~SwaSan Story ~ A Bound Relation ~ Updated Epilogue - 10/04~ - Page 33

Chapter 18:

Squinting her eyes, Swara reaches a hand to her forehead and touches it lightly, pained by the major headache she's experiencing at the moment. Slowly opening her swollen eyes, Swara looks around in a confused daze, taking the surroundings of the hotel room in. Feeling suffocated by being tightly wrapped by the comforter, she throws it off of her, giving her space and room to breathe. Tiredly Swara sits up in bed, stretches her arms out as she lets out a soft yawn. She winces by the throbbing in her head and groans. Swara perks and curiously looks up as she hears the opening of a door.

Sanskaar comes walking out from the bathroom with a towel in his hand, drying his wet hair from his hot shower. He throws the towel over at a chair nearby and looks ahead of him.

Despite her troubling headache and unwell state, Swara blushes by how her husband stares at her and she becomes very aware of herself. She reaches for the covers and slowly pulls it up to her chest, trying to be casual about it. This is when she realizes that she is still wearing her saree from last night's party and hasn't removed any of her jewelry.

Sanskaar: You had fallen asleep as soon as I had brought you back here, which is why you're still in the clothes you were wearing at last night's party.

Sanskaar informs as he sees a confused expression build on her tired face. He watches her make an attempt to fix her messy and out of place hair, to make herself a little presentable. She also drapes her dress over her shoulder which was slipping moments before. Her cheeks burn with embarrassment...

Swara: (softly, puzzled) You brought...me back?

Sanskaar sees her confusion grow and clearly knows that she doesn't remember anything from last night. Swara sees him dig a hand into his pant pocket and stare at her with the same expression he has always looked at her so far on their "honeymoon"... which held no emotion.

Sanskaar: (didactic tone) You had unknowingly consumed a couple of alcoholic drinks at the party, therefore, I had to bring you back to our room.

Swara's eyes widen at this and she stares at Sanskaar with disbelief. She? And Alcohol? How could she drink alcohol unknowingly? When did she even--------- It all comes rushing back to her...The introduction of her husband's ex flame, Kavitha. Kavitha persuading him for a dance and taking him away from her, leaving Swara all by herself...The closeness and touching business going on between her husband and his ex...Then her drinking a drink that looked like juice with a cute small purple umbrella in it. But after that everything else is a blur.

Swara sheepishly looks over at Sanskaar and gives him an apologetic looking expression, truly feeling sorry for what she had done and causing him to leave his good friend's party like that.

Swara: Mr. Maheshwari...I-I am so sorry--- very sorry. I... I didn't know that the juice wasn't juice after all. Please forgive me. (sincerely)

Sanskaar just stares at her with the same blank expression and brushes off her apology. He turns away from her and faces instead the walk in closet behind him, containing all the clothes he had brought along with him for his trip. He casually glances back at her.

Sanskaar: Our flight is in three hours. Quickly get ready and pack your things. If we have time, we'll try and squeeze in a quick breakfast...

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Throughout their flight not a single word was exchanged between them. Sanskaar preoccupied himself by the magazines that were provided to them just as he had last time and Swara just sat silently to herself, keeping alert of any upcoming turbulences. This time Swara didn't even dare to get up and go to the washroom, to afraid of repeating another lap episode. She didn't think she'd be able to bare another embarrassing incident.

Sanskaar was exhausted from the lack of sleep he had last night. After hearing what he had discovered from Swara, which literally shook him up, Sanskaar had taken his keys and went on a long drive, really needing one to clear his head. He arrived back at the hotel at three in the morning and didn't go to sleep until six in the morning. He had also slept on the couch which was very uncomfortable.

The flight was miserably long due to the thick silence but thankfully it has come to an end. They board off the plane and are greeted by a waving Anisha, Sanskaar's personal assistant. She warmly welcomes them back and goes along with them to retrieve their luggage. Anisha stayed walking by Sanskaar's side, filling him in on the happenings of the office while he was gone and telling him of his schedule for the day and the upcoming days. She would occasionally though give Swara friendly side glances, which had Swara smiling a little too.

