DARK KNIGHT- A SwaSan FF-T3-DELETED- AN-PG 1 - Page 62

Originally posted by: CogitoErgoSum

Res 😊 Will Un res tomo as soon as I feel better Shru. 🤗

Un-Res 😊

Shru, my dear...Really feeling awful about this late Un Res...I've been meaning to comment for days now, but have been feeling so completely under the weather. Hope these dratted cold viruses get booted out soon! 😊

Coming to Chap #23, you know, Shru, despite the pain and anguish both Swara and Sanskaar were undergoing, I felt a tinge of relief that their interactions still continued despite the heartbreaking scene which the preceding chapter ended in. Sanskaar thinking that Swara had rejected his proposal since she blamed him for the stain attached to her reputation; and Swara thinking that Sanskaar proposed to her (and attempted to fill her maang), not because he loved her, but because he felt obliged to rescue her from the scurrilous talk circulating about her.

I was fearing that they would withdraw completely from each other, that Swara would attempt to cut off all contact and interaction, thereby leaving them both feeling heartbroken and shattered. But the lovely nuance you introduced here was, though there was a tension on their bond, an obvious feeling of pain; they really couldn't keep completely away from each other. The way Sanskaar calmly but firmly insisted to Adarsh that Swara would ride with him; the way Swara put up no resistance to this proposal---in fact, by going with alacrity to stand next to Veer, she signified her assent to it!---was such a lovely touch. The way they could not help gazing at each other, drinking in the sight of each other almost---was very, very poignant.

Though not related to this plot, I was reminded of that epic scene in the serial, after the confrontation SwaSan have when Swara says Sanskaar's love for her was a "dhokha", and says that from then on, they wouldn't even be friends, now they had to just focus on the mission, after which she'd go her way, he would go his. Sanskaar was (and looked) completely heartbroken, but calmly agreed to do what she wanted. A little bit after that, there was this scene where Sanskaar got very upset at the way Ragini was taunting Swara, and started raising his voice to remonstrate with her. Swara with just one glance at him, and calling out his name, shaking her head to ask him to calm down, immediately got him to subside. That was the beauty of the SwaSan bond---whatever their problems were, (and there were several!)--the underlying connect between them, the fact that they were in a very real sense, intertwined souls with inextricably linked destinies--was clearly evident. I loved the way you brought this out in your way, by describing the return journey, where though they hardly converse, they draw comfort from the few hours they can be together.

Again, though it is not in the same context, I was reminded of a song from the film "Dil Toh Pagal Hai". The lyrics seemed apt, though not the setting (which in the movie, is a cheerful one).

Do chaar kadam pe tum the
Do chaar kadam pe hum the

Do chaar kadam yeh lekin
Sau milon se kya kam the

Sigh...the bittersweet emotions they must have experienced, sitting so close together yet with that yawning gulf between them 😭 😭... I loved that touch about Sanskaar adjusting the way he sat, so that Swara had no alternative but to lean on him for support, instead of tiring herself out by sitting ramrod straight. 😳

The whole sequence of their return to Maheshpur was evocative of the citizens of Ayodhya warmly welcoming Ram, Sita and Lakshman. 😊 I don't know if this parallel was intended, but I was reminded of that lovely scene from the Ramayan, and seeing how you have referenced some aspects of the epic in DK, just made that analogy slip into my head! 😊

Sanskaar's warm welcome by the family was lovely to read about, and his insistence that they extend the same honorable welcome to Swara and Pawan was such a fine gesture. It reminded me of the way you'd described Sanskaar in an earlier chapter---that honor flowed deeply in his veins. He would never countenance injustice or churlishness shown to those who deserved so much better.

So Pawan and Uttara huh? 😉 Hmmm...Sanskaar is going be torn between his roles as a protective elder brother and an affectionate best friend. Pawan is practically like Sanskaar's soul brother...but I guess the path ahead for that romance with Uttara may not be too smooth. Especially for the times in which you have set DK, Pawan would be viewed as being of inferior social standing to Uttara, no matter how gallant he was. Would be great to see how Sanskaar persuades his family to be more broad minded.

The way Annapurna perceived the changes in Swara--registered how she'd become much more resolute, mature and dignified---was a nice touch. And she and Sujata both noticed Sanskaar smiling tenderly at Swara, when she was welcomed back by both her mothers as well as Shekar. Annapurna, I am sure, would have no problems accepting Sanskaar's love for Swara; but I am not too sure about Sujata!

