~SwaSan Story ~ A Bound Relation ~ Updated Epilogue - 10/04~ - Page 58

Chapter 39:

Swara moans lightly as the sun rays from the sun bother her eyes...waking her from her beautiful sleep... she rubs her eyes and yawns...She curses herself for not remembering to close the curtains...As she moves a little to stretch, she is held back and then suddenly realizes her current state... hastily she pulls the covers up to her neck protectively and glances over to her side...finding her husband snoozing quietly on her bare shoulder...his face buried in her hair...and his arm caressing her waist... holding her possessively against him...

Swara blushes beetroot as she recalls what had transpired between them last night... yet smiles, elated that she has finally received her husband's love...has officially become into a woman... and his wife in a true sense... Swara gazes at him for a few moments, losing herself in his handsome face...until finally deciding on getting out of bed...

She attempts to remove his arm off of her, but receives a startle as he tightens his hold around her and pulls her even closer to him...getting himself comfortable against her again...this causes her to flush even more, however, she continues in letting herself free... After sometime she manages to escape and grabs her saree, pulling it around her...and turns around only to softly giggle at the sight of him take a hold of her pillow and embrace it...wearing a content sort of look on his face... She nears him and gently runs her fingers through his hair...then shyly pecks his cheek before heading over to the bathroom to get ready...

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Sanskaar snuggles closer to the pillow, settling himself back into a good sleeping position... but awakes on the realization that his wife is neither fluffy nor that soft... He jerks up on seeing the pillow there instead of her... Groggily he sits up and runs his fingers through his already ruffled hair...searching around the room as he does so... Not finding her anywhere around, Sanskaar lets out his breath in disappointment and lays back down on the bed...

Slowly a sly grin plays on his lips and he dreamily sighs as the memories of last night dance around in his head... Last night was amazing...more than amazing even...Just like her, it was his first and it was truly wonderful and golden...no words could even possibly describe it...

Sanskaar wonders that what he had shared with his wife was more beautiful... And that is because along with physical desire, emotions were attached... it wasn't just s*x... it was love... pure, honest love...

Yes... Sanskaar Maheshwari is in love... with his wife, Swara Maheshwari... it took him awhile to understand the feelings that he would experience being with her... but after last night... everything has become crystal clear to him... if it wasn't love, then what was it? This yearning... this desire to be with her...this wish to always want her by his side... never want to see tears in her eyes... to make her happy always... to do whatever which makes her smile... to want to spend his every waking moment with her...to see her beautiful face right when he wakes up to the time right before he goes to sleep... be her best friend, lover, soul mate... and her everything...wanting to father children with her... grow old with her... it has to be love..!!!

God, he loves her so much...he has become so crazy about her... never has he ever felt this strongly and passionately for a woman before... Priya and Kavitha were another thing... he was wrong about them... there was no sort of emotion attached... it was all just a physical attraction... But Swara... he was ready to give up anything for... his status, riches... hell, he'd offer his life if it came down to that... just to be with her... just to hear her laugh... to see that cute, adorable smile on her face whenever she finds something amusing... the way she shyly glances at him when she thinks he's not looking... to listen to her melodic voice... to hold her...

For the first time since his marriage, Sanskaar thinks of his adopted brother and his wife in a brighter light...and silently thanks them for running away and bringing Swara into his life...his angel...his love...his everything...

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Sujatha: Arre, Swara! Where were you? Why did you take so long?

Sujatha exclaims as she sights her daughter-in-law gliding down the stairs with a radiant smile etched on her face...glowing beautifully...her eyes shining with delight... her face bright and even more lovelier... She quietly analyzes her while blessing her as Swara bends down to seek her blessing, coming to her after greeting both Dadi and Uttara who stand nearby, and smiles as she kisses her sweetly on the cheek...

Swara: Sorry, Maa... I hope I didn't make you wait too long?

Sujatha: Nahi nahi... (smiles, affectionately strokes her hair) You seem happy... (questioning look)

Swara: (blushing) Ji...

Sujatha: Kuch hua, kya?

Sujatha refrains herself from laughing on seeing Swara turn an even brighter color red.

Swara: (shaking her head, shy) Ji... Kuch nahi...just like that... (softly)

Sujatha: Hmmm... I understand... this happiness... this smile... this brightness in your eyes... Something happened, right? (winking)

Swara flushes dark red and mumbles...while fiddling with the pallu of her saree...

Swara: Maa... I... I...Should I help in the kitchen?

Sujatha grins on how she changes the subject. She decides not to further harass her and agrees. Swara quickly runs towards the kitchen to hide, leaving Dadi and Sujatha behind to giggle. Uttara, however, remains confused.

Uttara: What happened? Why are you two laughing?

Sujatha smacks her forehead and shakes her head at Uttara.

