Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 26 July 2025 EDT
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 27th July 2025 EDT
CID Episode 63 - 26th July
MAA BETI MILAN 26.7
Anshuman 😭😭😭😭😭 Mannnnnn
WELCOME 🏠 MAIRA27.7
Anupamaa 26 July 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
Aneet Padda and why I think she's the next big thing
What are your thoughts on this?
Vanga : My films are losing revenue due to Adult certification
Predict the first day business of War 2
MG SS - ||Incensed Passions|| CH1-10 Pg 1
Mohabbatein: one of the best scenes
24 years of Yaadein
Chapter 3:
Day and night
Without a pause
The seven skies
Revolve.
Why worry then
For something will happen
If not this
Then surely that.
(Raat din gardish mein hain sat asman
ho rahega kuch Na kuch ghabraen kya
- Mirza Ghalib)
Urvashi was obviously not happy to see Swara return back to the Maheshwari Mansion with Ram Bhaiyya and Sujatha Bhabhi but she decided to hold her tongue for time being. She realized that it was not the correct time to go after Swara, what with the mishap happening in the family.
As Swara went and settled herself in the attic once again, much to Ram Uncle's mortification and Urvashi's glee, she did not fail to notice this time that the attic seemed much more cleaner than before and that a beautiful, white lace curtain now framed the window, swaying slightly to the cool, night breeze. She had brought a few more stuff from the hostel and went about to unpack her belongings. Of course, there wasn't much, except for a few more dresses and knick-knacks and her most prized possession, a big, drawing book - her sketch book actually. She was not a painter at all, but she loved sketching and it was the only passion she could follow single-mindedly. No tuitions were involved though, there was never enough money. Her Father hadn't left much for her anyway and she had to fend for herself after leaving school, by teaching children. Life has always been difficult for her but she was determined to make a change in it. Maybe Sujatha Aunty is right, Swara thought, maybe this was her destiny.
After about an hour, Payal came and called her downstairs to the dining room. As everybody seated them around the table, Ram Maheshwari spoke out, his jaw set in a grim line... 'It is not unknown to you all that my son, Sanskaar has met with an accident day before yesterday. I have spoken to the Doctor who is looking after him and as per the Doctor, Sanskaar is in for a major surgery. God willing, he may regain the use of his legs otherwise...' his voice trailed off absently. He then looked towards his wife and continued 'Sujatha and I are going to New York tomorrow by early morning flight. We want to be with Sanskaar during his crisis period. Another unwanted development is that the Doshi's, I mean Kavitha's parents, have called off the engagement and marriage. Though it is heart-rending yet I see their reason and so I don't really blame them. The only thing that matters to me now is the well-being of my child and I want to bring him back to his own country. We may be away for a few months time. I am leaving the running of our house to Urvashi and Vrij though Vrij has to return to Pune soon. As desired by us, Swara will stay in our house as a Guest and Madan, my friend, will also stay here for time being. I hope between you all, you will take good care of my house.'
Everyone nodded their heads in affirmation stating that they would do their best to look after the affairs of the MM. Though in between Urvashi did manage to shoot a scathing look at Swara, much to the latter's concern. It was not going to be easy, Swara thought as she concentrated on her food.
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The next few weeks went off in a normal fashion, except some brief skirmishes between Urvashi and Swara, of course always initiated by Urvashi. There was not a bit of compassion in her and Swara knew better than to cross her Maasi's path. She had learnt during this period that Vrij was actually Ram Maheshwari's maternal cousin and that was how Urvashi came to be related to them. She also came to know that the Maheshwaris were one of those families in Mumbai who were rolling in wealth and that they had a huge hotel chain, operating all over the country, and had plans for international extensions as well. Apart from that, the Maheshwaris were also into plantation and tea businesses. Swara had always thought that rich people were always very vain, arrogant and snooty, but Ram Uncle and Sujatha Aunty had of course proved otherwise. She did not know Sanskaar, though she had seen a few photos of him mounted on the walls of the house, yet she prayed everyday to God for his recovery knowing fully well that this was the only thing that would give utmost happiness to the Maheshwaris.
