~SwaSan Story ~ A Bound Relation ~ Updated Epilogue - 10/04~ - Page 49

Chapter 31:

Swara stills and stares back at her husband with stunned eyes. Her eyes shine with glistening tears as she strains her ears to make sure she had heard him right.

Sanskaar: The blood that you find so dirty run in my veins as well... The child living in Swara's womb, that you call a sin, is mine...

His thumb sinks in deeper into her throat, making Ragini choke further as she looks up at her brother with wide eyes, not able to believe the words that come from his mouth. Everyone else wonder how many more shocks they are in for... first the accusations made on Swara and now discovering that a couple that they had thought would take a long while to actually become into husband and wife were now expecting a child...

Sanskaar: Only mine... no one else's...

And with that he lets her go, pushing her away from him as he does so. Ragini lets out a loud gasp as she protectively holds onto her neck and tries regaining her breath.

Sanskaar: You have attempted to disgrace Swara before everyone... pointed a finger at her character...accused her of something so unspeakable...You have insulted my wife...my child...but more importantly, by insulting them both you have insulted me...and Sanskaar Maheshwari will not tolerate being insulted... Let me see how you stay here in MY house for a minute longer...

Stunned, Ragini glances up...looking terrified for her life...

Ragini: (stammers) B-but how did this happen? H-How can this child be yours?

Sanskaar: (sarcastically) Would you like me to explain to you what happens between a man and a woman?

Ragini turns red by this as does Swara, who isn't able to believe that her husband just said that in front of everyone and so coolly.

Sanskaar: But then again, you should know after all you are also married...

Ragini is dumbfounded. She isn't able to digest the fact that the distance between her brother and sister-in-law has been breeched... that they have actually consummated their marriage... they have become into one... and now are expecting their first child, the actual heir to the Maheshwari name. How in the world did this happen?

Ragini: Sanskaar Bhaiya----

Sanskaar: (barks) Don't call me Bhaiya!-- You are nothing to me anymore!... Get out of my house...

Fear begins to build in the pit of her stomach... Her own brother is going to throw her out...and that to for the silly Kolkata girl. How can he possibly do this to her? Where will she go? Where will she stay? No, she cannot leave...

Ragini: (on the verge of crying) Bhaiya, please!

Sanskaar tugs hard on her wrist, dragging her away from the living room from everyone else, who do nothing but watch, and down the hallway towards the front doors, however, Ragini struggles against him, trying to wring her wrist out from his hold.

Ragini: I am your sister! (breathes out)

Sanskaar: (abruptly stops, faces her) If you were my sister you wouldn't dare to point a finger at my wife... you wouldn't feed poison to the media... Don't look so shocked, I know it was you... It must have been you... Where else would the media gather the information from? I know gossiping is one of your favorite hobbies... Well now you are free to do so... but not in my house...

"Mr. Maheshwari!", they both hear Swara's pleading voice from behind. Turning around both brother and sister watch her catching up to them with a worried expression etched on her face. She quickly approaches his side, breathless.

Swara: What are you doing? Woh aapki behen hai!

Sanskaar: (heaves) Behen?--- Kaise behen hai yeh? If I were to know that I would be given a sister like this, I would had begged God to make me---

Swara: (interrupts him) You cannot just throw her out like this! Especially when her family is here...and when she has no where else to go!

Sanskaar looks back at Swara with disbelief.

Sanskaar: This woman has said so much to you... What has she not said! She has said so many disgusting things to you, yet you still are siding with her?! (questioning her, amazed)

Swara is silenced by this momentarily and she stares over at her frightened sister-in-law, staring back at her with a disbelief of her own. Soothingly she lays a hand on her husband's shoulder and looks back to him with begging eyes.

Swara: ...Please...don't do this...Do not separate her from her family... You will not only be punishing her, but you will be punishing our family as well... Besides, Ragini is younger to you... if she has made a mistake... it is your duty to forgive her... then she can learn from it.

