Hello Everyone.. Thank you so much for your support.. And I am sorry for the delay.. Thank so much for your likes and comments.. I read all, but I am unable to reply and thank individually due to busy schedule.. Here is the next installment of this story and it is a little long to compensate my delay.. I hope you like it.. Please share your views and ignore mistakes..
Chapter 6:
Sanskaar came home around the same time as the others, who at first noisily entered the Mansion with chatter of their fantastic evening but it quickly died as they spotted him arrive. Before heading to bed, like everyone else was doing, Sanskaar walked over to his daughter's room as it was a habit of his always to check up on her before preparing to go to bed. He entered the room only to find her missing. Panic swept inside of him and he frantically searched around just in case he over looked anywhere. In a rush he left the nursery and dashed down the stairs, directly bumping into Ramu kaka, his loyal butler of many years.
Sanskaar: Ramu kaka, Ananya kahan hai"woh apni room mein nahi hai. (demanding with urgency)
Ramu kaka wears a look of startle and answers with regret that he truly does not know and that he had thought she was sleeping in her room. Resisting the urge to yell at his butler's incompetence, Sanskaar continued on with his excited search for his little girl"checking through each bedroom and even guest rooms. He ignored Annapurna's inquiries of his apprehension after being asked where her granddaughter was and carried on with looking around. He reached near the end of the hallway on the top floor, opening one of the bedrooms with haste and barging in only to stumble upon a surprising sight...
His hammering heart comes to a slow as he takes in the sight of his daughter sleeping peacefully, nestled in a slumbering Swara's arms. He becomes speechless and so moved by the picture that he did not notice his sister's figure standing just a few feet away from him, having followed after him to see if everything was alright.
"They make a great sight, don't they Bhaiya?" she questions softly, watching the bewilderment present on her older brother's face. He does not turn to look at her, does not blink, nor doesn't speak"only continues to stare at the scene before him with a mixture of emotions rising inside of him.
"This is what Anu needs... and what you need as well," she adds gently, her words carrying a soft echo in the semi dark room.
A spark flickers in his eyes and after a moment he steps forward, walking over to the bed in a normal pace, and gently takes his daughter into his arms"nestling her sleeping form against his chest. As he does this, he sees a frown develop on Swara's sleeping face as she feels a sudden emptiness beside her. Not wasting any further time, Sanskaar retreats back to the door and leaves the room without another glance...
******************
A few days later, as usual Swara left to the nursery to feed Ananya her milk, a ritual that she had begun practicing for some days now and one that everyone was becoming accustomed to"even Sanskaar Maheshwari himself, who at first was reluctant in leaving his daughter alone with her but surprisingly has gradually accepted Swara's growing attachment and her wish to spend time with the little girl. She still is unable to understand the change in his behavior, but is glad nonetheless. Perhaps he is warming up to her in his own way...
Swara stands by the nursery door with a bright smile on her lips and watches with adoring eyes as she sees both father and daughter laughing and communicating in their own special language. She becomes mesmerized by how handsome Sanskaar appears with a wide grin adorned on his face, a face that mostly always contains expressionless looks and lines of stress. Ananya takes her father's nose into her tiny fingers and tugs on it hard and seems to wear a scolding look on her face, admonishing him for something, while her father laughs heartily at her actions. His throaty laughter increases Swara's smile and she walks into the room in a cheerful mood...
Swara: Anu apna Papa se kya kuch kehrahi hai? Hmm? Hume bhi bataao... (she coos at the little girl in a teasing manner)
Ananya's face brightens on seeing Swara and she immediately stretches out her arms to go to her, almost hopping out of her father's arms. Swara giggles at her excitement and reaches out to take her.
Swara: Accha baba... Aaja aunty ke paas...
After taking Ananya from Sanskaar's arms and settling her onto her hip, Swara glances up to look at him, his smile now long gone and the similar expressionless look return on his face. However, she smiles sweetly at him.
Swara: ... You two love each other so much... It is very sweet.
She comments sincerely and sees a brief flicker in his eyes before he turns to look the other way and clears his throat.
Sanskaar: (breezily) I will leave now.