Anisha: Oh sir, let me! (politely)

Anisha says enthusiastically as Sanskaar makes a motion to push the trolley, which contains their now retrieved suitcases. He obliges and moves out of the way for her. Anisha pushes the trolley and stays behind with Swara this time as Sanskaar walks on ahead in search of their ride. He pulls on his sunglasses as he comes outside of the airport and into the sunny atmosphere. Anisha and Swara come on outside a minute later than he.

Anisha: Sir, your ride is right over here.

Anisha indicates towards the left and points out the waiting black Mercedes. She leads him and Swara over towards it and motions for the driver to get out and open the trunk.

Sanskaar: Anisha, you go on and sit in the car. I've got it.

Sanskaar tells her as she walks over to the trolley to take the suitcases. She nods and smiles one last smile over at Swara's direction before getting herself into the car, the driver opening the door for her. Sanskaar grabs his suitcase and places it into the trunk. He closes it and stares over at Swara's direction.

Swara looks back at him, wearing a puzzled expression. She looks down at her luggage that is still on the trolley. Sanskaar follows her gaze.

Sanskaar: I have some work that needs to be taken care of at the office, so I will be going straight to there. You will go on home--- in the other car.

He directs over to the other awaiting car behind the black Mercedes. Swara looks over and sees the other driver get out and wait besides the car for her. She nods her head, showing him that she understands. Just as she bends down to pick up her luggage, she feels Sanskaar's hand also wrap around the strap. The both look up at one another at the same time. Swara feels her heart race from their hand contact.

Sanskaar indicates to her that he's got it with a blink of his eyes and slowly Swara let's go, moving out of the way. She watches Sanskaar haul up the suitcase and place it into the open trunk, which the driver had opened quickly. He shuts it and walks on over to the back car door and opens it. He holds it and signals for Swara to get in. Swara, slightly startled by this, walks over to him and seats herself in.

Sanskaar: I'll see you at home.

Sanskaar tells her before shutting the car door. Swara feels her body tingle by his words. This was the first time he was referring the Mansion as her home too. She watches with a silent daze as he walks away and gets into his own car...

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In haste she grips tight onto her husband's arm, stopping him in his tracks and causing him to look over at her curiously. Her husband grows worried as he sees that her face has suddenly become pale and the smile that lingered on her lips before has now vanished. He feels her grip on his arm tighten and he covers her hand with his own. "What's wrong, sweetheart?", he soothingly asks her.

"V-V-Veer...Mr. Maheshwari--- and Di", she stutters with fear. Veer stares at his wife, shocked, and quickly follows her gaze over in front of them. His heart literally skips a beat out of fear as he sees the man who was like his mentor, his father, and brother stand before them with his shades over his eyes and thrusting a suitcase up into the trunk of a car. He reacts quickly by taking Priya's hand and dragging her behind a column nearby.

Priya's eyes already start tearing as she spots her elder sister standing by the car, looking absolutely beautiful in a stunning teal saree and her matching jewelry, looking exactly how she should be looking... like Sanskaar Maheshwari's wife. She watches her sister close as she walks towards the car...and to Sanskaar Maheshwari, who holds the back car door for her, gesturing to her to get in. As Priya looks back over to him, fear grips tightly on her heart. His image was such... Sanskaar Maheshwari's appearance would intimidate anyone.

Both newly weds watch Sanskaar Maheshwari shut the door and walk towards the car in front. Momentarily their fear increases as he casually glances to his side, almost catching sight of them if they hadn't quickly hid behind the column again, as he walks to the back of the car. He opens the door and seats himself in. In seconds, both Maheshwari cars zoom out of sight... Tears flow from Priya's eyes and Veer lays a comforting hand on her back. Seeing her sister after so long...after a month and a half of hiding...made Priya extremely emotional...The past many weeks, Priya yearned for her sisters, especially for her Swara Di, who was more of a mother to her- and she desperately needed a mother to comfort her through her bad times.