Meanwhile, Swara started teaching in the college, it wasn't a great opportunity, but at least it was a start for her. She continued her sketching too but she was an amateur only. Ram Uncle's friend, Madan was interested in the arts himself and he gave Swara valuable tips to improve her sketching. It was on a fine Sunday morning, when Swara sat in the attic sketching the faraway sea, that Urvashi stormed in. Swara could make out that she was excited, her fair face flush with colour and knew that the only thing she would have to do is to keep quiet. Urvashi started as usual with her tirade,
'Look Swara, you have stayed here for long. I agree that you couldn't say No to Bhabhi, that's why you have come back here...But now Bhaiyya and Bhabhi are retuning with Sanskaar day after tomorrow and I want you gone by that time. I don't want them to see your inauspicious face when they step inside the house. Do you understand?' she screamed shaking Swara 'You need to go back to your hostel, this luxurious life is not for you and you really have to toil to make a position for yourself in this world. For how long can you afford to depend on other's mercies as if we don't have any other work to do?'
Swara looked up at her Maasi and said 'I promise you I will go away but please let Sujatha Aunty come back. I promised her that I would be here when she returns. She has given me so much love, I don't want to do this to her.'
'As if she really cares' Urvashi retorted back 'and I can't believe that you have actually started answering me back. If I want I can get you thrown out at this instance and ...'
Just then Payal ran breathlessly into the room 'Urvashi Masi, Badi Maa is on the phone, she wants to speak to you.'
Leaving Swara, Urvashi rushed towards the stairs, followed by Payal who made a monkey face at her, much to Swara's amusement. Realizing it was futile to make Urvashi see any sense, Swara started collecting her things to pack up once again, her life was nothing but a pack-up, it seemed.
After about 10 minutes, Urvashi rustled into the attic once again 'Sujatha Bhabhi was on the phone. You don't need to go anywhere Swara.' Saying this, she left the room.
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On Wednesday, Swara woke up to heightened activities all round the house. Payal informed her that the Maheshwaris were coming home today in the afternoon and that Sanskaar Bhaiyya was much better now. Swara was happy that God had listened to her wishes and she found Urvashi trying her level best to gain an air of importance for herself around the house. But she also looked happy and Swara knew that whatever Urvashi was, she really loved Sanskaar. After a quick breakfast, Swara went back to her attic room and assembled all her stuff in one place. Then she got ready to go to college. She planned to return to the Maheshwari Mansion after college was over and then take leave of Ram Uncle and Sujatha Aunty, and then shift over to the hostel. She wasn't sure about meeting Sanskaar Maheshwari though, he wouldn't want to meet strangers after so much happening in his life. Swara felt a tinge of sadness at the thought of going away from the MM; it had nothing to do with the benefits and luxuries she had enjoyed during her stay here. It was more to do with the fact that in spite of Sujatha Aunty not being here for quite some time, staying here felt like staying at home. From tomorrow, the single, lonely, desolate life was about to begin once again.
The day passed off pretty easily and quickly and Swara looked with consternation as her watch hands showed that it was already 6 in the evening. She hurried back to the MM, only to find hordes of car parked near the gate, all announcing the return of the owners of the house. She hurried towards the back gate and espied an ambulance standing beside the cars. As she made her way up the stairs, she could hear the voices of Ram Uncle and Sujatha Aunty speaking to the guests in a murmur. Not wanting to disturb them at all, Swara made her way to the attic and freshened up. She then pulled the chair towards the window and sat down again, switching off the lamp, and stared at the night sky, her favourite past time for ever. She realized that even though their son was ill, yet both Uncle and Aunty were happy to have him back along with them. Probably this is what it meant to have a real family; the feeling of togetherness pervaded every other sense and feeling.
After some time, the door opened quietly behind her, with a slight creak, and she turned around to see Sujatha Aunty entering the room. These three months seemed to take away a lot of happiness from Aunty's face and she seemed tired too. However, Swara could feel a sense of peace on Sujatha Aunty's face and she rose up from her chair to welcome her.