And Ragini---conniving and machiavellian as ever! Was trying to welcome to Swara, embrace her as if nothing had happened, as if she had not attempted to malign her, throw her repeatedly in harm's way and even have her killed! God, how deeply evil has taken root in her nature. 🤢 Though she had certainly started feeling some remorse earlier, it evidently wasn't too heartfelt. I wonder when her true realization would start?

The ending was superb---Sanskaar firmly and menacingly telling Ragini to stay far away from Swara, that he would never let her harm Swara anymore. 👏

Will comment on #24 in the other comment I have res'd. 🤗

Lots of Love,

---Viji

Originally posted by: simsen23

Hey Shruti😊

I am glad that you are better now.Chapter 23 was really nice.so homecoming time,well all my assumptions were wrong I guess.Everything is fine now,except our beloved couple.It will be real homecoming if swasan will unite in every sense.When Swara had set out of Maheshpur as Sanskaar's captive, she must never have thought that she would be more upset when she would return. So much has changed ,her family, her life,her equation with sanskar, her feelings, her pain everything.

Well such behavior from Laksh was expected, he and his blind belief on his wife,he will take time to understand the truth,and that will make the scene worse,because ragini will try to ruin swara's image again.But I am sure sanskar won't leave her this time.the part where swara was touching her Sindoor was amazing, so they got married ,silently sshe had accepted so as sanskar.sanskar had solved swara's problem more than she had expected, then the part where AP looks approvingly at this changed & mature Swara,wow ,so there is hope.Sujata and Ap noticed the smile of sanskar😊

I love the pawan-uttara scene too.I am so happy that Sanskaar stopped Ragini's drama even before she started it😡.She is a selfish soul who has no respect for any relation.I hope Sanskar will reveal her true face soon...

Finished chapter 23,will comment after reading chapter 24.thank you dear for the pm and giving me a blissful time in this busy life.love you.

Love,

Simi

Originally posted by: Nynaeve

Dear Shru,

Finally managed to get to this forum. Missed it quite badly.

The fair: Swara and Sanskaar really being themselves - both trying to be practical when it comes to themselves and yet, pulling out all the stops when it comes to the other person. Swara trying her best not to be tempted by the expensive sets (she is worried about the ones she picks up itself - as she does not have the money to pay - surprising even in that age, where it was sort of expected that women did not actually have money of they own and were dependant on the ''menfolk' - she does display a certain amount of self-respect)

But then they are so perspective of each other's needs - Sanskaar really zooms in on what catches Swara's eye. (though she seems to be oblivious as to the effect her pouting and other simple actions have on him) - he wants to change into the blue one - immediately!

Then comes the highlight scene - when I read the introduction where you dedicated the chapter to Viji, I guessed what you would be describing - simply loved it - actually, the first time I read, I simply ignored the paragraphs preceding the bangle scene. Sanskaar holding her wrist - gently and firmly - and slowly, leisurely, delectably, deliciously, enchantingly, gloriously, happily, appealingly, enticingly, invitingly, temptingly (I seem to have emptied quite a bit of the thesaurus) he slides each band on her arm and as each circle slides down, her barriers slide down too. And as soon as he has finished making her wear the bangles, the epiphany that she loves him - hits her!

[on a side note - remember KJ's Kabhi Kushi, Kabhi Gham - there was a similar ''mela' scene where SRK (despite his propensity for hamming) makes Kajol wear bangles and by the time he finishes, she realises her love for him - I loved this scene in the movie! make it a point to watch it each time the movie is on TV😳😳]

And she is afraid of letting him know - convinced that he would really spare no time in sending her packing - poor girl, if only she knew😉 He is head over heels in love with her!

His reaction to Swara taking Pawan's name - quite hilarious (see even Pawan finds the humour in it) - Sanskaar looking murderous indeed! Swara's reaction to all the things that Sanskaar bought for her - she is overwhelmed that somebody would do that for - identify what she wanted (from her covert glances) and then buy them for her - it does make one wonder, she really did not have a very normal childhood- that such small things could bring so much joy.

