here in the house.

Maheshwari's were satisfied with the explanation. In fact they looked ecstatic and impressed with Swara for her ingenuity and intelligence. They thanked her profusely and she accepted the praise with grace. She smiled at everyone and started walking out of the mansion.

Everyone thought that was the end of a sordid tale. But the glint in the eyes of Swara and the determined set in her jaw told Sanskaar otherwise. For her this is just beginning.

That's a very convincing story you have spun Swara Bose but I know you too well and I don't believe it. And neither do you. I know that you know it's me. The question is what are you going to do about it?

Sanskaar mused deep in thoughts and allowed himself to be led into his room by his mother.

Swara looked at his retreating back.

I know it's you Sanskaar. You are involved in all this. Somewhere! Somehow! And I intend to prove it. Watch me!

With that promise to herself she walked out of the house.

Kala bhoot!

Sanskaar hit himself on his forehead with the heels of his palms.

Kala bhoot seriously!

Are you the same Sanskaar Maheshwari who could take on men twice his size with his sheer will and force of personality? The same Sanskaar who made better and tougher men quiver in their boots with his words and stratagems.

And now faced with a wisp of an angelic looking petite girl lot younger than him; he came up with... Kala bhoot!

Disgusting!

He curled his lips.

If the situation wasn't so embarrassing he would have found it hilarious.

Well the phone is not registered in his name and is untraceable. So no sweat there but Kala bhoot. Seriously?

Way to go Sanskaar Maheshwari!

He mocked himself.

So all the success of the elaborate kidnapping and that MMS scam went kaput thanks to a certain virago called Swara bose. Looks like she is under oath: Oh! This is Sanskaar's plan; let me go and torpedo it.

Infernal woman!

He dragged his hands in his hair in utter frustration.

Then for a surreal moment he felt her presence.

I know you are there!

He stomped off to his window and looked and there she was.

Slowly walking towards the gate.

He stared at her for a long long moment.

Wrong move Swara Bose! Very very wrong move.

You messed with a wrong man lady.

Watch your back from now on.

For Sanskaar Maheshwari won't leave you Swara Bose.

She suddenly whirled around.

At the very same moment Sanskaar whirled agilely and hid himself next to window to avoid being detected by the girl looking straight at his window from downstairs.

What the hell!

"Did you just call me?" Swara looked down and asked Ragini with confused expressions.

"No! I didn't!" Laksh replied just walking in.

"I thought someone called me." She almost whispered.

What the hell again.

Did she just hear me?

But how?

She saw through me even when my own family members couldn't.

She started reading my mind and moves.

Now she is even hearing me when I haven't said a word aloud.

How in the name of holy hell?

He wiped his face with his palm in a dazed state.

Is this what those romantic nutters call cosmic connection?

Boy! Then he surely doesn't need it.

Swara Bose is effectively his nemesis right now.

He doesn't need a connection with her.

Cosmic or otherwise.

Sanskaar ruminated grimly.

What the hell!

Swara shook her head to get rid of the voice she was so sure she heard.

Where is he?

She looked around but saw only Laksh and Ragini looking back at her.

I know you are around Sanskaar.

Her eyes searched for him again.

I can hear you.

I can feel you right now.

And then she paused.

Woah! So now she is even hearing his voice and feeling his presence.

Is this what those beautiful romantics call cosmic connection?

Boy! Then she surely doesn't need it.

Sanskaar Maheshwari is effectively her nemesis right now.

She doesn't need a connection with him.

Cosmic or otherwise.

Swara ruminated grimly.

And then walked away.

Sanskaar stared at her retreating back for a long moment and mused again.

What the hell just happened?

Swara pursed her lips and tapped her forehead with her fist.

Who are you Sanskaar Maheshwari and what do you want?

And then she smiled remembering his Kala bhoot moment. Well that was hilarious. But to give him credit; faced with utter collapse of his plans and no way out he still gave a good fight. No matter how silly it looked.

She grinned.

And then paused.