Sujatha Aunty came and caressed Swara's cheeks and said 'Swara I am so happy to see you over here today. I hope Urvashi did not trouble you much during your stay here. I feel bad at the way she taunts you but I guess most people are careless about other's feelings. Anyway, let me not talk about such issues today. As you can well understand, we are very happy today because we have been able to bring our son, Sanskaar back with us.'
Sujatha Aunty moved towards the window and stood looking out at the sea far away and continued in a lost way 'Sanskaar has always led a very protected yet independent life. Being the only child of affluent parents, he got whatever he wanted in life and he was damn lucky too. He was a brilliant scholar too and he got a chance to study in the University of his Choice too. Kavitha was his choice too and we didn't object to it. After all, he has to spend his life with his wife and partner, for how long will we be around him? But then fate played a very big game on him and in one silent stroke, took everything away from him. It's a miracle that the doctors have managed to save his legs, given the intensity of the accident, though it will take some more time to him to recover fully. The fact that Kavitha's family broke the marriage has also affected him badly and the loving, helpful son I had has been replaced by a cold-hearted individual. I am sure he will be out of this shock soon and as a Mother, I intend to be by his side through this entire ordeal. I just hope that God grants him enough perseverance and strength of character to pull himself through this'. By this time, Sujatha Aunty had started crying.
Swara felt so helpless around her, yet she went and touched her shoulder 'Aunty, I don't know whether I should be saying this, but we can all see this as an exam that life has put in front of us. And I am sure your son will come out shining and all triumphant like the morning sun after days of miserable cloudiness and doom. You cannot break down Aunty, you have to be his leaning staff, you have to give your share of courage to him also so that he starts believing the world again and realize that all people are not alike, that there is still joy, love and hope in this world left for all of us.'
Sujatha clutched Swara's hands and said 'This is the difference between you and others and I recognized it the first time I saw you. You are much worldlier than a whole bunch of people. I agree with what you are saying, but this seems to be pretty difficult. Can I ask something from you Swara? Will you be Sanskaar's friend while he is here? I am sure he will be very bitter and sarcastic and everything negative, but will you help me in riding this storm out together?'
Swara was totally flabbergasted 'But Aunty, I was shifting to the hostel tomorrow. Also I couldn't probably help you because I don't know your son at all, why should he consider me as a friend at all?'
'Rightfully so' Sujatha Aunty answered 'See Swara, I can't force you on this, but if you stay back for some more time, then we can find out whether Sanskaar will be opening up to others. He has completely clamped down for time being. He needs a friend fast, but I know him, he will not open his mouth at all lest we get hurt. If only you can get him to speak what's inside his mind, then his mental oppression may have some sort of opening at least.'
'Its difficult Aunty' Swara replied thoughtfully 'And I don't have any experience in this. The moot question is why should he trust me?'
A tear-stricken Sujatha clasped Swara's hands again 'But Swara we can at least try no? I promise you if it doesn't work out in a number of days, I will never ask you to stay back for this cause. Please Swara, don't say no to a Mother.'
Swara was completely lost and didn't know what to say. Thinking fast, she came to a conclusion and answered 'Ok Aunty, as per your wishes, I will stay here for a week more or so. But if things don't improve at all, I will leave. And please do remember, you are taking a big chance with me, I am no nurse and neither do I have a functional family to understand all these. But I will give it a try nevertheless.'
Thanking Swara, Sujatha went downstairs to share the good news with her husband, while emotionally upset Swara beat a hasty retreat to her bed.
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Chapter 4:
With you I had
An exchange of trade
But only in
One of my dreams.
And when
I woke
I found
There was
Neither gain
Nor loss
In the exchange
(tha khwab mein khyal ko tujhse muamala
jab ankh khul gayi, na ziyan tha, na sud tha
- Mirza Ghalib)
Swara woke up the next morning as the sun rays filtered in through the window and landed on her drowsy pillow. She sat up rubbing her eyes and remembered that it was Founders Day at her College and that she had to go early. Students from various Sections were going to perform on this special day and many teachers were also participating in the events. Since she was new and was yet to build up a great rapport with the other teachers, though they were pretty friendly, Swara was left out for time being. But she hoped to enjoy herself on the occasion and decided to dress suitably for the occasion. She would also have to call her Hostel later and inform them that she would go there a few days later.