He begins in walking past her, not bothering to say farewell to either her or his daughter. Swara frowns momentarily at this, disliking the fact that he hurriedly leaves whenever she arrives. She takes a grip onto his lower arm, holding him back and watches him halt in his steps and slowly turn around to look at her"seeming taken aback by her action.
Swara: Why do you run from me? ... I am not so bad, Mr. Maheshwari... I want to know you... want to become friends...talk with you... but you-- (voice trailing off)
She sees a strange expression begin to form on his face, one she cannot pinpoint. She doesn't know what to make out of his reaction, whether he is indifferent or not. But she does know for a fact that he doesn't want this conversation by the look in his eyes and that her words are perhaps falling to deaf ears...
Swara: (softly adds)...I have gotten along so well with your family here... Ragini ... Laksh Bhaiya...Maa...and Ananya too... sivay aap... Aisa kyon hai? ... I would like to get to know you Mr. Maheshwari... just like the rest of your family...
She looks at him with hope, wanting for her words to have an effect on him, and anticipates for his words and reaction. She, however, glimpses down to her hand that holds onto his arm once she feels his own hand cover hers and release it from him...her hand drops to her side. Surprised, she gazes back up to him only to see his firm face looking back at her...
Sanskaar: ... I have to go...
His words come out slowly and at the same time stresses the need for him to leave"his need to leave. Swara becomes disheartened as he turns around and disappears from out the door...
*******************
Next day, when Swara noticed that Sanskaar's presence had been missing as she had not seen him in the morning or even arrive late at night, she casually asked Annapurna who informed her that he had left to Dubai for a couple of weeks for business related matters. She became further crestfallen as she heard that little Ananya accompanied him as well and would be taken care by very close family friends during Sanskaar's meetings. Slowly Swara slipped into a somewhat state of depression"missing Ananya terribly as she revolved her days around her and the presence of Sanskaar, the indifferent man whom she unknowingly had given her heart to.
******************
Ragini: What's wrong Swara? Why are you so upset? I have noticed lately that you are very quiet and upset... What's the matter? Are you missing your parents?
Her best friend asks her suddenly, forgetting her earlier chatter about future plans her and Laksh have decided on, and realizing that Swara's mind is somewhere else. Swara snaps out of her daze and becomes aware of her surroundings. She glances around at the people around them, like their selves, sitting at the round tables outside in the beautiful weather and sipping on their coffee and eating small treats. She fiddles with her own drink as she lowers her eyes and shakes her head to deny it.
Swara: Nahi Ragini... Main teek hoon... I am just tired from shopping is all... You are worrying for no reason.
Ragini: You are lying... Tell me... I am like your sister, you can tell me anything.
Swara: Jaanti hoon Ragini... But really, there is nothing...
Ragini leans back into her chair and scrutinizes Swara with her eyes, noting her solemn and gloomy appearance. Her mind begins to work on a fast pace and gears click as she puts two and two together. Finally she speaks after she creates her conclusion...
Ragini: You know Swara... You have become awfully quiet lately... I think ever since Sanskaar Bhaiya went to Dubai with Anu a week back... (ending in a knowing tone)
Swara looks up quickly at Ragini with alarmed eyes and her full, undivided attention. Ragini quietly notes this.
Ragini: (continues) Are you missing Anu... Or? (voice trailing off purposely)
Swara: (immediately) Or kya, Ragini?
Ragini: Or... mera Sanskaar Bhaiya ko? (finishes after a long pause)
Instantly a flush rises in Swara's cheeks and she looks the other way to avoid the knowing look in her friend's eyes. A light smile grows on Ragini's lips as she is amused by her friend's shy behavior.
Ragini: So? Who is it that's responsible for your sadness?
Swara turns even pinker by the second and slowly meets Ragini's teasing eyes. She continues to fiddle with her coffee cup.
Swara: Ragini, you know everything.
Ragini: (agreeing) Woh to hai...
Swara: (ending shyly) Then you also know the answer... Is this something to ask?
Ragini: (smiles) No, but I still want to hear it... from your mouth.
Swara: Kya?
Ragini: That you love my brother...
