~SwaSan Story ~ A Bound Relation ~ Updated Epilogue - 10/04~ - Page 55

Chapter 36:

Swara walks into the living room of the Mansion and is surprised on seeing Sujatha (she is now better), Dadi, and Uttara sitting down the couch...with their chins in their hands... wearing a solemn look on each of their faces... Intrigued by what could be wrong with them, Swara makes her way over to them...sitting right across from them... She places a gentle hand on Sujatha's shoulder...startling her for a short second.

Sujatha: Swara? When did you come?

Swara: .. I came just now Maa...

Sujatha: (smiling a little) So what did our Neetha buy?

Though Sujatha is upset with Neetha still she can't help but excited for her youngest daughter marriage just like all mothers.

Since the engagement was later on in the evening and Neetha complained about having nothing suitable to wear, Swara willingly took her to the mall to buy her a new outfit and some accessories to go along. It is after all her engagement. She attempted to take Uttara along with them, but Uttara was stubborn and refused. She was beyond furious with Neetha for not informing her about anything regarding the pregnancy and letting the blame fall on her sister. She would not be talking to her anytime soon.

Swara smiles lightly back as well.

Swara: I am afraid that we bought the whole mall... (trying to be a little humorous)

None of them laugh and Uttara just sneers.

Uttara: You'd think she'd have a little shame of what she had done... but no... she goes on and celebrates by wasting away her brother's credit card...

Swara eyes Uttara carefully, making Uttara look away...but still fumes silently.

Swara:.. I bet you will do the same when it is your engagement day, Uttara... Now you all tell me... what are you doing here? We need to organize an engagement party for this evening... and you all are sitting here quietly... Is there any trouble?

Sujatha: ..(sighs) No, Swara... no trouble... we are just... (shrugs)

Swara: (turning to Dadi) Dadi,...you tell me... what's the matter?

Dadi sits up and stares back at Swara, not having the usual cheerful look on her face and eyes...Dadi is a little hesitant at first, but decides to be honest with Swara, whom she absolutely adores...

Dadi: We were just thinking...about what had happened yesterday...

Swara: Matlab?

Dadi: Matlab... we found out that our Neetha is pregnant...and you aren't...we were very happy, Swara Beta...that you were becoming a mother... we have waited for Sanskaar's heir for a long time... he had gotten married... so we were waiting impatiently for his child... then we have found out that there is no child... all that happiness has gone away...and now our Neetha's time to leave has arrived...our small Neetha... we just can't believe it.

Swara feels tears sting her eyes on seeing all of their downcast faces, Sujatha and Uttara confirming Dadi's words... Silently she nears Dadi and places her head in her lap...Dadi, startled, looks down at Swara bent form...

Swara: Forgive me, Dadi... Forgive me, Maa... I haven't done you two right... I have played with your emotions... I am not worth being forgiven, I know, but still I am asking for it...

Dadi: (surprised) Swara Beta?

Sujatha: Arre Swara... What are you saying?

Sujatha takes Swara by the shoulders and lifts her up, facing her towards herself... Swara keeps her eyes glued to the ground...

Sujatha: This is none of your fault...The truth is that we are proud of you...You have done so much for this house's daughter...

Dadi: Swara... You have mistaken what I had said... I did not mean to make you feel guilty... You are at no fault... We know that you had lied to protect Neetha... We are not angry with you...

Sujatha: (stroking her hair) So what if my Sanskaar's child isn't in your womb now... One day it will, right? (sweetly)

Swara blushes despite herself while the two elder women chuckle. Shyly Swara hugs them both, who warmly hug her back. Uttara smiles silently watching them. After awhile, Swara moves back and brushes away her tears while smiling beautifully at them.

Swara: Now let's go... We have to organize a grand engagement for our sweet Neetha...

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After receiving ten shrilling phone calls from his Maa, reminding him that it is his sister's engagement and that if he doesn't make it, he might as well find another place to live, Sanskaar Maheshwari hastily left the office with only an hour for him to reach the Mansion, get ready, and arrive at the hotel where the engagement will be held...