Swara dressed carefully in a beautiful cotton tant saree that she had bought during a saree exhibition in Mumbai some months back. The saree was typical of Bengal, and she bought it at the insistence of one of her friends with whom she had studied during her college days. Sonali had stayed in Kolkata for quite some time during her childhood years and she introduced Swara to the world of saris characteristic of Bengal. Swara knew that these saris were pretty difficult to manage by people who seldom wore saris, but the dignity and aura that the saree lent was stupendous and the beautiful light yellow and deep green combination had stolen her heart immediately. She tied her hair sideways in a bun and traced it with a jasmine garland, put on some kohl and lipstick and a small bindi, and then went downstairs.
The house was quiet except for Sujatha Aunty pottering around the kitchen, giving instructions to a half-asleep Payal, about her son's diet. The milkman had just arrived and was in deep conversation with the driver, who was washing Ram Uncle's Mercedes. Swara stepped into the kitchen and Sujatha turned around to greet her. 'Oh Good Morning Swara and where are you going so early in the morning?' Holding Swara's chin, Sujatha looked at her appreciatively 'And you are looking so beautiful today! Any special occasion...?'
Swara smiled at her and answered back 'Aunty, today we are celebrating the Founders' Day at College and so I tried to make myself presentable. I bought this garland yesterday' she said, her eyes twinkling.
'Lovely' Sujatha Aunty replied 'I hope you enjoy your day. Youngsters should have fun when the time is right since time waits for none. But you don't leave without eating anything. I will go and see whether Sanskaar is up. By the way, a nurse is coming today to look after Sanskaar, the Doctor insisted so. But Swara, I still want you to go and meet him, when you get some time' anxiety clearly marking the Mother's voice.
Swara replied in a soothing voice 'I will surely meet him Aunty when I return home today. And please don't worry; I am sure Sanskaar will be better soon. I have full faith in God'.
As Sujatha left the kitchen, Swara picked up a sandwich and rushed out through the kitchen door. She hired a cab and headed towards the College.
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Around 7 p.m. that evening
Swara entered the MM through the kitchen door, frowning clearly as the hour hand of her watch edged towards the 7 mark. The function went off well but Swara and the others were held back in the College due to rain. She was tired and hungry and could only think of a nice, long bath as she trudged along towards the attic. The hall was completely deserted and the only sounds came from the Study. Swara had to cross the Study on her way to the Study. Not wanting to disturb others, she tiptoed along the corridor and after she had crossed the Study, she made a mad dash for the final flight of stairs to the attic.
Only that she failed to reach the stairs. The end of her aanchal, flying behind her, stuck to something, jerked her back and she collapsed on the ground in a heap, only to be held viciously by a strong hand, thus cutting her fall. She could hear the sickening ripping sound of her saree as she struggled to get back on her feet. Swara felt like crying, it was one of her favourite saree. She raised her stormy eyes to locate the cause of the disruption, but was met with a pair of glinting molten chocolate eyes, the owner being perched on a wheelchair. Swara immediately realized that it was Sanskaar and tried to compose herself.
An expressionless voice greeted her 'So Ms. Whoever-you-are, if you had been extra careful, you could have managed yourself not to have hurt me further. What the hell were you thinking? Taking Part in a Walkathon? And what are you doing in our house?' the questions came tumbling out.
Swara took a deep breath and re-arranged her saree properly. Though acidic remarks came to her mind immediately, she forced herself to be in control of the situation, keeping in mind the identity of the person before her. But even before she could open her mouth, Sujatha Aunty's voice floated in from the other side of the corridor
'Arrey Sanskaar, Swara... so I take it that you two have met. What happened? Sujatha asked as she saw the expressions on their faces.
'Nothing Aunty' Swara mumbled, as mortification set in for accidentally colliding against a sick person. Sanskaar replied back to his Mother,
'Swara who...? And what is she doing here in our house? Running around as if she is in some sort of competition?'