Sanskaar: (intervenes) Swara...she has tried to bring you below everyone's eyes...

Swara: Mr. Maheshwari... (tears brimming in her eyes) I am certainly hurt (voice cracking) by being accused of something that I would never even think of doing... I am hurt by how low Ragini ji thinks of me... But I will be even more hurt if because of me her family is snatched away from her...

Seeing the tears in his wife's eyes, washes all the current anger from him and he takes her hand from his shoulder into his, giving her a comforting squeeze. Sanskaar has let go of his grip on his sister's wrist... his attention temporarily brought away from her.

Sanskaar: ...I don't ever want to see you hurt, Swara... (says with genuine warmth)

Swara's eyes meet with his and she feels a warm sensation build inside of her by his words. She watches him turn and look back at a stiff standing Ragini, crying her eyes out hysterically. Anger flashes back into his eyes...

Sanskaar: (harshly) Learn a thing or two from my wife, Ragini, whom you think so lowly of... Admire her mercy towards you... If it were anyone else they would have watched you being kicked out of this house with satisfaction... If by allowing you to stay under this roof gives her somewhat of a relief, then I will without hesitation oblige to her wish... Par ek baath mera dhyaan se sunn... If you try to pull anything... and I mean anything...or... if you try hurting Swara once again...just think of yourself close to being dead... (ends with a deadly tone).

Ragini trembles by her brother's raging eyes and dangerous low voice. She watches with blurry angry eyes how he protectively clasps his hand with his wife's, entwining their fingers together.

Sanskaar: Aur haan... keep your well wishes to yourself... we don't need them from a witch... (hisses)

She flinches by the cruelty in his words and looks with stunned eyes as Sanskaar tugs on Swara's hand, bringing her to his side, and taking her far away from her... leaving her alone in the middle of the dark gloomy hallway, crying over her insult and thrashing. Swara looks behind her shoulder as she is dragged away by her husband with sad eyes at how her sister-in-law weeps miserably to herself...

They arrive back to the living room, where everyone is still standing... speechless and rooted to their spots. Tears blind Swara's eyes and she can't help but not cry... she was ashamed and deeply embarrassed with what allegations were put on her before everyone...but more importantly, hurt beyond words.

Sanskaar: ...No one will go to her...No one will help her... She does not deserve anyone's pity... That woman isn't worth it...

Laksh just grimaces at the whole situation...Disappointed in his wife, furious with her, and sympathetic towards his sister. Dadi is completely appalled with what has happened... Uttara, with tears in her eyes, watches her sister silently with a heavy heart...

Neetha stands in a flood of tears... not able to comprehend anything or react to what had just happened. All of this was happening because of her... In order to protect her, Swara had to undergo so much... the horrible insults from her sister...And now a rift exists between her Di and Bhaiya... all due to her...Just her. Her face pales...

Laksh gently places a hand on Swara's head, feeling a hard tug on his heart and water rise to his eyes by seeing how hurt she is... Swara just stands besides Sanskaar, stiff and devastated...

Sanskaar, after meeting everyone's eyes and letting his words sink in, again pulls on Swara's hand, leading her over to the staircase to take her to their room. Laksh's hand slips off from her hair and he watches their retreating backs with a gloomy expression. Just as they approach the staircase, Sanskaar looks over to his side where his little sister stands, shaking to herself...her knees wobbling. He nerves and confuses her by his disapproval and disappointed expression...the intent gazing...and the frown lingering on his lips. Facing away from her, quickly he proceeds on with climbing up the stairs, his wife obediently following him behind with her head bent down...

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After closing the door shut, he locks it in haste and lets his hold break over Swara's small hand. Swearing under his breath, he runs his fingers through his thick hair, replaying the events through his head while Swara just mutely stands motionless, staring off in space with a blurry vision...her eyes blinded with rushing tears. Ragini's thundering voice ringing in her ears...