Veer: Come on, Priya... Let's go.

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Sanskaar tried to wrap himself into his work, but his focus seemed to be somewhere else. Very often he would slip into his own thoughts and not pay any attention whatsoever to the work that has to be done. He couldn't seem to forget the huge burden hanging in his chest...disturbing him terribly. A knock on his door startles him and brings him back to reality. He shortly replies to come in. Sanskaar sees one of his employees, Neil Sharma, hesitantly enter his cabin. Neil shakes before his presence, probably remembering the talk they had over a couple of weeks ago. But right now, Sanskaar could care less about whom he was and what he had done that angered him so much. Right now...Sanskaar didn't care about anything.

Neil: (quivering voice) Mr. M-Maheshwari...

Sanskaar: (curt) What is it?

Neil: Siiirr, --- it's, um, it's just that... you-you (breathes in, says all in a rush) have been ignoring the Kolkata project for the past week and a half and it is necessary that this file gets your signatures for the construction of the casino to begin. --- S-so if you will please...

Neil approaches his desk and politely hands over the file. Sanskaar stares at the file in Neil's outstretched hand with a daze. Old memories quickly flood his mind... of his unexpected betrayal...and of his unwanted marriage with Swara Gadodia. He had started this project to cause pain to the people who had betrayed him and caused him grief.

Neil: (scared, curiously) Sir?

Sanskaar snaps out of his thinking and stares up at Neil's frightened face. No longer in a dilemna and knowing exactly what his decision is, Sanskaar stares back at Neil's extending hand and takes the file from him...

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Swara was welcomed with open arms by everyone, except for Ragini who just sneered at her and walked away. Sujatha immediately sat her down and everyone crowded around her, Uttara, Dadi, Samar, and Neetha, wearing bright smiles on their faces. Sujatha continuously questioned how their honeymoon went and what they had done. Swara quietly just answered her questions, not liking the attention she was getting. Sujatha teasingly spoke to Dadi.

Sujatha: Look, Maaji--- look how our Swara's face is glowing!

Despite knowing that nothing at all had happened that would cause her face to glow, Swara's cheeks still turn red. She wanted to badly correct Sujatha, but found herself speechless, not knowing what to say to her remark.

Dadi: Yes, you are right, Sujatha. Her face is glowing. (pleased)

Sujatha: I knew it was the right thing to send her along with Sanskaar. The boy has been so wrapped up with the office that he barely has time for her. ---- I am glad to know that you both have enjoyed yourself.

Sujatha says back to Swara, smiling wonderfully in her direction. All Swara does is bow her head and continue to blush pink. Everyone giggles at this, and even Uttara can't help but smile.

Neetha: So Bhabhi--- did you bring back any gifts?

Swara: (smiling) Yes, I did. I knew you would be expecting something for yourself.

Neetha cheekily smiles at her Bhabhi. Samar steps in the way and looks also eagerly at her.

Samar: And me? --- You couldn't possibly forget about me, right?

Swara: (smiling even more) Of course not, I have even brought you something.

Swara takes her sisters hand and smiles affectionately at her.

Swara: For Uttara too... (looking back over at Samar) I have brought back something for everyone.

Neetha: (excited) Oh, Bhabhi! What is it?! Can we see our gifts now?

Sujatha: Arre, Neetha, be patient beta. Your Bhabhi has just come back and you are already hassling her for your gifts.

Neetha: Oops, sorry Bhabhi. Its okay, I can wait.

Swara: Maa, I will just unpack now-- (over to Samar and Neetha) You may come along if you want to see your gifts.

Uttara follows after her sister to help her unpack and both twins, Samar and Neetha, race after them to see what they have gotten from Goa...

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Laksh opens his cabin and paces down the hallway towards his destination... He couldn't seem to believe it... It was all just so unbelievable. He refused to believe it from someone else... He had to know for sure from the man himself. Laksh arrives at the door and knocks hard onto it. He hears him tell him to come in and he doesn't hesitate for a second, walking on into Sanskaar Maheshwari's cabin. He closes the door behind himself.

