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Chapter 35: As Swara finishes off the morning prayers, she lifts up her head and opens her eyes, only to find a startling surprise... Neetha sitting right besides her, praying along with her as well... Smiling at this sight, she affectionately runs a hand down her hair, causing Neetha to open her eyes as well... She smiles back sweetly...
Swara: Hmm... I thought you didn't even know about the puja room... (teasingly)
Neetha: (embarrassed) Bhabhi...
Swara: (giggling) What's the matter? What brings you here?
Neetha: (softly) Nothing... Just felt like doing prayers today...
Swara: Good... It's always good to start off a day by remembering God...
Neetha smiles as a reply. Together they stand and Neetha follows her Bhabhi around like a small child following her mother as Swara holds a thali in her hand, using her hand in gently pushing the fumes from the burning diya...making sure it fills mostly everywhere on the bottom floor of the Mansion...
Swara: Neetha, don't you have to get ready? Aren't you going to the University? (asking her by looking over her shoulder)
Neetha: No... there are no lectures today... that's why.
Swara: Oh, then you must have plans with spending time with your friends, haina?
Neetha:... Err... No plans...
Swara: Then why don't you make plans? You will be bored staying at home...
Neetha just remains silent, not answering Swara's question. Sujatha and Dadi come down the stairs together and watch with a fond smile as their Swara comes to greet them. Swara first takes their blessings and then places prasaad into their cupped hands.
Dadi: Arre wah Neetha... What are you doing here in the morning with your Bhabhi? You are usually still sleeping at this time...
Swara: (smiling teasingly) She said she felt like doing prayers today...
Both Sujatha and Dadi gasp at this piece of news and fake disbelief. Neetha looks down, embarrassed as the three women giggle together. Right at the same time, Laksh comes running down the stairs, only to be stopped by Swara, who approaches him at the last step.
Swara: Bhaiya, today you are certainly getting the offerings... I don't want to hear any excuses...
Laksh: Swara---
Swara: Bhaiya, prasaad mana nahi karte... (stern)
Laksh: (sighs) Accha mere ma, lao... dedo...
Swara smiles a victory smile as she places the praasad into his hand. Laksh gives Swara a peck on the cheek before popping it into his mouth.
Laksh: And good morning to you too... (noticing Neetha standing right behind Swara) Arre Neetha, what are you doing awake?
Sujatha, Dadi, and Swara burst out laughing at Laksh's confusion as Neetha begins to sulk at everyone's teasing.
Sujatha: She felt like doing puja today with her Bhabhi... (announces)
Laksh walks over to her and places a hand on her forehead...
Laksh: Neetha, you are alright, right?
Neetha: (pushing his hand away as the women laugh again) I'm fine, jiju.
Laksh: Seriously, puja?
Swara smiles brightly as her eyes land on her husband, handsomely dressed in a black suit with a dark blue dress shirt underneath, walking down the stairs with her sister by his side...The two discuss something and casually laugh over it. She makes her presence known by standing right before them, startling both for a moment, who did not notice her.
Uttara: Hi, Di!
Uttara engulfs her sister into a warm hug and willingly takes prasaad from her.
Swara: Hi... (looks over at Sanskaar) Good morning, Mr. Maheshwari... prasaad? (sweetly)
Sanskaar smiles in response and extends his hand. Swara places it on there...
Sanskaar: Good morning...
Uttara: (eyes wide open) Neetha, tum! Tum kya kar rahi ho yahan?! I thought you were asleep!
Again everyone laughs, with the exception of Sanskaar and Uttara, not understanding the reason for the laughter. Neetha becomes slightly angry.
Neetha: Haan haan, aap sab haso! Main hoon itna funny!
Dadi: Arre Neetha, we are just teasing you... alright...now smile...please..
Neetha manages a small smile, pleasing her Dadi.
Sujatha: Shall we all have Breakfast then?