Swara looks down while blushing and after a moment nods her head in silent agreement. She feels a comforting hand on hers and glances up to meet Ragini's approving smile and beaming face.
Ragini: You have no idea how happy I am to hear this...
Swara: Really Ragini? (smiling herself)
Ragini: (excited) Of course... You are perfect for my Bhaiya...and perfect to be Ananya's mother... It is meant to be...You just give me the yes to carry things on and I will go to Maa to fix your and Bhaiya's rishta...
Swara: (immediately cutting into her excitement) Nahi Ragini"please don't do such a thing... I agree to my feelings for Mr. Maheshwari, but I do not know if those feelings are reciprocated... I do not wish to put him in any uncomfortable situation or dilemma regarding how I feel... As it is, he is still grieving for his wife... So it will take time.
Ragini: (protests) But Swara"that is in the past. He cannot keep living in it forever, now can he? He has to move on... to think about our family, Ananya, and himself... And by marrying you, he can do that...
Swara: No Ragini... Like I said... I do not want to put him in any unwanted situation... I am willing to wait.
Ragini: But Swara"
Swara: (cutting in) Let it be for now... If like you say it is mean to be... then it will happen on its own course...
**************
It was late at night when Swara left her sisters' bedroom after sharing a small chat and was headed to her own room when she heard a distant voice coming nearby. She halts in her tracks and listens carefully"noting a distinct familiarity in it. It then slowly hits her like a whirlwind and her face brightens with delight with the possibility of who it can be...
Her feet scurry down the long hallway in search for the person with her insides dancing from excitement. As she approaches the half-opened door of the room she stands before it breathlessly as her eyes land on the very one whom she had been yearning to see for weeks. He gingerly places a sleeping Ananya into her crib and rests his hands onto the railing, gazing down at her with an amount of unconditional love that she has never seen before in his eyes.
She didn't know what made her do it, but before she realized it, she had walked into the room slowly with quiet feet and joined him at the crib. He did not notice her presence until she stood beside him, gazing down at his daughter as well. Startled, he looks to her in surprise. He watches her hand sweep across Ananya's hair affectionately as she snoozes peacefully in her sleep.
Swara: Aap kab aaye?
She questions softly after a lingering silence. Sanskaar is silent for a moment before deciding to answer her, matching her tone.
Sanskaar: Abhi aaya...
Another hush presides in which Sanskaar fights an inner battle within himself, contemplating whether he should say anything else to get rid of the silence. He slowly finds himself asking...
Sanskaar: You are still awake?
Swara: Hmm... I was just about to go to my room but I heard you from the nursery so decided to see Ananya once before going to sleep...
For a long while they stood there together in complete stillness, watching Ananya sleep contently in the warmth of her blankets. It was an unsettling silence, but oddly enough somewhat comfortable at the same time. Sanskaar clears his throat after some time and Swara looks to him to find him struggling with words...
Sanskaar: ... I... I am sorry if I have been making you feel unwelcomed here... It is not my intention... I do not wish to upset you with my behavior... It is just that... time is very consuming you see... with the business and Ananya I'm"
Swara: (intervening) I understand Mr. Maheshwari... (she replies softly with a kind smile) ... You are a very busy man... You are a single father and the owner of such a high corporation... I realize that you are an important man with many things to do... (gives a wry smile) You are like Superman... But even then, superman needs to rest sometimes, don't you think?
As Swara turns her face away from him to look down at Ananya, Sanskaar Maheshwari allows for her words to sink in and gazes at her with baffled eyes. He lowers his eyes as well and directs them over to his sleeping daughter.
Sanskaar: ... I suppose you are right.
He replies in his low, velvety voice.
Sanskaar: But still... I wish to apologize. My responsibilities have consumed most of my time that I haven't been able to properly introduce myself nor have played the role of a good host... I hope you are enjoying your stay here despite that...
Swara merely smiles as a response, without any words informing him that she is. She again looks back to Ananya and fondly tucks her in with the covers. Sanskaar silently watches her do this with a level of interest. Moments later he sees the smile on her face widen...
Swara: She has a lot of hair for her age... a head full of it... dark black... just like yours...