He curses as he slams his hand into his car door in a hurry. Shaking it, trying to relieve some of the pain off, Sanskaar strides into the Mansion and ran for his room, after being chased off by a grouchy Sujatha. Stretching his hand in hopes of it becoming better, Sanskaar walks into his bedroom by opening the door with his other and gazes up only to have them land right on his wife's turned back...sitting before her dresser... He holds in his breath as her big doe like eyes meet his through the mirror... She smiles shyly and turns around after standing...

He is blown away with her beauty...glowing radiantly in a red and cream faux georgette saree, decorated with pearls and stones work with a small yet heavy border along with a cream embroidered blouse... Red and cream bangles on her wrists... diamond jhumkes adoring her ears...neck left bare except for her mangulsutra... hair left out and slightly wavy and curled... kohl applied to her eyes, causing them to stand out...giving them an exotic look...

She is gorgeous as an angel, he muses... Sanskaar continues to seem dumbstruck, not moving nor breathing...mind not functioning properly until he is brought back to reality by her gentle voice...

Swara: You're here? (cheerful on seeing him)

Sanskaar snaps out of it, clears his throat and slowly walks near her... stopping a couple of feet away from her...

Sanskaar: Yes, why?

Swara: (coyly) ... I thought you would forget about your sister's engagement... You think of your business all the time... that's why... (finishes off cutely)

Sanskaar grins silently to himself...amused by her words... if only she knew the real reason why he had wanted to come back home... why he was so eager to finish up work at the office and leave...So restless... He, however, comes up with another answer...

Sanskaar: I received ten angry phone calls from Maa... I had no choice but to come...

Swara's lips crack into a smile and seconds later she giggles at his response... Sanskaar chuckling himself along with her...

Swara: Go on and get ready... I have laid your suit on the bed.

Sanskaar mutely obliges, takes his suit in his hand, and leaves to the bathroom only after casting a sly look over at Swara, giving her a last smile, which she returns shyly...

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While her husband takes his time in getting ready, Swara moves on downstairs to preoccupy herself with last minute work related things before leaving for the hotel with Sanskaar... Realizing something, she walks on over to the kitchen and spots Shambu there...

Swara: Shambu, has Ragini left her room?

Shambu shakes his head in a negative.

Shambu: No, Ma'am. She hasn't left her room since yesterday morning...

Ragini locked herself in her room in silence, not answering anyone's knocks or calls... just staying quietly by herself... God knows doing what... They all gave up hope on persuading her into joining the engagement for her sister's sake...

Swara frowns on hearing this and muses on what to do. She swiftly moves over to the refrigerator and pulls out a few containers on quick thinking... Ten minutes later she shoves a white tray containing food on it into Shambu's hands...

Swara: Here... drop this over to her room... I am assuming she will probably be hungry...

Shambu: But Swara Ma'am... She refuses to eat anything... She has sent down every meal we have given her since yesterday...

Swara: She can't continue to fight off the food... she must be hungry sometime...and when that time will come, she will eat... Please, just take this to her room... And do not mention my name...

Shambu respectfully listens and exits with Ragini's meal in his hands... Swara sighs in disappointment... She jerks as she hears an unexpected voice...

"Di! What are you doing here! We're all ready to leave. Come on!", Uttara announces as she enters the kitchen. Not listening to her sister's explanation, Uttara drags her older sister out of the kitchen and to the living room where the rest of the family stood, ready to leave...

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The Maheshwari's were the first to arrive at the hotel, followed by the Bhardwaj's only a few minutes later, and with time the grandly decorated hall filled with clutters of friends and family... People rejoiced over the happy occasion with drinks, food, and dance... Sanskaar, who is dashingly handsome in a sky blue suit with a white shirt underneath and no tie and white pant..., chats with a few familiar faces along with Laksh... Sujatha and Dadi found women around their age to mingle with... Samar disappeared into the crowd finding friends... and Swara dragged Uttara alongside with her to a separate room in the hotel where Neetha would remain until the ring ceremony was announced... Everyone is eager to see the bride, especially her husband-to-be who respectfully stands by his father's side...

While talking, Sanskaar feels a strange ominous presence nearing and finally an unfortunate familiar voice speaks right from behind...