Everyone nods and make their way over to the dining table to be served. Swara quickly tells Sujatha that she will be right back, wanting to put the thali back into the puja room. Just as she moves to leave, she bumps straight into Ragini, who had gotten off the last step of the stairs, wearing one of her usual designer sarees. Swara tightens her grip on the thali, which was about to fall, and re-balances herself... she looks apologetically over at her sister-in-law.
Swara: I'm sorry Ragini, I wasn't loo---
Ragini: (fuming) You better be Swara Gadodia... (coldly)
Swara:...Huh? (taken aback)
Ragini: Don't you dare act innocent with me... You know very well what I am talking about...
Swara: Ragi---
Ragini: Don't you dare to take my name from your mouth...
Swara is silenced by this. She doesn't know how to react with Ragini's cold attitude and dislikes the way she stares at her as if she is filth.
Swara: I'm sorry... (softly)
She makes a movement to leave, but is prevented by Ragini who hastily grips onto her arm, turning her back to face her...
Ragini: Do you think one sorry will be enough to rid away my humiliation? That whatever you have done to me, I will forget?
Swara: (wriggling her arm free) I don't' understand what you are saying... What are you saying? What have I done to you?
Ragini: (spits) Because of you my own brother won't talk to me! He doesn't even look at my face! And for what reason--- you?! A disgusting, low-class simple girl?!... Tell me, Swara... What magic have you done on my brother?-- That without thinking, he trusts you? That he accepted your sin?! Huh?!
Tears fill in Swara's eyes as she stares at Ragini in disbelief. She hadn't learned her lesson... She still believes that she is wrong and betraying everyone... What does Swara have to do to make Ragini believe in her?
Ragini: (seeing her tears) Save the act, Swara... At least don't act so bholi with me... I know what you are capable of... and I know what your real intentions are... Why don't you just leave and take your filth of a child and sister with you? You aren't going to succeed in your motives when I'm here...I won't let you rule over my Bhaiya...
Despite the tears stinging in her eyes, Swara fumes by Ragini's words... she raises her chin up and directly meets her eyes...
Swara: My child...my sister...and I will not go anywhere... I think you are forgetting that I am your brother's wife...Sanskaar Maheshwari's wife...the man who is the owner of this house...why should I listen to you? Your commands aren't followed here...only my husband's...and I only listen to my husband...
Ragini: You shameless girl---
Ragini raises her hand to smack Swara, who instantly shuts her eyes, but is surprised after a few seconds on not feeling any sort of contact of her hand with her cheek... She opens them back up and is startled to see her husband holding onto his sister's wrist, preventing her from slapping Swara at the right time...
Sanskaar stares furiously at his sister, angered by the courage she has to raise herS hand on his wife... It was sheer coincidence that he left his cell phone upstairs and was going to retrieve it... witnessing this scene on his way over to the stairs...
Sanskaar: What wrong did Swara say, Ragini?--- Nothing.. She was speaking the truth... I am the owner of this house... my commands are followed here... you are just my sister... I have just given you place to stay... How did you have this misunderstanding that you have rights over this house get into your head? Swara has more rights than you... she is after all my wife...
Ragini reflects the shock in her eyes...pained by her brother's words and support for her nemesis...
Sanskaar: And if you have any problem... you may leave...
Ragini: Bhaiya... Are you in your senses? Take a look at what has happened to you...You are siding with this girl? Who betrayed you? Who helped her sister in running away?--To hurt you?...And now when she has committed such a disgusting sin... you are angry with me for speaking the truth? ...I have to give it to her... what magic she has done on you... she has gotten herself pregnant and managed to get you to accept the sin...
Seeing Sanskaar brewing with anger as he hears each and every word coming from Ragini's mouth, Swara hastily intervenes, stepping in between both brother and sister as she catches Sanskaar step forward to his sister with clenched fists... She rests her hands on his chest, slightly pushing him back...
Swara: Mr. Maheshwari, please!
Sanskaar: Move out of the way, Swara. You won't stop me today! I will bury this woman alive!
Ragini: (cries) I am your sister!