Sanskaar glances over to her, intrigued by her sudden comment. He takes notice to her soft features and the depth in her shimmering eyes as she looks on at his daughter, unaware of his lingering gaze on her. She continues on, in her silky voice...
Swara: ...and her eyes... they are just like yours as well...
She states softly. Sanskaar feels a rush of mixed feelings take over him from her words and he looks on at her with his captivated attention.
Sanskaar: ... And?
He unwarily begins in prodding her on... wanting to learn more of what similarities she finds between him and his daughter... of what she has noticed of him.
Swara: (proceeding shyly) ... and her chin, it is pointed out sharply just as yours... her small ears... and she can very well be stubborn and arrogant"which I am assuming she gets from you...
Sanskaar suppresses a smile and his earlier intrigue builds. She has not seen much of him at all since she has been here, but already has figured him out and gotten to know him by observation.
Sanskaar: Anything else? (gently)
He watches as she finally meets his eyes and turns pink under his gaze while sheepishly shaking her head in a negative.
Swara: Bas...
A couple of seconds later a small smile breaks out onto his lips, which startles Swara yet causes her heart to swell at the same time. This is the first time she has seen him smile to her or anyone else for the matter. To her knowledge his smiles and laughter are only reserved for his daughter. She feels delight overflow inside of her. Is this a sign of him finally thawing?
A long eerie silence makes its way in between them as Sanskaar turns from her and directs his gaze to Ananya, who begins to fidget a little in her sleep but then settles down peacefully. When Swara begins to get the impression that their little chat was over (even though she'd hardly call it a chat at all) she is given reason to stay back further when he speaks in a tender tone...
Sanskaar: Her tiny nose ... her long eyelashes... her pink cheeks... her laughter and smile... all are from her mother... exactly the same. (ends on a quiet note)
Swara looks to him with uncertainty by the taboo topic and notes the tension in his features gone and a vulnerability appearing on his face. No doubt the topic of his wife is a touchy one for him and it is evident that he loves her very much, even now...
Swara feels a sudden surge of anger arise in her towards Kavitha. How can a woman so selfish leave behind her husband and child, not realizing that she is leaving something so valuable and precious? That she is only giving up the two most wonderful things in her life? And that by this decision of hers she has deprived a child of a mother and inflicted a deep wound in someone's heart? Whatever her reasons were, Swara hopes that she realizes her loss and spends the rest of her life regretting what she gave up.
His face is conflicted with so many emotions at once"love, admiration, sadness, and regret that it causes Swara to look at him in an even brighter light. Sanskaar Maheshwari works himself like a machine, working day and night, trying to be a great father and at the same time attempting to achieve more success in the business world. Despite his steel exterior, inside there is a void that eats him up each and every day. He distances himself from his family members who worry for him, building a wall around him and not letting anyone in as a reaction to his inner feelings. It is how he chooses to handle himself with his wife walking out on him, perhaps not wanting any further hurt to reach him from a loved one.
Sympathy and concern building inside of her, Swara slides her hand over his and gives it a comforting squeeze.
Swara: ... It must be hard losing a loved one... to learn to cope with the pain that it leaves... and how to overcome it. (soothingly)
She catches the familiar blazing look in his eyes return once he processes her sympathetic words and becomes startled as he suddenly withdraws his hand from under hers roughly. He takes a step back away from her and looks at her with his restricted composure, allowing for his steel exterior to take over the slip of vulnerability that was present on his face just seconds before.
Sanskaar: You should go to bed. It is late.
He promptly commands her in his hard tone. Swara, unnerved by the sudden change in his behavior, looks at him with startle but quickly finds her voice in order to protest. Just as she opens her mouth to resist, he cuts her off smoothly.
Sanskaar: Goodnight.
His brisk tone and reserved behavior is the final sign in which Swara knows she is no longer welcome to stay as he wishes to be alone. Swara nods her head solemnly and moves to leave. Before doing so, she catches from behind her shoulder Sanskaar Maheshwari slumping down onto the chair beside the crib and lowering his head into his hands...
**************
Thank you,
Shreetha..
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