"Hello, Sanskaar", she says in a dangerous low tone... Startled, Sanskaar turns around only to find a shocking surprise in the form of Kavitha Bhardwaj...looking a little too classy in a designer brown saree... Flicking a strand of her brown hair back and eyeing him seductively with those cat-like eyes... Sanskaar is too stunned to even respond on the sight... Even Laksh nervously looks from Sanskaar to Kavitha and back over to Sanskaar...sensing the strong tension building between them... Quickly anger flashes in Sanskaar's molten chocolate eyes...and he snarls at her...

Sanskaar: What the hell are you doing here? (trying his best to keep his voice low) I thought you were in Goa... why the hell have you come back to Mumbai? (demanding)

Laksh, even though his attention remains on the ex-couple, chats up the guests near him, diverting their attention by leading them somewhere else...

Kavitha smiles wickedly as a response... and places a gentle hand on his chest...smoothing down his black coat lightly... Her mischievous eyes rise and gaze into his furious ones...

Kavitha: Ouch, Sanskaar... Your attitude hasn't changed a bit since we've last met... I thought you would be glad on seeing me... You always used to be... (her voice purposely flirtatious)

Sanskaar angrily pushes her hand away and moves back, creating an appropriate amount of space between them...

Sanskaar: Perhaps you are mistaking me with that French boy of yours, Pierre. I am not too fond of promiscuous women. (growls)

Kavitha ignores his hurtful blow as if he hadn't even said it.

Kavitha: ...When did you become so bitter, Sanskaar? (curious)

Sanskaar: I am normally not a bitter man. I just choose not to be civilized with you. --Now tell me, what you are doing in Mumbai and at my sister's engagement party uninvited?

Kavitha smiles widely despite his acerbic tone. Sanskaar looks on at her, slightly confused by what she finds so humorous.

Kavitha: I always thought of you as a clever man...but today I see that you aren't as bright as you seem, Sanskaar... Or perhaps your brain is just on a temporary leave...

Sanskaar: (snaps) What the hell do you mean by that?

Kavitha: Your sister, Neetha is getting married to Rohit Bhardwaj... Whose father is Ranvijay Bhardwaj... now, you ask, why someone like Kavitha Bhardwaj would be doing here at a party that she is clearly uninvited to?

Hearing "Bhardwaj" starts Sanskaar's mind into a working motion...he groans inwardly on the possibility of her presence here...

Kavitha: Well Sanskaar, that is because Kavitha Bhardwaj doesn't need an invitation to attend her own nephew's engagement... all she needs is a simple phone call from her darling brother and she makes her presence well known... (grins in victory)

It finally registers on why Ranvijay Bhardwaj had seemed like such a familiar name to him from before... at first he couldn't put his finger to it, and simply ignored it... perhaps that was the wrong thing to do.

Sanskaar: I should had known... (furious with himself) You always did talk about that brother of yours... (grumbling)

If Sanskaar had the ability too, he would had reversed time, prevented Neetha from ever getting close with the Bhardwaj boy, saving himself from joining a family in which his ex-flame was a part of. Unfortunately, though, he doesn't... and it seems that God is even against him by making this happen.

Kavitha: My nephew and your sister are to be wedded... that makes us into in-laws, doesn't it, Sanskaar? (purposely rubbing in the wound)

Sanskaar: Not if I can help it...

Sanskaar grumbles, mentally thinking of plans of preventing this from happening, yet, finding none, unless he kills her and somehow makes it seem as a suicide case, so no fingers will be pointed at him.

Kavitha: Pardon?

Sanskaar: (sarcastic) I said enjoy the party... now if you will excuse me, I have guests to attend to... (quick in trying to rid of her)

Kavitha: Sanskaar, wait---

He swiftly turns back around to leave, but immediately stops in his tracks as he hears "ooing" and "aahing" and sees everyone's attention directed towards the other end of the hall... where his bright sister comes walking out, looking lovely in a teal lehenga choli, accompanied by Uttara, wearing a pretty light green lehenga (seeming in a more cheerful mood compared to yesterday), and finally his own wife, walking gracefully with a sunny smile on her face... causing his heart to swell with warmth on the sight of her... They reach the center of the hall, where Ranvijay and Rohit stand with a spotlight centered... And Laksh standing in the middle of the couple with a microphone in his hand...grinning.