The puppet show - Sanskaar and Pawan both vying for the role of Mohan - and Pawan gives in only to gain the upper hand by selecting the play - Poor Sanskaar - wins the battle and loses the war, but as he felt it mattered little before Swara's joy.

Finally, the day ends with them in each other's arms (I have stopped counting the nights they have spent ''together' - as Sanskaar so oft expresses - it feels so right)

So Swara wakes up in Sanskaar's arms - holding him as though afraid he would leave her (she does fear that, right). And when she admits, once again, that she loved him, did she slightly (albeit unconsciously) tighten her hold on him? And Sanskaar, when he wakes up, he does realise a change in Swara's demeanour and wants to test his theory? (How I wished he did - at least - a teeny weeny test). But then, he has always been the perfect gentleman. Swara handing over the shawl to him, stating that she no longer needed it as she had stopped caring about her cuts and bruises, that she no longer needed hide - finally she is completely on the road to be healed. Her appearance with the bruises (a statement that she did not care about them in his presence as well as a testimony to heed to his words that she was not unclean and hence had nothing to hide) However, Swara's declaration that she did not want to leave him did make him lose himself - if only they had the time to actually put their feelings in words -Adarsh's and his ill-timed entry

But then, Adarsh's entry did pave the way for the long-awaited vindication of Sanskaar - the skirmish between the Maheshwari forces and Devandra's ragtag army finally drove home the point that Sanskaar being labelled a traitor was such a grave error. But these winds of change caused Swara a lot of self-introspection - did they not. She was happy with her being in love with Sanskaar despite her heart now singing a different tune; that Sanskaar is still in love with Kavita and is only being a gentleman in showering her with care and regard. Hearts are such treacherous things - as long as the mind does not listen to it they go on and on and once the mind becomes an accomplice they simply turn everything on its head. Which is what happened with Swara - when she overheard the soldiers conversation -gossip is a better term - but then even idle soldiers would have to talk about matters best left alone, especially when it comes to making assumptions about the reasons for a person's actions. And that followed up with what she heard Adarsh she is almost as convinced as anyone and everyone about being ruined. I think the news that her father has disowned her was the final nail. It angers me so much that the world does not hesitate to slander a woman on the basis of a rumour - but considering that this is true even in today's world, it must have been worse in that time of the century, so it is plausible that even Swara sort of agrees with the ''world'. So much so, that even Sanskaar act of making her wife was seen by her as a reflection of his duty towards her, which she could not take (this self-respect of hers - a very admirable trait especially considering the age the tale is set in, but then as mentioned in the subsequent chapter, memories of her parents ''sindoor' marriage and a refusals of society to accept the same, did in some part contribute to her refusal). Sanskaar, on the other hand, took a refusal to be a refusal of him and his love, unexpressed as it was. Her declaration of a loveless marriage born out of duty - that is what both though the other felt - she felt he wanted to marry her out of his innate sense of duty and he was aghast, convinced that her refusal was because she realised that whatever had happened earlier was only a physical attraction and not love. Sigh - when will these kids learn? (you as the author, are leading all of us on merry chase) - Finally a night, where they are not together.😭

Adarsh is sorry for causing anguish - Maybe he just voiced what the world would be thinking - quite unthinkingly on his part - and actually does not quite believe in the same. That could account for his sorriness. (Act in haste, regret in leisure - hold good for all the three). But he is a little perspective, noting the more than accepted level of comfort and concern Sanskaar has for Swara and the reciprocation by her. But circumstances do not allow for much - but still they manage to have some sort of a conversation. Sanskaar asking her to wear the cloak again - clarifying that it was only against the wind and sun and not to hide herself (he did note her startled reaction when he wrapped it around her).

Then the homecoming - Diwali comes to Maheshpur and a returning ''King's' welcome for Sanskaar - for once Annapurna is not a queen but a mother. That was so emotional but more than that was what Sanskaar requested for Swara - Annapurna's welcome for Swara was a public vindication of her 'character' and ensured (at least for the moment) that there would be minimal public chatter. Finally, it is Pawan's turn - so he is now going to fall for Uttara (Yippeee- you not only have not killed him but you are playing cupid between him and Uttara - you rock👏👏- so please no twists in this tale)

And the end - how could we forget our dear Nagini (okay - Ragini 😡) she had to breathe venom but then she, as usual, underestimated Sanskaar. Lakshya, impulsive as usual (but to give him due credit - Ragini can be quite manipulative - though he is quite assinine too 🤔). Shekar too, could not help himself - to support Ragini - so Swara steps in to support Sanskaar which leaves everyone a little befuddled. But Ragini is surely quite sure of the men she can manipulate - her husband and her father, both of whom are more than willing to listen to her teary recriminations rather than Sanskaar's or Swara's logical statements. Then the revelation of the unknown benefactor as Ram Prasad did tilt the change the entire face of the game (this would explain his line to his brother "Why are you sorry? You are not the traitor." (Ram did feel he was betraying his brother by denying all knowledge of Sanskaar and his plans / whereabouts?).