Sujatha: Maaji, you make her understand! She is too innocent... she will never understand.

And with that Sujatha also leaves to the kitchen. Uttara turns to look at Dadi, who smiles brightly back at her...

Dadi: Arre Uttara... I know that you are not even that innocent! Think with your mind... why your sister is so happy...

Uttara ponders over this...and arrives on a conclusion but refuses to believe it... but then again...could it be?

Uttara: I don't know, Dadi... You tell me, please!

Dadi: Arre Pagli! (whispers) ...Did you not see the happiness in her eyes? In her smile? The glow in her? This is common for a married woman... Obviously your sister and brother-in-law are happy with one another... and now can both live a real married life...

Uttara becomes stunned on hearing this and stammers...making Dadi giggle...

Uttara: You mean... My Di... Mr. Maheshwari... My Didi... they lo--- oh my God!

Instantly she jumps with joy and hugs an also enthusiastic Dadi. Tears well in her eyes as she speaks emotionally with her...

Uttara: Dadi, you don't know how desperately I have been looking forward to this day...to see my sister happy...with her husband... finally it has come true... I know Mr. Maheshwari will give Didi lots of love...

Dadi: Even I have waited for this day, Uttara... By God's grace, this couple will always be together...

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Sanskaar in a hurry dressed himself in order to catch his wife early before Breakfast was served... He makes his way sneakily away from his Maa and the others, not wishing for a distraction at the moment... He is careful not to bump into any of the workers passing by, busy in the act of decorating the Mansion for Neetha's wedding which is now three short days away... The Mansion is buzzing with activity and all Sanskaar Maheshwari wants to do is not to be caught in it...

As he approaches the entranceway of the kitchen, he curses as he sees Shambu helping along with Swara in preparing Breakfast... He ponders over what he should do...

Swara: Arre, Shambu... There is no sugar here... (muses in surprise) ...can you go on and get some.

Sanskaar watches with relief as Shambu obliges and heads on over to the storage room, however, he isn't quick enough to hide himself from his butler, who is startled in spotting him in front of the kitchen...

Shambu: Sir, aap? Yahan? Do you need anything?

Sanskaar clears his throat, giving himself some time to come up with an excuse... Swara isn't able to hear with the sizzling of pans surrounding her...

Sanskaar: Um, yes... actually... my room's light isn't working... the light bulb has to be changed.

Shambu: I'll change it right away, Sir...

Before proceeding his way into the kitchen, Sanskaar carefully observes Shambu walking on over to the stairs, making sure his presence won't be welcomed until awhile... He turns and grins naughtily on seeing his innocent, unaware wife working on her given tasks... completely alone... Slowly he steps towards to her turned back, approaching her like a predator wanting to catch its prey by surprise... Just as he's about to pull her back into his arms, he hears an unexpected shrilling coming from behind...

Sujatha: Sanskaar Maheshwari, what are you doing in the kitchen?

His Maa questions him. Both husband and wife turn around frightened by Sujatha's outburst and Swara lightly gasps in astonishment on seeing Sanskaar standing right in front of her... She hadn't even heard him coming into the kitchen in the first place... Quickly her face turns red as a tomato and she shyly moves further away from him...meanwhile Sanskaar stammers in trying to come up with an explanation... Looking like a child who had been caught doing something wrong... He rubs the back of his neck nervously...

Sanskaar: Me? What am I doing in the kitchen?... (he muses to himself out loud) ...woh, Maa... actually... I... I came for water...

Sujatha: For the past so many years you have been ordering yourself water with the use of your servants... how come all of a sudden you have decided to come and get it yourself? (scrutinizing him)

Sanskaar: I... I was walking nearby the kitchen...thought that I'd get water myself.

Sujatha: Haan haan... Liar...

She tugs hard on his ear as Sanskaar yelps in pain... Swara stifles her giggles at the sight of her husband being admonished by his mother...

Sujatha: I know you have come to see Swara...

Swara blushes beetroot on this while Sanskaar looks embarrassed...

Sanskaar: Maaa... (pleadingly)

Sujatha: Don't you bother my daughter-in-law; let her work in peace... understand?

Sanskaar: Understood... now please let go of my ear...

Sujatha releases him and Sanskaar rubs his now throbbing ear...He casts Swara a sideway look, catching her blushing and averting her gaze away shyly... He curses his bad luck and struts out from the kitchen...swearing under his breath, Sanskaar doesn't pay attention to his surroundings and knocks into someone in front of him... Startled he looks ahead of him and apologizes on spotting Uttara turn around and throw him a look...

Sanskaar: I'm sorry, Uttara, I didn't see---

His words die down as he catches Uttara's furious expression and reddening face... She bitterly switches her gaze and crosses her arms with one another against her chest...her shoulders tensed... Sanskaar scrutinizes her for a bit before crossing a dangerous line in asking her what's wrong...