Laksh: And now we will proceed onto the ring ceremony...

Sanskaar becomes startled by this... He hadn't even heard the announcement... He was so caught up in his own angry thoughts about Kavitha... Sanskaar would had wanted to leave, not desiring to be even within 100 feet of Kavitha Bhardwaj, but couldn't seem to... awestruck by his wife's innocent beauty, that she for some reason was always so unaware about... which only made her even more wonderful... Besides, the view from where he stands is so perfect...none standing in his way of eyeing his wife silently... For a moment he completely forgets about his most loathed person lingering right besides him...

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Swara casts sneaky glances over at Sanskaar and contains a blush that begins to bloom in her cheeks with having his beautiful molten chocolate eyes on her... making her feel completely aware of herself... nervous... and edgy... She hastily looks down but instantly stares back up, instead of looking at him she eyes the figure standing right next to him... and she scowls in disapproval with recognition... Kavitha Bhardwaj, her husband's ex-girlfriend, clinging nearby his side... a little too much proximity going on for Swara's liking... Angrily she turns her attention back over to Neetha placing a gold ring band on Rohit's finger...fuming in jealousy...

Finally Rohit slips on a gorgeous diamond ring onto Neetha's slim fingers and the crowd applauds in unison...Swara following uninterestedly...

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Uttara smiles softly on the sight of her good friend Neetha dancing with the man of her dreams... with her arms crossed over her chest, standing by herself near the staircase... Yes, she had been furious with her before, upset with her foolish behavior and cowardliness... But that all seemed to have gone away once she saw Neetha bawl into tears, crying over the fact that Uttara was angry with her. Uttara felt immediately terrible for making her cry on her engagement day and ruining her make up which her Swara Di painfully put so much effort into, hence calmed her and quickly made up with her... forgiving every stupid mistake she made since the past few days. Besides, she could not forget that Neetha was the first friend she had made ever since she had moved to Mumbai...

Her eyes linger over around the hall, finding different kinds of people chatting amongst themselves... seeing her sister among them as well, talking with her old colleagues from work... Sighing, she realizes how lonely she really has gotten... Bringing her arms back down to her side, Uttara moves to join Dadi and Sujatha, whom she usually accompanies at parties anyways... She wasn't very much into socializing with strangers... Parties were not Uttara's thing...

Out of no where, she bumps into something solid and feels herself about to lose her balance, but clings hard onto a piece of clothing to keep her steady... Feeling the touch of gentle hands caressing her back, Uttara looks up in surprise to meet a pair of familiar eyes that sends her heart into flutters...

Uttara: (softly gasps) Neil, tum?

Neil flashes her, his routine sexy grin, with one dimple adoring his cheek, and balances her back onto her feet. Uttara slowly lets go of her hold on his coat... She notes his handsome appearance, wearing a suitable black suit for the occasion and familiar black polished shoes that she had spilled coffee on just a few days ago... She holds in a chuckle on the thought.

Neil: (following her gaze) Do you like what you see? (teasingly remarks)

Uttara blushes on her attempt of casually checking him out and shakes her head in a negative.

Uttara: No, I... Wait, not that I don't--- I--... (stumbles over her own words, flushing) What are you doing here? (she breathes out all at once)

Neil: (raises a brow) I should be asking you this instead... I didn't think I'd ever find you at one of these parties...

His eyes lower, taking in her appearance as well... his eyes showing approval. Uttara bites down on her lower lip... Ever since that incident at the coffee shop, it somehow became a routine to bump into Neil there after classes, and the both gladly accepted it... joining together for a cup of coffee rather than sit alone. They talked about casual things, developing into good friends... Neil would talk a bit about himself and she would as well...

Uttara: I asked you first... (noting his wandering eyes)

She brings his attention back onto her face, rather than her body... He smiles faintly...

Neil: I was invited by one of my bosses... It's his sister-in-law's engagement... We've always shared a sort of brother's relationship ever since I started working with him... He made sure that I would come today...

Uttara: (slightly surprised) You mean Laksh Bhayya? You work at Maheshwari Group of Industries?