Quite a night of revelations with Ragini desperately trying to gain a foothold on a the very slippery and dangerous slope she now found herself treading on- she is losing it - and her slanderous diatribes were checked only by Janaki slapping her into some sort of semblance (we have to give it to Shekar - he is upset that Janaki slapped Ragini rather than at the allegations cast on Swara...).Makes you wonder what she will unleash next? And our poor SwaSan - another night without each other.😭😭

That was one rocking journey - along the Road to Renance, buffeted by the Winds of Change to a Homecoming with greetings from the Sphinx.

Lots of love,

Nyna

PS: I hope you are fine and well recovered

PPS: I must have rambled quite a bit - but considering it is for four chapters it would not be long😉 and hoping that reading through my ramblings have not caused a ''relapse' of the dreaded flu.

Originally posted by: Geethu_sweetie

That was a nice chapter..😊

I thought the mystery person to be a female and to say most precisely I thought that person to be Annapurna..

As you said to earlier anything can happen in DK..That was so true and I wasn't expecting this..Ram proved himself as a responsible father by stating the facts..Good to see his support to Sanskar..👏

Good to know that Rana Durga Prasad is ready to trust his nephew this time.😊 Humans should learn from their experiences, isn't it?

On one side where I was really proud of Ram,the other side I love to hate Shekhar. How can he trust one daughter so blindly and doesn't have a grain of trust on another?Will love to see his expressions after all the revelations.

I don't want to say anything about Laksh,why is this fella always blind his mind and doesn't see the facts?And this is the sole reason Ragini got a chance to play with him..It will serve him right when he gets to know the whole truth.😡

Slap to Ragini from none other than Janaki..very good..Serves her right.. Even not being in all the senses no sane person will blame their sibling with those heinous words.🤬

Ha! and last but not the least our pair "SwaSan" doesn't need any words to console each other, right??Eye contact with each other does it all.. Sanskar is worried for Swara and she understood his feelings and consoled him through her eyes..👍🏼 Oh that was so cute..😳

Hehe..That was the longest comment I have written over here.😆

Bye and take care of your health Shuti(tootie)..😃

Thanks,

Geetha.

Originally posted by: MusicAddict

Shruti, I know I'm troublesome, but I forgot where I'd resed chapter 22. So I'm unresing it here and the others too. All together, kay?

Unres-

Hi Shruti, my exams are finally over. Unresing all chapter today! Hate me as much as you want and I'm really sorry! Ohkay, so coming to chapter 22- (This chapter also said no, scratch that requested me to give it the title, but now I've gone all insane as to which is the best chapter. Uff...these convos' that I have with your chapters...lol)

Swara is so irrevocably and madly in love with Sanskaar. But, course our Knight is just the best. Poor nave girl doesn't know how hard Sanskaar has been controlling himself to not cross his limits and he succeeded in it, our Prince no again scratch that, he is all Swara's so her Prince! Sanskaar's gestures are sooo sweet that any princess can fall for him and must say Swara's timing was perfect!! Wait did Sanskaar come to know that she was awake? The way she was blushing, I guess he came to know and so wanted to chuckle! Oh his methods...lol. Somebody please tell this guy, what Swara was thinking a minute ago. This two are sooo addictive and kudos to you Shruti, the way you've shaped this story!*bows*

Our lovelorn babies, they do not want to be without each other and just want to be with one another for life, but Adarsh's entry had a horrible timing. Only if he were 2 min late!! Sanskaar would have confessed all his feelings. But still, I love this angst between them. Sanskaar feels some reaction from Swara, but doesn't wanna keep any hopes!! Can understand you bro. I too do the same. That cloak paragraph was amazing Shru. I just loved it. Now that Swara has realized her love for Sanskaar, the marks they don't matter. All that matters is Sanskaar, her love and his happiness! Just loved this gesture.