Sanskaar: Uttara... What happened to you?

Uttara: Look for yourself Mr. Maheshwari... I am sure you will react the same way I am... (biting tone)

And with that she storms off to her room in haste, leaving a puzzled Sanskaar behind... He follows her retreating back for moment before turning his attention back in front of him, about to ask Laksh or Dadi, who were standing nearby also looking a little tensed and upset, about Uttara's behavior... However, his mouth dries on seeing a horrifying image before him... standing nervously to herself nearby the entrance of the Mansion... unsure of what to do... and purposely not meeting Laksh's, Dadi's, and especially his eyes...

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Swara, still flushing from the embarrassing incident which had occurred a few seconds ago, hesitantly speaks politely as she can...

Swara: Maa, do you need anything?

Sujatha: Yes, Swara... I have come for you...someone is here for you. (excitedly) I just wanted to inform you.

Swara, confused, wipes her hands on the kitchen cloth nearby and curiously steps towards the exit of the kitchen while asking, "Someone has come to see me?

Sujatha: Yes, come... the poor girl is waiting for you... Come on now...

Sujatha takes Swara by the arm and leads her outside to the living room... In the meanwhile, Swara ponders over who could have possibly come to meet her...

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Laksh and Dadi look at one another nervously after noting Sanskaar's reaction...so many expressions forming on his pale face... shock... disbelief... anger... hurt... and exasperation. He begins to feel hollow inside as many thoughts come rushing back to him like an ocean wave crashing against a set of rocks...and he becomes baffled by them... his heart getting heavy with the reminder of forgotten painful memories...

Sanskaar remembers getting his father's shoes polished fifteen years back by a mere child of eleven who had requested hopefully for a couple of rupees in pay for cleaning them... He feels as if it were just yesterday that he developed a soft spot in him on seeing the young boy grin foolishly at his father and him while at task on his father's shoes...chatting animatedly with them... telling them of his future dreams and goals... his eyes sparkling as he did... Sanskaar had never laughed so much in his life before and that too over the boy, Veer, hearing his witty jokes and his day's events... Of course he knew he was exaggerating most of what had happened to him, but still they listened on... clearly amused. Sanskaar had admired the shine on his father's shoes after Veer stepped away and presented the shoes to them... Slowly his eyes lingered back onto the boy and he grinned as his mind triggered on a thought... That very day Sanskaar had brought Veer with him to his home with requesting his father to be with Veer, and telling him that he would live with him as his brother along with Samar... He would never forget the sparkle in his adopted brother's eyes as he had welcomed him to his home as a family member and the proud smile on his father's face...

But how was Sanskaar supposed to know that, that very same boy would betray him in such a way... After giving him shelter, a new family, a chance to study, and a new life? He entrusted his faith in the boy, believing he would always make him proud... and make himself into the man he always dreamed of... Sanskaar had given him that chance with the help of his father... but what a wonderful way Veer had returned the favor... running off with his bride-to-be... never to return again... leaving like a coward without looking behind even once...

Sanskaar's sorrow filled eyes switch back over to her and they slowly turn blank in confusion... He wonders what she is doing back after months of hiding...that too...alone... What could she possibly want? Has she come back to see how she left things behind? Expecting it to be chaos? Did she think everything would fall apart just because she left? ...No, things were just starting to go wonderfully if she hadn't come back... He was going to commit himself to his wife...propose his feelings to her...rebuild his life over again with her in it... Why couldn't she had stayed lost? Never to come back again?...But perhaps it is good she has come back... she has prevented him from doing something so foolish... Here he was, about to confront Swara with his feelings for her, not even realizing that she may not even possess the same feelings in return...

"Hamari dono pyaar...humko mile nahi hai... Veer ne bhi mujhe chodke chalagaya..." ...her haunting words come across his mind...

Sanskaar can feel his heart break into pieces on the awful memory... How could he forget that Swara is in love with Veer? How could he possibly forget something like that? All at once he can see his dreams, hopes, and wishes crash down in vain... There is no future for them... not when she's still in love with his brother...

He faintly hears Laksh clear his throat and call out for his attention... But he doesn't bother to reply... preoccupied in mourning over something that was never possible...

"Aao Swara... Dekho tumhari liye kaun aaye hai...," Sujatha's voice cuts through the thick silence in the room... Sanskaar blinks away his tears immediately and stares over in her direction, finding his wife being lead by his mother... He looks the other way as his wife meets his eyes...giving him a questioning look...

Swara stands besides her husband, keeping a safe distance between them, and tugs on Sujatha's hands, stopping her from leading her on...

Swara: Who is it Maa? I don't see anyone...

Sujatha: (smiling) Arre pagli... Look in front of you...