Neil: Yes... (a little confused) Why is that so surprising? And how do you know Laksh Sir?

Uttara: I live here with him and his family... Your other boss, CEO of the company, is my sister's husband.

It is now Neil's turn to be shocked and surprised. He gazes at her intently.

Neil: You are Swara Gadodia's sister?

Uttara nods her head in a reply. She watches on confused as she sees Neil go into a lost daze of thinking.

Uttara: What's wrong?--- How do you know my Didi?

Neil: I worked with Swara when she used to be an employee at the company. We were good friends... Funny how you are her sister... That thought wouldn't have even crossed my mind unless you had told me...

Uttara: (curious) What do you mean by "were"?

Neil: Huh?

Uttara: How come you and didi aren't friends anymore?

Neil: Oh... (hesitant, thinking of an answer) She hasn't showed up at the office in a long while, so we lost touch... (keeping the real answer to himself)

Neil searches around the room, praying and hoping that his boss won't see him socializing with his sister-in-law... who knows, he'll probably conclude that he's hitting on her as well... Then he'll definitely be serving tables for the rest of his life... From the corner of his eye, he sees Uttara open her mouth, but quickly cuts her off, not wanting to tread on the topic any longer...

Neil: I see that lover boy of yours staring me down like a hawk...

Uttara, completely forgetting what she was about to say, turns her attention over to where Neil's eyes are, and finds Samar grumpily standing with his friends at the bar... staring Neil down.

Neil: Still jealous I suppose...

Uttara: (dumbly) About what?

Neil: (smirking at her) Last time I remember, I'm your much older boyfriend who has stolen you away from him...

He watches Uttara's face turn pink and chuckles inwardly. He enjoys making her embarrassed and shy... it always proved to be fun. For the moment, Neil could care less if this girl that he has starting to be attracted to is related to his boss, who is hell bent on finding a chance of him screwing up so he can demote him... All he sees is a beautiful young girl, who he is sure likes him just as much he likes her... He knows that he is much older than her, him being twenty-four and her only eighteen, still a young girl... But it couldn't hurt only being friends, could it?

Uttara: I guess... but I'm sure he'll get over it... (softly answers) He just needs a bimbo girl as a distraction...

Neil: I don't know... there are plenty of women around here his age that he can have... but yet his eyes are only on you...

Uttara growls at his words whereas Neil smiles on her reaction, pleased to see her not happy at the unwanted attention.

Uttara: I wish he would just leave me alone... and get it into his fat head that I'm not interested him and never will be...

As the DJ announces that the dance stage is open for all couples, elderly, middle-aged, and young, Neil smirks as an idea pops into his head. He extends over his hand to her, taking Uttara by surprise...

Neil: Dance with me...

Uttara: What?

Neil: I said dance with me... (repeating himself)

Uttara watches on, dazed...

Neil: You want the kid off your back or not?

Uttara: I do... (hesitant)

Neil: Then dance with me... Seeing you with me will certainly get the message hitting home... What do you say? (friendly smile)

Uttara smiles back cutely and places her hand into his...

Uttara: Alright...

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Sanskaar tears his attention away from his co-workers and fumes as he recognizes the boy from his office who he holds a strong dislike against... with Uttara, dancing to a slow romantic song off to the side of the stage. He watches intently as he murmurs something to Uttara, causing her to giggle and blush... bringing back an old memory of his wife falling for that same charm at the office about three months ago...

Sanskaar: First he was after my wife... now my sister-in-law... I'll kill the b*st*rd. (he mutters under his breath)

He locates Laksh standing not far from him, chatting with a few of his buddies. Sanskaar excuses himself and walks on over to him and pulls him off to the side, excusing himself as well from Laksh's friends.

Laksh: What's the matter, Sanskaar? Something serious?

Sanskaar: Who invited that Sharma boy? (demanding)

Laksh: Sharma? (muses over the last name) Oh, you mean Neil?

Sanskaar: Did you invite him?

Laksh: Yes, I did.

Sanskaar: And why would you do something like that?

Laksh: Sanskaar, Neil is like my brother...

Sanskaar: Bhaad mein jaaye tumhara bhai... (growls)

Laksh: Sanskaar, what is wrong with you? Why do you dislike Neil so much?