"These Gadodia sisters are all the same... Cunning, filthy, and lower than dirt!"---"She went behind your back and fooled around despite being married to you and belonging into a well respected family!"---"She is carrying an illegitimate child in her womb! A sin!"----She was so desperate for male attention that she fooled around and got herself pregnant!"---"A wh*re!"

Biting down hard onto her bottom lip from keeping herself bursting, the tears spill fast from her pained looking eyes as these words continue to haunt her... Everyone's horrified seemed faces flash across her... Hot shame fuses into her...

Sanskaar Maheshwari had never been so furious in his whole life. He was raging with boiling anger and was ready to explode like how a kettle bursts out hot steam. He stands with his hands in tight fists as his wife's insults do not leave his thoughts. As he remembers the tears that she had shed... tears that he promised would never reach her eyes... That he promised himself. Over come with insane fury, Sanskaar slams his fist into the closet door besides him... causing a loud bam to occur... not carrying how now his hand throbs from pain.

Not able to control herself anymore, Swara slowly moves away, creating distance between them...and finally explodes into another set of fresh tears...sobbing away... wanting to cry to her heart's content...till she could cry no more and her eyes would become dry.

Startled by the outburst, Sanskaar flashes her a look and instantly is concerned. He walks towards her... where she stands nearby one of the windows...her shoulders quivering...and occasionally softly gasping in between her tears...gathering some shaky breathes into her. Placing both of his hands on her upper arms, Sanskaar swiftly turns her around, making her unwillingly face him. Swara keeps her eyes closed as she pours out her pain in front of her solicitous husband.

Sanskaar feels something inside of him sink on seeing her sob before him. He had never seen her cry so much and it troubled him...caused him pain as well. With the thought of wanting to take away all of her distress and agony, he engulfs Swara into a tight embrace... full of warmth... support... and comfort. His arms hold her securely against his torso...one wrapped around her slender waist...the other resting on her back as his hand finds it's way into her heavenly scented hair...his fingers running through the silky tresses...and face buried into them.

Swara conceals her face into his chest and smothers herself comfortably into him... loving the way how she fits so perfectly against him...feeling safe and protected in his strong arms...and listens intently to his silky voice...that tries to hush her. She brings her arms around him, hugging his torso...

Swara: ...I-I...can never show my face to any one of them again...

She whispers to him in between her shaky sobs... Sanskaar gathers her closer to him and sweetly runs his hand down her smooth hair...

Sanskaar: (murmuring in her ear) You have no reason to be ashamed... You did nothing wrong... Absolutely nothing... You are purer than anyone else in this world, Swara... Completely flawless...

Swara opens her mouth to reply back, but she is too overcome with emotion that instead she continues to weep...

It seemed like an eternity had passed with the both wrapped in each other's arms tightly...close enough to feel the other's heart beat... long enough to have their breathing in sync... They provide each other warmth as the gentle breeze from the cracked window runs through them... The curtains lightly bumping into them as it twirls around from the harmless force of the wind...

After a long while, sensing that she has finally come to ease and that her tears are coming to an end, Sanskaar...knowing very well how exhausted his wife has become after her waterworks...scoops her off from her feet, holding her up in his powerful built arms...and stares down at her lovely face with tender eyes...

Swara digs her face into the crook of his neck, smelling in the wonderful scent of his cologne, and secures her hold around his neck...unaware of what she is doing...only acting upon the moment...

Sanskaar carries her half unconscious self to their bed, where he places her beside him and is unhesitant in pulling her petite frame back into his embrace, feeling that it is absolutely right... Tired, she snuggles closely against him, resting her hands against his chest, and soon drifts off into a peaceful sleep...with him stroking her back with care and gentleness...