"What's going on here?!", they hear Laksh's approaching voice speak... All three turn and see Laksh, Sujatha, Dadi, Uttara, and a hesitate Neetha lingering behind... watching them with great curiosity.
Sujatha: Sanskaar?-- Ragini? Tum dono ko kya hua? Why are you two speaking in raised voices?
Laksh senses the strong tension between brother and sister... He narrows his gaze onto his wife...
Dadi: What's going on here?
Ragini: (close to tears, voice cracking) You all come and see! See how Sanskaar Bhaiya talks to me! See how he makes me into a stranger! And for who? For this Swara? Wow... Sanskaar Bhaiya... wow... Ever since your wife has come here... you have forgotten me and my rights! You don't even remember that up until now I have also been taking care of this house along with Maa!--- I have taken care of it like my own home! You cannot do this to me!
Sanskaar: (through clenched teeth) Ragini---
Sujatha: Ragini!
Sujatha's raised voice echoes throughout the hall... everyone stares at her, startled by her outburst...
Sujatha: Beta, what are you saying?... What is the problem? Just that Swara has more rights over this house?... Ragini, the daughter-in-law of this house has come... this responsibility is hers... you knew this from before... then why are you fighting over this now? (her voice lowering, trying to soothe Ragini)
Ragini: It is not about the house, Maa! It's about trust! I want an answer to my question! That why my own brother believes in a low-classed girl more than me!
Sujatha: (stunned, in disbelief)...Ragini?
Sanskaar goes around Swara, who still stood in his way, and takes a grip on Ragini's arm, swinging her over, making her face him...
Sanskaar: (bursts) You want an answer to your question?! -- To phir sunno! -- It is because Swara has more class than even you Ragini! She doesn't go around creating tantrums and problems for everyone! She is selfless and always sacrificing for everyone else's happiness! She actually takes care for some one other than herself! She makes sure of the well-being of this house and the people living in it! She fulfills all of her responsibilities with grace and perfection! She completes all of her duties as a sister, daughter-in-law, wife, and a human being! She hasn't made a single fuss ever since she has lived in this house! Nor has she made any complaints! ---- Yes maybe society-wise, Swara is lower classed, but as a human being--- Swara is far more high-classed than you, Ragini!
Ragini: Arre this is her act! I know these type of girls very well! They trap rich men and leave them empty-handed! I am telling you... This Swara will do the same!
Sanskaar: I will---
"BAS!!!!", a sudden cry interrupts in the middle of Sanskaar's sentence... Everyone looks over to see who the voice belongs to... They stare at a pale Neetha, who has tears streaming down her cheeks... looking defeated and wearied out...
Neetha: (whispers) Bas... Please...don't say anything more... I can't tolerate it... how many times have you two fought... aren't you tired?
She continues to cry as she speaks and walks closer to where her brother and sister stood...who stare back at her with their undivided attention...
Neetha: Di... why do you not understand... that no one is going to listen to what you have to say... no one will doubt Swara Bhabhi... everyone believes in her... she can never do anything wrong...
Neetha looks over at Swara and takes her hand in hers... Swara faintly smiles back at her through her tears, appreciating her support...
Neetha: Bhaiya was saying the truth... Swara Bhabhi only thinks about others...never about herself... like now for an example... My Bhabhi has tolerated a lot for me... to protect me... so many insults... humiliation... but still she kept quiet... she kept on tolerating... and I... I like a coward quietly watched the drama before me... but not anymore...
Neetha turns around facing everyone's puzzled faces... not understanding what she is trying to say or imply...
Neetha: You must all be thinking.. About what it is that I am trying to say... I should had said this before... but I was scared... About what would happen to me...when you all find out...
Ragini: (demanding) Neetha... what are you saying? I don't understand...
Neetha: (meeting her sister's eyes)... Di- Di..di... Swara Bhabhi isn't pregnant...the truth is that... I am pregnant.