Swara obliges and follows Sujatha's gaze to the front entrance of the Mansion and she feels her stomach turn inside out in fear... Her eyes widen with astound and she remains speechless... Slowly her hands fall from Sujatha's... All color drains from her face as she stares straight into her sister's face, who looks back at her desperately with tears streaming down her face...

"Di...", Priya stammers before breaking into a sob and running into her elder sister's arms... Swara hastily looks at her husband to see what he thinks of this shocking surprise and is worried on seeing him avoid her eyes... She doesn't react as Priya gathers her into a tight, warm embrace... she leaves her arms dangling to her sides and her eyes glued onto her husband...

Priya's body rakes with sobs as she attempts to speak...

Priya: Di...! Oh, Di!

Swara feels her heart wrench on hearing her sister cry...She feels tears surfacing her eyes on the thought of finally seeing her sister after so long...She is clearly aware of everyone's eyes, except for her husband's, on her and Priya...

Swara: ...P-Priya... tum... tum yahan? (she manages to muster)

Priya: Di, it's been so long! ...I have been so restless being away from you... I have yearned to be with you for the past months... Not once have I not remembered you and Uttara... You two were always on my mind...

Swara pulls Priya out of her arms and cups her face in her hands...

Swara: Priya... you... Where were you? (getting emotional herself) Where did you go off to without telling me? And Veer? Where is Veer?

Everyone perks up on hearing Swara's question... also wondering the same very thing... Sanskaar keeps his eyes on the floor...feeling a tug on his heart strings on the mention of his brother...

Priya explodes into another fit of tears on the mention of her husband... confusing her sister and everyone else...

Swara: Priya... Priya... where is he? (shaking her, demanding)

Priya's face crumbles and she looks at Swara with dejected eyes...

Priya: (getting hysterical on remembering her past events with her husband) He-He raised his hand on me... Me! Di, even you haven't raised your hand on me since childhood to now... So how can Veer? ...and he said...He said that he just wanted to gain me... He doesn't really love me... Which is why Di...which is why I left him... Di, I have left Veer. (weeping once again)

Priya's words thunder around the silent room and astonishes everyone...Sanskaar's eyes rise from the floor and he stares at his ex fiance in bewilderment... Slowly he looks over to his wife and their eyes lock at that precise moment... Both containing shock in them...

Sujatha: Veer?

Sujatha speaks, bringing everyone's wandering attention back over to her... They notice confusion lingering on her face... and do not know what to do about it.

Sujatha: What... what is going on? ...Swara?

Sujatha feels a gentle touch on her shoulder and turns to see Dadi nod her head softly at her, silently letting her know that she will inform her later... Swara knows that it isn't safe to let Priya blab everything out in front of everyone, especially Sujatha... She takes action...

Swara: (whispers) Shhh... Priya... Tum shaant hojaao... (trying to contain her horror on learning Priya has left Veer) Calm down... We... We will talk about this later alone, okay?

Priya realizes her mistakes and instantly quiets down, nodding her head as tears continue to roll down her pale cheeks...

Dadi: Swara Beta... why don't you go on and take Priya to one of the guest rooms... She looks as if she needs some rest...

Dadi avoids Sanskaar's startled look over in her direction. Swara hesitantly stares over at him... seeking his approval.

Sujatha: (still clearly dumbfounded, yet being hospital) Yes, Maaji is right... Take her inside, Swara...

Swara keeps her eyes on Sanskaar, waiting for a reaction or any words from him and feels relief swarm inside of her as he gently nods his head, signaling for her to oblige, after a few moments of deep thinking...

Swara: Chalo, Priya...

Swara leads her sister by caressingly placing her arms around her and takes her away down the hall to one of the guest rooms... Sujatha turns questioningly to Dadi, seeking an answer for all of this... Dadi nods her head in acknowledgement...

Dadi: Come with me Sujatha.

Sujatha follows willingly behind Dadi's retreating back over to her room...leaving the two men behind in an eerie silence...Laksh slowly approaches Sanskaar after a slight minute of hesitation and comfortingly places a hand on his shoulder... Then leaves briskly, leaving Sanskaar alone in his brooding thoughts...

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Next: May be Veer's re-entry?

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Thank you,

Shreetha..

Chapter 40:

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...Hum Pune mein the... Wahan Veer ka ek acha dost hai...hum wahan rukgaye kuch haafte ke liye... phir hum Mumbai wapas aaye the... humne ek flat kareede... We were happy... very happy... Veer treated me like a queen in the first month of our marriage... But then everything came tumbling down once we started facing some financial problems... Di... Mujhe to maloom nahi thi ke Veer ke paas itna saara paise bhi nahi tha hum dono ko support karneke liye... He started to work two jobs for the expenses and for us to live a comfortable life...It was very difficult for him to get a job considering that Mr. Maheshwari sent out notices everywhere about him, ordering not to assign him one... Then after awhile, his attitude towards me started to change... He grew frustrated and annoyed and told me that I complained too much and demanded for things that are impossible for him to give me... He said that I was unable to understand our given situation and was blowing away all of our money on ridiculous stuff... The truth is Di that Veer is just not capable to support me... I have realized this... He is a nobody... I do not want to live with a man who is unsure of how to provide for me...and when our future is not clear...