Sanskaar looks away from the window and over at his friend staring at him with an annoyed expression. He completely turns around and faces him. He grows puzzled as to why Laksh is here in his cabin. From what he remembered, they were not on speaking terms.

Sanskaar: Laksh...

Laksh walks on forward and stops just before his desk. He doesn't break their eye contact and continues to look at him with piercing eyes. He finally speaks after a long moment of silence.

Laksh: What are you getting at, Sanskaar?

Sanskaar proceeds to stare at Laksh, not knowing what he meant by that. He stares on confused.

Sanskaar: What do you mean?

Laksh: (his voice rising) I mean, what the hell do you think you're getting at if you just suddenly called off the Kolkata project?

Realization dawns upon Sanskaar and he grows quiet. He looks the other way.

Laksh: Wasn't building the casino your dream??? Wasn't it your goal to destroy Swara's home? You were looking so forward to this project, but out of the bloom you just call it off? --- What the hell are you up to now?! (accusing, questions)

Laksh watches Sanskaar remain quiet and continue to avoid eye contact with him. He walks towards closer to him, approaching him.

Laksh: You are cooking up another plan--- I know it! Otherwise, there is no legit reason why you declined the project... What is it that you're doing this time, Sanskaar Maheshwari?

Sanskaar is still silent for a few moments. He stares over back at Laksh with a regretful look and rests a hand on his black chair.

Sanskaar: Do you remember Laksh...the last time you had came into this cabin...

Laksh proceeds to stare at Sanskaar, fuming inside. He watches him closely with his eyes.

Sanskaar: ...You had said that the truth is that I do not know anything and that I assume too much. --- You had also said that I should for once stop acting as if I knew everything that was going on around.

Laksh's anger begins to cool as he listens to his words, getting lost in them and not understanding the sudden topic.

Sanskaar: Swara loved Veer... that was what I didn't know... wasn't it?

Sanskaar watches as Laksh looks shocked and speechless. He softly smiles at his friend.

Sanskaar: The look on your face clearly tells me that I am right...Swara did love Veer...and probably still does...

Laksh remains speechless, not knowing what to say, not able to find his voice.

Sanskaar: You were right... Swara had done nothing to hurt me... she took no part in Priya and Veer's betrayal towards me... in fact, she was equally hurt as I was...Still is... She took my rude behavior towards her like a punching bag...She let me take out my anger on her...Never...Never did she defend herself from me... (looking up) I'm not a good person, Laksh...I hurt a wonderful person like Swara who always respected me...What have I done, Laksh?

Laksh stares on at Sanskaar, not able to believe or digest down the fact that Sanskaar Maheshwari is actually regretting something that he had done for the first time ever. He has finally realized his mistake. He looks Sanskaar straight in the eye and sees how truly sorry he is, sees the sincerity in them. Laksh's anger completely vanishes.

Sanskaar: I was -- I was so caught up with my hate for Priya and Veer that I just took out all my anger on Swara, who was innocent the whole time.

Laksh: (amazed) Sanskaar... are you honestly regretting everything you did to Swara? Do you really realize your mistake?

Sanskaar stares over at his friend and lays a hand on his shoulder.

Sanskaar: I do, Laksh...It took me a very long time...but I finally can see my faults... and the truth. (looking away, dejected) I just can't believe that I behaved so...cruelly towards her... How will I ever be able to ask for forgiveness?

Laksh is so overwhelmed with happiness that he smiles warmly at Sanskaar. He then rests a hand on his shoulder.

Laksh: The fact that you've realized what the truth is will be enough for her. --- But even then, you should apologize.

I owe more than just an apology, he softly says to himself.

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Sanskaar runs his fingers through his thick hair and continues to step further onto the accelerator, increasing his speed as he lays his back firmly against the car seat, driving his vehicle absentmindedly, lost in a world of his own. All that seemed to linger on his mind is of her troubled looking face, making him feel nothing but guilt and shame for himself.