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Swara awoke to the annoying glare from the sun coming through the half covered windows in the room... She stirs, feeling incredibly exhausted, and tries finding a more cozier position to fall back asleep, but as her drowsy eyes fall upon the large red digits of the alarm clock beside her, she quickly springs her eyes open with realization. It was time to wake up and Maa would be expecting her in the Puja room like always. With this in mind, she slides the comforter off of her and attempts to get up, but is alarmed on being held back firmly in place. Confused, she looks down and finds a startling surprise...Her husband's arm wrapped securely over her stomach...keeping her besides him... She then becomes fully aware of his close presence besides her... feeling his breath fanning the side of her face, flushing from this. His head is slanted slightly down nearer towards her own, close to slipping off from the edge of his pillow...

Silently she gazes at him with wonder in her eyes... Admiring his handsome appearance as he sleeps peacefully and contently with his arm around her...She feels the rhythm of her heartbeat increase just by the sight of him and her eyes shine with secret delight...

This man laying beside her... her husband... Sanskaar Maheshwari... had protected her and defended her honor... made sure to keep her character stain free...diminished every accusation made against her... held more trust in her than even in God himself... washed away her agony with just simply keeping her in a warm-hearted lock in his arms...silently letting her know that he is there for her...

This man...this very one...the one she has become crazy about and loves to no extent... Yes... Swara Maheshwari is in love... that to with her very own husband... and has finally come to admitting it. Since when...she has no clue...Was it when they had gone to their very first dinner date? Where he had apologized to her and promised her that he is a changed man?...During their time at the farmhouse?...Where they had learned to become into friends?...Was it seeing him interact with her baby sister like if she were his own?...Last night's dinner where they talked endlessly with one another?...Or perhaps she fell in love with him ages ago...maybe that was why she had quietly taken all of his tormenting...why she always felt something in her arise whenever she would catch him smile...why she felt butterflies in her stomach whenever he touched her... why she wanted to swoon whenever he came near...why she spent so many hours just staring at his sleeping face late into the night...

Swara could care less right at the moment if he doesn't insanely love her back as she does him... She has finally come to terms with her feelings...Finally understood why she always felt so apprehensive whenever he was around and always lost in his thoughts... Love... It was love all a long.

People always say... Pyaar pata nahi kaise hota, bas hojata hai... Well they are certainly true. Even she doesn't know when she fell head over heels for Sanskaar Maheshwari...but is delirious with joy for being so... Love... what a wonderful thing to experience... It brings out both the good and bad out of everyone...

She had thought that she was in love once... that too with her younger sister's husband... once her best friend... After discovering Veer and Priya's elopement and of their craziness for each other, she immediately pushed her feelings away for him... Locking them away... knowing it was now inappropriate to hold feelings for her sister's husband...

Silly her... She had thought what she shared with Veer was love when indeed it was just a beautiful friendship... Swara had never been friends with one of the opposite-sex before until Veer came along... charming her with his cute boyish talks... easily making her laugh... making her feel special... It was all just an infatuation... she now knows...A school girl crush... Veer could/can never arouse the strong sensational feelings inside of her that her husband always succeeds in doing.

Bringing her hand towards him... she lightly strokes his hair with her fingers...gently brushing off the strands of hair resting against his forehead...caressing his face... sliding her hand down and cupping his cheek...stroking it with her thumb... like how he had done to her numerous of times before...

Swara felt like pouring out her heart to him right that moment despite him being asleep...but knew she would have to keep this a secret to herself... Maybe one day... he will also love her back... She would pray to God for that day to come...

Her eyes lower to his lips and she blushes as she remembers the incident from yesterday and at the farmhouse. He had intently stared at her, making her feel as if she were naked... his molten chocolate eyes undressing her as they lowered down... She burned crimson under his roaming gaze... and had even silently cursed herself for wearing a see-through saree. She had no clue what he was thinking about doing when he had reached out to lay his hand on her face...if only the reporters hadn't come... she would had found out. The look in his eyes though sent chills down her spine...she had never seen them so dark before...

And at the farm house... where Swara had somehow landed on top of him... the way he had looked up at her made her catch her breath in her throat... and when he had drawn nearer to her, just centimeters from her face... she panicked and turned away... What if she hadn't though? What would have it felt like having his lips on her own?