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Swara recalls what her sister had told her two days back after taking her to one of the available guest rooms, where there was guaranteed privacy for them... She was shocked, of course, hearing that her baby sister's marriage hadn't worked out...but her shock was not to a great extent. Somewhere deep inside of her, she knew that something would go wrong with her sister and her spouse. After all, they did only know each other for few days before they eloped, and that too, not very well. Those few days are not enough to decide whether or not you want to spend the rest of your life with someone. The only mutual thing they had in common was their lust for each other... She also knew that her sister's high demands would drive Veer up the wall one day... Veer is a hard working middle class man... making money only sufficient enough to live a stable life, not an extravagant one as Priya always dreams of.

Swara had expressed her disappointment to her sister, who broke out into another fresh set of tears after completing her explanation of her absence...

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Swara: Bas? ...Priya, you have come here leaving your husband behind over something so silly?

Priya: (stunned by her sister's reaction) But Di --- did you not hear what I just sai---

Swara: Yes, I did Priya and I am extremely disappointed... Priya, instead of helping your husband in your difficult times, instead of being understanding and giving Veer support, you only added more difficulties for him to stress over... You should have given aid by either just giving him moral support or getting a job yourself... and when the two of you had enough money, then you could carry on with living your life normally... building a small family of your own...however you wanted to...

Priya: Di, I was patient long enough... I did not want to live like a poor woman who had nothing... He even objected allowing me buy a LED TV Di! I felt suffocated living with him! Like I was in some kind of prison who wasn't allowed anything! ...And it's not just about the expenses Di... It's the fact that Veer never loved me in the first place... It was just attraction between us all along... Di, how can you expect me to live such a low, poor life with a man who doesn't even love me as I thought he did? No Di... I couldn't do it... I can't do it... Oh Di... I just regret everything that has happened the last four months... (on the verge of becoming hysterical again) I should have never have chosen Veer over someone like Mr. Maheshwari! Who could have given me so much love, who could have met my wants and needs, given me a comfortable life! I have ruined my own life with my two hands... The most thing I ever regret in my life is running away on my wedding day... Kash... Kash main Mr. Maheshwari se shaadi karti... phir mujhe iss din ko nahi dhekna padta... I wouldn't have to regret...

Swara was stunned and left speechless from Priya's blunt words... As her face turned white, she unwillingly tucked her sister into bed, telling her to get some rest...

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"Swara, careful...", comes an unexpected masculine voice, breaking her out of her eerie thoughts.

Startled on recognizing the voice, the same very voice she earned to hear, speak to her for the past two days, Swara looks up into the most beautiful pair of intense molten chocolate eyes that sends shivers down her spine... It takes her a few seconds to realize the feel of his arms securely wrapped around her waist... and that Neetha's dress and jewelry that she had been carrying a minute ago has fallen down on the marble floor, right beside their feet...

Slowly his words hit her and she scrambles through her mind, wondering what had happened to cause them to be in a situation like this... Him holding her so close against him... this is the closest they have gotten since the arrival of Priya... Why is that? Ever since Priya had appeared, their relationship has all of a sudden become so rocky... How come? Her husband doesn't even look her in the eye anymore... always avoiding her eyes whenever she looks at him... Everything between them has changed... just because of Priya. Her eyes darken on this thought... If only she hadn't come back into their lives, stayed wherever she had been these past few months, if only she had managed to be happy with Veer, she wouldn't have appeared and ruin their marriage...If only...

Her eyes widen out of surprise by her abrupt attempt of pushing all the blame to her sister. How could she even do such a thing? It's not Priya's fault... It's not Priya's fault, she repeats to herself... This is just what was meant to happen... One day of course Priya was to return back... and she never really expected her marriage with Sanskaar Maheshwari to work out in the first place, however, up until that night which changed everything for her... That night she will never be able to forget.

"Swara?...", he soothingly calls out to her, wanting to grab her attention after realizing that she is acting rather distant despite being so near to him... He sees her eyes swivel back onto his and feels himself suffocate with rushing emotions.

Sanskaar removes his gaze and slowly lets go of his hold on her, realizing that she is steady now. Neither of them had been paying attention as they were walking it seems...which resulted in them bumping into one another and him having to hold onto her so she wouldn't fall.