Get a grip Swara Bose Gadodia. If what she is sensing is right then that guy is responsible somehow for the MMS scandal and thereby is a direct culprit of hers for trying to drag her reputation through mud and causing her misery. So instead of spitting fire, lime and brimstone at him.. She is grinning like an idiot thinking about him. Get over it Swara no matter how adorable he looked pulling that silly Kala bhoot stunt.

He is a nemesis. A very dangerous one at that.

And instead of treating him like one you are not only hearing his voices but also feeling him around you.

In love with one brother and spends half and more time thinking about the other one.

You really should get a grip.

Swara set her lips in grim determination.

Yesterday was a rare occasion when the enigma called Sanskaar Maheshwari slipped. That proves he is not infallible. There are chinks in the armour. She can unravel the mystery behind it and rip off that armour. Maybe then she could see the real man behind that mask and understand what exactly makes him tick.

Maybe that should set her free from the weird cosmic connection she is establishing with him

Sanskaar Maheshwari I am gonna decipher you now.

She shared his misgivings about Sanskaar with Ragini, her mom and Laksh. But everyone dismissed her. But swara being swara managed to give her benefit of doubt and they agreed to her plan albeit reluctantly.

"So what do you want me to do?" Laksh asked Swara.

"Oh! Nothing brother. Ragini wants to meet you. Been a long time right!" Laksh tried to give him a winning smile.

Swara! Got to be Swara!

Sanskaar deduced correctly.

What is she up to now? Definitely not something that would bode well for him.

He got tempted to reject the invitation.

He is better off here. With Swara around he is just about floundering around. That girl never failed to knock him out of the loop.

Mighty Sanskaar Maheshwari scared of a petite young girl? A snide voice remarked.

Shaddup! He pulled himself up to his full height.

Alright Swara Bose! Let's see what you got. Bring it on!

But what exactly are you going to do? A voice inside him asked timidly.

Well! He drawled that a good question. Maybe he will just roll with the punches that would come in his way.

That's absolutely terrific Sanskaar Maheshwari.

The guy who was a compulsive obsessive analyst; the guy who planned for decades altogether if not few years; the guy's whose to-the-minute-detail-strategies were legendary in business circle> is now planning to whing it as it comes.

This got to be the first.

He shook his head ruefully.

When it comes to Swara there seems to be lot of firsts happening in Sanskaar's life.

*************

They entered the Gadodia house and Swara gave them; especially Sanskaar a beaming smile.

That effectively confirmed all his suspicions.

Trouble ahoy!

She could be blessed with a sharp thinking mind but those guileless eyes and that innocent face are dead giveaway. They just mirror her inner feelings.

She is up to something alright!

Coincidentally (pfff!) Laksh and Momma Bose had to leave the room for some reason and thereby leaving him; Sanskaar in the very capable hands of Swara Bose. Ragini was hovering in the background but looking at her confused expressions he had doubts if Swara shared her plans with her sister at all.

Looks like she is the lone ranger here.

Watch it Sanskaar. Keep your eyes open. Wide open!

Swara brought him a kheer almost dancing on the tips of her toes in excitement.

"Here Kheer for you Sanskaar. You love it don't you?" she beamed.

He looked at the kheer and then looked at the her.

Is this what he thinks it is?

He took the bowl and slowly brought the spoon near his mouth.

Swara was watching him with almost painful intensity. So intently was she watching the progress of the spoon near his lips that she failed to notice his eyes observing the expressions on her face with almost amused intensity.

Her face is indeed the mirror of her heart!

He smiled.

So the kheer is indeed spiked. Gotcha Swara Bose.

"You taste it first" he pushed the bowl towards her and she suddenly jumped out of her skin hearing his voice.

"Errr. That's for you Sanskaar." She gave him her most winning smile. "You first!"

Nice try lady!

"No! You first!" He smiled back at her.

"Alright!" She gave a resigned smile and reached for the bowl. But he slowly held the spoon in his hand and brought the spoon near her lips.

She looked at him with unfathomable expressions and gently took a mouthful.