Neetha's words seem to ring throughout the hall and no one says a word, completely silenced by what the young girl had said just seconds before...trying to process it in... Neetha guiltily glances down at the floor rather than stare back at her family's stunned faces, which do not look away from her... Moments pass by in which no one makes even a sound...until Ragini slowly walks over to her sister and roughly takes a hold of her arm...
Ragini: You insensible girl! What do you think you're trying to do?! Do you think by lying like this you can save her?! Do not put yourself into trouble for this nobody! She is not worth it, Neetha! In fact, she is not worth anything! Why do you side with her?! Do not ruin your own life for that woman!
Neetha angrily withdraws her arm from her sister and meets her furious gaze.
Neetha: Didi, I am telling the truth! Swara Bhabhi is not pregnant! I am! I am one month pregnant! I have been keeping this away from you and everyone else for awhile! --- I had found out at the farmhouse when I had fainted and the Doctor told me tha----
Ragini: No!! No! Stop it!
Ragini covers her ears with her hands and shakes her head, refusing to listen to her sister. Everyone else continues to watch on, too shocked to react at the moment. Hastily she turns to look at Swara, who quietly stands besides Sanskaar with tears in her eyes...her heart going out to Neetha for bringing up the courage in speaking the truth, yet concerned. She becomes alarmed on seeing Ragini glare and point at her.
Ragini: This woman set you up to this, didn't she?! She told you to say all this! She has told you to lie to us so she can save herself! Neetha, why do yo----
Sanskaar, having enough with the accusations against Swara, speaks loudly to talk over his sister's hysterical cries.
Sanskaar: That's enough, Ragini! Stop it with the nonsense already! --- What would Swara gain from telling Neetha to lie?! How would it benefit her?! ... Neetha is speaking the truth, Ragini... It is our sister, not Swara, who is pregnant with a child. A child which you have countless of times called a sin! Well Ragini... that sin whom you so proudly call it... happens to be our own sister's child...
Ragini: No, I don't believe this! (yells) Our Neetha can't do something so foolish! She is a smart girl! She would not do anything that would bring our family shame!
Sanskaar: (retorts) Well if you hadn't let her run wild with no discipline or values, in spite of Maa and me telling many times, she would had kept up to our expectations!
Ragini's face pales...and she lets the tears flow from her pained eyes... Her eyes travel back over to her sister, who doesn't meet them... too ashamed at herself...
Ragini: (desperate, her only hope) But the reports...said that Swara----
Sanskaar: Those reports belong to Neetha, not Swara... The day Swara found out about Neetha's pregnancy, she took her to the doctors and gave her own name to Neetha as a cover up... so no one would find out... Swara gladly offered to help our sister out and let everyone think she was pregnant to give Neetha some time to accept the condition she is in and finally have the courage in telling the truth...
Neetha: (softly) ...Swara Bhabhi had helped me a lot... so did Bhaiya... they both were just trying to protect me... (her voice cracks)
Slowly Neetha looks up at her family and begins to cry openly in front of them... She catches her mother's stare in the other direction... not wishing to look at her... which breaks her heart.
Neetha: I am so sorry, Mama...so sorry, Didi... I know I have ashamed you... brought you disgrace... disappointed you... I did not once ever think of what kind of impact this would have on my family... I was foolish and careless... I have failed you... (sobbing) Please forgive me...
Neetha is silenced by a stinging smack by her sister, catching her completely off guard... The rest look on, surprised... Ragini watches her sister with furious eyes...breathing heavily to herself...
Ragini: You go on and do something as disgusting as this and expect me to forgive you?! ...No Neetha... I will never forgive you... Never... This humiliation that you have put me through... I will never forget...
Letting her words linger for a moment, Ragini turns and storms out from the hall... leaving a shattered Neetha behind...who glances over to her downcast mother for support... She takes slow steps towards her, tears glistening in her eyes, and looks at her with hope... .
Neetha: Mama... (her voice cracking)...I know... I know you are disappointed in me... upset... angry... but please, please don't turn your back on me, Mama... please don't look away from me... I need you... I'm scared...