Could it be that he regrets that night?, Swara quickly panics to herself as he switches his eyes elsewhere and releases her... Does he regret spending that night with her? --What had transpired between them? Does he not love her after all? --Which was what she had obviously assumed..? If not, why else would he want to consummate their marriage...? Swara's eyes grow misty with oncoming tears as Sanskaar lowers down to gather all the fallen items on the ground... Another terrible thought ticks in her mind, causing her heart to ache...

Has he started to realize his love for Priya again? ...Or could it be that he never stopped loving her?

Swara softly gasps at this and feels her insides pain from her conclusion. No, he mustn't. He can't. She wants him to love her, only her. She's not willing to let him go. She needs him. Yes, it's very selfish of her, but it's the truth. She can't bear to see the man she loves with her sister, in fact, with any woman at all. It'll kill her.

"Your things...", she hears his voice again, which is barely audible to her ears. Swara deliberately doesn't meet his eye, fearing he'll see her glistening tears and how weak she really is. Instead, she lowers them onto his hands which hold Neetha's belongings. Hesitantly she takes them from him, being careful not to make any hand contact.

"Thank you", she mutters rather too quickly that Sanskaar is unclear of what she had said for a few seconds. He watches with gloomy eyes as she walks up the stairs and vanishes from his sight. Sanskaar turns and also disappears off to his study...where he has been hiding for the past couple of days.

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Uttara: Neetha, you're so beautiful that I'm jealous!

Uttara exclaims as Swara finishes dressing Neetha up for the sangeet. Neetha merely blushes while giggling softly as a response. She also appears to be glowing more and more by each passing day with her being a mother and all. It is a very lovely glow and suits her well considering that she had been always miserable and under stress for the past few weeks.

As Swara closes the empty jewelry cases and removes them aside, she shifts back to her earlier thoughts and becomes ashamed. She had never known she could be so selfish. Thinking of her own happiness before her sister's had never happened up until now... her one moment of weakness. Didn't she make a promise to her parents that she would take care of Priya and Uttara as her own children and make sure they will always be happy? She had vowed on her parents's death day that she would put their happiness over hers because their happiness would always mean much more. And if they're happy, then even she as well would be. How could she forget that?

The creaking of the door startles all three of them, causing them to change their attention and onto the woman who hesitantly stands behind the half-opened door. Swara shows clear surprise on her face as she calls out in a puzzled tone, "Ragini ji?"

Uttara slowly backs away from Neetha as the bride-to-be stands up in awe on seeing her sister before her after a long set of five days. "Didi?", she gasps.

Ragini switches her gaze from Swara and over to her sister, who looks so radiantly beautiful that it causes her eyes to tear. She smiles faintly and enters into the bedroom, walking towards a still stunned Neetha. Ragini strokes her sister's hair gently while continuing to smile at her sadly.

Ragini: I'm sorry sweetheart... will you forgive this foolish sister of yours?

Neetha: (taking her sister's hands) Didi, you're not foolish...

Ragini: Of course I am. A sister who stubbornly refuses not to join in her little sister's happiness, attend her wedding, and acknowledge the existence of her niece/nephew is a foolish woman.

Neetha's eyes also begin to tear and she kisses her sister's hands tenderly, secretly letting her know that she forgives her and always had forgiven her. As both the sisters cry, they tightly hug one another, making up for the last few days of them being apart. Ragini pats her hair one last time before turning her attention over to the two sisters, who seem rather awkward having to witness such a sisterly moment in which they are obviously outsiders to...

Swara feels her heart race out of anticipation as she sees her sister-in-law walk towards her. As she stops before her and stares at her with beseeching eyes, Swara notices a clear change in the woman which rattles her.

Ragini takes Swara's hands in hers while keeping their eye contact in tact. Swara watches on curiously. She is stunned to see tears cloud in her eyes.

Ragini: From day one I have been a very vile woman to you... I never spared you a moment with my rude comments and bitter attitude. I intended to make your and your sisters' lives miserable... I didn't like the fact that three low class girls were living in the same house as me, a house which I thought would always be out of your standards... a lifestyle that you will never deserve or have. I always looked down on you like you were dirt... My definition of low classed girls was that they were gold diggers and were desperate for money... The definition of mine was only proved more true to me whenever I heard of Priya's talks about money and having a high status... She would always boast about one day she'd marry a rich man and truly have a life. That disgusted me and caused me to hate you three even more... but you became even more important once you became my bhaiya's wife. I wanted to destroy you... Though, you always somehow manage to get past my attempts of ruining you... You silently took all my insults and never said a word... I never heard a complaint out of your mouth and that always puzzled me... Do you remember what my Sanskaar Bhaiya had said to me only a few days ago? ...He had said that despite that you are socially lower class, you hold higher class as a person compared to me. I didn't pay much attention to those words the first time he had said them... I was just raging from the thought that my own brother scolded me for an outsider... But these past few days those words kept on haunting me... And it took me awhile to admit that he is right... You have proved to me that you are a kind woman...too kind of a woman... A woman who covers up for a young girl's mistake, trying to protect her despite the chances of getting herself into trouble must be a kind woman... I have mistaken you... labeled you just because you come from a low background... and that was wrong of me to do so.