He stared at her for a long moment. She gave a sweet smile.

Well she looks alright! Does that mean the kheer is alright? Then why are his instincts telling him otherwise.

He looked at her again and saw a speck of kheer deliciously sticking on her lips.

"You got something there!" He pointed at her lips.

"Hu!" She looked at him in confusion.

And then before he could stop himself and rationalize his thoughts his fingers reached for her lips and gently wiped away the speck. Almost sensually his thumb caressing her lower lip.

That moment felt surreal.

THAT WAS STUPID SANSKAAR! A voice inside him yelled.

I know! A diabolical part of him replied "But that felt So good. And that startled look in her eyes. Now that was immensely satisfying.

He almost gave a lop-sided smile.

WHAT WAS THAT!

Swara looked dazed for a moment. She could almost feel his fingers on her lips. Still caressing. Being oh so gentle.

Had it been any other guy she would have socked him. And here she is; analyzing and wondering and feeling dazed.

Swara! You really are losing it.

With a supreme effort she brought herself back to reality.

"Eat Sanskaar!" She stared him down.

Uhu!

Left with no exit points he started eating the kheer despite his misgivings.

Humm! Tastes good!

He dug in with manly pleasure. And totally missed the gesture of Swara where she spat out the mouthful of kheer sneakily. Ragini looked appalled. She tried to warn Sanskaar through gestures but it was too late.

He felt lethargy creeping over him. His senses getting dimmed and world slowly started to swim around.

Bloody hell! The kheer was indeed spiked.

You sneaky, devious, sly little devil.

He tried to glare at Swara. But felt his legs giving up on him.

He was about to collapse when he felt soft, gentle hands holding him close.

Ouch! He is heavy!

Swara nearly stumbled herself trying to balance Sanskaar. He was almost collapsing on her.

She could feel his lanky body leaning over hers, those strong hands holding on to her for support and that musky woody smell of his invading her senses.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts and gently deposited him on the sofa. Her hand pinned behind his head. Her face very close to his.

He looked at her almost drowsily.

There! He can see the halo and the wings now.

He smiled.

She looks so innocent. So beautiful. So unattainable.

She looked at him. Her eyes struck into the deep dark eyes of his. Those eyes were sleepy but so deep. Mysterious. Transcendental!

Move Swara!

She almost ripped her hand with a violent jerk from the pinned position and stood at a safe distance from Sanskaar. And took a deep breath.

Focus!

"Alright Ragini!" she gave a camcorder to Ragini "Start recording!"

Laksh, Dida and mom joined as spectators but from a distance. Ragini went into the kitchen standing in a strategic position.

"Ok sanskaar! Who are you?" She asked staring down at the man in front of her and despite his senseless state he gave a diabolical smile.

Focus Sanskaar.

He tried to shake off the lethargy creeping into his brain. That heavenly sandal, rosemary smell of that girl, her touch, her face so close to his a moment back, or the fact that she felt so good draping her arms around him> didn't help.

He was losing himself to the sensation he couldn't understand.

For Godsakes! Focus Sanskaar!

Then he heard a musical voice chiming at him.

"Ok sanskaar! Who are you?"

"Me!" He gave a fiendish smile.

"I am Sanskaar Maheshwari!"

And then everything went berserk.

Ragini got herself electrocuted. Swara, Laksh and rest of the family ran to attend her leaving Sanskaar all alone with his thoughts.

And those thoughts kept pouring out unrestrained.

And he spilled out everything.

Luckily for him; No one heard.

Swara came back to him after attending Ragini but it was too late. He could salvage his remaining senses and with great effort put back his crazy mask on. Yet there was a sinking sensation in his stomach.

What just happened?

Swara felt immensely disappointed at the turn of events. Sanskaar indeed looked and acted crazy. And the family totally believed him. And counseled her to let go of her suspicions which she reluctantly did.

Yet there was a niggling feeling she couldn't shake off.

There is something about Sanskaar Maheshwari... Her thoughts trailed off.