Swara readied herself in front of the mirror very properly as if she was dressing up for Sanskaar, so that, she looks beautiful to him. This was sooo cute. I just loved the way she put on the dress that Sanskaar wanted to see her in and then very meticulously she dressed herself up for her Knight, by whom she's totally smitten! Finally she voiced it. Why would she wanna go? She'll just wanna stay with Sanskaar. And then remembering all the memories, his touch, taking all of them with her...jeez, our girl has gone! I'm sure many readers might have pestered you for this right? And honestly, I hadn't expected their first kiss before mutual confession, maybe because of the century the story was set in. But if it was totally your idea, then sorry! But it was beautiful of course. The entire scene was amazing!! Look, I'm horrible at appreciation, so you understand as to how I felt, okay?

Part 2-

Finally, the MM people came to know that Sanskaar wasn't a traitor. I was sooo badly waiting for this moment, when each of them has that guilt in their eyes, when no one is able to look at the Prince whom they called a traitor when he was totally innocent and a patriot to his land and when everyone is just belittled on their own by his valour and bravery! I'm sooo proud of you Sanskaar. He had to go through worst of punishments and Shruti just a mere apology from MM wasis is not enough! Sorry. But please can we have them doing something that rectifies their mistake. By this I mean DP! This man, ok I may be biased but still, I'm angry yeah!!

The whole para on Swara skipping and being happy and thinking about her life with Sanskaar and then satisfying herself that all her dreams have come true was sooo cute. I had a smile playing on my lips all the time. And she went to make kheer for him because he likes it. How sweet<3

Those men! Disgusting people. I hate them. But yeah, this gossip will go on between soldiers and villagers. After all, that was the time when society and people's mindset was totally male-chauvinistic. But I still hate them for hurting the Mermaid Princess. And then Sanskaar's convo with Adarsh. OMGG What hell would Swara be going through! Of course, self respect and dignity matter to a girl right? Even I would have felt like a burden of shame upon me if I were in her situation.

The sindoor marriage and the sindoor dropping on her nose was a truly beautiful scene. Her husband is gonna be Sanskaar only and he would love her more than infinity, this proves it. It was as if you are watching something with unblinking intrigued eyes and suddenly a flick of fingers breaks it. Isn't it like when you reread something, you understand it much better than before. Well, the same happened in this case as well. Sanskaar thinks that after hearing the conversation Swara holds him responsible for all that happened with her and hence doesn't want to marry him and Swara believes that Sanskaar doesn't love her and he just wants to marry her so that her dignity is restored. Both are in a web of misunderstandings that you, the mastermind have woven them into (no sarcasm or offence meant, as we already had conversed on this before, I don't dislike it, in fact I love it as I already told you) Am I right this time or wrong again? But it was really beautiful and I'm eagerly waiting for chapter 25!

Love ya

Sakshi

Originally posted by: Red.orchid

Brilliant update 👏

Finally ragin's truth came out n got slap from Janki

Waiting to see swasan together n what Will happened next .

Originally posted by: LoveSonu2408

i dnt knw why i love to read swasan in love bt in pain also...

& ths ragini...finally!!!

amaizing updt. 👏

sorry for replying all late.bt i hate history type story as i hate history.jst for swasan & ur writing style i m reading it wo vi two three parts togethr...

so sorry for late & less commenting.

bt i m loving it...

thanks for pms & keep continiuing...

Originally posted by: lucky.m

Hey shru🤗🤗

Just back from a long journey..so not posting a detailed one sorry for that but I loved 23rd and 24th chapters👏👏⭐️ swasan doesnt need words because they can even understand each others silence..loved how sanskaar made sure swara got her due share of respect and pawan as well

pawan & uttara .. 😛 another couple in making hmm..and sach ka saamna 😆 Waiting to see how the entire truth of ragini is gonna come out, she still has some supporters in form of laksh and shekar ..some people never change😡..I juts want to imagine their faces when the truth comes out

RP part was a surprise .It was good to see him play an important part in your FF unlike in SR

more angst and pain for swasan??..I am all for it😉

Looking forward for 25th Chapter😛

Lucky

PS; Btw I loved the thappad from janaki 👏👍🏼