Seeing the regretful expression on Ragini's face and her falling tears causes Swara's eyes to become teary as well.

Ragini: ...I know... I know that I should not be forgiven...but even yet I am still asking you to forgive me. Please excuse my rude behavior to you and pardon everything that I have ever done to you, if possible... I wish to make amends. I feel incredibly stupid for the way I have acted the past months. I realize that you are a wonderful person which is why everyone loves you so much... You have already won the hearts of everyone who lives here...and I would like to give you a chance. I- I...wish for us to truly be a family...and for you to be apart of it... Please... forgive me if you can...Bhabhi.

Ragini folds her hands together before a still stunned Swara and unashamedly continues to cry. Swara feels her heart wrench on the sight and she covers her sister-in-law's folded hands with hers, indicating to her with a shaking head not to beg before her.

Swara: No Ragini ji...please don't cry...I never held anything against you and I never will... I understand where you are coming from... Please do not make me embarrassed by apologizing to me...

Ragini: ...Only if you promise not to call me Ragini ji but by addressing me as... just Ragini.

The tears that are swimming in Swara's eyes finally fall and Swara takes Ragini by complete surprise in taking her into a warm hug... Uttara and Neetha watch with smiles on their faces... After a long time of embracing and shedding tears, Ragini wipes away her tears and turns to Uttara, who stares back at her with a blank face... Ragini merely smiles at her and indicates to her with open arms to come to her... Uttara surprisingly breaks into a fit of tears and gladly embraces her...

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Hearing a soft knock on the door interrupts in Sanskaar's attempt of focusing his attention on his office work...He looks up and calls out in a bored voice, "Come in." However, he fully regrets it as he sees the woman he mostly resents at present appear before him and push the door lightly behind her. He sneers out of disgust from Priya's appearance... The way she presents her body as if it's a show piece, dressed in a red halter neck shirt with a black skirt that ends just midway to her knees--one would think she's dressed to go clubbing. Sanskaar lowers his eyes back onto his work, but unwillingly raises them on hearing the clicking of her heels approaching the front of his desk.

Priya: Mr. Maheshwari...

Throwing his pen off to the side, Sanskaar leans back into his black chair and sighs...

Sanskaar: Yes Miss Gadodia... what brings you here? (no trace of emotions hidden in his voice)

Priya fidgets a little to herself, feeling uncomfortable by the fixed gaze of his expressionless eyes on her... She loses confidence for just a moment but quickly regains herself by the thought of not wanting to embarrass herself in front of him...

Priya: Mr. Maheshwari... I... I wish to thank you for allowing me to stay here with my sisters. I certainly didn't want to intrude on you like this without any warning and I probably shouldn't have come here in the first place considering what I have don---...(she stops midway by seeing a dark look form in his eyes and immediately clears her throat)... But I didn't know where else to go... I hope... I hope you understand...

Sanskaar: Your sisters are here, of course you would come here out of all places... (agreeing to her, yet in an unsympathetic tone) Now...Is that all?

He asks in haste, wanting to get rid of her pronto... However, he is agitated as he sees her hesitantly shake her head in a negative.

Priya: No... It isn't. That's not all, Mr. Maheshwari... I also would like to speak with you of the unsaid things that are still left between us... (her voice gaining some boost and confidence)

Sanskaar: That isn't necessary, besides, there isn't anything to discuss between us. You may now leave from the way you came in. (dismissing her instantly)

Priya: I know that...that things between us were left on a rather not so good note... And we've become quite awkward around one another... Mr. Maheshwari, what I really came here for is to... to apologize to you and tell you that... I truly regret everything I have ever done... For hurting you the way I did, lying to you, running away with Veer... And most of all... for choosing someone else over an amazing man like you...

Sanskaar, who was avoiding all possible eye contact with the woman across from him, switches his eyes back onto Priya as he hears the last of her words... He's appalled by the nerve of her... staring at him with a dreamy look on her face and trying to put herself into his good books... Disgusting... It's just so disgusting. He's so baffled that he doesn't speak a word... He watches Priya from the corner of his eye as she fiddles carelessly with the items on his desk.

Priya: ...When I was on my way back here... I was scared... scared thinking how I left things behind. I wondered in what state my sisters were in; if they were well taken care of or were put through misery...I even wondered if I would even be able to get into the Mansion... I kept on imaging your anger and my fear only grew... But ever since I've been here... My fears have only been proven wrong... My sisters only told me good things. Uttara speaks very highly of you...There was a certain affection towards you in her voice that was never there when I was around before. And Swara Di... she happily told me that you took very well care of both of them and that you are a very good man.