His mind wanders back to his marriage to his wife and all the unforgivably harsh actions he had committed towards her... such as throwing her out of his room like if she were trash, insulting and accusing her character, taunting her every chance he had gotten, deliberately refusing to divorce her-- taking an advantage of their marriage to his gain of revenge...viciously attacking her with his bile like words... threatening to rip her away from her childhood home...and his most unforgivable act--- inflicting so much pain on her.

"Please Mr. Maheshwari, listen to me", Swara had pleaded and begged to him countless of times, cried openly in front of him every time, and took his hurtful inflicting actions like a punching bag...

"Mr. Maheshwari, please...I beg of you...".

"Please, Mr. Maheshwari!",

"Aap aise mat karo...".

"Nahi...",

"Please!"

"Please...aisa nahi hai---"

"Mr. Maheshwari, please!"

"Please, listen to me, Mr. Maheshwari!"

Swara's cries overwhelm him instantly and Sanskaar begins to feel sick to his stomach. He grips tightly onto the steering wheel and his jaw tightens. As he sees that he has arrived at his desired destination, Sanskaar hastily steps on the brakes and parks the car on the temporarily abandoned area. Slamming his door shut, he leans against his car and looks over at the setting sun, hiding slowly into the gleaming blue water. Seagulls call out around him, flying up in the air, and swiftly passing by, but it's all just a faint echo to his ears and numbed self.

"I am sorry Mr. Maheshwari...Priya ne aapko chodke chalegayi...Veer neh bhi mujhe chodke chalagaya...Priya ke liye..."

After a long while of absorbing himself in her words, a small sad smile twitches on his lips, and he lets out a sneer. Digging his hands deep into his pockets, Sanskaar breathes out dejectedly. "You're right, Swara... we didn't get the people whom we desired for the most... we both have gone through the same feeling of rejection... the same feeling of deception... and the same feeling of hurt... I am just regretful that I hadn't recognized your innocence from before...If there is anyone who should be apologizing then it's me... I am sorry... so sorry, Swara."

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Swara angrily brushes off her running tears and shuts her door behind her. She stares down at the neatly wrapped present in her hands and tears once again begin to well in her eyes. She had gotten Neetha a special set of earrings--- earrings that she had heard Neetha wish for a very long time. Spotting them at Goa as she went shopping for pass time, Swara had quickly boughten them with a smile, knowing that Neetha would simply love them. She gave the present to Neetha eagerly, wanting to see her reaction, except she never got to because her another sister-in-law seemed to have come out of nowhere, knocking the present out of Neetha's hands-- telling her sister not to accept gifts from filthy low classed people. In a second Ragini clearly stated that no sort of relationship exists between Neetha and Swara, not even as sisters, like how Swara always thought of her as. With a warning look, she told her, "Stay away from my sister you shameless woman". Tears began to well in Neetha's eyes as she helplessly saw her (Swara) be bashed by her sister. Gripping tightly onto her sister's wrist, Ragini dragged Neetha along with her, taking her far away from Swara, leaving her by herself with tears streaming down her face.

Swara drops the present onto the desk nearby and lays gingerly down onto the mattress, silently weeping into her pillow, wounded deeply by the vicious woman's words and attack on her character. A couple minutes go by into her crying as she feels an unexpected sharp pain hit her in her lower abdomen. With quick instinct, she clutches onto her stomach tight...

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As soon as Sanskaar arrived at the mansion in the late evening, he didn't see Swara's presence anywhere. She wasn't around the front of the mansion or in the kitchen like how she usually was every time he came back from work. Finding this odd, Sanskaar walks further into the house and towards the dining room, where every Maheshwari member, including Uttara, sat at the table with plates filled of food in front of them. However, he notices an empty seat, Swara's usual chair.

Sujatha: Sanskaar, you're here. Come. Have Dinner.

Sanskaar: (curiously) ...Maa, where is Swara?