Sanskaar: Do you not see what he's doing? Look at him over there...

Laksh follows Sanskaar's gaze, finding Neil and Uttara swaying rhythmically with the soothing music, lost in one another's eyes...He smiles on the sight.

Laksh: What is he doing?

Sanskaar: Are you blind that you can't see him dancing with Uttara?

Laksh: Is dancing with Uttara a crime?... Sanskaar, I don't see anything wrong... In fact, I think their jodi is nice... He's a little older, but he's a nice guy... They are a very compatible couple...

Sanskaar: (scowls) I don't want him near Uttara...

Laksh: (chuckles) Don't you think you're acting a little too over-protective? You're behaving exactly like an older brother...

Sanskaar: I don't think I'm behaving like anything...

Laksh: As a matter of fact, you didn't like it when he used to talk to Swara also... (laughing) You are both an over-protective brother and a jealous husband.

Sanskaar: (ignoring his comment) Well if you aren't going to do anything, I might as well...

Sanskaar glares at him before trotting off towards the stage, leaving Laksh chuckling behind...yet smiling on the fact of how far Sanskaar has come to caring about Swara and her sister...

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Uttara: Mr. Maheshwari?

Uttara questions in disbelief as she sees him approach her and Neil on the dance floor, stepping in between them, breaking them away from one another...

Sanskaar: May I? (he asks her sweetly while extending a hand out, glaring at Neil as he does)

Uttara catches the nasty glare towards her dance partner and hides a creeping smile.

Uttara: Of course...

Uttara looks over at a downcast Neil and smiles apologetically at him.

Uttara: Maybe later? (hopeful)

Neil smiles a true smile in response to her question.

Neil: Sure... You two enjoy your dance...

Neil purposely ignores his boss's stare and walks off the floor...Sanskaar changes his attention back onto Uttara and smiles innocently at her whereas Uttara tries hard to prevent herself from laughing at her brother-in-law's behavior...acting like a typical over-protective older brother... Inside, though, she secretly feels pleased by his concern and affection towards her...

She dances with Sanskaar along with the music and can't help but smile, elated on having a brother figure in her life...

Sanskaar: (suspicious) What are you smiling about, Uttara?

Uttara: Nothing, Mr. Maheshwari... (biting the inside of her cheek)

She rests her head on his shoulder with the same smile etched on her face...

Uttara: Absolutely nothing...

Sanskaar, surprised with this sudden gesture of hers, takes a while to become accustomed to this new change in their relation... of brother and sister... Though he smiles gently to himself and affectionately runs his hand down her hair... They continue to sway with the beat of the music till the end of the song...

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Thank you,

Shreetha..

Hope you are doing well..

Another beautiful update, & I enjoyed it thoroughly! Except for Ragini's immaturity & Kavitha's unbearable clinginess, all the moments were beautiful.

Btw I loved Sanskaar's planning to murder Cavity without any suspect 😈

I couldn't help but laugh at Sanskaar's protectiveness for his sister-in-law, whom he came to consider his own sister - Uttara!

From hating Swara & her sisters to loving & caring Swara & Uttara - he has came a long way!

That was such a sweet, adorable moment of the brother & sister & I loved it immensely

Bt poor Neil, had to face the wrath of formidable Sanskaar Maheshwari 😆

Though SwaSan moments were less, bt lovely nevertheless!

Don't know when these 2 will confess their feelings to each other!

Waiting for that moment to come!

Waiting for the next update...

Take care.

Love,

~ Nupur

This side of sanskar is sooo amazing...

I really loved seeing utsan bond...

But missing swasan scene if possible can you please give also swasan scene its been long since we had...overall amaz ing update...

Post soon next dear...

Just want to see what swara will say about his a kavi talk. ...

Perfect as always. ...

Razia

It really was a sweet update...swara is a very pure soul as her husband finds her to be...I have a doubt seeing swaras attire...it's something similar to the consummation scene in the serial...are u planning for one after the engagement? Hoping to find the update soon then

Veena

I hope you are fine dear

Just read your others works again really alwaya feel nostalgic to read swasan again and again