Hearing his wife's name, Sanskaar's attention is fully captivated... He wants to feel happy knowing that his wife thinks of him in a good light... however, it doesn't completely reassure him... He wants to hear more than just that he is a good man... Like if he has been a good husband to her? And if he has been, is she willing to stay with him? Those are things he wants to hear.

Priya continues on with her banter with a soft smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She shyly lowers her head as she speaks...

Priya: Perhaps it is the love for me that you have--- that you couldn't possibly hurt my sisters because you knew how dear they are to me... Really Mr. Maheshwari... You are too good of a person... I am just regretful that I didn't realize sooner that... You are the man for me... And you would have made me very happy.

Completely astounded by her thinking, Sanskaar stands from his seat, wishing to knock some sense into the silly girl before him... a silly girl that he had once wished to marry. Boy, he must have been insane for wishing something like that.

Sanskaar: That's it Priya... you have crossed the line. A simple apology and thank you would have been in order, but these ridiculous talks of yours are completely uncalled for. You have tested my patience enough... (sternly)

Priya: (stunned) Mr. Maheshwari?...

Sanskaar: Priya Gadodia... (his frustration towards her growing each second) I am not pleased knowing all of this... I don't want to know that you regret marrying my brother... I don't want to know that you wish you had married me instead... I don't like the way you stare at me when you speak to me... nor when you look at me at the dining table during meals... I don't like the way you dress as if this is a nightclub and hoping you'll catch my attention... and I definitely do not like how you think that I can possibly love you... Where on earth did you come up with an idea like that? When have I ever given you the misunderstanding that I love you? ...I agree to the fact that I liked you before and wanted to marry you, but that is in the past... And the way that I treat Uttara and Swara has nothing to do with you. I treat them the way they deserve to be treated. Believe me when I say this, no love for you was attached in my behavior towards them.

Blown by his sudden abrupt explosion on her, Priya remains speechless and deeply embarrassed...

Sanskaar notices her pale face and calms down a bit... remembering that she is his wife's sister and the last thing he wants to do is cause his wife pain by knowing that he has hurt her sister. He knows of Uttara and Priya's importance to Swara. He folds his hand into a fist and slowly says his next words...

Sanskaar: Do you realize who you are saying all this to Priya?

Priya just remains mute and frozen...not replying to his question...

Sanskaar: All of that you had said, you said to your elder sister's husband... Your Swara Di's husband... Or in other words, your brother-in-law...

He sees registration of shock and realization form on her face.

Sanskaar: Your behavior is inexcusable and inappropriate... Here you are shamelessly admitting that you think I am the man for you when I am married to Swara. Yes, I also agree to the fact that Swara and I married due to certain circumstances... but a marriage is a marriage, no matter how it happens... Priya, would you like to know the difference between you and your sister?

Seeing Priya's eyes rise up, he goes on...

Sanskaar: Swara sees me as Sanskaar... No Maheshwari, wealth, and status attached... She sees me as any other ordinary person, not as a famous tycoon who is loaded with money. Her respect towards me is genuine...You, on the other hand, only see me as Sanskaar Maheshwari, owner of Maheshwari Group of Industries and a billionaire... And that is all you're ever going to see me as.

Priya watches still silently as Sanskaar calmly sits back down into his chair, unlike the way he had sprung up from it in rage just two minutes ago.

Sanskaar: ...Priya, you may regret your marriage to Veer... But I certainly do not regret the day I married Swara Maheshwari.

His words ring in the silence of the air... After a few moments of letting that sink in, Sanskaar speaks his final words to her.

Sanskaar: Now I think we have cleared the air between us... You may leave.

Close to tears due to her current humiliation, Priya listens obediently and leaves the study...

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On her way out, Priya bumps into Uttara, who had standing nearby the door of the study which had been open a little, just enough for her to hear their conversation.

Priya: Oh, Uttara... (stammers) What are-are you doing here?

Seeing pure disgust and hate on her baby sister's face startles Priya. Uttara glares hard at her with loathing eyes.

Uttara: You are a snake, do you know that?! (she hisses)

Priya: Uttara---

Uttara: How could you even think about going to Mr. Maheshwari as a resort to make you happy when he's a married man! And that too --to our Swara Di!

Priya: I didn't mean---

Uttara: Did you ever give it a thought--- that oh I don't know-- Mr. Maheshwari and Didi are actually happy together! That they love each other!

Seeing Priya look shocked by what she has said, Uttara shakes her head in disappointment.

Uttara: Of course you wouldn't. You're Priya after all. You only think about yourself...

And with that, Uttara storms off leaving Priya to lower her head in shame...

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I am sorry. No PMs

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Thank you,

Shreetha..