'Sanskaar...' his Mother's voice carried a warning tone that Sanskaar knew better than to ignore 'She is Swara, Swara Gadodia and is your Urvashi Bua's niece. She is staying with us for some time now.'
Turning towards Swara, Sujatha continued 'Dear you go and change, I will send Payal after some time to call you down for dinner.'
Nodding her head in affirmation and managing a dry, half-smile at Sanskaar, Swara went towards the attic. As soon as she was out of earshot, Sanskaar asked his Mother
'Mom, what is she doing here? Have you finally managed to convert our House into a tourist lodge...?' irritation evident in his voice, magnified by the pain in his limbs...
His Mother wheeled him towards his room and said 'Sanskaar, you shouldn't speak like this. She is staying with us for only a few days. After you were gone, this house seemed too big and empty to me, what is a house without the cackle of children? And dear, I think we have instilled this education much in you to treat everyone with respect.'
'I am sorry Mom' Sanskaar grumbled 'But I can't seem to be able to control my temper any longer. And I definitely don't want to meet any person now.'
'I understand' Sujatha said as she wheeled him inside his room.
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Inside her attic room, Swara collapsed on the chair. She felt like crying, her favourite saree was ruined and then she had collided with none other than Sanskaar Maheshwari in the passage. It wasn't an auspicious beginning to start with, Swara thought, as she remembered the cold molten chocolate eyes of Sujatha Aunty's son. A word kept on playing in her mind again and again, yet she failed to locate it.
It was always awful to see a hale and hearty person tied to a wheelchair, Swara thought. She had seen few pictures of Sanskaar adorned on the various walls of the MM and she had at that time thought that Sanskaar Maheshwari was an attractive person. But she was so wrong. The word 'attractive' hardly did any justice to him at all. He was a handsome man with a riveting personality, magnetic in appeal and outright charm, oozing control over the situation. Though he was bound to a wheel chair now and had a number of plasters stuck at various parts of his face and arms, yet Swara reveled in the firm grip that had broken her could-be disastrous fall. But something was missing and she was not been able to put her fingers on it, Swara thought again. His face lacked something or rather it possessed something - there was anger, hurt, irritation and frustration.
Sighing over the loss and concluding that Sanskaar Maheshwari was truly an enigmatic personality, Swara got up to freshen herself. A little later, Payal came to call her down for dinner. Swara who had already changed into her comfortable sweats and Disney t-shirt, requested whether Payal could get her dinner upstairs. After such a hectic day and the slight accident in the passageway, she didn't feel like she going downstairs and facing them. Payal returned fifteen minutes later with her food and said that Sujatha Aunty had requested Swara to go and meet her before going off to sleep.
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Sanskaar ate his dinner in the Study, under the watch of Nurse Regina, a senior Nurse, who seemed to be quite motherly towards Sanskaar. Though Sanskaar was irritated at first to see a Nurse prearranged for him, yet later he realized how helpful Nurse Regina was and she guided Sanskaar around like the pro that she was. And she was a great help to her Mother who he knew was under extreme duress due to his accident. The best thing he liked about Nurse Regina was that she was non-interfering and adjusted according to his wishes, though she was extremely strict where medications and their timings were concerned.
His Mom had wanted him to eat with others but he hadn't wanted to share table with everybody right away. He wanted his peace and quiet and time to ruminate on his life, what had happened and where he was actually going. He did not want to speak with others and definitely not about Kavitha, because that's where the talks would head to after some time, Sanskaar was damn sure. The only good thing was the Doctor's assurance that he would be able to walk again after a few months time. It seemed like an eternity and sometimes he didn't even want to try. After all what would life mean without Kavitha? Sanskaar sighed as the pretty, stylish face of his ex-fianc swam into his consciousness.