Swara immediately blushes and mentally smacks herself on her forehead. Here she is... unashamedly staring at her husband like a love-struck fool when she should quickly get up before he awakes, finding them in an awkward situation... which didn't feel awkward to her at all...feeling completely right... but she knew it would be to him.

Unwillingly she brings herself out from his unintentional embrace, gently picking up his arm and placing it onto his side of the bed. She regrets it though as she feels his enjoyable warmth leaving her...

In a nervous wreck she gets out from bed and walks over to the bathroom... her insides feeling like they are about to blow and her heart racing on... thumping crazily against her chest... jumpy from excitement and intoxicated with happiness on discovering her feelings...

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Sanskaar mumbles and switches sides as he feels someone shaking him to get up... He was tired from last night and wanted to rest some more... But the person bringing him out of his sleep is hell-bent on fully waking him. Groggily he turns back around to face who it is and glances up with slight watering eyes from his yawning. He is surprised to see Swara staring back at him, biting on her lip nervously...yet looking very cute as she does so... and looking beautiful with her hair wet from a shower and dressed in a glowing yellow saree... seeming like the shining sun itself. Sleep far gone now... Sanskaar sits up and looks at her, confused.

Swara: You didn't wake up... perhaps you forgot to set the alarm clock last night...it's very late...breakfast is about to be served...you have to go to office...and I have brought you coffee.

Sanskaar blinks for a couple of times and then finally registers what she has said to him. He rubs his eyes, tiredly.

Sanskaar: (groggy voice) Arre, why have you brought it? Shambu is there... he would have done it.

Opening his eyes once again, he watches his wife turn slightly pink by this as she smiles shyly and looks down.

Swara: I was thinking...that I would bring it for you.

Sanskaar: (sincerely) Thank you.

Swara looks up and smiles sweetly at him, making him grin a little as well. He looks over at the clock and is shocked to see that it's 8:45.

Swara: Go on and get ready... I will prepare your breakfast. Your coffee is right here on the table.

Sanskaar stares at her, curiously and cautiously... He doesn't see a hint of grief in her which surprises him, but pleases him as well because he hated seeing her upset... However, she is acting as if nothing had happened... Is she really alright?

Sanskaar: Swara, you're alright, aren't you?

He asks her, catching Swara off guard, who had begun taking out his suit and tie for him to wear for the office. She glances back at him over her shoulder, giving him a sunny smile... Agar aap mere saath ho...phir main to hamesha hi teek hongi... she answers silently to herself, but instead replies back...

Swara: Yes, certainly... why?

Sanskaar: (shaking his head) No... just asking. I'm glad to see that you're fine now.

Swara smiles even more on this and walks back over to their bed, laying his clothes, his tie and socks at the edge of it. She moves over to his dresser, laying out his watch, pen, and handkerchief for him. She looks back, expecting him out of bed and going over to the bathroom, but finds him unmoved from the bed, still gazing at her with caution.

Swara: Mr. Maheshwari... What are you doing? You still haven't gotten up? Go, freshen up. You are already late as it is... don't waste anymore time. Everyone will be waiting for you downstairs. (fussing over him)

Realizing that what she is saying is right, Sanskaar throws the comforter off of him and begins making his way to the bathroom, but not before casting her another look. There is something definitely odd about her today... She looks more cheerful than usual... But he holds no complaints... He enjoys seeing her so chirpy and behaving like a typical wife with him. Grinning on this thought, he enters the bathroom and closes the door behind him.

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Breakfast was awkward and silent, besides Sujatha who animatedly chatted around, wanting to get rid of the unusual silence. The scene from last night kept on repeating through their minds and everyone couldn't help but look at Swara sympathetically. None knew what to say to her after what had occurred. Neetha hid her face in shame by using her hair as a shield, not able to meet her Bhabhi's eyes. After all, this all was happening due to her. Swara was aware of everyone's concerned looks, which only made her feel even more upset and out of place. She wanted to forget what happened, but these people were not helping her do so.