Sujatha: (sadly smiles) Bechari...She is in your room... Uttara was saying that she isn't feeling so well nor doesn't feel like eating.

Sanskaar casts his gaze over to Uttara who silently looks down at her plate with a solemn look, picking around her food, not having eaten any of it so far. He feels someone tug on his briefcase and looks over to his left to find Shambu smile politely at him. Sanskaar releases his hand off of it, letting his butler take it along with his coat away.

Sanskaar: Maa...I will go on and check on her.

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As he walks closer and closer towards their bedroom, Sanskaar feels the guilt inside of him increase more and more with each step he takes. Guilt for everything he had done towards Swara. Possibly now when he sees her, he can ask her for forgiveness for being an incredible blind fool and cruel man. If necessary, he is even willing to beg her on bended knees-- anything to achieve her pardon.

Opening the door quietly, Sanskaar pokes his head through the small crack and looks around the room in search for Swara. He sees her lying on the bed, her back resting against the headboard, her arms clutching tight around her stomach, eyes closed, and her lips shaking. Curiously he opens the door all the way open and makes his way over to her without a second hesitation, wondering what is wrong with her.

Feeling the left side of the bed sink down, Swara opens her eyes quickly and her heart skips a beat as she sees her husband staring at her so closely. The tears fall out from her eyes and she wipes them away with the back of her hand. Nervously she looks away from him, avoiding his gaze--- not wishing for him to see the tears in her eyes.

Swara: Mr-Mr. Maheshwari, what are you doing here?

Sanskaar continues to look into Swara's tear filled eyes and pale face---feeling something inside of him sink down. How many times has he seen Swara cry?... Shamely, too many...yet today, he finally understands her tears... her agony...her suffering... and it is all because of him. He brought tears to her eyes numerous of times-- and to think it brought him joy once. As Laksh had said before...he truly is a sick b*st*rd.

Sanskaar: You are not downstairs for dinner...Why?

Swara switches her gaze at the bedsheets...

Swara: Ji...woh--- mujhe bhook nahi hai...(stealthily wipes another tear)

Sanskaar: (calmly, gently) You can't starve yourself just because you don't feel like eating...

Swara looks back over to Sanskaar confused. She doesn't understand what's happening. What is wrong with Mr. Maheshwari? Why is he here? Why is he behaving so...civil? She doesn't ponder about this too much because her recent pain distracts her... She clutches harder onto her stomach and squints her eyes. Sanskaar sees this and places a hand on her shoulder.

Sanskaar: (worry in his tone) Swara, what's wrong?

Swara: (her voice watery) Ji, kuch nahi...

Sanskaar: (clearly sensing her pain) You're lying...something is wrong. Tell me. Are you in pain?

Swara opens her eyes and looks back into his eyes. What she sees in them surprises her but relieves her nonetheless...Concern...worry...care...that is what's in his eyes. Not anger...hate...and revenge like they usually held. Her eyes water and she tries her best to hold back the tears by biting tightly onto her lip.

Sanskaar: Swara...what is it? Tell me.

Swara: (breathes out) Mr. Maheshwari...

Her cheeks flush as he asks her impatiently, "Swara, just tell me what's wrong-- please". How can she tell him? Tell him about what kind of pain she's experiencing... a pain that most women go through each month... It would be so embarrassing...Out of all the days of the month this had to happen today...

Swara: I can't... (cries, cheeks turning pink)

Sanskaar: (impatient, still very worried) Why the bloody not?

Swara: Mr. Maheshwari, please... (begs)

Sanskaar shuts his mouth. He needs to be patient with Swara...it's the least he can do for her. But it is worrying him that she is in some type of physical pain which she isn't telling him about. How come?

Swara: You don't have to worry...I'll be fine...Just please send Uttara...

He becomes frustrated by this. Sanskaar, her husband, is right here for her, willing to be with her, wanting to know what's wrong with her, and she wants her sister rather than him?

Sanskaar: (without even thinking, blurts out) Swara, I am your damn husband-- not Uttara. I am here for you. Tell me what is wrong.