Sanskaar had come to know Kavitha through his friend Navin who was studying with him in US. Kavitha was Navin's first cousin and she had gone to do her MBA from the US as well. Kavitha and Sanskaar met in Navin's birthday party and they hit it off immediately. They seemed to be the perfect couple to everybody around; in fact they were the perfect couple. Sanskaar was handsome and charming while Kavitha was beautiful and elegant. When the two families came to know about their seriousness for each other, none of them objected since for them too, it was a match made in heaven. Incidentally, Kavitha also came from a very big business family, concentrated in Hyderabad, and both families were happy with the match. The only condition that the two families had laid out was that they would have to first finish their education and get their degrees and only then could they get married. Both Sanskaar and Kavitha agreed to the condition instantly and life was a beautiful roller-coaster life after that. Everything was beautiful around them and they were so happy.
Until the ghastly accident... followed by the repercussions.
It all seemed like a nightmare to Sanskaar. More painful than the accident was the news a few days later that Kavitha's parents have called off their engagement. He was surprised at Kavitha's silence and had noted her absence in the hospital in which he had been admitted. It seemed as if overnight, her feelings for him had reached an embargo.
The only good thing that happened during this period was the presence of his parents with him when he was lying helplessly in the hospital bed. Sanskaar had always grumbled all his life that his Father had been too busy to spend some time with his family. Yet he was surprised to see the same man taking months off from his all-consuming business to be with his son during his misfortune. Sanskaar realized that in hours of need, it was always the family that stood up for an individual. Love didn't matter, however. He never wanted to see Kavitha again all his life.
The door creaked open and his Mother entered the room. 'How are you doing now Beta?' she asked, her voice nearly cracking with sadness, Sanskaar noticed. He forced a smile for her and said 'I am fine Mom, it feels so good to be finally able to eat food prepared by you, after such a long time. All those years spent in eating take-outs and pizzas were really becoming irritating. Both Kavitha and I had decided ...' his voice trailed off as he realized that inspite of his wishes, Kavitha's name would forever be there in his heart and lips.
His Mom also noticed the gaffe but decided to let it pass. Instead she concentrated on the food bit, 'Yes I know Sanskaar. And you were always a kid who loved to eat home-made food. It's good in a way, now I can feed you all your favourite dishes while you are recuperating ...'
The conversation was hindered by a slight knock on the door which opened after a while to admit a frail-like creature into the room. At first Sanskaar did not recognize the Disney t-shirt clad girl as the same person who had collided with him in the passage. His eyes flickered in realization as the girl moved from the shadows to the interior of the room. Meanwhile the girl was talking to his Mother, steadily avoiding his gaze, obviously embarrassed to be caught in this state by someone else
'Aunty, you called me? Payal told me that you wanted to meet me?'
'Yes Swara' Sujatha said kindly 'I wanted to know whether you are alright considering that you ate in the attic tonight.'
'I am fine Aunty' Swara said 'Just tired.' She stood there fiddling the end of her t-shirt.
Sensing her discomfiture, Sujatha Aunty said 'Ok Swara, you go and take rest. You can come and meet Sanskaar tomorrow.'
Feeling relieved, Swara whispered 'Good Night' to both the occupants of the room and slipped out, pulling the door behind her.
Once she left, Sanskaar turned around in his wheelchair and asked his Mom 'I don't want to meet anyone Mom. What's there to meet me anyway?'
His Mother walked towards him and ruffled his hair lovingly 'Only time will tell Sanskaar.'
Sister Regina entered the Study announcing that it was time for Sanskaar to go to sleep. Wishing his Mom 'Good Night', Sanskaar went to his room, and lay down on his bed. The entire day flashed in front of his eyes and he suddenly remembered a dark pair of eyes, frightened they were absolutely.
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In the attic, Swara pulled on the comforter after having prayed to God. She lay there thinking about how her day went. She suddenly remembered what she had seen in those dark, steely molten chocolate eyes. Bitterness... There was too much bitterness in them.
After a while, she fell asleep, the soft winds ringing the chimes magically. She had purchased the chimes on her way back to the MM today. She loved the angels on the chime and it seemed as if the angels felt the same way too.
The entire world sunk into drunken stupor with the Night Queen keeping a watch over all and sundry.
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PS: I am sorry.. No PM's
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