Swara perks up quickly and smiles on seeing Sanskaar finally arrive at the table with haste, his tie not even properly tucked into his coat, the cuffs to his sleeves still open, and had even forgotten to wear his watch today. Everyone watches him with amusement...

Sujatha: Sanskaar, what is this? Where were you this morning?

Sanskaar, already digging into the food that Swara has specially laid out for him, replies back to Sujatha in an absent manner...

Sanskaar: Where was I? I am here... it is still morning, Maa... and I was just... (glances down at his wrist to note the time, but is alarmed on not seeing his watch there) ...my watch? Where is my watch? (speaking to himself)

Swara can't help but smile even more at this. He looks so cute when confused and lost. She stands up from her seat and gives him a reassuring look.

Swara: I'll just go get... perhaps you left it in the room.

Sanskaar smiles thankfully at her while he tries to quickly chow down his breakfast in order to leave to the office on time. Swara has to use every bit of her strength to restrain herself from laughing at him. She leaves with a cheeky grin permanently etched on her face.

Sujatha: You are thirty minutes late, Sanskaar. Why are you so late today? And just take a look at yourself... your sleeves are not buttoned and your tie is not even securely knotted.

Sanskaar: I forgot to set my alarm last night... I'm just running a bit late, Maa...

Laksh: Sanskaar, not that I'm trying to rush you or anything, but we do have to leave to the office in five minutes. We have that meeting with Mr. Saxeena at 10:30 in the morning.

Sanskaar swears under his breath as he hastily just leaves his food on his plate and gets out from his seat to go fetch his things from the study. While Sanskaar walks out of the dining room, a few moments later Swara re-enters it with his silver watch in her hands. She is confused on not seeing him there anymore.

Swara: Maa, where has he gone?

Sujatha: He is in a hurry so he has gone to gather his things from his Study to leave.

Swara notices that he has barely eaten half of the food she had made for him especially today. She worries of him going to work on an empty stomach.

Swara: But he has barely eaten his food...

Sujatha: (sighs, defeated) Swara, I have given up all hope on this boy... Now it's your turn to put up with him.

She is silent for a moment, thinking to herself, before walking towards the table and pouring a glass of orange juice from the pitcher. Swara leaves without saying another word and wanders off in the other direction of the Mansion, towards her husband's study. She knocks on the creaked open door and hears him reply hastily, "Come in". She steps in and finds him standing right behind his desk, looking through a file in his hands, his eyes moving back and forth quickly. Swara notes that he has finally gotten to buttoning the cuffs of his sleeves, but still hasn't managed to fix his tie. She walks over to him with the orange juice in her hand and his watch in the other.

Swara: Mr. Maheshwari, your watch.

Sanskaar quickly glances up, acknowledging her, and takes his watch from her outstretched hand. He puts the file down onto his working desk, still reading through the open pages, while he attempts strapping the watch onto his wrist.

Sanskaar: Thanks.

Swara: Is it necessary that you leave now? Can't you call in and say that you will be a little late? --- You haven't even finished your breakfast.

Sanskaar: Hmm... no, I have to leave now. I've got a meeting scheduled at 10:30.

He pulls his coat sleeve over his watch and then picks the file back up into his hands. Sanskaar walks around the desk, headed towards leaving the Study, with his eyes still downcast on the file. Swara, however, stops him by standing in his way.

Swara: Mr. Maheshwari, at least drink juice.

Sanskaar: (absentmindedly) Swara, don't worry about me. I'll grab something to eat later. (flipping a page)

Swara frowns at this, knowing very well that his "laters" never actually happened. She is stubborn, therefore, does not move out of the way.

Swara: (upset) I know very well that your "laters" never happen. You only think about work work and work. You are going to starve yourself through out the day. --- Please, at least have something.

Sanskaar sighs, finally looks up at her frowning face, and knows that he is fighting a losing battle.