Swara: ...It's... (flushes) It's normal...I just need Uttara. She'll know what to do.

Sanskaar: Being in pain is normal for you? (disbelief) Swara--- why don't you just tell me exactly what's wron-----

His voice trails off as it finally hits him...Swara was going through cramps from her menstrual cycle. Of course...He should have known. Sanskaar had seen Ragini go through it many times. He hides a smile and his laughter. She was too embarrassed to tell him a simple thing like cramps?

Sanskaar: Swara...are you on your period?

Sanskaar watches her cheeks turn dark red and he lightly chuckles, but stops as he sees Swara begin to burst into tears once again.

Sanskaar: Shit... I didn't mean to laugh. Swara, I know you're in a lot of pain right now... You wait here, I'll just get Shambu and have him-----

Sanskaar feels Swara grab onto his arm and pull quickly on it. She shakes her head at him.

Swara: Nahi...please...Shambu ko mat---- I don't want to draw attention...

Sanskaar: ...Alright...then I will go myself and get you some medicine that I think can help...

Sanskaar gets up from the bed, ready to leave, but on hearing Swara whimper from pain, he sits back down by her side and takes her hand in his.

Sanskaar: Swara---

Swara: Mr. Maheshwari, it hurts... (admitting)

Swara continues to cry. Sanskaar is momentarily stunned when he feels Swara's head rest against his shoulder. She cries into him and drenches his shirt, but Sanskaar doesn't seem to care. On instinct, Sanskaar envelops her into a secure embrace and rubs her back soothingly.

Sanskaar: It-it'll be okay, Swara... it won't last long.

Swara: (sniffs) It hurts too much though...

Sanskaar squeezes her closer against him, surprisingly liking the way she fits so perfectly against him and in his arms...But most importantly, wanting to comfort her as much as he can.

Sanskaar: It'll be fine...You'll be fine... -I'll take care of you... (gently adds)

Swara closes her eyes and mutely remains in his arms, only letting out small cries and sniffling. The fact that she's tightly clinging onto Sanskaar doesn't seem to cross her mind, as she's too preoccupied with her painful cramps. A minute later both Sanskaar and Swara hear the bedroom door open and look up to see Shambu standing at the doorway.

Shambu: Oh---- Sanskaar sir, you are here.

Swara blinks and then stares back over at Sanskaar, finally realizing their unbelievable close proximity, and feeling completely embarrassed. She makes an attempt to break away from Sanskaar's hold, but Sanskaar's secure wrapped arms refuse to release her.

Sanskaar: Haan, kaho Shambu. Kya hai?

Shambu: Sir, there is a call for you, I was ju-----

Sanskaar: Let the caller know that I am currently busy. Swara isn't feeling well...I want you to bring me any medication we have-- Advil, Tylenol... and a glass of water quickly. A heating pad would be great and later on bring some tea.

Sanskaar knew Shambu would understand. He also went through Ragini's cramps many times. He watches him nod his head and scatter off from the room in a rush. Trying to forget her discomfort and embarrassment, she asks innocently, "Mr. Maheshwari...why have you sent Shambu to bring tea and a heating pad?". He smiles sweetly at her.

Sanskaar: Trust me...

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Uttara peeps into the room to check up on her sister and sees something that startles her...Sanskaar Maheshwari laying on the bed, his back against the headboard, and with Swara laying nearly on top of him, her head resting on his chest...sleeping peacefully with his arms around her. She watches Sanskaar remove a strand of hair away from Swara's face and tuck it carefully behind her ear...she also notes the care in his eyes as he does this...

Uttara smiles faintly at him. She couldn't thank him enough for looking after her Swara Didi with so much care. Uttara had loathed Sanskaar Maheshwari the past month and half due to his horrible wicked behavior with her sister...but seeing him today with her...and after he had saved her from that breaking chandlier...she couldn't possibly hate him anymore.

Smiling silently to herself, Uttara steps away from the room and walks away...

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