Sujatha: (gentle tone with no emotion) You have broken my trust, Neetha... How can I support you when you give me no reason to hold faith in you?
Neetha: No, Mama, please... I've learned from my mistake...
Sujatha: Have you, Neetha?... Do you know what you will do for your child? How you will be able to handle this situation you have put yourself and us into? ... You don't know what to do... which is why you want your brother and I to take care of the problem for you... What have you done, Neetha? (heart broken)...You are only eighteen... still a child... and you are going to be a... (shakes her head) I can't believe this...
Saying this she stumbles on the chair nearby. Everyone rush to her immediately and asks her if she is okay and Swara gets a glass of water for her. Sujatha drinks water and says she's fine even though she is not. Both Swara and Sanskaar sit infront of her on their knees and Sanskaar takes his mothers hand in his and try to assure her.
Swara: Maa, please sambhaliye apne aapko.
Sanskaar: Maa, don't take too much stress. You are not well. Aapka Sanskaar haina... Sab teek hoga... Trust me, I will set everything right. Please take care of yourself.
Neetha tries to say something but Sujatha once again looks away from her, not wanting to show her how deeply she has hurt her mother... Neetha hangs her head in shame...
Sanskaar stands up after making sure that Sujatha is okay now and speaks after a short moment of silence...
Sanskaar: This isn't the time to regret over what Neetha has done... We have to take action and solve this matter... Neetha is going to be a mother and we must settle this issue before it gets out of hand...
Swara: Maa... Mr. Maheshwari is right... we need to do something...
Sujatha turns to look over at Sanskaar and Swara... desperate for some aid and light...
Sujatha: What do you recommend we do? (asks hopefully)
Sanskaar: The only sensible option I see is to get Neetha married to her child's father... settle it properly... We'll get them married immediately so no questions are raised...
Laksh: Sanskaar...But how can we be sure that the boy wants to marry Neetha?
Laksh worriedly speaks his thoughts for the first time since the whole drama began.
Sanskaar: He has to accept his responsibility towards Neetha and his child... Our Neetha isn't the only one at fault here...
Swara: Maa...what do you say? Do you accept this decision?
Sujatha: (nods her head) Sanskaar is right in this case... We must get Neetha married quickly... But Laksh brings up a good point... We should make sure that the boy will agree to this... (turning away from Neetha)
Laksh: What is his name, Neetha?
Neetha: (softly) ...Rohit ...Rohit Bhardwaj...
Laksh: Does he know that he is expecting a child?
Neetha mutely shakes her head in a negative, lowering her gaze back down to the floor.
Sujatha: (sternly) You will call him and tell him.
Swara: We should call Rohit and his family over here... to talk about the wedding.
Sanskaar: Hmm... you're right... we will call them over today after Neetha speaks with him... the sooner this wedding is the better...
Dadi: But Ragini? How can we do this wedding without Ragini? We must inform her also...
Sanskaar: Dadi, don't worry over her... She will understand... she may be upset with Neetha at the moment, but she will always want the best for her... And right now this wedding is what Neetha needs...
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After two hassling phone calls, Rohit and Ranvijay Bhardwaj arrived at the Maheshwari Mansion an hour later to discuss the matter... Ranvijay apologized profusely for his son... Rohit didn't mutter a single word, loitering behind in shame... avoiding Samar and Uttara's evil glares at him... Especially Sanskaar Maheshwari's threatening, judgmental gaze... Ragini stubbornly remained in her room and announced that she will have nothing to do with the wedding... Laksh, Sanskaar, and Swara took charge over the finalization of the wedding as Sujatha is unwell and resting in her room after taking medicines... After a long while it was decided that the engagement would be held the next day with the wedding following four days afterwards... Despite the circumstances, they wanted the wedding to be perfect... Neetha and Rohit had no say in between what the elder's had decided... they were just relieved and glad that their marriage was being approved...
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Thank you,
Shreetha.. Edited by .FireBolt. - 7 years ago
Kumkum Bhagya
Tu Dhadkan Main Dil
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