Sanskaar: Accha baba, give me the juice.

This puts a soft smile on her lips as she raises up the glass in front of him. Sanskaar takes it and begins drinking it. Swara's eyes land once again on his tie. She nears him and begins to work on the task.

Swara: You can't even knot your ties right. (complaining)

Sanskaar: (in between drinking) You are here... You will do it for me. (smirking, winking)

Swara blushes a light shade of pink by this and keeps her eyes glued to his neck, where she just finishes knotting his tie perfectly. Sanskaar chuckles at this and goes back to finishing his juice to please his wife. She tucks it into his coat, fixes a couple of his buttons on his coat that were put into the wrong hole, and smiles brightly up at him. Taking away the empty glass away from his lips, Sanskaar hands it over to her and says with a friendly smile, "Khush?"

Swara shyly smiles back and responds, "Bohot".

Sanskaar: Good. Now can you stop blocking the way so I can get through?

Swara: (grinning slyly) Yes... Take care of yourself.

Sanskaar: You too.

Swara: And make sure not to miss lunch. I know that you turn your lunch time into work time.

Sanskaar: (giving her a laughing smile, teasingly says) Yes ma'am. Anything else?

Swara: (blushes, shakes her head) ...Bas.

Sanskaar: Good. I'll be leaving. I'll see you later on in the evening.

Swara: Ji.

Sanskaar leaves in a haste with the file in his hand and laptop bag in the other. Swara stands alone in the room, smiling happily to herself. She doesn't notice Sujatha, who had been silently standing outside the Study door watching the scene with a pleased grin, until she makes her presence heard.

Sujatha: Haye Ram, I have been trying to get that boy to listen to me for years, but when you tell him, he listens obediently without a fuss.

Sujatha had curiously followed behind Swara, wondering what she was going to say and do, and was very happy with what she had seen. Her daughter-in-law really does take great care of him. She is blessed to have her as her daughter-in-law.

Startled, Swara's smile fades and instead she blushes beetroot. Sujatha laughs and comes inside towards her. She affectionately places a hand on her head.

Sujatha: ...You are glowing marvelously today. I love to see you like this, Swara. Always be happy. I hope to God that no evil eye falls on you and your child.

Swara, who a moment ago was feeling delighted, now looks at Sujatha, aghast.

Sujatha: Haan Swara... (stroking her hair) I know you are pregnant with my Sanskaar's child... (sadness in her eyes) Maaji has told me everything that had occurred last night once I questioned her why Ragini was not down for Breakfast.

Knowing very well that hell would arise if she made her presence at Breakfast, Ragini wisely stayed in her room, fearing her brother's temper, and ordered Shambu to serve her meal there.

Swara, feeling slightly upset again by the reminder, lowers her eyes down.

Sujatha: I never knew that Ragini could do something as low as she did... She has insulted this house's daughter-in-law without giving a thought of what she is doing... dared to accuse of you something so unspeakable... I don't understand, however, why she would accuse you of those things... why she would think so lowly of you.

Sujatha glances up and sees that there are tears in Swara's eyes and smiles sympathetically at her. She pulls her into a hug, placing Swara's head on her shoulder, and soothingly rubbing her back. Swara hugs Sujatha back, who reminded her of her own mother... Sharmishta Gadodia... She felt like she was in her mother's arm for that moment.

Sujatha: I want to apologize to you on behalf of Ragini... What she did was inappropriate and unacceptable... I am so sorry, Swara... that you had to go through all that she said to you.

Swara lifts her head up and smiles faintly at Sujatha with the tears still lingering in her eyes.

Swara: ...So am I, Maa... but I am glad that this family has given me their support and have belief in me...

Sujatha: You are not just this family's daughter-in-law, Swara, you are more than just that... you are a daughter and hold a cherishing place in all of our hearts.

Swara feels warm tears rebuild in her eyes by the genuine in her voice and she quickly embraces Sujatha again, holding onto her dearly...

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